Author: Shawon Hannan

MSC Cruises is set to expand its fly-and-cruise offerings in 2025, promising travellers more options from the UK to the Mediterranean. With new routes and increased capacity, passengers will have access to a diverse selection of holiday destinations.The cruise line has bolstered its collaboration with airlines Jet2 and Vueling, ensuring a 30% increase in the number of available packages. New departures include a fresh Edinburgh-Naples route and a novel Bristol-Palma itinerary, both available for the summer 2025 season.Strategic Partnerships with AirlinesTo facilitate the expanded offerings, MSC Cruises continues its fruitful partnerships with Jet2 and Vueling. These alliances are pivotal in…

A planned strike by passenger assistance workers at Gatwick Airport has been suspended. This development comes after Wilson James provided an improved pay offer that prompted a reassessment of the situation.The industrial action was initially set for July weekends, aiming to address pay disputes. However, with the latest negotiations, workers have agreed to a temporary suspension while they evaluate the new offer.Background of the DisputeThe dispute stems from concerns raised by special assistance staff employed by Wilson James. They were poised to engage in industrial action during two weekends in July, hoping to advocate for better pay and working conditions.Employees,…

Hotelplan UK introduces a new policy to support parents during their children’s GCSE and A-level results days.The initiative encourages remote work to allow parents the flexibility to be available for their children, reflecting a growing trend of family-first workplace policies.A New Initiative for Working ParentsHotelplan UK has taken an innovative approach by introducing ‘parents-first’ days. This initiative is designed to support employees whose children are awaiting GCSE and A-level results, enabling them to work from home. The idea is to provide parents the flexibility and immediate availability to assist their children during this critical time.By allowing parents to work from…

A recent survey of over 900 cruise travellers has shed light on preferred natural wonders. The Northern Lights emerged as the leading attraction.Travellers are increasingly drawn to experiences that combine relaxation and nature, with many expressing eagerness to book cruises targeting natural sights.The survey conducted among over 900 cruise enthusiasts highlights the Northern Lights as the most desired natural wonder. Garnering 33% of the votes, the Aurora Borealis, which captivated audiences during its rare UK appearance in May, remains the top choice. This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon fascinates travellers due to its breathtaking visual display.Following closely, 29% of respondents expressed a…

A travel agent has set a new standard in customer service by joining a group of 120 clients on their holiday in Tunisia. This personalised approach not only strengthened client relationships but also ensured seamless travel experiences.In a remarkable commitment to service, Illesh Amlani, a travel agent from Not Just Travel, personally joined a group of 120 clients on their holiday in Tunisia. This decision underscores the agent’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience, offering support during their stay, and ensuring all client needs were met efficiently.Illesh and his wife, Rinx Amlani, dedicated significant time to organising the trip. They…

Hays Travel’s recent investment in ‘My Kind of Cruise’, a pioneering mobile application, marks a significant step in enhancing technological solutions for cruise bookings.The app, created by Sefton Monk, has rapidly grown its user base, appealing to younger demographics who prioritise convenience and digital engagement.Investment in Technological GrowthHays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agency, has made a significant strategic investment in the mobile application ‘My Kind of Cruise’. The app, launched in 2022, has swiftly amassed a user base of 303,000 individuals who access it across mobile, tablet, and web platforms. This investment underscores Hays Travel’s commitment to embracing…

Hays Travel has cemented its role as a leader in travel innovation by investing in My Kind of Cruise, a unique booking app. This decisive move underscores its commitment to adapting technology for the evolving travel landscape.The application, since its inception in 2022, has captured a diverse user base, predominantly among the youth, indicating a positive shift towards modernising cruise bookings. This strategic investment by Hays Travel marks a significant milestone in its effort to integrate cutting-edge technology with traditional travel models.Investment in InnovationHays Travel Group has made a strategic investment in pioneering cruise booking technology. My Kind of Cruise,…

In a significant move, Labour’s Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has appointed Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe and East Sale, as the new Aviation Minister. This appointment is part of a broader reshuffle aimed at strengthening the Department for Transport’s leadership team.The new appointments reflect a strategic approach to tackling the complexities of the UK’s transport infrastructure. Each of the appointed ministers brings a wealth of experience and a clear understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities.Introduction of the New Aviation MinisterLabour’s Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has appointed Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe and East Sale, as the new Aviation Minister.…

The reopening of Caribbean resorts post-Hurricane Beryl highlights both resilience and ongoing climate challenges. The category-five storm left significant damage across several islands. Efforts to reopen have been swift, with leaders urging global powers to take climate change seriously. This situation reflects broader concerns about the impact of extreme weather on vulnerable regions.Hurricane Beryl’s Impact on the CaribbeanCaribbean destinations have swiftly reopened following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, the first major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season. As the earliest category-five hurricane recorded in the Atlantic, Beryl wreaked havoc on Grenada’s northern islands, namely Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and…

The business landscape faces a growing trend in employees requesting unpaid parental leave post-Covid, as highlighted in a recent industry webinar.This shift is reshaping employer approaches and employee expectations, raising questions about work-life balance practices within firms.Businesses are witnessing a significant rise in requests for unpaid parental leave as awareness about these rights increases. The legal framework entitles parents to 18 weeks of unpaid leave per child until they turn 18, though only four weeks can be taken per year without special employer approval.Since its implementation in 1999, the uptake of parental leave has grown gradually, but recent spikes indicate…