Author: News Team
A Blackburn travel agency has issued a cautionary statement to the trade sector following a significant cyber attempt targeting its social media presence. The incident involved a fraudulent party attempting to extort the agency by manipulating its Facebook account.The scammer managed to impose limitations on the agency’s Facebook page access, demanding a payment exceeding £400 to remove the restrictions. This event highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness among businesses regarding cybersecurity threats on social platforms.The Attempted Extortion IncidentThe Holiday Shop, a Blackburn-based travel agency, encountered an unsettling cyber assault on their Facebook business page. A malevolent user, alleging copyright…
The Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) recently honoured top-performing travel agents at its 2024 Recognition Awards.Hosted in Leeds, the event celebrated innovations in touring and adventure holidays.Celebrating Pioneers in Touring and AdventureThe Atas Recognition Awards highlight the significant contributions of travel agents who have excelled in promoting touring and adventure holidays. Held in Leeds, the event brought together industry leaders to recognise excellence and innovation in the sector. With categories spanning various regions and specialties, the awards aimed to underline the importance of creative approaches in engaging travellers.Claire Brighton and Zina Bencheikh led the award presentations, recognising agents…
The travel industry is witnessing a rising interest in cooler destinations, driven by high temperatures in the southern Mediterranean region. As climate preferences shift, Nordic and Baltic countries are seeing a surge in tourist numbers. This trend presents significant opportunities for tour operators and destinations to capitalise on the changing preferences of travellers. The topic, however, requires careful handling and strategic planning.The tourism sector is experiencing a notable shift, with increasing numbers of travellers gravitating towards cooler climates. High temperatures in the southern Mediterranean have catalysed interest in destinations such as the Nordic and Baltic countries. Andy Fairburn, founding director…
Club Med has achieved unprecedented early bookings for summer 2025, showcasing a growing trend towards all-inclusive holidays as a means to counteract rising living costs.Reports indicate a substantial increase in trade bookings, comprising almost one-third of the operator’s revenue.The summer programme saw a significant surge on its first day, driven by British families’ early planning.Resorts in Greece, Turkey, and Portugal emerged as top choices, with July and August seeing peak bookings.The role of sales and marketing teams and travel trade partners has been acknowledged as central to this success.Club Med has reported a remarkable surge in early bookings for their…
Ryanair has announced an expansion of its winter service capacity from the City of Derry airport.The additional flights aim to strengthen connections to Birmingham and Manchester, enhancing options for both business and leisure travellers.Ryanair has extended its service to Birmingham into the winter season. Initially reintroduced during the summer, this route continues to meet the demands of regular commuters, especially those travelling for business at the start of the week and returning at the weekend. The enhanced schedule now includes a service on Mondays, adding convenience for a wide range of passengers.The Manchester route is also seeing an increase, with…
Birmingham Airport temporarily suspended operations due to a suspicious vehicle report, swiftly handled by authorities.Following a comprehensive check by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, the airport was cleared to reopen.Incident OverviewBirmingham Airport experienced a temporary closure on Wednesday due to a suspicious vehicle parked near the terminal. Police were quick to respond to the situation, prioritising the safety of passengers and staff. The terminal was evacuated to allow the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to conduct a thorough investigation.Following the investigation, the police confirmed that the vehicle posed no threat. The prompt response was part of standard security protocols to…
In light of recent developments, tourists and residents in Sri Lanka are on heightened alert for potential terrorist attacks. This warning follows recent advisories from multiple foreign offices and highlights specific concerns for areas frequented by international visitors.The Foreign Office has identified hotels, tourist locations, and places of worship as potential targets, urging caution for travellers.Following the US Embassy’s update, other nations like Israel and Australia have also issued warnings about travel to Sri Lanka.There is credible information suggesting an increased threat level, particularly in the Arugam Bay area known for its popularity among surfers.Authorities emphasise the importance of staying…
The strike at Boeing persists as workers dismiss an offered 35% pay increase. This development accentuates underlying tensions within the company during a financially turbulent period.Despite negotiations, Boeing’s efforts to appease its striking workforce have yet to yield positive results. With more than 30,000 employees walking out, the aviation giant faces significant operational challenges.Context of the StrikeThe ongoing strike at Boeing persists as a significant number of workers have rejected the company’s recent proposal. Despite the offer of a 35% pay increase over the next four years, the deal was turned down by 64% of the International Association of Machinists…
Major Travel is set to mark its 50th anniversary with a grand event expected to host 300 travel agents in London. This prominent gathering reflects the company’s commitment to celebrating its rich heritage and robust partnerships.With a dynamic social media initiative, ‘Around the World in 50 Days’, Major Travel has unveiled a series of engaging content and exclusive offers, representing a significant milestone in the company’s five-decade journey in the travel industry.The highlight of Major Travel’s 50th-anniversary celebration is a trade show in London. This event aims to gather 300 agents, showcasing the company’s extensive industry connections and commitment to…
Set to make a grand return, the Celebrity Edge ship will begin its second season of sailing across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific islands, offering new and exciting destinations.This season, Celebrity Edge will include 26 ports of call and introduce travellers to stunning locations such as Samoa, Fiji, American Samoa, and Tonga, promising an unparalleled travel experience.Expansion of Celebrity Edge’s ItinerariesThe Celebrity Edge, a renowned Edge-class ship of Celebrity Cruises, is slated to embark on its second season of exquisite journeys across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. This prestigious vessel, cherished by many for its luxurious…