Author: News Team
Speculation is rife about another potential delay in the launch of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).Originally scheduled for November, concerns about implementation readiness are intensifying across the region.The European Commission announced that the Entry/Exit System (EES) was set for a launch on November 10. However, speculation suggests another delay might be imminent. Reports from multiple sources indicate a possible ‘soft launch’ approach, allowing airports to bypass the system during crowding.Concerns over the timeline have mounted as key countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands have flagged implementation challenges. Additionally, the potential for a phased rollout is being considered, allowing ports…
Reform in the Atol scheme is becoming a pressing issue within the travel industry, as evidenced by the recent discussions at the Future of Travel Conference. Michael Budge, head of Atol at CAA, remains optimistic that a consultation on reform proposals will proceed in 2025. The initial reform plans, launched in 2021, faced delays attributed to the complexity of required changes and industry feedback. Simon Bunce from Abta questions the necessity of further Atol reforms, citing industry’s self-driven segregation measures. The evolving market landscape post-Thomas Cook and COVID-19 continues to shape regulatory needs and strategies. Reform in the Atol scheme…
Royal Caribbean is set to expand its ‘Perfect Day’ collection with a new resort in Mexico.The upcoming resort, Perfect Day Mexico, will be located on the Caribbean coast in Mahahual.This development follows the planned opening of a Royal Beach Club in Cozumel in 2026.Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas has set a precedent for these immersive experiences.The cruise line aims to offer unique travel experiences that cater to family adventures and natural exploration.Royal Caribbean is poised to enhance its ‘Perfect Day’ collection by launching a new resort in Mexico, dubbed Perfect Day Mexico. This initiative is part of the…
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a new initiative to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the travel sector.The ‘Together in Travel’ platform offers free resources, networking opportunities, and educational programmes for SMEs.Access to enhanced features will be available next year through a paid subscription model.SMEs make up approximately 80% of the travel sector, emphasising the need for structured support.Industry leaders claim the initiative will help SMEs tackle challenges and thrive post-pandemic.In a significant move, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the ‘Together in Travel’ platform, a new initiative crafted to empower small…
After over a decade of exceptional leadership, Bill Allen, Chief Supply Officer at On the Beach, will be stepping down next year, marking a significant transition for the company.Bill Allen has been instrumental in the company’s growth, significantly impacting its operational strategies and supply chain management. His departure will leave a notable void in the company’s leadership team.Tenure and ContributionsBill Allen joined On the Beach in 2014 and has been a pivotal force in shaping the company’s supply strategy. Under his guidance, On the Beach has made remarkable strides in directly contracting hotels, with more than 90% of room sourcing…
The UK government is acting to prevent a repeat of the mass dismissal of seafarers by P&O Ferries through new legislation.The Employment Rights Bill aims to protect seafarers, introduce strict dismissal laws, and enforce wage protections.Key measures include ending ‘fire and rehire’ practices and closing legal loopholes exploited by operators.Operators will face stringent notification requirements for mass redundancies, alongside potential penalties.Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Deputy PM Angela Rayner advocate for robust worker protection measures.The UK government is set to introduce new protective legislation targeted at seafarers following the controversial sacking of 800 workers by P&O Ferries in 2022. This…
Business travel is experiencing a robust recovery, swiftly surpassing expectations as it aims to achieve a record $1.5 trillion in economic impact this year. A resurgence in face-to-face meetings is driving this upward trend, a significant shift from the stagnation during the pandemic.As companies globally reassess the importance of in-person interactions, the corporate travel sector is set to surpass pre-Covid levels. This resurgence is bolstered by the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel, combining business with leisure activities. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, notably, has staged a significant comeback, marking a return to traditional business practices.Corporate travel is poised…
Jonny Smith of Gravetye Manor has been named the 2025 Young National Chef of the Year.Held by the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition took place at the University of West London.Competitors crafted a three-course pescatarian meal, showcasing local and sustainable ingredients.Rosie Welch and Keira Carolan took the second and third spots respectively.The competition introduced a new sustainability award, which was won by Keira Carolan.Jonny Smith, representing Gravetye Manor, has achieved the esteemed title of 2025 Young National Chef of the Year. The competition, orchestrated by the Craft Guild of Chefs, demanded that participants deliver an exemplary three-course pescatarian meal,…
A prestigious chef expands his culinary offerings with a luxurious chef’s table.Hrishikesh Desai, a celebrated chef, will launch an exclusive chef’s table at Farlam Hall.The chef’s table will feature a 16-course menu using ingredients from Farlam’s kitchen garden.A Michelin star holder, Desai will provide a private dining experience for up to 10 guests.Guests can enhance their dining with wine pairings and a residential stay option.Renowned chef Hrishikesh Desai is set to elevate the dining experience at Farlam Hall with the introduction of an exclusive chef’s table. This unique offering will bring a luxurious, intimate dining experience to a select number…
Rob Van Eyck has been named the new hotel manager at the Savoy, starting January 2025.He takes over from Russell Platt, who moves to the Cadogan, a Belmond hotel, in Chelsea.Van Eyck joins the Savoy following a successful tenure at the Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Edinburgh.His arrival coincides with the upcoming launch of a new restaurant and retail spaces at the Savoy.A refurbishment of the hotel’s rooms and suites is currently underway, set to unveil in August 2025.Rob Van Eyck, an accomplished hotelier originally from the Netherlands, has been appointed as the new hotel manager of the Savoy,…