Author: News Team

Phil Salcedo has stepped down as the UK head of HolidayPirates, marking the end of a significant seven-year tenure. His departure signals a strategic shift within the company as Nick Cooper takes the helm.The recent announcement from HolidayPirates Group revealed a pivotal leadership change with Phil Salcedo stepping down. For seven years, his leadership has significantly shaped the company’s UK market presence. The role will now be occupied by Nick Cooper, previously overseeing commercial partnerships for the UK and North America. This transition highlights HolidayPirates’ strategic evolution to strengthen its market position.Under Salcedo’s guidance, HolidayPirates embraced digital transformation, leveraging social…

G Adventures has announced its new Solo-ish Adventures, a unique range of escorted tours designed exclusively for solo travellers. These tours aim to combine the joy of exploring alone with the comfort of being part of a group.Focusing on diverse destinations, the Solo-ish Adventures are set to begin in spring 2025, promising enriching experiences under the expert guidance of female tour leaders. The initiative not only targets the burgeoning solo travel market but also reflects the company’s commitment to supporting female employment in tourism.An Insight into Solo-ish AdventuresThe travel industry is evolving, and G Adventures is at the forefront with…

The Lufthansa Group has reinforced its commitment to its UK and Ireland operations with a key appointment.Patrick Borg Hedley steps into the role of sales chief, bringing extensive experience.In an important development, Lufthansa Group has introduced Patrick Borg Hedley as the new general manager for sales in the UK, Ireland, and Iceland. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its operations across these regions. The role previously held by Frank Wagner, now relocated to Berlin, entails managing commercial and sales activities for all Lufthansa Group carriers, including Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings.Borg Hedley is not…

Florida’s travel sector is under significant strain as Hurricane Milton approaches, forcing flight cancellations and cruise diversions. The storm’s intensity has led to widespread warnings.With winds reaching 150 mph, the hurricane is expected to cause unprecedented damage. Airlines and cruise lines are prioritising safety, altering schedules significantly.Flight Disruptions and Cruise DiversionsHurricane Milton, a rapidly intensifying storm, is causing significant disruptions in Florida’s travel sector. With winds reaching up to 150 mph, airports in Tampa and Orlando have suspended numerous flights. Tampa airport closed operations at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, followed closely by Orlando International at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Meanwhile, Orlando’s…

Kuoni is witnessing a paradigm shift in family travel. With more parents seeking adventures rather than traditional sunbathing holidays, the travel operator is adapting swiftly.The demand for complex international trips is on the rise, particularly during school holidays in February, May, and October. This trend highlights a growing preference among families for unique and culturally enriching experiences.Family travel is evolving, with Kuoni noting a significant uptick in bookings to adventurous locales like Kenya, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This shift marks a departure from traditional beach vacations, reflecting a 10% increase in family bookings over the past year.…

Ambassador Cruise Line is set to make its mark with new sailings from Portsmouth starting in the 2026-27 season. This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility for southern England passengers.With a comprehensive programme featuring numerous itineraries and fresh destinations, Ambassador seeks to cement its position as a premier choice for UK cruisers.Ambassador’s Strategic Move to PortsmouthIn an ambitious expansion of its cruise offerings, Ambassador Cruise Line has announced its inaugural sailings from Portsmouth, set to commence in the 2026-27 season. This move aims to tap into the passenger market in southern England, broadening the cruise line’s reach amongst UK travellers.…

Recent data reveals a significant rise in consumer card spending within the travel industry. This trend suggests a post-pandemic return to normalcy.The latest figures from Barclays highlight notable growth in transactions for travel agents and airlines, reflecting consumers’ growing confidence.The travel industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in consumer card spending, with travel agents experiencing a substantial 14.6% increase in transactions over the past year. This boost in spending, up by 9.2% in September compared to the previous year, indicates a recovery from the stagnation seen in earlier months. Such growth signifies a renewed consumer interest in travel as restrictions…

Vince Johnson, the general manager of Redworth Hall in County Durham, has announced his retirement after an extensive 42-year career in the hospitality sector. Johnson commenced his journey in the industry at just 17, beginning as a trainee waiter at the Old Ship hotel in Brighton.He played a pivotal role at Redworth Hall, overseeing major projects such as conferences, restaurant refurbishments, and hosting the England football team.Johnson’s career is marked by his long-standing tenure with the Cairn Hotel Group, holding the managerial position at Redworth Hall for over two decades.As he prepares for retirement, Johnson reflects on a rewarding career,…

Royal Caribbean has marked a key milestone with the float-out of its newest Icon Class ship, the Star of the Seas, in Finland.A significant event unfolded at the Meyer Turku shipyard as the Star of the Seas made its debut. Scheduled to set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025, this innovative vessel promises a range of unique experiences.Significance of the Float-Out CeremonyThe float-out ceremony represents a pivotal moment in the shipbuilding process. It signifies the ship’s transition from construction at the shipyard to the outfitting phase. During this event, the ship first touches water, a critical step before…

Global Travel Collection UK has made a significant move by appointing Danny Paines as its new sales manager.This appointment is aimed at leveraging Paines’ extensive experience to expand the company’s reach within the corporate travel sector.Danny Paines Joins Global Travel Collection UKThe Global Travel Collection UK has recently announced the appointment of Danny Paines as its new sales manager. This strategic move is part of the company’s efforts to expand its footprint in the corporate travel sector. Paines brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles at noted organisations such as Altour and the Flight Centre Travel…