Author: News Team
The travel industry is gearing up for significant growth as three of the largest Atol holders announce plans to increase their passenger capacity next year. These expansions reflect a robust demand for travel services in major markets, signalling a positive outlook for 2025.Jet2holidays, easyJet holidays, and Loveholidays have each confirmed plans to expand their Atol licences. This move is expected to handle larger volumes of passengers and meet rising consumer demand, as discussed at the recent Future of Travel conference in London.Jet2holidays Leads Atol ExpansionJet2holidays has affirmed its position at the forefront of the travel sector with its recent announcement…
Amidst the most tourism-dependent economy globally, Caribbean hotel workers’ real earnings have deteriorated since the 1980s, impacting their quality of life.Antigua and Barbuda’s reliance on tourism sees it contributing to 93% of GDP, yet workers face low wages despite union support.Real-term earnings for hotel workers have depreciated, making homeownership unattainable, reflecting inadequacies despite industry growth.Union leaders urge equitable wealth distribution in tourism, targeting higher wages amidst ongoing negotiations to address imbalance.Labour condition deficiencies are undermining sustainability efforts in travel, stressing the need for stakeholder involvement and improved wages.The economic landscape of Antigua and Barbuda, dominated by tourism, is under scrutiny…
The travel industry is amidst a significant transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Industry leaders believe the shift is just beginning.This change is affecting consumer behaviour and business operations. As AI evolves, the travel sector is expected to experience even more profound impacts next year. Insights from industry experts reveal the current and potential future landscape shaped by AI.AI is reshaping how consumers search for travel experiences. People now use more complex and longer search queries, as highlighted by recent Google research.Ailish O’Brien, a Google industry manager, noted at a recent conference that search queries with more than five words…
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have unveiled an ambitious expansion plan for their Iceland winter programme, increasing capacity by 13%.This strategic move, driven by growing demand, will see the introduction of more than 30,000 seats, enhancing accessibility from 10 UK airports.Expansion of Iceland Winter ScheduleJet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced a significant expansion in their winter programme to Iceland, offering a 13% increase in capacity. This marks one of their most ambitious endeavours yet, catering to growing customer demand. More than 30,000 seats are available for the winter season, reflecting the companies’ strategic decisions to capitalise on Iceland’s rising popularity as a travel…
New York City introduces an ambitious global tourism campaign known as ‘With Love + Liberty’.Targeting initial markets, including the UK and Ireland, the campaign plans a worldwide expansion.The Launch of ‘With Love + Liberty, New York City’New York City has unveiled the ambitious ‘With Love + Liberty, New York City’ tourism campaign, aimed at rekindling global interest in the bustling metropolis. This campaign, which cleverly leverages the iconic Statue of Liberty, seeks to convey an inviting message of welcome and opportunity to the world. Collaborating with airlines, tour operators, and online travel agencies, the city sets its targets on six…
The potential introduction of increased aviation taxes in France has triggered a strong response from the aviation industry.Airlines and airports across Europe voice their opposition, citing concerns over economic, competitive, and environmental impacts.Proposed Tax IncreasesEuropean airlines and airports express substantial concern over France’s potential increase in aviation taxes. The move is perceived as reactionary, aimed at reducing the national debt without a comprehensive analysis of its broader economic impact. Key industry players warn that such tax hikes could significantly impair the aviation sector’s competitiveness and economic contribution.Several countries have recently reconsidered or reversed their aviation tax policies due to negative…
Fred Holidays has made a strategic move by appointing Danielle Bates as the new Head of UK Sales for Lindblad Expeditions, marking a significant milestone in their partnership.Bates, who officially joins on October 14, 2024, brings over fifteen years of experience in the cruise industry, promising to enhance the company’s market presence in the niche cruising segment.New Appointment for UK Sales LeadershipFred Holidays has introduced Danielle Bates as the new Head of UK Sales for Lindblad Expeditions, effective from October 14, 2024. Bates brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in the cruise industry, marking a significant step…
AE Expeditions has launched an innovative programme where agents can engage in activities while learning about the cruise line.This new initiative, called ‘Your Training, Your Choice,’ encourages agents to collaborate in small groups and select activities that suit their interests. The training aims to offer a personalised experience while showcasing the unique features of AE Expeditions.Engaging Training ActivitiesDuring the ‘Your Training, Your Choice’ programme, agents have the opportunity to participate in diverse activities such as wine and cheese tasting at a vineyard, dining at a chosen restaurant, countryside walks, golfing, or bowling.The AE Expeditions team will highlight the brand’s distinctiveness…
The Travel Network Group (TTNG) is set to host its 2025 conference in Bucharest, Romania.The announcement was made during a business partner forum in London.The conference will run from 14th to 17th June at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel.Up to 450 participants, including agents and suppliers, are expected to attend and engage in discussions and celebrations.The event will include business sessions, networking opportunities, cultural tours, and more.The Travel Network Group has announced that its upcoming 2025 conference will be held in Bucharest, Romania. The announcement was made today at a well-attended business partner forum in London, reflecting the group’s…
The latest ATOL renewals have posed significant challenges, according to regulatory specialists.Numerous travel companies delayed initiating the process, creating a stressful environment for accountants and regulators.Leading accountants involved in ATOL renewals have described the recent batch as particularly challenging, with many companies starting the process at the last minute.ATOL holders must renew their licences annually before their expiry in either March or September. This year, the delays created a high-pressure situation for both the companies and the regulatory bodies involved.Martin Alcock, director of Travel Trade Consultancy, referred to the latest renewals as a ‘nightmare’. Meanwhile, Chris Photi, head of travel…