Author: Scott Dylan

Royal Caribbean has commenced the construction of its third Icon-class ship at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Anticipated to set sail in 2026, this event marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the cruise line’s innovative fleet.The initial construction phase has begun with the placement of the first building block, accompanied by the traditional keel-laying ceremony. This ship is poised to join Royal Caribbean’s lineup of revolutionary vessels, celebrated for their unmatched on-board experiences.Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships are renowned for ushering in a new era of cruising. They are designed to offer an unparalleled mix of adventure and…

Stansted Airport has embarked on a substantial investment initiative, amounting to £1.1 billion, emphasising an extension of its terminal by £600 million.The plan aims to significantly increase passenger capacity, enhance facilities, and boost the airport’s economic contribution to the region.Stansted’s Ambitious ExpansionStansted Airport has unveiled an ambitious £1.1 billion investment programme, aimed at extending its terminal by £600 million. This development is set to enhance the airport’s capacity, allowing it to serve up to 43 million passengers annually. Such a significant increase in passenger capacity is expected to create up to 5,000 new on-site jobs and double the airport’s economic…

Seabourn has announced an array of spectacular voyages set for 2026. The ultra-luxury cruise line is offering 50 itineraries across four ships.These voyages will cover over 200 destinations in nearly 40 countries, promising unique experiences with itineraries ranging from a week to three weeks.Seabourn’s 2026 itineraries span regions such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Japan, and Canada and New England, providing a diverse travelling experience. With these voyages, guests will embark on premier cruises that showcase some of the most coveted destinations globally.Seabourn’s ships will explore geographical gems, with the Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries promising enchanting journeys. Alaska’s…

Jet2 plc has been honoured as the Growth Business of the Year at the AIM Awards 2024.This recognition celebrates its remarkable achievements in expanding its business and enhancing profitability over the past three years.Jet2 plc has been recognised as the Growth Business of the Year at the AIM Awards 2024. The prestigious accolade highlights Jet2’s significant expansion and achievement over recent years. Known for leveraging the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), Jet2 plc’s strategy has been pivotal in fulfilling its growth potential, showcasing exceptional performance in turnover and profitability.The AIM Awards, presented by BDO and the London Stock Exchange, evaluate companies…

EasyJet, the prominent budget airline, has announced a significant leadership change.Jan De Raeymaeker will take over as the new chief financial officer on January 20, 2025, succeeding Kenton Jarvis.EasyJet has announced the appointment of Jan De Raeymaeker as the new chief financial officer, effective from January 20, 2025. This follows the announcement that Kenton Jarvis will become CEO starting January 1, 2025. Jan De Raeymaeker brings extensive experience from his current role as chief financial officer at Lineas, Europe’s largest private rail freight operator, where he manages finance, legal, and purchasing teams.De Raeymaeker’s career includes a pivotal role at Brussels…

British Airways is grappling with substantial flight cancellations, primarily affecting routes to Malaysia, Qatar, and New York, due to delays in receiving critical engine components from Rolls-Royce.These disruptions have led to the grounding of several aircraft, forcing the airline to adjust its operational schedule and prioritise passenger certainty.Impact on International FlightsBritish Airways has announced the cancellation of numerous long-haul flights due to ongoing supply chain issues with its Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The affected routes include the suspension of the newly planned Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur service, which has been postponed from November to April next year.Additionally, one of the…

BWH Hotels, known for its Best Western legacy, has carved a unique niche in the hospitality industry with an innovative strategy that defies conventional corporate norms.Under Larry Cuculic’s leadership, the brand is thriving through a non-profit membership model, focusing on quality over quantity and exploring new markets globally.Unlike publicly traded hotel giants, BWH Hotels operates as a non-profit membership organization, setting it apart from competitors like Choice, Wyndham, and Hilton. This structure allows hotel owners to be voting members, sidestepping the pressures of shareholder demands and enabling a hotelier-centric approach.These include the premium economy SureStay, lifestyle brand Aiden, and the…

InteleTravel has revealed a pioneering AI tool to enhance social media engagement for its agents. This tool, named ‘Content Concierge,’ is designed to generate compelling content for social media and blogs.The aim is to streamline agents’ workloads, allowing them to focus on their primary duties while expanding their reach to potential customers. This breakthrough is set to transform how travel agents connect with their audience.InteleTravel’s ‘Content Concierge’ harnesses artificial intelligence to craft engaging social media posts. This tool offers a strategic edge by enabling agents to produce high-quality content efficiently. The emphasis is on saving time and enriching social media…

Projections indicate a potential rise in unemployment, posing a threat to travel demand.The Bank of England anticipates an unemployment increase from 4.1% to 4.6% by 2025’s Q3.Consumer confidence has seen a dip, reaching its lowest point since March 2024.Despite challenges, travel demand remains resilient with consumers prioritising holidays.Industry experts maintain a positive outlook, citing the sector’s robust consumer support.The travel industry faces potential challenges as unemployment projections hint at a possible downturn in demand. This concern was highlighted by Chris Photi, head of travel and leisure at White Hart Associates, during the InteleTravel annual conference. According to Photi, the Bank…

Viking has expanded its Nile River fleet with the delivery of the Viking Sobek. This new 82-passenger vessel joins its identical sister ships on the river, offering luxurious cruises through Egypt’s rich historical landscapes.Unveiled at a ceremony in Cairo’s Massara shipyard, Viking Sobek is part of a strategic expansion to meet the increasing demand for Nile cruises. With plans for further growth, Viking continues to strengthen its presence in the Egyptian cruise market.Introduction to Viking’s New VesselViking has officially welcomed its newest addition to its Nile River fleet, the Viking Sobek, marking another milestone in its expansion strategy. This vessel…