Mahtab

Starting on December 1, 2023, Vietjet, the country’s biggest private airline, would operate a direct flight between Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic center. More economic prospects will arise for both cities and between the two countries as a result of the new service, which will ease travel demand. A little over 4 hours of flight time will be provided to travelers using the daily return service. Shanghai flights arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 02:45 the following day local time, having left at 23:00 the previous day. Flights depart Ho Chi Minh City at 16:25 local time and arrive in Shanghai at 21:30 local time. Vietjet is offering a special discount with millions of tickets as low as RMB600/one-way inclusive of tax and surcharge() from now until November 11, 2023 at www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app, in honor of the new route and the Double 11 shopping carnival in China. This promotion is valid for all Vietjet international and domestic routes in Vietnam, including the recently established Shanghai – Ho Chi Minh City line. The campaign allows for flexible flight schedules between December 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024 (excluding peak travel times and public holidays). In a double promotion, Vietjet gives customers who book round-trip foreign tickets a limited-edition, time-only RMB60 (VND200,000) e-Voucher to spend on their next trip. After successfully creating an account at https://evoucher.vietjetair.com/, travelers can enter their booking code to receive a free voucher. Vietnam’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh metropolis, is the center of the nation’s economy and culture. The city is known for its lively street food scene that will tempt your taste buds, colonial architecture, and busy streets. Ho Chi Minh City is well-known for its dynamic nightlife and delicious food in addition to its historical and cultural attractions. Savor the flavors of Vietnamese food, which includes mouth watering street food, fresh seafood, and Pho (noodle soup). Chinese visitors can obtain an E-visa with ease and visit Vietnam for up to ninety days, with multiple entries. Guests are cordially welcomed by Vietjet on its joyful flights. Vietjet offers passengers a wide variety of hot, freshly prepared meals while in flight, all while maintaining an eco-friendly and modern fleet, as well as skilled and committed flight crews. Furthermore, Vietjet offers free Sky Care insurance as well as the chance to accrue points for alluring prizes via the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty program. Source- Travel daily

This week, Cruise Saudi, a company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, participated in one of the most significant travel and tourism gatherings worldwide by attending World Travel Market (WTM) 2023. Meetings with important figures in the travel and cruise industries were possible at the international trade event, which was hosted by the Saudi Tourism Authority’s Visit Saudi pavilion. Executive Director for Destinations Development & Management Mashhoor Baeshen, Chief Asset Management & Operations Officer Barbara Buczek, and CEO Lars Clasen of Cruise Saudi were among the delegation members. Operating under the motto “You have the power to change travel” for this year. Additionally, WTM 2023 drew thousands of travel industry experts from over 180 nations, demonstrating the transformative potential of travel. Meetings with prominent figures from the travel and tourist industry and the international press were attended by Cruise Saudi, which presented its story of how, since its establishment in 2021, it has become a global leader in the cruise industry. Barbara Buczek from Cruise Saudi participated in a panel on WTM’s Innovation Stage on the first day of the event. The panel covered the theme of “The Power of Collaboration for Women,” which falls under the larger umbrella of “Empowering Women to Change Travel.” Speaking from personal experience and wisdom, the all-female panel examined some of the particular difficulties that women have at work and dove into workable ways to close the gender gap in the sector. “It is so important to keep conversations surrounding gender and diversity in the workplace going in order to maintain the progress that we’ve seen over the past ten years,” Barbara stated in reference to her tenure on the panel. I am glad to work with the great community of women in the industry and beyond at Cruise Saudi, and I am happy of the tremendous progress we have made in building a more diverse staff. Regarding this year’s World Travel Market, Cruise Saudi’s CEO Lars Clasen stated, “It has been a very successful few days filled with insightful discussions and collaborative partnerships.” We were honored to present Cruise Saudi’s achievements at this international industry gathering and to have the chance to speak with influential figures about our future goals. Source- Travel daily

Inspired by its world-class attractions, distinctive lodging options, and unique and varied experiences, Durham is launching a new campaign to strengthen the county’s tourism industry.Visit County Durham’s newest national destination marketing campaign, Do Durham Differently, invites travelers to explore more, do new things, and look at the area from a different perspective. For the campaign, Visit area Durham, the tourist arm of Durham County Council, has partnered with various entities in the visitor economy to highlight the diversity of the area. Among these are Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, Raby Estates, The Auckland Project, and Locomotion. Durham offers a plethora of options for an amazing vacation, from cycling and stargazing to fascinating museums and delicious cuisine and drink. Additionally, Do Durham Differently will use influencer commissions, digital advertising, and editorials in national media to reach millions of potential tourists with this message. It coincides with data showing that Visit County Durham’s prior national destination marketing campaign, Memorable Moments, reached over 2.25 million individuals and brought in millions of pounds in tourist expenditures. The campaign also comes as national industry data revealed that, in 2022, Durham’s economy experienced its first-ever contribution of over £1 billion from tourism. Go Durham Doing things differently will entice visitors to stay longer and see more of the county. It will take place from fall 2023 to spring 2024, drawing tourists away from the busiest summer months and extending the tourist season. “We are eager to keep the momentum going and draw even more people to the county following the success of Memorable Moments and the recent visitor economy figures,” stated Duncan Peake, chief executive of Raby Estates and interim chair of Visit County Durham. Through collaborating with industry partners on the Do Durham Differently campaign, Visit County Durham is able to provide more prominent marketing initiatives that highlight the abundance of things to do in Durham. For example, taking a stroll along the Durham Heritage Coast and stopping for afternoon tea at a five-star hotel; or gazing at artifacts at a museum or gallery and spending the evening in a cozy glamping pod beneath the stars. You have an abundance of options when it comes to the schedule when you include award-winning attractions, historical locations, and great places to dine and drink. “It is essential to support tourism businesses and achieve sustainable economic growth to encourage visitors to stay longer,” stated Cllr Elizabeth Scott, a member of the Durham County Council’s Cabinet who oversees partnerships and the economy. Overnight guests spend 89% more money per trip on average than do day visitors. Though they accounted for only 9% of all visits, they were in fact accountable for nearly half of the £1 billion earned in 2022. “Do Durham Differently will offer a plethora of staycation inspiration to fit all ages, tastes, and budgets, supporting our efforts to increase overnight stays.” Additionally, by highlighting Durham as a welcoming location all year round, it will contribute to extending the tourist season and giving businesses an additional boost. The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk, Hotel Indigo, Radisson Blu Durham, Seaham Hall Hotel, Headlam Hall Hotel, The Bowes Museum, and Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels, and Gardens are further partners of Do Durham Differently. Visit County Durham has developed a special area on its consumer website with motivational information to assist individuals in organizing their vacation to the county as part of the campaign. Source- Travel daily

Malaysia Airlines and the Sarawak Tourism Board are thrilled to have joined forces to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue their fruitful cooperation into 2024. This ground-breaking partnership promises to reveal the hidden gems of one of Asia’s most alluring destinations. Discover the wonders of Sarawak, a province full of untainted beaches, unique indigenous cultures, and verdant rainforests. Through their partnership with the Sarawak State Tourism Board, Malaysia Airlines will make it easier than ever for travelers to start life-changing experiences. Sarawak offers amazing experiences for all kinds of travelers, from discovering the deep jungles and wildlife sanctuaries to immersing oneself in the rich cultural history of the indigenous people. This partnership aims to promote a profound understanding of Sarawak’s distinct beauty and the significance of sustainable tourism, in addition to making travel easier. In order to make sure that Sarawak shines brightly on the global tourism map, Malaysia Airlines and the Sarawak Tourism Board, working in collaboration with UK trade partners, look forward to revealing the fascinating tales and experiences that this hidden gem has to offer. Malaysia Airlines is proud to act as a link to an amazing world of experiences, and as the national carrier, it has long represented excellence in the aviation sector. Acting Chief Executive Officer of STB Yusfida Hj Khalid stated that this combined marketing effort will help spread the word about Sarawak’s tourism offers to UK travelers and facilitate their trip plans to the state. According to her, Sarawak “perfectly fits the bill” because of its rich biodiversity, distinct culture, and dedication to sustainable tourism. “Travelers across the globe today are inclined towards eco-friendly destinations with sustainability at heart,” she said. “One of the keys to further enhancing our strategies to reach out to the UK market is STB’s participation in World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023. We hope that this collaboration with Malaysia Airlines will help us achieve our target of more than 30,000 visitor arrivals from the UK in 2024,” she continued. Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, said: “We are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board and contribute to reviving the number of tourists visiting Sarawak. With our premier twice-daily flight from London to our main hub in Kuala Lumpur, travelers may effortlessly connect to other destinations to further discover the wonders of Sarawak on Malaysia Airlines. As the flag carrier, we take great satisfaction in providing our distinct brand of Malaysian hospitality to passengers throughout their whole travel experience. We also look forward to carrying out our purpose of introducing the globe to Malaysia’s alluring beauty and rich cultural diversity. Source- Travel daily

This week, Wizz Air—the fastest-growing and most environmentally friendly airline in Europe—and Menzies Aviation—the top worldwide service provider to airports and airlines—announced that Wizz Air is now conducting entirely electric turnarounds at Budapest Airport. Budapest Airport’s “green” transformation has been made possible by the establishment of the infrastructure required for electric equipment to be charged, all powered by renewable energy sources. Menzies’ “electric first” strategy, which calls for a global commitment to 25% electric GSE by 2025, lends more credence to it. Wizz Air is now able to safely depart from Budapest Airport thanks to Menzies’ use of electric luggage tractors and belt loaders, passenger steps with solar panels, a ground power unit, a pushback, drinkable water, and restroom units. These innovations also improve energy use and operational efficiency. Compared to employing diesel-powered equipment, electric turns minimize carbon emissions from the ground handling procedure by around 80% per aircraft. At Budapest Airport, Menzies Aviation currently supplies two Wizz Air aircraft with fully electric turns at the same time. “We are the first airline at Budapest Airport to perform fully electric turns, thanks to our partnership with Menzies Aviation and the company’s commitment to electric ground support equipment,” stated Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air. It is a further step toward our goal of reducing CO2 intensity by 25% by 2030. We are able to fly with the lowest carbon intensity in Europe thanks to the substantial environmental performance of our all-Airbus A321neo aircraft, which are stationed in Budapest. We also acknowledge the significance of reducing indirect emissions and applaud Menzies Aviation’s decision to convert its diesel-powered machinery to electric power. As the biggest operator at Budapest Airport, we are happy to carry on collaborating with our regional partners to identify innovative approaches that support the industry’s overall goal of reaching its objectives. Menzies Aviation’s Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Katy Reid, stated: “As we grow our business and look for ways to increase our operational efficiency, sustainability is a top priority for Menzies.” We are establishing science-based goals to achieve net-zero by 2045 in scope 1, 2, and 3. We are acting by employing alternative fuels and transitioning to electric GSE where it is practical. To accomplish this goal, constant cooperation with partners like Wizz Air and Budapest Airport will be essential. With 41% of our GSE equipment in Europe now being electric, we are happy to have achieved great progress and look forward to collaborating closely with suppliers, airlines, and airports as well as other industry partners to promote more ecologically responsible operations. Chief Financial Officer of Budapest Airport Mike Carlson said: “Achieving carbon neutrality is one of our main strategic goals, and we encourage our partners to do the same. The provision of ecologically friendly infrastructure, including a range of technology and solutions, is Budapest Airport’s responsibility. We also ask our partners to endorse our sustainability activities. As airport managers, we go above and beyond to make sure the airport runs as sustainably as we can. In the last ten years, we have cut our direct operating emissions by 65%. At the airport, there are currently over 100 electric ground handling vehicles operating daily, and there are 43 parking spaces available for charging them. In Budapest, Wizz Air operates 14 narrow-body Airbus A321neo aircraft, which have substantial environmental benefits such as a reduction of about 50% in noise emissions, 20% in fuel usage, and 50% in nitrogen oxide emissions. Wizz Air set a record for the lowest carbon intensity in the European aircraft industry in the fiscal year 2023, with 53.8 grams. Source- Travel daily

This year at WTM, Egypt’s Minister of tourist and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, unveiled changes to the nation’s ambitious national tourist policy. Egypt wants to see rapid expansion in the tourism industry. In the first half of 2023, the nation has already welcomed over 7 million tourists—the biggest number in Egypt’s history. Under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s leadership, the government has endeavored to strengthen the industry in order to maintain its competitiveness with other international travel hotspots.In order to meet their remarkable goals, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, led by His Excellency Ahmed Issa, works to enhance and raise the caliber of tourism services provided to tourists. The Grand Cairo Project aims to establish Cairo as a cultural hub. Egypt is one of the world’s most fascinating countries because of its 7000-year-old history. The nation has seen a rebirth of its culture in recent years. Egypt has invested billions of pounds in the restoration of ancient sites and the creation of new museums. Three museums are planned to display the artifacts of ancient Egypt in Cairo: the Royal Mummies will be on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum will have a new collection, and the old Cairo Museum in Tahrir Square will remain open. Egypt’s Tourism Investment: Hotels The nation’s hotel room count will increase as part of the government’s commitment to boost tourism. In order to attract both domestic and foreign investors for the building of new hotel projects in the nation, the government is now working on a new hotel project that will feature new incentive packages. In five years, the shift is anticipated to reach 400,000 hotel rooms. The Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria and the GEM in Giza both had their openings. Addition of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to Egypt’s attractions is going to be stunning. When completed, it will rank among the biggest museums in the world and be constructed close to the Giza pyramids. The Tutankhamun collection as a whole will be housed together for the first time, which is remarkable. The Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria has also reopened after eighteen years of restoration, promising to take guests on a fascinating trip through the history of Greek and Roman culture in Egypt. An update regarding Egypt visas Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has stated that it will be providing citizens of 180 countries with a multiple-entry visa for a term of five years, for a charge of GBP 562 (EGP 21,000), in an attempt to increase tourism. Source- Travel daily

The largest international airline in India, Air India, has signed an intermodal interline deal with WorldTicket, the official distributor of Deutsche Bahn, the biggest railway operator in Europe. Thanks to the partnership, passengers of Air India can now travel beyond Frankfurt on a single intermodal ticket, using Deutsche Bahn to make quick train connections to or from other German cities and towns—including those without airports. This enables travelers to connect to and from the Deutsche Bahn network’s more than 5600 train stations located throughout Germany. Through Air India’s Frankfurt gateway, passengers may also make train connections on Deutsche Bahn to and from Amsterdam, Brussels, and Zurich. Intermodal trips on a single ticket are now feasible thanks to WorldTicket, an IATA travel partner with its own AOC-holding airline, FlexFlight, having designator number W2. Additionally, passengers of Air India on its own flights can benefit from the same baggage allowance on rail lines thanks to the partnership with WorldTicket for Deutsche Bahn. “While we continue to expand our own route network globally, such partnerships help us to provide an extended network to our guests and make journeys to their final destinations more convenient,” stated Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India. Our Frankfurt flights see a lot of passenger traffic that continues to link to and from other German cities and towns; our collaboration serves the needs of a growing number of these visitors. We are thrilled to be collaborating on this project with Deutsche Bahn and WorldTicket. In order to give visitors convenient access to a vast network of rail and bus operators in the UK, Italy, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Air India has signed into another intermodal agreement of a similar nature. Travel agencies worldwide are currently able to book intermodal tickets with Air India. Additionally, the airline intends to gradually expand the capability to its own sales channels. Source- Travel daily

Pegasus Airlines, a low-cost airline, will begin operating three weekly flights from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul. The starting price for a one-way ticket from Birmingham Airport is £39.99. Pegasus will begin operating the flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays starting on December 21. From its SAW base, Pegasus services over 130 destinations in 49 countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. “We are very pleased to welcome Pegasus Airlines into the BHX fold,” stated BHX CEO Nick Barton. Pegasus is an extremely remarkable low-cost airline, and at BHX, we share their dedication to long-term, sustainable growth. “I’m confident that these new services to SAW will be highly well-liked by sunseekers, pilgrims, business travelers, and family reunion travelers in Turkey as well as throughout the wide range of destinations provided by Pegasus’s robust onwards network spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa.” Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada (Egypt), Beirut (Lebanon), Karachi (Pakistan), Tbilisi and Batumi (Georgia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan (Armenia), Baghdad, Erbil and Basra (Iraq), Tehran and Tabriz (Iran), Medina and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Almaty, Astana and Shymkent (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Amman (Jordan), Bahrain and Kuwait are among the destinations served by Pegasus from its SAW hub. Pegasus links visitors to Turkey’s most popular summer locations, including Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Izmir, in addition to its vast international flight network. Following the pandemic, Pegasus has experienced rapid growth, having fully restored its operating capacity and profitability by 2022. It is actively working to decarbonize its activities in accordance with the global imperatives to safeguard the environment and its commitment to IATA’s Net Zero by 2050 objective. A major component of Pegasus’ sustainability plan is the purchase of fuel-efficient, newer aircraft, which will allow the airline to boast that its fleet is among the most modern in Europe, with an average age of 4.6 years as of September 2023. BHX has similar goals, wanting to operate as a carbon net zero airport by 2033 through the integration of low-carbon alternatives. Currently, a project to install 12,000 solar panels over the northeast edge of BHX is underway. By May 2024, 20% of BHX’s electricity needs will be met by the green power generated by this project. Source- Travel daily

With great pleasure, American Queen Voyages announces the arrival of their 2025 River Voyage Collection. Along with an increased selection of themed journeys and other events, the launch features voyages lasting six to seventeen days on board American Queen, American Countess, and American Empress. There are cruises on the Lower Mississippi River that go from Memphis to New Orleans and back, as well as round-trip from New Orleans. Portland to Spokane and vice versa are among the itineraries offered by the Columbia and Snake Rivers; Ohio and Mississippi River cruises provide itineraries including Memphis to Cincinnati and back; Pittsburgh to Louisville and vice versa; Memphis to Chattanooga, among others. Last but not least, there are cruises from Minneapolis to St. Louis and vice versa as well as from Minneapolis to New Orleans on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois. Additionally, a variety of themed cruises are available: immersive experience voyages such as Culinary & Cocktail sailings; Music & More, a multigenerational, family-friendly cruise with an emphasis on live entertainment; and Special Events and Holiday Series cruises, which commemorate specific annual events. The following are the 2025 Ocean Victory itinerary details. The recently improved all-inclusive fares offered by American Queen Voyages include: a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay; ground transfers from the hotel to the ship; guided tours that last an unlimited amount of time; open bars and lounges; acclaimed cuisine served in multiple venues; the option for in-room dining; new port taxes and fees; new gratuities that must be paid in advance; unlimited Wi-Fi; live daily enrichment and entertainment onboard; bicycles* and hiking sticks. Source- Travel daily

Numbness and alienation are palpable as 2023 nears its end and 2024 brightly emerges before of us. This is due in large part to the ongoing crisis, which includes rising living expenses and worries about climate change. To give themselves a much-needed break, people all throughout the world have emotionally disconnected from the news agenda and domestic happenings. Travel has historically been a way to escape life, but according to research released by Booking.com, travel will become a way of life in 2024. 80% of Hong Kong tourists say that they feel more alive than ever when they are on vacation, and 74% wish they could live more like their vacation self every day. This is because 78% of people believe that while they are on vacation, they are their best selves. Additionally, as AI is predicted to revolutionize travel in 2024, more and more tourists are relying on technology to handle the tedious tasks, freeing them up to explore their creativity, follow their intuition, and have more life-altering encounters. Booking.com commissioned research among over 27,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories to investigate how travel will enable people to step out of autopilot and into living their best lives. Booking.com combined this research with its insights as a top digital travel platform to reveal seven predictions for travel in 2024. Ego Enthusiasts (Alter) By constructing their own spectacular alter personas while on vacation, Hong Kong travelers will feel more alive in 2024—more than 63% of them will make up stories about their own lives to strangers they encounter while traveling. With over three out of five (71%) praising the anonymity of travel and the opportunity to reinvent oneself, these aficionados of alter egos go to considerable efforts to reimagine their best selves and love the rush of embodying a 2.0 version of themselves. According to 78% of respondents, who believe they are the best versions of themselves when on vacation because they can let go of inhibitions and embrace new aspects of their personalities, people travel with a different persona in order to feel more alive. In fact, 54% of respondents would even pay to rent a nicer car than they do at home in order to live their best lives with confidence. Furthermore, 66% of travelers from Hong Kong report experiencing “main character energy” while traveling, which gives these performers the confidence to be the stars of their own lives. Avatars and aliases are common in VR and AR as well as in real life. In the metaverse, those digital alter egos driven by a wanderlust can go anywhere and do anything they choose. By 2024, the individuals who created them will bring their virtual dreams to life in actual locations. Australia’s Fitzroy Island, close to Cairns, has a nude beach. Those who take cool vacations Heat has finally reached its peak, with sweltering temperatures setting new records and generating heat waves all around the world. Travelers seeking cooler climates to rejuvenate themselves are increasing in number as a result of the oppressive heat. Over half (69%) of Hong Kong residents think they will spend their holiday to cool off abroad when local temperatures rise, joining the majority of APAC travelers (60%) who say climate change will have an impact on how they plan their vacation in 2024. This effect capitalizes on the anticipated increase in water-centric travel, which helps individuals decompress and forget about their troubles. Nearly three-quarters (69%) concur that being near water instantly helps them feel more at ease, and thirty percent are interested in taking vacations that focus on the water by 2024. With people diving headfirst into aquatic escapes, mindful water immersion—where the ice-therapy movement and the wild-swimming obsession collide—will swiftly become the next popular kind of meditation (thanks, Wim Hof). With water no longer serving as the backdrop but as the focal point of this new wave of feel-alive wellness travel, floating yoga, water sound baths, and snow meditation will all see a spike in popularity. Ice treatment retreats, underwater hotels, and mermania will also see a boom in demand. Seekers of Surrender Just present yourself in 2024. More than half (65%) of Hong Kong residents are eager to plan a surprise trip in which every detail, including the destination, is unknown until arrival. Travelers are becoming more and more willing to embrace the element of surprise, explore the unknown, and explore unexplored territory while on vacation. The naturally adventurous traveler of 2024 wants to break away from the homogenized vacation, with 63% wanting to stray off the beaten path and 47% choosing to travel with strangers. They are hostile to the “sameness” of everyday life and deliberately avoiding cookie-cutter encounters. These surrender seekers are giving up control in favor of the art of letting go, with carpe diem serving as their life motto. They are moving from meticulous preparation to random meetings and experiences with a toss of the dice. More than two thirds (77%) prefer to travel with loose plans so they can change direction based on what feels good in the moment, while the majority (64%) would prefer to have no plans set in stone ahead to going in 2024 so they can go where the wind takes them. With tech-enabled flexible services, the travel industry is already reacting quickly, allowing customers to buy now and pay later, modify their arrangements, and cancel at the touch of a button. In 2024, the advent of AI is expected to become widely used. Currently, 59% of people would trust AI to plan a trip for them, and 30% of baby boomers and 20% of the silent generation have finally given up control to AI to help with their travel plans. Booking.com’s AI Trip planner has already launched in select markets. Portland, Oregon in autumn. In the backdrop is Mount Hood and the Portland Aerial Tram. Culinary Diggers In order to discover new culinary gems, the food archeologists of 2024 will delve deeply into the history of food while on vacation.