Mahtab

The Emirates Group revealed its finest-ever six-month earnings today. The Group announced a half-year net profit for 2023–24 of AED 10.1 billion (US$ 2.7 billion), outpacing the record profit for the same period previous year of AED 4.2 billion (US$ 1.2 billion) by 138%. Additionally, the Group recorded strong operating profitability with an EBITDA of AED 20.6 billion (US$ 5.6 billion), a significant improvement over AED 15.3 billion (US$ 4.2 billion) during the same period previous year. For the first half of 2023–24, group revenue was AED 67.3 billion (US$ 18.3 billion), a 20% increase over AED 56.3 billion (US$ 15.3 billion) in the same period the previous year. The global demand for air travel has been steadily increasing since the last pandemic travel restrictions were removed, which is what caused this. In comparison to AED 42.5 billion (US$ 11.6 billion) on March 31, 2023, the Group ended the first half of 2023–24 with a strong cash position of AED 42.7 billion (US$ 11.6 billion) on September 30, 2023. The Group has been able to meet its financial obligations, including debt payments, by drawing from its own substantial cash reserves. Emirates has paid back AED 9.2 billion of the loans associated with COVID-19 thus far. Additionally, the Group reported at the end of its 2022–2023 fiscal year that it had given its owner a dividend of AED 4.5 billion. The Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, stated: “We are witnessing the realization of our objectives to rebound more robustly and effectively from the challenging times caused by the epidemic. The Group has reported our best-ever half-year performance, surpassing previous milestones. Our record full year profit in 2022–2023 is almost exactly matched by our profit for the first half of 2023–2024. This is a fantastic accomplishment that highlights the organization’s talent and dedication, the robustness of our business plan, and the effectiveness of Dubai’s vision and policies in fostering the development of a robust, resilient, and forward-thinking aviation industry. We’ve continued to swiftly and safely ramp up operations across the Group to satisfy consumer demand. In order to gain client preference, we’ve improved our services and products in a number of ways. We’ll keep investing in people, partnerships, technology, and products to bolster our capacities and make sure we’re prepared for the future. “We expect customer demand across our business divisions to remain healthy for the second half of 2023–2024,” Sheikh Ahmed continued. “We will stay agile in how we deploy our resources in this dynamic marketplace.” We are closely monitoring challenges including growing gasoline prices, the US dollar’s strength, inflationary expenses, and geopolitics at the same time. In order to accommodate the heightened operations and business endeavors, the Emirates Group’s workforce expanded by 6% as of 30 September 2023, reaching 108,996 total employees, up from 31 March 2023. Emirates and Dnata are currently conducting recruitment drives in order to meet their future needs. Airlines Emirates In order to satisfy consumer demand across markets, Emirates kept expanding its international airline operations, adding capacity and connectivity through its Dubai hub. The airline resumed A380 service to Bali, Beijing, Birmingham, Casablanca, Nice, Shanghai, and Taiwan in the first part of 2023–2024. It started daily nonstop flights to Montreal in July, which is a new route and the airline’s second entry point into Canada. In the first half of 2023–24, Emirates entered and improved codeshare or interline agreements with eight airlines: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, Philippine Airlines, Maldivian, Sri Lankan Airlines, and United Airlines. This was done to increase connection options for consumers. More than 15 million passengers have benefited from combined flight schedules because to the codeshare agreement between Emirates and Qantas, which was approved for an additional 5-year extension to 2027. By September 30th, the airline has used all 104 A380s and all of its Boeing 777 fleet to provide passenger and cargo services to 144 airports. Ten A380 aircraft from Emirates’ retrofit program debuted in the first half of 2023–24, with totally redesigned cabin interiors and the newest in onboard amenities, including as Premium Economy seats. As a result, the airline was able to launch its much-desired Premium Economy services on a number of additional routes, including those to Singapore, New York JFK, Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Emirates introduced initiatives to improve the travel experience for customers in the first half of 2023–24. These included a new city check-in facility at Dubai International Financial Center, free onboard wi-fi for Emirates Skywards members, and a new meal pre-ordering capability that allows customers to choose their meal options in advance of travel. The campaign was starring Hollywood actor Penelope Cruz. Source- Travel daily

An ideal getaway is more alluring than ever in a world full of hurry, bustle, and never-ending expectations. L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort beckons individuals looking for an unforgettable escape from the ordinary, standing as a beacon of serenity and enjoyment. This breathtaking oasis, tucked away in the middle of Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam, gives visitors a one-of-a-kind chance to lose themselves in a world of luxury, scenic splendor, and attentive care. L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort is the ideal retreat if you’ve always wanted to get away from it all and spend time indulging in opulent lodging, mouthwatering food, and a variety of activities. Here are a few reasons to think about this amazing resort as your next trip, along with what makes it such a wonderful refuge for travelers seeking something truly unique and revitalizing. Where: A Slicing of Heaven Undoubtedly, one of L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort’s greatest selling features is its position. This resort, which is located in Nha Trang’s breathtaking Ninh Van Bay, gives visitors the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and unwind in a tropical paradise. The resort is tucked away between emerald waters and towering cliffs, surrounded by lush vegetation. The bay’s natural splendor offers the perfect backdrop for a restful and revitalizing holiday. The resort’s isolated setting adds to its allure, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a quiet and private getaway. Guests can enjoy the luxury amenities and connect with nature while savoring the peace and absence of the bustle and commotion of the city. Elegant Private Villas The 33 private villas that make up L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort’s signature feature. These villas are extremely private and luxurious, and they are meticulously built to make sure that every visitor has a unique and exclusive experience. Three types of villas are available at the resort: Bedroom Beach Villa with Private Pool, Lagoon and Sea Villa with Private Pool, and Stone Mountain Villa with Private Swimming Pool. Every house has been carefully furnished, combining contemporary conveniences with classic Vietnamese design elements in a harmonious whole. The villas’ open floor plans let visitors take in the breathtaking views of the outdoors while splurging on opulent extras like private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and large patios. Complete Butler Service: Tailored Care With its full butler service, L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort elevates the idea of individualized treatment to a whole new level. Your personal butler is there to attend to all of your needs from the time you arrive until you leave. This caliber of service makes your stay even more distinctive and guarantees that you will have an amazing time. The staff at L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort is discrete, attentive, and well-trained. They can help you plan activities, reserve restaurants, plan special surprises, and even make a romantic meal for two in the luxury of your own villa. This committed service makes your stay at the resort genuinely remarkable by letting you unwind and enjoy yourself worry-free. Delicious Food: A Savory Pleasure The gastronomic adventure that L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort offers is one of the highlights of any visit. The restaurants within the resort provide a lovely array of fine cuisine. A variety of Vietnamese and international meals are served at the restaurant. Try the luscious, fresh seafood that will transport the flavors of the ocean to your plate. You can create a unique dining experience by having your supper on your private patio, on the beach, or even outside beneath the stars. Visitors may enjoy a delicious assortment of artisanal bread, pastries, and cakes. Vietnam is famed for its coffee and pastries. With a variety of spreads and fine coffee, you may enjoy a delicious breakfast or afternoon tea while the bread is freshly cooked. L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort’s culinary offerings not only satiate your palate but also demonstrate the resort’s dedication to giving visitors a varied and remarkable dining experience. Adventures and rest are the activities. Even though L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort has a quiet, private atmosphere, there are many of activities available. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the resort really has a ton of activities to choose from. There are lots of options for adventure seekers, such kayaking, climbing mountain trails, and sunset cruises. The tranquil L’alya Spa has a variety of therapies and treatments that can help you unwind and revitalize your body and mind. The spa experience is quite enchanting, especially when surrounded by lush foliage and the soothing murmur of the waves. The resort can arrange local tours and activities to fully immerse you in Vietnamese traditions and customs for people who are interested in exploring other cultures. Discover the vibrant culture of the area by taking a culinary class, attending a Vietnamese coffee display, or visiting the neighboring city of Nha Trang. The beautiful L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort offers the ideal fusion of luxury, customization, and the beauty of the natural world. Because of its distinctive features, it’s a great pick for discerning travelers looking for a getaway in paradise. L’alya Ninh Van Bay Resort offers an amazing and remarkable experience, perfect for a particular celebration, a family holiday, or a romantic retreat. Source- Travel daily

The top hotel chain in Thailand, Centara Hotels & Resorts, is excited to launch its 11.11 Flash Sale, which will provide guests the chance to see the best of Thailand and beyond at unbelievable prices. The five-day event, which is slated to take place from November 9–13, 2023, and is valid for stays through October 31, 2024, will feature a remarkable variety of hotels and resorts in the most sought-after locations across the world, offering a choice of great accommodations across multiple price levels. The 11.11 Flash Sale provides prices that can’t be found anywhere else for any of Centara’s six unique brands, all of which are known for their exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere. COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach and COSI Samui Chaweng Beach provide stays starting at THB 1,111 net, while Centara Korat, Centara Udon, and Centara Ubon offer modern rooms in Isaan starting at THB 1,411 net. Each property is uniquely tailored to suit the demands of every traveler and lifestyle. At Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi, rooms start at THB 3,111 net, while at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, rates start at THB 4,111 net. These accommodations are ideal for those seeking a tranquil beachside retreat. The extremely attractive rates offered by Centara in its overseas destinations, such as Vietnam, the Maldives, Dubai, Oman, and more, are also not to be missed! As part of Centara’s continuous effort to improve its CentaraThe1 loyalty program, members who log into their accounts prior to making an online reservation will also receive an additional 15% off the already-discounted accommodation prices. Apart from the 11.11 Flash Sale, Centara is introducing an additional exclusive deal wherein CentaraThe1 members can exchange 1,111 Points for a THB 200 cash voucher, which can be applied to accommodations, restaurants, spa treatments, laundry services, and other worldwide offerings. This certificate, which would typically require 2,400 points for the same amount, is good for six months, starting on November 9 and ending on April 30, 2024. Source- Travel daily

A global relationship between PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) and Klook will see PADI’s diving products globally integrated on Klook’s platform. PADI currently offers more than 7,200 diving goods worldwide, including certification courses, fun dives, snorkeling, and more. Klook is presently the only OTA in Asia Pacific working with PADI, the largest diving organization in the world with a clear mission. On the Klook platform, customers may now reserve diving excursions in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, and Singapore. Additional destinations will be added online in the coming months. About a million people go through the drawn-out, intricate, and technical process of organizing a dive trip in order to obtain their certification each year. This procedure includes everything from choosing the ideal dive site and negotiating dive packages to scheduling travel and no-fly periods. Through the use of APIs, diving products may now be integrated into the Klook platform, cutting the booking process from days to less than five minutes. On a single platform, customers will be able to effortlessly compare costs, verify availability, peruse reviews, make reservations, and get prompt confirmation. The path to becoming a qualified PADI Scuba Diver will be made easier by teaming up with Klook, according to Manuel Kraemer, Vice President of Business Development at PADI Worldwide. Our partnership is well-positioned for exciting growth, with 6,600 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts spread across 184 countries and more than 7,200 goods already available for online reservations on PADI.com. As we move forward, the largest booking platform in Asia will offer this wide choices for reservations. You can now find adventure and protect the ocean at almost any vacation spot in the globe with Klook. Young Asian visitors will want to make the most of their trip and will be willing to spend more on experiences, particularly those that involve nature and outdoor sports. They will also want to incorporate adventures like scuba diving in their itinerary. Asia’s top three countries for the number of newly qualified PADI divers in 2023 were China, Japan, and Korea. The Asia Pacific diving tourism market is predicted to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2% from 2022 to 2030 as demand for the product increases. The industry is likely to surpass the size of the 2019 market in 2024.1. “We’re excited to announce this strategic partnership with PADI and to bring greater access with a seamless booking experience to the diving community,” stated Chuan Sheng (C.S.) Soong, vice president of corporate development at Klook. Asia Pacific has a huge amount of enthusiasm and dedication for diving, and we want to use our platform to make this community even happier. At Klook, we never stop adding new products and services to give our clients more engaging, distinctive, and all-encompassing experiences. This is the ideal chance to introduce a whole new group of tourists to the enthralling beauty of the undersea world. PADI and Klook are introducing UNIVER-SEA-TY, a pilot initiative to encourage novices to dive and provide them with the “fins” to explore the magnificent underwater world. This program aligns with PADI’s objective to explore and protect the undersea world and Klook’s goal to bring people closer together. 33 fortunate individuals will get the opportunity to begin the program by becoming certified PADI Open Water Divers in the dive site of their choosing. To enter the contest, there are three options: Utilizing Tik Tok, record a video of yourself demonstrating or explaining 1 Diving Tourism Market Size & Trends, Grand View by using the “Let’s Dive” scuba diving filter. Find out from us how deep you want to plunge.Using Instagram: Leave a remark on Klook’s post explaining your desire to dive and tagging three pals.Through Facebook: Leave a remark on Klook’s page explaining your desire to dive and tagging three friendsThe winners will get an e-gift card to schedule their free Open Water Dive Certification, which they can use within the year, and notification through their respective social media platforms in December 2023. Source- Travel daily

According to the firm, Singapore Airlines will launch a new daily route from Sydney to Singapore on October 27, 2024, with a departure time of 06:45 AM. The route is expected to be open for the entire six-month Northern Winter season, contingent to regulatory permissions. With more than 12,000 seats available for passengers each week thanks to this new additional route, Sydney Airport will surpass Changi Airport as the largest port in the airline’s network. Additionally, it restores SQ’s timetable to its pre-pandemic state. The airline additionally operates a fifth daily supplemental flight from 2 December to 14 January, which is the Christmas season. Additionally expanding its capacity, low-cost airline Scoot, a division of Singapore Airlines, will start providing 12 weekly return flights between Sydney and Singapore in December. Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert stated, “Sydney Airport is proud to be Singapore Airlines’ home away from home and it is evident that Sydneysiders can’t get enough of their world-class service.” “This additional Singapore Airlines flight will not only give Australians traveling abroad more options, but it will also contribute to an increase in tourists, particularly from Asia and Europe.” Sydney Airport expects 2024 to be a record year for international travel, with additional capacity coming online from China and Indonesia in addition to Singapore and other important markets. Singapore Airlines: daily nonstop departure times starting in October 2024 from Sydney Airport 6:45 a.m. operated by a new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. 9:00 a.m. run on an Airbus A350-900 1:15 P.M. run by an Airbus A380 PM 1610 run by an Airbus A380 PM 1910 flown by a Boeing 777-300ER Louis Arul, the regional vice president of Singapore Airlines for Southwest Pacific, stated: “We are happy to restore our Sydney flights to our pre-Covid frequency of five flights daily.” “After the pandemic, demand for travel to and from Sydney increased significantly, and the new daily service will allow for even more growth as travelers take advantage of more connecting options via Singapore Changi Airport to major cities in Asia and Europe.” Source- Travel daily

As the first American airline to operate direct flights from the continental United States to Manila, Philippines, United launched its international winter schedule this year with 50 more daily flights than the previous year. Additionally, starting in December, United will be the only airline operating flights between the United States and Christchurch, New Zealand. The first American airline to return to Beijing will be United when it launches flights from San Francisco on November 9. This will be the airline’s largest winter expansion in history, with more than 110 international destinations flown to and a schedule increase of more than 25% over the previous year. United purposefully extended its network this winter by adding new routes and increasing flights to important destinations in order to fulfill the rising demand for international travel, including: New service to Christchurch, New Zealand, and Manila, Philippines, coming shortly New routes to Tokyo/Narita, Hong Kong, Brisbane, Auckland, San Juan, and Montego Bay Daily travel to Shanghai and Beijing extended service to Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Athens Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United, stated, “We continue to find new ways to bring our customers the locations and schedules that they want. United’s industry-leading international network has always set it apart from the competition.” “With our continued global expansion and unmatched connectivity, this winter is no exception.” Both the United website and the United mobile app are currently selling tickets. Historic Growth in the Asia-Pacific Region This year, United witnessed an incredible surge in demand for travel from the Asia-Pacific region, and the airline is currently enhancing its network across the region to meet the market’s ongoing strength. Thanks to unprecedented expansion in the South Pacific, the rebuilding of its China network, and the addition of 15 daily nonstop flights throughout the Pacific, the airline’s transpacific network is 94% larger this winter than it was last. United’s network in the Asia-Pacific region will be larger than it was before to COVID-19 for the first time. With almost 40% more flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand during the winter season than the previous year, United is experiencing the largest South Pacific expansion in aviation history. United will operate 66 weekly flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand during the winter. Important points to note are: First and Only Non-Stop route from the United States to Christchurch: United will be the only airline operating direct flights from the United States to the South Island of New Zealand, beginning on December 8th. This will be the first direct route from San Francisco to Christchurch. New Service from Los Angeles to Auckland: United expanded its status as the biggest American airline serving Auckland on October 28 with the inauguration of its new service from Los Angeles to Auckland. New Service from Los Angeles to Brisbane: United’s new service from Los Angeles to Brisbane will make it the largest carrier between the United States and Brisbane as of November 29 Additionally, United is still reestablishing its network in China’s mainland. The airline started offering daily flights from San Francisco to Shanghai on October 1st, and on November 9th, it will start offering daily flights from San Francisco to Beijing. This winter, United’s network across the Pacific is 61% bigger than that of all other American airlines combined*. The airline has expanded service to several important markets, such as: First and Only Transpacific Service to the Philippines: With the launch of its new San Francisco-Manila route on October 29, United became the only American airline operating direct flights from the continental United States to the Philippines. New Daily Flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong: United, the sole American airline operating direct flights to Hong Kong, launched a new route from Los Angeles to Hong Kong on October 28. United offers three daily flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to the city overall throughout winter. Service between Los Angeles and Tokyo/Narita: United began offering daily direct service between Los Angeles and Tokyo/Narita on October 28. United is going to link Los Angeles to both of Tokyo’s international airports in addition to its current route between Los Angeles and Tokyo/Haneda. Increased Possibilities for Transatlantic Journeys In order to give travelers more time to explore, United is extending several of its most popular seasonal itineraries, since transatlantic demand is still at an all-time high. This winter, United customers can benefit from the following additional nonstop flights: Athens, Greece – New York/Newark: extended till November 28 DC-Dulles to Barcelona, Spain: extended until December 13 Rome, Italy – Washington-Dulles: extended till January 8, 2024 Every second day Paris, France – New York/Newark: extended till January 8, 2024 More than all other American airlines put together, United will fly to 25 locations across the Atlantic this winter. It will also be the only airline in the country to provide year-round, non-stop service to Dubai, Geneva, Edinburgh, Berlin, and Amman. Persistent Development in the Americas and the Caribbean In response to consumers seeking warm-weather vacations, United increased its network coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean by 30% this winter compared to previous. As part of its historic expansion, the airline launched two new Caribbean routes from Denver: on October 29, Denver to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and on November 4, Denver to Montego Bay, Jamaica. United Airlines is expanding its network of Caribbean destinations, such as Aruba, Bonaire, Grand Cayman Islands, and The Bahamas, with flights departing from its hubs in Chicago, New York/Newark, and Washington-Dulles. Furthermore, the airline has expanded its network in Mexico by almost fifteen percent since last winter, making it the biggest carrier in the Riviera Maya area. More than 200 weekly flights from eight U.S. cities—including daily flights from Cleveland and Boeing 777 widebody service from Chicago, Denver, and Houston—will be offered by United to Cancun during the airline’s busiest time of year during the winter peak. With up to two daily flights, United is also expanding its service from San Francisco to

The Luxury Collection will arrive on the tranquil island of Patmos with the opening of Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Greece in the summer of 2024. Inspired by the rich history of the island, Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Greece, promises to provide a timeless haven in the peaceful setting of Grikos Bay. Reimagined by Anastassiadis Architecture & Design and Stylianidis Vaggelis Architects, the renovations are anticipated to include a signature restaurant serving contemporary island delicacies, a bar and terrace with stunning bay views, and all 56 guestrooms, suites, and villas. Additional guestrooms are scheduled to be added in 2025. The food plan at Plefsis Tavern, a classic Greek taverna by the shore, combines traditional Dodecanese fare with modern accents inspired by the area’s waterfront. It is planned that the hotel’s recently renovated Spa would provide restorative rituals and distinctive treatments intended to calm the body and cleanse the mind, reflecting the island’s spiritual essence. It is anticipated that each visitor’s wellness trip would include a refreshing welcome drink flavored with rose petals, which are known to have calming effects, as well as restorative activities like Tibetan bell sessions and a variety of cosmetic treatments using rose essence products. The interior design idea, spearheaded by Patricia Anastassiadis, combines the essence of simplicity from Patmos Aktis with the real and experiential standards of luxury found in The Luxury Collection. The resort will be decorated in a peaceful color scheme consisting of creams, whites, and gentle blue tones. The island’s ancestry and its stunning, distinctive nature will also be heavily referenced through local artwork and traditional Greek design elements. Greece is still a very popular vacation spot for travelers from across the world, according to Helen Leighton, vice president of luxury brands for Marriott International’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. “Introducing The Luxury Collection to the picturesque island of Patmos in the Dodecanese enhances the brand’s prominence in opulent hospitality and gives our visitors access to a captivating and comparatively unexplored location to relish genuine Greek culture.” We are thrilled to be collaborating on this project with the lovely resort owners. The craggy Patmos coastline, which is dotted with sleepy coves and quaint fishing villages, provides the ideal environment for total relaxation and fosters a strong bond with the sea and the island’s surrounding natural beauty. Visitors to Patmos Aktis can take in the distinctive volcanic landscape, which includes a network of hiking trails, whitewashed hilltop villages, and historic monasteries. They can also sail between beaches and the neighboring Arkoi islands to find places for swimming and beach picnics, or they can take cooking classes and market tours to discover the ins and outs of Greek cuisine. A major turning point for Patmos Island and a strategic victory for the hotel will be reached with the launch of Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Greece, according to Nick Karamouzis, Chairman of the Investment Fund SMERemediumCap (SMERC), the owners of the resort. We anticipate that Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa will become a more sought-after luxury travel destination and that the local economy will continue to expand and thrive as a result of our affiliation with a globally recognized luxury brand. We are incredibly happy to work with Ad Hoc Hospitality Consultants to enhance our cultural legacy, and we eagerly anticipate this new chapter in Patmos’ history. Source- Travel daily

Due to significant economic growth in 2023 and the impending peak of the Australian and New Zealand cruise season, Wellington, the busiest port in New Zealand, anticipates hosting over 200,000 visitors during the summer cruise season of 2023–2024. This presents a chance for the sector and is indicative of the area’s growing appeal as a cruise destination. Wellington is prepared for an over 200,000 guest flood as the cruise sector begins its second season following the difficulties created by the COVID-19 epidemic. On October 31, 2023, Halloween, Royal Caribbean International’s majestic Quantum-class flagship, Ovation of the Seas, made her inaugural season call at Wellington’s Centerport. The Royal Princess is scheduled to visit on November 8th, but she will arrive later in the month. At least for Wellington, this arrival marks the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere cruise season. The Ovation of the Seas, which has a capacity of 6,400 people, was the first ship to call at Wellington last year. From French Polynesia, Ovation of the Seas arrived at Wellington. The ship sailed from Wellington, making its way to the Bay of Islands, and arriving in Sydney on November 3. The ship will set out from Sydney on excursions that range in length until roughly mid-April 2024. Anthony Delaney, CEO of CentrePort, said, “When you include the ferry operations, we are the busiest port in New Zealand by ship movements.” Thankfully, the extra cruise ships in the harbor have no impact on our productivity or ability to transport commodities to and from the market, which is essential to maintaining New Zealand’s economy. Because of poor weather in Auckland, Ovation of the Seas has rerouted to Wellington, making this port visit the first of 106 scheduled for October 2023 to April 2024. There are indications of expansion in the local cruise sector. 89 calls from cruise ships were recorded at CentrePort in 2022 (some of which were canceled because to bad weather). With a capacity for 4,900 guests, Princess Cruises’ Royal-class Majestic Princess is the last ship on the schedule for Wellington this season. Arriving at CentrePort on April 15, 2024, this trip brings a conclusion to what promises to be a fantastic New Zealand cruising season. The busiest port in New Zealand, CentrePort, has also reported stellar financial performance for the fiscal year that ends on June 30, 2023. The port reported an astounding $11.9 million in underlying net profit after taxes, a significant 48% increase over the $8 million it made the year before. “The accomplishments of the port over the past 12 months bear witness to the efforts made by the port and its personnel to enhance productivity and capability,” noted Delaney. Thanks to increased profits and a deliberate focus on energy transformation to reduce emissions, CentrePort can now claim expanded capacity, supporting the growth of New Zealand’s tourism industry and supply chain. In addition to allowing Ovation of the Seas to dock this season, CentrePort’s increased capacity also allows it to handle ships that encounter difficulties docking in Auckland and other ports around the nation. In addition to developing a shore power grid, CentrePort is establishing a maritime MicroGrid energy system, which is a major step towards environmental sustainability. Ships in port could be more eco-friendly and productive with the use of MicroGrid technology. By taking these eco-friendly steps, the port will rely less on nonrenewable energy sources and encourage parked ships to switch off their engines to reduce pollution and noise. The installation of solar panel arrays will enhance CentrePort’s eco-friendly infrastructure by the middle of 2024. Two inland hubs, Whanganui and Marlborough, enhance the impact of CentrePort on the supply chain. The flexibility these nodes provide to shippers boosts productivity and ease of use. Apart from its recent financial successes, the World Bank CPPI index has named CentrePort as the most efficient container port in Australia and New Zealand for the past two years. Excellent future opportunities exist for CentrePort in terms of cargo handling, income growth, and its friendly reception of cruise ships and visitors. Source- Travel daily

More excitement is being added by Carnival voyage Line from the West Coast, including a new voyage that will launch Carnival Firenze in Long Beach, California, early next year. Many more sailings on Carnival Firenze and Carnival Radiance launched today with a variety of itineraries covering Mexican destinations as Carnival continues to unlock its 2025–2026 deployment. Additionally, the cruise line is adding additional Hawaii voyages to its Carnival Journeys program of longer sailings. Click here to view all sailings from Long Beach that are currently offered. Mexico cruises For passengers sailing from the West Coast, where Carnival presently provides itineraries ranging from quick weekend getaways to 15-day cruises, the new sailings from Long Beach offer more possibilities. Popular locations including Catalina Island, California, and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, are included in the new itinerary. A variety of four-, five-, and six-day sailings have been added to Carnival Firenze’s deployment schedule; the six-day itineraries include a two-day stop at Cabo San Lucas. The recently released itineraries for Carnival Radiance include a number of three-, four-, and five-day alternatives. Carnival has added a second sailing for Carnival Firenze in the spring of 2026, bringing the ship’s first voyage closer to April 25, 2024, in addition to the new choices that are currently available for purchase from fall of 2025 through spring of 2026. Leaving from Long Beach, the ship will set sail for a seven-day voyage that will stop in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas. When the 4,126-guest Carnival Firenze debuts in Long Beach the following year, it will offer Carnival Fun Italian Style experiences. The ship’s Italian architecture, which takes its cues from Florence, Italy, is intended to blend in with the city’s dining and bar areas, including the recently opened Il Viaggio specialty restaurant, and its distinctive entertainment offerings, which include an Italian-themed deck party on Lido that has been a hit on sister ship Carnival Venezia. Before Carnival Firenze makes its debut in the spring of next year, further information will be released. Hawaiian cruises with Carnival Journeys Carnival Radiance is now offering six new Carnival Journeys sailings from Long Beach to Hawaii. With stops in Ensenada, Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, and Hilo, among other breathtaking locations around the Hawaiian Islands, the 14-day sailings will provide passengers with genuinely unforgettable cruise holidays. Carnival Radiance will make two trips to Hawaii in 2025, on October 18 and November 29. The departure dates for 2026 are April 4, January 10, February 7, and March 7. The 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance has a number of the well-known and beloved “Fun Ship” attractions, like the BlueIguana Cantina and RedFrog Pub, in addition to some more recent favorites, like Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse and Shaq’s Big Chicken. Source- Travel daily

According to a recent poll of travel advisors conducted by travel insurance and assistance provider Allianz Partners USA, the majority of advisors stated that cruise itineraries account for over 75% of their bookings, with over a quarter of the poll participants saying as much.  Allianz Partners polled 9,000 travel advisers who recommend its travel protection products for their clients in October. Travel insurance is valued by both travel consultants and their clients, according to the report.  The review* states that 82% of travel advisors think their clients are more confident about sailing when they have a policy on board, and 92% of advisors feel their clients enjoy peace of mind when they have Allianz Travel Insurance. Cruises are a major factor in travel advisor reservations, according to the travel insurance provider’s analysis of the breakdown of reported bookings, which included tracking the percentage of cruises compared to other types of travel. In contrast to 17% who indicated that only 6-25% of bookings were cruises and 6% of advisors who stated that less than 5% of bookings were cruises, over 75% of those surveyed indicated that the majority of their reservations were for cruise travel (27% said that 76-100% of bookings are cruises; 25% said 51-75% are cruises; 26% said 26-50% were cruises). Ocean Cruises Are Still Popular, and People Want to Take Repeat Expedition Cruises According to travel experts, ocean cruises were the most popular last year (81%) followed by river cruises (16%), expedition cruises (2%), and themed cruises (1%). Despite being a relatively young industry, expedition cruises are rapidly gaining traction and generating repeat business, with the majority of travelers expressing a wish to reserve another for a later date. Future Cruise Schedules and Changes to the Booking Window Regarding whether the window for clients to book cruises has altered this year compared to 2022, travel advisor respondents were divided: 40% thought it has gotten longer, 36% thought it’s the same, and 24% thought it has gotten shorter. More than half of respondents (52%) stated that the sailings will happen between six months to a year, followed by three to six months (27%) and within three months of purchase (11%). Just 10% of responders are travel advisors whose clients make reservations more than a year in advance. New Trends in Cruise Travel In a poll regarding growing interest in immersion and exploration-focused culture themed cruises, 35% of travel advisers reported seeing greater interest this year than in previous years, while 48% indicated they haven’t observed any increase in interest and 17% were unclear. More than a quarter (26%) of advisers surveyed reported seeing an increase in multi-generational groups, while almost half (49%) indicated they had not noticed a change in the number of tourists traveling in cruise parties. Travel advisors report seeing a rise in solitary travelers (13%), compared to couples (12%), on cruises. This indicates that solo travel has gained some traction. Travel consultants who assist in securing a cruise holiday with an Allianz travel insurance policy enable travelers to unwind and concentrate on the journey ahead, comfortable in the knowledge that they are safeguarded from covered, unforeseen catastrophes that could otherwise deplete an uninsured travel budget. Allianz Partners provides travel insurance to customers directly as well as through the majority of the country’s top airlines, reputable travel agencies, internet travel agencies, hotel chains, and cruise lines. Source- Travel daily