Starfish Travel Corporation Team

From March 31, 2024, Singapore Airlines will increase the frequency of its flights on the well-traveled Manchester to Houston route to five weekly flights. Customers can also benefit from connections between Aberdeen and Houston via Manchester thanks to partner Loganair, which helps Scottish travelers. With more than 700 weekly seats, Loganair, the largest regional carrier in the UK, will seamlessly integrate into Singapore Airlines’ schedule and provide a smooth transfer for passengers. From Aberdeen to Manchester, Loganair has 21 weekly direct flights, Monday through Sunday. “Flights to Houston are extremely popular with our Scottish customers,” said Mark Davey, Singapore Airlines’ Sales & Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland. “We’re delighted to bring the service back to pre-pandemic levels of five weekly flights, plus with our friends at Loganair, we now offer more choice and flexibility to customers while strengthening our global network.” “We have a tremendous working partnership with Singapore Airlines, boosting connectivity not just at Manchester but also at Heathrow, where we now have a significant presence,” said Luke Lovegrove, Chief Commercial Officer of Loganair. “For the benefit of our customers, we look forward to developing our partnership with Singapore Airlines in the future.” From Aberdeen, Isle of Man, Inverness, Dundee, City of Derry, and Newquay, customers can make a single reservation with Loganair and transfer to Singapore Airlines long-haul flights from Manchester and Heathrow. Utilizing the partner network has advantages such as through-checked baggage to the destination and delay protection. Bookings for flights from Aberdeen to Houston can be made right now at singaporeair.com and loganair.co.uk, as well as through travel agents and travel management firms that use all of the main GDSs. Prices start at £623 roundtrip (subject to availability). Source-Travel daily

A deal between Emirates and Shell Aviation for the supply of more than 300,000 gallons of mixed SAF for use at the airline’s international hub in Dubai (DXB) was announced today. Before the end of the year, the first SAF supply under the agreement is anticipated to start, marking the first time SAF will be supplied through the DXB airport fueling infrastructure. The pact is the most recent development in Emirates’ environmental strategy, which is built around three key pillars: responsible consumption, emissions reduction, and the preservation of animals and habitats. As part of the arrangement, Emirates will employ Avelia, one of the first SAF solutions backed by blockchain, to track SAF delivery and usage statistics. Shell Aviation and Accenture power Avelia, which also receives assistance from Energy Web and American Express Global Business Travel. Emirates will purchase the physical SAF and associated environmental attributes through Avelia to help reduce its Scope 1 related emissions, and Shell Corporate Travel will purchase the Scope 3 environmental attributes associated with the same physical SAF to reduce its related business travel. The agreement uses Avelia as an example of how book and claim solutions can allow corporates and airlines to both benefit from SAF’s environmental advantages. “We are proud to work in partnership with Shell to make a SAF supply available for Emirates in Dubai for the first time, and to utilize the Avelia platform that provides business travelers with the flexibility to align their sustainability targets and minimize their environmental footprint when traveling,” said Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline. Since there are currently no SAF production facilities in the UAE, we are hoping that this relationship will continue to grow and eventually provide a steady supply of SAF in our hub.  The aviation industry is crucial to the economy of Dubai and the entire United Arab Emirates, and we are eager to work with like-minded organizations and government bodies to find practical ways to expand the supply of SAF, a fuel that is currently in extremely short supply, in the aviation fuel supply chain and support Emirates’ efforts to cut emissions across our operations. “Emirates and Shell have a long-standing commercial relationship, and it is fantastic to build on this to now work together on decarbonization,” said Chu Yong-Yi, Vice President of Shell Corporate Travel. The aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates has advanced because to this agreement. The first-ever supply of SAF at DXB is a significant accomplishment and a prime illustration of the crucial contributions that the various segments of the aviation value chain can make to advancing SAF. In order to further our goal of achieving net zero emissions, we believe that this will serve as a catalyst for additional SAF-related activity across the UAE’s aviation sector and in the surrounding area. SAF is a safe, fully-certified drop-in fuel that may be used in place of conventional jet fuel at a ratio of up to 50% to provide aviation fuel with much lower lifecycle carbon emissions. It is also compatible with the current fleet of aircraft and airport infrastructure. In its purest form, SAF can cut lifecycle emissions from aviation fuel by as much as 80%.1 Emirates successfully performed the first demonstration flight in the area powered entirely by SAF earlier this year. On a Boeing 777 departing from Chicago, the airline’s first flight using SAF blended with jet fuel took occurred in 2017. The airline now flies flights from Paris, Lyon, and Oslo with blended SAF and has also elevated SAF for flights from Stockholm. In order to increase the production and delivery of SAF, Emirates participates in a variety of industry and UAE government working groups as well as regular stakeholder consultations. The airline has been an active participant in the development of the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap, which was launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and GCAA. Last year, the airline worked with the UAE GCAA to contribute to the development of the UAE’s Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, driven by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum. Source- Travel daily

With RateTiger, a preeminent supplier of hotel revenue management solutions, Cantonal Hotel by Warwick Riyadh has discovered a trustworthy and creative partner. For the past nine months, this brand-new 4-star international hotel has used RateTiger Channel Manager to effectively update rates and manage inventory across a variety of online sales channels, enabling smooth reservations into their PMS. Luxurious hideaway Cantonal Hotel by Warwick Riyadh is located in the center of the busy metropolis. It provides great service, large, stylish rooms, and a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking city views. This is the ideal location for a luxurious stay in Riyadh. By using RateTiger Channel Manager, this new premium hotel’s occupancy rate increased by more than 60%. This property has improved its visibility with RateTiger over the past nine months by utilizing 2-way XML communication with OTAs and specialist channels to drive more reservations. The Middle East’s travel and tourism industry has grown significantly, according to research by Knight Frank, and will contribute the most to global GDP in 2023—46.9%—of any area. The number of direct reservations for hotels in the area has increased as a result. With the help of RateTiger’s integrated technology solution, which gives the hotel all the tools necessary to manage reservations, rates, and inventory across all channels, including its direct brand website and OTA channels, Cantonal Hotel by Warwick Riyadh is well-positioned to meet this demand. “RateTiger Channel Manager’s capacity to assist us in managing real-time extranet availability, seamless PMS changes for online reservations, and the freedom to adjust prices in line with market demand in our online sales channels has continuously pleased us. This is made simple and keeps us adaptable by RateTiger. Additionally, it automates our availability and reservation system, saving us time so that we can concentrate on giving our guests a wonderful experience and effectively managing our hotel. We are overjoyed to report that with RateTiger, our occupancy growth has improved by 60%.Saqib Hussain, Revenue/Reservation Manager at the Cantonal Hotel by Warwick Riyadh, made the statement. “Team RateTiger, especially Swati and Ayman, have given us excellent, hands-on support and have assisted us in solving issues with the RateTiger solutions promptly. They provided us with efficient and interactive training on RateTiger solutions, which aided in our quick start. Our overall score for their service is 9.9. – Saqib summarized. Source- Travel daily

The 2023 edition of the world’s largest consumer research on accommodations, published by SiteMinder, the top open hotel commerce platform, finds that travelers from Asia and Latin America have the highest intentions to travel globally over the next 12 months. Travelers from India (78%), China (76%), Indonesia (65%), and Mexico (64%) all plan to travel more in the upcoming year compared to the global average of 57%. At 60% in India, 57% in Thailand, 53% in Indonesia, 47% in China, and 41% in Mexico, the percentage of travelers who plan to work during their next trip is likewise highest among those from Asia and Latin America. In the US, the percentages fall to 31%, while they average 25% in Europe and 22% in Australia. The results are contained in SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023, which is based on a study of more than 10,000 tourists from 12 of the biggest travel source markets in the world, including Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, UK, and the United States. They are among the four fundamental traits that underlie the travel intentions and driving forces that will affect the worldwide lodging market in the upcoming year. The intrepid traveler is dedicated to exploring regardless of the cost of living. The digitally reliant: Dependent on emerging technologies and tethered to gadgets Making memories by investing on experiences, such as attending a roaring ’20s revival The willing participant: a welcoming ally to the neighborhood and accommodations. One in two travelers, especially those from other countries, want to spend “most of the time” or “considerable time” at their accommodations on their next vacation. This trend can be seen throughout the world. At 81% in India, 77% in Thailand, 72% in Indonesia, and 62% in Mexico, this statistic is once again highest among visitors from Asia and Latin America; this finding may be related to the market’s preference for leisure travel. SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 reveals that digitalization is Asia and Latin America’s most significant area of leadership, above travel intent and leisure planning. While many tourists believe that if hotels were more tech-savvy, their booking experience and stay onsite would be improved, this perception is strongest in China and Thailand (95%), Indonesia (92%), India (91%) and Mexico (85%). Additionally, Asia and Latin America come in first place for: Influence of social media: Visitors from these two locations are most highly impacted by social media when choosing where to stay. While 70% of travelers worldwide claim that social media has an impact on how they find lodging options, that percentage jumps to 97% in Indonesia, 95% in Thailand, 92% in India, and 87% in Mexico. Only 46% of Britons and 42% of Germans agree, in comparison. At least 60% of tourists in the two regions report that they are likely to use AI to produce lodging recommendations. The percentage is highest in China at 88%, followed by Thailand at 86%. The percentage is only 24% and 23% in the UK and Germany, respectively. When given the option of communicating in person or using a gadget while staying at their accommodations, travelers in these two regions prefer doing so more than people anywhere else in the globe. At 51%, China is ranked first, followed by Indonesia at 46%. The percentage of visitors from France (19%) and Germany (18%) who choose this is the lowest. Trent Innes, chief growth officer of SiteMinder, says the study confirms the widespread use of smartphones in Asia and Latin America and emphasizes how urgent it is for lodging providers to adopt new technology. The strength of travel intentions across the board, but especially in the high-growth markets we studied — Asia and Latin America — should be encouraging to all enterprises in the lodging industry. The expectations for workspaces, and in particular, digitized experiences, come with that strong intent, adds Innes. Accommodation operators would do well to assess each touchpoint during their customers’ journeys, from the planning and booking phases through to experiencing and beyond, as these tourists’ numbers abroad increase. The modern traveler is reliant on technology, and this is truer in Asia and Latin America than everywhere else on earth. Therefore, it’s critical that lodging companies who want to draw visitors from these fast-growing areas be able to live up to those visitors’ expectations of a fully digitalized guest experience. Source- Travel daily  

The Ascott Limited, Australia (Ascott Australia) is pleased to announce the opening of Quest Geelong Central, its newest apartment hotel located in the center of the gateway city. Richard Marles, Australia’s deputy prime minister, performed the official ribbon-cutting. To take advantage of significant local investments in tourism, healthcare, and events, such as the $500 million Geelong women’s and children’s hospital that will be constructed on Barwon Health’s CBD site and the $294 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct on the waterfront, Ascott Australia has invested in a second property in Geelong. Ascott Australia’s dedication to supporting the continuing growth of the regional tourism industry, which is anticipated to reach $1.2 billion in value by 2025, is shown by Quest Geelong Central. The Greenfield Hotel has 87 roomy, independent apartments with fully functional kitchens. Franchise owners of Quest Geelong Central, from left to right Daniel and Jennifer Wilson, MDs of Ascott Australia David Mansfield, Richard Marles, the proprietors of the Quest Geelong Central franchise, and others Ky, Ben, Greg, and Shea Shea Modern studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments with balconies and views of Corio Bay are provided, along with accessible and pet-friendly accommodations, to offer each visitor a truly home away from home experience. Guests will enjoy cozy serviced apartments with access to amenities including a rooftop gym, business lounge, 40-person conference room, BBQ areas, and secure on-site parking as part of Pellicano’s $70 million mixed-use Pivot House development. James Shields, GM of Growth and Capital Strategy at Ascott Australia, claims that Quest Geelong Central is in a great location to draw both leisure and business travelers. In order to maximize revenues for Quest business owners and provide visitors with a seamless experience, Ascott continues to prioritize investments in strategically positioned sites and forging cooperative connections with reliable development partners like Pellicano, according to James. Given the developing Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre neighborhood and the rising local healthcare industry, Geelong has both appealing short-term and long-term demand drivers in place for a second Quest facility. The ninth collaborative development endeavor with Pellicano is Quest Geelong Central. Nando Pellicano, managing director of Pellicano, expressed his pride in the long-standing partnership with Quest. This newest property in Geelong, which is the fifth apartment hotel building we’ve kept in our portfolio, “reflects the ongoing success of our partnership with Quest. We’re happy to give Geelong this much-needed asset and we wish the Quest team the best of luck, said Nando. The launch of Quest Geelong Central in the area, according to Brendan Sanders, Acting Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, is yet another exciting development in the diversity of room stock in Geelong and The Bellarine and expansion of the local tourism industry more generally. Our region’s objective of being a regional hub for domestic and international tourism is strengthened by the addition of this internationally branded hotel to Geelong’s inventory of lodging. More guests will explore more of the region’s extraordinary experiences by staying longer thanks to the installation of the 87 self-contained flats. Greg O’Shea and Linda Murray, seasoned professionals in the hospitality sector, are the proprietors of Quest Geelong Central. Mark and Ky O’Shea and Daniel and Jennifer Wilson are also current Quest franchisees. Greg remarked, “Geelong was always my weekend getaway growing up in Camperdown. I adore the locals, the culture, and the sense of belonging. After 35 years in the hospitality industry, I’m honored to open Quest Geelong Central, especially as Quest marks 35 years of franchising. “I’m a proud Rotarian, and Quest appealed to my sense of civic duty. I want my visitors to think they are staying in a tiny town. Local companies are incredibly helpful, and we’re collaborating to improve the guest experience so they may live locally in Geelong to the extent they prefer. At the moment, there is a lot of investment and a wonderful vibe across the city. We’re in a strong position as Geelong continues to grow because of The Ascott Limited’s global renown and the respect and confidence business and leisure travelers have in the Quest brand. Due to approaching big events and concerts, booking inquiries are substantially greater than we anticipated for the summer. “I am aware that providing consistently high-caliber customer service is the key to fulfilling our mission of making visitor stays effortless. I can’t wait for our visitors to get to know our brilliant and devoted crew, who will help them discover the finest of Geelong. Source- Travel daily

The “The heart of HOKKAIDO” program has been launched by JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand. It offers JCB cardholders outside of Japan special offers on experiences and purchases at businesses in the popular tourist destination of Hokkaido. From October 1, 2023, until March 31, 2024, this promotion will be active. At certain Hokkaido businesses, JCB cardholders will find fantastic discounts and gift offers at this time. This program intends to promote not only shopping but also spending on distinctive experiences in Hokkaido, which is drawing an increasing number of tourists to Japan. It offers privileges at a variety of retailers in Hokkaido with JCB Cards. In addition, through encouraging visitor consumption and improving the travel experience for JCB cardholders, JCB intends to support the local communities. Because of our shared objective to support the growth of neighborhood communities and give tourists to Japan a truly Japanese experience, JCB and partner businesses have decided to establish this program jointly. JTB Corp. and Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd., which run the social media platform “FUN! JAPAN” and give information on Japanese culture, food, fashion, technology, and business, are also partners in this program. Through the exclusive “FUN! JAPAN” website, JCB cardholders can also take advantage of exclusive promotions. The website “The FUN! JAPAN Furusato Membership Program” is made to continually grow the number of fans of Hokkaido, including members who are devoted, frequent visitors to the area and who make e-commerce purchases of Hokkaido specialties from other countries. What Each Partner Does – JCB International Co., Ltd. runs the “The heart of HOKKAIDO” program, which offers exclusive deals and discounts at stores and eateries in the region’s main tourist areas. The company also advertises the program through its own media and advertisements, as well as through the JTB’s initiative to entice more JCB cardholders to visit Hokkaido. – JTB Corp.’s HOKKAIDO Branch brings together affiliated businesses and collaborates with regional travel and tourism organisations. – The Area Solution Business Division of JTB Corp. encourages the registration of goods that allow visitors to the area to have special experiences. – Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd. creates the community “The FUN! JAPAN Furusato Membership Program” and the campaign website. In order to improve the travel experience of JCB cardholders, the Japanese company provides services. For information about advantageous promotions and practical services in many languages, see “JCB Global”, the official YouTube channel, and the “JCB Special Offers” website (*). Source- Travel daily

With effect from October 1st of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reorganized five Deputy Governor posts. Conversation Kunjara Ayudhya Na Conversation Kunjara After serving as the Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Na Ayudhya has been named the Deputy Governor for International Marketing for Asia and the South Pacific. In his new position, Chattan will be in charge of marketing, promoting, and working with possible partners in Asia and the South Pacific to bring tourists from these regions to Thailand. Thereforeradee Chitchong Previously serving as the Deputy Governor for Administration, Somradee Chitchong has been named the Deputy Governor for Domestic Market. In her new position, Somradee will be in charge of organizing and implementing campaigns to promote domestic travel among Thais and foreigners. By Nithee Seeprae  Formerly serving as the Deputy Governor for Digitalization, Research, and Development, Nithee Seeprae has been named the Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications. To maintain Thailand’s favorable reputation as a top tourism destination, Mr. Nithee will now be responsible for the creation and implementation of innovative advertising and public relations campaigns across all media platforms. Chatchalermkit As of right now, Rujiras Chatchalermkit is the Deputy Governor for Administration. She had previously served as the department’s executive director for marketing services.       2.Tearaway Tape The job of Deputy Governor for Digitalization, Research, and Development has been given to Teerasil Tapen. Prior to this, he served as the region’s executive director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In his new position, Teerasil will be in charge of both the Research and Development Department and the Department of Digital and Information Technology. Three further Deputy Governors currently serving in those capacities are:  Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning: Numfhon Boonyawat. Since 2019 she has held this role. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for global marketing in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Since 2022, he has been in this role. Deputy Governor of Tourism Products and Business, Apichai Chatchalermkit. Since 2021, he has held this role.  Source- Travel daily

The environmental situation the world is in is getting more and more critical. Travel agencies and tourists alike have the ability to make a significant contribution to the preservation of the environment for future generations. Local communities can play a crucial role in easing the climate biodiversity issue by protecting their local environment and aiding in the regeneration of natural landscapes that have been negatively harmed by global warming. G Adventures is introducing its brand-new “Trees for Days” concept, bringing environmental preservation and community empowerment together to create significant change through travel and tourism. Since the small group adventure operator backdated the planting of trees for each day a traveler joined a tour starting on January 1, 2023, more than one million trees have already been planted. Soon, travelers will be able to continue making a difference by using their G Adventures account to buy trees anytime they travel, even after their G Adventures trip has ended. As of right now, one tree will be grown in each traveler’s honor for each day they spend on a G Adventures tour, reducing carbon emissions and bolstering support for 17 local communities throughout the globe. The areas where trees are being planted have either recently or severely suffered from deforestation brought on by climate change. The travel industry may contribute to environmental protection and open up new revenue opportunities for locals by encouraging the growth of sustainable tourism businesses in these regions. Most frequently, this will benefit and empower marginalized Indigenous populations, women, and young people. It is anticipated that more than 1.5 million trees will be planted annually through collaboration with G Adventures’ non-profit partner Planeterra, which transforms lives through community tourism, and Reforest, which actively promotes tree planting and forest conservation activities worldwide. The number of trees that have grown and where their roots have been planted may both be tracked by travelers by logging into their G Adventures accounts. The goal of the Trees for Days project, according to G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, is to increase the positive influence that travelers make while on G Adventures trips while also aiding communities that are suffering from the effects of climate change. “Supporting local communities is ingrained in our DNA as the founders of community tourism. I’m excited to announce our Trees for Days program in collaboration with Planeterra and Reforest given the pressing need to save our world. The community-based tree planting projects have been sourced in large part by our nonprofit partner Planeterra, and Reforest, in which we made an investment last year, is providing the digital platform. When they travel, our customers care about making a difference, and they can do that by choosing a tour with G Adventures. Together, we will talk about how community tourism may benefit local communities via reforestation and other good local effects, which will help the earth recover. The Trees for Days project, according to Jamie Sweeting, president of Planeterra, is a win-win situation for all parties. “Planting trees helps conserve biodiversity by providing essential habitats, food, and shelter for species, as well as by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and promoting healthier landscapes and ecosystems including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Additionally, promoting the development of local settings makes them more resistant to catastrophic weather events, protecting and even fostering the growth of local people and their sources of income, particularly in rural areas. A reduction in the consequences of excessive heat is another benefit of more trees, according to Sweeting. The Trees for Days program is a great example of a corporate reforestation program, according to Daniel Walsh, founder of Reforest, who also noted that it will provide customers with a very engaging and tailored way to connect with that impact in addition to doing some real good for the environment, nature, and local communities. The ability to feel ownership of the trees planted for them is a crucial benefit of this program, according to Walsh. “Travelers increasingly want to feel like they are leaving a positive footprint,” she says. The following are the 17 projects that the Trees for Days program is funding: Argentine organization Acción Andina Bolivia’s Acción Andina Bolivia Peru’s Acción Andina Sri Lanka’s Ambadandegama Reforestation Initiative Madagascar’s Ankilahila 1 ReforestationKenyan landscape restoration on Mount Kenya Nepal’s Indrawati Reforestation Growing of Argan and Caper Trees in Morocco Tanzanian reforestation on Mount Kilimanjaro Honduras’ La Tigra Agroforestry Nepal’s Mahelmudi Reforestation El Khair Women’s Coop’s Maskarat Nursery Uganda’s Nakaseke Community Reforestation Madagascar’s Soa Zara Reforestation Kenyan reforestation in the Tana Delta Thailand (Thailand) Reforestation Mozambique’s Zalala Titi Reforestation Source- Travel daily

The new midscale brand that encourages conversions has been created for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The opening of the midscale Four Points Express by Sheraton was announced by Marriott International, Inc. This new brand was created in response to the growing demand for trustworthy yet inexpensive lodging in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The announcement follows the company’s recent entry into the affordable midscale market with City Express by Marriott in the Caribbean and Latin America and the announcement of its plans for StudioRes in the United States and Canada. Both moves are consistent with the company’s strategy of meeting the needs of guests with regionally relevant lodging products for every stay purpose. With concepts of dependability, simplicity, and value in both the design and guest experience, Four Points Express by Sheraton will provide value-conscious customers with a seamless hotel experience in an accessible location. “We’re excited to support Four Points Express by Sheraton’s launch and the midscale growth of Marriott International. According to Satya Anand, President of Marriott International’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, “this new brand has been thoughtfully researched, designed, and localized to deliver midscale travelers the fundamentals of a stay that meets every trip purpose at the right price point.” “Midscale is a robust market sector that now accounts for about 1.2 million rooms in EMEA, 68% of which are unbranded. With an affordable conversion opportunity, attractive terms, and a light operational design model, Four Points Express will give hotel owners the chance to benefit from Marriott International’s potent distribution infrastructure and award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. The genuine, welcoming service that is characteristic of Marriott International brands will be offered to guests at Four Points Express. Midscale travelers prioritize features that make both business and pleasure trips simple. They are practical planners. By offering breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and clean, pleasant rooms, the brand will place a high value on these essentials and provide guests with an effective and enjoyable experience at a reasonable cost. The Four Points Express hotels will feature distinctive architectural features that add personality and a distinctive, regional flair. The brand has been customized to cater to the needs of the guests, and the effective cost model is meant to give owners an efficient pricing plan and support Marriott International’s substantial growth. For future Four Points Express hotels in countries including Poland, Belgium, and the UK, the company has already inked letters of intent and three transactions spanning the UK and Turkey. Source- Travel daily