Starfish Travel Corporation Team

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Red Sea Global (RSG) have formed a new, comprehensive, and long-term strategic partnership to develop and expand Saudi Arabia’s quickly expanding tourism industry and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as one of the most sought-after travel and investment destinations in the world. The Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), which was signed by John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, and Amr AlMadani, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and expansion of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry by enabling each project to transfer knowledge, expertise, best practices, creative ideas, and solutions as they advance toward their common goal of fulfilling the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aspirations. The ongoing regeneration of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region and AlUla share many characteristics as two of the most ambitious tourism projects in the world and are only 350 kilometers apart. Both projects face and overcome various distinct challenges as they advance with comprehensive development strategies. The new alliance, which will operate on a national and international level, will support the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification by enabling each location to realize its full potential while gaining favor with both stakeholders and local communities. RSG is leading a new model of regeneration that is helping to reimagine the sustainable luxury tourism industry by fusing the vast coastal area’s rich environmental biodiversity and cultural heritage with unmatched amenities and hospitality services. RSG is the core developer of Saudi Arabia’s stunning Red Sea region. AlUla is one of the most diversified and engaging travel destinations in the globe, accepting visitors from all over the world. It is now recognized as a must-visit location for tourists looking for luxury accommodations and unique cultural activities amidst breathtaking natural scenery. For the scope, ambition, and success of their efforts to position the Kingdom as a hotspot for tourism and a vibrant hub for economic development, RCU and RSG have both attracted the attention of the globe. Exciting developments will result from the opportunities provided by this new MoC in fields like sustainability, destination marketing, heritage & archaeology, art & culture, economic development, community engagement, education & learning development, green mobility, construction management, and sports. “National partnerships are a vital pillar of our strategy,” said Amr AlMadani, CEO of RCU. “The Memorandum of Collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla and our partners at Red Sea Global represents a new wave of multi-level cooperation across diverse areas of investment, all of which are aligned with the common goal of super-charging Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism sector.” “RCU and Red Sea Global share many similarities, but our mutual commitment to bringing our aspirations to fruition is most obvious. We look forward to collaborating on creative regeneration projects that result in lastingly beneficial social and economic benefits. John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, stated: “As a custodian of some of Saudi Arabia’s most important areas of natural beauty, environmental significance, and dynamic community life, we are determined to leading a new model of development that prioritizes people and nature. Our partnership will promote innovation in how we create destinations and infrastructure and, moreover, how we do so sustainably, as RCU shares our environmental aspirations and social principles. Together, we have the power to propel the Kingdom forward in a way never before possible and to upend conventional wisdom in the fields of sustainability and tourism, ” Pagano continued.Source- Travel daily

Wizz Air, Europe’s and the world’s most environmentally friendly airline*, has chosen Disrupt to increase brand recognition and trust among younger travelers through artist partnerships. The prestigious agency’s newest high-profile client is Wizz Air. The London-based Disrupt is assembling a powerful, hand-picked roster of brand-authentic innovators who will speak to a diverse millennial audience of budget-conscious, risk-taking, and fearless travelers across a spectrum of travel industries. Disrupt will also use AI-driven sentiment research to track brand uplift as part of this effort. Thanks to the 185 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft that make up Wizz Air’s growing fleet, travel limitations imposed by the epidemic are no longer an issue. “Our Wizz Air campaign is taxiing for take-off and we’re about to put the airline on the tip of everyone’s tongues, as well as on their travel documents,” said Stevie Johnson, managing director of Disrupt and former Made in Chelsea star. “Wizz wants its clients to experience life to the fullest, especially young travelers. With an ever-growing list of destinations from airports in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, Wizz Air is an airline that is upending the travel industry. Disrupt is here to support Wizz Air’s growth while fostering greater confidence in the dependable, ultra-cheap airline that will ensure that young people travel more. Disrupt’s Wizz Air influencer marketing plan will target budget-conscious, intrepid millennials who are eager to discover secret treasures. In 2022, Wizz Air carried 45 million passengers. The organization has recently been recognized as one of the top ten safest airlines in the world by airlineratings.com, the only safety and product rating organization in the world, and will be named Airline of the Year by Air Transport World (ATW) in 2020. The most coveted award an airline or person can win, the Air Transport Awards recognize people and organizations that have distinguished themselves through exceptional performance, innovation, and exemplary service. Wizz was named Airline of the Year in 2019 and 2023. Additionally, Wizz Air has been recognized as “Global Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year”* by the CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2022 and “Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline” in the World Finance Sustainability Awards 2022. “We chose Disrupt because their team was full of campaign ideas that we believe will resonate with our budget-conscious, environmentally conscious, young passengers,” said Fruzsina Polácska, marketing manager at Wizz Air.We are confident that Wizz’s content with Disrupt will help us reach and inform new audiences about the opportunities available to adventurous young travelers by increasing brand clarity and driving attention. Wizz Air has hubs at Gatwick and Luton airports in the UK, as well as in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Liverpool. The airline employs 8,000 people across more than 50 nations, and it offers over 200 destinations worldwide on more than 950 routes. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/disrupt-wins-with-wizz-air/

Emirates says it has expanded its codeshare agreement with United significantly to add nine destinations in Mexico. In addition to Mexico City, which the airline also serves, Emirates customers will now have access to eight additional locations nationwide. Mexico is the first nation outside of the US to be included to the wide codeshare network between Emirates and United, which already includes a number of US destinations. Customers may benefit from flexibility, choice, and seamless connections thanks to the codeshare relationship, which enables Emirates travelers traveling to one of two US cities—Chicago or Houston—to continue on to interesting leisure locations in Mexico. Cancun, Cozumel, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, San Jose Del Cabo, Leon/Guanajuato, and Queretaro are among the new Mexican locations. Additionally, the codeshare agreement offers more flexibility with regard to flight schedules, providing Emirates customers flying to Mexico City a wider range of route alternatives. Depending on their travel intentions, customers can choose between booking separate codeshare flights to Mexico City or using Emirates’ daily services from Dubai with a stop in Barcelona. Customers travelling from the nine sites in Mexico may now access destinations on the airline’s network via Chicago or Houston thanks to the extension of the codeshare network. For travel beginning on September 14, tickets are now available on emirates.com and through preferred travel suppliers to codeshare destinations in Mexico. clients from the Middle East, India, and South Africa, to name a few, are expected to be particularly fond of the recently enlarged network of Mexican destinations currently offered to Emirates clients. India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and a few locations in South East Asia are among the most popular international travel destinations for passengers departing from sites in Mexico. With the addition of the new points to Mexico, the expanded codeshare network now has 134 destinations that are reachable from United’s gateways in the US. Additionally, customers can choose from almost 100 additional points on an interline basis throughout the US, Canada, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. On its flagship A380 aircraft, Emirates operates daily flights to Houston. Emirates just added Premium Economy to its lineup of Houston-bound flights. The largest international airline in the world also runs seven weekly flights between Chicago and Dubai using its Boeing 777 widebody aircraft, allowing passengers to easily organize their travel plans to distant locations. On Emirates flights, passengers with itineraries can book their entire journey on a single ticket, benefiting from hassle-free flight features including the airline’s baggage allowance and easy bag check-through to the destination. Additionally, when booking codeshare flights, users of Emirates’ frequent flyer program, Emirates Skywards, may look forward to accruing and redeeming miles on flights operated by both airlines. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/emirates-and-united-expand-codeshare-partnership-to-include-flights-to-and-from-mexico/

To ensure smooth passage for passengers, Hamad International Airport (DOH) has introduced Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks in collaboration with Atos and Royal Schiphol Group. The kiosks will facilitate information access, aid with navigation, and support travelers by making live video calls to customer service representatives. Suhail Kadri, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Hamad International Airport, commented on the enhanced traveler experience by saying: “The new Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks are part of our overarching digital plan to transform traveler experiences. We are dedicated to utilizing cutting-edge technology and creative ideas, and we are collaborating with Atos and the Royal Schiphol Group to provide all travelers using and arriving at Hamad International Airport with the smoothest possible airport experience. “We are proud to have successfully delivered this solution at Hamad International Airport to improve the digital passenger experience and to manage passenger flow more effectively, especially during the airport’s critical peak periods,” said Marc Veelenturf, CEO of Middle East and Turkey at Atos. The kiosks have a navigational airport map and are multilingual with 20 language choices. They offer information on flights, airport amenities, shopping and dining options, and passenger events taking place at the airport. As part of its commitment to being the industry leader, setting the standard for the airport industry, and going beyond conventional solutions, Hamad International Airport will continue to add new and strong partnerships to its portfolio with the aim of introducing innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies, in order to deliver an incredibly memorable passenger experience for all travelers.Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/hamad-international-airport-partners-with-atos-and-royal-schiphol-group-to-implement-digital-passenger-assistance-kiosks/

Four different mobile wallets are now recognized in the Philippines, according to Ant Group, the company that runs Alipay+, a global cross-border digital payment and marketing service. These include Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), and Alipay (Chinese mainland), which has been welcomed by Filipino retailers since 2017. As digital payment methods like mobile wallets become the standard for everyday transactions, this enables travelers from these locations to enjoy a cashless experience using merely their home mobile wallets to make payment. With travelers returning to the Philippines, Alipay+ has announced the adoption of three new mobile wallets. More than 3 million tourists visited the Philippines between January 1 and July 19, 2023, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT), indicating a persistently strong recovery. The DOT also revealed that from January 1 to June 30, 2023, inbound tourism receipts will be more than 500% greater than they were during the same time period in 2018. The majority of foreign visitors to the Philippines are from South Korea, but Malaysia is among the top 10. Businesses in Manila and Cebu, the two most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines prior to the 2019 pandemic, currently accept Alipay+. Comparing the first half of 2023 to the same time in 2018, Mactan-Cebu International Airport showed a 219% increase in passenger traffic. The airport has integrated Alipay+ across 90% of its shops in order to meet the growing demands of digital-first travelers, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a digitally improved cashless experience from the time they arrive in Cebu. “At MCIA, we have always placed the utmost importance on providing convenience and ease of travel through seamless processes and world-class services and amenities,” stated Athanasios Titonis, Aboitiz InfraCapital Chief Executive Officer assigned to MCIA. When using MCIA, our passengers now have additional convenient payment alternatives thanks to the integration of Alipay+. With approximately 11 million people passing through it each year, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is the second busiest airport in the Philippines and the second largest airport overall. The MCIA intends to establish itself as the primary tourism gateway of the nation with unique travel experiences, linking the world to the Philippines with its advantageous position and top-notch facilities. The Airports Council International has accredited MCIA as the first and only airport in the Philippines to date in the category of Airport Customer Experience (ACX). Dr. Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services at Ant Group, offered the following statement in response to this new development: “Philippines and its numerous islands, such as Cebu, have long been a favorite travel destination for Asian travelers, and we look forward to collaborating with our local partners to improve their travel experience. In particular, we think that the way travelers interact with travel-related businesses—from airports and hotels to F&B and retail stores—will be shaped by digital adoption and solutions. Our current priority is to collaborate with more partners to sign up more local small businesses for Alipay+ in the Philippines while also promoting digital travel and travel recovery. Through a one-time integration and straightforward technical adaptation, Alipay+, which was introduced by Ant Group in 2020, seeks to enable local enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized ones, to process a wide range of mobile payment methods and reach more than 1.4 billion regional and global consumers. Along with the Philippines, Alipay+ is extensively accepted in a number of other countries and regions, including the Chinese mainland, Macao SAR, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

Avolon has formally placed an order with Airbus for 20 brand-new A330neo airplanes. A letter of intent struck at the Paris Airshow in June is formalized by the order. Delivery of the new aircraft is anticipated to take place between 2025 and 2028. After placing its entire current orderbook, Avolon, which served as the A330neo program’s launch client in 2014, is benefiting from robust customer demand for additional widebody aircraft. Airlines are exploring options to upgrade to the A330neo aircraft, which has a greater range of about 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles), 25% reduced fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. There are currently around 1,400 A330ceo aircraft in operation. In accordance with the agreement with Airbus, 50 of the A320neo aircraft that Avolon has ordered from Airbus will be upgraded to the larger A321neo variant. “We see a high level of widebody demand within the delivery window for these aircraft,” said Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon. These new aircraft will assist our future expansion objectives and enable us to offer options for carriers wishing to switch from older A330ceo aircraft to the more fuel-efficient A330neo due to our already established widebody pipeline. The order strengthens our strong partnership with Airbus as the A330neo’s launch client and our status as the industry’s top lessor. “It’s fantastic to see Avolon once again commit additional investment in the A330neo aircraft and lead the lessor market reordering widebody aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus. With this dedication for the addition of 20 more aircraft to its portfolio, Avolon’s vision and timing could not be more ideal. The strong wave of growth and replacements that we are currently observing across all markets will benefit Avolon, and we are happy to continue working with them. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/avalon-finalises-order-with-airbus-for-20-a330neo-aircraft/

In order to assist passengers learn more about each place they visit, including Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, Norwegian Cruise Line, a pioneer in international cruise travel, has announced six new immersive shore excursion categories. Norwegian Cruise Line’s President, David Herrera, stated: “We are committed to delivering unmatched experiences across our fleet and the more than 400 destinations we visit.” Travelers want more immersive vacations, from lengthier itineraries to more authentic experiences, so we’ve built a variety of fresh on-shore options in collaboration with our destination partners to give our visitors really remarkable experiences. “We are dedicated to provide unmatched experiences at every one of our fleet’s nearly 400 destinations. In response to the need for more immersive vacations, which range from lengthier itineraries to more genuine experiences, we have developed a collection of fresh on-shore options with our destination partners that are intended to give our visitors lifelong memories. The fresh categories consist of: Beyond Blueprints is a collection of 15 custom tours that delves into the histories and design inspirations behind some of Europe’s most recognizable structures, such as those in Barcelona, Lisbon, Belfast, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Helsinki. Examples comprise: Marseille, France’s MUCEM and La Villa MediterranéeBelfast, Northern Ireland’s Titanic Belfast and Victoria SquareGlasgow (Greenock), Scotland’s Riverside Museum and Glasgow Science Museum Gourmet Tours: Created for the gastronomically inclined tourist, this collection of adventures takes visitors behind the scenes to learn the secrets of regional cuisine in some of Europe’s most famous culinary locations. Through real eating at a family-run homestead, cooking workshops taught by a local craftsman, and other experiences, guests will taste their way from port to port. Following are some instances of shore excursions that provide a genuine experience of travel: Italy’s Palermo (Sicily) has a Sicilian luncheon and the Castello di Siza.A Cultural and Gastronomic Experience in Olympia, GreeceSpanish city of Barcelona offers a seasonal culinary experienceGoing Local Visitors will learn about the routine rhythms and practices of life in places as various as Europe, Asia, South America, and South Africa. These excursions are created to provide real cultural encounters that allow visitors to interact meaningfully and enduringly with locals while showcasing how the locals live, work, eat, and play: A Day at the Farm in Turkey’s KusadasiLisbon Soul, a Portuguese cityItaly’s Florence/Pisa (Livorno): Discover Florence Like a Local Let’s Take a Selfie: These excursions, which are already very well-liked, provide the best scenery for travel images across the world. A skilled guide will give the ideal perspectives and most gorgeous locations to capture priceless moments: Greek Islands Santorini US Virgin Islands St. ThomasColombia’s Cartagena de IndiasSmall Group trips: With a maximum of 16 travelers per group, these trips offer a closer look at some of the most well-liked NCL excursions accessible in picturesque locations including Italy, Greece, and Spain. Call NCL to make a reservation for small group tours. Examples comprise: Spain’s captivating MalagaItalian Sardinia’s Cagliari has many highlights.Best of the Greek Islands’ CorfuCreate Your Day: From private wine tastings to a five-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, these custom experiences are selected for each traveler. The NCL shore excursion crew can organize anything that visitors might imagine. You can reserve a Design Your Day experience by contacting NCL. Source- Travel daily

One of the purest pleasures known to humankind is the rejuvenating, joyful combination of the sun, sea, and sand found in nature. The Beach Clubs at Aman resorts showcase every facet of this combination while offering the best dining and leisure options along some of the world’s most stunning stretches of coastline. Aman Beach Clubs provide a relaxed and secluded environment with the sensation of the sun on the skin and sand underfoot, acting as a tranquil cure to the hectic pace of modern living. Whether on the idyllic beaches of the Peloponnese at Amanzoe, the protected coves of the Turks and Caicos at Amanyara, or the tropical coastlines of Pamalican Island at Amanpulo, each Aman Beach Club is a distinctive representation of its surroundings. Each of these exquisitely crafted buildings serves as more than just a venue for restaurants, lounging decks, and watersports; rather, it serves as a platform for the coastal way of life of the place it represents. Many have large swimming pools that are only a few steps from the sand, while others feature hidden beachfront bungalows, chic bars, or sea view spas. Some offer surfing instruction at the best breakers in the area, while others provide guided snorkeling excursions and turtle-tagging programs on world-class reefs. In addition to magnificent views and sunset spots for romantic private meals, cool sundowners, or joyful beach barbecues, Aman is always available. Aman Wellness also contributes, with a number of Beach Clubs conducting early morning yoga classes and other movement programs on the sand. Aman Boutiques provide exclusive Aman Essentials swim and beachwear. Beach in Amanyara, Turks and Caicos Turks & Caicos Islands: AmanyaraProvidenciales Island in Turks and Caicos is a favourite destination for beach lovers due to its famed powder white sand and clear blue ocean. Amanyara, located on the calm northwest coast, has a Beach Club and a Nature Discovery Center that allow guests to fully experience the resort’s pristine coastal and marine environment. The 1,000-meter-long beach of the resort is visible from the restaurant and cocktail bar of the Beach Club, which also offers expansive ocean views. Long lunches in the sun are made possible by the restaurant’s extensive menu, which includes everything from fresh sushi and salads to Latin American and Mediterranean dishes. The Beach Club frequently hosts cooking workshops, huge private events, beach barbecues, and a famed New Year’s party with international stars as the entertainment. Along with a daily guided snorkeling tour to a nearby coral head, a variety of free water sports equipment is also available, including Hobie Cats, SUPs, ocean kayaks, and Seabobs. Amanyara’s Nature Discovery Center explains the island’s varied ecosystems to younger visitors. Daily programs are held here, including activities like GoPro photography, mangrove safaris, scavenger hunts, birding, and more focusing on the discovery and preservation of indigenous animals. Vietnam’s Amanoi Amanoi, a beachfront city on Vietnam’s isolated southern coast, embraces nature from its location between Nui Chua National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Beach Club is situated on Vinh Hy Bay’s sandy white beach, which is regarded as one of the most scenic in the nation, and is surrounded by stunning granite cliffs. A location built to take advantage of the sea views, a roomy restaurant that specializes in superb Vietnamese cuisine and seafood feasts. Enjoy sunrise yoga sessions on the neighboring deck or strenuous beach bootcamp sessions in the sand while you lie on one of the sun loungers that border the stunning swimming pool, its curves echoing the seaside just meters away. Private dining on the beach in Amanwella, Sri Lanka. The bay’s clear waters are perfect for exploring, both on the rocky shore and underwater, where colorful coral and schools of tropical fish may be found. Hobie Cats give sea adventure to experienced sailors and amateurs alike, while guided kayaking tours and snorkeling cruises explore surrounding rock formations and species of coral. Hobie Cats provide a comprehensive range of watersports equipment. Boat travelers wishing a more private getaway can make their way to the Twilight Cliff Lounge to watch the sun set over Amanoi’s sloping roofs. Greece’s Amanzoe Amanzoe’s private beach, which is a short drive or leisurely bike ride from the resort and is backed by a stunning Beach Club open from dawn to sunset, stretches over a protected cove with sparkling blue waves. A network of broad marble decks flows between the four swimming pools, two of which are 25-meter lap pools and the other is a heated children’s pool, all of which are surrounded by sun loungers. Eat in the restaurant serving regional seafood, pizzas, and salads, or take a break in the bar for a freshly squeezed juice or unique cocktail. A variety of family-friendly beach activities keep kids of all ages busy, and adults may engage in watersports like windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Beach Club Amanera Amanzoe’s four Beach Cabanas have direct access to the beach in addition to a spa area and a small gym. This large room type offers all the conveniences of a Pavilion with a bedroom, bathroom, and dressing area, as well as indoor-outdoor living with a terrace, a 200-square-meter garden, and a private pool overlooking the sea. It is located right on the beach. Source- Travel daily

One of the biggest travel management businesses in the world, FCM Travel, has quadrupled the size of its team to support its operations in Guangzhou and opened a new office in China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA). FCM began operations in Guangzhou in 2004 and will celebrate 20 years in China the following year. “GBA is economically and strategically significant for our business in China since the region has seen growth of more than 200%, which demonstrates the market’s potential. According to Calvin Xie, General Manager of FCM China, “this expansion serves as an extension to support our customers in Hong Kong as well as to achieve further synergy within GBA.” According to the Q2-2023 study from FCM Consulting, “the demand for business travel, meetings, and events remains strong despite high airfares and hotel room rates.” “We’ve seen a rebound in domestic business travel, which indicates prospects in the nation. Today’s demand for domestic air travel is only 1% less than it was in 2019. Business travel is a major factor, and China’s reopening has sparked an increase in international travel. “To strengthen the brand’s position in the Chinese market, FCM has made a number of key investments in China. This includes the debut of an exclusive travel management system, FCM Platform, developed especially for China and providing our clients with access to cutting-edge technology. Our seasoned travel advisers speak both Mandarin and Cantonese, which helps them interact with consumers effectively and maintains our top service, noted Xie. During FY23, Flight Centre Travel Group (ASX:FLT) saw a significant profit turnaround. The diversified international travel company produced underlying EBITDA of AUD$301.6 million for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023, a nearly AUD$485 million improvement over the underlying loss of AUD$183.1 million in FY22. The corporate travel segment of FLT continued to outperform, handily outpacing the recovery of the larger market and generating record TTV in FY 23. The AUD$11 billion FY23 result reflected a 96% year-over-year gain (FY22: AUD$5.6 billion) and an increase of about 25% over the previous TTV record (FY19: AUD$8.9 billion). Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/fcm-travel-expands-presence-in-chinas-greater-bay-area/