Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List by Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and sixth UNESCO World Heritage site is Uruq Bani Ma‘arid Reserve. The 12,750-square-kilometer Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve, which is situated at the western side of ar-Rub al-Khali (The Empty Quarter), is home to more than 120 plant species and 526 animal species, including endangered ones. It is a mainly undisturbed desert ecosystem. The reserve offers renowned desert creatures like gazelles and the Arabian Oryx their natural habitats. Since 1996, Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve has been protected by Royal Decree, and its inclusion as a Natural Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List emphasizes the value of protecting natural heritage. A three-year management plan to convert the property from a protected site to a World Heritage site began in 2021 and was sponsored by the Saudi Government. The property is being managed by around 140 employees and has a ten-year plan in place to preserve its long-term integrity. The land is divided into four usage zones: general use (less than 0.5%), wilderness (54%), sustainable resource use (44%), and nature-culture ecotourism (2%). “The designation of Uruq Bani Ma‘arid Reserve as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site is a testament to Saudi’s dedication to preserving our ecosystems and championing our natural heritage,” stated Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia Pacific Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The aim is to attain equilibrium between preservation and sustainable growth, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Six further Saudi Arabian locations have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their exceptional universal value and cultural significance: Cultural Area of Ḥimā (2021) The Ḥimā Cultural Area in southwest Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most important ancient desert wells in the Middle East, some of which are 3,000 years old and still operational, as well as potentially over 100,000 petroglyphs—prehistoric rock carvings—and rock inscriptions in a variety of scripts, including Arabic, Thamudic, Arabic-Nabatean, South-Arabian, and Greek. These have a 7,000-year history.  The amazing markings, which have been preserved, offer a visual history of the region that was previously traversed by ancient armies and caravans. Oasis Al-Ahsa (2018) The world’s largest oasis is called Al-Ahsa Oasis. Situated in the eastern region of the Arabian Peninsula, the area boasts of springs, a system of canals, over 2.5 million palm trees, gardens, historical structures, and archaeological monuments that provide insight into the region’s cultural traditions and human settlement history. The Hail Region’s Rock Art (2015) Near the city of Hail, there are some well-preserved rock inscriptions and examples of rock art at Jabal Umm Sinman at Jubbah, Jabal Al-Manjor, and Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis. These etchings, which were made by hand with stone hammers, show both human and animal representations from the desert, documenting 10,000 years of life in the region where a lake had existed and the effects of environmental difficulties on the prehistoric people. Source- Travel daily

Every couple’s first post-wedding vacation is unique. The Residence Mauritius is a picturesque seaside hideaway that combines solitude, elegance, and real island experiences to provide couples with an unforgettable honeymoon. It is the perfect getaway for couples after the wedding bustle, as Indian people can enter the country without a visa. Honoring the Numerous Memories of Life Nestled against the blue Indian Ocean, The Residence Mauritius is situated on a mile-long beach with immaculate white sand. This is a great place for couples to take a stroll. As they unwind in its expansive grounds and enjoy tropical fruits, they can think back on their wedding day and look forward to a bright future. The property’s small alcoves make ideal backdrops for intimate moments spent with one another. Every Second Splendid The resort’s expansive oceanfront or garden view suites, featuring earthy décor and rich facilities, are designed with European influences. This is just what couples want after lavish wedding celebrations. The personnel at the resort takes care of all their needs from the moment they arrive. The pair will enjoy a number of relaxed dinners amid gorgeous scenery and the calming sound of the waves, making for a tranquil stay. Delectable Culinary Adventures The resort staff organizes romantic dinners by the beach or under the stars while the chefs work their culinary magic. The Plantation restaurant, which is housed in a planter’s home, offers a lovely beachside ambiance as well as traditional island cuisine prepared using creative techniques. Try this: rich shellfish such as palm heart with lobster, served with mango salsa and delicious crème brûlée with litchi. In addition, the menu features a delicious blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and European flavors that are made using regional ingredients and accentuated with unique, native spices. The Verandah overlooking the pool serves light lunches and fresh ice cream. Couples can attend private cooking classes where experts impart knowledge on regional spices, flavors, and Creole cooking techniques. A delicious multi-course meal featuring the renowned Creole Cari Poule (chicken curry) rounds out the trip. It’s Time to Unplug and Adjust The Sanctuary Spa, which is influenced by Zen philosophy, provides couples with customized programs that let them choose from a variety of trademark treatments and Ayurvedic therapies. The Grand Bleu outdoor massage is highly recommended; it’s a careful treatment that’s delivered in a cabana with a view of the Indian Ocean, soft sea breezes, and the sound of birds chirping. A Day Among the Sounds, Sights, & Spices of Mauritius The couples can go out on an adventure to discover a variety of scenery and friendly inhabitants. Naturalists can embark on a dolphin-watching cruise or snorkel or scuba dive into the colorful underwater environment. Honeymooners can make lifelong memories with a leisurely round of golf, a gorgeous drive down the southern coast, a hiking trip, or cultural explorations. A full-day tour including stops to Sancho Island, Chamarel, Riviere des Galets Beach, Black River Gorges, Gris Gris, and Vanilla Nature Park can be planned by the concierge. After spending the day exploring vibrant morning markets and choosing the freshest ingredients for your dish, you may enjoy a typical Mauritian dinner prepared by a local host. Source- Travel daily

Online Travel Training has contacted insolvency experts to conduct the process and has stopped operating. OTT gave several suppliers access to trade training materials. OTT offers training materials to the travel industry, conducting courses for airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel destinations, among other organizations. OTT designed custom courses for companies like Melia Hotels, United Airlines, Emirates, and Riviera Travel. The news was confirmed by an automatic answer sent from Julia Feuell’s managing director email account. The answer, which stated that business rescue and insolvency experts McTear Williams & Wood were in the process of being engaged “to wind up the company,” said, “It is with deep regret that OTT has ceased trading.” The message also stated that anyone with questions can email Luke Carless at lukecarless@mw-w.com at McTear Williams and Wood. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/ott-ceases-trading/

The Travel Association, or ABTA, has released updated guidelines for its members that include advice on avoiding greenwashing and a summary of the legal framework that companies must adhere to when marketing and promoting their environmental credentials. The guidelines, “Sustainability and Green Claims – marketing and advertising law,” examine the strategies used by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which released its Green Claims Code in 2021, and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for companies that promote and publicize the environmental advantages of their travel-related services and goods. It also describes how creating false, incomplete, or misleading environmental claims is subject to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which are enforced by Trading Standards and the CMA. The language used in marketing and advertising communications as well as their overall visual appearance are receiving special attention from the regulators.  Businesses should also be able to provide proof for any statements they make about their environmental impact. “ABTA members are doing a lot of great work to address some of the environmental and socio-economic challenges around travel and tourism and want to communicate this to their customers,” stated Meera Tharmarajah, Solicitor at ABTA. To avoid unintentionally breaking any applicable laws or regulations, it’s crucial that members understand the legal framework around green claims. We have created this new guidance for this reason. We want participants to be able to articulate their activities and results with assurance. The Travel Regulations conference by ABTA is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14. The conference will focus on the legal framework around green claims made by travel operators, as well as their ESG requirements. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/abta-releases-new-guidance-for-members-on-greenwashing-and-environmental-claims/

Saudi Arabia introduces THE RED SEA, a cutting-edge premium travel destination for discriminating tourists. Powered by solar energy, THE RED SEA is a stunning sanctuary of world-class resorts for those who value opulent luxury, exclusivity, and one-of-a-kind experiences in an environment of amazing beauty. It was created by award-winning architects and run by top hospitality brands. According to Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia Pacific Markets of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), “THE RED SEA offers exquisitely designed luxury in a destination that is unlike any other due to its diverse geographic location.” THE RED SEA is home to 200 km of immaculate coastline, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world, breathtaking mountain views, and dormant volcanoes. It is a location rich in natural wonders as well as historical and cultural landmarks, thrilling desert adventures, and water sports. THE RED SEA is also leading the way in regenerative tourism, which aims to improve the economy, society, and environment by going beyond sustainability. THE RED SEA is the ideal destination in many ways. The Red Sea, an 8-hour trip from East Asia, is a unique collection of low-rise luxury resorts situated on a lovely archipelago of 90 islands covering 28,000 square kilometers. It is situated on the west coast, approximately 500 miles north of Jeddah. One of the planet’s few remaining healthy coral reef ecosystems encircles THE RED SEA. More than 300 different varieties of coral and 280 different species of fish can be found in its lagoon. THE RED SEA has a separate airport to better meet the demands of affluent travelers. Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has the capability to send luggage straight to the resorts, saving guests from having to go through the standard procedures associated with airport baggage claim. The domestic terminal, which operates flights from Riyadh and Jeddah, opened in September 2023. With any luck, RSI will be finished by 2025. The Red Sea Will Open in Phases Shura Island (Hub Island) is home to eleven resorts and is a naturally occurring dolphin-shaped hub with a number of lagoons, a marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, and areas for shopping and entertainment.There are two resorts on the Ummahat Islands: the 90-key St Regis Red Sea Resort and the 82-key Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve (both are already open). One Sheybarah Island resort In one of Desert Rock’s inland resortsSix Senses is the only inland resort at Southern Dunes. Red Sea, Southern Dunes, is open already.A one million annual visitor cap will be in place to save the local wildlife and plants. Of the ninety-one islands, nine are special protection zones, and only twenty-two are being developed so as not to disrupt important habitats. THE RED SEA is a location with minimal carbon footprint and zero trash to landfill. Boats, seaplanes, and environmentally friendly electric cars are used to convey visitors. THE RED SEA is rapidly fulfilling its promise to increase marine and terrestrial vegetation cover by 30% by 2040. It is also the world’s most popular tourist attraction that runs entirely on solar energy. A Variety of Tailored Experiences There are several amazing diving locations in THE RED SEA, such as a 300-year-old shipwreck. In addition, it provides opportunities for kayaking and diving around mangrove farms and across coral reefs. Hikes over mountains and valleys and bike rides across old lava fields are examples of inland experiences. Aside from learning how to follow migrating birds with the assistance of knowledgeable local guides, visitors may also discover more about the fauna of the area, which includes Arabian leopards, dugongs, and hawksbill turtles. Discover the rich cultural and historical legacy of AlWajh Old Town. Another option is to go stargazing; THE RED SEA hopes to be recognized as the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Smart Technology Used by Tour Operators A sophisticated digital destination management system is used by THE RED SEA to facilitate smooth, customized goods and services. The warm coastal environment of THE RED SEA makes it a year-round destination, so tourists may plan and tailor their excursions with virtual concierge services, including organizing custom activities before they arrive. Source- Travel daily

Twelve firms have won awards at the annual Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) worldwide entrepreneurship competition, Touristech Startup Fest 2023. With a goal of becoming the premier event for the tourism and technology entrepreneurial ecosystem, the event has attracted over 4,000 applications from startups in the US, UK, Austria, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Spain, among other countries. Forty startups were chosen as finalists for the Touristech Startup Fest, where they will present their traditional elevator pitch to businesses and investors from the following tourism-related segments: Distribution Channels, Destinations, Hospitality, Mobility & Travel, Activities & Leisure, and MICE. Twelve startups took home prizes this year in various categories. iUrban, a tourism platform with artificial intelligence that leverages ChatGPT to personalize the tourist experience and functions as a 24/7 tourist office in more than 94 languages, was one of them and it was the recipient of the Andalucía LAB Award for Ciceron. For its part, Hotelverse won the CaixaBank Award for a project that completely transforms how people book rooms and hotel services in advance of their stay. It is a digital twin of the hotel that gives visitors full control over their reservation process, including the ability to fly over the establishment, explore its amenities, and customize a particular room to their heart’s content before making a reservation. Another winner was the startup BuscoExtra, which received the La Fábrica de Sevilla Award for offering hoteliers a technological solution that enables them to hire employees anywhere in Spain in two hours, including all the paperwork involved in signing and registering the contract. The Telefónica Award was also given to the hospitality industry in recognition of Aphy, a robotic process automation solution that helps hotels optimize their operations and integrate their systems with a fully managed service. For its part, DNA – Digital Nomads Association Portugal, an organization founded in 2022 to promote Portugal to recruit digital nomads by the establishment of hubs, events, communities, and promotion of destinations with perfect circumstances for remote work, has been recognized with the PCT CARTUJA Award. Ruuts.travel, a startup, took up the WTTC Award.  It’s the first marketplace for renting out RVs in Eastern Europe with an emphasis on sustainability, catering to the growing popularity of motorhomes and consumers’ demand for more environmentally conscious travel. Additionally, Curated Planet—dubbed “the Uber of travel”—won the NEBEXT Award for complimentary TIS2024 participation. The business offers tour operators a centralized platform for communication and location sharing, automating the dissemination of welcome greetings, disclaimers, travel papers, recommendations, surveys, feedback gathering, and cross-selling, and exchanging information to streamline tour operations. Finally, three distinct startups’ initiatives have been recognized by La Salle Technova. Among these is Passporter, a piece of technology that travel companions travelers through every stage of the trip, fostering a community that organizes, exchanges, and inspires via travelogues and experiences. Additionally, Turbosuite was recognized for their project, which leverages artificial intelligence, data analysis, and expert expertise to streamline hotel revenue management and optimize profitability. For developing Sigho, an intelligent system comprising several solutions for full hotel management, including customer relations, event management, point of sale, accounting, ordering, etc., Visionary Hospitality took home the third place award. Source- Travel daily Link-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/tis-tourism-innovation-summit-selects-the-top-40-startups-impacting-tourism-worldwide/

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Singapore-based venture capital firm Velocity Ventures have finalized a Strategic Innovation Partnership to help businesses collaborating with the Korea Tourism Startup Center (KTSC) in Singapore grow throughout Southeast Asia. Kim Young Hee, Director of KTO Singapore, and Patrick Imbardelli, Founder and Chairman of Velocity Ventures, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their shared commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the travel and hospitality sector in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Tripbtoz, a Web3-based Online Travel Agency (OTA) that combines community and commerce elements with user-generated short forms to cater to a market increasingly drawn to video content, has been named as the first Korean tourism startup to get funding from Velocity Ventures. User-generated content (UGC) video reviews of hotels and tourist destinations are compiled by Tripbtoz’s travel video ecosystem. When reservations are booked through referral links, the site gives customers discount vouchers and loyalty money as prizes.  Since more than 500,000 UGCs have been gathered to date, hoteliers and other tourism venues are able to utilize these resources as marketing collateral. Tripbtoz, an online travel agency (OTA) that integrates community and commerce activities and has shown strong financial performance, was founded in 2017 by CEO Jiha Jung. “It is impossible to overestimate Singapore’s strategic importance as a regional launchpad for Korean tourism startups,” noted Kim Young Hee, Director of Korea Tourism Organization Singapore. As they grow throughout Southeast Asia, up-and-coming Korean tourism entrepreneurs working with the Korea Tourism Startup Center (KTSC) in Singapore benefit greatly from the guidance and plenty of experience provided by Velocity Ventures’ leadership team. Tripbtoz CEO and Founder Jiha Jung stated, “We plan to fully localize our sales and marketing through the establishment of an entity to oversee the Southeast Asia market, with a major mobile app redesign scheduled for later this year.” Our next phase of expansion is to broaden our reach and assist hotels throughout Southeast Asia in interacting with our user communities. Currently, we have direct contracts with 3,000 hotels in South Korea and Japan. Tripbtoz is a tool that travelers may utilize at every step of their journey: from finding inspiration for travel to writing reviews or uploading memories, Tripbtoz’s UGC video content ecosystem unleashes the power of community and commerce. We have no doubt that Generation 2030 travelers will “play, share, stay” through social content travel storytelling. “Investing in the thriving tech startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia’s travel industry isn’t just about nurturing innovation; it’s about propelling the future of travel,” stated Nicholas Cocks, Managing Partner at Velocity Ventures. We think that by helping these innovative Korean tourism firms lead the way in technology here in Southeast Asia, they will be able to address some of the major issues facing the sector. Accepting change is not only a decision; it’s a means of influencing how travel is done in the future. Over 90 Korean entrepreneurs have taken part in KTO’s Tourism Startup Global Challenge Programme since its launch in 2020. The program’s goal is to enable Korean startups in the tourism sector to enter foreign markets and gain access to funding and industry support in order to find partners. The selection of the 2023 StartUp Global Challenge Program winners, who will have access to a support network at the Korea Tourism Startup Center in Singapore, was made possible in large part by Velocity Ventures. Velocity Ventures, an affiliate partner in the program, assists in mentoring Korean tourist startups. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/velocity-ventures-and-kto-sign-mou-for-co-operation-with-korean-startup-accelerator-for-travel-tech/

As the airline prepares to celebrate its centennial next week, Finnair Cargo is moving toward totally self-sustainable energy production. At Helsinki Airport in Finland, Finnair Cargo added 1,790 more solar panels to the 1,200 panels that were already there when the terminal was first built. The installations took place throughout the course of the summer and fall. Following the upgrading, these solar panels will supply more than one-third (37%) of Finnair Cargo’s yearly electricity demand within the COOL Nordic Cargo Hub. This increases to 100% on sunny days, at which point the COOL terminal can produce all the electricity it needs on its own. Any extra energy produced is fed into Finnair’s other airport facilities. “With this addition, the COOL Nordic Cargo Hub will be the third largest solar panel energy production unit in Finland,” stated Gabriela Hiitola, SVP of Finnair Cargo. The solar power plant has a maximum output of over 1.1 MW, which more than triples our output. It’s evident that the aviation sector is still waiting on significant ways to lower flying emissions. But in the interim, we continue to strive for more environmentally friendly operations across the board. As part of its ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly practices, the Nordic airline is also mounting 645 solar panels on the top of its hangar for aircraft maintenance in Helsinki. The 2018 opening of Finnair’s COOL Cargo facility was planned with sustainability in mind. Not only do the solar panels supply a portion of the energy required for the terminal’s operations, but waste management and operational efficiency have also been meticulously designed. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/finnair-cargo-takes-a-step-towards-self-sufficient-energy-production/

At this month’s Arival 360 Conference in Orlando, the development of video content was a popular topic of discussion.  Vice President of Content at Arival, Stephen Joyce, challenged the experiences sector to “get serious about video” after noting that Gen Z now spends 17 hours a week watching videos on websites like YouTube and TikTok. According to Joyce, “video is literally everywhere.” We utilize it for communication, so it’s more than simply content.  We make daily use of it. and we shop with it.  In Asia, video shopping is already a $370 billion business.  TikTok Live Shopping has finally made its way to America, allowing users to shop live within the app. Douglas Quinby, the CEO and co-founder of Arival, has previously disclosed on the show how TikTok has emerged as the second most popular platform among 18-to 34-year-olds for vacation planning.  Furthermore, following January of this year, Mastercard’s latest data indicates a change in consumer spending from goods to experiences. Joyce said, “It’s time to get serious about video.”  “Compared to previous generations, Gen Z is spending a larger portion of their discretionary income… And social media sites like TikTok are a major factor in this; according to 63% of 18–34-year-olds, the platform helped them find a new travel brand, 76% of them used the platform to book a holiday, and 46% of them created original travel-related material. Joyce offers experienced brands the following advice: Get familiar with video and master the fundamentals; sophisticated gear is not necessary.  Videos are native; the most potent video gadget is always in our pockets.  Just make sure your sound and lighting are correct.  These two things are the main ones. Recognize your audience; find out who they are and whether they are drawn to you.  What matters is what people desire, not who they are. DIY vs. Influencer: You must choose between doing it yourself and hiring an influencer.  If you do decide on an influencer, consider their audience before choosing them. In order to receive feedback and comments from your audience, engage with them by using surveys and questionnaires. Every social media profile offers a space for a bio link; make sure to use it. Provide a link in your bio.  If your website is mobile-friendly, point them there. If not, make use of the various Link in Bio platforms available. Make sure your video has obvious calls to action that encourage viewers to do what you want them to do, such as liking it, following you, clicking on the link, subscribing to your newsletter, or anything else you want them to do.  Make sure your video has a call to action so you can monitor its effectiveness. Joyce said, “We no longer just consume content mindlessly.”  Now, it’s all about communication.  Chat, video, and e-commerce are all merging. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/gen-z-spends-17-hrs-per-week-consuming-video-content/

Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) has consented to sell SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) 19 more E175 aircraft for use in the network of United Airlines (NYSE: UAL), bringing the total number of E175 aircraft SkyWest now operates for United to 90. Through a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA), United Airlines will be the only airline using the E175 aircraft. Based on list price, the deal, which is part of Embraer’s Q3 backlog, is valued at US$1.1 billion. The aircraft, which has 70 seats, will be delivered in three classes. In Q4 2024, deliveries will start.  “SkyWest is already the largest E175 operator in the world, and when this order is delivered we will have over 250 E175s,” stated Chip Childs, president and CEO of SkyWest. We’re excited to keep developing more reliable and comfortable passenger flight experiences. Embraer Commercial Aviation CCO Martyn Holmes stated, “We are happy to expand upon our excellent partnership with SkyWest.” The foundation of regional aviation in North America, the E175 is an incredibly adaptable aircraft. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/skywest-orders-19-embraer-e175-aircraft-for-operation-with-united-airlines/