Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Turkiye is ready to dazzle tourists from all over the world with a range of enticing festivals and cultural events that will take you to a world of wonder because of its rich history and vibrant culture. The approaching festivals promise to be an experience that exceeds expectations, from the stunning vistas of Cappadocia to the busy streets of Istanbul. Let’s examine some of the most exciting developments that will occur from August to November in more detail. Festivals of the Turkiye Culture Route This cultural spectacle travels around 11 towns over the course of three months, from August 5 to November 12: Nevşehir Cappadocia, Trabzon, Erzurum, Anakale, Gaziantep, Ankara, Konya, Istanbul, Diyarbakr, Zmir, and Antalya. The celebrations are uniquely flavored by each city, exhibiting the variety of Turkiye’s customs, music, dancing, art, and cuisine. The Turkiye Culture Route Festivals, which highlight the blending of art and history, offer a venue for creatives, performers, musicians, and culture vultures to unite in celebration. The dynamic blending of traditional performances and modern artistic expressions will provide visitors with an immersive experience that connects the past and present. Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival in Antalya This year, September 4 through September 21 will see the return of the Antalya International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, which has been bringing together art enthusiasts since 1994. The 2000-year-old Aspendos Ancient Theatre will host this major event, Turkiye’s first opera and ballet festival, where audiences will be treated to breath-taking opera and ballet performances against a backdrop of rich history and architectural marvels. Festival de Jazz de Bozcaada From September 8 to 10, the Bozcaada Jazz Festival will enthrall spectators with its love of rhythm and melody. Smooth music and deep songs will permeate the air at this festival, which is located on the peaceful island of Bozcaada, creating an atmosphere of pure musical ecstasy. These upcoming festivities convey an invitation to participate in the rich cultural legacy of Turkiye while also providing tourists with a view into it. This festival series serves as a physical representation of Turkiye’s unwavering commitment to protecting and conserving its legacy with the rest of the world, whether it be through the cadence of traditional dance, the eerie beauty of Turkish tunes, or the magnificent performances set against historical settings. We kindly encourage you to take part in these celebrations that capture the very essence of the country’s history, artistry, and long traditions, to immerse yourself in the magic, to embrace the warmth of Turkish culture, and to do so.Source- Travel daily

The Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix will feature exceptional flight experiences provided by Maverick Helicopters. Maverick Helicopters will offer first-rate aerial views of the Las Vegas Strip, race track, and Grand Canyon throughout race week, which runs from Wednesday, November 15, to Saturday, November 18. Maverick Helicopters will provide visitors with the Vegas Victory Lap flight, which soars over the vivacious Las Vegas Strip, elevating the Las Vegas experience to new heights. Passengers will get a unique aerial view of the 17-turn, 3.8-mile street race track during this 12-minute trip. The panoramic views of Caesars Palace, Bellagio, the F1 Paddock Building, Wynn, The Venetian, Allegiant Stadium, Sphere, Downtown Las Vegas, and more allow visitors to take in the famous Vegas skyline. The first passenger on the Vegas Victory Lap jet pays $199. A luxurious helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, is called The GRAND Prix Experience. Visitors will fly over the 17-turn, 3.8-mile F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race course on their way to and from the Grand Canyon to get unmatched aerial views. Bird’s-eye views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Bowl of Fire, Mojave Desert, and more are among the additional attractions. This excursion will involve a landing 3,500 feet below the canyon’s rim where you can sample an improved champagne selection, beverages, and a food package with European flair. The price for the 4.5-hour GRAND PRIX EXPERIENCE begins at $799 per person. The price of the GRAND Prix Sunset Experience, which includes an extended landing and return at prime time, is $829 per person. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/maverick-helicopters-announces-aerial-experiences-for-formula-1-las-vegas-grand-prix-week/

According to the most recent Airbnb data, hosts and guests are becoming important economic force multipliers in many Philippine locations and localities. Despite a more than 70% decline in international visitor numbers as a result of the epidemic, Airbnb is reporting a significant uptick in both local and foreign guest visits throughout Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Chinese tourists eager to travel to the Philippines Chinese travelers are showing a rising interest in visiting a wider range of locations ever since China’s cross-border travel was reopened. Chinese tourists searching for accommodations on Airbnb have increased by more than 10 times in the Philippines year over year. The region’s domestic tourist industry is still expanding. Domestic travel is still very common among local tourists even as international travel in Southeast Asia continues to improve. The number of nights booked on Airbnb in the Philippines more than doubled from 2020 to last year, although domestic travel remained the most popular option for residents in 2022. “Domestic tourism has proven to be resilient in times of crisis and an option of a more immediate and positive economic impact to local economies,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. A weekend getaway to a location close to home is not only simpler to organize, but also far less expensive. By offering a wider range of reasonably priced lodging in new locations, Airbnb has demonstrated that it can encourage domestic tourism. Thanks to Airbnb, visitors can now visit a lot more locations. Expanding tourism to newer cities and villages Airbnb users stayed in more than 100,000 different cities and towns around the world in 2022. The top 10 Airbnb destinations with the most trips made up about 7% of all trips, down from 10% in 2019. By 2022, there were more than 25% more villages worldwide where visitors stayed than there were in 2012. This expansion of tourism to new and unique locations. More than 13,000 towns and localities around the world have already had their first Airbnb booking since March 2020. Over 900 new towns and localities in the Philippines receive their first Airbnb reservation during this time. Approximately 1 in 20 stays on Airbnb are booked using flexible search capabilities, which means that guests who book stays using these features are much less likely to stay in the most popular Airbnb destinations than guests who book stays using standard search. Globally, flexible travelers are about 23% less likely to stay in the top 20 Airbnb destinations. In contrast to excessive travel to prominent destinations, which focuses tourism economically and geographically, distributed travel is more cheap, supports local economies and jobs, and immerses individuals in these areas. Airbnb is assisting in spreading tourists, money, and tourism benefits around Southeast Asia to fresh, in-demand locations. We are investing in solutions to address the problems that mass tourism is creating around the world, helping visitors learn about new places and giving people new sources of income. Source- Travel daily

With a variety of forthcoming sailings from Singapore to places like Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Malaysia on board Asia’s most cutting-edge ship, set sail into a world of adventure and exploration. Check out the alternatives for never-ending fun below, whether you’re a group of friends searching for a weekend getaway or a family looking to make lifelong memories. Twelve Nights, Four Countries, and Seven Cities for the Casual Traveler The 12-night voyage from Singapore to Tokyo, Japan, leaving on September 19, 2023, will inspire wanderlust in those with a sense of adventure. Aboard the exciting, largest cruise ship in the area, and especially created for the Asian market, Spectrum of the Seas, guests will experience the sights, sounds, and cultures of Asia. With stops in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, and Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima, Japan, tourists can choose to independently explore the imperial capital of Vietnam or the cities of Japan. While Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, busy markets, and dynamic street life are sure to give a combination of cultural exploration and urban excitement, Nha Trang, noted for its magnificent coastline, clear blue waters, and rich marine life, is a dream for beach lovers. One of the most impressive castles in Japan, Kumamoto Castle offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s feudal past through its architecture and surrounding grounds. Sakurajima, an active volcano that towers over Kagoshima, is a well-known feature of the city. Visitors will have the exceptional chance to experience nature’s force firsthand. Visitors can tour these fascinating locations and take in the breathtaking scenery while sailing from one thrilling location to the next fully hassle-free and with a guaranteed good time. Ripcord by iFLY, FlowRider, and North Star, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship at over 100m above sea level, are additional attractions that passengers can cross off their bucket lists while onboard. The Ideal Vacation On the 6 November 2023, friends and family can take a much-needed vacation by boarding a 3-night Penang cruise. The brief but sweet sailing provides the ideal chance to unwind, refresh, and connect. Explore Penang’s gourmet markets while enjoying luxurious spa treatments and a variety of culinary options. New Year, New Vacation Spots There is no better way to start the new year than by embarking on a 9-night Thailand and Vietnam cruise that will depart on 2 January and 17 February 2024. Visitors can discover a variety of cultures, historical places, and street food from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Bangkok in Thailand, opening the new year with fresh vistas. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis that blends ancient and modern wonders, while Nha Trang is a beach lover’s paradise thanks to its immaculate beaches and clear waters. Explore remote coves and snorkeling locations by going on island hopping cruises. Bangkok is a kaleidoscope of sensations. Every interest is catered to by the city’s numerous attractions, which range from elaborate temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew to the busy markets of Chatuchak and Khao San Road. Each place offers a different aspect of Asia’s rich tapestry, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the coastline attractiveness of Nha Trang and the historical sites of Ho Chi Minh City. Adventure, relaxation, and a new outlook to begin the year are certain to come from the journey. Learn about the magic and majesty of Shanghai. Joining our 8-night Singapore to Shanghai cruise departing on April 18, 2024, will provide travelers the chance to fully immerse themselves in Shanghai’s lively culture, a city that skillfully combines Chinese tradition with modern living. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to take in Hong Kong’s bustling city life and the beaches of Nha Trang, Vietnam. Extending your trip beyond the cruise is a terrific choice for anyone looking to further their exploration of China because there are so many fascinating experiences in store. Take a beautiful train ride to Beijing and arrive to be in awe of the Great Wall, one of history’s most impressive structures. Explore the magnificent Terracotta Army in Xi’an, where history comes to life right before your eyes. Adding a few days to explore China after one’s cruise promises to be an unforgettable extension of the journey, weaving together diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences into a truly remarkable adventure. From the serene beauty of the West Lake in Hangzhou to the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Onboard Anthem of the Seas, a brand-new adventure awaits. New memories will be made when the Anthem of the Seas sails through Asia for the first time in November 2024, arriving in Singapore. Anthem will transport passengers to a number of Southeast Asian locations while including several of Royal Caribbean’s hallmark favorites and the brand-new, Olivier Award-winning musical We Will Rock You. Don’t miss the sailings to popular locations like Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand on January 27 and February 4, 2025! Source- Travel daily

With 30 days left until the Asian Games, international card networks like Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover® Global Network are launching a significant campaign with Alipay, China’s top digital payment and lifestyle service platform, to improve the mobile payment and travel experiences of foreign visitors. When making purchases with their Alipay account linked to a Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover®, or Diners Club International® international card at Chinese mainland merchants within the vast Alipay merchant network during the Asian Games, foreign visitors can take advantage of the campaign, which will run from September 15 to October 31, 2023. In order to improve its payment service for overseas travelers, Alipay has partnered with international card networks since 2022. After downloading the Alipay app, foreign visitors can register and link a Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club credit or debit card to pay at any of the tens of millions of Alipay partner merchant locations throughout China, including eateries, cafes, tourist attractions, shopping centers, street vendors, and public transportation. The Alipay app has recently enhanced travel services for visitors from outside China. “Visa is glad to work with Alipay to provide in-bound international travelers with convenient and seamless mobile payment experiences, as the international tourism market continues to recover,” said Shirley Yu, Group General Manager at Visa Greater China. Visa is dedicated to facilitating the acceleration of the global travel recovery, which entails increased tourism-related spending in regional economies and more cross-border and international human interactions via travel. “Mastercard affirms its commitment to the China market, as well as to its mission of powering economies and empowering people, through its continued partnership with Alipay,” said Dennis Chang, Executive Vice President and Division President, Greater China, of Mastercard. Mastercard is excited to collaborate with its partners to offer improved digital payment solutions that answer the changing needs of foreign travelers and allow cardholders globally to pay like a local, ensuring peace of mind during their journey, while travel and tourism are on the upswing. The most recent Mastercard data insights indicate that consumer spending has held steady, with a sustained emphasis on experiences and travel. Globally, cross-border travel was strong during the second quarter of 2023, reaching 154% of 2019 levels, an increase of 6% over the first quarter. The inbound cross-border travel market in China is also expanding at the same time. President of JCB International China, Osamu Hino, stated: “We are happy to cooperate with Alipay to offer JCB Card holders worldwide convenient, safe, and secure mobile payment services in the Chinese mainland. Together with Alipay, we will continue to strengthen payment technology and services, investigate more opportunities in the payment space, and provide customers with more flexible and convenient payment options in the wave of digitization. “We greatly improve shopping convenience and accessibility for our cherished cardholders from around the world by partnering with Alipay, the leading digital payment and services platform in China,” said Chris Winter, managing director of international markets for Asia Pacific at Discover Global Network. With the help of this collaboration, tourists can easily discover China’s wonders while also getting a taste of the vibrant local culture. They may buy, eat, and go on thrilling expeditions. We are committed to making sure that every second of our cardholders’ time in China is packed with enjoyable activities, convenient payment options, and special memories. In order to support the Asian Games, we are thrilled to collaborate with card networks, other organizations, and retailers. The project demonstrates our dedication to creating a digital financial inclusion ecosystem that improves consumers’ worldwide payment experiences and promotes the expansion of domestic and international trade, according to Peng Yang, President of Ant Group’s International Business Group. We anticipate enhancing this collaborative environment through new innovations in cross-border payments, the empowerment of SME owners, and sustainability initiatives.Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/international-card-networks-partner-with-alipay-for-asian-games/

The average cost of a trip for two individuals was calculated using data from the 50 most populous American cities by the travel information site Scott and Yanling. The most pricey weekend vacations in the nation were identified using data on hotels, public transportation, taxi rides, theater and movie tickets, alcoholic beverages, and lunch and dinner menus.The most expensive weekend getaway in the United States, costing an average pair more than $1,400, is Boston. The city becomes a top contender for the most opulent getaway experience with guests paying up to $345 per night. The second-most expensive city is the well-known New York City, where a weekend visit typically costs roughly $1,291. This dramatic turn of circumstances shows that Boston’s ascension to the top rank demonstrates that expensive living is no longer confined to the Big Apple. San Diego, a pleasant seaside city, takes third place closely behind with an expected total of $1,231. San Diego’s allure undoubtedly comes at a high price, furthering its reputation as an alluring but pricey resort, with the average drink costing over $10. San Francisco is frequently listed as a must-see destination, but at $1206 for a weekend, it might be an expensive getaway for tourists looking for the whole West Coast experience. Particularly now that individual theatrical tickets can cost up to $185. With lodging fees adding to the overall cost, the same weekend getaway will cost you a startling $1,153 in Seattle, $1,106 in Denver, and $1,099 in Long Beach. The eighth-placed city is Washington, D.C., where travelers can expect to spend $1,096 on a weekend getaway. A mid-range lunch in the city will set you back more than $100 per couple, giving you a glimpse of its historic magnificence. The final-place Los Angeles and Chicago both have an average weekend price of $1,070. Both cities are glitzy and famous. From Scott and Yanling’s Scott Sidders: “Weekend vacations can expedite and enhance your trip. Though it’s “” “Extensive planning in advance is essential to get the greatest offers and preventing prices from rising during peak times. Accepting flexibility by selecting other weekdays can also be advantageous because it opens up more economical lodging and entertainment possibilities, ultimately resulting in a memorable trip without breaking the bank. The trusted source for travel advice, recommendations, and much more, Scott and Yanling, contributed this data.Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/top-ten-most-expensive-weekend-getaways-in-america/

The busiest summer ever for Emirates, the biggest international airline in the world, saw over 14 million passengers travel on its network worldwide between June and August, with average seat load factors over 80%. Emirates’ booking patterns for the upcoming months indicate that demand for foreign travel throughout its network will remain strong. Travelers continued to flock to Dubai even throughout the summer, with two million people visiting the airline’s base to take advantage of the city’s year-round attractions and events. During this time, the UK, India, Germany, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, and Kuwait were among Emirates’ top inbound markets to Dubai. Families made up more than 35% of those traveling on Emirates to Dubai, where they spent an average of more than two weeks taking in all the amazing sights. The airline forecasts a further increase in demand for travel to Dubai this winter due to the city’s busy calendar of international conferences, top-tier sporting events, and other activities. In the first half of 2023, the city has already welcomed over 8.5 million foreign tourists, which is over a million more than at the same period last year. “Travel demand across our network has been strong and resilient despite rising cost-of-living pressures in many markets,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer. It demonstrates the importance that individuals have on travel, whether it be for leisure, business, education, or visiting family, as well as how vital international aviation connection is to societies. “As an early mover in restoring our flying schedules, Emirates worked together with our industry partners to ensure that we were ready to both meet customer demand and draw tourists by leveraging the allure of our home and hub, Dubai. We are pleased that our product enjoys significant consumer preference across all cabin classes, but particularly in our luxury accommodations. Emirates will keep making investments in our goods, services, and running a productive worldwide network to make sure we are providing the best value for our customers’ money. Over 14 million passengers were transported on Emirates’ nearly 50,000 flights between 140 locations from June to August. Emirates offers travelers convenient and expanded access to over 800 cities in 100 countries in addition to its own global network thanks to its 157 airline and train partners. Dubai this summer: launched regular flights to Montreal, Canada, a new location in its network. added extra flights to 12 cities, including Athens, Brisbane, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, Budapest, Bologna, Medina, Jeddah, Entebbe, Venice, and Shanghai, to meet summer demand. restored daily A380 service to Shanghai, Birmingham, Nice, Taipei, and launched a new A380 route to Bali, the first of its type in Indonesia.offered Premium Economy seats to Singapore, Los Angeles, and Houston on its newest four-class A380 aircraft. announced extended codeshare agreements and new interline agreements with Philippine Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Canada. Source- Travel daily

A supersonic aircraft that NASA is developing could cut the time it takes to fly from London to New York to only 90 minutes. The X-59s would move at speeds ranging from Mach 2 to Mach 4 (1,535-3,045 mph), as part of NASA’s Quesst program. Soon, the eight-hour flight time from London to New York will just take 90 minutes. According to a report by CNN Travel, NASA, the US space agency, has acknowledged the existence of a “high-speed strategy” that will cut the time between flights from New York and London to as low as 90 minutes. As part of its Quesst program, NASA is building a supersonic aircraft known as the X-59s. Nasa is looking into the prospect of developing a commercially feasible and cost-effective supersonic jet that would fly between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535-3,045 mph), faster than the current average speed of passenger planes, which is 600 mph. NASA recently investigated whether future commercial flights could reach speeds of up to Mach 4, or more than 3,000 miles per hour. According to a research by NASA’s Glenn Research Center, “potential passenger markets… are located along about 50 established routes.” Since countries like the US forbid overland supersonic travel, such routes include transoceanic ones. Due to noise pollution, the US and other nations have outlawed flying supersonic aircraft over land. However, NASA is attempting to modify the laws governing overland supersonic flight by completing two significant objectives. The QUESST MISSION of NASA After the studies, NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAV) will proceed to the following stage of its high-speed study. In order to lower the volume of a supersonic jet’s sonic boom, NASA is developing the X-59 supersonic aircraft as part of the Quesst project. They then seek to persuade for the modification of overland supersonic flying regulations. The space agency will hire businesses to create concepts and bring Mach 2-plus travel to life. The research team will be split into two sections, with Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems leading one and Boeing leading the other. The second phase will also take into account “safety, efficiency, economic and societal considerations,” NASA’s Hypersonic Technology Project manager Mary Jo Long-Davis told CNN Travel.Source- Livermint

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), shopping vacationers continue to favor the United States, which will be highlighted during Virtuoso Travel Week, which will be held in Las Vegas from August 13–18. WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson, stated during her participation in the event today that “retail tourism is a thriving market segment of the Travel & Tourism sector in the U.S.” The 7th of September will see the publication of a joint research project between WTTC and the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in partnership with The Bicester Collection, at an event taking place at La Roca Village, a component of The Bicester Collection, in Barcelona, Spain. The analysis estimates that in 2019, retail tourism generated US$178.2 billion, accounting for 6% of the travel and tourism industry overall and up to 15% in some locations. Researchers have historically ignored retail tourism, leaving travel companies with little information to plan and make wise investments. The most recent study from the WTTC aims to change that by offering insightful information about people’s shopping preferences when traveling, such as out-of-town retail destinations, as well as the newest developments in retail tourism, such as sustainable retail, and the enormous potential they have for both destinations and businesses. According to the most recent data made public by the international organization, the U.S. ($34.7 billion) will contribute the most retail tourism to GDP in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic presented obstacles, but the U.S. maintained its top spot in 2020 with US$17.5 billion and continued to increase in 2021, bringing in US$23.9 billion through retail tourism. Shopping is one of life’s greatest pleasures for millions of people all across the world, according to WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson. The pandemic had a significant impact on both the travel and retail sectors, but as the world is starting to recover, this report demonstrates how shopping can also turn into a journey. “Our latest findings on the U.S. highlight the critical role that retail tourism plays in the country’s Travel & Tourism sector, reinforcing its allure as a shopping mecca.” Tourism earnings have increased in countries where the government offers tax-free shopping incentives to this retail sector. Visitors have shifted to other nations like France or Italy as a result of countries like the UK eliminating tax-free shopping, depriving the UK economy of vital export profits. Since France instituted a three-day VAT rebate window for purchases above €100 in 2019, shops in Paris have prospered. The Bicester Collection has seen a remarkable increase in Paris trips, surpassing London as the UK phased out its VAT refund system. The upcoming WTTC report aims to offer a thorough overview of retail tourism, covering shopping patterns, new trends, and the opportunities and problems the industry confronts. The study presents a comprehensive viewpoint on this important market segment by incorporating insights from industry professionals, academics, and practitioners. In order to help destinations attract new visitors, encourage retail tourism, and promote sustainable growth in this sector, this ground-breaking research will also offer recommendations for the public and commercial sectors. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/u-s-remains-most-popular-destination-for-shopaholics/