Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Recognizing the value of a diversified business mix is more important for hoteliers as the hotel industry changes in response to shifting consumer tastes and changes in the global economy. It is a strategic need that can make or break a hotel’s long-term success that diversification is more than simply a trendy word. During economic downturns or unforeseeable crises (like the recent pandemic), hotels in the APAC area that only rely on one or a small number of revenue streams put themselves at risk. For instance, during a recession when businesses cut their spending, hotels that are unduly dependent on business travel may suffer. Hotels are protected from such economic changes by a varied business mix. A more consistent revenue stream is guaranteed throughout the year with a well-balanced portfolio that comprises corporate clients, leisure travelers, group reservations, events, weddings, and local markets. why it has historically been difficult to set prices for various market sectors Many hoteliers today rely on a variety of product offers to obtain a more diversified market mix, such as extended stay business travelers, limited-service packages, city escapes, loyalty discounts, and so on, in order to meet demand and run successfully in a disrupted business environment. In the past, hotel operators faced significant difficulties with pricing for various market groups because their Revenue Management System (RMS) could only support dynamic pricing derived from one rate, namely their daily rate. The ability to charge for extended stays is further restricted by legacy pricing systems, which impose rigid room type or occupancy-based offsets. When selling their daily rates, which also have their own derived prices, incentives, and discounts, extended stay properties with serviced apartments must negotiate a complex web of products by length of stay. while overseeing facility operations and visitor interactions. This presents a challenge for hotel operators, who must quickly determine how to secure the highest-value bookings at the best rate while taking into account the cascading effects that a change in pricing will have on all linked products, each of which has its own barriers or constraints to appeal to specific market segments. As an illustration, business travelers wanting to book a serviced apartment for a stay of a month or longer behave significantly differently than short-stay leisure customers who purchase a hotel’s daily rate (for stays of less than a week). In contrast, longer-staying guests—who are often more profitable—tend to make reservations for longer stays that overlap a few busy nights, which may result in higher prices and the possibility of other accommodations. In reality, balancing such a dense web of factors frequently led to poor revenue management decisions. Profit from the demand from visitors with various needs. Hoteliers want innovative technologies that enable operators to set their base rates independently of one another, optimize the associated discounts and add-ons in accordance with the individual demand patterns, and take into consideration the overall demand and revenue potential of the property. The business challenge is to be able to automatically and concurrently price the daily flexible rate, which is frequently offered for the retail market, as well as other independent products, like extended stay monthly rates, which are only displayed/sold to a very specific type of client. The new Independent Products feature in IDeaS’ G3 RMS enables hotel operators to capitalize on demand from visitors who have a variety of needs for the various sorts of accommodations that are available at their establishment. Independent Products make it possible for each product to be optimized and priced separately, maximizing income while maintaining rate hierarchy and product positioning. The technology eliminates the intricate web of regulations, labor-intensive manual rate administration, and static offline pricing that frequently increases the risk of mispricing, enabling hoteliers to price and optimize in real-time. Hoteliers now have unprecedented levels of flexibility to improve rate control and expedite distribution thanks to the recently announced Independent Products feature working in conjunction with Linked Products. Now, G3 RMS is not only able to use deep learning to create a rate structure that maximizes revenue for multiple products across all dates of occupancy and types of accommodations, but it can also automatically change prices for the rates that go along with those products (like discounted rates for advanced purchases or loyal customer memberships). This helps avoid the needless income loss that results from employing a static discount rate. With an advanced RMS, you can generate revenue and capture the right bookings. Hotel operators across the APAC region are being forced to reconsider their business mix and pricing strategy due to a combination of shifting booking habits and escalating competition. To reduce the risks brought on by economic changes, improve their competitiveness, stimulate innovation, draw in top talent, and assure long-term sustainability, hoteliers must now develop a more diverse mix of business. Modern RMS systems represent a significant improvement over conventional pricing strategies. Hoteliers can now easily capitalize on the distinctive demand patterns of all their important base goods to get the most valuable reservations and generate new levels of revenue for their company thanks to solutions like Independent and Linked goods. Source- Travel daily

The finest Canadian city for digital nomads is Brampton. According to Ontario Casinos, Brampton, Ontario, has the highest digital nomad suitability rating of 7.79/10, which is 0.29 points better than Ottawa, the nation’s capital (7.50/10). The average monthly cost of living for nomads in Brampton is $2,591, which is one fifth less than the comparable figure in Toronto, which is a nearby city and has an average monthly cost of living of $3,258. According to the rating, Brampton is also the happiest Canadian city, getting 57.4/100 on the Happiness Index, 22% higher than Toronto’s score of 46.97/100. Not only that, but Brampton scored 47.5 on the crime severity index between 2020 and 2021, making it the second-safest Canadian city in the rankings. Despite having the highest monthly average coworking hot desk costs in the country, Brampton’s rates for Airbnb ($3,012.32) are 40% less expensive than those in Vancouver ($5054.48), making it a great place for long-term digital nomads. Ottawa, Ontario, the capital of Canada, comes in second with a 7.50/10 rating for its suitability for digital nomads. In comparison to Toronto ($3,258), Ottawa’s average monthly cost of living for nomads is $2,326, giving it a 29% cost advantage. The most affordable option nationwide, the average cost of a coworking hot desk in Ottawa is $120.12 per month, making it the perfect place for digital nomads to work. The cost of renting a one-bedroom studio apartment in Ottawa is 30% less per month than in Vancouver ($2,548), despite the fact that the average nightly rate for an Airbnb in the capital is higher at $3,331.24 per month. With a crime severity index of 50.2/100, Ottawa is one of the top 5 safest Canadian cities on the list. It is 1.6 points safer than Quebec (48.6) and earns a noteworthy score of 56.05/100 on the Happiness Index. The capital now has the title of second-happiest city in Canada, where citizens enjoy a thriving economy and a strong sense of neighborhood. With an aggregate rating of 7.47/10, Toronto, the provincial capital of Ontario, comes in third. Toronto provides many advantages for remote workers despite having the second-highest cost of living for a digital nomad at about $3,258 per month – 40% more expensive than the capital city, Ottawa ($2,326). The city has a low crime severity index (56.7), and the average monthly cost for a coworking hot desk there is $331.32, less than half that of Brampton, GTA ($648.12). Toronto also receives a high Happiness Index score (45.97/100) due to its high sense of belonging and community, excellent air quality, and low perceived stress, making it a desirable area to live and work in Canada. The tenth-best Canadian city for digital nomads is Banff. Banff, Alberta, is in tenth position with a score of 7.03/10. For individuals looking for an economical place to work remotely, Banff is not the best option because it has the highest monthly Airbnb costs in the nation ($17,080.98) and the 7th highest cost of living for digital nomads ($2,425 pcm). However, a coffee in Banff may cost you an average of $6.60, making it the most costly in the nation. For those who prefer an office environment, the city provides coworking hot seats for an average monthly cost of $300.96. Despite this, Banff has the highest Happiness Index score of 47.75 and the fastest average internet speed of 34Mbps, providing a practical and delightful setting for nomads with a greater budget. Source- Travel daily

With the introduction of a Member Deal platform, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is utilizing the substantial consumer use of the ATAS website to highlight recognized firms. Pre-Covid, the ATAS.com.au website received more than 300,000 views per year. In accordance with the increased emphasis on emphasizing how crucial it is to choose ATAS businesses while traveling, every certified firm will now have access to the Member Deal advantage, which includes at least one Deal Spotlight each year. To date, ATIA has spent about $20 million on developing and staffing ATAS.One of the significant revisions recently announced is the creation of an independent ATAS Advisory Committee with representation from the entire ATIA membership base to provide independent governance separate from the ATIA Board. “Heroing members everywhere we can, including through one of our most potent communication assets the ATAS website, is not new,” ATIA CEO Dean Long once remarked. “Consumers already have a lot of trust in atas.com.au when looking for accredited companies to book their vacation. Already 100,000 Australians have used the website this year, and we aim to make it even more enticing with our Member Deals as visits return to the pre-Covid levels of 300,000+ and beyond. “Member Deals is a new direct sales channel and promotional opportunity for authorized businesses. We are reiterating ATAS’ primary value while also promoting our members. Source- Travel daily

Roadtrippers who prefer a taste of culture while driving down the open road will find Nevada to be the perfect location. While exploring the numerous public art installations scattered throughout the desert, visitors can stop, stretch their legs, and refuel their spirits. The state’s “Free-range Art Highway,” which connects Las Vegas and Reno and the “Cowboy Corridor,” which runs from Reno to West Wendover, offers visitors a chance to see everything from iconic sculptures by well-known artists to works that seem to have appeared out of thin air. 7 Magical Mountains Seven Magic Mountains, a permanent and recognizable presence in the Nevada desert, were created by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondine in partnership with Nevada Museum of Art. The three-story towers, which are made of desert-sourced rocks that have been painted in a rainbow of vibrant colors, are visible from Interstate 15 and stand out against the surrounding scenery. With its materials and colors, the sculpture aims to represent the natural and man-made worlds. Its location, sandwiched between mountain ranges and Jean Dry Lake, contributes to its prominence by offering artistic visual pleasure for travelers between Los Angeles and Vegas. Forest of the Last Church International The International Car Forest of the Last Church is one of Nevada’s most distinctive sights, and it’s situated near Goldfield just off Highway 95. collection of abandoned vehicles displayed with their noses down, decorated by artists and past visitors. Mark Rippie, a longtime resident of Goldfield, built the automobile Forest in an effort to surpass the previous record for the largest automobile forest in the world. Chad Sort and Zak Sargent, two more artists, helped the three create the forest of cars by burying the noses of more than 40 vehicles. Each car now has a distinctive design, some of which are balanced atop one another, and new artists are regularly hired both locally and internationally to produce an ever-changing gallery that is open to the public for free exploration. Museum of Goldwell Open Air Its nearly eight acres are home to seven enormous buildings made by a group of well-known Belgian artists who were lured to the lonely site to pursue their artistic ideals free from convention. This strange and wild sculpture park is located just off the road towards Death Valley. The park’s sculptures, which are open to visitors around-the-clock and are free of charge, are enduring symbols of the Mojave Desert. They include a 25-foot pink woman, a 24-foot prospector made of steel, and a penguin. A spectral replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” which was initially intended to last two years and was built in 1984, is one of the park’s most recognizable artworks. Because of its likeness to Middle Eastern deserts and its proximity to Death Valley—a not so subtle allusion—the artist Albert Szukalski was drawn to the Mojave Desert. Monument at Thunder Mountain Thunder Mountain Monument, a substantial handmade outdoor gallery and sculpture garden built by the late Frank Van Zant, also known as Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder, is located right by Nevada’s Interstate 80. Van Zant built the gallery using artifacts and other things he discovered in the Nevada desert as a monument to the “Great Spirit” who, in his words, was keeping him there and as a tribute to American Indian ancestry. Visitors can now explore the sculptures Van Zant built at Thunder Mountain Monument.  Donations are welcomed to support the site’s preservation even though admission is free. Source- Travel daily

Fusion, a hotel chain with a wellness-inspired aesthetic, is celebrating the forthcoming “Wedding Season” in Vietnam by making a variety of creative proposals to potential brides and grooms. Three of Fusion’s finest resorts have improved their incentives to help couples have their Big Day the best day ever as the demand for destination weddings is at an all-time high. Fusion’s Natural Selection: Alba Wellness Valley This picturesque resort is located in central Vietnam, 30 kilometers from Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The property is bordered by lush mountains and restorative hot springs, and it exudes natural beauty. However, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion is more than just a place to unwind. Couples who enjoy tranquil environments will be pleased to learn that the resort’s most recent wedding package has everything needed for a memorable event. A lovely forest backdrop can be used to create the ceremony garden. The day will have a champagne fountain, live music, a master of ceremonies, banquet, and wedding cake, as well as a room for bridal makeup and a free wedding night with late checkout. A specialized photographer will capture the happy moments during the ceremony and reception. Fusion’s Alba Wellness Valley is the best option for smaller gatherings with a guest list of up to 100 people. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including private bungalows and deluxe suites. The special Japanese onsen spa, as well as events like dawn yoga and meditation, and of course the natural hot springs, are highlights of Alba Wellness Valley. Wedding Offer to “Test Drive” at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh Now, prospective couples have the choice of taking a “test drive” of the resort’s amenities with a one-night stay before choosing if this location is best for their dream wedding. Couples will meet the wedding planning staff at the hotel, which includes the executive chef, and partake in a tasting of dishes from a special wedding menu. Fusion Resort Cam Ranh offers an idyllic beachfront wedding setting, with wedding day options including Vietnamese music and performances, spa treatments, and a sparkling wine breakfast served in-villa. It is only an 8-minute drive from Cam Ranh Airport and perched atop a 28-meter-high sand dune overlooking the ocean. Maia Resort Quy Nhon’s Pool Villa Bliss The spectacular beauty of Phuong Mai Bay, manicured gardens, and Fusion’s first culinary-led resort all combine to create the perfect setting for any ideal wedding event. Contemporary, opulent private pool villas with either garden or beach settings are available at Maia Resort Quy Nhon. The resort’s three main dining establishments, Vi, Ad Hoc, and multipurpose space Jade, can each hold up to 120 guests indoors. To ensure a beautifully accomplished big day to say “I do,” the resort’s team of specialists will help with date reservations, event planning, food and beverage suggestions, and all other details and ideas for wedding arrangements.Source- Travel daily

Residents and guests of the UAE are invited to take advantage of the Holiday Special 30% discount on reservations at Ascott Park Place Dubai, a haven of elegance and comfort. Prior to the end of the summer vacation, guests can take advantage of the special offer on reservations made through August 31, 2023. Ascott Park Place Dubai, which is opulently positioned along Sheikh Zayed Road, provides visitors a variety of sumptuous lodging options and unmatched amenities. Stylish Studio Premier apartments, lavish One-Bedroom Executive apartments, chic One-Bedroom Premier apartments, roomy Two-Bedroom Deluxe apartments, charming Two-Bedroom Classic apartments, opulent Two-Bedroom Executive apartments, and opulent Two-Bedroom Premier apartments are just a few of the exquisite rooms available at the property. Each unit has been thoughtfully created to enhance the visitor experience and accommodate discerning travelers. With the top-notch amenities of Ascott Park Place Dubai, indulge in a world of luxury and leisure. For business travelers, there is a business center available. For leisure guests looking to unwind, there are steam and sauna facilities, an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a resident lounge where they can spend time with family and friends. Ascott Park Place Dubai provides guests with the chance to explore Dubai’s renowned business districts and leisure attractions thanks to its proximity to the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Museum of the Future, and Dubai Mall. This urban haven is the ideal location for an unforgettable stay in the center of the city. Source- Travel daily

Over the past ten days, airlines have been a key component of the relief operations in Maui.  In addition to other actions, airlines increased flight service in the days following the fire to aid in the evacuation, occasionally to locations outside of their normal Maui network.  Airlines have been essential in getting supplies and aid workers to Maui.  The biggest airline in Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, reported that it had given more than $600,000 in cash and in-kind gifts to the relief efforts, including more than 4,000 free seats for volunteers and locals of Maui.  Additionally, Hawaiian reported that in the first six days following the accident, its aircraft flew 54,000 pounds of vital supplies to Maui, including kennels for animals and communications equipment as well as life-saving blood and medical supplies. In addition, Hawaiian increased its collaboration with neighborhood food banks by contributing $150,000.  In addition, Hawaiian Airlines increased their flight schedule, offering rates as low as $19 while transporting more than 17,000 passengers from Maui’s Kahului Airport in the first 72 hours following the fire.  The five other major airlines that fly to Maui, Southwest, Alaska, American, United, and Delta, have made similar kinds of contributions.  Southwest, the second-largest airline serving Maui, for instance, claimed to have provided more than $100,000 in cash and air travel in the days following the fire. The carrier has also offered free delivery of essential supplies, and it is working with regional authorities to provide transportation for volunteer firefighters.  Southwest, like Hawaiian, offered $19 tickets as soon as the fire broke out, and the airline announced on Friday that it has been expanding operations daily across the Pacific and within Hawaii.  “Our work and partnerships will continue as we support long-term recovery efforts,” the airline declared.  After the fires, Alaska Airlines, which doesn’t frequently fly within Hawaii, ran rescue flights from Maui to Honolulu. The airline also provided food, water, beds, diapers, and other supplies on special cargo-only flights into Maui from its Seattle freight hub. As of Thursday, Alaska said that it has shipped 189,000 pounds of help to Lahaina fire victims. After the Lahaina fire, American also increased its air service to and from Maui and increased the size of its aircraft for additional trips to help with the evacuation. The airline claimed to have also prepared emergency supplies for incoming aircraft. Related: Cruise lines contribute to the relief work in Maui Through this week, United has continued to provide aid to Maui, and on Wednesday it brought in 24,000 pounds of supplies from Chicago. In the week following the fire, United transported more than 12,000 people off of Maui, frequently using planes that had been flown onto the island solely for disaster assistance.   In the wake of the storm, United also increased capacity from Honolulu to the mainland.  One of Delta’s post-fire initiatives was a donation of $250,000 to the Red Cross for Maui fire assistance. Source- Travel weekly

An official announced that soon visitors to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be able to rent luxurious caravans in remote areas of the archipelago. The ‘caravan’ will be air-conditioned and have plush bunk beds, a lounge space with mood lighting, recliners and fold-away tables and chairs, a chic kitchenette, a bathroom, and power backup. According to the official, it would incorporate GPS navigation and a 360-degree security camera for the tourists’ protection. In accordance with the original idea, the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T) will map out a number of unique spots near beaches, in the hills, and in the jungles where tourists who rent these caravans can park their cars for an exciting and cozy stay. Basic amenities like water connections, electricity, outside grills, lovely lawns, and a caretaker or guide to help the tourists will be available in these unusual places. Travelers can enjoy their holiday, stay for a few days (depending on the package), and cook for themselves at these spots. To let visitors to walk around in the caravan and see different sections of this lovely island, the administration is considering enabling them to travel from one spot to another based on the occupancy status of the exotic locations that have been mapped out. Liberty Sale “Caravans are a distinctive tourism product that encourages family-friendly travel even in routes and locations without sufficient hotel accommodations. At chosen, acceptable areas, caravan parks will be built, offering either basic or sophisticated services and facilities for overnight parking of caravans. While assuring adherence to quality, standards, and safety rules, it is believed that caravan tourism will satisfy the growing demand for eco, adventure, rural, and beach tourists. Young people, families, seniors, and foreign tourists would all be drawn to caravan tourism, according to Dr. Jatinder Sohal, director of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ tourism department, who spoke to PTI. Source- The indian express

The first group of Bangladeshi visitors has arrived in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, as part of efforts to promote travel to the Himalayan country. About 200 persons make up the first group of visitors, who were greeted by tourism officials at Tribhuvan International Airport while traditional musical instruments were being played in the distance. 700 tourists from Bangladesh would arrive in Kathmandu by Saturday, according to the officials, on a chartered flight from Biman Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI, a Bangladeshi visitor who was in Kathmandu stated, “Today is a milestone, a record between Bangladesh and Nepal, as 700 people have traveled from Bangladesh to take advantage of all the city’s attractions. We have a lot of locations to visit. For Bangladeshi tourists traveling to Nepal, ground handling has been handled by Samrat Tour and Travels Pvt. Ltd. The largest crew to date will arrive in Nepal on a chartered jet from Bangladesh. The travelers will spend four nights and five days in Nepal. On Sunday, the group of travelers will attend a seminar in addition to exploring Kathmandu. The entry of visitors from Bangladesh will aid in promoting travel to Nepal. For the first time, a sizable contingent of Bangladeshi tourists is visiting Nepal. Bangladesh, a destination nation with tourism potential, is near to Nepal. Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, a sizable number of visitors from Bangladesh traveled to Nepal. 13,624 people from Bangladesh have reportedly traveled to Nepal in the first seven months of 2023, per the board’s figures. 2,694 visitors from Bangladesh traveled to Nepal just in July. According to statistics, 2,402 visitors from Bangladesh visited Nepal in June, 2,217 in April, 2,466 in March, 1,977 in February, and 2,468 in January. 25,384 visitors from Bangladesh traveled to Nepal earlier in 2022. The board reports that 534,207 foreign visitors have come to Nepal overall from different nations during the first seven months of 2023. Source – The print