Starfish Travel Corporation Team

TUI is exploring the possibility of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by integrating ChatGPT into its smartphone app. An initial trial has been launched on the TUI app in the UK, capping off what three TUI tech engineers and the app product teams first started as a tech experiment. Customers who use the new feature receive personalized recommendations for excursions, activities, and attraction tickets as well as educational comments about popular vacation spots. The app will offer a more honed and pertinent shortlist of descriptions, photographs, and links for suggested experiences based on the quantity of detail the consumer offers about the type of experience they desire, such as culinary activities, adventurous excursions, or museum visits. Then, customers can use the mobile app to make direct experience bookings on tuiexperiences.com. “Generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are changing our lives, and TUI is seizing the potential this presents. ChatGPT technology can aid in streamlining customer services and operations or facilitating easier access to information. Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group, states, “Our goal is to be a leader in the use of new technologies and to actively shape the future of tourism.” The addition of ChatGPT to the mobile app is a part of TUI’s effort to integrate AI elements into every aspect of the company. TUI’s strategy is to develop internal competencies across the company while collaborating with its strategic cloud partner AWS and other third parties. To lead the endeavor, TUI has built an internal AI Lab that serves as an open platform for all TUI employees to receive training, support, and direction. To promote a deeper comprehension of the difficulties and opportunities presented by AI for TUI and the travel sector, ChatGPT training was recently established. “Generative AI is beginning to alter how customers look for and communicate with TUI. We keep testing brand-new innovations that benefit both our clients and staff. We can expand on the extensive machine learning and artificial intelligence expertise that is currently a part of our technological foundation. According to Pieter Jordaan, member of the group executive committee and chief information officer of TUI Group, “This pilot will provide us with critical insights to further enhance the functionality. Additional trials utilizing generative AI tools are also in progress. These trials include post-holiday customer communication, automated knowledge base analysis to assist contact center teams, content language translation, as well as other applications that assist TUI technology teams in coding and testing. Customers utilizing ChatGPT on the TUI mobile app can rest easy knowing that their personal information is never shared. Additionally, developers have put policies in place to prevent abusive answers. The feature is a pilot, thus input is always being gathered to make sure TUI standards are always being followed. Source- Travel daily

Havila Pollux, the final vessel in the Havila Voyages fleet, arrived in Norway early on Thursday morning from the Tersan shipyard in Turkey. A short while later, she anchored next to Havila Polaris, her sister ship. Havila Pollux arrived at Bergen early on Thursday morning, just over a day after her sister ship Havila Polaris. Up to August 23rd, the ship will stay at Festningskaien in Bergen before departing on a voyage along the Norwegian coast. Naturally, this is a new milestone for our business, and having all four of our vessels in Norway is incredibly fulfilling, according to CEO Bent Martini. It is amazing to see our two newest ships side by side in Bergen, and sailors from both ships as well as several resources from our onshore organization are actively working to get them ready for use in coastal operations. The Havila Pollux is remarkably identical to her sister ships, and beginning on August 23rd, she will make sure that the ancient coastal route is finished. The Ministry of Transport, our contracting authority, thankfully helped us throughout a difficult process and showed excellent awareness of the difficulties we had, which unluckily led to considerable delays. We appreciate your assistance, says Martini. “We also want to thank everyone who has supported us, been incredibly patient with us, and most importantly, understood that our difficulties were beyond of our hands. The real job now begins; we will produce an amazing product along the coast, for the coastal villages and all of our visitors,” Martini says. Source- Travel daily

People all over the world who are seeking a genuine sense of escape, wellbeing, and an opportunity to personally reset have been motivated to just get up and go by the growing trend of solo travel. There are no disagreements about the schedule or budget; instead, there is an opportunity to socialize, experience total independence, and push one’s comfort zone. Google searches for solo travel have increased fourfold since 2020, according to the website Solo Traveler, with middle-aged women driving the trend. Seven four- and five-star hotels and inns under the Crerar Hotels Group umbrella are open to single travelers wishing to embark on their best Scottish adventure. They provide a warm, genuine welcome as well as a variety of culinary pleasures and spa experiences suitable for the ideal solo holiday. The leading hotel chain, known for embracing the “Spirit of Scotland,” has also identified the best five spots in Scotland for a solitary getaway. “Today, the way we travel is different, and the uptake in solo travel is a trend that is becoming incredibly popular as people focus on their own wellbeing and personal mindset,” said Chris Wayne-Wills, Chief Executive of Crerar Hotels Group. Many of our single travelers choose to stay at one of our hotels because it is on the ocean or in a picturesque rural area, where they can experience the great outdoors while also enjoying fantastic food and drink, incredibly warm service, and spa treatments that can truly revitalize the soul. It is wonderful to see so many people traveling alone from around the world. Our locations offer some of the best places in the nation for that crucial “me” time, and we take pleasure in offering a safe and inviting environment for anyone opting to go alone. 1) Mull The Scottish isles offer lone travelers a wonderful range of animals as well as locally sourced cuisine and drink. 72 newly renovated rooms, including opulent Sea View and Retreat Suites, are available at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, allowing guests to take in the breathtaking views of Craignure Bay and fully enjoy a Driftwood spa experience. The hotel has been transformed into the ideal haven for a restful getaway after its renovation in 2021. The unique “Wilderness Spa,” which is situated on a remote outdoor terrace and extends the Driftwood Spa’s serene inside setting, offers clients a private Thermal Experience in the Mull wilderness. The outdoor hot tub, bucket shower, daybeds, and sauna are all available to guests at this exclusive spa retreat. Dry robes are provided for comfort during the experience. The new service is completed with a distinctive cozy where visitors can find shelter, unwind, read, and relax amidst nature, or just take in the sights and sounds of the island from the lookout window. There is so much to do on Mull that your time there will undoubtedly be filled with activities. There is truly something for everyone, whether it’s viewing whales and dolphins, hiking Ben More, fishing, golfing, or a variety of other activities. One of Scotland’s most picturesque sites is Dunderave Castle (photo credit: Crerar Hotels). 2) Oban The Oban Bay Hotel, which is situated in a prominent area of the famous bay known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” is both a destination and a starting point for exploring Scotland’s west coast. There is much to enjoy both in the quaint resort of Oban and elsewhere in the world. There are many things to do in Oban for first-timers. Step back in time or go deeper with this place steeped in history. For walkers and island-hopping adventurers, ferries connect the mainland to the islands. From an Oban base, day trips to Mull, Lismore, and Kerrera are all straightforward. Like Mull, Crerar Hotels’ Oban Bay Hotel offers a seaside setting with breathtaking views of Scotland’s west coast. Visitors may also enjoy individually customized ishga spa treatments and fully use the exclusive Thermal Experience offered on the hotel’s outdoor Sea Deck. For the ultimate pampering experience, you can spend private time in the outdoor hot tub, the Swedish oak barrelled sauna, the Roman acrylic steam room, and the Zen relaxation room. The hotel’s interior design was influenced by the seaside environment and has warm woods and seashore blues, while the Sun Room’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide a breathtaking view. Source- Travel daily

The most recent SEA Travel Insights 2023 study from GrabAds, the advertising division of Southeast Asian (SEA) superapp Grab, demonstrates that travelers’ intentions to travel are still strong. Grab users were polled, and 72% of them said they would travel overseas at least once in the upcoming 12 months, up from 39% when borders reopened in 2022, showing an increase of 84% in travel intention in just one year. Brands can seize this chance to shift their focus from short-term “revenge travel” campaigns to long-term repeat-customer planning as the demand for travel is steadily increasing. Additional information about travel preferences, routines, and behaviors in the area is revealed in the report. ‘Stress-free’ solutions are prioritized by families Families make up one of the largest consumer groups for travel in 2023; 86% of travelers anticipate taking at least one trip with others. Although having fun and playing games is fine and dandy, it’s obvious that these family vacationers put safety and convenience above all else. Group travel is, however, no easy task, especially when traveling with youngsters. For instance, family suites and connecting rooms (65%), kid-friendly amenities (58%) and safety measures like child-proofing or guarded balconies (48%), are among these travelers’ top priorities when choosing their lodging. In order to better connect with families that travel with children, travel advertisers can reassure families that they can leave their anxieties at the front door and emphasize advertisements with “family-friendly” or “child-friendly” advertising. Business travelers are once again prioritising ease and safety. A sizable portion of respondents were also business travelers: 40% of those who plan to travel anticipate making 4 business trips on average over the next 12 months, an increase of 14% over the previous year. For this group, choosing a safe neighborhood (46%), being close to eateries and public transportation (57%) were the most important factors when booking accommodations. Travelers avoid surprises and uncertainty. Travelers are starting to favor planning more and more after the pandemic’s two years of disruption. For long-distance trips (6 to 16 hours), 64% of respondents indicated that they would begin making travel plans at least a month in advance. The percentage fluctuates around 55% for locations that are 3 to 6 hours distant and 51% for short trips (under 3 hours). Nearly half (47%) said that their spending plans are set weeks before they go for their trip. It’s important to note that most travelers like to organize their daily schedules on their own. Additionally, according to a survey of travelers this year, 62% stated they would purchase travel insurance to cover their vacations. Travel firms should start marketing initiatives to influence travelers early in the discovery phase, while they’re still researching and weighing their alternatives, in order to take a bigger piece of the market. It’s important for brands to create loyalty programs. Nine out of ten consumers in the area prefer to shop when a firm offers a loyalty program, according to a 2023 customer intelligence survey.  However, according to our data, 78% of Southeast Asians do not participate in any hotel loyalty programs. There is clearly space for repeat business given that 73% of respondents plan an average of three leisure trips over the following 12 months. This is a fantastic opportunity to inform potential travelers about hotel loyalty programs and the advantages they offer, for instance through gamified or incentivized campaigns with wide appeal and simple redemption procedures. GrabAds can assist travel brands in staying ahead of these changing travel habits by connecting advertisers to Grab’s enormous first-party data. Tapping into GrabAds’ hyperlocal insights to appeal to Southeast Asian travelers. For instance, GrabAds and Mediabank Inc. recently collaborated to develop a campaign for the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) to encourage visitors to ‘Discover Another Side of Japan’ outside of the typical tourist attractions. The campaign linked JTA to the numerous Grab users who rank Japan as one of the top foreign travel destinations by utilizing Grab’s online-to-offline ecosystem and strong understanding of Southeast Asian consumers. “Millions of Southeast Asians use Grab every day, creating a wealth of hyperlocal insights that enable brands and advertisers to build deep and meaningful connections with their consumers,” stated Jennie Johnson, Head of Marketing at GrabAds. Data from GrabAds showed a sharp rise in international travel intentions of 84% since last year.  As knowledgeable Southeast Asian travelers fantasize, plan, book, and experience travel, brands need to alter their focus away from short-term impulse advertising based on pent-up lockdown FOMO (fear of missing out) and toward building long-term relationships with these travelers. “It could be as easy as keeping in touch with customers throughout the year or using online and offline channels to advertise the newest deals,” she continued. For instance, our Grab fleet and app are used in the campaign we developed with Media Bank Inc. for the Japan Tourism Agency to creatively target platform users. We at GrabAds are looking forward to collaborating together with travel and tourism firms to develop and offer Southeast Asian travelers an interesting, dynamic travel experience. Source- Travel daily

Henry Golding is invited by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to share his experience of Hong Kong. Henry Golding, an international actor who became well-known in 2018 for his role in Crazy Rich Asians, was asked by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to travel to Hong Kong this summer. Through his perspective, he investigated the city and gave worldwide audiences recommendations for both well-known sights and undiscovered jewels. The popular Malaysian English performer expressed his thoughts on returning to the vibrant city, saying, “Hong Kong has certainly caught my heart. Pure diversity is what I adore most about the city. Everyone claims that Hong Kong is such an amalgam of all of Asia, and they are absolutely correct. The buildings, the people, and people from all walks of life are all a combination of the ancient and the new at every turn and in every instant on the street. Hong Kong is so distinct and different from other places in the world. Golding sped through Hong Kong’s major monuments and hidden treasures in a flash, all while fitting them all into his jam-packed agenda, leaving the comfort of his hotel suite with a stunning view of Victoria Harbour’s skyline. He took advantage of the wide range of experiences that Hong Kong has to offer, savoring delectable meals at opulent restaurants, sipping classic cocktails at a bar to take advantage of the city’s exciting nightlife, and becoming fully immersed in the city’s rich cultural heritage at temples and conventional barbershops. As Golding traveled, he had sincere conversations with the people, eagerly offered his insights on the journey, and advised visitors to find the hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind attractions that made Hong Kong such a memorable place. Source- Travel daily

Enhancing their interline cooperation is Emirates and Philippine Airlines. In addition to the previously announced interline connections via Manila, Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have expanded their interline arrangement to allow Emirates’ customers to visit domestic points in PAL’s network via Cebu and Clark. This relationship expansion will offer seamless connection for customers to reach even more locations in the Philippines utilizing a single ticket and practical luggage policy. It will cover all three Philippine gateways offered by Emirates, Manila, Cebu, and Clark. In addition to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Caticlan, and Puerto Princesa via Cebu, as well as Cebu, Caticlan, and Busuanga via Clark, travelers of Emirates can take advantage of a convenient booking process to destinations in the network of Philippine Airlines. The improved interline agreement allows passengers of Philippine Airlines to reserve seats on flights operated by Emirates that go from Dubai to Amman, Birmingham, Cape Town, Dammam, Dublin, Lisbon, Manchester, Muscat, and Riyadh. Daily flights between Manila and Dubai are provided by the national airline of the Philippines, making it easy to travel to other destinations in the Middle East and Europe. Passengers are able to pick up their boarding cards and check their bags all the way to their destination thanks to the arrangement. Travel arrangements can be made through online and offline travel agencies, as well as on emirates.com, philippineairlines.com, the Emirates and PAL mobile apps. The expansion, which comes months after Philippine Airlines and Emirates originally announced their interline arrangement, reaffirms both airlines’ commitment to meeting rising demand by giving passengers more choice and flexibility as well as better customer experiences. Emirates has been operating 25 weekly flights to Manila, Cebu, and Clark since it began flying to the Philippines in 1990. In order to cater to the market’s elite travelers, the airline is also the only one to provide a First-Class product on flights to Manila. With 110 interline partners and 29 codeshare partners, Emirates’ worldwide reach extends well beyond its own network, providing travelers with more alternatives and improved connection. Source- Travel daily

The Hotel Faber Park Singapore Renderings – Handwritten Collection The Handwritten Collection will make its Singapore debut thanks to a partnership between Global Premium Hotels Limited and Accor, the largest hotel operator in the area. The Hotel Faber Park Singapore – Handwritten Collection, which will provide visitors a carefully crafted hotel experience, is scheduled to launch in Q4 2023. The Handwritten Collection’s first hotel in Singapore will be located on Mount Faber in Singapore. Mount Faber is a respected monument to a bygone period and was named in honor of Captain Charles Edward Faber of the Madras Engineers, who constructed a tortuous, arduous path to the summit for the installation of a signal station. The Hotel Faber Park Singapore – Handwritten Collection, nestled among Mount Faber’s lush vegetation and offering panoramic views of the city and harbor, is sure to capture the attention of both tourists and residents. The hotel, which has 194 rooms, combines modern style with classic appeal. It also offers a variety of services, such as a restaurant, lobby bar, and swimming pool. During their stay, visitors may also benefit from easy access to Sentosa Island, VivoCity, the Singapore Cable Car, and nearby reserves, and the hotel is close to a useful MRT line. The Hotel Faber Park Singapore Renderings – Handwritten Collection Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia, said, “We are thrilled to launch the Handwritten Collection’s first hotel in Southeast Asia. This historic event represents a significant turning point in Accor’s valued association with Global Premium Hotels Limited and its connected party. We eagerly look forward to the opportunity to envelop our guests in the Handwritten Collection’s unparalleled charm and individualized grace. Under the MGallery, Mövenpick, Mercure, Novotel, ibis Styles, and ibis budget brands, Accor operates 16 hotels in Singapore, 5 hotels in Australia, and 2 hotels in the United Kingdom as part of a long-standing strategic collaboration with Global Premium Hotels Limited and its associated party. The Hotel Faber Park Singapore Renderings – Handwritten Collection The establishment of this new hotel, according to Ko Lee Meng, Chief Executive Officer of Global Premium Hotels Limited, “is a testament to our commitment in providing guests with a curated stay experience.” “The foothills of Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest parks in Singapore, which surrounds the hotel, served as inspiration for the well-planned, exquisite design and layout of the lobby, restaurant, and each room. Visitors have arrived at a section of Singapore’s past here. The beautiful bespoke hotels that make up The Handwritten Collection, introduced by Accor in January 2023, provide a smart and individualized hospitality experience. The brand aspires to provide a selection of hotels with distinctive personalities that directly reflect the warmth and character of those who care for them. Each host adds their own special touches subtly throughout the guest’s stay, like a handwritten message, from a warm welcome that flows into conversation to freshly baked sweets. With a strong pipeline of hotels throughout the world, Accor has already opened locations under the Handwritten Collection in Australia, France, and Estonia. Source- Travel daily

Today, Air Canada and Hopper announced a partnership that will provide passengers additional freedom and flexibility to alter their travel arrangements when making reservations on aircanada.com (Canadian version). Travelers can now purchase additional peace of mind by adding Cancel for Any Reason to qualifying non-refundable fare types booked on the Air Canada website. Customers can simply cancel their flight up to 24 hours before to scheduled departure using Hopper’s Cancel for Any Reason feature. Depending on the level of coverage chosen, a refund of 80 or 100% of the initial eligible booking is given upon cancellation and is applied right away to the user’s preferred payment method – there is no need to wait or take any additional actions. For Standard, Flex, Premium Economy Lowest, and Business Class Lowest fares, Cancel for Any Reason is an option. The best assortment of flights at competitive prices is a tenet of Air Canada’s customer commitment. To do this, we offer a menu of branded fares, each with unique features that allow clients to customize their trip to meet their needs. However, we are also aware that plans can change, so we are happy to collaborate with a cutting-edge Canadian travel technology company like Hopper to offer Cancel for Any Reason, giving customers more flexibility and assurance when making reservations, according to Mark Galardo, executive vice president of revenue and network planning at Air Canada. Dakota Smith, president and co-founder of Hopper, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Air Canada, which continues to lead the airline industry with innovative new features responding to its customers’ requirements in today’s travel climate. “We can offer Air Canada a seamless integration with our ancillary products through Hopper Cloud, our B2B initiative, which not only benefits travelers but also promotes business growth.” It is simple to include Cancel for Any Reason on an Air Canada trip. Customers will immediately be given the option to select a Cancel for Any Reason plan for eligible fare types when they choose an eligible fare on aircanada.com. If they later decide they need to cancel the trip, they can do so on the My Bookings portion of the Air Canada website and, subject to any applicable terms and conditions, will get their refund. The usual Air Canada Refund and Cancellation Policy is available in addition to the Cancel for Any Reason option. Source-  Travel daily

Customers of Cathay Pacific may now enjoy a fresh menu of plant-based meals created in partnership with VEDA by Ovolo, a well-known plant-forward restaurant in Hong Kong. The wellness dining alternatives that consumers have when they fly with Cathay Pacific are further improved by this creative alliance. On a number of long-haul flights leaving from Hong Kong, passengers in Premium Economy and Economy classes may now choose from a dizzying array of mouthwatering, meticulously prepared plant-forward alternatives that place an emphasis on nutrition and flavor while honoring global culinary traditions. Additionally, the partnership supports VEDA and Ovolo Hotels’ continuous Plant’d commitment to ethical eating, mindful dining, and cutting-edge vegetarianism, with the group becoming the first hotel brand in the world to make such a commitment. It gives us great pleasure to announce this new relationship with VEDA, a Hong Kong restaurant that shares our dedication to provide wonderful cuisine while also being more environmentally friendly, said Cathay Pacific General Manager of Customer Experience and Design Vivian Lo.“Cathay believes that the devil is in the details. We meticulously work with partners to deliver our clients remarkable experiences because we know how important in-flight eating is to them. To do this, we carefully source products, create menus, and prepare meals with great attention to detail. “We have worked with VEDA and Ovolo Hotels Executive Chef Raul Tronco to develop a reimagined selection of plant-forward creations that reflect our brand values of thoughtful and progressive, and go beyond the norms of airline vegetarian meals,” the statement reads. “We drew inspiration from the breadth and variety of VEDA’s dishes.” Girish Jhunjhnuwala, the founder and executive chairman of Ovolo Hotels, said: “VEDA and Ovolo Hotels take great satisfaction in being an industry leader. We keep evolving because we think the world is constantly changing. “We want to make sure we’re doing our part to protect the environment, encourage a healthy diet, and promote the fantastic vegetarian and plant-based cuisine. In line with this credo, our Plant’d pledge, and our larger “Do Good. Feel Good” sustainability commitment, our partnership with Cathay Pacific is ideal. “As a vegetarian, I am very excited to see companies like Cathay Pacific embrace wellness and sustainability,” said executive chef Raul Tronco. I treated each meal when I started my adventure the same way I would while making anything for VEDA. “Creating a meal that can be appreciated at 30,000 feet has certain difficulties. I had to think about everything, including cooking methods and how altitude affects taste senses. I’m incredibly happy with the outcome after numerous hours of recipe testing, and I’m sure that the specially selected VEDA in-flight meals will please passengers with their diversity, vibrancy, and amazing flavor. In order to provide upscale dining experiences, Cathay Pacific is continually enhancing its operations with sustainable practices as it works to become a more sustainable airline. The airline aims to give customers a more sustainable eating experience by investigating plant-forward substitutes and working toward more environmentally responsible resource use in its catering equipment. This will inspire them to go greener together. The airline reduced its use of single-use plastics by 56% in 2022 compared to the baseline year of 2018. The partnership with VEDA heralds the start of a string of updated services for clients, from drinks to in-flight meals. Other interesting upgrades to the in-flight meal experience in Premium Economy and Economy class will be introduced by Cathay Pacific soon. Source- Travel daily