Starfish Travel Corporation Team

After a four-year absence, Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific is back this fall and will bring the cruise industry to Hong Kong, China, from October 24-26, 2023, at the JW Marriott Hotel. The resurrected event, sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is based on the overarching theme of “Rebuilding Asia Cruising Together” and will feature a two-track conference program with prominent industry players and a table-top zone showcasing ports, destinations, and service providers from all over the region. According to Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise, “Seatrade has been involved with cruising in the Asia Pacific region for 40 years, bringing cruise communities together to support the development of this emerging market.” “Cruise operations are beginning up gradually in this area, with some markets recovering significantly to levels that were close to those prior to the epidemic. Seatrade is eager to return to Hong Kong to continue assisting the resurgence of the Asian cruise sector because there are already a number of cruise lines operating there and more are expected soon. Professionals from all over the world who work in the cruise business are invited to Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific to learn about the most recent advancements in the industry, hear from renowned industry leaders, and network with like-minded people. Rebuilding Asia cruise Together will be the topic of the conference, which will include panels, seminars, and presentations addressing the most important regional trends, dangers, and possibilities. A panel of the most significant leaders and authorities in cruise will moderate each session. The State of the Asian Cruise Industry session, which delves into significant industry updates, current trends, and predictions for the region’s future, will serve as the conference’s main event. Exhibitors from ports, destinations, and service providers from all around the region will be showing off their newest facilities and goods in the exclusive Supplier Showcase Zone. A variety of networking receptions held over the course of the three days will provide attendees the chance to meet other attendees. Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s beautiful cityscape serve as a major Asian cruise hub, making it the perfect place to host the much anticipated return of Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific. It is an honor for the Hong Kong Tourism Board to organize and fully support the Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific’s visit to Hong Kong. “The choice of Hong Kong as the venue for Asia’s first and largest post-pandemic trade event for the cruise industry not only highlights Hong Kong’s significant role as Asia’s cruise hub, but also further strengthens Hong Kong’s position in the global cruise industry,” said Mr. Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The occasion will bring together the world’s top elites in the cruise business so they may personally experience Hong Kong’s new traveling style. This will demonstrate Hong Kong’s normalcy to the outside world. Now Accepting Registration Flexible registration options are available from Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific. Super Early Bird registration rates are available to those who sign up before 1 September. Visit the Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific website for registration information and pricing alternatives. Source- Travel daily

The “Fly Right” campaign was just launched by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The project seeks to encourage appropriate and law-abiding passenger behavior. Numerous other airlines are backing the new project, including Wizz Air, the airline with the fastest rate of growth in Europe and the one with the highest environmental standards*. The most frequent incidents involving rowdy passengers include a variety of disruptive behaviors, such as disobeying crew directives, intoxication, verbal, and even physical altercations. For Wizz Air, the safety and security of all travelers and crew members on board is of the utmost concern. Therefore, the carrier appreciates this initiative and is ready to actively take part in the promotion. The following measurements are advised by EASA: tighter regulations Training for crew and personnel, cooperative reporting processes, and efficient communication increased safety precautions Education of passengers The information acts as a general guide to ensure that every traveler has a nice and stress-free voyage. You may find it here on the website of the EASA’s Air Operations Community. The “Fly Right” campaign’s primary objective is to raise passenger awareness of the issue by highlighting the three elements below:  Ready for Flight: Advice for a smooth and stress-free flight, including how to pack wisely and in accordance with airline restrictions, keep informed, get to the airport early, stay hydrated, etc. Be Polite: Emphasis is placed on showing consideration for the crew and other passengers, being patient and being calm, and cooperating with the crew. Don’t Fight: Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated; passengers are advised of the value of using common sense and responsible behavior while traveling and the potential repercussions of acting inappropriately. “The EASA Fly Right campaign is a possibility to increase safety across the entire aviation industry, and I am glad that we, as a responsible airline, are a part of this initiative,” said Miklós Bódai, Head of Security at Wizz Air. Our top concern is to keep both our staff and our passengers safe. The frequency of disorderly passenger events and their severity have increased over the past three years in the European aviation industry, according to John Franklin, Head of Safety Promotion at EASA and coordinator of the agency’s “Fly Right” program. For this reason, this summer, EASA introduced the “Fly Right” Campaign. In order to reduce the risk to passengers and crew members, national authorities, airlines, and airports are urged to cooperate and communicate openly with travelers. Source- Travel daily

With the release of the new Formula 1® livery, Qatar Airways heightens anticipation for the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023. Experience the unrivaled thrill of motorsport with Ultimate F1® Fan Packages from Qatar Airways Holidays, which include admission to the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar. Qatar’s DOHA – The much awaited FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023, which will take place from October 6–8, at the Lusail International Circuit, will be sponsored by Qatar Airways, the Official Global Airline Partner of Formula 1®. The airline is excited to introduce its new Formula 1® livery painted on a specially branded Boeing 777 aircraft to heighten the anticipation and reflect its dedication to motorsport aficionados globally. Through its exclusive Ultimate F1® Fan Package, Qatar Airways’ leisure division, Qatar Airways Holidays, is providing fans with a one-of-a-kind experience at F1® races throughout the season as well as the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023. The travel packages include round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a variety of passes, including F1® Paddock Club and Grandstand race tickets, and much more. This creates a seamless motorsport experience. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, stated: “The months of October and November will bring a collection of top-notch automobile events devoted to enthusiasts throughout the world. As the Official Global Airline Partner of Formula 1, we are honored to welcome visitors from around the world to Qatar, where we will once again provide our unmatched hospitality and use sport to bring people closer together. President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and the Lusail International Circuit, Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, stated: “I would want to take this opportunity to thank Qatar Airways, our Official Sponsor, for their support. The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Lusail International Circuit will be crucial in uniting fans of FORMULA 1® from around the world in Qatar. For local, regional, and worldwide fans, we will give a seamless and amazing experience thanks to our brand-new cutting-edge track. We are excited to host F1 fans from throughout the world. Passengers on specific Qatar Airways flights between September 20 and October 10, 2018, can indulge in delicacies influenced by the airline’s connection with Formula 1®. These branded menus feature F1®-themed sweets in Business and Economy Class, ensuring that customers have a variety of tantalizing flavors to choose from. The Ultimate F1® Fan Package brings motorsport fans up close to the fast-paced action with thrilling Pit Lane excursions, a guided track tour, and exclusive activities with selected F1® drivers. An additional touch of glitz to this amazing event is added by the special package, which grants fans free admission to the renowned Geneva International Motor Show, which will be held for the first time in Qatar from October 5–14. Fans can access these unique packages by going to qatarairways.com/F1. Qatar Airways is dedicated to promoting sports around the world by assisting fans in getting to their preferred events. The national airline of the State of Qatar serves as the Official Airline of numerous sports, including Australian football, basketball, cricket, equestrian, motor racing, squash, and tennis, as well as Concacaf, Paris-Saint-Germain, the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC), and European Professional Club Rugby. Source- Travel daily

The world’s top B2B travel platform, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), and Shell Aviation announced that Google has joined their sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiative. In addition to advancing global climate solutions, Google’s partnership with Amex GBT and Shell Aviation adds on its objective to achieve net zero throughout all of its operations and value chain by 2030. “The use of SAF will play a critical role in helping the aviation sector on its path to decarbonize,” said Michael Terrell, Senior Director of Climate and Energy at Google. Google’s ongoing efforts to hasten the world’s transition to a carbon-free future are further demonstrated by its participation in Amex GBT’s sustainable aviation fuel initiative. The SAF initiative from Amex GBT and Shell Aviation shows how the private sector can finance the transition to net zero in aviation by bringing together large businesses like Google, Aon, Bank of America, Delta, Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, and Japan Airlines. In order to scale the developing SAF market, the program is also gathering demonstrable demand. The program began in 2022 with 1 million gallons of SAF available for business users, which would have powered nearly 15,000 London-to-New York business trips. According to Andrew Crawley, President of American Express Global Business Travel, “Business travel makes up about 15% of all international air travel and accounts for around 40% of revenue. The fact that Google has joined our expanding SAF program shows how business cooperation may hasten aviation’s transition to net zero and facilitate more environmentally friendly travel. Sustainable business travel requires addressing a pervasive issue: aviation’s reliance on fossil fuels, which accounts for about 90% of emissions from business travel. When compared to conventional fossil-based fuels, SAF can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by as much as 80%. The aviation sector currently views it as the most promising route for decarbonizing air transport. However, SAF is two to eight times more expensive than typical fossil-based jet fuel and accounts for less than 0.1% of the available aviation fuel. SAF demand and production are hence constrained. To help with the resolution of these problems, Amex GBT and Shell Aviation are bringing together corporations and airlines. The cost of SAF can be shared and its utilization scaled by utilizing the airline clients of Shell Aviation and the purchasing power of Amex GBT’s 19,000+ corporate clients across 140 countries. The burgeoning SAF sector will benefit from capital investment in the extra manufacturing facilities and technology required to achieve economies of scale. “It’s great that Shell Aviation will provide SAF through the Avelia program to support Google in reducing emissions from its corporate flying,” said Jan Toschka, president of Shell Aviation. Given Google’s stature and popularity, this news marks a significant turning point in the decarbonization of aircraft. We’re excited to partner with such a powerful and forward-thinking organization since increasing the uptake of SAF will only be achievable if all components of the aviation value chain work together. One of the first blockchain-powered digital SAF book-and-claim solutions for corporate travel, Avelia, powers the program. In order to ensure explicit and transparent tracking of the environmental characteristics of SAF delivered into the aircraft fuelling network, Avelia leverages blockchain technology. Airline customers and business clients can both receive environmental benefits without running into problems like duplicate counting. So, while working to develop enough SAF to satisfy their future net zero or science-based commitments, corporations may confidently declare proven lifecycle emissions reductions from SAF now. Source- Travel daily

The release of Lodging AI by Sabre Corporation signals the expansion of the Sabre Travel AITM capabilities into the lodging industry and increases the potency of Content Services for Lodging. Travel agencies can increase hotel attachment rates with the aid of lodging AI, which will increase income prospects and give guests more individualized housing choices. The new lodging capability creates personalized accommodation alternatives and serves up properties that are most likely to be booked by analyzing property attributes, client trip segmentation, traveler and agency preferences, and Sabre Travel AITM machine learning models. “Artificial intelligence combined with data and insights, such as profiles and preferences, is a very powerful tool in removing friction from the travel booking process,” according to Garry Wiseman, chief product officer at Sabre. According to our strategic relationship with Google, “Lodging AI is the next evolution of intelligent retailing capabilities. It brings more personalized results to enable agents to be more efficient in their workflows and to ensure travelers receive the most relevant options.” Lodging AI’s first two micro-services are currently accessible, and more use cases will be provided later. Alternative properties: If a given property is not available during the shopping phase, this micro-service of accommodation AI enables accommodation reservations by displaying up to 20 appropriate options with comparable features.Cross-selling is a micro-service that locates relevant plane reservations or travel plans without accommodation included and offers appropriate lodging options to finish the trip. By providing pertinent accommodation options to go along with an air ticket booking, accommodation AI, which is accessible via Content Services for Lodging APIs and Sabre Red 360, will enable Sabre customers to boost traveler value and drive profitability by capturing a larger share of wallet. With additional trip components included in a PNR, corporate travel managers might also notice improved duty of care and reporting. Access to more specialized options depending on their requirements and preferences is advantageous to travelers. “Ultragroup recognizes Sabre as a premier travel technology partner. Our business and the services we provide have changed as a result of their persistent desire for innovation, according to Ultra Group CEO and Co-Founder Andres Pelaez. We’re getting ready to roll out new AI integrations in our ongoing partnership with Sabre, and we’re putting hotel recommendations based on flight itineraries into practice for a cross-selling experience. In addition, in cases where specific accommodations are not accessible, we will offer options for substitute accommodations based on the search criteria and preferences of the user. These AI-driven tools have the potential to significantly improve productivity and customer satisfaction across all of our business platforms. Sabre Travel AI, a product of the two businesses’ 10-year strategic cooperation, was developed by Sabre and uses Google technology. It makes use of cutting-edge AI technology and sophisticated machine-learning skills. In order to assist clients in more swiftly delivering highly relevant and tailored content and to open up new revenue and growth opportunities, Sabre is integrating its unique intelligent technology into both new and existing solutions. Source-Travel daily

Four new seven-night sailings on the renowned Aqua Nera, with options for three- and four-night sailings, have been added by Aqua Expeditions for February 2024. The decision demonstrates the company’s dedication to providing excellent experiences to its discriminating visitors and comes in response to the growing demand for travel to Peru and the breathtaking Amazon rainforest. Aqua Expeditions has been exploring the incredible Peruvian Amazon for almost fifteen years, and in 2021 they added the cutting-edge Aqua Nera to their fleet to compliment the Aria Amazon. This year, Travel & Leisure awarded them the renowned title of “World’s Best River Cruise Line” in recognition of the popularity of their river cruises. It is our absolute pleasure to announce these additional Aqua Nera sailings in February, a month that sees the Amazon truly come to life with an abundance of opportunities for our guests to witness more unique wildlife than ever and partake in immersive cultural adventures and local festivities, said Francesco Galli Zugaro, the founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions. Peru’s lovely month of February is highlighted by exuberant events like the Candeleria Festival and the Carnival of Cajamarca. These events provide the ideal complement to an unforgettable voyage on board Aqua Nera. With Aqua Nera, visitors may have an opulent and immersive adventure through the biodiverse Peruvian Amazon. Small-group tours are led by knowledgeable naturalist guides and provide visitors with up-close interactions with exotic species. Visitors can experience breathtaking Amazonian scenery, go on forest treks, and find undiscovered lakes and lagoons on the twice-daily trips. At Aqua Nera, guests can experience personalized luxury and top-notch cuisine made with ingredients sourced from the rainforest to the table. The world’s most biodiverse rainforest promises to be a unique and enlightening setting for this remarkable journey. Fresh Sails: from February 3 until February 10, February 10 to February 17 February 17 to February 24 from February 24 to March 2, Source- Travel daily

Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Approach Guides, the top content optimization platform for travel brands, as part of its ongoing commitment to improve the brand’s capacity to serve its travel advisor partners, to develop dynamic multimedia content experiences that travel advisors can easily co-brand and share with their clients. Travel agents will be able to quickly create personalized content using pre-designed templates that give an immersive look into the distinctive character of the Lindblad Expeditions cruising experience by utilizing Approach Guides’ innovative technology, which will be integrated into the company’s Expedition 360SM portal. Lesa Bain, vice president of sales at Lindblad Expeditions, said: “By partnering with Approach Guides, our specialized travel advisers will now have a growing array of sales and marketing templates at their fingertips, which they can easily and rapidly modify and co-brand with Lindblad Expeditions. Travel agents will find it simpler than ever to inform their clients about Lindblad Expeditions’ more than 170 distinct itineraries spanning all seven continents thanks to tools and technology like these that are just a few clicks away on our Expedition 360 platform. “Travel advisors are clear about what they want from brand partners: simple, top-notch solutions that aid their advertising and sales initiatives while putting them in the spotlight. With its market-leading content experiences, Lindblad Expeditions is now providing just that. The co-founder and chief marketing officer of Approach Guides, Jennifer Raezer, expressed her joy at being able to contribute to making this a reality. Travel advisors can now quickly tailor critical touchpoints, including emails, social media, websites, and itineraries, to delight customers and increase conversion. This includes itinerary specifics, information about onboard experts, ship overviews, and journey types. Owner of luxury travel company Iantosca Travel Ralph Iantosca, CTA, LS, DS, commented on the new Approach Guides: “Last week, I sent a Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Approach Guide to a new referral. He was excited to learn of this experience, having previously only been exposed to mass-market huge ship-style cruise with thousands of guests on board. We may have two additional bookings as we work on a plan for Alaska in 2024. Should these two cabins fill up, the final sale will be 88% higher, or $32,000.00 instead of $17,000.00. I adore my new device. Travel advisors will soon be able to access the new Approach Guides through Expedition 360 and the travel adviser site of Lindblad Expeditions. Inspiring travel to Alaska, Antarctica, and the Galapagos will be the primary emphasis of the first content experiences, with the launch of more templates planned for the upcoming months. Source- Travel daily

Modern cruising provides guests with a laid-back setting in which to unwind and be themselves, but there are still some manners that tourists should observe to prevent being impolite or disrespectful. Beyond simple courtesy, breaching the laws controlling passenger behavior while on board has more significant repercussions. If a passenger fails to follow the captain’s or a crew member’s directions, they may be punished or, in the worst instance, ordered to leave the ship. Although everyone on a cruise wants to let their hair down, it’s crucial to remember common decency because every other passenger also wants to enjoy their vacation. These dos and don’ts of etiquette are crucial for anyone getting ready to take their first cruise and feeling a little uneasy about what to anticipate. They serve as a helpful reminder for seasoned travellers who are organizing another cruise vacation for this summer. In general, it’s crucial to be considerate of noise levels, on time for excursions and reservations, to follow deck rules, to adhere to the dress code, and to respect crew members. Additionally, you cannot reserve sun loungers and leave them unattended for a long time, nor can you split drink specials with others. Following these useful recommendations can assist first-time cruisers in navigating the waters with grace and civility. Cruise etiquette is all about fostering a peaceful environment for everyone on board. The staff at Panache Cruises has listed their top twelve etiquette recommendations to remember when traveling by cruise: Do not bypass the buffet line. Even though you might be famished and itching to head to the buffet, keep in mind that your other passengers are probably experiencing the same things, and your needs and wishes don’t take precedence over theirs. If you really can’t wait to chow down, wait patiently for your turn and make sure to eat a snack in between meals. When the crew is delivering announcements, keep quiet. When the captain or crew makes a statement, pause and pay attention since you and those nearby may lose out on critical information. Typically, the announcements are given to provide pertinent information on embarking in ports of call, weather, onboard activities, etc. Arrive on time to and from outings. The specified departure hours for shore excursions should be observed because if you are late, you risk being left behind. As late arrivals can disrupt the timetable and put other passengers through unnecessary delays, be sure to get back to the tour bus or ship as soon as possible. Please share the chairs. Nobody hates a chair hogger, so if you won’t be using the sun lounger for an extended period of time after claiming it, don’t block access to it by putting your items on the chair. Many cruise companies have implemented procedures to prevent individuals from hogging the chairs by removing their belongings after a predetermined length of time. Watch out for noise levels on the balcony and in the halls. Being noisy in the cabin halls is not a good idea, especially at night but also during the day when other passengers may be trying to unwind or put their children down for a nap. Do not engage in discussion or socializing until you are in your cabin or other communal spaces. Keep your drink package to yourself. The add-on drink packages are priced accordingly and are intended for solitary use. Sharing a package among several persons is therefore forbidden by cruise line rules and is punishable by fines. Keep nothing thrown into the water. One of the worst cruise protocol breaches is throwing things over the rail, and you can get in a lot of trouble for it. If you are discovered throwing anything overboard, including garbage or cigarettes, you will be subject to a significant financial penalty and may also be required to exit the ship at the following port. Beware, as CCTV cameras are always active! Just use the approved smoking places. You should never light a cigarette, cigar, or pipe outside of those areas, including on your stateroom balcony, which are designated smoking areas on all cruise lines. E-cigarettes are the same way. Your on board account will be charged a cleaning fee if you are discovered. Observe the dress code You don’t need to pack your finest gowns and tuxedos for a cruise vacation because the dress code guideline has become considerably more relaxed over the years. Despite this, it’s still important to dress correctly for the situation. For instance, while swimming suits, shorts, and flip-flops are appropriate at poolside buffets, they are not at specialist dining establishments. Do your research in advance as different cruise lines will have different requirements.   Be cordial with the crew. Respect the crew because they’re the ones working hard to make your vacation ideal every day. If you see them in the corridor, make sure to smile and say hello. If a problem should occur, be polite and respectful when raising it. When you go back to the buffet, get a fresh dish. Get a fresh plate, glass, or mug whenever you want to top off on food or drinks at the buffet so you won’t have to worry about washing dishes. Despite your misguided belief that fewer dirty dishes will benefit them, this practice is discouraged for hygiene reasons. Drink sensibly. If you have an alcoholic beverage package included in your price, it may be challenging to keep your alcohol consumption in check. However, just because you are allowed to consume as many drinks as you choose does not mean that you should. Avoid being a rowdy and annoying passenger as this will ruin the cruise for everyone else. It’s advisable to take advantage of everything else the trip has to offer rather than wasting your days recovering from a hangover. It’s vital to make sure you are knowledgeable about cruise etiquette before boarding the ship, according to James Cole, founder and managing director of Panache Cruises. It is vital to familiarize yourself with these laws

An eruption from nearby Mount Etna on Monday forced the suspension of flights to Catania in eastern Sicily, according to local authorities, adding yet another travel headache to the already troubled Italian airport. Overnight, the 3,330 meter (10,925 ft) high volcano erupted, spewing lava and ash high above the Mediterranean island. Before morning, the lava flow stopped, although one of the craters was still spewing ash. An airport operator statement dashed expectations that flights could resume on Monday night by announcing that they would be suspended until 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Tuesday morning. Catania is a well-known tourist destination. Before leaving for the airport on Tuesday, passengers were encouraged to check with the airlines. On Monday, incoming planes were rerouted to other Sicilian airports. In Italy, where Tuesday is a public holiday, the summer vacation period is at its height. Due to the many streets being blanketed in ash and the slushy conditions, Catania Mayor Enrico Trantino forbade the use of motorbikes and bicycles in the city for the following 48 hours. He also ordered automobiles to go no faster than 30 kph (19 mph). The most recent cancellations came a month after a fire at a terminal building caused weeks of inconvenience for travelers at Catania airport, which receives more arrivals than the island’s capital, Palermo. 1992 saw the final significant eruption of Etna. (Editing by Conor Humphries; reporting by Crispian Balmer and Keith Weir) Please note that this report was automatically created by the Reuters news agency. ThePrint disclaims all liability for its contents. Source- Theprint