Starfish Travel Corporation Team

PayingTooMuch’s travel insurance specialists outline eight holiday mistakes that travelers frequently make as well as ten highly-liked activities that are frequently not covered by traditional travel insurance. Vacationing is a terrific opportunity to get away from the tensions and cares of everyday life, but you don’t want to come back to even more problems than before. Unexpected cancellations may result in financial loss, and catastrophic injuries may incur high medical costs. Travel insurance pricing comparison website PayingTooMuch lists eight frequent blunders that people make when it comes to their travel insurance in order to shield travelers from unforeseen expenses. Additionally, they provide five suggestions for selecting the best travel insurance plan for your upcoming trip and highlight ten common activities that aren’t typically covered by standard policies. Eight typical blunders with travel insurance that could prevent you from receiving a settlement are revealed by an expert. not disclosing medical history prior to diagnosis It’s critical that you inform your insurance company of any recent medical issues for which you have received treatment. Each insurer may have a different duration, although it often ranges from 12 months to 5 years. You won’t be covered for any conditions relating to your vacation if you don’t. This implies that you will be responsible for paying for all medical costs out of your own money. Even if they occurred a long time ago, there are several medical issues that you should always disclose to your insurance, such as: heart ailments elevated blood pressure elevated cholesterol Diabetic Headache brain bruising It’s wise to consult your insurance company if you have any questions concerning any of these. failing to notify your insurance company of any modifications to your pre-existing medical problems The insurance company will request health information from you before agreeing to insure you. In this manner, they can guarantee that your quote has the appropriate amount of coverage. To ensure you have the appropriate level of coverage, you must update your policy if your health changes in any way. Purchasing trip insurance after hours Purchasing travel insurance at the time of vacation booking is advised. If you need to cancel, your travel insurance will cover you for both the actual vacation and the time leading up to it. Usually, once your vacation has begun, it is too late to purchase travel insurance. Insurance may be purchased at the airport, but after you leave the country, it cannot be obtained. You run the risk of not being insured at all or not being covered for cancellations if you wait until the last minute. failing to amend your travel insurance policy if your itinerary or destination change To ensure that you are covered for the appropriate dates, you must update your single trip coverage if your trip’s dates change. If your trip’s destination changes, you must notify your insurer for both annual multi-trip policies and single-trip policies. If your vacation is taking place outside of the area for which you have coverage under an annual policy, you will need to notify your insurer. This is due to the fact that travel insurance tends to be more expensive in certain nations, such as the USA, where medical expenses are much greater. To avoid being faced with a hefty medical cost, it’s critical to confirm that your coverage extends to the appropriate location. obtaining a yearly policy for a journey of extended duration Typically, an annual policy will only cover travel for up to 31 days (however, depending on your age, some insurers may cover up to 50 days each trip). Selecting a single trip policy could provide you with additional options for comparison if you want to take a longer trip. Entering incorrect information while purchasing travel insurance Verify your information thoroughly since providing false information—such as inaccurate medical information—will prevent you from being covered. If you catch the error before filing a claim, everything should work out fine. You can usually change your information with an insurance over the phone or online. Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s a good idea to double-check the information you’ve supplied because mistakes are inevitable. As soon as you receive your documents and during the 14-day cooling-off period, you should also verify your information. Using your GHIC or EHIC card in place of travel insurance Travelers from the UK can access healthcare services in the European Economic Area (EEC) and Switzerland with the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). It’s crucial to keep in mind that travel insurance provides a higher level of protection than your GHIC and EHIC cards. Only emergencies, including as trips to the A&E, or care for pre-existing medical issues are covered by this coverage. It might not cover all medical expenses or emergency transportation home, so be careful to purchase travel insurance in addition to your card to avoid unpleasant surprises. Additionally, you won’t be protected in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or any other non-EU nation. However, having travel insurance will let you take care of everything. Selecting the least expensive plan In the near term, you may save money, but the cheapest travel insurance policy could not cover everything you might require. If you don’t have enough medical coverage, you might have to pay for any hospital stays you incur while on vacation. In the event that your baggage is damaged or you have cancellations, a cheap policy might not pay for it. Don’t simply compare prices when comparing travel insurance coverage; also make sure to compare important features and perks. When comparing long policy booklets, the Insurer’s Product Information Document (IPID), which is a concise document with a standard layout, will help to minimize confusion. British citizens are advised to review their travel insurance policy prior to engaging in popular vacation activities. The holidays are a terrific opportunity to explore new things and venture outside of your comfort zone. Even while it could seem like the ideal moment to partake in an exhilarating activity, you might not be

Many of JR’s rail passes have seen price increases recently. One thing is evident after a month of the new pricing structure: travelers must work hard to extract enough value to make the purchase worthwhile. JR’s passes used to require a very compelling argument not to be purchased. These days, there are plenty of possible travel routes where buying standard tickets is the more economical choice for a lot of tourists visiting Japan. Many in the tourism industry are beginning to advocate for slow travel and interacting with local communities because it is no longer as inexpensive to travel across the nation as it once was. This new trend is all about authenticity and depth rather than hopping from one popular tourist destination to another. Major transit hubs will always be crucial from a logistical standpoint, but more and more people—especially those with prior experience visiting Japan—are seeking to visit the country’s rural areas. The trend for leisurely travel and venturing further off the main path coincides with Japan’s best moments. The number of tourists arriving from outside is at an all-time high, owing to the combined effects of a declining value of the yen and an increase in worldwide travel. Over 2 million tourists visited Japan during the summer, which made many people think about the issue of overtourism once more. This is a word we haven’t heard much since the time before the pandemic. Travelers can enter Japan for the first time since 2019 in the autumn of 2023, thus October and November will likely be extremely busy. Fortunately, most foreign visitors still don’t know much about Japan. Aside from the mainstays, lesser-known jewels like the towns of Nagato and Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture are less popular than other places. Setouchi is therefore ideally adapted to satisfy the evolving demands of tourists as a region. Setouchi appeals to a more refined clientele that wants to take it easy and truly experience Japan, with plenty of opportunities for those interested in culture, art, nature, etc. If Setouchi is unfamiliar to you, be aware that it is a region of Japan that includes many of the prefectures on the Island of Shikoku and the western portion of Honshu (Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa, and Ehime Prefectures). Setouchi, a region connected by the Seto Inland Sea, has a common coastal culture that is comparable to that of the Mediterranean. Although Setouchi is most known for its endless islands, the region is also endowed with mountains and other beautiful views. We think your readers might like these simple add-ons, which are listed below, either before or after Hiroshima. We’ll also highlight a few other locations in the upcoming months on prefectures on the island of Shikoku in Japan. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/discover-the-serenity-of-japans-setouchi-region/

The newest and fastest-growing travel trend is traveling alone. Solo travel is no different from any other travel plan in that choosing the ideal place for your vacation involves careful consideration. When choosing where to go on an independent trip, there are many factors to take into account, ranging from what to do to make sure you’ll be safe during your travels. The best cities for single travelers have been identified in a new Wizz Air study using TripAdvisor evaluations. Andras Rado, Wizz Air’s Corporate Communications Manager, discussed the study in his remarks. The advantages of traveling alone are numerous and range from greater geographic freedom to lower travel costs. Naturally, individuals who opt for solo vacations want to be sure that the places they visit offer ample entertainment options. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the top cities for single travelers. We know how important it is to base our ranking on reviews written by previous solo travelers in order to make sure that these cities have the most to offer those traveling alone. “One of the most trustworthy ways for travelers to gain information about the realities of traveling to a destination is through the experiences of other travelers that have been there before,” the author writes. Let’s examine the cities that placed highest on the podium for lone travelers. Rhodes, a Greek city, ranked #1 with 76% of user ratings from single travelers being 5-star. Of these, 79% of reviews were 5-star, and 73% of reviews were for city-based eateries. The majority of these reviews were for the city’s attractions. Split, a city in Croatia, came in second, with 73% of reviews from lone travelers being 5-star ratings. Of these, 81% of evaluations were 5-star, and 66% of reviews were for restaurants in Split. The majority of these reviews were for the city’s attractions. The Portuguese city of Faro tied for third place with the next entry, with 67% of its ratings from lone travelers being 5-star. Out of these, 74% of the reviews were 5-star, and 59% of the reviews were for restaurants in the city. These evaluations were mostly written about the city’s attractions. 4. Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul, a Turkish city, tied for third position with Faro, with 67% of reviews from lone travelers rating it as 5-star. Sixty-four percent of the reviewers gave the city’s attractions five stars, and seventy-one percent gave the city’s restaurants the same rating. 5. Italy’s Florence, Florence, an Italian city, completes the list of the top 5. Sixty-six percent of customer reviews left by lone travelers were five stars. Of these, 71% of the reviews were 5-star, and 61% of the reviews were for restaurants in the city. The majority of these reviews were for the city’s attractions. According to the survey, Split, Croatia, and Rhodes, Greece, make up the most dreamy cities for lone travelers. These locations had a high number of 5-star ratings from lone travelers in general as well as in particular for their restaurants and attractions; in fact, over 70% of user evaluations on TripAdvisor for both cities’ attractions and restaurants were rated with five stars. Source- Travel dailyLink-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/best-cities-for-a-solo-trip/

After winning the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination Award earlier this year, Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 Lujane Yacoub and Miss Universe Pakistan 2023 Erica Robin were crowned Miss Universe Queens and announced as the new faces of the Philippine Department of Tourism, promoting halal and wellness travel in the nation. The promotion intends to introduce tourists from Arab and Muslim nations to the Philippines, a cosmopolitan and dynamic destination with halal-certified accommodations, services, and goods. The Philippines was recognized for its efforts to accommodate the interests and preferences of Muslim travelers in 2023 when the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines awarded it the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination Award. led by a Filipino living in Dubai The two Miss Universe contestants arrived in Manila this past weekend to work with Josh Yugen, proprietor of Yugen PR & Events, to promote the Philippines Department of Tourism’s “Halal and Wellness Tourism” program, which encourages more visitors from Arab and Muslim nations to visit the country. As part of its plan to establish the Philippines as a top travel destination in Asia, the government declared that one of its top priorities was to increase the number of foreign visitors from the Middle East and countries with a majority of Muslims living there. Undersecretary of Tourism Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar stated, “Miss Universes’ trip to the Philippines would be a significant boost for our country that would hopefully influence the global Muslim community to visit the archipelago nation, which is home to white sand beaches, famous diving spots, lively entertainment, diverse cultural heritage, and distinctive wildlife.” The Farm at San Benito, an eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort, is leading the way in promoting the Filipino wellness brand and providing halal experiences to visitors from around the world. The Farm has been promoting the peaceful beauty of the Philippines and the genuine service and care provided by the Filipino people for the past 20 years, all while pushing a way of life that places an emphasis on self-care, holistic healing, and cultural inclusivity. Travelers can take advantage of holistic detox cleanses, weight management, yoga and raw food retreats, post-natal wellness, sleep recovery, mental health therapy, integrated addiction recovery, and a host of other services at The Farm. “We are excited to form this alliance with the beauty queens from Arab and Muslim nations in order to increase public awareness of what our nation has to offer,” stated Jennifer Sanvictores, The Farm at San Benito & CG Hospitality’s global head of sales, marketing, and communications. It increases the likelihood of drawing tourists to The Farm at San Benito or any other Halal-certified location in the Philippines, not just from the Gulf but also from the ASEAN area. We’re excited to see the beauty queen through to the end of her stay with us and to assist her in making the most of her opportunity to compete in the international pageant the following month. “Having spent over half of my life in Dubai, I genuinely believe that it is time to elevate our Filipino welcome to the Middle East and focus on the key factors attracting travelers, such as providing options for halal certified establishments and world-class wellness programs,” stated Josh Yugen in reference to the new campaign. “I am confident that these messages will be successfully communicated to all of our target audiences, especially with the participation of Miss Universe Bahrain and Pakistan as new advocates for this campaign,” the speaker continued. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/these-muslim-miss-universe-queens-are-the-new-face-of-the-philippines-halal-and-wellness-tourism-campaign/

The 10,000-seat venue in the city of Stockton will now be known as Adventist Health Arena as part of a new partnership launched by Adventist Health and ASM Global. With this deal, a new era of entertainment options will begin in the years to come. The news is made while ASM Global keeps up a full calendar of elite tournaments. Jiu Jitsu World League, Gabriel Iglesias, Stockton Kings (home opening on Nov. 19), JAMZ, Disney On Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, StocktonCon, Bert Kreischer, Los Tigres del Norte, and a plethora of more performers are scheduled to perform in the near future. Peso Pluma, Banda MS, Cody Johnson, Journey, Mount Westmore, Boyz II Men, Disney On Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, Professional Bull Riding, WWE, AEW, Stockton Kings, and Stockton Music Jam are just a few of the performers who have performed at the Stockton Arena. This is just the start of the arena’s extensive renovations, which also include new ribbon boards, a 360-degree LED center-hung screen, and improved back-of-house operations. New LED sports lighting, club lighting, improved dressing rooms, and conference room improvements are just a few of the many improvements that will be made. “This is more than simply changing the name of the arena; it’s about bringing together the private and public sector into something that is more than branding,” stated Jason Perry, general manager of ASM Global Stockton. Through our Community Benefit Program, our relationship will welcome new community members to our events and introduce them to fresh and creative ways of thinking about events. At ASM Global, we are excited about our new collaboration with Adventist Health, a genuine community pillar that will always make the Central Valley and the City of Stockton proud. According to Brooke McCollough, president of Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, “We are thrilled and honored to partner with the City of Stockton and ASM Global in establishing the Adventist Health Arena as a major public event and entertainment venue in San Joaquin County and the Central Valley.” Our organization’s goal is to uplift hope, health, and wholeness because these things all lead to happy, fulfilled lives. For many years to come, we think that this fantastic venue will provide both locals and guests countless chances to find joy in a variety of contexts. “Stockton is celebrating another milestone,” stated City Manager Harry Black. “As we continue to highlight everything Stockton has to offer, we are thrilled to have Adventist Health as a partner. Bravo to our City of Stockton Economic Development Department and ASM Global for seeing this through to completion. This is in line with the city’s strategic action plan for economic development, and Stockton will gain even more prominence as a venue for entertainment and sports events as a result of these expenditures. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/adventist-health-and-asm-global-and-city-of-stockton-announce-multiyear-partnership/

For the first time since 2010, an emperor penguin chick was hatched at SeaWorld San Diego on September 12, 2023. Emperor penguins can only be found in SeaWorld San Diego, which makes their hatching a unique and joyous occasion in the Western Hemisphere. Because of the melting Antarctic Sea ice and the increasing sea levels brought on by climate change, emperor penguins are currently classified as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Justin Brackett, Curator of Birds at SeaWorld San Diego, said, “Bringing this chick into the world and ensuring her well-being and survival around the clock has been a very rewarding process for me and the entire SeaWorld Aviculture team.” “Our knowledgeable team and the veterinary personnel made every decision pertaining to her well-being with the utmost care and thought. As she grows, we are forward to find out more about her and see how her distinct personality unfolds. Emperor penguin populations are being negatively impacted by the Antarctic Sea’s record low ice coverage, according to a recent scientific study. Because there was not enough sea ice, four out of the five colonies of emperor penguins that were observed completely failed to reproduce. Sea ice provides the habitat that emperor penguins need for mating, raising young, and molting. The waterproof feathers needed for swimming and survival in the ocean are absent from newly hatched chicks. “Disappearing sea ice is becoming more frequent as our planet continues to warm and is having a devastating effect on penguin populations,” stated Katie Propp, Chief Operations Officer of Penguins International. The good news is that, with enough effort and support, we can prevent climate change and ensure that organizations like SeaWorld, which care for emperor penguins and preserve their genetic diversity, survive. The people must be made aware of the dangers these magnificent creatures face in the wild and must be able to see these magnificent creatures up close in order to be inspired to take action to protect their wild counterparts. The only location outside of Antarctica in the Western Hemisphere where visitors can view emperor penguins is SeaWorld San Diego. Along with 300 other penguins, including King, Gentoo, Macaroni, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, Penguin Encounter is home to a colony of 17 emperor penguins. The exhibit features a snow-filled, 25-degree habitat where the resident penguins can swim and socialize with one another. Outside the Encounter is a colony of South American native Magellanic penguins who like warm climates. There are about 90 puffins and murres at Penguin Encounter. Source- Travel dailyLink-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/first-emperor-penguin-chick-in-over-a-decade-hatched-at-seaworld-san-diego/

According to a recent survey, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, known as Kapali Çarşı, is the world’s most Instagrammable shopping location. The international shopping portal Ubuy Hong Kong determined which retail locations are the most Insta-worthy by analyzing Instagram hashtags for a selection of those locations. The inclusion of hashtags pertaining to shopping destinations was contingent upon their perceived possession of a substantial percentage of posts pertaining to the respective shopping districts. 3,152,548 Instagram posts from Kapali Çarşı (Grand Bazaar), Turkey With 3,152,548 Instagram pictures featuring Kapali Çarşı hashtagged, it is the most Instagrammable retail destination globally. Located inside the Istanbul city walls, Kapali Çarşı, also referred to as the Grand Bazaar, spans 61 covered streets and features more than 4,000 shops. Built in 1455 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II after he conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul), Kapali Çarşı grew over the ensuing centuries to become one of the world’s largest covered markets. 2,308,415 Instagram photos from Namdaemun Market in South Korea Namdaemun Market has 2,308,415 Instagram posts with its hashtag, making it the second most Instagrammable shopping place globally. One of the oldest markets in Korea, Namdaemun Market in Seoul, South Korea, was first opened in 1414 and has seen multiple waves of restoration and remodeling over the ages. The busy market is the biggest traditional market in Korea, with around 5,200 businesses. Everything is available at these many establishments, including Halloween decorations and food. 2,182,063 Instagram posts from Starfield COEX Mall in South Korea Having posted 2,182,063 photos to Instagram, Starfield COEX Mall is the third most Instagrammable shopping destination globally. The largest underground mall in the world, Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul, is around 154,000 square meters (1,660,000 square feet) in size, of which 144,000 square meters (1,550,000 square feet) are underground. Numerous stores, eateries, and entertainment venues are housed in the mall, along with the well-known Byeolmadang (Starfield) Library. The term COEX is created by merging the EX from “exhibition halls” with the CO from “convention centers.” Due to its location in the center of Seoul’s downtown Gangnam neighborhood, Starfield COEX mall is expected to be packed with Halloween revelers. 1,719,602 Instagram posts from Covent Garden, United Kingdom Covent Garden is the world’s fourth most Instagrammable shopping area, with 1,719,602 posts utilizing its hashtag. Originally a fruit and vegetable market in the 17th century, Covent Garden is a neighborhood in London. The renowned market building was built in 1830, and later on, more buildings were built all around it. Covent Garden is a bustling tourist destination these days, home to a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment venues, and the Apple Market craft market. This year, Covent Garden is getting into the Halloween mood with free Halloween-themed arts and crafts during the half term, as well as a trick-or-treat trail. 1,498,492 Instagram posts from Gwangjang Market in South Korea Gwangjang Market is in fifth place with 1,498,492 Instagram posts that contain its hashtags. The first permanent market in Korea was located in Gwangjang Market, also in Seoul. Featuring more than 5,000 stores and offering a diverse range of products and food to customers, it is one of the biggest and most established traditional markets in South Korea. The United States’ Macy’s Herald Square has 1,420,519 Instagram posts. Macy’s Herald Square comes in sixth place with 1,420,519 Instagram posts that contain its hashtags. The flagship Macy’s department store and corporate office of Macy’s, Inc. is situated on Herald Square, New York. Macy’s is well-known for its yearly Christmas displays in its Broadway windows and for its events, which include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 50th Annual Village Halloween Parade in New York City passes via Herald Square and Macy’s Broadway entrance faces 6th Avenue. 1,223,065 Instagram photos from İstinye Park, Turkey İstinye Park ranks sixth globally as the most Instagrammable shopping destination, with 1,223,065 posts featuring its hashtags. İstinye Park, located in Istanbul, provides visitors with a large assortment of shops, entertainment, and food options in both indoor and outdoor areas. A traditional Turkish food bazaar with both traditional and modern flavors may be found in İstinye Park. 1,065,588 Instagram posts from Siam Paragon, Thailand Siam Paragon is the eighth most Instagrammable shopping destination in the world, with 1,065,588 Instagram posts containing its hashtags. Siam Paragon is one of Thailand’s biggest shopping centers, and it’s located in Bangkok. Along with a multitude of dining establishments and retail stores, it also has an abundance of entertainment venues, such as the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium. 980,319 Instagram posts from Oxford Street, United Kingdom Oxford Street ranks eighth globally for being the most Instagrammable shopping destination, with 980,319 Instagram posts featuring its hashtags. Oxford Street, the busiest retail district in Europe, is situated in London and is well-known across the world as a shopping destination. Oxford Street, which stretches across London’s West End between Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch, is home to numerous iconic retailers and provides a diverse array of shops and services, including a plethora of Halloween events and merchandise for those with a spooky sense of humor. Taiwan’s Taipei 101 has 858,646 Instagram posts. Taipei 101, with 858,646 Instagram photos, rounds up the top ten Instagrammable shopping locations globally. When Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, was built in 2004, it was the world’s tallest skyscraper and the first to reach more than 500 meters (1,640 ft). The structure has multiple floors with restaurants, cafes, shops, and observation decks where you can take in the view. A Ubuy Hong Kong representative said: Istanbul’s rich history as one of the major cities of antiquity has given rise to its global reputation for culture and trade. For thousands of years, it has served as the hub for trade between Europe and Asia, and the selection available to consumers today is a testament to its illustrious history. There is something for every taste, especially for individuals who enjoy sharing their adventures on Instagram, with options ranging from contemporary shopping malls to lively street markets. It

Just in time for the 2024 European summer, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Qantas announces the opening of a new direct service between Perth and Paris. The new year-round route will see the national airline operate to the French capital for the first time in over 20 years, following the success of Qantas’s unique direct flights from Perth to London and Rome. This will reduce the current fastest travel time from Perth to Paris by approximately three hours. Starting on July 12, 2024, and running four days a week during the height of the European summer, the 17-hour Perth-Paris flights will use Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Services will be decreased to three times a week starting in mid-August 2024. The CEO of Qantas Group, Vanessa Hudson, expressed her excitement about the airline’s decision to launch a direct flight between Australia and Paris once more. She continued, “We think customers will be as pleased to see this route go on sale as we are. It has been on our wish list for a while.” “We know there will be a high demand for this service because our direct flights to London and Rome have been extremely popular, and Paris is the next most requested destination.”It is anticipated that Australian athletes traveling to Paris for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be among the initial passengers on these flights. Australia is our main market, hence we are the only airline that provides these direct flights instead of using a midpoint.Long-haul flights are the target audience for our in-flight service. “We’ll be collaborating with Tourism Western Australia to fully leverage this chance to attract tourists, realizing that direct flights play a big role in travelers’ decision-making.” The Qantas Group’s international capacity is expected to surpass 90% of pre-COVID levels by the end of this year and return to 100% by the middle of the following year, thanks to the recent increase in flying and the launch of new aircraft. The new routes will depart from Terminal 3 at Perth Airport, which is Qantas’ existing location. This would facilitate easy connections to other domestic Australian destinations. The talks between Qantas and Perth Airport to move their operations to Terminal 1 are progressing well. Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook took great satisfaction in securing the new direct connection, which will enhance the State’s global standing as Australia’s Western Gateway. “It is imperative to establish fresh direct aviation services such as these to encourage tourists to visit Western Australia, infuse tourism revenue into our economy, and generate employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors.” Customers will have an additional option for connecting to over 70 destinations throughout the area, including 12 cities in France and Barcelona, Munich, Frankfurt, and Athens, thanks to the Paris service offered by Qantas and its network of partners. Customers of Qantas can enter Paris and then use the same ticket to return to Australia via London or Rome by purchasing a “circle fare.” Tickets are available for purchase from Perth beginning on November 2nd, unless they are sold out before then. Flights from Qantas to Europe Passengers from all throughout Australia can easily connect to Qantas’ flights to Europe. Perth-London QF9/QF10 (787) Perth-Rome QF5/QF6 (787) QF33/QF34 Perth-Paris (787) (booking and travel from Sydney available) Sydney-Singapore-London (A380) QF1/QF2 Customers of Qantas can also take flights operated by Emirates via Dubai and four other partners to Europe. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/qantas-announces-new-direct-flights-from-perth-to-paris/

ICRA anticipates double-digit revenue growth for the Indian hotel sector in FY2024, driven by the continuation of domestic leisure travel, the demand from MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibits) and business travel, as well as a rise in foreign visitor arrivals (FTAs). The ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 and the G20 conference have also benefited the sector. After rebounding to 68–70% in FY2023, ICRA projects pan-India premium hotel occupancy at roughly 70–72% in FY2024. The average room rates (ARRs) of premium hotels across India are projected to be between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 6,200 in FY2024. Although occupancy is anticipated to reach decadal highs, the RevPAR is anticipated to be 20–25% below the peak of FY2008. The medium-term demand outlook is also positive, bolstered by a number of favorable factors such as favorable demographics, increased infrastructure and air connectivity, and the expected rise in large-scale MICE events following the opening of several new convention centers in recent years. Stronger ARRs would result from comparatively lower supply and healthy demand. Bigger players would also profit from hotel expansion-related revenues and profits through operating leases and management agreements. Demand is anticipated to stay strong across markets in FY2024 as consumer sentiments remain positive and corporate performance is solid, according to Vinutaa S, vice president and sector head of corporate ratings at ICRA Limited. However, demand for a particular hotel would rely on factors like location, competition, and other dynamics specific to the facility. Additionally, domestic travel would be the main factor, even though FTA activity is probably going to increase in H2 FY2024. As gateway cities, Mumbai and Delhi are expected to post occupancy levels above 75% in FY2024, thanks to MICE events, business travelers, and transient passengers. Even though Pune and Bengaluru may trail behind other markets, they should see notable improvements in FY2024 over FY2023, notwithstanding this. In FY2024, the ARRs would see a healthy YoY increase, although they would still lag below the FY2008 peak. Demand for mid-scale hotels was also impacted by the steep increase in the ARRs of premium hotels. The continuation of many of the cost-rationalization initiatives implemented during the Covid era, along with the advantages of operating leverage, has led to a notable increase in margins when compared to pre-Covid levels. The ratio of workers to rooms is still about 15–20% lower than it was before COVID-19. Businesses have been using more renewable energy, and their profit margins have also been supported by stringent cost management measures and cost pass-through. Larger hotel businesses have found that asset-light expansions increase their margins. Even if they are still far larger than pre-Covid levels, there may be some decrease in margins from the FY2023 levels as a result of hotels renovating and maintaining their facilities. Twelve sizable hotel enterprises that make up ICRA’s sample are anticipated to record operating margins of 25–28% for FY2024, compared to 20–22% prior to COVID and 28–30% for FY2023. Reducing the leverage on balance sheets has resulted in reduced interest expenses and can bolster net margins. “ICRA anticipates that the improvement in cash flows and earnings will sustain the capital structure in the future. If there are any asset monetisations, they will mostly concern non-revenue producing assets. In FY2024, hotels’ debt indicators should be better than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the degree of improvement in return on capital employed (RoCE) would rely on the expansion strategy and, in the event of an asset-heavy expansion, could be limited by the high capital cost of additional properties due to rising land and construction costs. Numerous organizations have seen improvements in their credit profiles as a result of the robust business accruals. As a result, in FY2023 and YTD FY2024, upgrades have outpaced downgrades. Currently, 94% of ICRA’s ratings have a stable outlook, says Vinutaa. In the last 12 to 15 months, there has been a solid increase in supply announcements and the start of delayed projects as a result of the boost in demand. On the other hand, supply would fall short of demand, growing at a CAGR of 3.5–4% over the medium term. Issues with land availability presently prevent supply expansion in upscale metropolises and larger cities’ micromarkets. Rebranding and property upgrades are the main reasons for the increase in the supply of premium hotels in these areas, and greenfield developments are mostly located in the suburbs. Significant supply announcements are observed at tier-II travel destinations for business, pleasure, and religion. In addition, compared to pre-Covid levels, the cost of building has increased by 20–25% per room due to cost inflation. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/strong-demand-in-h2-fy2024-to-contribute-to-double-digit-revenue-growth-for-hotel-industry-in-fy2024-icra/

The Uttar Pradesh government’s historic decision to set aside INR 130 crore to build a tourism facilitation center in Ayodhya is expected to spark a remarkable economic revolution in the travel and tourism industry, especially in the eastern belt. According to a quick preliminary analysis conducted by myATITHI.global, a thriving community platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, this move is anticipated to create over a thousand direct employment and hundreds of crores in state revenue. “The Tourism Facilitation Centre transcends being a mere structure; it’s a gateway to brighter horizons, a beacon of dreams fulfilled, and a pledge of economic empowerment for the myriad small and individual enterprises that not only characterize Ayodhya but also reverberate across the vast canvas of the state of Uttar Pradesh,” passionately expressed Gautam Mehra, Founder and Director, myATITHI.global, in praising the visionary initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government. “Ayodhya is poised to ascend as India’s new religious tourism capital, the flag bearer of faith, heritage, and prosperity for our great nation,” Gautam continued. This is a transformative step Statewide Economic Windfall: According to preliminary estimates, the well-positioned Tourism Facilitation Centre is expected to become a major source of income for the state. The facility is expected to have the capacity to bring in hundreds of crores of dollars annually, significantly boosting Uttar Pradesh’s economy. Jobs Abound: This innovative project promises to create thousands of jobs in addition to the spectacular income projections. It is anticipated that there will be major benefits to both the official and informal sectors, with the potential development of jobs ranging from administrative functions to skilled craftspeople, hospitality personnel, and local vendors. Approximations suggest: Formal Jobs: Countless direct employment opportunities, encompassing management, administrative, and service capacities. The informal sector offers small companies, sellers, and artists in the area countless job prospects. Annual Economic Uplift: Based on preliminary projections, Ayodhya and the neighboring regions may experience a significant annual economic upturn. Giving Ayodhya Power: Given its distinct cultural and spiritual importance, Ayodhya is well-positioned to be the main beneficiary of this game-changing initiative. With its office space, craft center, food court, amphitheater, parking garage, dorms, and retail center, the Tourism Facilitation Center will be a vital economic hub for the city and its citizens. Contribution to the State Exchequer: The state’s revenue sources are anticipated to see a notable increase when the Tourism Facilitation Center takes shape. This economic boom will help local companies and the state coffers, allowing the government to spend on infrastructure and public services that are vital. The state of Uttar Pradesh is poised for greater prosperity, cultural enrichment, and economic empowerment. These historic events mark the beginning of a prosperous new era for the state and its citizens. Revenue Generation: In a well-known city like Ayodhya, a tourism facilitation centre has the potential to bring in a sizable sum of money each year. The precise amount, however, would depend on a number of variables, including the volume of visitors, their spending habits, and the facility’s level of success. It is plausible that, at most, it could increase the state’s revenue by tens of crores of rupees every year. Employment Creation: This size of project, involving support workers, administrative assistants, craftsmen, and service staff, may result in the creation of more than a thousand official jobs. Numerous thousand additional jobs could be created by unofficial tourism-related jobs like those held by vendors and small enterprises. The multiplier effect will encourage improvements in accessibility and infrastructure, which will boost the state’s tourism industry. Source- Travel daily