Starfish Travel Corporation Team

The second ship of the ground-breaking Prima Class, Norwegian Viva was delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The fleet now consists of 19 ships. The historic occasion commemorates the arrival of the second of six Prima Class ships scheduled to make their debut through 2028. When Norwegian Prima debuts in 2022, Norwegian Viva will continue to set new standards for cruising. The ship’s slogan, “Live it Up,” captures the enhanced onboard experience and guest experience that this innovative class is known for, including upgraded amenities, more roomy designs, thrilling onboard attractions like the three-story Viva Speedway, and novel dining concepts, most notably Indulge Food Hall, an outdoor food market with 11 distinct restaurants. According to David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, “Ships as stellar as those of the Prima Class are only possible in collaboration with an incredible shipyard like Fincantieri.” “Delivery marks an important turning point for Norwegian Viva, and we are beyond thrilled to bring this magnificent ship to life as we welcome guests aboard next week,” the company said. With a length of 965 feet, a gross tonnage of 143,535 tonnes, and a capacity for 3,100 passengers, Norwegian Viva also has The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture park in Ocean Boulevard. This boardwalk’s wraparound design brings passengers closer to the water than before. Six artists who have had their works shown aboard past Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ships—Kevin Box, Jonathan Prince, Arik Levy, Richard Hudson, Sophie Elizabeth Thompson, and Pablo Atchugarry—will have pieces in this space that have been reimagined for Norwegian Viva. The 52-foot-long interactive work of art “Every Wing has a Silver Lining,” created especially for Norwegian Viva by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris, will be added to Metropolitan Bar, the ship’s unique sustainable cocktail bar. “Norwegian Viva is a testament to our wonderful partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line,” stated Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “We are honoured to contribute to the groundbreaking Prima Class and look forward to continuing our partnership with the next four eagerly awaited Prima Class ships for years to come.” Norwegian Viva will cruise a number of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries after departing on her first voyage on August 10, 2023, before having her official christening in Miami on November 28, 2023. Source- Travel biz

The Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam will host the biggest and most renowned travel show in Vietnam and the Mekong sub-region from September 7–9, 2023. The Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam was amended and supplemented by the Vietnam National Assembly on June 24, 2023. This included raising the e-visa’s validity to 90 days. This strategy is anticipated to increase the tourism sector’s competitiveness and provide it a boost to foster development, bringing in more foreign tourists in the future. Additionally, marketing and promotion are crucial tasks to improve the growth of the tourism industry and raise a destination’s competitiveness. ITE HCMC is regarded as one of the crucial and useful solutions for this problem.  The “Connectivity, Growth, Sustainability” theme of the 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City provides attendees with three full days of networking opportunities with both local and international exhibitors, as well as access to high-caliber forums, educational seminars, and first-rate entertainment events. The scale of ITE HCMC 2023 is expected to treble this year while maintaining a high level of quality. As a result, the event is anticipated to draw top figures in the global travel industry and more than 400 exhibiting companies & brands, of which more than 70% of booths are from domestic units and around 30% are from outside. With the participation of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) from nations like Cambodia, Chile, Taiwan (China), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand, as well as Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) from St. Petersburg (Russia), Seoul (South Korea), and over 45 provinces and cities of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho City, Da Nang City, and Hai Phon, the exhibition had already occupied over 70% of the exhibition space as of the The exhibition has also drawn top tourism companies like Saigontourist Group, BenThanh Tourist, Vietravel, Tan Son Nhat Hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport, Melia Hotels International, Movenpick, Tam Chuc National Tourism Area, Tung Lam Tourism Area, Muong Thanh Hospitality, and other sponsor in-kind: The Cocoon Vietnam, BLUSaigon, and numerous others. The hybrid model of ITE HCMC 2023 will combine 2D online booths with physical booths. These online exhibits will provide information to foreign customers about goods, services, and a system for scheduling appointments with vendors. Additionally, the centrepiece of this year’s expo will be the local experience areas, which will showcase and introduce the distinctive cultural characteristics of Vietnam to foreign businesses and the general public through handicrafts, coffee, traditional art workshops, and a variety of other activities. Additionally, the Hosted Buyer Programme offered by ITE HCMC gives international tourism businesses the chance to expand their markets and partner networks in Vietnam and the Lower Mekong region. The organising committee will choose and invite approximately 200 foreign buyers from 20 countries and territories (an increase of more than 25% compared to 2022) in collaboration with the advisory board, which is made up of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) and key tourism businesses. The Hosted Buyer Programme anticipates welcoming key inbound markets and potential markets like China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, India, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and many others, as well as decision makers from international travel agencies, MICE travel companies, luxury travel companies, and more. Source- Travel daily

Beds, a global online marketplace for the tourism industry, and Fulham Football Club have established a collaboration in which WebBeds will serve as the Club’s Official Sleeve Partner for a number of years beginning with the upcoming 2023–24 season. The WebBeds logo is shown on the sleeve of the Club’s Men’s, Women’s, and Academy teams, and was on display for the first time at Craven Cottage on Saturday, August 5, when Fulham FC hosted TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in a preseason friendly. With this cooperation, WebBeds—which has operations in 139 nations—reinforces its stated goal of becoming the market leader in the UK and the rest of Europe as it pursues its ambitious expansion strategy amid the ongoing recovery of the travel sector worldwide. With regard to WebBeds’ entry into the sports partnership market, CEO Daryl Lee stated: “Partnering with Fulham FC is a key milestone for WebBeds and demonstrates our dedication to building our global brand, accelerating growth plans, and setting new standards of excellence in delivering value to our hotel and travel industry partners worldwide. This is completely in line with the fervour and determination Fulham has shown on the pitch as they compete for EPL victories. In the upcoming season, we look forward to giving fans and our partners remarkable experiences. We’re pleased to welcome WebBeds as the Club’s Official Global Accommodation Marketplace Partner, Official Sleeve Partner, and Principal Partner for 2023/24, said Fulham Football Club’s Commercial Director Jon Don-Carolis. Both Fulham FC and WebBeds are driven by innovation and superior customer service, and we are excited about the impact our partnership will have both on and off the pitch. Source- Travel daily

What better way to enjoy the cooler months than by embarking on a unique autumn journey, with over half of Americans declaring October to be their favourite season?  These six can’t-miss fall vacations are perfect for all types of travellers, whether they want a lengthy getaway to take in the breathtaking fall foliage or a short journey to take part in local activities. American States Halekulani, Hawaii’s capital city The renowned luxury beachside resort is presenting two exceptional experiences this autumn that are perfect for foodies and wellness tourists. On September 13 and 14, Halekulani will collaborate with Imperial Hotel Tokyo’s Chef du Cuisine Les Saisons and Executive Chef of La Mer Alexandre Trancher to organise an extraordinary French culinary experience, which will include a five-course gourmet meal with special wine pairings, at La Mer. One of LA’s most in-demand hairdressers, Michael Solis, will host “Hair Care Beyond Beauty” at the hotel in October as part of the Art of Wellbeing Visiting Masters Series from Oct. 12–18. Hawaii’s Royal Hawaiian Centre, Honolulu The 77th Annual Aloha Festivals, the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States, will kick off autumn on September 9 at the Royal Grove of the Royal Hawaiian Centre, Waikiki’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment destination. On the sacred grounds of Kamehameha Schools, hula and musical performances will take place that evening. This setting is ideal for this year’s theme of Piliina, which is to feel kinship with the land. In addition, on October 29, Royal Hawaiian Centre will conduct their annual Halloween Keiki Costume Contest, which is free and open to the public. Honolulu, Hawaii’s Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani The Aloha Festival festivities take place throughout September, and this gorgeous Waikiki resort is the perfect spot to stay. Enjoy events like The Waikk Ho’olaule’a, Hawai’i’s largest annual block party with local fare, music, and entertainment, on September 23. The Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art, and Manoa Heritage Centre are three of Oahu’s top cultural attractions, and Halepuna visitors are welcome to visit them for free (simply present your hotel key!). New York, New York, The Knickerbocker According to U.S. News & World Report, the city that never sleeps has some of the best fall foliage in 2023. Stay at The Knickerbocker hotel to plan an urban leaf-peeping excursion. It is conveniently situated between Bryant Park, Central Park, and the Hudson River Parkway, as well as being halfway between Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and the Bronx’s New York Botanical Garden. In the months leading up to the ultimate New Year’s Eve party, guests can enhance their autumnal experience at the hotel’s crown gem, the St. Cloud rooftop, where they can take in legendary views of Times Square and the New Year’s Ball. JAPAN THE MITSUI KYOTO HOTEL Kyoto, Japan The annual Otsukimi festival, often known as the “moon-viewing” festival, is set for September 29 in Japan, and HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO has planned an exceptional experience for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the long-standing custom. In September, visitors can take part in the short-lived Otsukimi Art Tour, a lantern-guided twilight tour of the hotel’s ancient artwork and architecture that is followed by a traditional tea ceremony. One more motivation to go to Kyoto in the autumn? During the peak foliage season, which lasts from mid-November to early December, magical hues begin to show. Japan’s Okinawa island of Halekulani This October, Halekulani Okinawa is offering special celebrations for two significant cultural holidays. Visitors can celebrate Okinawa Soba Day (October 17) all month long at House Without A Key, where Japanese Head Chef Yuichi Mitsui prepares healthy Okinawa Soba with Pork Ribs with real Okinawan flour soba noodles in a unique umami-flavored broth. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, therefore visitors looking for a more physical experience can participate in the hotel’s Discover the Island’s Mabui (Soul) programme, which includes instruction from a traditional Okinawan karate master, on October 25, Okinawa Karate Day. Participants gain historical perspective on how the martial art improves the bond between the body and mind, and they even get a personalised karate costume! Source- Travel daily

Contributors are solely responsible for their own thoughts and statements; they are not employed by, paid by, or otherwise controlled by TD.  Share When the Belgium team was named the 2023 winners of the “Switzerland Meeting Trophy,” they exclaimed with joy. The announcement was made at the “Halle Shipyard,” the largest event space at “8008 See Lounge,” which is located next to Lake Zurich. Boats that were being repaired were pushed to the side to create a unique urban city space where guests could enjoy the DJ, bars, buffet, and decking area while the sun set on three eventful days. Teams of about 70 meetings and event planners from the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Holland, the Nordic countries, and North America competed in a series of tasks and experiences that the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) carefully selected between St. Moritz and Zurich. I hear you asking, “Why mention the winners in the first sentence?” While the Belgian team deserves praise, it’s time to use some tired cliches like “it’s all about the journey, not the outcome” and “it’s not about the winning but the participating.” And what a “Journey” it turned out to be, helping participants see two different regions of this interesting and visually stunning country with the help of trains, boats, e-bikes, e-vehicles, and cable cars. “The Meeting Trophy was a fantastic way for me to experience Zurich and St. Moritz and sample activities that I could provide my corporate incentive groups,” the participant said. Instead of sitting across a table in a conference room, spending time with the local CVBs at each site allowed us to converse and learn more about the destination in a much more casual setting, according to Rhian Morgan, MICE Manager, Abercrombie & Kent. The “Switzerland Meeting Trophy,” now in its 17th year, captures why Switzerland Tourism, which includes SCIB, continues to be a trend-setter, innovator, and even disruptor within the tourism industry. This is especially important in relation to “Sustainability” and its “Swisstainable” plan, which is now Switzerland’s long-term travel future’s architectural blueprint. The phrase “I need Swisstainable, I need Switzerland” was plastered all around Zurich Airport upon arrival, reminding visitors of their duties as well as the nation’s investment in protecting environment, their greatest asset for future generations. Boarding the Train Our journey started on the rail lines that departed from Zurich’s main station and circled a portion of Lake Zurich before passing into Chur. The Swiss travel by train more than any other country in the world, and the Jungfraujoch in the Canton of Bern, which is 3,454 metres above sea level, is the highest railway station in all of Europe. It is also known for the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express; however, we were not passengers on the ‘Bernina Express’ and instead, thanks to our Swiss Rail Pass, boarded two private cars, one of which was called ‘Stiva Rustica’ (Rhaetian Living Room), to travel on the same ‘Albula’ route between Chur and St. Moritz. This rail line has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason—trains wind through stunning mountain scenery, passing through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, the most famous of which is the “Landwasser Viaduct,” which crosses the Landwasser Valley and provided the inspiration for the first of our many memorable Instagram moments. The train’s distinctive red carriages disappeared into the mountain tunnel before reappearing in the light, just in time to see the 65-meter high stone pillars recede into the verdant flora and fauna. Our group lowered carriage windows to capture the train gracefully curving across the 142-meter-long, six-arched viaduct. Before we reached St. Moritz, our train had climbed over a thousand metres in elevation, with each carriage window capturing the pristine nature, only sporadically broken by chocolate-box settlements distinguished by church spires and alpine homes. Source-Travel daily

With a 170% rise in bookings year over year, TUI River Cruises has claimed its greatest day ever for sales across its portfolio. The river cruise service reported a huge increase on Wednesday, August 2, for all four of the currently available seasons, from summer 2023 through winter 2024. The two seasons that had the biggest increase were summer 2024 and winter 2024, with Legends of the Nile, TUI River Cruises’ newest addition, proving to be the most well-liked itinerary. aboard July 20, the cruise line announced that starting in the winter of 2024, seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor will be offered aboard a newly renovated, five-star ship to be known as TUI Al Horeya. The desire for some of Europe’s most popular waterways can be seen in the popularity of the Magical Danube and Rhine Explorer itineraries, which came in second and third, respectively. We’re incredibly happy to see such great demand for TUI River Cruises, said Chris Hackney, managing director of TUI River Cruises.  We knew before we launched that our clients would adore our newest offering in Egypt, but it’s wonderful to see that there is definitely a market for Nile cruises. As a result, we are experiencing a positive halo effect over our entire product line. To give consumers the finest cruise experience possible, our employees have worked incredibly hard to make sure we have the best product, destinations, and courteous service on board our ships. Source- Travel daily

The only designer retailer in Northern Ireland has partnered with the region’s busiest tourist destination, the local council, and other businesses to draw in local residents who take day trips across the border as well as tourists from other parts of the world. With the tagline “where dragons, drama, and designer outlet meet,” The Boulevard, Game of Thrones Studio Tour, and Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council have combined forces to launch “One Epic Adventure,” a summer tourism campaign. The itinerary includes leisure, retail, and heritage attractions. The collaborative campaign, a first for all three companies, will run from June to September across Out-of-Home, Radio, Paid Social, and PR platforms to engage consumers and encourage visits. It will feature custom artwork by artist Danni Simpson. There has never been a more exciting time to explore the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council region, according to Chris Nelmes, Centre Director at The Boulevard. Game of Thrones’ debut last year has produced a unique attraction that appeals to both domestic and foreign tourists.  The Boulevard is the only designer outlet in Northern Ireland, making it the ideal location for shoppers. There is truly something for everyone in the council area, which is renowned for its apple orchards, museums, galleries, living history tours, heritage, and green places to explore.  We came up with the novel idea of working in collaboration to pool resources, creativity, skillsets, network and go out with a strong tourism campaign of our own that equally supports and reinforces the excellent work being done. With the Park n Ride facility for Game of Thrones stationed at The Boulevard, we’ve been seeing and hearing good things from visitors in terms of the variety on offer – there really is something for the whole family to do here locally. Source- Travel daily

VietJet, the top low-cost airline in Vietnam, recently unveiled a campaign called “Vietjet Pampers you, Summer Chill” to promote its deeply reduced offers for the summer of 2023. All travellers will receive an 88% discount from the airline on August 8, 2023, exclusively. All routes are eligible for the promotion. When making a reservation on www.vietjetair.com or the VietJet Air mobile app on August 8, 2023, from 0:00 to 23:59 (GMT+7), passengers must enter the promo code “SUMMER88” to enjoy the discount. On August 12, 2023, the airline will also start operating direct flights between Kochi, India, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of its strategic objective to increase connectivity between India and Vietnam. There will be four flights per week between Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City, departing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The flights will leave Kochi at 23:50 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 06:40 (local time). The outbound flights leave Ho Chi Minh City at 19:20 and land in Kochi at 22:50 (local time). Additionally, Vietjet offers flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for Indians who want to travel to Vietnam. The airline has also announced an international route that will link Jakarta, Indonesia, with Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. On August 5, 2023, the route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Jakarta will go into service. The airline connects the majority of flights between India and Vietnam, bridging the distance and travel time between the two countries, with up to 32 direct flights every week. Additionally, Vietjet offers affordable flights to Hong Kong, Australia, and destinations around Asia including Bali, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Kazakhstan. Vietjet is providing unique in-flight hot meals with a range of foods, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, served by a committed and welcoming cabin crew, as well as additional amenities, to further meet the needs of its Indian customers. Source- Travel daily

The opening date of the hotel, which was confirmed by W Sydney, is Thursday, October 12, 2023. When it opens, W Sydney will revitalise the city by fusing the luxury liberated W Hotels DNA with Sydney and Australia’s cultural touchstones to create an all-encompassing day-to-night dining and social destination as well as a chic retreat. W Sydney has already left its mark on Darling Harbour with its iconic curved architecture. Every touchpoint at W Sydney has been carefully selected with a keen design eye, and Bowler James Brindley created the ultra-modern interiors. Visitors enter a W immersive universe as soon as they cross the threshold of the seductive copper-clad Welcome. Meetings at W Sydney are intended to be remarkable, whether they take place during the day in the Living Room’s vibrant blue decor or at night in BTWN, the hotel’s dynamic restaurant, which is located amid the hotel’s raw urban settings. The striking double-level bar in the hotel, 29/30, is located at the peak of Darling Harbour and the W Sydney’s dramatic curves. With full circle views of Sydney’s harbour and a 30-meter mosaic-inlaid infinity pool, 29/30 is destined to become one of the city’s most sought-after locations. Here, you can celebrate at a higher level while indulging in wine, cocktails, and a tapas menu with Basque influences. On level 30, the bar’s upper tier kicks things up a notch with stylish yacht-inspired décor, a menu of sophisticated cocktails and vintage Champagnes by the glass, including Dom Pérignon, Ruinart, Krug and Armand de Brignac. W Sydney has worked with regional artists, designers, and creatives to implement the W concept throughout all of its locations. Celebrity stylist Jess Pecoraro, whose clients include fashion heavyweights like Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Fendi, collaborated with the hotel’s talent to design the wardrobes worn by the staff. For the hallways leading to the hotel’s guestrooms, Australian-Ukrainian tattoo artist Stanislava Pinchuk also created a tattoo of stars, while BTWN’s walls are covered in murals by Sophi Oldling that express her aware, vivacious art. Even the driveway has been designed with a fleet of automobiles driven by Genesis Motors, W’s regional automotive partner.  “W Hotels is a brand that was born in New York, but destined for Sydney,” claims general manager Craig Seaward. The city’s energy is perfectly in line with the W spirit: creativity, curiosity, a distinct perspective on luxury, and a daring attitude. This new hotel, which is eclectic and unusual, will serve as a beacon for the harbour and be a centre for experiences that are always changing and fascinating places that are closely related to city life. When we open our doors on October 12th, we can’t wait to introduce our guests to W Sydney. Bookings for events and guestrooms at W Sydney will be accepted starting on October 12, 2023. Source- Travel daily