Starfish Travel Corporation Team

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

Gold Premium tickets for 2024 on The Ghan and Great Southern are already on sale, according to Journey Beyond. With premium amenities and modern Australian cabin and carriage designs, Gold Premium, which sits between Gold and Platinum, is more than just a cabin. To offer interior design that combines a true sense of location, a crucial component throughout Journey Beyond’s experiences, Journey Beyond hired international design firm Woods Bagot. Since they carried out an upgrade to the Platinum carriages across the train fleet in 2019, Woods Bagot has had a relationship with the trains. The design company has created best-in-class lodging with Gold Premium, whose colour scheme is inspired by the deep hues of Arrernte painter Albert Namatjira’s breathtaking landscapes. Consider upholstery with Indigenous designs that evoke the Australian bush together with walnut wood and polished brass accents. The Gold Premium Twin cabin has premium facilities in the en-suite bathroom, high-quality linen prepared for the comfy lounge seat to convert to a sleeper each evening, and a few unexpected treats to entertain passengers along the way. A Gold Premium Suite option is also available. With a bit more room to roam around in, this cabin class offers the same advantages as Gold Premium. A fold-down upper sleeper, a three-quarter-size double bed, and a sitting area are all included in the cabin. Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge, the ship’s social centre, is provided with both Gold Premium stateroom classes. The modern lounge has swivel chairs and luxurious leather banquettes, and mood lighting creates an elegant atmosphere that alludes to the romance of train travel. Here, visitors can relax while sipping on a variety of high-end drinks. Another option is Gold Premium Dining, which is a feast in many ways. The modern carriage design honours Art Deco and provides a backdrop for meals that have been thoughtfully chosen. The sumptuous four-course dinners and hearty four-course lunches served here use the finest products from regional producers, farmers, and suppliers. Naturally, there is a selection of fine wines and beverages on the accompanying wine list. Highlights of Gold Premium include: Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining in a freshly constructed, modern cabin that transforms from a lounge to sleeping berths at night Lunches of two courses with a regional theme and evenings of four courses Premium Australian wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks included in the price sumptuous extras, soft linens, and silk eye masks All-inclusive Experiences outside of trains and preferences for tours Per visitor, a weight limit of 75 kg (3 pieces of 25 kg each) Priority check-in for bags when departing Source- Travel daily

The flagship namesake brand, Ascott, has undergone a renovation, according to The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business unit that is entirely controlled by CapitaLand Investment (CLI). This relaunch of the brand highlights its flex-hybrid hotel idea, which has emerged as the preferred design in the lodging sector and has shown durable during and after the pandemic. With the added flexibility of this hotel-in-residence model, Ascott is able to accommodate guests with a variety of needs, including those who are travelling alone or in groups and who require varying lengths of stays from short to extended periods. The hotel-in-residence model allows flexibility to pivot as demand evolves across various market segments and geographies by adopting new room models, facilities, amenities, and features. This presents a value proposition that is exclusive to Ascott. What would otherwise be a standard stay in a serviced house is further elevated by adding a wider range of hospitality services to the experience. Similar to this, Ascott’s portfolio of hotels will be able to accommodate extended stays if necessary. “Operating on a “flex-hybrid” model helps Ascott to stay agile and adaptable in the face of volatile business cycles,” stated Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer for Ascott and CLI Lodging. Ascott can quickly adapt its operations to the needs of the market and maximise occupancy to support revenue growth by being sensitive to changes in demand. The strategy also reduces the dangers brought on by relying too much on a particular market segment. The business can concentrate on other areas that are functioning better while one sector undergoes a slump. Because of their versatility, they have a more steady income and are less vulnerable to market fluctuations. “There is definitely demand from our visitors looking for these types of hotel-in-residence facilities within a revamped hospitality market post-COVID. The integration of enlarged serviced residential space and intelligent hospitality services, amenities, and facilities will further enrich the stay experience, whether it be for business travellers seeking extended stays or relocations, families on vacation, or lone travellers on shorter pleasure visits. Even in the midst of the pandemic, additional property owners and developers are embracing this trend favourably and adding to the growing momentum of management contract signings. The hotel-in-residence concept boosts our hospitality portfolio’s effectiveness by adjusting to market movements, intensifying asset utilisation, diversifying income sources, increasing guest satisfaction, and minimising operating expenses. According to Mr. Goh, “Ascott’s agility enables it to proactively allocate its resources, resulting in improved returns for our investors and owners. Source-Travel daily

AlUla Ever, the newest publication from opulent publisher Assouline, immortalises the legendary city of AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia. Assouline’s unrivalled unique style effectively captures and communicates the spirit of AlUla through aesthetically stunning storytelling and gripping storylines. The latest publication in Assouline’s Travel Series, which has been made available throughout the GCC, takes readers on a 288-page tour through AlUla’s remarkable geological landscapes, significant heritage sites, and thriving arts and cultural scene. AlUla Ever captures the genuine charm of this distinctive luxury heritage boutique resort and features a sizable collection of original images and graphics along with the lyrical language of French journalist Jérôme Garcin. The culture-focused travel book aptly illustrates how the destination welcomes innovation and advancement while remaining faithful to the integrity and authenticity of its culture, history, and tradition by providing fascinating insights into AlUla’s seamless fusion of old and new. The collectable weaves together the rich cultural tapestry that makes the AlUla experience truly extraordinary. It includes an eclectic mix of photographs showcasing the distinctive customs, traditions, and genuine hospitality of AlUla. AlUla, a masterwork that spans more than 200,000 years of human history, has just recently been made accessible to tourists from around the world. The ancient Nabataean civilization picked AlUla as their primary southern metropolis, second only to Petra, which is now found in modern-day Jordan. From there, the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan controlled a significant portion of the peninsula. The impressively well-preserved monuments at Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO heritage site, and at Jabal Ikmah, the largest open-air library in the world that was recently added to the UNESCO Memory of the World register, are evidence that each progressive civilization has left its indelible mark on AlUla. The echoes of the generations who constantly lived in the area from about the 12th century to the more recent 1980s can still be felt in AlUla Old Town, which was named UNTWO Best Tourism Village in 2022. The area is a maze of small alleyways surrounded with more than 900 ancient mud brick buildings. Future development in AlUla will focus on sustainable, “light-touch” tourism and on responsible growth that benefits the local inhabitants and future generations. The debut of “AlUla Ever” coincides with the city’s full acceptance of its traditional arts and culture, which it shares with the world while also asking national and international artists to participate in the city’s contemporary art future. The third iteration of Desert X AlUla, a juxtaposition of contemporary land art set against ancient landscapes, showcasing the essence of AlUla’s creative spirit, will debut in 2024 in addition to programmes at art school Madrasat Addeera that offer the chance to revive skills in the ancient handicrafts and jewellery, textiles, and leatherwork. The first five pieces of art will be put in Wadi AlFann in 2025. This international art destination offers a profound cultural experience via enduring works of art that coexist in harmony with the breathtaking scenery. The potential of AlUla to take tourists on a transforming trip where the ancient and modern coexist harmoniously is a key component of its attraction. Travellers have the chance to forge a profound connection with this extraordinary destination, one that maintains strong roots in its history and heritage but is constantly evolving with its eyes firmly fixed on the future, by immersing themselves in the cultural richness, natural beauty, and authentic spirit embodied by AlUla. Source- Travel daily

The study by Bounce examined variables including the total volume of wine consumed by each nation and the average amount of wine consumed by a person to identify the top destinations for wine tourism. Portugal uses 600 million gallons of wine annually, which is the greatest when measured per person but less than countries like France and Italy altogether. Portugal is the top travel destination for wine enthusiasts since wine is an essential component of Portuguese culture and has been produced there for thousands of years.  With a vinicultural heritage dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations, Italy is renowned as the birthplace of some of the most celebrated wines in the world.It is not surprising that Italy consumes 2.3 billion litres of wine annually, ranking second in the world for wine consumption as the nation produces the most wine. France, a nation that also produces wine and is regarded as one of the most prestigious and significant wine-producing nations in the world, comes in third. Given that French wines are constantly ranked among the best in the world, there is no surprise that 2.5 billion litres of them are drank annually. Source- Travel daily

The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, SAUDIA, announced the addition of the Airbus A321neo to its fleet under the tagline “A neo-way of flying.” This contributes to SAUDIA’s goals for growth, since the airline hopes to increase its fleet by 20 A321neo aircraft by 2026. The narrow-body airliner A321neo is a member of the A320 family, the most widely used single-aisle aircraft family in the world and the aircraft of choice for airlines all over the world due to its reputation for excellent performance and great comfort. The aircraft delivers new performance capabilities and can accommodate 180–220 passengers in a conventional two-class interior configuration. The aeroplane was bought mostly because of how little fuel it need to operate. Since the A320neo entered global service in 2016, the A320 family of aeroplanes have prevented the emissions of 20 million tonnes of CO2. The A320neo has also seen a 20% decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, a 50% reduction in noise footprint, a 5% decrease in airframe maintenance costs, and a 14% decrease in cash operating costs per seat compared to previous generation aircraft thanks to Sharklets, new fuel-efficient engines, and latest cabin innovations. “We are thrilled to expand our fleet with the new Airbus A321neo aircraft,” stated Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA. We will continue to buy cutting-edge aircraft from the best manufacturers in the world in order to uphold our commitment to provide the best guest experience and bringing the world to Saudi Arabia. “We commend Airbus for continually seeking to improve the performance of their aircraft, which is consistent with SAUDIA’s ambition to deliver the best guest experience while helping to make aviation more sustainable,” Koshy continued. The trust and long-standing relationship between SAUDIA and Airbus are highlighted by this alliance. It also contributes to the goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a market leader in the sector by promoting customer satisfaction, boosting safety, and fostering environmental sustainability. The plan supports SAUDIA’s plans for growth as the airline strives to welcome 330 million tourists to the Kingdom by 2030. SAUDIA is trying to achieve its objectives of becoming an industry-leading airline by collaborating with Airbus and growing its fleet. The growth of SAUDIA’s fleet will also contribute to the opening up of new posts for pilots, cabin crew, and other operational roles. Source- Travel daily