Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Emirates is commemorating a stellar first year of full-service operations with the enormously well-liked cabin class after setting new standards for the industry in Premium Economy travel. Since Emirates Premium Economy was introduced in August 2022, over 160,000 passengers have upgraded to use it, and a significant increase in demand is anticipated in the upcoming months. As more retrofitted aircraft with updated cabins enter scheduled service, the airline is giving passengers more opportunities to experience its highly acclaimed Premium Economy product, which is currently offered on flights to 11 cities and will be expanded to 13 cities by the end of the year. Customers have responded overwhelmingly favourably to Emirates’ Premium Economy Class since it launched, with demand exceeding expectations and bookings increasing month over month. This shows that it appeals to a wide range of traveller segments who want to experience its understated luxury and painstakingly elevated experience at a great price. The majority of passengers travelling in Emirates Premium Economy are single people going on vacation, with couples and families making up the other half.  Over 60% of passengers who booked flights in Premium Economy in the previous year were also devoted Emirates Skywards members and frequent flyers. At the moment, Emirates flies its A380s equipped with the most recent Premium Economy cabins to London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Houston, San Francisco, and Dubai, with flights frequently registering full Premium Economy seat loads. Customers flying to/from Mumbai and Bengaluru will be able to book Premium Economy starting on October 29; additional cities will be announced soon. Emirates presently operates 20 aircraft with Premium Economy, 14 of which were upgraded internally over the course of the previous nine months by the Emirates Engineering team in Dubai. Source- Travel daily

Israel, which is renowned for its extensive religious significance and rich history, is also home to a wealth of spectacular natural beauty and exhilarating adventure experiences. The nation is endowed with a variety of ecosystems, rocky mountains, lush valleys, and appealing coastal regions in addition to its ancient towns and sacred locations. As we examine some of Israel’s most alluring adventure and nature trails in this article, we cordially welcome you to set out on an exhilarating journey where you may immerse yourself in the nation’s natural treasures and let your adventurous spirit run wild. A Trekking Adventure on the Israel National Trail The Israel National Trail (INT) is the pinnacle journey for ardent hikers and nature lovers. From Israel’s northernmost point to its southernmost point, the INT spans around 1,000 kilometres (620 miles), providing a great opportunity to travel among the country’s various landscapes. Observe the breathtaking cliffs of the Negev Desert, the majestic peaks of the Carmel Mountains, and the beautiful magnificence of the Galilee region. Discover charming villages, secret oases, and ancient ruins along the journey for a close-up look at Israel’s natural and cultural legacy. Oasis in the Desert: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a genuine oasis in the desert, nestled along the Dead Sea’s shoreline. The lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, and natural pools in this lovely nature reserve offer solace from the dry surroundings. Explore the rich species of the area on foot on the well-marked pathways, and cool down in the natural pools. The spectacular views and tranquil sounds of nature combine to produce an unforgettable feeling of peace and beauty. Rugged Peaks and Lush Valleys on Mount Carmel Mount Carmel is a mountain range in northern Israel that is recognised for its breathtaking natural beauty and ecological richness. Set out on a strenuous walk to the top of Mount Carmel, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Discover hidden caves, waterfalls, and historic ruins as you explore the Carmel Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of plants and animals. It’s a beautiful setting that begs for exploration and adventure because of the contrast between the craggy hills and lush valleys. Eilat: Sea Life Wonders Eilat, the southernmost city in Israel, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers seeking aquatic experiences. The Red Sea’s clean waters are home to a lively undersea ecosystem that is filled with tropical fish, colourful coral reefs, and even dolphins. Explore shipwrecks, explore the Red Sea’s marine environment, and take in the stunning coral gardens. Eilat offers an extraordinary encounter with the wonders of the ocean, regardless of whether you are an experienced diver or a novice snorkeler. Source- Travel daily

Here are some unique data-driven insights about international travel patterns to the host nations Australia and New Zealand as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches. FIFA reports that more than a million tickets have already been sold for the Women’s World Cup, potentially making it the biggest attended single women’s sporting event. Here are a few intriguing top-level conclusions: Travel to Australia and New Zealand Has Increased: Compared to 2019, there has been a noteworthy increase in travel to Australia and New Zealand from mid-July to early August, which falls during the World Cup dates (July 20 to August 20). West Europe and East Asia Recovery of outward Travel: Although outward travel from East Asia and Western Europe to Australia and New Zealand has not yet entirely regained its pre-COVID levels, there are positive signals. Prior to the World Cup, 28% of all travellers were from East Asia; during the tournament, that number increased to 35%. The percentage of travellers from Western Europe arriving in Australia and New Zealand has increased from 14% to 17%.** Growth in Particular Markets: Japanese tourists have demonstrated extraordinary interest, travelling to Australia and New Zealand more than twice as often (6% vs. 2%) during the World Cup season as they did during the non-World Cup season of the same year. During the competition, there is also a discernible rise in travel intentions from South Korea (5% vs. 4%) and China (16% vs. 15%). main Feeder Markets: During the World Cup, the UK (6%), Germany (2%), France (2%), and Italy (2%), are the main feeder markets in Western Europe for the host nations. Traveller Profiles: In comparison to before the World Cup season, there are more families (23% vs. 21%) and couples (24% vs. 19%) among all travellers. Even though football is a popular sport across the continent and Latin America (LATAM) was one of the top origin markets for last year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, there hasn’t been any discernible growth in travel from the region for this year’s women’s competition. Source- Travel daily

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, officially opened the sixth India International Hospitality Expo (IHE2023) in front of a large crowd at the India Exposition Mart Ltd. The four-day exhibition of India’s top hospitality sector takes place from August 2 to August 5. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, Sh. Prabodh Saxena, the chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Sh. Raghubir Singh Bali, the Himachal Pradesh Resident Commissioner, Ms. Meera Mohanty, and other distinguished guests were welcomed by the IEML Chairman, Dr. Rakesh Kumar. Dr. Kumar praised the state’s beauty and hospitality in his welcome speech, highlighting Himachal Pradesh as a top location for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). He stated that IEML would like to work with the Himachal Pradesh government to create a cutting-edge regional centre. Prabodh Saxena praised the state’s efforts during the opening session to manage recent natural disasters, ensure a speedy return to normalcy, and promote the state as a tourist destination. While stressing that the area is safe for tourism despite recent natural disasters that have affected portions of the state, he revealed plans for expanding Kangra as a MICE hub. By contributing 2,500 crore rupees to an ADB project, Raghubir Singh Bali lauded the state’s efforts during natural calamities and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to growing and strengthening tourism infrastructures. In order to increase tourism, he also confirmed plans for a convention centre, a safari zoo, hotels, spas, and wedding banquets. Source-Travel daily

Wizz Air stated last week that it has entered into a deed of undertaking with the Civil Aviation Authority. Wizz Air agreed to review welfare applications it had received after flight delays as part of the arrangement. This includes fees for care and support, often lodging costs, transfers when alternative flights were via separate airports, and replacement airline costs. Which claims are subject to assessment and how customers can request a refund are covered by the Q&A that follows. 1) May I have my claim reopened? A review of closed expense claims for customers on flights scheduled to leave the UK or arrive there on or after March 18, 2022, is being done by Wizz Air. They are also referred to as welfare claims.   If the assessment reveals that you are owed money, Wizz Air will make arrangements for you to get a refund or, if you have already received a payment from the airline, an extra payment to make up the difference owed. 2) What am I able to assert? Welfare expense claims are fees that consumers paid out of pocket for when Wizz Air flights were cancelled, including hotel stays, ground transportation, and airline tickets. Welfare claims are distinct from claims for compensation. Wizz Air will only examine claims that are accompanied by receipts and comprise one or more of the items listed below: Cost of a replacement flight (because one was not provided, or the one that was provided was inadequate, for example, since it was provided days after the original when earlier, equivalent choices were available) if a passenger is diverted to another airport, the costs of transporting them to their original airport or to a nearby destination care costs, generally for lodging overnight What is not included?   Wizz Air won’t examine your claim if: You have already started the process of taking it to court or Wizz Air’s ADR body. You simply submitted claims for meals and hydration. Less than £20 per booking was the sum you claimed for all of the aforementioned expenses. Your disrupted flight was not due to depart from or arrive into the UK Your flight disruption was before 18 March 2022 (if it was please see further information below)  4) How can I get my claim re-opened?  Claims for passengers on flights that were scheduled to depart from or arrive into the UK on or after 18th March 2022 will be automatically assessed by Wizz Air. If the review shows that you are owed money, the airline will arrange for you to receive a refund, or an additional payment to make up the difference owed if you have already received a payment. By September 30, 2023, Wizz Air promises to get in touch with passengers who are eligible for a payout. Passengers are instructed to respond to their prior email correspondence with Wizz Air if they wish to access their claim once more. If they cannot access their previous email exchange, they can contact Wizz Air’s bookings line with information to help the airline locate the claim. The booking number, case number, flight date and route, as well as the names of the passengers, should all be provided by customers. 5) If I’m successful, when and how will I get my money back?  You have two options for your refund, either cash returned to your bank account, or you can receive 120% of your claim in WIZZ credits. Wizz Air will make 120% WIZZ credit refunds within 24 hours and process 100% ticket refunds within 7 working days once their claim has been approved. Source- Travel daily

 With Independence Day just around the bend, Indian travellers will fortunately have a long weekend to take a much-needed vacation. The most trending locations for this time period as well as notable flight search trends compared to last year are revealed by flight search data from KAYAK, the world’s top travel search engine. It’s good news for Indian tourists since the average roundtrip economy flight currently costs 11,584, a 4% decrease from the previous year, for travel over the lengthy Independence Day weekend. The cost of a round-trip international travel is currently sitting at $77,431, a rise of 11% from 2022*. “Our data shows that Indian travellers are eager to immerse themselves in new experiences in locations like Madurai, Varanasi, and Bhubaneswar,” said Tarun Tahiliani, India Country Manager at KAYAK. A lot of Indians are also considering trips abroad to Toronto, Auckland, Jeddah, and Colombo. Indian travellers are now even more drawn to some of the top popular local and foreign destinations because to significant price drops. The Independence Day long weekend is likely to be action-packed for Indian tourists, and KAYAK is all set to help them with essential ideas and tools to enable all those looking to travel for the holiday at a fantastic price!” Domestic tourists may be choosing spiritually enlightening excursions, since unusual locations rather than well-known tourist spots are featured on the list of top trending destinations. Despite a 7% increase in travel fares from 2022 to 2024, there has been a significant 102% increase in searches for flights to Varanasi, the spiritual centre of India. Even with a 22% price rise compared to last year*, airline searches have increased by 97% in Madurai, a historically significant city. In addition to these, the top domestic locations where flight searches increased the most from the prior year were Bhubaneswar (90%), Thiruvananthapuram (71%), and Kochi (51%).* These patterns suggest that Indians are taking advantage of the extended weekend to explore the rich and seductive cultural attractions of their nation. According to flight searches, Colombo and Auckland have taken the top 2 rankings, with impressive increases of 5 times and 4 times, respectively, since 2022.  The decrease in average airfare prices from the previous year may be to blame for the rise in tourist searches: Average airfare costs in Colombo, Sri Lanka, have dropped by 10% since 2022, while those in Auckland, New Zealand, have plummeted by 16% since last year. Source- Travel daily

A service-tested fuel burn decrease of between 1.5 and 2.0 percent /PRNewswire/ — FORT WORTH, Texas, August 2, 2023 — Aero Design Labs (ADL) released the findings of its in-service data validation today while using a Boeing 737-800 fitted with the company’s exclusive drag reduction equipment. Aircraft Design Labs Following the installation and certification of our drag reduction kit on a 737-800 aircraft, Jeff Martin, president and chief executive officer of ADL, said, “Over the past few months, we have gathered and studied results from several hundred in-service revenue flights at various altitudes, speeds, and operating weights to verify the cruise fuel benefit of our kits. “We are happy to report that we have observed fuel use reductions during cruises of 1.5 to 2.0 percent. This is in line with the outcomes of our computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations, which were independently confirmed. Chris Jones, Chief Commercial Officer of ADL, said: “With solid fuel reduction data in hand, we can focus our efforts on assisting airlines around the world.” “We have a highly relevant solution that delivers on both for airlines flying the 737NG family of aircraft, whether airlines are trying to save on the cost side or the carbon reduction side. Our gear can immediately yield lower fuel costs and a substitute for carbon offsets because delays in the delivery of new aircraft have an impact on airlines’ aspirations to modernise their fleets. Our teams are continuously developing kit designs for other aircraft to expand our range of available products while also assisting airlines in meeting their cost- and carbon-reduction objectives. In the second half of 2023, our manufacturing partner NORDAM will increase production in response to client demand, and the certification process with other regional agencies, such as those in Europe and Latin America, will follow. Information on Aero Design Labs L.L.C.  Aero Design Labs (ADL), which was established in 2015, is a world leader in the study, creation, and installation of devices for reducing drag on aircraft fleets. ADL alterations to airlines’ current fleets may result in fuel savings and the ability to stop the emission of billions of pounds of CO2. Press inquiries: Richard Bartrem Source- Travel daily

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently announced that the electronic visa (e-visa) system will soon be implemented for temporary visitors, beginning with a pilot programme for Chinese nationals and expanding to include Indian nationals by year’s end.  The DOT, DFA, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Bureau of Immigration (BI) had discussed the streamlining of the visa application process in order to improve convenience and accessibility for all international travellers, starting with Chinese visitors, during the visa reforms convergence meeting held by the DOT last March 24, 2023 in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. “We are grateful that the DFA will soon implement President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s order to implement the e-visa system, as this will undoubtedly improve the experience of inbound travellers and tourists and have a positive impact on our international arrivals, particularly in the Chinese and Indian markets. According to Christina Garcia Frasco, the secretary of tourism, “We think this will also foster even closer intercultural exchanges, cultural understanding, and vibrant tourism cooperation.” The DOT estimated that more than 1.7 million Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in 2019. The agency recorded 137,822 arrivals from China as of July 26, 2023, after Chinese travel restrictions were just lifted. Due to the anticipated ease and improvement in visa processing, the e-visa is also regarded as one of the opportunities that could increase the confidence of airlines, charter operators, and travel agencies to resume flights from various points in China directly to tourist destinations in the Philippines such as Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Legaspi, Clark, Laoag, Lallo, and Manila. In the Chinese market, which currently favours other Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia that provide landing visa to Chinese travellers, the e-visa will undoubtedly change the game. This will help these countries recover from the pandemic’s negative effects on tourism more quickly. “The beneficial effect this project can have on reviving the Philippine tourism industry is one of its main benefits. China was the Philippines’ second-largest tourist market before the pandemic, and its record-breaking 1.7 million visitors in 2019 made a big contribution to our country’s thriving tourism industry. The launch of the e-visa system holds up the possibility of revitalising the Chinese market and expanding access to the Indian market, she continued. The primary goal of the visa reform convergence meeting was to streamline the Philippines’ visa application processes in light of the DOT’s desire to hasten the country’s tourism resurgence as borders are gradually opened as the pandemic’s lockdown effect fades globally. Additionally, it was intended to solve the bottlenecks in tourism caused by red tape and formalities. In order to entice visitors from particular nationalities to visit the Philippines, no less than President Marcos, Jr., instructed the relevant government agencies to extend the e-visa to those individuals earlier this year. “The Philippines is quite proud of its many fascinating tourism attractions, rich cultural heritage, and kind people. According to Secretary Frasco, “We are confident that the introduction of the e-visa system will encourage more Chinese and new Indian visitors to discover the wonders of our archipelago, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories that will undoubtedly make them Love the Philippines as a top-of-the-mind tourist destination.” Source- Travel daily

The Golden State offers something for every member of the family in addition to the well-known attractions like Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Watersports enthusiasts may learn to surf at Santa Monica, theme park aficionados can enjoy Trees of Mystery Amusement Park, and history buffs can get their teeth into learning about the Gold Rush at Volcano Memorial Park. REDGING OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Prepare to enjoy the rivers, lakes, and mountains in the Redding region, nature enthusiasts. Discover the botanical gardens and arboretum at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, cool off in Whiskeytown Lake, bike along the Sacramento River Trail, and arrange a day excursion to the famed Mt. Shasta or Lassen Volcanic National Parks. Bring the kids to WaterWorks Park for an afternoon of tubing, slides, and splashing. Make the recently opened Home2 Suites by Hilton your home base. For families, the all-suite accommodations are ideal. Contra Costa County In the extreme northwest region of the state, in Del Norte County, adventure awaits. Choose between a low-key redwood canoe tour lead by a Yurok tribe member or a guided flat-water kayaking or whitewater rafting trip to experience the gorgeous blue Smith River. Get your heart racing with a Klamath River jet boat excursion, or find your Zen with a tranquil stroll through the redwood forest. Visit the Trees of Mystery theme park with its SkyTrail gondola ride and Redwood Canopy Trail with the kids. Places to stay The Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn, conveniently situated next to Crescent City Beach and the Redwood National Forest, provides free breakfast for families. Tahoe Lake Heavenly Mountain Resort isn’t just for skiing; the resort serves up a plethora of outdoor summer adventures too. Along with hiking trails for all levels, the resort offers two zip line courses, a climbing wall, gemstone panning and both summer and snow tubing. Places to stay The only all-suites hotel in South Lake Tahoe, the Lake Tahoe Resort, is located right at the base of Heavenly. With the standard two-room suites, the family will have plenty of room to relax. Palm Springs In the Greater Palm Springs region, explore the famous Joshua Tree National Park on a jeep tour, book a family-friendly horse ride or soar above the desert in a hot air balloon. Enjoy the cooler evening temperatures with a guided stargazing experience. Where to stay: Enjoy many amenities like bowling, pickleball, tennis, golf and a big pool with slides for the kids at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. HISTORY COMES TO LIFE Amador Located in the Sierra Nevada, Amador County was the heart of the Gold Rush. Let the kids try their hand at panning for gold at Volcano Memorial Park and learn the history of the Gold Rush on a guided tour of the Kennedy Mine, one of the deepest mines in the world. Where to stay: The 16-room boutique Rest Hotel Plymouth is the perfect base for exploring all the county has to offer. Madera County Known as the gateway to Yosemite National Park, Madera County offers plenty of reasons to stop before heading into the park. Jump aboard the historic Shay steam train on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad to take a trip back in time learning about the logging industry in Madera and the flora and fauna of the Sierra National Forest. At the Fossil Discovery Center, kids’ eyes will widen seeing fossils of sabre-tooth cats, dire wolves and Columbian mammoths. Head to the Coarsegold Historic Village to experience life in the region in the 1800s. Where to stay: The Springhill Suites Madera affords families spacious suites and complimentary breakfast. Source- Travel daily