Starfish Travel Corporation Team

 Popular Island Retreat Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort Unveils Property Reimagination—A Modern-Day Classic The Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is happy to announce that, as part of a multi-phase property refurbishment, its public areas and suites have recently undergone an elegant update. The resort’s striking new appearance combines modest tropical touches with modern simplicity and an international vibe. The beloved resort’s dedication to immersing visitors in Pearl Island’s attractions while assisting in the preservation of Phu Quoc’s pristine environment is reflected in the reimagining and the introduction of new sustainability initiatives. a contemporary community centre The newly renovated lobby area serves as an intimate social centre and a meeting space for guests to interact or do business with its utilitarian décor and focus on comfort and residential aesthetics. The &More by Sheraton, a brand-new, cleverly designed space where visitors can gather with the locals and immerse themselves in an inviting, warm and inclusive setting, is next door. The space is decorated with rugs and custom-made furniture upholstered in muted tropical tones and has a lived-in feel. A specialty coffee concept with light bites by day and a lively bar with creative cocktails after dark, &More promises to be the new focal point of the resort. Here, visitors can work at a mahogany communal table or relax in a plush recliner with mid-century design. Sheraton’s Community Table, a long, oak table that is dining-height with personal drawers and integrated technology, combines comfort and productivity to act as a hub for the neighbourhood. interiors showcasing Phu Quoc’s innate beauty The freshly renovated lodging at Sheraton Phu Quoc allows the island’s beautiful landscape to shine. A fresh, calming colour scheme has been added to all oceanfront rooms, suites, and villas, offering a cosy setting for visitors to repose and relax. No matter if visitors are staying in a room or a villa, distinctive objects and furniture have been chosen with care to evoke a sense of serenity and belonging. The rooms are flooded with natural light during the day, and the wonderfully framed views of the dazzling ocean, the blond parquet floors, the thick cream carpets, and the dove-grey walls all work together to create a unified, contemporary aesthetic. Discreet blackout curtains, meanwhile, guarantee sound sleep. “Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort prides itself on being ahead of the curve, and the reimagined interior spaces reaffirms its position as one of the leading resorts in Vietnam,” said Daniel Muhor, general manager of the hotel. “As the most internationally recognised brand under Marriott International, Sheraton seeks to provide a community hub that encourages extended stays amidst modern settings and social components. We’re excited to welcome back our regulars and first-time visitors to this beautifully appointed, refreshed beachfront base where they can commune with nature, experience world-class dining, or rebalance with healing spa therapies.” Source- Travel daily

In-person meetings and corporate industry events are once again in demand, provided that commercial requirements are harmonised with social and environmental concerns. The policy is now Purposeful Travel, all delegates concur. Business travel spending, according to Accor research, is only down 24% from 2019 and is predicted to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024 (Deloitte). In line with this return to pre-pandemic spending, 57% of respondents in Accor’s most recent global business travel survey anticipate higher travel budgets in 2024 than they did in 2023. The same corporates rank “traveller experience” as the second-most important factor in 2024, trailing only cost savings in importance. And 46% of those polled said they were certain they would not restrict their business travel for the remainder of the year. Master of Travel gives us an in-depth look at the status of corporate travel today, said Saskia Gentil, SVP Sales, Europe & North Africa at Accor. It’s a period of significant change and revaluation for the sector as companies struggle to reconcile production with purpose. It is evident that following a lull in activity, delegates are keen to resume travelling. Businesses may boost income and revive the art of face-to-face communication by being cognizant of value, sustainability, and finding a balance between work and leisure that supports the wellbeing of people. Professionals estimate that in-person meetings generate 25% more income, demonstrating the irrefutable value of face-to-face interactions. When employees need engagement with coworkers and associates for their mental health and job satisfaction, the bottom line isn’t the sole factor in the equation. Every trip is thoroughly assessed in terms of ROI and ROE – return on investment and, increasingly, return on expectation – with the rule that if you don’t return, you don’t fly. In ways that weren’t typical before Covid, virtual meetings are now a normal occurrence in the workplace. However, until technology catches up and holograms can smile with emotion, deals are still closed with a handshake. Many people were particularly concerned about the environment. According to a poll conducted by Accor of corporate clients, “supplier sustainability performance for 2024 hotel sourcing and selection” was rated as being extremely essential in their booking decisions by 54% of respondents, who also placed carbon emissions as their top CSR priority. Both guests and travellers must cooperate in order to promote more environmentally friendly travel. Delegates were willing to pay more per night for better environmental credentials, and more than 70% of Accor hotels have carbon assessment instruments in place. Meetings and deliberate downtime mean that tourists are staying longer, doing more, and slowing down to maximise their carbon footprint. Despite being in its infancy, delegates and their staff clearly value “bleisure.” Blended ‘bleisure’ trips, which combine business and pleasure, are more common among younger employees, but the trend is becoming more widespread. 67% of clients surveyed in an Accor poll extended their business trips in 2022. Travel bookers urge caution from an insurance standpoint, as partners and families are often not covered and grey areas exist when it comes to splitting invoices, dividing loyalty points and benefits. The wellbeing of business travellers should be of utmost importance. “Consumers today understand that they need to own their health and immunity in a different way,” said Emlyn Brown, global senior vice president of well-being at Accor. “Our ability to deliver an authentic, holistic, and highly considered wellness offering is vital.” He added: “Four out of five of our guests, irrespective of age, demographics, or country, are taking a daily step to improve their well-being — so we need to meet and exceed that demand in all our brands no matter which one travellers are staying in.” Source- Travel daily

One of the GCC’s oldest travel agencies, dnata Travel, has teamed up with TURESPAA, Spain’s national tourist organisation, to offer passengers in all GCC nations options like no other. During a period of strong demand, the alliance will give customers access to a wide range of travel products and services throughout Spain. According to TURESPAA, in the first quarter of 2023, there were 15% more tourists from the GCC market than in the corresponding period the previous year. In order to appeal to tourists looking for fresh and distinctive travel experiences, the tourism authority hopes to draw even more GCC visitors this summer and throughout the year by highlighting a diverse selection of lesser-known places throughout the nation. The number of GCC travellers making reservations for trips to Spain, both inside and outside of the UAE, has significantly increased, according to Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel. The popular Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza provide tourists with top-notch resorts and stunning beaches. With hiking routes that wind through historic forests and volcanic landscapes, the Canary Islands are perfect vacation spots for those who love the outdoors. This region is also becoming more and more interested in Spain’s north, sometimes known as “Green Spain,” where beautiful nature meets outstanding cuisine. The UAE has consistently been one of Spain’s top tourist destinations, and according to Daniel Rosado, director of TURESPAA, 2023 will be the best year ever for travel from the GCC. Air connection has significantly increased recently, and our nations have been promoting cultural interactions and partnerships. These programmes, which support the promotion of tourism and intercultural understanding, include art exhibitions, music festivals, and educational activities. The suggested schedule for a week in Spain this summer by TURESPAA and dnata Travel, titled “Exploring Andaluca,” is broken down as follows: 1-2 days: Marbella Start your trip in Marbella, an opulent lifestyle city that is well-liked by tourists from the GCC. Visit the Puerto Banus marina, which is surrounded by opulent boats, fine dining establishments, and premium designer shops. 3rd day: Ronda Visit the mediaeval Andalusian town of Ronda, which has a famous bridge and is surrounded by mountains providing a beautiful and dramatic backdrop. Day 4: Beach excursion  Visit the well-known beach towns of Benalmadena, Torremolinos, and Estepona, which are along Spain’s most popular stretch of coastline. Drive to Granada, which is situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, on days 5 and 6. This vibrant city is full of tapas bars and tea salons with an Arabian flair and is well-known for its stunning Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Source- Travel daily

This year’s AFTA has earned the most nominations ever as the NTIAs rapidly approach. This year’s NTIAs have received a record number of nominations—over 1700—ensuring that it will be one of the biggest-ever celebrations of the Australian travel industry. The eagerly awaited National Travel Industry Awards will take place in Melbourne for the first time in recent years on November 18. 36 award categories, including 27 “Most Outstanding” evaluated categories, 7 “Most Popular” voted categories, and 2 “People’s Choice” consumer campaigns, will be included in this year’s Awards. The Cruise, Airline, Tour Operator, and Wholesaler categories have all been added to in order to reflect the industry’s rapid development and widening of focus. Singapore Airlines has agreed to support the NTIA through a multi-year collaboration and is serving as the event’s principal sponsor once again. The 2023 NTIAs will honour businesses and travel industry experts for their outstanding efforts and serve as a celebration of the resurgence and continued development of the Australian travel industry. Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), expressed gratitude to everyone who had already submitted over 1700 nominations for this year’s NTIAs. Your nominations and entries support our efforts to recognise the finest of Australian travel. The NTIAs, the most prestigious awards for our industry, will be held in Melbourne in November, and we look forward to seeing everyone there. The Awards are a great chance for people to get together to honour and recognise the creativity, tenacity, and resiliency of our individuals and our sector. Source- Travel daily

As part of a new citizen science initiative, Fitzroy Island Resort in Australia is giving visitors the chance to assist in monitoring the Great Barrier Reef and caring for injured turtles.  The resort, which is in Tropical North Queensland, is the first to let visitors participate in hands-on activities at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (CTRC), where they will aid with coral restoration efforts and provide care for sea turtles. Six of the seven marine turtle species in the world can be found in the Great Barrier Reef. The CTRC treats any wounded patients, many of which have floating syndrome as a result of human activity, such as nylon wrapping or microplastic ingestion. The Fitzroy Island Resort is regarded as a pioneer in the field of coral reef conservation. The full-day event includes attentive participation in the coral nursery project, which is fostering reef coral restoration. In comparison to the reef, corals in nurseries develop much more quickly. To rebuild damaged portions of the reef and increase resilience, cuttings are removed from each of the growing corals after 6–12 months in a nursery. The initial corals continue to grow in the nurseries, making the cycle permanent. Source- Travel daily

The hunt for the greatest indoor dining location to beat the heat continues as warmer weather arrive and the summer vacation is in full swing. Here is a list of the best restaurants to find at Umm Al Emarat Park where you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by lush vegetation, whether you’re looking to sip on a refreshing iced latte in a charming café or savour a big meal for lunch. SALT Prepare for the coolest summer in years by turning down the heat and travelling to SALT. The brand-new SALT Fridge concept is now available at all of the branches throughout the UAE and is quickly evolving into the ultimate hangout place. The Mango Lotus and Rutab parfait treats, as well as their distinctive grind frappes in five unique flavours, are included on the Thulooj’s summer menu specialities. Feeling hungry? If you order one of their delectable burgers and a side of cheese-topped fries, you can’t go wrong. Family bakery Nothing compares to the scent of a freshly made cake. Come on over to a wonderful haven where delicious desserts and seasonal savoury dishes combine the comfort of one’s kitchen with the magic of baking. This restaurant perfectly embodies the sense of homemade goodness artistically displayed on a plate, from freshly prepared milk cakes to iced coffees and soft melt cookies. Parker’s Parker’s serves street food from all over the world with a modern twist and is a pleasant meeting place with a hint of nostalgia. You can have their famous Mac & Cheetos, Matilda cake, or simply quench your thirst with a cool summer beverage while indulging in the tastiest cuisine. Agriculture Bistro Visit Farmers Bistro with your friends to savour a variety of delicious cuisine, from Asian-inspired masterpieces to Mediterranean delights. Whatever your taste preferences, you can find something to suit everyone’s palate. You need look no further than Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi’s favourite green space, to have a memorable summer. Source- Travel daily

Airports Council International (ACI) World has happily awarded the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation to Hamad International Airport (DOH). The accreditation programme, which went into effect in August 2022, is aimed at enhancing accessibility, guaranteeing fair customer experiences, and fostering a more inclusive environment in the airport sector. The accomplishment represents Hamad International Airport’s dedication to providing accessible services throughout its facility. The airport’s extensive array of passenger services and facilities—which include the Muzn Lounge, a special sensory room, dedicated restrooms, shuttle services within its roomy terminal, access to airport updates through information desks with trained Customer Service representatives, and a designated Animal Relief Area for passengers travelling with service animals—are a contributing factor in the accreditation. We are honoured to acquire the prestigious ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, said Ioannis Metsovitis, Senior Vice President of Operations at Hamad International Airport. At Hamad International Airport, we firmly believe that all travellers have the fundamental right to access air travel. This award is evidence of our dedication to delivering a seamless and welcoming travel experience to all of our international passengers. “This accreditation is a testament to Hamad International Airport’s commitment to providing safe and hassle-free accessibility for all types of air travellers,” stated Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific. We anticipate that this accreditation will motivate our sector to pursue accessibility excellence. We at ACI Asia-Pacific are happy to be leading the change through this effort because we firmly think that every traveller deserves access to a seamless airport experience. Setting objectives, creating plans, and maintaining accountability are all part of the accreditation programme for accessibility enhancement. The Hamad International Airport will continue to improve its services, policies, and governance framework during the three-year validity of the ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation. The airport wants to improve the passenger experience for people of all abilities and promote an inclusive culture by prioritising accessibility and using global best practises. This outstanding accomplishment establishes a new standard for airports in the Middle East, motivating the sector to pursue accessibility and diversity. A major global aviation hub since its opening in 2014, Qatar’s international travel hub is dedicated to its continued efforts to enhance the environmental, social, and governance wellness of the air transport system. Source- Travel daily

AirAsia is planning to increase the number of flights between Malaysia and China following a notable uptick in demand for travel between the two nations. The airline anticipates that forward sales will continue to accelerate in the upcoming months. In July, the average load factor (number of passengers carried each aircraft) for flights operated by AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) to/from China is roughly 80%. In the upcoming months, the load factors on a few of the busiest routes, including Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai, Kota Kinabalu-Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur-Nanning, and Kota Kinabalu-Wuhan, reached up to 95%. Between March and early July of this year, both airlines sold more than 320,000 seats between China and Malaysia, a 30% increase over the same period pre-Covid in 2019. A clear indication that Malaysia is one of China’s top tourist destinations is the fact that over 75% of the seats sold are to Chinese nationals. AirAsia Malaysia (AK) will resume another service from Kota Kinabalu to Hangzhou beginning with three flights per week from September 2, 2023, based on the strong existing and anticipated demand. AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) will also increase service from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing (Daxing) from four to five flights per week starting on September 1 to seven flights per week starting on September 15 and from three to four flights per week beginning on September 30. “We are an airline that optimises our operations based on consumer demand,” stated Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia. We are therefore happy to see this increase in demand for travel between China and Malaysia. Flights from Kota Kinabalu to Hangzhou have resumed, which is completely in line with our goal of linking underserved cities to the rest of the globe. Based on demand, we also intend to start operating seven flights per week on this route beginning in October. In addition to increasing the number of high-value visitors arriving in Malaysia, the improved connectivity will be a vital factor in meeting the country’s domestic travel demand. In the future, we intend to increase connectivity and frequency between Malaysia and China from other hubs. Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X Malaysia, stated: “As long as China travel demand is strong across our network for medium-haul travel, we will also add more frequencies to our schedule to meet the growing demand, especially for some of our most well-liked Chinese destinations like Beijing (Daxing), Shanghai, and Hangzhou. The increased frequencies of our flights on the busiest routes will not only strengthen existing ties between the two nations and advance trade, tourism, and investment, but they will also maximise our efficiencies and boost AAX’s fleet utilisation. This means that in addition to paying less and waiting less, our customers will also have more time to explore and get the most out of their visits. In addition to providing lower rates to all North Asian destinations, including Guilin, Guangzhou, Nanning, Shantou, Beijing, Shanghai, and more, AirAsia is also expanding its routes and the number of flights between Malaysia and China, with prices starting at RM319 all-in one-way. From RM339 all-in one-way, guests can also fly to other North Asian nations like Hong Kong, Macao, Taipei, Busan, Sapporo, and more. For travel between September 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, these tickets are currently available for purchase on the airasia Superapp and website starting now through August 6, 2023. Source- Travel daily

The Italian government and BLS International Services Ltd. have now collaborated on five consecutive contracts. The most recent contract will cover all legalisation and visa services for the Italian Embassy in Cameroon. Two Visa Application Centres (VACs) in the cities of Douala and Yaounde will be managed and run by BLS International as part of this five-year agreement. These facilities will act as convenient and effective hubs for anyone applying for Italian visas and legalisations. BLS International will use cutting-edge technology and a well-trained workforce to expedite the visa application process and the provision of document legalisation services with an anticipated annual application count of 16,000, ensuring an effective process for people and businesses seeking visas for Italy. BLS signed a contract earlier this year with the Italian missions in Senegal, Abu Dhabi, and Kazakhstan. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint MD of BLS International, said on the collaboration: “Securing yet another major contract with the Government of Italy in Cameroon is a tribute to BLS International’s unyielding dedication to excellence and innovation. We are excited to start this new adventure, where our cutting-edge technology and committed personnel will revolutionise the visa application process and provide people and businesses with a smooth experience. I have no doubt that the applicants’ experience will be significantly improved and made simpler by our expertise in visa and consular services. We have invested a lot of money in creating innovative, top-notch solutions throughout the years in an effort to give our esteemed partners and clients the best possible service. Our continual pursuit of excellence is what keeps us moving forward. Source- Travel biz