Starfish Travel Corporation Team

The first Impact Report 2022–2023 from Australia’s top expedition travel company, Aurora Expeditions, has been published. It is the expedition operator’s first report of its kind and is titled “Protecting the world’s wild places.” Aurora, a company founded 32 years ago on the tenets of discovery and exploration, takes visitors on expeditions to some of the world’s most vulnerable and unexplored wilderness locations. This first Impact Report offers a thorough examination of the company’s efforts to date to embed sustainable practises across all areas of the business, as well as its future objectives, in recognition of its responsibility to protect these significant ecosystems. “We are incredibly proud to release our first Impact Report, which outlines our commitment to sustainability and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel,” said Michael Heath, CEO. “This is about acknowledging where we are in our sustainability journey and being transparent and accountable for us as a business. We are all acutely aware of the urgency with which we must cooperate to help safeguard and regenerate our common home due to the planet’s rapidly worsening climate crisis. We believe that educating and inspiring others through expedition travel is essential to preserving the wild and breathtaking places we visit. In its Impact Report, Aurora examines its programme of initiatives under the ‘Planet’ and ‘People’ focus areas. assisting with seven of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 100% climate neutral status Projects to conserve biodiversity, renewable energy, and emissions reducing the use of plastic, conserving water, and using waste management techniques a commitment to passenger education through onboard expert teams and citizen science projects, honouring female conservationists onboard, and promoting access to global youth climate change education Collaboration on innovative projects like the Antarctic Climate Expedition with people and organisations who share the company’s vision, like Dr. Sylvia Earle and Ocean Geographic 2023 February B Corp The company is currently in the Evaluation stage of certification, which should be finished by 2024, and certification is a logical progression as part of Aurora’s overall plans. Th overall objective of Aurora’s portfolio of sustainability initiatives, programmes, and actions is to lessen adverse effects on the environment and communities while helping to create a more sustainable world for future generations. This first Impact Report acknowledges that the company’s efforts to reduce emissions are ongoing. It also makes a commitment to join the movement of forward-thinking thought leaders and promote the creation of new technology that will increase the sustainability of the expedition cruise market. Source- Travel daily

The capital of the country will play host to the fourth iteration of this unique international celebration of diversity, inclusivity, unity, peace, and entertainment from September 29 to October 1. The World Culture Festival, a grand event to celebrate a rich tapestry of cultures from every corner of the world, is being brought to the National Mall this autumn by the eminent humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, and Mayor Muriel Bowser. The three-day extravaganza will emphasise DC’s status as a multicultural capital. For five compelling reasons why you must attend the once-in-a-lifetime event, read on and make your reservation soon. 1) Admission to the event on the National Mall is free The World Culture Festival has only ever been held three times (the most recent was in New Delhi in 2016), making its appearance in DC all the more impressive. Every event taking place during the World Culture Festival is free and accessible to everyone on the historic National Mall, which also offers a wide range of free monuments, museums, and memorials to explore. Culinary Extravaganza, No. 2 There will be more than 50 food trucks at this varied international food festival. A plethora of international cuisines created by chefs in the Capital region will be available at the World Culture Festival, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world. 03) International Music and Dance The World Culture Festival’s core elements include music, dance, and artistic expression. Thousands of artists from 35 countries (and counting) are on the bill.A 1,000+ member gospel choir, over 1,000 Chinese cultural performers, 500 Indian classical dancers, 200 hip-hop dancers, 200 Ukrainian dancers, a 500+ member global dance mash-up, Latino and Native American artists, and a tonne more are among the performance groups expected at the event. 04) Pop-up events are available all over DC. The festival, which starts on September 29, will be preceded by free cultural events in each of DC’s eight wards. District residents will be able to get a sneak peek at what will be happening during the National Mall celebration. The first pop-up will take place at Meridian Hill Park on Saturday, May 20, and will include live music, dancing, yoga, and meditation. More events’ specifics will be revealed in the upcoming months. 5) World leaders and decision-makers attend the festival. Members of national parliaments, former and present heads of state, and representatives from international governmental organisations will attend. A global Faith Advisory Council will be present at the World Culture Festival to share messages about shared ideals of coexistence, harmony, and peace. Source- Travel daily

Travellers are frequently mesmerised by waterfalls’ untamed power and unmatched beauty. Thankfully, some of the most beautiful falls on earth are reachable by car. International Drivers Association has produced the ideal guide that highlights some of these amazing waterfalls you can enjoy from behind the wheel around the world, from thunderous falls to gentle cascades. USA/Canada’s Niagara Falls Niagara Falls, one of the most well-known waterfalls in the world, is actually a grouping of three potent waterfalls that cross the border between the United States and Canada. The best way to see this natural wonder is on a road trip around the Great Lakes region. Iceland’s Gullfoss Gullfoss, which translates to “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls and is situated along the well-known Golden Circle route. It is a must-stop on any road trip through Iceland because of its multi-tiered cascades that crash into a narrow canyon. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina Iguazu Falls, one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world, is located between Argentina and Brazil. This UNESCO World Heritage site should be visited while travelling through either nation. The rainforest where the falls are located is vibrant and full of wildlife, adding to the overall experience. Zambia/Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Victoria Falls, also known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The largest waterfall in Southern Africa in terms of its combined width and height, this breathtaking waterfall is a must-see on any road trip. land’s Seljalandsfoss Seljalandsfoss, a different Icelandic treasure, is conveniently located just off the Ring Road, making it a stop that is simple to make while travelling through Iceland. This waterfall stands out due to the path that runs behind the cascade and provides a distinctive viewpoint. USA’s Multnomah Falls Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall and is easily reachable on a road trip in the Pacific Northwest. The Benson Bridge is a short detour off the Historic Columbia River Highway and provides a breathtaking view. Croatia’s Plitvice Waterfalls These waterfalls are a part of a stunning landscape of turquoise lakes connected by cascades and waterfalls that can be found in Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site ought to unquestionably be included on any road trip through Croatia. USA’s Pictured Rocks Waterfalls Several stunning waterfalls can be found in Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and they are all reachable by car. Be sure to stop at Munising Falls and Sable Falls as you drive through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. India’s Athirappilly Falls Athirappilly Falls in Kerala, known as “The Niagara of India,” is the most well-known waterfall in the world. An Indian road trip should include this stunning site, best viewed during the monsoon season when the falls are at their fullest. Dettifoss, Iceland Considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss is another must-see on an Icelandic road trip. Located in the northeastern part of the island, it’s known for the colossal mist and roar created by its immense flow. Each of these waterfalls offers a unique, awe-inspiring experience. They remind us of the beauty and power of nature, and their accessibility makes them perfect destinations for unforgettable road trips. So why not pack your bags, load up your car, and set off on an adventure to one of these incredible waterfalls? You won’t regret it. Source- Travel daily

The three-year marketing plan, developed by the Japan National Tourism Organisation, covers the strategic years of FY2023 through FY2025. The goal of this plan is to increase inbound travel and achieve the government’s lofty goals, which include raising revenue by 5 trillion JPY, achieving a consumption unit price of 200,000 JPY per person, luring foreign tourists to rural areas, and hastening the recovery of foreign arrivals. As part of the comprehensive “Tourism Promotion Basic Plan,” these goals have been set. With travellers eager to discover new places to visit, the tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence as the world slowly recovers from the global pandemic. Japan, known for its mesmerising culture and stunning landscapes, is now open to tourists once more. The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) recently unveiled a three-year marketing plan based on the three pillars of “Strategy by Market,” “Cross-Market Strategy on high-value-added travel, adventure travel (AT), and Osaka Kansai EXPO,” and “MICE Strategy” with the goal of reviving inbound tourism and showcasing the nation’s distinctive allure. The goal of the market-specific strategy is to identify consumers from each market who have a high per-unit cost of travel and a high intention to travel locally, and to organise promotional passions (themes) and tourism content to appeal to each target’s interests. Additionally, effective promotion strategies based on each target’s preferred contact media and methods for making travel reservations are prioritised in a list. In order to draw in high-value travel, this cross-market strategy will encourage the networking of domestic stakeholders, the gathering of service information, and the bolstering of sales. Additionally, AT collaborates with AT’s global organisation, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), with the goal of assisting initiatives in various regions of Japan and enhancing the draw of tourists. JNTO will promote the promotion of luring tourists to local areas while promoting the momentum of holding the Expo in the run-up to the Osaka-Kansai Expo. In the MICE strategy, JNTO will work to draw foreign conferences and incentive trips in addition to the “Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan,” based on the “New Era Inbound Expansion Action Plan” created in May of this year. In order to guarantee the long-term viability and preservation of Japan’s natural and cultural resources, a new strategy that places a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism has been carefully developed. The government will carefully promote itself to the world using this strategy. Source-Travel biz

The Advantage Travel Partnership and AITO, The Specialist Travel Association, last week unveiled their joint MP Engagement Programme as part of their UK Outbound Travel Think Tank collaboration and as a response to National Travel Agents’ Day. All UK lawmakers received an invitation to stop by the travel companies’ stores and offices in the districts where their constituents are located. The UK Outbound Travel Think Tank initiative, which was started in October of last year and is supporting a wide range of political and policy engagement work, places a strong emphasis on this activity. The Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton, DBE, MP for Doncaster Central, visited Dawson & Sanderson after accepting one of the more than 330 invitations that were sent to MPs all over the UK. Given the significant assistance that member companies of Advantage and AITO have given to travellers impacted by the fires in Rhodes and Corfu, her visit and others are especially timely. “I know that many of my constituents really value being able to go to a high street travel agent to talk about their holiday options and get good advice on what to book,” Dame Rosie said in reference to her visit. The importance of travel agencies in drawing visitors to the city centre and the ripple effect that has on surrounding businesses can’t be overstated. Other visits made as a result of the joint invitation from The Advantage Travel Partnership and AITO have included those of Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and the Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation, who visited Dawson & Sanderson in Newcastle, and Andrew Stevenson, MP for Pendle, who visited Althams Travel in Clitheroe. Thirty more MPs have requested additional visits, which will be granted in August and September. The Advantage Travel Partnership’s CEO, Julia Lo Bue-Said, stated: “We are thrilled with the response from MPs who want to visit our member businesses, and those members who have already had visits have expressed how helpful they found them. “We have noticed a noticeable increase in engagement with the Government and other important policymakers since launching our joint MP Engagement Programme initiative. These visits by the members’ local MPs are an essential component of our efforts to raise the overall visibility and awareness of the UK outbound travel sector throughout Westminster. “Many of the MPs we spoke to were unaware of their neighbourhood travel agencies and had never had the chance to meet them before. We will make sure to maximise the number of MP visits to our travel agencies over the upcoming months because we are extremely happy with the level of engagement we have so far achieved through the launch of this programme. “We are creating a strong caucus of supporters in Parliament by showing MPs how outbound travel companies are essential pillars of their local business communities. This should significantly bolster our argument for better ministerial representation for the industry while also serving as a reminder to those in positions of authority of the significant economic impact the travel industry has on UK PLC and the wider economy. Source- Travel daily

A partnership between the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Italian State Railways, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, has made it possible for tourists and visitors to reach Pompeii on Sundays in less than two hours by direct train from Rome. The new service was formally launched on Sunday, 16 July when dignitaries such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, CEO of the FS Italiane Group Luigi Ferraris, and Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano boarded the train for its inaugural trip from Rome’s Termini Station. The project, which boosts the appeal of one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world and promotes tourism, a significant industry in Italy, was praised by the premier. A Frecciarossa 1000 train, the flagship of the Trenitalia fleet, provides the no-change service between Rome and Pompeii, serving as a tool to promote tourism and culture while enhancing access to the nation’s historical resources. Every Sunday at 8:53, the train will depart from Roma Termini and arrive in Pompeii at 10:40. A video clip will be streamed on the in-flight monitors during the trip to provide passengers with an overview of the history of the ancient city of Pompeii. A Pompeii Link shuttle bus will be waiting to transport passengers to the archaeological site when the Frecciarossa arrives at its destination. Return passengers arrive at Roma Termini at 20:55 after leaving at 18:40. With the new service, there will be 50 Frecciarossa daily return trips between Rome and Pompeii. Passengers will board the high-speed train at the Napoli Centrale station and transfer to a Trenitalia regional train at the Piazza Garibaldi station. A fresh opportunity to learn more about a spot where time stopped in 79 CE. A priceless archaeological heritage site that annually attracts millions of tourists and fascinates them. Source- Travel daily

Travellers can now get travel tips and destination recommendations in 11 languages from Digitrips, the company that owns the popular French multi-product travel platform MisterFly. The brand-new function, created by the mobile solutions division of Digitrips called mTrip, is currently being tested in the group’s MisterFly App and will soon be included in the app’s white-label version used by travel companies and tour operators around the world. The move coincides with mTrip’s celebration of an impressive 70% increase in the number of Passenger Name Records (PNRs) managed in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year. mTrip provides custom-branded travel companion applications for travel providers. The software provider serves 140 B2B clients globally, processes over 4 million PNRs annually, and powers a number of apps for the Digitrips group, including MisterFly, the largest multi-product travel platform in France. “With generative AI, we’re witnessing the birth of a new way of searching for information,” said Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips. Travellers will receive precise and personalised recommendations from our new virtual assistant, enabling them to efficiently plan and maximise their trip. It won’t be long before our primary B2B clients and their travellers can enhance their custom-branded travel apps with our tailored, user-friendly, and intelligent AI assistant. The intelligent tool is already live for MisterFly users. “Our virtual assistant service assists travellers with discovering attractions and experiences, as well as giving them insightful knowledge about their chosen destination and local tips such as “where should I go for my jogging this morning?”,” said Frédéric de Pardieu, CEO of mTrip, a division of Digitrips. Although it is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, our flexible solution is built to integrate seamlessly with other conversational AI tools, such as Google Bard, to maintain the ease and speed of travel planning for both leisure and business travellers. Source- Travel daily

In its 18th year of operation, Corendon Airlines has added Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet in order to upgrade the travelling experience for passengers and boost productivity with cutting-edge technological features. With its direct flights from numerous European nations, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Poland, and many others, Corendon Airlines has established itself as a major international holiday airline. Corendon Airlines, which is starting its 19th season, keeps renewing its fleet. It is one of Turkey’s top airlines and flies to well-liked vacation spots in Greece, Spain, and Egypt. There will be a total of 7 Boeing 737-8s flying in the Corendon colours. According to research done by the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Corendon Airlines, which rose to the eighth-ranked company with the highest number of service exports in 2022 and established itself in Europe and Turkey with its successful flights and operations, has added a new aircraft to its fleet. The newest aircraft in the Corendon Airlines fleet is a TC-MKG registered Boeing 737-8 model that was produced at the Renton factory of Boeing and delivered directly from the delivery facility in Seattle. Corendon Airlines acquired a total of 7 Boeing 737-8s after the new aircraft were delivered last year. The airline is continuing to revitalise its fleet with the factory-built aircraft it has added. These aircraft’s cutting-edge technology allows the airline to operate more effectively while providing passengers with a high level of comfort and a quieter flight. The new generation of aircraft also supports Corendon Airlines’ sustainability and environmental protection policies with 15% less fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and a 40% lower noise footprint. Source- Travel daily

Due to increased disruption and cancellations in the airline industry, analysis from BR-DGE shows that UK online search volumes for travel refunds increased 17.9% in the seven days leading up to Friday, July 21. The busiest day in June 2023 for UK consumers looking for airline and travel agency refunds was Wednesday, June 7. During June 2023, searches for travel refunds on the five biggest airlines and travel sellers’ websites in the UK decreased by 44.1% year over year, with EasyJet experiencing the biggest decline. “The situation for airlines and travel agents right now is a tale of two stories,” said BR-DGE Senior Travel Specialist Emily Whaley in response to the analysis. One the one hand, as consumer demand for vacations and quick getaways continues to be high, travel demand is outpacing expectations and supply. On the other hand, the sector faces a number of challenges because a summer of strike action will make it more likely that vacationers will experience cancellations, delays, and disruptions. This summer, there will undoubtedly be a large number of refund and delay repayment requests due to the severe travel disruption that has recently affected Europe, as most recently demonstrated by the recent heatwave and wildfires. The industry cannot rest on its laurels when it comes to refunds, even though our analysis shows that searches for refunds among UK consumers have decreased by almost half since last year when airports experienced staff shortages. The refund process is cumbersome and difficult for many holiday travellers who have encountered disruptions, which worsens the already unpleasant experience. However, because refunds play a significant role in the customer experience, there is a real chance for airlines and travel agencies to replace antiquated systems and offer customers a top-notch end-to-end payment experience. “The speed at which travel companies handle refunds strengthens their credibility, ensuring that their relationship with customers doesn’t deteriorate. It is crucial that travel sellers put forth great effort to make refunds first-class as demand for refunds rises amid growing disruption. Source- Travel daily

The UK has long been a popular travel destination for both domestic and foreign travellers looking to experience the best of the British countryside, according to Max Schmidt, Head of CamperDays. In fact, its popularity doesn’t seem to be declining, as shown by a 58% increase in campervan vacations to the UK in the first half of 2023. “Campervanning is just a more opulent version of the familiar and beloved camping trip. Many travellers don’t want to leave the conveniences of home and have to make do without necessities like being able to make a cup of tea, using the lavatory, getting a hot shower and having a decent bed to sleep in. The ideal answer to this is a motorhome, which serves as your very own mobile, fully furnished hotel or vacation rental. “Another factor contributing to the rising popularity of campervan holidays is without a doubt the flexibility and freedom offered to travellers regarding their route, schedule, and duration of travel. Since they are not bound to a single hotel or apartment, vacationers are free to explore the area at their own pace. Since there are no check-in or check-out times, they can either make more spontaneous plans or set their own agenda. Unsurprisingly, Scotland has received 55% of the UK’s campervan bookings this year. Harris Beach, the enchanted Fairytale Pools on the Isle of Skye, and not to mention the renowned Loch Lomond, all contribute to Scotland’s unrivalled beauty. Additionally, it is the only country in the UK where it is currently legal to camp wild, giving potential campers many more options for experiencing nature without paying campsite fees. The Cotswolds and the South Downs are two additional well-liked vacation spots in the UK. These bucolic regions of the country are accessible to city dwellers seeking a quick break from the bustle of the city and the stresses of modern life because they are only two hours from the centre of London, where one in four of this year’s campervan bookings were made. Camping has lost some of its appeal when attending live, multi-day events like sporting events and music festivals. Visitors can travel to these events with the confidence that they’ll get a good night’s sleep and a hot shower at the end of a busy day because sporting events and festivals like Glastonbury and Le Mans 24 Hours allow guests to glamp in their own vehicles. Source- Travel daily