Starfish Travel Corporation Team

For the first time since 2010, an emperor penguin chick was hatched at SeaWorld San Diego on September 12, 2023. Emperor penguins can only be found in SeaWorld San Diego, which makes their hatching a unique and joyous occasion in the Western Hemisphere. Because of the melting Antarctic Sea ice and the increasing sea levels brought on by climate change, emperor penguins are currently classified as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Justin Brackett, Curator of Birds at SeaWorld San Diego, said, “Bringing this chick into the world and ensuring her well-being and survival around the clock has been a very rewarding process for me and the entire SeaWorld Aviculture team.” “Our knowledgeable team and the veterinary personnel made every decision pertaining to her well-being with the utmost care and thought. As she grows, we are forward to find out more about her and see how her distinct personality unfolds. Emperor penguin populations are being negatively impacted by the Antarctic Sea’s record low ice coverage, according to a recent scientific study. Because there was not enough sea ice, four out of the five colonies of emperor penguins that were observed completely failed to reproduce. Sea ice provides the habitat that emperor penguins need for mating, raising young, and molting. The waterproof feathers needed for swimming and survival in the ocean are absent from newly hatched chicks. “Disappearing sea ice is becoming more frequent as our planet continues to warm and is having a devastating effect on penguin populations,” stated Katie Propp, Chief Operations Officer of Penguins International. The good news is that, with enough effort and support, we can prevent climate change and ensure that organizations like SeaWorld, which care for emperor penguins and preserve their genetic diversity, survive. The people must be made aware of the dangers these magnificent creatures face in the wild and must be able to see these magnificent creatures up close in order to be inspired to take action to protect their wild counterparts. The only location outside of Antarctica in the Western Hemisphere where visitors can view emperor penguins is SeaWorld San Diego. Along with 300 other penguins, including King, Gentoo, Macaroni, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, Penguin Encounter is home to a colony of 17 emperor penguins. The exhibit features a snow-filled, 25-degree habitat where the resident penguins can swim and socialize with one another. Outside the Encounter is a colony of South American native Magellanic penguins who like warm climates. There are about 90 puffins and murres at Penguin Encounter. Source- Travel dailyLink-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/first-emperor-penguin-chick-in-over-a-decade-hatched-at-seaworld-san-diego/

According to a recent survey, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, known as Kapali Çarşı, is the world’s most Instagrammable shopping location. The international shopping portal Ubuy Hong Kong determined which retail locations are the most Insta-worthy by analyzing Instagram hashtags for a selection of those locations. The inclusion of hashtags pertaining to shopping destinations was contingent upon their perceived possession of a substantial percentage of posts pertaining to the respective shopping districts. 3,152,548 Instagram posts from Kapali Çarşı (Grand Bazaar), Turkey With 3,152,548 Instagram pictures featuring Kapali Çarşı hashtagged, it is the most Instagrammable retail destination globally. Located inside the Istanbul city walls, Kapali Çarşı, also referred to as the Grand Bazaar, spans 61 covered streets and features more than 4,000 shops. Built in 1455 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II after he conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul), Kapali Çarşı grew over the ensuing centuries to become one of the world’s largest covered markets. 2,308,415 Instagram photos from Namdaemun Market in South Korea Namdaemun Market has 2,308,415 Instagram posts with its hashtag, making it the second most Instagrammable shopping place globally. One of the oldest markets in Korea, Namdaemun Market in Seoul, South Korea, was first opened in 1414 and has seen multiple waves of restoration and remodeling over the ages. The busy market is the biggest traditional market in Korea, with around 5,200 businesses. Everything is available at these many establishments, including Halloween decorations and food. 2,182,063 Instagram posts from Starfield COEX Mall in South Korea Having posted 2,182,063 photos to Instagram, Starfield COEX Mall is the third most Instagrammable shopping destination globally. The largest underground mall in the world, Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul, is around 154,000 square meters (1,660,000 square feet) in size, of which 144,000 square meters (1,550,000 square feet) are underground. Numerous stores, eateries, and entertainment venues are housed in the mall, along with the well-known Byeolmadang (Starfield) Library. The term COEX is created by merging the EX from “exhibition halls” with the CO from “convention centers.” Due to its location in the center of Seoul’s downtown Gangnam neighborhood, Starfield COEX mall is expected to be packed with Halloween revelers. 1,719,602 Instagram posts from Covent Garden, United Kingdom Covent Garden is the world’s fourth most Instagrammable shopping area, with 1,719,602 posts utilizing its hashtag. Originally a fruit and vegetable market in the 17th century, Covent Garden is a neighborhood in London. The renowned market building was built in 1830, and later on, more buildings were built all around it. Covent Garden is a bustling tourist destination these days, home to a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment venues, and the Apple Market craft market. This year, Covent Garden is getting into the Halloween mood with free Halloween-themed arts and crafts during the half term, as well as a trick-or-treat trail. 1,498,492 Instagram posts from Gwangjang Market in South Korea Gwangjang Market is in fifth place with 1,498,492 Instagram posts that contain its hashtags. The first permanent market in Korea was located in Gwangjang Market, also in Seoul. Featuring more than 5,000 stores and offering a diverse range of products and food to customers, it is one of the biggest and most established traditional markets in South Korea. The United States’ Macy’s Herald Square has 1,420,519 Instagram posts. Macy’s Herald Square comes in sixth place with 1,420,519 Instagram posts that contain its hashtags. The flagship Macy’s department store and corporate office of Macy’s, Inc. is situated on Herald Square, New York. Macy’s is well-known for its yearly Christmas displays in its Broadway windows and for its events, which include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 50th Annual Village Halloween Parade in New York City passes via Herald Square and Macy’s Broadway entrance faces 6th Avenue. 1,223,065 Instagram photos from İstinye Park, Turkey İstinye Park ranks sixth globally as the most Instagrammable shopping destination, with 1,223,065 posts featuring its hashtags. İstinye Park, located in Istanbul, provides visitors with a large assortment of shops, entertainment, and food options in both indoor and outdoor areas. A traditional Turkish food bazaar with both traditional and modern flavors may be found in İstinye Park. 1,065,588 Instagram posts from Siam Paragon, Thailand Siam Paragon is the eighth most Instagrammable shopping destination in the world, with 1,065,588 Instagram posts containing its hashtags. Siam Paragon is one of Thailand’s biggest shopping centers, and it’s located in Bangkok. Along with a multitude of dining establishments and retail stores, it also has an abundance of entertainment venues, such as the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium. 980,319 Instagram posts from Oxford Street, United Kingdom Oxford Street ranks eighth globally for being the most Instagrammable shopping destination, with 980,319 Instagram posts featuring its hashtags. Oxford Street, the busiest retail district in Europe, is situated in London and is well-known across the world as a shopping destination. Oxford Street, which stretches across London’s West End between Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch, is home to numerous iconic retailers and provides a diverse array of shops and services, including a plethora of Halloween events and merchandise for those with a spooky sense of humor. Taiwan’s Taipei 101 has 858,646 Instagram posts. Taipei 101, with 858,646 Instagram photos, rounds up the top ten Instagrammable shopping locations globally. When Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, was built in 2004, it was the world’s tallest skyscraper and the first to reach more than 500 meters (1,640 ft). The structure has multiple floors with restaurants, cafes, shops, and observation decks where you can take in the view. A Ubuy Hong Kong representative said: Istanbul’s rich history as one of the major cities of antiquity has given rise to its global reputation for culture and trade. For thousands of years, it has served as the hub for trade between Europe and Asia, and the selection available to consumers today is a testament to its illustrious history. There is something for every taste, especially for individuals who enjoy sharing their adventures on Instagram, with options ranging from contemporary shopping malls to lively street markets. It

Just in time for the 2024 European summer, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Qantas announces the opening of a new direct service between Perth and Paris. The new year-round route will see the national airline operate to the French capital for the first time in over 20 years, following the success of Qantas’s unique direct flights from Perth to London and Rome. This will reduce the current fastest travel time from Perth to Paris by approximately three hours. Starting on July 12, 2024, and running four days a week during the height of the European summer, the 17-hour Perth-Paris flights will use Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Services will be decreased to three times a week starting in mid-August 2024. The CEO of Qantas Group, Vanessa Hudson, expressed her excitement about the airline’s decision to launch a direct flight between Australia and Paris once more. She continued, “We think customers will be as pleased to see this route go on sale as we are. It has been on our wish list for a while.” “We know there will be a high demand for this service because our direct flights to London and Rome have been extremely popular, and Paris is the next most requested destination.”It is anticipated that Australian athletes traveling to Paris for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be among the initial passengers on these flights. Australia is our main market, hence we are the only airline that provides these direct flights instead of using a midpoint.Long-haul flights are the target audience for our in-flight service. “We’ll be collaborating with Tourism Western Australia to fully leverage this chance to attract tourists, realizing that direct flights play a big role in travelers’ decision-making.” The Qantas Group’s international capacity is expected to surpass 90% of pre-COVID levels by the end of this year and return to 100% by the middle of the following year, thanks to the recent increase in flying and the launch of new aircraft. The new routes will depart from Terminal 3 at Perth Airport, which is Qantas’ existing location. This would facilitate easy connections to other domestic Australian destinations. The talks between Qantas and Perth Airport to move their operations to Terminal 1 are progressing well. Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook took great satisfaction in securing the new direct connection, which will enhance the State’s global standing as Australia’s Western Gateway. “It is imperative to establish fresh direct aviation services such as these to encourage tourists to visit Western Australia, infuse tourism revenue into our economy, and generate employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors.” Customers will have an additional option for connecting to over 70 destinations throughout the area, including 12 cities in France and Barcelona, Munich, Frankfurt, and Athens, thanks to the Paris service offered by Qantas and its network of partners. Customers of Qantas can enter Paris and then use the same ticket to return to Australia via London or Rome by purchasing a “circle fare.” Tickets are available for purchase from Perth beginning on November 2nd, unless they are sold out before then. Flights from Qantas to Europe Passengers from all throughout Australia can easily connect to Qantas’ flights to Europe. Perth-London QF9/QF10 (787) Perth-Rome QF5/QF6 (787) QF33/QF34 Perth-Paris (787) (booking and travel from Sydney available) Sydney-Singapore-London (A380) QF1/QF2 Customers of Qantas can also take flights operated by Emirates via Dubai and four other partners to Europe. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/qantas-announces-new-direct-flights-from-perth-to-paris/

ICRA anticipates double-digit revenue growth for the Indian hotel sector in FY2024, driven by the continuation of domestic leisure travel, the demand from MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibits) and business travel, as well as a rise in foreign visitor arrivals (FTAs). The ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 and the G20 conference have also benefited the sector. After rebounding to 68–70% in FY2023, ICRA projects pan-India premium hotel occupancy at roughly 70–72% in FY2024. The average room rates (ARRs) of premium hotels across India are projected to be between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 6,200 in FY2024. Although occupancy is anticipated to reach decadal highs, the RevPAR is anticipated to be 20–25% below the peak of FY2008. The medium-term demand outlook is also positive, bolstered by a number of favorable factors such as favorable demographics, increased infrastructure and air connectivity, and the expected rise in large-scale MICE events following the opening of several new convention centers in recent years. Stronger ARRs would result from comparatively lower supply and healthy demand. Bigger players would also profit from hotel expansion-related revenues and profits through operating leases and management agreements. Demand is anticipated to stay strong across markets in FY2024 as consumer sentiments remain positive and corporate performance is solid, according to Vinutaa S, vice president and sector head of corporate ratings at ICRA Limited. However, demand for a particular hotel would rely on factors like location, competition, and other dynamics specific to the facility. Additionally, domestic travel would be the main factor, even though FTA activity is probably going to increase in H2 FY2024. As gateway cities, Mumbai and Delhi are expected to post occupancy levels above 75% in FY2024, thanks to MICE events, business travelers, and transient passengers. Even though Pune and Bengaluru may trail behind other markets, they should see notable improvements in FY2024 over FY2023, notwithstanding this. In FY2024, the ARRs would see a healthy YoY increase, although they would still lag below the FY2008 peak. Demand for mid-scale hotels was also impacted by the steep increase in the ARRs of premium hotels. The continuation of many of the cost-rationalization initiatives implemented during the Covid era, along with the advantages of operating leverage, has led to a notable increase in margins when compared to pre-Covid levels. The ratio of workers to rooms is still about 15–20% lower than it was before COVID-19. Businesses have been using more renewable energy, and their profit margins have also been supported by stringent cost management measures and cost pass-through. Larger hotel businesses have found that asset-light expansions increase their margins. Even if they are still far larger than pre-Covid levels, there may be some decrease in margins from the FY2023 levels as a result of hotels renovating and maintaining their facilities. Twelve sizable hotel enterprises that make up ICRA’s sample are anticipated to record operating margins of 25–28% for FY2024, compared to 20–22% prior to COVID and 28–30% for FY2023. Reducing the leverage on balance sheets has resulted in reduced interest expenses and can bolster net margins. “ICRA anticipates that the improvement in cash flows and earnings will sustain the capital structure in the future. If there are any asset monetisations, they will mostly concern non-revenue producing assets. In FY2024, hotels’ debt indicators should be better than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the degree of improvement in return on capital employed (RoCE) would rely on the expansion strategy and, in the event of an asset-heavy expansion, could be limited by the high capital cost of additional properties due to rising land and construction costs. Numerous organizations have seen improvements in their credit profiles as a result of the robust business accruals. As a result, in FY2023 and YTD FY2024, upgrades have outpaced downgrades. Currently, 94% of ICRA’s ratings have a stable outlook, says Vinutaa. In the last 12 to 15 months, there has been a solid increase in supply announcements and the start of delayed projects as a result of the boost in demand. On the other hand, supply would fall short of demand, growing at a CAGR of 3.5–4% over the medium term. Issues with land availability presently prevent supply expansion in upscale metropolises and larger cities’ micromarkets. Rebranding and property upgrades are the main reasons for the increase in the supply of premium hotels in these areas, and greenfield developments are mostly located in the suburbs. Significant supply announcements are observed at tier-II travel destinations for business, pleasure, and religion. In addition, compared to pre-Covid levels, the cost of building has increased by 20–25% per room due to cost inflation. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/strong-demand-in-h2-fy2024-to-contribute-to-double-digit-revenue-growth-for-hotel-industry-in-fy2024-icra/

The Uttar Pradesh government’s historic decision to set aside INR 130 crore to build a tourism facilitation center in Ayodhya is expected to spark a remarkable economic revolution in the travel and tourism industry, especially in the eastern belt. According to a quick preliminary analysis conducted by myATITHI.global, a thriving community platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, this move is anticipated to create over a thousand direct employment and hundreds of crores in state revenue. “The Tourism Facilitation Centre transcends being a mere structure; it’s a gateway to brighter horizons, a beacon of dreams fulfilled, and a pledge of economic empowerment for the myriad small and individual enterprises that not only characterize Ayodhya but also reverberate across the vast canvas of the state of Uttar Pradesh,” passionately expressed Gautam Mehra, Founder and Director, myATITHI.global, in praising the visionary initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government. “Ayodhya is poised to ascend as India’s new religious tourism capital, the flag bearer of faith, heritage, and prosperity for our great nation,” Gautam continued. This is a transformative step Statewide Economic Windfall: According to preliminary estimates, the well-positioned Tourism Facilitation Centre is expected to become a major source of income for the state. The facility is expected to have the capacity to bring in hundreds of crores of dollars annually, significantly boosting Uttar Pradesh’s economy. Jobs Abound: This innovative project promises to create thousands of jobs in addition to the spectacular income projections. It is anticipated that there will be major benefits to both the official and informal sectors, with the potential development of jobs ranging from administrative functions to skilled craftspeople, hospitality personnel, and local vendors. Approximations suggest: Formal Jobs: Countless direct employment opportunities, encompassing management, administrative, and service capacities. The informal sector offers small companies, sellers, and artists in the area countless job prospects. Annual Economic Uplift: Based on preliminary projections, Ayodhya and the neighboring regions may experience a significant annual economic upturn. Giving Ayodhya Power: Given its distinct cultural and spiritual importance, Ayodhya is well-positioned to be the main beneficiary of this game-changing initiative. With its office space, craft center, food court, amphitheater, parking garage, dorms, and retail center, the Tourism Facilitation Center will be a vital economic hub for the city and its citizens. Contribution to the State Exchequer: The state’s revenue sources are anticipated to see a notable increase when the Tourism Facilitation Center takes shape. This economic boom will help local companies and the state coffers, allowing the government to spend on infrastructure and public services that are vital. The state of Uttar Pradesh is poised for greater prosperity, cultural enrichment, and economic empowerment. These historic events mark the beginning of a prosperous new era for the state and its citizens. Revenue Generation: In a well-known city like Ayodhya, a tourism facilitation centre has the potential to bring in a sizable sum of money each year. The precise amount, however, would depend on a number of variables, including the volume of visitors, their spending habits, and the facility’s level of success. It is plausible that, at most, it could increase the state’s revenue by tens of crores of rupees every year. Employment Creation: This size of project, involving support workers, administrative assistants, craftsmen, and service staff, may result in the creation of more than a thousand official jobs. Numerous thousand additional jobs could be created by unofficial tourism-related jobs like those held by vendors and small enterprises. The multiplier effect will encourage improvements in accessibility and infrastructure, which will boost the state’s tourism industry. Source- Travel daily

The “FROM PURPLE TO PURPOSE” Press Conference was held by Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) to introduce the new uniform for female cabin crew, which combines sustainable development with the nation’s identity and will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Attending this conference were THAI senior management, Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI Chairman of the Plan Administrators, Chansin Treenuchagron, THAI Plan Administrator, and Chai Eamsiri, THAI Chief Executive Officer. Over the past twenty years, THAI has made the environment a top priority in its operations. This is especially true of the initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, like the upcycling project and the reduction of in-office resources, which will improve the circular economy, sustainable development, and the goal of having net zero emissions by 2050. These initiatives were recently created in accordance with the Zero Waste Living philosophy, which is based on three pillars: FROM PURPLE TO PURPOSE, FROM WASTE TO WEALTH, and FROM PLANES TO PLANET. Thai silk and synthetic thread manufactured from recycled materials are now used to weave the Thai Ruean Ton, the national garment of Thailand that has been worn by THAI flight attendants for almost 60 years and is recognized worldwide for its grace. The new uniform satisfies both practical and aesthetic needs because it is safer, easier to maintain, and more flexible to wear. Beginning on January 1, 2024, female flight attendants will don the Thai Ruean Ton uniform made of this new material, which will be visible both onboard and off. To achieve the corporate sustainable development goals, THAI is working to develop its own strategic framework on sustainable development, which will include initiatives for non-aviation activities such as catering, technical, and ground services, as well as social contributions in the Thai agricultural sector, especially SMEs. This is in addition to the sustainable development initiatives already put into place, such as fuel efficient improvement, introducing new-generation aircraft and engines with less fuel consumption and lower carbon emission, and improving flight operations techniques like single engine taxi and takeoff weight optimization. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/thai-unveils-new-cabin-crew-uniform/

On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, the five-star Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, a former flour mill on Giudecca island, will throw a ‘Spooky Stucky’ Halloween Party at its Skyline Rooftop Bar, the highest bar in Venice. The terrifying event promises to be a frightfully wonderful time for attendees. It will include scary cocktails made by Skyline’s skilled mixologists, ominous music played by a resident DJ, the ability to dress spookily, and intimidating décor all set against the backdrop of the Venetian night sky. The event, which takes place well after dark from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., has a limited number of tickets available today. The skilled mixologists at Skyline will create a variety of tongue-tingling concoctions, such as: Toad Soup: This nonalcoholic beverage, which combines clarified yellow apple with kiwi cider and 0% beer, is reminiscent of the most alluring mystical potion, allegedly made by sorcerers to manipulate the weather. It is eerily refreshing. Croco: The story of Mercury, who killed his companion Croco by accident with a stray discus throw, is the basis for the Croco. The homonym flower, from which saffron is collected, emerged from Croco’s blood. This recipe uses saffron as its main ingredient and is concluded with a saffron Bombardino mousse and fresh saffron. It also includes saffron vodka, coffee, and vanilla liqueur. This cocktail is truly to die for, combining the intense flavor of a Black Russian with the creamy texture of a Bombardino in a fantastic way! Source- Travel daily

Aiming to be a sustainability showcase for airports worldwide, Farnborough Airport, the birthplace of British aviation and the top airport in Europe for high-end travel connections, recently announced the sale of its one millionth gallon of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Farnborough Airport has grown to be one of the biggest single-site providers of SAF to the business aviation industry in the United Kingdom since it started providing SAF to all of its clients in 2021. In the run-up to the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow, it also made history by being the first airport globally to provide SAF at the same cost as its regular Jet A1 fuel. According to CEO Simon Geere, “At Farnborough Airport, we want to be a genuine catalyst for change and are always looking for new ways to supply and create sustainable energy sources.” Sustainable energy solutions are a major emphasis for the airport. Our goal is to convert to a SAF-only airport by the end of the decade, serving as an early adopter “of scale” and hastening the wider adoption of SAF in the aviation sector. We are proud of our accomplishment. World gasoline Services is the gasoline supplier to Farnborough Airport. Mark Atherton, Director of European General Aviation Sales at World Fuel Services, commends this sustainable leadership. “We are still totally dedicated to helping Farnborough Airport by supporting the acquisition of sustainable fuels.” This is the most recent development in the airport’s sustainability path, which included making history in 2018 by being the world’s first business aviation airport to attain carbon neutrality. The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) initiative granted Farnborough Airport Level 4+, the highest level of carbon accreditation, earlier this year. Following the release of its Roadmap to Net Zero in 2022, which pledges to achieve Net Zero status for emissions under its direct control by 2030 or earlier, Farnborough Airport said last week that it will be starting one of the biggest solar arrays in the South East. The ground support facility building, the modern terminal building, the control tower, the award-winning 169-room hotel, the Aviator Hampshire, and the airport’s iconic curved hangar roofs will all have solar panels installed on them to help generate 25% of the airport’s electricity. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/farnborough-airport-sells-its-millionth-litre-of-sustainable-aviation-fuel/

The Cathay Group of Hong Kong has declared its intention to acquire 32 more Airbus A320neo Family aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet modernization and expansion efforts. By virtue of the agreement, the Cathay Group has placed 64 orders for the A320neo Family, 13 of which have already been fulfilled. The A321neo and A320neo, which will join the fleets of HK Express and Cathay Pacific, will be among the 32 extra aircraft.Their primary destinations will be in the Chinese Mainland and other parts of Asia. “We are proud to be part of Cathay’s recovery and growth plan. It is one of the world’s leading airline groups,” stated Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus. “With a highly efficient single aisle fleet and a positive passenger comfort differentiation, the A320neo family will enable the Cathay Group to expand its services across the region,” said the company, which is based in the center of Asia. The aircraft will also immediately support the sustainability aims of the Cathay Group due to its notable fuel efficiency. The A320neo Family is equipped with the newest technology available, including as aerodynamics, Sharklets, and new generation engines, which combined result in at least a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The A320neo Family, which has over 9,700 orders from over 130 clients, is the most popular single aisle aircraft in the world. Source- Travel news Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/cathay-group-orders-32-a320neo-family-aircraft/