Starfish Travel Corporation Team

By offering more than 7.4 million seats on domestic and international routes in July and August, a 10% increase from the corresponding months in 2022, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is continuing to carry out its operational plan for the summer of 2023. With a 4% increase, the airline will run more than 32,400 flights. In addition to ensuring smooth operations, effective reservations for both scheduled and seasonal destinations, and streamlined procedures at airports, these measures seek to meet high demand during peak seasons. SAUDIA is offering more than 4.2 million seats on international flights, a 16% increase. The airline is also adding over 14,800 flights, which represents a 15% increase. Over 3.2 million seats on domestic routes will be made available on 17,600 flights. The performance of the operational plan for the summer of 2023 is continuously assessed by a committed team from Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI). SAUDIA’s CEO, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, emphasised the company’s vast operational management expertise, particularly during busy times of the year. To accommodate guests’ needs while delivering top-notch services, the plan calls for increasing flight frequency, seat capacity, and the introduction of seasonal destinations. Additionally, he acknowledged the difficulties facing the aviation sector in managing the departure of Hajj pilgrims from Makkah. The airline set up all the necessary facilities and implemented detailed procedures to guarantee a successful summer travel season and Hajj pilgrimage. SAUDIA Group announced the addition of 25 new international locations earlier this year, bringing its network to over 100 locations. With this extension, Saudi Arabia will be more accessible to the outside world and travellers will have more options. As a member of the worldwide SkyTeam alliance, travellers have access to 1,000 destinations in 170 countries as well as more than 790 first- and business-class lounges. Source– Travel biz

The FLIGHT Centre Travel Group (FLT) increased its profit forecast for the 2023 fiscal year (FY23). Based on early trading data, FLT now anticipates reporting underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the 12 months ending June 30, 2023, in the range of $295 million and $305 million. The new midpoint, $300,000,000, stands for: a 7% increase over the company’s previously anticipated range of underlying EBITDA between $270 million and $290 million; a $483 million profit on a $183 million loss in the preceding fiscal year 22Total transaction value (TTV) is anticipated to reach $22 billion in FY23, representing a nearly 115 percent increase over FY22’s TTV of $10.3 billion and the second-best full-year performance for the company, behind FY19’s (23.7 billion). In a market that has generally improved but has not yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, FLT’s global corporate travel business has continued to outperform, delivering record TTV during FY23. The business’s corporate TTV is anticipated to increase by more than 20% from its previous TTV record of $8.9 billion (FY19) to $11 billion in FY23. This illustrates: gradual improvement in client activity after the removal of travel restrictions related to COVID; and the pandemic’s multibillion-dollar pipeline of new business won by the FCM and Corporate Traveller brands Following a robust and sustained recovery during the year’s second half (2H), global leisure TTV for FY23 is anticipated to be in the range of $10 billion. FLT managing director Graham Turner said, “Overall, we are pleased with our continued recovery as demand has generally rebounded solidly across both our leisure and corporate travel businesses. “In corporate, we have produced record TTV while making significant investments for the future by securing a lot of new accounts, growing our sales force, and introducing cutting-edge new platforms and products for our customers, which should produce stronger returns in the years to come. In the leisure industry, we are emerging from the pandemic as a more productive, efficient, and diverse company with a strong brand stable, enhanced capability, and efficient and productive models that are now beginning to achieve scale benefits. In order to strengthen our position in a highly appealing leisure market, we also made investments in our luxury travel collection during FY23 through the early 2H Scott Dunn acquisition and, more recently, the Luxperience events business. As evidenced by the consistent year-over-year growth in outbound travel in significant and significant markets like Australia, we anticipate that leisure travellers will continue to prioritise vacations and experiences over other areas of discretionary spending. “In corporate, we expect that the large volume of new business we continue to win both from competitors and accounts that were previously unmanaged – will offset the impact on TTV flowing from lower-than-normal client spend.” “Business travel continues to grow in a post-pandemic world,” said Bertrand Saillet, managing director of FCM Travel in Asia. Given that Asia was the last region to reopen, despite the challenging economic conditions there, our enterprise and large market customers are thriving. “Our internal data indicates that business travel has increased by over 200% year over year (01 January to 30 June 2022/2023) as a result of the high demand from corporations in our key Asian markets, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. Along with a high customer retention rate of 99% on average across Asia, this includes strong account wins from industries like manufacturing, professional scientific & technical services, banking, finance, and insurance. Face-to-face meetings are the main driver of business travel. Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States are the top three international locations for business travellers from Asia.Travel is more often a necessity for businesses than a luxury expense. Meetings, events, and conferences are being attended again by businesspeople. The Meeting & Events division of FCM India has reportedly grown by more than 200%. The average number of days required for advance purchases has increased across Asia, with Japan and Hong Kong both seeing increases of 7 and 13 days, respectively.Travel has never been more important for landing contracts and for both recruiting and retaining staff, with unemployment remaining low and business competition on the rise. Source- Travel daily

On August 19, 2023, Hua Hin’s pristine beaches will play host to Kolour, Thailand’s first house and techno event, which is known for its expansive shows and festivals. The Standard, Hua Hin is hosting the largest open-air rhapsody in the area, which is anticipated to draw 2,000 revellers. To make the most of the event, guests can book an overnight stay at the resort, which includes a hangover breakfast. The free-spirited celebration of electronic music is bringing a world-class production to Hua Hin for the first time, with multiple DJs spinning various electronic music genres, including house, techno, and disco. This follows sold-out events in Phuket and Bangkok. Kolourians can relax on the balcony of their roomy Standard Suite or cool off in a private villa pool with a special stay package available at all suite and villa categories when they aren’t soaking up every last bit of sunshine poolside or mingling with like-minded music lovers.The bundle contains:Two people can stay for one night in a flat close to the action.Unlimited returns for two to unwind and reenergize to keep the celebration going.until 11:00 a.m., a restorative breakfast is served for two.One free parking space per room.From 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm on August 19, 2023, the event will take place.Source-Travel daily

In order to assist customers in finding their way around London Heathrow, British Airways is testing a new digital wayfinding tool. The new technology provides maps of both Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 at London Heathrow, making it easier for passengers passing through the airline’s hub in London to find their departure gate and other important locations like stores, lounges, and restaurants. Customers can now find their way around the airport with greater assurance, saving time and decreasing the likelihood that they will miss their flight. Customers can experience London Heathrow more easily thanks to the tool’s clear directions and information on the airport’s layout. Customers can click on points of interest, such as shops, on an interactive map to learn more about the location, hours of operation, and descriptions of the products being sold there. Additionally, the tool makes it simple to locate restrooms, seating areas, and information hubs.Customers who are connecting between flights can also enter the information for their inbound and connecting flights, which will then display an animated map and step-by-step directions on how to get from the arrival gate to the departure gate of their connecting flight. Customers travelling through London Heathrow can access the trial, which started in June, by scanning QR codes displayed on digital screens there or by visiting wayfinding.maps.ba.com. All passengers flying into London Heathrow and connecting from locations like New York JFK, Dubai, Mexico City, Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, and Houston have also received links to wayfinding as part of the trial.British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, stated: “We always want to make it as simple as possible for our customers to navigate the airport, so we’re really excited to be trialling a new wayfinding tool this summer. The user-friendly interactive map makes it simple for our customers to find their departure gates, find nearby eateries and shops for some last-minute duty-free shopping, and for those who qualify, our lounges. Of course, our outstanding colleagues will still be available to assist. British Airways is providing travellers with the following travel tips for trips over the summer, in addition to investing in new digital wayfinding technology to make it easier for customers to navigate London Heathrow:Customers should go to ba.com/app to download the British Airways App. Customers can quickly choose seats, order speciality meals, check their flight status, check in online for flights, and, if necessary, download their boarding pass using the app.

Who will serve on the judging panel for the first Travel Changemakers Awards in 2023 will be revealed by the Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and Web in Travel (WiT). The winners of the Awards, which will be announced at WiT Singapore, 2-4 October 2023, are innovators who have used technology to improve post-pandemic recovery efforts. Those who receive awards must show that they have respected the environment, engaged meaningfully with local communities, or found undiscovered attractions for tourists to enjoy. They applaud the use of existing resources rather than the construction of new ones and the way in which they show how diversity and inclusion are essential for improving the situation. These future leaders of the industry make up the esteemed panel. CEO of SAVVY Collective Aya AsoRod Cuthbert is the founder of the company Jayride, the chairman of Veltra (Tokyo), and a board member of Tourism Tasmania. Loic Dujardin, Head of ESG at Traveloka, on ViatorSenior Vice President of Online Travel and Market Strategy at Amadeus, Fred BarouKelly Kolb, Travelport’s vice president of government affairsAirbnb’s Steven Liew is the region’s director of public policy.CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group Choe Peng SumCo-founder, group CEO, and managing director Aloke Bajpai, ixigoDirector of the AirAsia Foundation, Elaine TanAgoda’s Director of Global Government Affairs, Daniel GelferKenneth Lim, Singapore Tourism Board’s Assistant Chief Executive of the Marketing GroupChis Kerin, Managing Director, ATTIA says, “We are delighted by the support demonstrated by the travel tech industry for these awards, and are equally thrilled to have assembled such an esteemed judging panel. We are confident that the submissions will be held to the highest standards thanks to their combined expertise. “We are delighted with the calibre of judges that have embraced these awards in its first year,” says Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT. “It is an honour to recognise those who turned ideas into action and initiated programmes to build back better during the pandemic. They will deservedly get their heyday with these awards, which will demonstrate exactly how the travel, tourism and hospitality industries have taken lessons learned over the pandemic to plan and create a better future for all travellers”.Source- Travel daily

Black Sheep Tourism (Black Sheep) is introducing TravelWorks in Australia, enabling travel businesses in this market to take advantage of the advantages of travel agency accounting and back-office systems. Trish Shepherd, who founded Black Sheep, is a veteran of the travel industry. PcVoyages, the parent company of TravelWorks, and Black Sheep collaborated to secure the deal. A tested solution created especially for travel agencies is called TravelWorks. TravelWorks offers the most recent cloud-based, online mid- and back-office accounting, booking, and marketing software for travel agencies and tour operators, and it has more than 6000 users worldwide. TravelWorks has been creating and delivering travel technology solutions for more than 30 years, and the company continues to make an annual investment of over $750,000 to make sure that their products are cutting-edge, dependable, and have the highest levels of data security. Comprehensive accounting, invoicing, reservation management, strategic and operations management, CRM and marketing platform, groups management, corporate travel management, real-time dashboard and reporting, and more are all part of their current technology suite.Ashley Shepherd“We founded Black Sheep to help travel businesses harness one of their most important assets, their valuable IP in client and business data,” said Trish Shepherd, founder of Black Sheep Tourism. We quickly realised that the market’s current technology simply wasn’t offering the detailed CRM systems or functionality needed to effectively capture or deliver meaningful customer or sales data or segmentation as we have been assisting business owners to streamline operations and drive new revenue. “Two years ago, I looked for a travel CRM that could create customised segmented databases for in-house covert marketing using clean customer profile data and searchable travel preferences. TravelWorks was what I discovered. a strong, adaptable, and user-friendly platform for tour operators and travel companies. “Integrating the appropriate solutions for this market has been our main focus for the past two years. Due to its long history of operation in numerous nations and platform design that takes into account regional needs, TravelWorks stands out from similar businesses. It easily manages multiple currencies and various business structures. “The market has already overwhelmingly responded positively. Travel agencies keep saying to me, “I wish you were around when Covid was around. The platform saves me time because it is so user-friendly and tracks an entire file history.” “We are incredibly proud to offer these collections of specialised products to our Australian colleagues in the travel and tourism industry. TravelWorks is the most comprehensive travel technology currently available, as well as the most consultant-friendly, reasonably priced ‘new’ player in our market with a successful track record. Additionally, we offer local tech support and customised training to all of our clients. We work with each business to develop the system that works for them and their consultants because we know that one size does not fit all. The system is fully customizable. Co-Founder and President of PC Voyages/TravelWorks Jean Corneau continued, “PcVoyages/TravelWorks is thrilled to have partnered with Trish and Black Sheep Tourism to serve Australia.” As in Canada, the United States, and Europe, I am confident that working together, we will succeed in the expanding Australian market.Source- Travel daily

Rydges Melbourne reopens after a remarkable transformation and a new, refreshingly local approach to the hotel experience.Following a thorough renovation, Rydges Melbourne has reopened in the centre of the city’s thriving theatre district, just steps from upscale Collins Street boutiques, important sporting arenas, and the Bourke Street Mal.With amenities like: The new Rydges flagship property caters to every traveler’s needs.370 completely renovated rooms spread across three different types of lodging—25 apartments with kitchenettes, laundry rooms, and separate living and dining areas, as well as 310 King Standard Rooms. The well-known Rydges DreamBeds are in every room, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a restful night’s sleep.Modern technology offers connected and seamless experiences all over the place. Customers can check in online using a mobile device or self-service kiosks, eliminating the barrier of a reception desk, and are then welcomed by the helpful hotel staff. Casting, room service, and more are available on in-room TVs. The venue offers one of Melbourne’s largest selections for conferences and events, including 11 newly created meeting spaces that span a roomy 1500 sqm over two levels. The largest area, which was formerly known as Bobby McGee’s and is now a gorgeous ballroom, displays its grandeur with seven-meter-high ceilings and a staggering 4x7m HD LED screen. The new Rooftop Terrace is located on level two and offers visitors a sizable outdoor area as well as expansive panoramic views of famous landmarks like Her Majesty’s Theatre and ChinaTown. The facility now has a cutting-edge fitness studio that is interactive and modern, enabling visitors to easily continue their workout routines while visiting.The hotel’s ground-floor Bossley Bar & Restaurant was designed with its prime location in Melbourne’s thriving theatre district in mind. The restaurant’s menu was carefully designed to highlight locally sourced ingredients and to provide a culinary experience that embraces the vibrant and varied flavours of Victoria. The Rydges Melbourne has undergone a painstaking transformation to serve as the brand’s flagship, according to Troy Cuthbertson, Group General Manager of Hotel Operations for Rydges. The Rydges brand is exclusively owned and run by Australians, and this is reflected in the style. We have designed a property that offers more on every level, from the warm and inviting styled rooms, suites, and brand-new apartments that rival the best views in Melbourne to the cutting-edge technology and top-notch facilities and events spaces. The response from visitors has already been overwhelmingly positive, and there is considerable interest in our new conference and event spaces. We are genuinely thrilled to offer this experience to Australian consumers.Source- Travel daily

One of the top online travel agencies in the world, Booking.com, has unveiled the APAC Travel Confidence Index (TCI) for 2023. The report offers a thorough analysis of travel mindsets throughout Asia-Pacific (APAC) in light of the current macroeconomic conditions. It reveals a startling paradox: astonishingly, 73% of APAC travellers remain unwaveringly optimistic about their future travel plans over the course of the next 12 months, despite the fact that financial worries are their top worry (42%). Despite the intricate and interconnected crises pressing on the world economy, such as inflation, climate change, and supply chain disruptions, more than half (53%) of travellers surveyed have no intention of cancelling any of their travel plans. What’s more impressive is that 59% of these travellers not only stick to their original travel schedules, but also want to take more trips and spend more money on travel this year. Over 8,000 travellers from 11 different APAC nations and territories, including Hong Kong, participated in the TCI 2023 research, which was commissioned by Booking.com and independently carried out by Milieu Insight between April and May 2023. It provides a thorough analysis of traveller confidence and interest in sustainability across a range of APAC destinations. The report includes rankings that gauge the degree of consumer confidence in each market, with Hong Kong coming in at number one. In addition, the report introduces four distinct traveller personas for the first time, offering insightful information about their primary driving forces, priorities, and travel habits: Conscious Explorers actively pursue sustainable and eco-friendly travel (Hong Kong, India, Mainland China, Taiwan). They are committed to exploring while minimising their negative effects on the environment. To be consistent with their values, they participate in ecotourism, stay in eco-friendly hotels, and give to the community.Comfort and convenience are prioritised by Comfort Seekers (Singapore, Australia). They look for luxurious getaways and lodgings that promote the utmost in relaxation. In their travel choices, they place a premium on comfort over sustainability and value individualised services and high-quality amenities.Vietnam’s Mindful Voyagers take a deliberate and considerate approach to travel, motivated by a sense of duty to the environment and a desire to support local communities. However, they frequently feel anxious in strange settings and actively look for resources to get over their fears and build confidence.Homebound Pragmatists (New Zealand, Korea, Japan, and Thailand) favour local travel and staying in close proximity to their places of residence. Convenience, effectiveness, and making the most of time and resources are given top priority. Making the most of their limited time and resources, they seek out efficient, organised, and seamless travel experiences.Conscious Explorers from Hong Kong travel. According to 49% of Hong Kong residents, leisure travel makes people happier, and 35% acknowledge that it provides much-needed relief from the pressures of daily life and urban living.Source- Travel daily

The world’s largest island nation, Indonesia, is now easier to reach from Vietnam’s largest southern city, Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to VietJet, the country’s leading new-age airline, which has increased the frequency of its flights to Bali. From August 12, 2023, the airline will run 2 flights per day from Bali to Hanoi and 4 flights per day between Ho Chi Minh City and Bali. The new flights have an arrival time in Bali of 11:55 (local time) and depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 07:05. The new flights from Bali are scheduled to depart at 13:10 and arrive in Hanoi at 17:25 (local time). The airline’s extensive route network, reasonable flight times, and incredibly low cost make it one of the most sought-after airline options among travellers. All Vietjet flights will offer perks to passengers, including reimbursement for medical expenses incurred due to accidents or illnesses (including Covid-19), support for issues relating to flights, and round-the-clock access to Global Travel and Medical Support Services. Additionally, on every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (GMT+7), passengers have the option of purchasing tickets starting at INR 5,555 (*), which are applicable to the entire network of international flights. Visit the www.vietjetair.com website and the Vietjet Air mobile app for more information. Vietjet is providing additional services in addition to offering special in-flight hot and fresh meals with a variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, served by a committed and welcoming cabin crew.Source– Travel daily

A brand-new River Nile cruise with exclusive TUI charter flights to Luxor departing from Manchester and London Gatwick Airports has been announced by TUI River Cruises. With this exciting expansion, the river cruise line will be able to offer seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor on a newly renovated, five-star ship that will be called TUI Al Horeya, which is Arabic for “freedom.” The TUI Al Horeya offers 74 cabins, including single, standard, and suites, and has room for 145 passengers. There will be two weekly flights from Manchester and London Gatwick to Luxor, a city that offers a fascinating fusion of history, architecture, and culture. The new routes, which are only available from TUI, will operate weekly on a Thursday from 7 November 2024 to 24 April 2025. TUI will be the only tour operator to offer direct, non-stop flights from the UK to Luxor. “TUI River Cruises is going from strength to strength, and we are so excited to introduce this latest offering on the Nile, which we are confident our customers will love,” said Chris Hackney, managing director of TUI River Cruises. “Lush landscapes, traditional villages, and other famous sites like the Luxor and Edfu Temples make a cruise along the Nile a tranquil and unforgettable experience. Egypt is the ideal location for discovering ancient history and giving visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in an opportunity of a lifetime because of its year-round sunshine. Since it is the only TUI River Cruise ship that will remain in a single nation, the name TUI Al Horeya was chosen to ensure that we maintained a local connection to Egypt. The word “freedom” (TUI Al Horeya) comes from the Arabic language and represents the opportunity for exploration that travelling by river offers. Throughout the trip, knowledgeable licenced Egyptologists will be available to answer any questions and improve the customer experience. The sleek, modern ship will have two whirlpools, a top-deck pool, a lounge bar, a restaurant with outdoor seating, a wellness centre and a boutique shop. TUI Al Horeya will offer customers a wide range of excursions that have been carefully chosen by industry experts and are guaranteed to transport guests back in time to the era of pharaohs and dynasties, as will the rest of the fleet. Two pre-planned excursions, to the Edfu Temple of Horus and the Kom Ombo Temple, are included in the cost of the sailing package. A wide selection of excursions will be available in Luxor and Awan for customers to choose from, ensuring that they have as much flexibility during their cruise as possible. Options consist of: finding the Sphinx Avenue, a stunningly graceful piece of architecture on the banks of the Nile, and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor;observing a sound and light show at the Karnak Temple that describes Thebes’ history and the pharaohs’ lives;visiting the island-based Nubian village and taking a traditional felucca sailboat with canvas sails;visiting the 1960-built Phllae Temple, Obellsk, and the High DamThe newest ship in the TUI River Cruise fleet of three adult-only vessels is the TUI Al Horeya. The announcement of this new location is the result of a high level of consumer demand, with bookings up 40% from the previous year. All three European ships will put their festive sailings up for sale in Winter 2024 to meet demand. These sailings will include two new seven-night itineraries over New Year’s Eve: the ‘New Year Sail Away’ itinerary on TUI Isla, which spends New Year’s Eve in Cologne, and the ‘Sail into the New Year’ itinerary on TUI Maya, which celebrates the new year in Frankfurt. This is in addition to the current Skyla itinerary for “New Year on The Rhine.”Source- Travel daily