Starfish Travel Corporation Team

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has stepped up its efforts to promote the destination in the first half of the year, including metropolises, Tier-II and III markets, through B2B travel trade engagements like trade workshops, mega familiarisation trips, exhibitions, and roadshows. Dubai is intended to be promoted by DET as the top choice for Indian tourists. Taking advantage of its closeness and direct access to Indian cities, DET is dedicated to growing its presence in secondary markets there while showcasing the wide range of services Dubai has to offer. Dubai had a stunning 23% increase in overnight visitor numbers over the first five months of 2023 compared to 2019. The results so far have been excellent. Over 200 travel agencies from 30 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab, Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh participated in DET’s massive familiarisation tours between January and June 2023. Exposing Dubai’s offerings at trade shows like SATTE 2023 and ATM 2023 helped draw in new and returning tourists. DET staged roadshows in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai in March to promote Dubai as a popular international vacation spot. By connecting with Dubai stakeholders including airlines, DMCs, hotels & resorts, and attractions in Dubai through these events, the Indian tourism industry was able to forge beneficial collaborations. DET held trade workshops in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru in order to increase inbound travel from India. The workshops provided thorough insights into Dubai’s changing tourism industry, including new and old attractions, top-notch hospitality, and culinary experiences, empowering the travel industry to create varied itineraries that are educational and enriching. Emirates and two of India’s leading airlines, IndiGo and Vistara, participated enthusiastically in these courses. They made a significant point of emphasising Dubai’s excellent flight connectivity, with direct connections to 22 Indian cities, and stressed ease of access, promoting Dubai as an excellent choice for fast getaways and layover locations to and from the UK, Africa, Europe, and North America. Over 350 people from these five cities participated in all of the workshops. Det also sponsored trade dinners in Jaipur, Guwahati, and Bhubaneswar to highlight Dubai’s tourism offers and further enhance the allure of the city as the top choice for travel. This was done as part of DET’s strategy to better penetrate Tier-II cities and understand the market requirements. To publicise the new flight sector between Bhubaneswar and Dubai, DET co-hosted the dinner event in Bhubaneshwar with IndiGo. Owners of the top travel businesses in each location attended these special trade dinners. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism’s Head of South Asia, Bader Ali Habib, “India is a key priority for us, and we are devoted to displaying all aspects of the destination to the Indian tourist. With a 23% rise in overnight visitor numbers compared to 2019, we achieved great success with our pan-India outreach, reaching 1 million visitors in the first five months of the year. To further solidify our position as the top outbound destination from India, we have conducted multi-city roadshows, trade workshops, and massive familiarisation visits throughout the country. We have also actively participated in fairs including SATTE 2023 and ATM 2023. We are confident that our upcoming initiatives will increase awareness about Dubai’s diverse attractions, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions, making it the top choice for Indian tourists, thanks to exceptional flight connectivity, a simple visa application process, and our ongoing commitment to the Indian market. In the first half of July, the board held a second roadshow in the cities of Lucknow, New Delhi, and Chandigarh. Over 550 people attended. Source- Travel biz

In one of its most comprehensive offerings to date, Journey Beyond has combined not one, but two legendary rail journeys—The Ghan and the Indian Pacific—with a cruise provided by ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises. The 28-day Ultimate West by Land and Sea itinerary circles half of Australia in an unusual way. With just one departure scheduled for 2024, this special offering is an exceptional chance. In search of the ultimate adventure and breathtaking scenery, the Silversea Kimberley cruise from Perth to Darwin combines the best of both worlds by travelling across the Nullarbor to Perth and along Western Australia’s coast. Visitors will travel to a variety of Australia’s most famous locations, from the bustling cities of Sydney and Perth to the untamed Kimberley and on through The Red Centre to Australia’s spiritual centre. David Donald, Executive General Manager of Rail Expeditions at Journey Beyond, claims that “this incredible experience explores the most remote reaches of Australia.”  The Ghan and Indian Pacific are two legendary voyages, and combining them with Silversea’s luxury cruising ensures that our visitors will have an authentic Australian experience that will give them a fresh perspective on some of the most remote areas of the nation. It’s a really unique odyssey. Leading ultra-luxury expedition cruise line Silversea Cruises is famous for its all-inclusive offerings and unrivalled repertoire. The tiny ships offered by Silversea are made for travellers who enjoy luxury travel and the thrill of exploration. All ships provide roomy suites with ocean views and butler service, and the majority of them have private verandas so that guests can enjoy champagne on their deck while taking in the scenery. According to Adam Radwanski, managing director of Silversea Cruises Asia-Pacific, “Silversea Cruises offers adventures to the world’s amazing destinations, and the Kimberley is a tremendously popular destination. We are excited to work with Journey Beyond to provide this unique and unusual adventure for discriminating tourists looking for an immersive and genuine experience of Australia. Highlights of the Ultimate West by Land and Sea adventure include:         3-nights on the all-inclusive Indian Pacific traversing the Nullarbor from Sydney to Perth, including comprehensive off-train experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, and Rawlinna One night in the vivacious Perth From Perth to Darwin, take a 17-night luxury cruise that is all-inclusive on the Silver Cloud of Silversea. Onboard Silver Cloud, individualised luxury with butler service is offered. Visiting the Buccaneer Archipelago and Mitchell Falls, two of the Kimberley’s most beautiful locations Accommodations for three nights in Darwin Taking a sail around Darwin Harbour at dusk to see the stunning Territory sunset 3-nights on the all-inclusive Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide, with stops in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy as part of the Off Train Experiences. Source- Travel daily

ITB China, the eagerly awaited marketplace for the travel sector in China, is getting ready for its big live event from September 12–14, 2023. The three-day B2B event seeks to re-establish contact between international travel suppliers and the growing Chinese market thanks to an exceptional lineup of exhibitors covering all travel trade categories. The show has a bright future thanks to the significant demand from business players and the international involvement. Looking ahead, ITB China 2024 will return the following May 27 through May 29. Save the date and join us for another spectacular celebration of the yearly occasion. The exhibition space allotted for ITB China 2023 has been fully occupied, the event’s organiser, Messe Berlin (Shanghai), is happy to report. ITB China will play a key role in reuniting international travel suppliers with the booming Chinese market by providing a wealth of business opportunities through face-to-face meetings on-site and the most up-to-date analysis of Chinese travel trends under the theme “Crossing Barriers • Connecting Markets” this year. The sudden opening of China’s outbound travel market at the beginning of this year has Chinese buyers eagerly anticipating access to foreign resources to rebuild and update their product portfolios, says David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai). With travel suppliers from Europe (24%), Asia (28%), the Americas (15%), the Middle East (16%), Oceania (10%), and Africa (7%), ITB China 2023 will help to enable this, highlighting the event’s global nature and our role in assisting the revival of the Chinese international travel market. National and regional tourism organisations from Aragón, Andaluca, Berlin, California, Catalonia, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, France, Galicia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Los Angeles, Madrid, Malta, Malaysia, New Zealand, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavian Tourist Board (Denmark & Norway), Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Tahiti, and Turkey are among those featured in the exhibition, which features a wide range of international destinations. On the ITB China exhibition floor, newcomers from around the world, including Beijing, Bursa, Chengdu, Maldives, NEOM, New York, Raktda, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, will make their debuts. The European Travel Commission (ETC) will again have a strong presence at the event, highlighting the variety and allure of the travel opportunities that Europe has to offer. Many international hotels and lodging establishments will also be present at the exhibition, including this year’s Partner Hotel Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Bintan Resorts, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, Jin Jiang International, Jinling Hotels & Resorts, LN International Hospitality Management, Mayfair Cruises, Meliá Hotels International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Restel, S.A, Travco Corporation, VinWonders, WebBeds, and many others. Additionally, this year’s show will notably include online travel agents (OTAs) and transport & mobility providers, who will showcase their outstanding goods and services. Trip.com Group, Fliggy, Expedia Group, Avis Budget Group, Bohr Omnibus GmbH, Europcar, Hertz Car Rental, Oceanwide Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Reluxtrans Car Service, and TOPONE Car Service are a few of the well-known companies among them. There are many exhibitors in the return of the travel technology area, including, but not limited to, DerbySoft, DidaTravel, Flightroutes24, Fly Today, Freed Group, HeyTrip, JegoTrip, Miki Travel, Mondee, Shiji Group, TEK TRAVELS DMCC, Yalago, or YunShang Technology. The ITB China show floor is in high demand for exhibitors from tourist destinations, tour companies, and companies that offer specialised travel services, including Bounty Group Bali, Brilliant Africa, Defence Collective Singapore, Designer Safari, Disneyland Paris, EternityX, Hurtigruten group, Beijing Tianxingjian International Travel Service, Benchmark Adventure, Bhutan Land of Happiness Tours, Kuoni Tumlare, Travel The Guianas & Caribean, and Yoyiyo.it. In addition to an incredible 86% of the founders, C-level executives, directors, and senior managers from the top Chinese travel agencies, ITB China is thrilled to host top-tier and hand-selected Chinese buyers. The matchmaking system for the event promotes fruitful encounters and valuable contacts, maximising commercial chances during visitors’ constrained time at the show. The ITB China Conference, which will take place concurrently with the travel trade exhibition, will offer a forum for discussion and information sharing with leading experts and speakers, further enhancing the experience for all attendees. Source- Travel daily

The world authority on expenditure optimisation, Emburse, has released the results of its most recent study on British business travellers’ views on sustainability. As trip volumes reach pre-pandemic levels, the Censuswide poll of 1,003 employees and 254 employers sought to understand where sustainability fits within the business travel agenda.  The findings revealed that while many businesses and their travelling staff are concerned about the environment, the majority have not yet taken real steps to implement sustainable travel and are instead putting the onus on the other party to do so. The report states that 71% of organisations have official sustainability policies or standards in place, and 38% of businesses reported increasing their investment in sustainability. However, just 37% of these companies really apply these rules when making reservations and approving travel expenses. When planning travel arrangements, only one out of every six employees named sustainability as their top concern, far below both cost and traveller convenience. While 71% of business travellers believe their employer should do more to promote sustainable travel, environmental concerns still rank low on their list of priorities when making travel arrangements. The majority of workers (76%) also concurred that if financial incentives or sustainability initiatives were offered, they would choose a more sustainable form of transportation. Employee desire for incentive programmes for sustainable travel has increased by 19% since Emburse’s 2021 survey on sustainable business travel post-pandemic. Only one in nine (11%) firms have named sustainability as a crucial consideration when making travel arrangements for work, according to the data from 2021. Two years later, both employers and employees still prioritise cost when making travel arrangements for business. Key conclusions Currently, 71% of businesses have sustainability policies that offer advice on sustainable travel. 38% of which have a written policy in place, while 33% have a set of guidelines. While only 37% of companies actively enforce policies to promote sustainable travel for both commuting and business purposes, 43% are considering doing so. These initiatives and incentives include travel budget incentives, cycle to work programmes, and remote training. o 25% of companies don’t have a sustainable business travel policy. When travelling, 38% of businesses have raised their investment in sustainability, whereas 6% do not intend to do so. Due to rising corporate costs, more than a quarter (27%) have cut down on sustainability investments. o   When booking business travel, 31% of business travellers prioritise cost-effectiveness, followed by: Accessibility and convenience (27%) Loyalty and rewards programmes (21%) Environment (16%) o   Meanwhile, only 26% would proactively cut down on travel to reduce their carbon footprint Employee appetite for sustainable travel o   71% of employees want their employer to do more to enable sustainable travel A small minority (7%) of employees do not want employers to do more to enable sustainable travel o   76% of employees would choose a more sustainable mode of transport if their employer provided programmes or financial incentives Employee demand for incentivised sustainable travel has increased by 19% since 2021, according to previous Emburse findings o   74% employees believe it is their organisation’s responsibility to do more to enable sustainable business travel, regardless of cost Jeroen van Velzen, SVP Travel & Mobility at Emburse, commented: “Business travel has defied expectations by seeing an almost complete return to pre-pandemic levels. But we can’t just go back to business as usual when it comes to emissions. Businesses and travellers both need to work on reducing their carbon footprint. It’s promising that more organisations are putting sustainability guidelines and policies into place, but this data shows we still have a long way to go until it becomes a priority.” “Whilst travel managers could strictly enforce their companies’ policies to help achieve carbon goals, this heavy-handed approach risks alienating travelling employees. Educating travellers about the impact of their trips in easy-to-understand terms – like how many houses could be powered by the energy used on a trip – can lead to much higher levels of compliance. Employers need to provide employees with tools to make smarter decisions, and employees need to use that insight to make more environmentally friendly travel plans. We need to move beyond paying lip service to environmental issues and turn good intent into meaningful action.” Source- Travel daily

This year, Americans are ready, willing, and certain that they will travel. The importance of taking an annual vacation is highlighted by the 15th annual Allianz Partners USA’s Vacation Confidence Index*. Americans continue to place a high value on leisure travel time, and more people have already taken vacations this year than at any other time in the survey’s history. According to the most recent survey from the travel insurance and assistance provider, 62% of Americans have travelled recently, up five points from the previous year and up from 48% in pre-pandemic 2019. A quarter of respondents (25%) said they were travelling for retribution, and two in five (41%) Americans said they had extra money saved up for travel. This number rises to half (51%) for households with incomes of $100,000 or more, but both overall figures show statistical declines year over year. In order to make up for any lost travel time, many Americans were successful, as 23% of respondents said they had already taken a vacation in the three months prior to the survey this year, which is the second-highest number since the study’s inception in 2009. The 18-34 age group continues to lead the way, with these first-to-travel measures tracking somewhat higher than they did last year: 30% of this age group have already travelled this year, compared to 21% of 35-54 year-olds and 19% of 55 year-olds. Since the pandemic, people have given vacations a newfound importance. According to the Vacation Confidence Index, annual vacations are now ranked higher in importance (74%), and people are more confident (66%) about taking a vacation this year than they were in the past. These record-high scores indicate that people’s attitudes towards vacations are beginning to change. Who is most assured about going on vacation? With 72% of 18-34-year-olds and 68% of 35-54-year-olds expressing confidence compared to 59% of those 55 and older, households earning over $100,000 are more likely to do so (79% versus 65% and 52%, respectively), as are households earning between $50,000 and $100,000. Source- Travel daily

On July 12, travel industry professionals gathered at the residence of the Chilean ambassador in London to appreciate Chile’s wildlife and natural beauty. Visitors were greeted with Chilean wines and regional canapes by the Chilean Embassy, Chile Travel, BirdsChile, Antarctica21, Tierra Hotels, Wines of Chile, and Pro Chile. Those present learned about the enormous and amazing natural world, fauna, and outdoor settings in Chile and Antarctica. Chile and the UK have had diplomatic ties for 200 years as of this year. In order to strengthen ties between the UK and Chile in the areas of diplomacy, economics, finance, commerce, business, and defence, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren met on May 22 in Santiago. Source- Travel daily

The expected 2023 State of the European Cruise Industry Keynote lineup and details of its conference programme are released by Seatrade Europe – Cruise and River Cruise Convention, the bi-annual event for the European cruise and river cruise community. Hamburg, Germany will host the gathering of 300+ cruise executives, 250+ exhibitors, and destinations from September 6–8, 2023. The three-day conference will begin on September 6, 2023, with an electrifying keynote session that will bring together influential cruise executives from throughout Europe for a conversation motivated by the conference theme of Scaling Sustainably. The stimulating discussion, which will be centred on the future of the cruise industry and cover current market conditions, predicted growth trends, and how the sector can carve a path to continuous growth, will be moderated by Mary Bond, Group Director of Seatrade Cruise. After a protracted absence, Seatrade Cruise is excited to return to Europe and bring the cruise community together at Seatrade Europe, according to Chiara Giorgi, global brand and event director. The event’s main issue, Scaling Sustainably, will be the focus of conversations led by an outstanding group of business leaders. The keynote panel will act as an engaging catalyst to start discussions on what lies ahead as the cruise industry keeps evolving and growing. The State of the European Cruise Industry Keynote will be held on September 6, 2023, from 9:30 to 11:00. The conference schedule for Seatrade Europe will go in-depth on how the major cruise industry participants are collaboratively navigating towards a sustainable future. Participants can choose from a lineup of panel discussions, talks, and workshops that address important subjects related to scaling sustainably, such as: increasing operational efficiency Shoreside Itinerary Evolution Destinations in Development Taking Advantage of Stakeholder Relations Taking Advantage of Technology Managing ESG Goals Across the Industry In conjunction with content partners and supporters River Cruise Europe & IG Rivercruise, Seatrade Europe will host a dedicated River Cruise Day on Thursday, September 7. The full-day programme will highlight the river cruise market and feature major industry participants, including operators, charterers, suppliers, and destinations that will shape river cruising in Europe and beyond. The programme provides a chance to learn more about river cruising, with discussions focusing on the distinctions between river and ocean cruising as well as what makes river cruise lines and their destinations special. Participants can anticipate learning about the current situation for river cruising in Europe and the forecast from professionals in the field on navigating the future for sustainable growth.  Source- Travel daily

Six months after its launch in Queensland, Australia’s newest low-cost carrier, which aims to connect remote areas, has cut the frequency of many flights and eliminated others. A Queensland-based airline that operates out of the Sunshine Coast has said it will eliminate five regional routes in response to passenger concerns about flight disruptions. Through Toowoomba Wellcamp, they link the Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Cairns, Mackay, and the Whitsunday Coast. Chief Commercial Officer Carly Povey announced on Thursday that “We are reducing some routes by one weekly flight.” There are now only 22 options. Every week, a new service will be offered between the Sunshine Coast and Port Macquarie, Albury, and Melbourne (Avalon). These are just three of the many effective routes. On August 1, 2023, the new adjustments will become effective. An alternative itinerary or a full refund will be offered to customers who have already booked tickets for the cancelled routes. Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza, stated that the company’s goal was to “change the aviation environment for the better – for the many, not just the few,” when the airline first flew in January from the Sunshine Coast. Even Ms. Povey acknowledged that “not everyone has had a good experience.” She underlined the importance of looking into plane delays and cancellations. While airlines frequently change their schedules, Bonza has never changed its frequency or itineraries. According to the company, it “wants to be transparent around the changes and why we feel they are really important to deliver on customer commitment.” The airline’s four planes will operate fewer flights, according to Ms. Povey, “so we have a buffer when things don’t go as planned.” Second, “by focusing on routes that are performing very well, we are also taking decisive action by going where the demand is and, in turn, setting Bonza up for the long haul — because competition in the airline industry is a good thing and the demand for Bonza is clear.” She suggested that a fair sale would take place between the end of October 2023 and the beginning of April 2024. We’re also planning to build a third base, which will open up new employment opportunities and open up new routes to both current and future locations, she continued. Source- Travel daily

At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Air Canada has inaugurated its brand-new Maple Leaf Lounge, the airline’s 28th lounge overall and third in the United States. The contemporary and opulent retreat, located in Terminal 2, offers a variety of premium amenities, food, and beverages, as well as Air Canada’s first outdoor lounge terrace, making the travel experience for qualified customers even more comfortable and practical before their flights to Canada and beyond. “We’re thrilled to bring the Maple Leaf Lounge experience to San Francisco International Airport, giving our Bay Area customers a way to enjoy Air Canada’s award-winning product and glowing-hearted hospitality from the moment they arrive,” said Jacqueline Harkness, Managing Director, Products and Services at Air Canada. It’s another step in our investment strategy to become San Francisco’s preferred foreign travel option. The newest Lounge has an enormous outdoor terrace with views of the aircraft and runway in addition to the variety of services and amenities the airline’s Maple Leaf Lounges are known for. For passengers flying from California to Canada or via three of the airline’s major hubs—Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, and Vancouver International Airports—to Europe, Asia, or Australia, the 165-seat, 8168 square foot (761 square metre) airport retreat enhances the flight and airport experience. The new Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO will honour its California location through its design and decor as well as the food and beverage options offered, which showcase regional producers and tastes. Along with a variety of California wines, beer from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Anchor Brewing—America’s first craft brewery—will be available with special seafood dishes, including the renowned San Francisco fish stew cioppino. Added information is as follows: Premium Food and Drink Selections Hot and cold self-serve buffet with regional cuisines Bar with a barman selling local craft beers, a tailored cocktail menu, espresso and a variety of wines (including those from Canada and California). Facilities and Room The Lounge is the first of its kind to have an outdoor patio and two vapour fireplaces made by the Canadian business CF + D. It was created in collaboration with the San Francisco architecture firm Gensler. 135 internal + 30 external seats total 165. Biometric identification and e-gates for smooth, hands-free lounge admission towel racks in showers that are heated VIP room for ten persons maximum A collection of diverse artwork that honours and reflects Canada and California Shawn Evans, a Canadian painter, and Amos Goldbaum, a Californian artist, both contributed a bespoke mural. The new area is the newest addition to Air Canada’s expanding network of lounges. With the inauguration of the new United ClubSM location in Newark Terminal A, Air Canada has also added Newark Liberty International Airport to its list of lounges. With a dedicated Air Canada customer service desk and an access policy that is in line with Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges, Air Canada will be uniquely co-located within the United Club in this new location. Source- Travel daily

For the opportunities it offers the Armed Forces community, Loganair has become the first airline to receive recognition from the UK Government with a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, which honours employers for their beneficial contributions to the Armed Forces community, is the highest distinction. The largest regional airline in the UK was one of nearly 200 companies to receive a Defence ERS Gold award today (Wednesday, July 12). The success of Loganair comes after the airline had received Bronze and Silver honours. Employers are encouraged to support the military and motivate others to do the same through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). For employer organisations that promise, show, or encourage support for the defence and the armed forces community and who also match their principles with the Armed Forces Covenant, it includes bronze, silver, and gold awards. Loganair is a devoted supporter of the Armed Forces and presently employs more than 16 members of the community across the whole company as part of its Flying’s For All equality, diversity, and inclusion plan, which was introduced last year. Captain Aakash Sajid, a Private in the Army Reserve, is one of them. In November of last year, Captain Sajid travelled to Edinburgh Castle to receive Loganair’s Silver Defence ERS medal. “We are honoured and thrilled to be the first UK airline to achieve a Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award following our previous Bronze and Silver accreditations,” said Lyndsay Kennedy, Head of Human Resources at Loganair. We make a lot of effort to be a diverse and inclusive employer because we think that flying is for everyone. Being honoured in this manner is immensely satisfying. Dr. Andrew Murrison, the minister for veterans, military personnel, and service families, said: “I would like to thank all the groups that have been acknowledged in this year’s awards. I’m thrilled that so many organisations have received a gold award. Their ongoing assistance highlights the distinct advantages and skills that members of our armed forces can bring to the workplace. There are currently 641 holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is provided by Defence Relationship Management. Organisations that want to keep their Gold Award status must reapply every five years. Organisations must have supporting HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and wives and partners of those serving in the armed forces in order to receive a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence. These policies must also give at least 10 additional paid days of leave for reservists. By urging other organisations to ratify the Armed Forces Covenant and participate in the Employer Recognition Scheme, they must also promote the advantages of aiding those in the armed forces community. Source- Travel daily