Starfish Travel Corporation Team

The position of the modern tourism professional has undergone a significant transformation in an environment where travel is becoming more and more competitive—from the tour operator to the DMC and even the property owner. The amount of labour has multiplied rapidly as more and more travellers are returning to the roads and the air. At the same time, COVID-19’s chronic skills shortage in the tourism sector is still a problem, leading to a rise in the usage of travel agencies. Tourism workers today must balance the conflicting demands of discerning customers and a wealth of accessible information in the digital age. These customers desire prompt, effective, and honest service, much like what they would anticipate from online booking systems, because they have the same access to information. Online resources are helpful for getting quick information, but they frequently lack the personal touch. Customers are increasingly looking for this missing component, and they are getting it in the shape of the individualised guidance, assistance, and flexibility provided by tourism professionals. Qualities that are simply impossible for algorithms to imitate. Consequently, the tourism industry is facing a dilemma. They must not only fulfil their job requirements but also match the effectiveness of online booking platforms. However, it’s an interesting environment to be in for Craig Byren, managing director of ViaData, who has spent more than 15 years creating and building end-to-end business systems for the travel and tourism industry (including DMCs, tour operators, and travel brokers). The tourist sector is constantly changing, with outdated practises being replaced by creative fusions of technological innovation and human skill. Professionals in the tourism industry find themselves in a fight against time and efficiency as they deal with an increase in workload.  For smaller firms in particular, this can be difficult, adds Byren. The good news is that the race can be won by shrewdly utilising technology, though. Byren contends that rather than displace tourism experts, technology should empower them. While ensuring they maintain the vital human touch that distinguishes them from automated booking systems, it should make their tasks simpler, operations more efficient, and it should offer them useful insights. Travelyst, a piece of software from ViaData, is a nice illustration. According to Byren, “Travelyst’s technology is built to seamlessly integrate with the tourism company’s existing operations.” Everything is integrated, from client relationship management to itinerary creation. This enables tourism consultants to effectively manage their workload and offer their clients a customised service. The back-end processes are not the only ones affected by this technological integration. It also improves the areas of the business that interact with customers. An efficient communication process is facilitated by a thorough view of client inquiries, the capacity to record talks, and direct email integration. “By using integrated technological solutions, consultants can track leads more successfully and reply to customer inquiries more quickly. The goal is to cut down on administrative work so that consultants have more time to concentrate on creating memorable travel experiences, according to Byren. The benefits of technical development go beyond improved operational efficiency. Tourism industry executives can acquire important insights into their business activity with the inclusion of full reporting and dashboard features. Byren underlines the importance of these tools for helping people make decisions that are in line with the growth goal of the tourism industry. Source- Travel daily

A star-studded ceremony was held at Atlantis The Royal to officially open the luxury twin-tower waterfront property by UAE-based The Luxe Developers on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The 206-unit development, which has a price tag of over AED1.5 billion, will have 18 floors and feature one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments, six penthouses, and two luxurious sky villas. All units will have access to private pools and indoor and outdoor entertaining areas with unhindered views of the Arabian Gulf. Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and Dr. Aman Puri, the Counsel General of India, were among the attendees. Source-Travel daily

July 7, Pune (Maharashtra), India From starter credit cards to high-end foreign travel credit cards, Bajaj Markets, a division of Bajaj Finserv, offers credit cards for every requirement. Customers can access over 30 cards offered by reliable partners on this platform to satisfy their specific needs. Businesses frequently collaborate with hotels or airlines to give value-added perks related to travel expenditures, such as bonus miles, reward points for booking flights, travel insurance, and free lounge access. Additionally, the Indian government has worked to promote tourism and travel. It was recently revealed that international credit card purchases made abroad will not be covered by the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). It will therefore not be subject to tax collected at source (TCS). Additionally, the government has extended the deadline for implementing increased TCS rates under LRS for international travel packages. For those who enjoy taking trips and vacations, this is good news because it significantly lowers their tax obligation. A travel credit card can come in quite handy for those who are organising a trip because it relieves the bother of carrying cash and dealing with difficult exchange rates. With special discounts, bonuses, and offers, it can also assist tourists receive more for their money spent abroad. The following credit cards are available on this platform and are sure to enhance the pleasure of both domestic and foreign travel: Card SBI ELITE The SBI Card ELITE is a multipurpose premium credit card with perks in a number of areas, including dining, entertainment, travel, and more. Additionally, it’s a fantastic choice for frequent flyers because it provides favourable exchange rates and up to 8 lounge visits per quarter. Key characteristics: 1.99% low foreign exchange rate for overseas transactions – Access to upscale domestic and international airport lounges – Receive a Trident Privilege Membership and an exclusive Club Vistara Membership. MMT Signature Credit Card from ICICI Bank The co-branded ICICI Bank MMT Signature Credit Card is a travel-first card that offers alluring onboarding benefits to let travellers enjoy more for free. Key characteristics: – Special MMT discounts, subscriptions, and gift cards worth Rs. 2,500 – Accelerated reward points for bookings of lodging and travel – Free access to airport and train lounges RBL Bank Binge SuperCard Bajaj Finance Another co-branded credit card that is intelligently created to assist travellers in saving while they spend is the Bajaj Finance RBL Bank Binge SuperCard. One can buy all of their travel necessities with this card at Bajaj Finance partner stores and receive special cashback incentives. Key characteristics: – Free access to domestic airport lounges – 12x bonus points on online purchases – 5% reward on down payments made at any partner shop of Bajaj Finance Source- the print

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) urged community members to make sure their residences always adhere to safety regulations, especially before going on vacation or being gone for an extended period of time. To increase the effectiveness of power and water use and to reduce waste, DEWA advised its consumers to adhere to its suggestions and directives. The DEWA awareness campaign, “Make Smart Summer Choices Your Habit,” includes this. The “Away Mode” element of DEWA’s Smart Living project, which allows residential customers to track their water and power use when they’re not at home, needs to be activated, the company emphasised. Customers on DEWA’s website and smart app can enable this service through their accounts. Additionally, they can choose whether they want to activate email delivery of daily or weekly data. To prevent leaks and conserve resources, DEWA urges its customers to turn off lights, unhook electrical devices and electronics, use timers for any floodlights in gardens and fences, turn off the water supply, and hire a qualified technician to inspect water connections.DEWA emphasised the need of a qualified technician. In the event of internal building defects, a trustworthy list of technical service providers can be obtained through the DEWA Store on its smart app. Customers may also profit from the special savings offered by DEWA Store. Source- the print

The Antara Ganga Vilas will embark on shorter, 3–4 day cruises following its triumphant debut with the world’s longest river voyage. Antara Ganga Vilas has announced short 3–4-day cruises for the next September 2023 season following a successful launch with the world’s longest cruise excursion that travelled across 25 river systems, 5 states, and 2 countries. For travellers who want rich, engaging experiences without taking a long holiday, shorter departures are available. Customers can select from the educational sailing programmes offered by Antara Ganga Vilas, which will take them from Kolkata to Varanasi via historic locations like Murshidabad, Patna, and Buxar. Using a unique schedule, visitors may experience Varanasi’s old city from the comfort of the Ganga. A fantastic combination to see the landscape and river through Mr. Raj Singh’s eyes. In the spring of 2024, they have also announced shorter trips from Kolkata to Dhaka. The goal is for guests to only have to pack and unpack once while still gently immersing themselves into a variety of sensory experiences through the stories of various cultures, the joys of the stunning riverscapes, and unique Antara services along the way that capture the soul of the passing region. Raj Singh, the company’s founding chairman, states. We are also organising special interest charters that are centred on culture, gastronomy, or textiles, the speaker says. For instance, while cruising through Patna and the historic capital of Murshidabad, the Antara kitchen produces litti chokha, a really traditional cuisine from Bihar. It also engages with Sheherwali cultures. The designer and experience curator, Annapurna Garimella, expands on the custom services and offerings onboard by saying, “We provide the best facilities to our guests in rooms and on-board. A carefully curated selection of international and Indian films, music, and dance acts add to the excitement while 200 GSM towels and bedsheets, fresh ingredients from the banks, and other amenities from Forest Essentials provide visitors with the utmost level of comfort. We incorporate sustainability into the ship’s structural design as well, including dolphin deterrents, onboard sewage and water treatment facilities, and a ban on single-use plastics, to mention a few. These itineraries maintain the brand’s commitment to customised services, modern cruising on historic rivers, and embracing the slow-travel mindset to learn the ins and outs of the coastlines. Source– Travel daily

A source with knowledge of the negotiations told Reuters on Friday that the Argentine government will dispatch a group to Washington the next week in an effort to conclude the restructuring of its $44 billion loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). n case of delays, the group had originally intended to leave as early as June. The third-largest economy in Latin America plans to alter the timing of the advance distributions scheduled for the remainder of the year, despite rising inflation, a weakening peso, and declining dollar reserves at the central bank. The negotiations are going well, and our team will be in Washington all next week. Under the condition of anonymity, the insider stated, “We are extremely close to an agreement. The renegotiation with the IMF hinges on adjusting the exchange rate through a currency devaluation, but according to Grupo SBS, “the government continues to refuse.” Prior to the general election in October, Argentines will cast their ballots in the primary elections in August, where Economy Minister Sergio Massa is a contender for president. The nation that produces grains is attempting to renegotiate its credit agreement with the IMF after a record drought devastated its key export crops, maize and soybeans. Argentina was compelled to pay the IMF $2.7 billion in debt in June using its final Special Drawing Rights (SDR) reserves and Chinese yuan currency in order to prevent a decline in its US dollar reserves. The government also delayed this week’s $2.6 billion loan repayments for July, including $1.3 billion that was due on Friday, until the end of the month. Source- the print

Travel service firm Trip.com has noticed a notable increase in outbound US tourists booking flights and lodging in the UK and other parts of Europe. Despite significant worldwide inflation, Americans’ attitudes on long-haul travel to Europe are getting better. According to Trip.com flight booking data, travel from the US to the UK increased by an impressive 145% in the first half of this year. This increase in air travel demonstrates the rising demand for transatlantic travel as well as the growing curiosity of American tourists about different European places. According to hotel reservations made on Trip.com for the UK, the top three cities for US tourists are London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. With its all-in-one app strategy, Trip.com is at the forefront of enabling seamless travel experiences, and its remarkable booking growth further reaffirms its position as a top travel service provider. Data on visitors from the US to the entire continent of Europe is also positive, with flight reservations increasing by 101% during the same time period. The most frequent air arrival cities for Americans travelling to Europe are London (UK), Barcelona (Spain), Paris (France), Rome, and Milan (Italy), Athens (Greece), Lisbon, Portugal, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Dublin, Ireland. Moreover, over the same time period, hotel reservations from the US to Europe increased by 60%.  After the outbreak, US travellers’ demand quickly recovered. VisitBritian reports that more Americans are visiting the UK than in 2019 and spending more money while there. The Trip.com Group’s Andy Washington, General Manager EMEA, shared his excitement about the upward trend in travel reservations between the US and Europe. According to him, there has been a significant uptick in transatlantic travel, as seen by the 101% increase in ticket bookings and the 60% increase in hotel reservations for Europe. “At Trip.com Group, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and tailored travel solutions via our mobile-first strategy, ensuring our customers, comfort and convenience,” said the company. Source- Travel daily

The wonders of this peaceful Andaman island, including exotic islands, cultural discoveries, nature tours, and more, can be fully experienced by visitors on eco-sensitive trips. One of the most alluring and fascinating islands in southern Thailand is Koh Lanta. This lush, jungle-covered gem is located in the province of Krabi on the Andaman coast, not far from popular tourist destinations like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lanta has still managed to hold onto its pleasantly isolated atmosphere where natural and cultural wonders continue to thrive. Pimalai Resort & Spa, a five-star haven and component of the Considerate Collection of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), has welcomed intrepid travellers to explore this lovely island’s bounty for more than 20 years. Visitors can choose from a variety of exciting experiences at Pimalai thanks to its knowledgeable local employees, significant community links, and a fleet of seven boats all skippered by qualified captains. There are several environmentally responsible offshore cruises available for tourists who want to explore the breathtaking seascapes of Mu Ko Lanta National Park. The “Fabulous Koh Rok” tour* takes visitors on a picturesque boat ride to two idyllic islands with powder-soft sand beaches and warm, shallow seas, while the “Koh Haa Sunset” adventure* reveals an incredible cluster of limestone islets that enclose a stunning aquamarine lagoon, a technicolour reef, and a pure white beach. Both of these excursions offer fantastic chances for swimming and snorkelling in addition to refreshing drinks. The “Emerald Cave” itinerary gives daring adventurers the chance to explore a magnificent limestone cave that shimmers and glows with a brilliant emerald tint, as suggested by its name. Before travelling to the lovely island of Koh Ngai for some sun, sea, and sand, visitors can swim in a stunning hidden lagoon and unwind on a pristine beach, surrounded by undeveloped jungle. In contrast, the “Mangroves Tour” takes tourists into the enigmatic Thung Yee Peng, a lush coastal forest teeming with unusual wildlife. With a local guide, ride a gondola boat to discover the significance of this thriving, lush ecosystem. Source: traveldailymedia

An international online travel agency called Agoda has teamed up with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to help Thai hotels adopt sustainable tourism practices. Agoda and the GSTC are happy to announce that their successful partnership in organising the Sustainable Tourism Course will continue. This third course, held in Bangkok, Thailand, brings together Agoda, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS), and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), building on the successes of the other ones held in Singapore and Taiwan. On July 3 and 4, the course is held at the Agoda office in Bangkok, with a number of tourism experts from Agoda’s partner hotels in attendance. “We are pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with the GSTC and our joint initiatives with the MOTS and TAT in hosting this course in Thailand,” said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer of Agoda. Our joint objective is to give Thai hotel professionals the knowledge and abilities they need to adopt sustainable tourism practises, enabling them to transform their organisations and promote a more sustainable future for Thai tourism. Through in-depth content supplied by the GSTC, the Sustainable Tourism Course is intended to support hotel participants in their pursuit of sustainability goals. This course includes examples of real-world best practises from travel agencies, tour operators, and lodging providers around the world. It helps participants better comprehend the goals and key performance indicators of the GSTC Criteria and equips them with the tools they need to create and implement sustainable tourism policies and practises for their business and the locations they serve, setting them up for future GSTC certification*. Participants who successfully complete the course are given a completion certificate and are then qualified to sit for an optional official exam to earn the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism. In order to meet the Staff Engagement Criteria A4 of the GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels, which mandates that staff hold certificates and credentials in pertinent fields and abilities, both the course and the optional professional certificate contribute. “We’re pleased to launch our Sustainable Tourism Course in Bangkok in partnership with Agoda,” said Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer of GSTC. Our goal is to provide business professionals with the information, resources, and tactics they need to transform their organisations. We think that by educating people, working together, and putting our ideas into action, we can rewrite the history of tourism and make it a real force for good. Our goal at GSTC is to promote this shift one professional and one course at a time. Source: traveldailymedia

An AI-based semi-autonomous voyage planning system was created and tested over the course of three years by the maritime technology company Yara Marine Technologies, Molflow, Chalmers University of Technology, and experts in social science from Halmstad University and Gothenburg University. The Via Kaizen project, which was launched in August 2020, investigates how AI and machine learning may help ship operators plan voyages that use less energy. The project, which was supported by Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, used pre-existing tools to enable a higher level of digitalization and automation in vessel operations. These included the FuelOpt propulsion optimisation system from Yara Marine, the Fleet Analytics performance management and vessel data reporting tool, and the Slipstream vessel modelling system from Molflow. In order to ensure that the technology facilitated procedures and choices that had the greatest impact on energy efficiency, user needs and current work practises at the company were examined during the design phase. The finalised technology was tested onboard two different ships: a Rederiet Stenersen product tanker and a PCTC vehicle carrier run by UECC. With one of the two trial vessels choosing to keep using the system, the varied results showed that energy efficiency optimisation based on expected time of arrival (ETA) was successful. “The Via Kaizen project speaks directly to where shipping is at the moment — where the intersections of digitalization, decarbonization, and crewing determine our success in addressing climate change,” said Mikael Laurin, Head of Vessel Optimisation at Yara Marine Technologies. For an industry striving to reduce emissions while addressing rising fuel costs, the use of AI and machine learning to plan and predict energy-efficient journeys is important. Similar to new technologies, which have the potential to expedite operations but necessitate collaboration and buy-in from all stakeholders, crew familiarisation and training, proactive design, and new corporate initiatives are all necessary. As a result, the project’s insights and information are more important for the future of our sector. The Via Kaizen project shows that applying machine-learning algorithms can lead to more precise performance predictions and optimisation for enhanced predictive modelling of ship propulsion power. It also demonstrated the importance of effective communication between ship operators and their patrons as well as between technology developers and consumers. The Via Kaizen project provided a great opportunity to investigate and expand industry understandings of the part big data, data management, and model development can play in assisting lower emission strategies and maximising fuel efficiency, according to Joakim Möller, CEO of Moflow. Recent developments in meteorological data, vessel data tracking and analysis, and other areas can be used to determine where operations could be made more efficient. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be crucial in processing and simplification of accessible data for clear, actionable results as the marine industry attempts to use good data to inform decision-making. The effectiveness of energy-efficient journeys was determined in large part by the crew during the testing. This demonstrates the need of providing ship crews and management with as many opportunities as possible to interact with, comprehend, and embrace the value of AI-powered ship operation support technology in helping daily operations onboard and ashore. “Maritime’s ability to successfully decarbonize is dependent on its highly skilled workforce, necessitating that we invest in creating seafarer support for digitalization and decarbonization,” Martin Viktorelius of Halmstad University said. To maximise crew acceptance and adoption of AI-powered solutions, clean technologies must prioritise simple, user-friendly interfaces and comprehend current operations. In order to investigate and identify critical factors that the crew claimed were impeding their support of trip efficiency, the Via Kaizen project engaged the crew. Simon Larsson from Gothenburg University said, “The Via Kaizen project documented potential challenges to implementing energy efficient voyages — notably, the impact of crew training and corporate processes that either facilitated or hindered the effective use of AI tools to improve efficiency. These findings are not specific to the project and have wider ramifications for an industry seeking advanced solutions to rapidly reduce emissions. While crew training will afford a much-needed bridge to build understanding and accelerate support for AI-powered voyage efficiency solutions among seafarers, it is just as important that we ensure effective channels of communication with management and corporate processes.” Following the conclusion of this project, additional funding has been secured from the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova to further explore a selection of its findings. Source: traveldailymedia