Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has hired multi-platform technology company FOD Mobility Group to assist in the design, development, and delivery of a new, comprehensive mobility as a service (MaaS) app. The Mobilleo MaaS platform from the Yorkshire-based IT company will power the regional travel app, providing West Midlands residents and visitors access to all modes of transport in one location. The pioneering concept fits in with TfWM’s plans to provide a fresh perspective for clients going throughout the area by enhancing access to integrated transit. Users can schedule trips, get real-time travel updates, book and pay for all local transport alternatives, including taxis, Demand Responsive Transport (DRT), buses, trains, trams, e-Scooters, walking, cycling, car clubs and parking. The software provides users with the best practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative for their desired destination based on their personal preferences. This is a significant step towards TfWM’s goal of providing users with access to one app and one account from any location they choose. It is intended to change public and shared transport in the West Midlands by making it quicker and simpler for users to obtain information, select more environmentally friendly modes of transport, and locate the most affordable rates. It will take the place of the current TfWM app. One account, one app, all the bases covered. TfWM is working on the initiative with a number of partners, including FOD Mobility Group, consultants Arcadis, who are offering guidance on behaviour modification, Brompton Bike Rental, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Car Club. Other project partners include ITO World, Euclid, and Unicard, who are in charge of integrating with TfWM’s Swift smart travel programme and who supply real-time public transport data for the West Midlands. On the development of the app, local authorities and transit service providers will also work together. The Future Transport Zone initiative of the Department of Transportation provided funding for the development.By improving the user experience, combining tickets and information, and assisting in the decarbonization of our transport systems, it is intended to achieve the objectives outlined in the Local Transport Plan. Transport for West Midlands executive director Anne Shaw stated: “TfWM is putting unprecedented investment into growing our Metro, rail, bus, and active travel networks.”Along with creating new travel options, we must carefully consider how to create smooth plan, book, and pay processes for transportation. This will promote the use of shared and public transport, active transport, and reduce the usage of private vehicles. “We want to accomplish just that with the help of this new mobility as a service platform. In order to create an app that is simple to use, practical, and economical, we are collaborating with some of the top British tech and mobility firms. Anyone searching for travel options in the West Midlands can stop here. We are excited to work on this fascinating project with FOD Mobility Group and other important partners. Justin Whitston, CEO of FOD Mobility Group, continued, “We are genuinely excited to be collaborating with TfWM on what will be an interesting and scalable mobility as a service initiative, powered by our Mobilleo platform. We look forward to delivering a novel travel strategy for the West Midlands over the long term. We are thrilled to be a partner in the project, said Oz Choudhri, head of mobility solutions for Enterprise UK and Ireland. Enterprise already has a strong presence throughout the West Midlands through our rental and car club operations.“We are certain that we will continue to expand this presence, allowing us to play a significant part in providing shared and sustainable travel. We will also be working with TfWM on a number of social value projects which will engage with residents and businesses.” Source: traveldailymedia

Satys Aerospace, established in Toulouse and a global pioneer in aircraft painting, is now expanding its operations into the space industry. The company has just put into operation a facility for painting satellite parts at its Blagnac location. Executives from Airbus and CNES attended its recent inauguration. This facility will be in charge of painting the deployable radiators for the OneSat programme, whose communications satellites will be put into service from geostationary orbit, as part of a partnership with Airbus. Programme manager Philippe Didier says, “The painting of deployable satellite radiators is subject to particularly demanding specifications.” The coatings employed have infrared emissivity-related thermo-optical characteristics. They must make it easier for heat to dissipate and sunlight to absorb. Satys Aerospace was required to certify the painters, logisticians, and inspectors assigned to this unit due to the particular paint specifications needed for space applications. An airlock system has been installed in the space to eliminate contamination risks when unpacking and packing painting component packages. Satys made a million euro investment. To design and construct this new production tool, two years of close collaboration with Airbus were invested in new machinery. Gregory Mayeur, Managing Director of Satys Aerospace, expressed his excitement for the new collaboration with Airbus during the ceremony: “We are really proud of the successful cooperation between our two teams. Despite having substantial experience in the aeronautics industry and the highly specialised technical requirements of the painting industry, we have learned a lot from this new sector for space applications. Technical expansion and improvement are ingrained in Satys’ DNA. Satys Aerospace aims to be able to form future agreements with other manufacturers to suit their demands for painting space equipment on the basis of this innovative industrial tool modified for use in space applications. Source: traveldailymedia

The eagerly awaited “Matterhorn Alpine Crossing” in Switzerland, which connects Switzerland and Italy in less than two hours, has been opened. It is the tallest three-string cable car in the Alps and the highest border crossing in all of Europe. For the first time ever, passengers will travel directly from the Matterhorn resort of Zermatt in Switzerland to Breuil-Cervinia in Italy while ascending over 4,000 metres, the biggest altitude difference in all of Europe. Travellers can stand with one foot in Italy and the other in Switzerland at the highest border crossing in all of Europe (3480 m), which is close to the Testa Grigia station. The reach of the Matterhorn Summer Paradise is increased by the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing. Visitors will be able to explore the Valle d’Aosta region’s breathtaking environment and learn about the charming residences in characteristic Walliser (Valaisan) architecture thanks to the new cableway. The available activities include golf, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The new Testa Grigia valley station is adjacent to the Theodul glacier, where the August 2023 opening of the Plateau Rosa SnowXperience world of adventure is scheduled. Beginners in winter sports will have the opportunity to rent all the necessary gear and reserve ski instructors right away. The gondola’s 35 opulent cabins, each of which is outfitted for maximum comfort and is built to provide unrestricted panoramic views of the spectacular Matterhorn from various angles, will stop at nine mountain stations. Passengers can engage in a variety of activities at the five stops on the Swiss side and four on the Italian side, including SnowTubing, the SnowXperience novice ski area, Glacier Palace, Cinema Lounge, and Photo Points, to mention a few. In case of good weather, travellers can enjoy a breathtaking view of the 38 peaks that make up the Swiss Alps at the highest mountain station in Europe, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Though the cable run from Zermatt to Cervinia takes 1.5 to two hours, passengers can take their time experiencing different options along the way. One can purchase a one-way ticket with an optional start in Zermatt, Switzerland, or Cervinia, Italy, or a round-trip ticket and enjoy a day trip to any of the places in either of the two nations on each side of the Matterhorn. Source: travelbizmonitor

The B2B information, events, and marketing solutions provider in the travel sector, Northstar Travel Group, announces the opening of a significant hosted buyer driven expo for the Asia Pacific meetings sector. The Meetings Show Asia Pacific (www.themeetingsshow-apac.com), sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board, will be held in Singapore from April 17–18, 2024 at the Marina Bay Sands Sands Expo & Convention Centre, inviting international exhibitors and a crowd of qualified and hosted buyers. Singapore serves as a hub for MICE and business in Global-Asia. Singapore was selected as the host city for the premiere of The Meetings Show Asia Pacific because it serves as a gateway to the rapidly developing Asia Pacific area and is home to a thriving business community, providing access to new partnerships and business ideas. The event will be backed by an exclusive hosted buyer programme, bringing senior meetings, conventions, events, and incentives buyers to a bustling tradeshow floor. It will feature Asian and international locations, venues, hotels, and other essential providers. Along with a conference offering a stimulating educational programme and a number of top-notch networking opportunities, a special prescheduled meetings platform will offer a private setting for conducting business. The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is a development of the venerable ‘The Meetings Show’ brand, which is held annually in London, and will further bolster Northstar Meetings Group’s global portfolio of media, events, information, and marketing solutions. “With our continued commitment to better serve the APAC region, our depth of industry knowledge, and the experienced meetings professionals who work in our UK, Singapore, and US offices, it became apparent there was an opportunity to bring our world-class experiences to the Asia Pacific meetings market under the established and successful brand of The Meetings Show,” said Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group. The Deputy Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, Yap Chin Siang, commented on the debut by saying: “We are thrilled to welcome The Meetings Show Asia Pacific’s debut in Singapore, a perfect venue for global MICE organisations to network, develop new relationships, and build their enterprises. The selection of Singapore as the host confirms our status as the region’s top location for MICE events. Participants from The Meetings Show Asia Pacific will be welcomed in Singapore in 2024. Meetings & Conventions (M&C), M&C Asia, Successful Meetings, Incentive, Association Meetings International (AMI), Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT), SportsTravel, as well as 22 hosted buyer events like The Meetings Show, SMU International, M&C/Asia Connections, the Global Incentive Summit, the TEAMS Conference and Expo, TEAMS Europe, and the Esports Travel Summit, will be joined by The Meetings Show Source: traveldailymedia

Using a Boeing 787-8, Qatar Airways has landed its first flight to Lyon, France. There will now be four flights each week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. With the addition of this new route, Qatar Airways’ worldwide network of more than 160 destinations grows as well as its footprint in France. Both Business Class and Economy Class welcomed guests with traditional French fare and a carefully crafted menu of fine French cuisine to honour the voyage. Along with Qatar Airways Vice President of Sales, Europe, Mr. Eric Odone, M. Pierre Grosmaire, the airport’s Director of Commercial and Marketing, greeted the first flight from Doha. With the airline still operating to Paris and Nice, Lyon is the third location it serves in France. Lyon, which is renowned as France’s gastronomic capital, is dotted with numerous eateries that have earned Michelin stars. Due to its history as the home of cinema, the attractive city also draws fans of films. In a city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors are welcome to partake in amazing gastronomic adventures and film festivals honouring the silver screen. A Boeing 787-8 with 232 Economy Class seats and 22 Business Class seats will fly the new direct route to Lyon. The city also acts as an excellent entry point for exploring the nearby Alpine mountain range. “I am thrilled to announce the launch of Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to the renowned French city of Lyon,” said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group. A long-standing strategic cooperation between Qatar and France benefits both parties in a number of areas, including diplomacy, trade, and tourism. We are pleased to welcome French and European travellers to travel through our hub, Hamad International Airport, for seamless and enthralling journeys to more than 160 global destinations. Our expanding network in France is a monument to our successful cooperation. Tanguy Bertolus, the chairman of the Aéroports de Lyon management board, stated: “This new international destination from Lyon highlights the expertise of VINCI Airports in the development of new routes, as well as the calibre of its relationships with other airlines. By providing more alternatives to and from the Middle East and Asia, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, this connection between the capital of Qatar and Lyon will increase the attraction of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the Lyon metropolitan area. Source: traveldailymedia

As of December 24, 2024, Marella Cruises will homeport Marella Explorer 2 out of La Romana, Dominican Republic, for a number of winter sailings. returning to the Caribbean island for the first time since the winter of 2017, and starting on July 20, 2023, winter itineraries will be available for purchase, giving travellers more options for their travels. Three itineraries, including the Caribbean Classics itinerary, which calls on Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts, and the Colours of the Caribbean itinerary, which calls on Dominica, Antigua, St. Maarten, Tortola, and Samana — a new port for Marella Cruises in the Dominican Republic — before sailing back to La Romana, will be available from the new homeport. Additionally, starting on December 2nd, 2024, Marella Cruises will provide passengers with two new, shorter sailings out of the Mediterranean, giving them greater options. Customers will be able to reserve four-night voyages on The Canarian Escape 1 itinerary, which will sail on the Marella Explorer from Malaga in Spain and stop in Gibraltar and Casablanca in Morocco with a single sea day. The Spanish Getaway itinerary, on the other hand, will sail on Marella’s newest vessel, the Marella Voyager, from Palma in Majorca and stop at three well-known Spanish cities: Alicante, Almeria, and Malaga. Six-night voyages departing from Marmaris in Turkey, Corfu Town, and Malaga in Spain are among the new, shorter winter itineraries. “We’re always looking for new ways to improve our customer offering, whether that’s new destinations, new itineraries, or new ships,” said Chris Hackney, Managing Director of Cruise for TUI UK & I. As a result, we’re excited to introduce our new sailings from La Romana in the winter of 2024 to our passengers as a fresh experience. Customers will have the ability to take advantage of Marella’s cruise & stay offering, with the chance to enjoy a stay at one of the TUI hotels in the Dominican Republic, pre or post cruise, as well as the opportunity to tour some of the most well-known Caribbean islands while on board. Itineraries for La Romana, Dominican Republic’s winter of 2024 will be available for booking starting on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Prices start at £1799 (around $2,286.62 USD). Source: traveldailymedia

Elcome International, a provider of maritime systems and services, has opened a new office in Vancouver, Canada, to accommodate the rising demand for its services throughout the nation and the greater North American continent. Elcome has its first footprint in North America at the Vancouver facility. Elcome’s Managing Director, Jimmy Grewal, gave an explanation of the expansion’s motivation: “From Vancouver, we can serve all of Canada’s maritime sectors, including cruise, merchant marine, leisure marine, offshore, and navy. For the large range of goods and services we provide, there are many opportunities in North America. Elcome’s field service team has already shown us a tonne of support from our manufacturing partners who want to improve local after-sales assistance for their goods, he said. A variety of solutions, including integrated navigation systems, connectivity, communications, and automation systems, charts and publications, power management and electrical systems, monitoring solutions, fire safety systems, and life-saving appliances, will be made available to the North American markets through Elcome’s Vancouver office with the help of the company’s international network of technicians and service engineers. For all varieties of maritime and offshore assets, Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband Internet service is also included in the area of delivery. According to Grewal, “Vancouver is a significant marine hub, drawing in hundreds of passenger and cargo ships every year. Vancouver also has a burgeoning shipbuilding and repair industry, which is now fully backed by a local group of knowledgeable, qualified Elcome specialists. The new sales and service centre, which is close to the Port of Vancouver, is a part of Elcome’s larger development strategy, which got underway in 2020 when the company, which has its headquarters in Dubai, started doing business in Spain. Source: traveldailymedia

Raymond Chan, Regional Director of Southeast Asia, will move back to Hong Kong to take the role of General Manager, Events & Product Development, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) stated. This will start on July 1, 2023. To oversee the creation and application of the HKTB’s marketing strategy in Southeast Asian markets, Martin Gwee has been named Director, Southeast Asia. “With his extensive marketing experience, industry connections, and keen understanding of the evolving needs and preferences of Southeast Asian travellers, I am certain that Martin will lead the team to drive a speedy recovery in the region by exciting Southeast Asian travellers about Hong Kong as a travel destination,” said Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, of his confidence in Gwee in his new position. Gwee began working for the HKTB in 2016, and as director of marketing for Southeast Asia, she is in charge of consumer marketing and public relations in the area. Mr. Gwee has successfully carried out a number of avant-garde and honourable PR and marketing efforts in his current position. His initiatives have considerably increased Hong Kong’s competitiveness and visibility as a top travel destination for tourists from Southeast Asia. Source: traveldailymedia

According to Brand Finance’s Thailand 50 2023 study, which assesses the country’s 50 most valuable and powerful brands, retail brands in Thailand are benefiting from the country’s increased economic growth as tourism is on the upswing. All but one of them reported at least 8% growth in brand value. A larger pool of consumers became familiar with these brands as foot traffic increased during the epidemic, which increased brand strength for retail brands. In turn, this increased brand strength led to brand value growth for Central Retail (up 8% to US$1.7 billion), which dropped one spot to eighth place, Home Pro (up 28% to US$923.97 million), which remained in 14th place in our rankings, and Big C (up 16% to US$781.35 million), which rose one spot to sixteenth. Dohome, which is currently ranked 28th on the list with a brand value of US$261.11 million, made the list for the first time thanks to the strong momentum. This year, PTT continued to hold the status of being Thailand’s most valuable brand, and its brand value increased by 20% to US$6.6 billion. PTT’s exceptional financial success is greatly influenced by the strengthening of its brand. The company reported first-half 2022 revenues of almost US$47.61 billion, a substantial 66.7% year-over-year rise. Higher worldwide petroleum and petrochemical costs and needs also contributed to this growth. PTT received the Excellent rating from the Low Carbon and Sustainable Business Assessment and Rating Project in 2022 in honour of its dedication to social and environmental responsibility. PTT also won two honours this year from the Securities Exchange of Thailand, including the Best Innovative Company Award for the second consecutive year and the Sustainability Award of Honour. It is still dedicated to operating with the goal of reaching carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions through programmes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and changing its portfolio investment strategies in the future energy sector. Luxury hotel chain Centara Grand not only made its debut in the rankings this year but also took home the title of Thailand’s strongest2 brand. Centara Grand got 32nd place with a brand value of US$232.97 million. It achieved a strong brand strength index score, which considerably boosted the brand’s worth. The financial performance of Centara Grand was also influenced by the brand’s strength; in the first half of 2022, the company reported revenues of almost US$232 million, a gain of 50% year over year. The company wants to increase the scope of its international business operations by taking advantage of the prospects provided by the tourism sector’s recovery. The five-star hotel will open in Osaka later this year, marking Centara Grand’s first in Japan. The hotel, which will be 33 stories tall and be located in the vibrant Namba entertainment and shopping district, is scheduled to open in July 2023. Customers will benefit from exclusive deals on reservations in conjunction with Thai Airways (brand value up 3% to US$991 million) to commemorate its grand opening. Centara Grand plans to rank among the top 100 hotel operators in the world by 2027. Central Pattana charted an impressive growth of 34% to US$373.37 million and improved its brand ranking by two places, claiming 23rd position in our rankings alongside the title of fastest growing brand in Thailand this year. The development in brand strength brought on by important marketing initiatives was the cause of Central Pattana’s rise in brand value. For instance, the brand joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 2022 to roll out “The Great Collaboration for Thailand’s Tourism Ecosystem” campaign, aiming to generate approximately US$23.03 million in tourism revenue. Central Pattana also gained attention by partnering with various brands in 2022. For instance, it teamed up with Hermes to launch the Hermes Fit Bangkok at its shopping complex, centralwOrld. It also collaborated with Studio Ghibli and Uniqlo Thailand to feature an exhibition showcasing the animation studio’s most beloved works. These promotional campaigns helped the brand garner attention from both locals and tourists. Alex Haigh, Managing Director – Asia Pacific of Brand Finance, commented:“In Brand Finance’s Top 50 Thailand brands rankings this year, retail brands are on the rise. This growth in brand value is propelled by the nation’s steady momentum of economic growth and improving travel industry. Notably, we find that brands’ marketing and collaborative efforts to reach consumers and enhance brand familiarity have come to fruition. We also extend our congratulations to brands from other sectors such as PTT, newcomer Centara Grand and Central Pattana for topping the ranks as our most valuable, strongest and fastest growing brand respectively.” Source: traveldailymedia

The Junior Flying Club will be back, allowing young children the chance to make the most of their summer vacation with a record-breaking adventure every Saturday at 1:30 PM, beginning this week and running through August 20. Children as young as 14 years old can learn to fly like a pro inside the largest indoor skydiving chamber in the world for an incredible adrenaline rush. Every visitor will be led in accordance with their distinct groups while being watched over by individualised educators in a secure setting. With a total of 20 flights, the Junior Flying Club at CLYMBTM Abu Dhabi offers young explorers a thrilling flying experience. Each session consists of five flights, during which qualified instructors provide a thorough pre-session briefing and debriefing. Children can rent flight equipment as part of the programme, receive individualised skill and advancement monitoring from the instructors, as well as a customised development plan. .All purchased passes are good for three months from the date of purchase, and once enrolled, children can receive up to a 35% discount on the Junior Flying Club. The innovative programme offered by CLYMB Abu Dhabi seeks to stimulate young brains and motivate them to follow their aspirations of reaching new heights in a regulated and monitored environment. Source: traveldailymedia