Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Sales via Hawaiian Airlines’ NDC Adventure, Inc., which powers the air ticket reservations website “skyticket,” and Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. have entered into a distribution agreement for “NDC,” a new standard for the sale of air tickets, via direct connection. The direct NDC connection between the Hawaiian Airlines reservation system and the skyticket reservation system will enable quick confirmation of airfares and seat availability, optimal fares through the NDC connection, and user-specific ancillary services such as upgraded seat selection (for a fee). The system also enables complete reservation automation. It is anticipated that the entirely automated reservation procedure will increase the closing rate and user satisfaction. With the completion of the agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, the total number of airlines with NDC direct connection agreements has reached five. Adventure, Inc. continues to pursue the implementation of NDC in an effort to provide more convenient and user-friendly services to all of our global customers. Source: traveldailymedia

Today is the day for travellers who have their sights set on discovering the Far East. Families and groups of friends can now book 4- and 7-night vacations on Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas and be among the first to cruise to international destinations in 2024-2025 on Asia’s largest and most innovative ship. In April 2024, Spectrum will sail from Shanghai to renowned Japanese vacation destinations such as Fukuoka, Okinawa, Nagasaki, and Osaka. This is the most anticipated return of the cruise line to China. The cruise line’s website is now accepting bookings for the brand-new vacations. “As the first international cruise line to offer bookings and cruises in China, we are ecstatic to make it possible for Chinese tourists to once again explore Asia and create unforgettable memories. And what better way to celebrate Royal Caribbean’s return to Asia than with the return of Spectrum of the Seas, a ship designed particularly for the region,” said Dr. Zinan Liu, senior vice president and chairman of Asia for Royal Caribbean Group. “Today, we can proudly proclaim, ‘We are back in China!’” Spectrum features restaurants and entertainment with regionally inspired menus and shows, such as Hot Pot, Teppanyaki, and Sichuan Red, as well as the karaoke lounge Star Moment, Showgirls in the Royal Theatre, and Silk Road in the one-of-a-kind Two70, where artistry, robots, and technology combine to create jaw-dropping performances. In addition to the familiar comforts, Royal Caribbean offers unique excursions, such as skydiving on the RipCord by iFly, climbing more than 100 metres above the ocean on North Star, the all-glass observation capsule, and bumper cars and sports in SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea. Regarding opulence, the ship’s exclusive suite enclave has you covered. The luxurious experiences include a two-story, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite with an in-suite slide that can accommodate up to 11 guests for the ultimate multigenerational family vacation, as well as private dining, shopping, and more. Source: traveldailymedia

This year, the Skytrax World Airlines Awards, which are given to airlines based on surveys of over 20 million travellers from over 100 countries who evaluated more than 325 airlines between September 2022 and May 2023, will be presented once again. This year, in comparison to the previous, many things have changed. Qatar Airways has consistently outperformed the opposition in recent years. However, in 2023, the Arab nation’s airline had to cede the top spot to Singapore Airlines, another superb airline. Notably, this is not Singapore Airlines’ first time atop the airline industry. Regarding Singapore Airlines, this is not the company’s first time holding this title. As a consequence, the Doha-based airline dropped to second place, followed by All Nippon, which “stole” the third step of the podium from Emirates in 2018, forcing the latter to settle for the so-called wooden medal in 2023. In terms of quality as a whole, the Asian airlines reign supreme. Asian airlines currently hold eight of the top ten positions. Two European airlines, Turkish Airlines and Air France, broke the monopoly by placing sixth and seventh, respectively. “This award is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our employees, who worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to ensure SIA was ready for the resumption of air travel,” said the CEO of Singapore Airlines upon accepting the award. This allowed us to emerge from the pandemic as an even more formidable global airline. He stated, “We are extremely grateful for the passengers’ unwavering support and loyalty to Singapore Airlines. With their assistance, we could confront the pandemic’s extraordinary challenges with courage and resolve. As we move beyond the pandemic, SIA will continue to invest in innovative product development and provide passengers with an exceptional experience. Despite widespread celebration, these outcomes dissatisfied many. North American Airlines must still break into the top positions for the second consecutive year. Air Canada enters the rankings first, albeit in a disappointing 37th position, while United is far behind in 49th place. Transavia, easyJet, Ryanair, and Vueling were ranked ahead of Volotea. Unfortunately, only Air Dolomiti made it into the top 100, placing 96th, two positions higher than the previous edition. Source: traveldailymedia

The hotel operator in Thailand, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited have signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) for the Centra by Centara Ratchada Hotel Bangkok. At a signing ceremony conducted at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, senior management teams from both companies officially executed the agreement. The initiative represents Centara’s sixth hotel in Bangkok and the second HMA with Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited. With plans to renovate an existing structure, the hotel is expected to welcome guests in December 2024. “It’s a pleasure to work with Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited again, and we’re thrilled to add a third Centra by Centara hotel to our Bangkok portfolio. Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, commented, “We are excited to bring the Centra by Centara brand, renowned for its comfort, value, and convenience, to a new area of the city for travellers to explore.” “We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited and Centara Hotels and Resorts. Director of Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited Kunyarat Thongtam stated, “We are confident that the values of both companies align, and we are thrilled to be bringing the elevated comfort of Centra by Centara to MICE and leisure travellers in the increasingly popular Ratchada areas.” This 32-story, 306-room addition to the Ratchada neighbourhood is only a 10-minute walk from the Ladprao MRT station and will feature an all-day dining restaurant, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, a spa, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and a contemporary rooftop restaurant with spectacular city views. Centra by Centara Ratchada Hotel Bangkok is the ninth Centra by Centara hotel and the third in Bangkok, following Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaweng Watthana and Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Pha Nakhon. Source: traveldailymedia

Trip.com Group has announced a childcare assistance programme for its employees worldwide. Employees who have been with the company for at least three years will receive an annual cash incentive of RMB 10,000 for each newborn child from the child’s first birthday through the child’s fifth birthday. The company intends to invest 1 billion RMB in employee family planning subsidies and to promote working families. James Liang, Executive Chairman of the Board of Trip.com Group, stated, “Employees are the company’s greatest asset, and we are committed to providing them with a better and more supportive work environment. By introducing this new childcare benefit, we hope to provide financial assistance that will encourage our employees to start or expand their families without sacrificing their professional goals and accomplishments.” Always a top priority at Trip.com Group is fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. This childcare subsidy is an additional commitment towards the objective, empowering our employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. As a family-friendly organisation, Trip.com Group offers excellent support to working mothers and caters for pregnant employees. In recent years, Trip.com Group has implemented family-friendly policies, including hybrid work and a benefit for assisted reproduction. Demographic economist Liang believes that family welfare policies such as inclusive childcare services, equal maternity leave for men and women, protection of the rights of single-parent families, and open access to assisted reproductive technologies can help working women reduce the time and opportunity costs of parenting and achieve a win-win situation for family and career. In his new book, “Population Strategies: How Population Affects the Economy and Innovation,” published earlier this year, he examines and discusses policies that could encourage childbearing. As part of its efforts to increase employee contentment and satisfaction, the company implemented a hybrid working programme that allowed employees across all markets to work remotely on certain days of the week. The hybrid working model was implemented to increase employee satisfaction, support family care, and promote work-life balance. The multinational corporation was the first in China to implement the scheme. Trip.com Group has now adopted the policy in 14 regions and countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, where it was initially introduced. Source: traveldailymedia

ITA Airways returns to the “Business Travel Show Europe” at the ExCeL exhibition centre in London, United Kingdom, on June 28 and 29. During the show, the Italian flag carrier will be present in the Airline Pavilion (stand J84) with a branded area: here ITA Airways team will welcome trade and corporate customers, travel agencies and companies alongside the key players in business travel who gather once a year in the British capital to discuss industry news, the latest technological advancements, meet the widest range of suppliers, and develop their travel programmes to meet the ever-changing needs of their clients. The United Kingdom is one of the most strategic markets in Europe for ITA Airways, which offers direct daily round-trip flights from London to the airports in Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate. For British customers and the Italian community, connections are available with the ITA Airways network in Italy, Europe, and the rest of the world, including North American (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Washington, and San Francisco), South American (Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo), and Asia Pacific (New Delhi) destinations, as well as the main summer seasonal destinations, such as the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca). Thanks to codeshare agreements with the main international carriers, ITA Airways continues to expand its network through partnerships with other global carriers, providing the company with a privileged access route to markets of significant interest. ITA Airways is able to access the domestic networks of other international carriers with direct flights from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate to their destinations as a result of codeshare agreements. There are currently 31 codeshare agreements available, spanning over 350 destinations where ITA Airways will use its own codes. 2023 is a year of significant investments for the Italian flag carrier, which doubles its long-haul offer thanks to the opening of new routes to the United States with flights from Rome Fiumicino to Washington (since 2 June) and San Francisco (beginning 1 July) in the summer season, to South America with a direct connection from Rome Fiumicino to Rio de Janeiro in the coming winter season, and with an increase in the number of flights to all existing destinations. The long-haul expansion of ITA Airways is one of the primary pillars of the national carrier’s strategy, as it not only generates profitability but also increases short-haul, thereby doubling the intercontinental network’s capacity. The commitment to sustainability is one of the primary focuses of ITA Airways’ presence. Since the company’s inception, sustainability has been one of ITA Airways’ strategic pillars. The renewal of the company’s fleet is essential to its Sustainability Plan: by the conclusion of the 2023-2027 Plan, approximately 90 percent of the fleet will consist of new generation aircraft, consuming 25 percent less fuel and reducing CO2 emissions. All ITA Airways flights are available for purchase via ita-airways.com, the ITA Airways Call Centre, travel agencies, and airport ticket counters. Source: traveldailymedia

MoneySmart, a prominent personal finance website, has released new research that identifies the top airlines in Singapore for flight delays and cancellations. Although air travel is notoriously tumultuous, the number of flight delays has increased significantly in recent years. The number of Singaporeans seeking online for ‘travel insurance claim’ has increased by 401%1 in the past year. MoneySmart surveyed over 1,700 Singaporeans who flew within the past 12 months (May 2022-23) to determine the 12 airlines with the most flight delays and cancellations, according to Sinaporean passengers. Air India headed the list, with nearly four in five (78%) of its customers reporting a flight delay and seven in ten (71%) reporting a flight cancellation. MoneySmart reveals the airlines with which Singaporean travellers have had the most disruptions and how this has affected their travel experiences. The airlines with the greatest number of flight delays, as reported by survey participants. Air India emerged as the airline with the maximum number of delays, as reported by nearly four out of five (78%) survey respondents who had flown with them: Air China ranked second, with 70% of respondents reporting a flight delay. Cebu Pacific Air followed closely behind in third place, with 69% of respondents experiencing flight delays. The national carrier, Singapore Airlines, was reported to have caused delays for nearly 40% of respondents who flew with them in the past year. In terms of documented delays, however, they ranked ninth out of the top 12 airlines. 1 to 3 hours was the most common delay duration reported by survey respondents, accounting for 40% of responses. Nearly two-fifths (38%) of travellers reported experiencing 4+ hour delays. The airlines with the greatest number of flight cancellations, as reported by survey participants. 71% of survey respondents who had flown with Air India reported experiencing a flight cancellation, excluding cancellations caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. Cebu Pacific Air followed, with 65% of passengers who had flown with them reporting a flight cancellation. More than two-thirds (64%) of respondents indicated that Air China had cancelled flights. The survey reveals that the most common wait time for a replacement flight was 1 to 3 hours (27% of respondents). Compensation for disruption When it comes to compensation for disrupted air travel, the survey findings shed light on the following key insights: Compensation for delayed flights On average, 42% of respondents who had experienced delays reported notreceiving direct compensation from the airline. Scoot, the low-cost airline owned by the Singapore Airlines group, compensated only around 23% of the surveyed respondents who experienced delays. This places Scoot as the airline least likely to provide compensationfor flight delays, leaving 77% of the affected passengers to bear the financial cost. Compensation for cancelled flights 32% reported notreceiving direct compensation from the airline for cancelled flights. However, survey responses indicated that Air India – the airline with the highest rate of both delays and cancellations – was least likely to compensatefor flight cancellations, with 43% of passengers receiving some.According to respondents who experienced disruptions, the result of flight delays and cancellations has appeared to have a longer-term impact on travel behaviours 65% now always pre-arrange travel insurance to safeguard against travel disruptions, emphasising the growing recognition of its importance. 62% found their experience to be stressful, substantiating the emotional toll such incidents can have on travellers. 58% now frequently worry. Source: traveldailymedia

As the Fourth of July approaches, Americans will take to the roads to reach their desired destinations. With the   of fuel, however, motorists are seeking ways to save money on the road prior to vacations and day excursions. In light of this, the car subscription experts at FINN offer ten suggestions that could significantly reduce your diesel and fuel costs: Ensure that your tyres are properly inflated. If your tyres are underinflated, they will degrade during handling and braking, wear more quickly, and eventually overheat and blast out. Before departing, it is vital to ensure that your tyres are adequately inflated. Maintaining your vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial, as regular service will ensure optimal fuel economy, performance, and longevity. Don’t wait until it’s too late to notice a problem; whenever possible, conduct regular checks to remain on top of any issues. Observe the speed limit at all times; however, some motorists neglect that exceeding the speed limit can significantly increase their fuel consumption. As highway velocities exceed 50 mph, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to decrease significantly. Adjust your pace in order to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces the need for repetitive acceleration and braking, which consume additional fuel. Reduce your use of  conditioning.Air conditioning uses a significant quantity of fuel to cool your vehicle, so use it only when necessary. Open your windows to cool off when you are travelling at slower speeds. Remove any excess weight from your vehicle. When not in use, minimise the use of roof racks and other specialty carriers. Even an empty bike or ski rack can reduce fuel economy on the highway, while laden racks or car-top containers have a significant impact. Download a fuel pricing application: Apps such as Upside and GasBuddy are incredibly useful because they allow you to quickly locate the cheapest petrol station in your area before you need to fill up. Even if it seems like a small amount at the time, developing the habit of checking every time you fill up can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. It is essential to utilise your gears effectively to prevent unnecessary gasoline consumption caused by excessive engine revving. It is also essential to brake and accelerate gradually, as sudden braking wastes a great deal of fuel. Reading the road and maintaining a safe distance is both more relaxing and economical. Consider vehicle pooling: Consider carpooling with a coworker to divide the cost and driving responsibilities if you commute to work every day. It is also more environmentally favorable if a group of individuals commute to the same location every day. Do not fill your fuel tank to the brim. Doing so can saturate the emissions system with fuel, potentially resulting in a fuel leak when the fuel heats up. When the fuel nozzle clicks off, the tank is full; do not add more fuel and do not round up the quantity on the fuel pump. Maintain your vehicle’s cleanliness: Possibly a surprising fuel-saving tip, but mud, dirt, and even insects on your car’s exterior can produce drag, which, over long distances, can impact your MPG range. Keeping your vehicle clean and varnished reduces its aerodynamic drag, thereby enhancing your fuel economy. Source- Travel daily

The Airports Council International (ACI) World Annual General Assembly (WAGA) has approved critical resolutions on the transition to cleaner energy and cyber threats, reflecting airports’ priorities in constructing a sustainable and resilient aviation ecosystem. Over 800 delegates attended the ACI EUROPE/ACI WORLD Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, where the 33rd WAGA was held. The Resolutions were presented by the ACI World Governing Board, which is comprised of the world’s foremost airport CEOs. Advancing SAF and bolstering ESG practises Recognising the need for collective action to achieve the long-term objective of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, the Resolution “Leading through cleaner energy transition and robust ESG practises” calls on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and governments to collaborate with all financial institutions to facilitate access to green finance for aviation and to stimulate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It urges governments to provide the technical and economic support and regulatory framework necessary to support the energy transition in the aviation sector. Airports are urged to consider implementing robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practises based on their unique circumstances, to collaborate with ACI in the development of the Airport ESG Global Framework, and to participate in global efforts to expedite the deployment of SAF. Cybersecurity risks in aviation Recognising that the aviation industry relies on interconnected systems and advanced technologies that may be vulnerable to increasing cyber threats, the Resolution “Affirming airport’s commitment to addressing the evolving cyber threats in aviation” acknowledges the actions already taken by airports and urges all aviation stakeholders to increase their awareness and mitigation measures in this area. The Resolution urges governments, international organisations, and relevant stakeholders to utilise extant international frameworks and standards on information security and cybersecurity in the development of aviation cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and guidelines. In addition, it urges governments to implement the necessary measures to support the growth of a cybersecurity workforce with expertise in aviation. The Riyadh Airports Company will host the WAGA in 2024. Riyadh Airports Company was named the host of the ACI Asia-Pacific / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA) at the ACI EUROPE / ACI WORLD Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition Closing and Handover Ceremony. The 21-23 May 2024 event will take place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to attract global and regional airport CEOs, regulators, and dignitaries. Director General of ACI World Luis Felipe de Oliveira stated, “We are thrilled to join forces with ACI Asia-Pacific and Riyadh Airports Company to host WAGA 2024, the most important global gathering of airport leaders.” The region is home to the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and leading airports that are lifting the bar for travellers and communities on all fronts. As we construct a resilient and sustainable aviation ecosystem, our continued engagement with the global airport community and its pertinent stakeholders remains the determining factor in achieving our industry’s global goals.” Stefano Baronci, director general of ACI Asia-Pacific, stated, “It is indeed a moment of pride for us, as WAGA will be conducted in Riyadh next year. This is a significant gathering of aviation leaders from around the world, and an excellent forum for discussing current issues and opportunities in the aviation industry, as well as examining innovative strategies for long-term success. We look forward to welcoming aviation leaders from around the globe and ensuring that everyone has a memorable experience.” Musad Aldaood, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, stated, “It is an honour to proclaim that Riyadh will host the ACI Asia-Pacific / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA) the following year. We are ecstatic to greet aviation leaders from around the world to create an unforgettable experience for all.” Moreover, he added, “This significant gathering of global aviation authorities is a prime venue for addressing current challenges and exploring opportunities in the aviation sector, as well as investigating forward-thinking and exploring innovative strategies for long-term success.” Source- Travel biz

Ant & Dec have been hired by TUI UK to deliver holiday-inspired fun and smiles to the British public. As they define their new duties as ‘Happiness Ambassadors’ for TUI, the duo from Newcastle will reveal their mischievous plans.   Launching on June 28th, the social media campaign will focus on how TUI creates ‘happy’ every day. Ant & Dec concoct their new job title in a witty and entertaining manner, creating the ideal holiday pitch, and dialling up holiday inspiration with TUI’s retail agents and cabin personnel. The social media content concentrates on the moments customers experience prior to travelling abroad, from planning and booking to the airport just prior to departure. Ant and Dec have a great time creating additional happy moments at each stage of the journey in an unexpected and memorable manner. The campaign, a creative collaboration between Ant and Dec’s Mitre Studios and Leo Burnett London, will run on TUI’s and Ant and Dec’s social channels for six months beginning on 28thJune. Follow @antanddec and @tuiuk to learn what they have been up to as of today. Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of TUI UK, stated, “Ant and Dec are the ideal duo to demonstrate what our Makers of Happy do every day: provide our customers with the finest possible experiences. The partnership comes at an exhilarating time for TUI, as our customers eagerly anticipate creating unforgettable vacation memories. It’s fantastic to be working with Ant and Dec, who are the happiest people on television, and they’re already sharing wonderful ideas on how to make holidays even more enjoyable.” Ant says, “We have previously collaborated with TUI on Saturday Night Takeaway, so we were thrilled to be asked to become their Happiness Ambassadors and create some entertaining content for their staff and consumers as they plan their holidays for this year.  Dec continues, “We have enjoyed collaborating with everyone at TUI and getting to know the team better. We hope that what we’ve created will bring a smile to people’s faces and disseminate a little holiday cheer from now until the end of the year.” Source- Travel daily