Starfish Travel Corporation Team

With the summer surge approaching in the northern hemisphere, travel concerns regarding delayed flights, rising airfares, and airport congestion are not discouraging air travel. Preliminary findings from the 2023 SITA Passenger IT Insights study revealed that 32% of passengers cited flight cancellation anxiety when reserving their next flight. Nearly two out of ten passengers surveyed expressed concern about airport congestion and costly airfares. This was fueled by the fact that 56% of respondents had experienced delays or cancellations and 48% had encountered lengthy airport lines. However, travellers plan to fly more than ever before. This year, passengers anticipate taking 4.7 journeys on average, compared to 4.2 flights in 2019. This was primarily the result of frequent travellers. The percentage of passengers planning more than 10 flights in 2023 has increased from 6% in 2019 to 10% this year. David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, stated, “It is encouraging for our industry that passengers want to travel and want to travel more efficiently, despite some of the challenges airports and airlines have faced with congestion over the past year. We cannot ignore the fact that passengers’ decisions are heavily influenced by the overall experience of air travel. With passengers indicating a clear intent to travel more in 2019, the industry would do well to resolve their concerns, such as by increasing automation. Lavorel emphasised that prior research from SITA indicated that airport and airline CIOs are treating digital transformation seriously. To support digitalization and automation, it is anticipated that the industry’s IT expenditures will continue their constant growth since 2020. The IT expenditures of airlines and airports increased to an estimated $37 billion and $6.8 billion, respectively, in 2012. In April of this year, SITA surveyed over 6,000 passengers in 27 countries as part of the 2023 SITA Passenger IT Insights. The complete report will be published on September 5, 2023. Source- Travel daily

BLS International Services Ltd. and the Embassy of Italy in Kazakhstan have inked a contract. This contract aims to improve and streamline the visa application procedure for Kazakhstani citizens travelling to Italy. BLS International will establish five visa application centres in Kazakhstan, strategically located in Astana, Almaty, Atyrau, Shymkent, and Ustkamendorsk, to meet the rising demand for visa services. BLS would manage 25,000 visa applications annually in Kazakhstan for the Embassy of Italy, ensuring accessibility and convenience for applicants from various regions of the nation. The new visa application centres will provide comprehensive visa processing solutions, such as application submission, biometric data collection, and applicant support. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Ltd., stated, “We are honored and humbled to once again partner with the Embassy of Italy and provide our best-in-class visa outsourcing services in Kazakhstan.” “We secured three new contracts with the Italian government in Singapore, Senegal, Abu Dhabi, and Russia earlier this year.” This agreement further demonstrates the confidence Embassy of Italy has in us. With our extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, we are committed to providing visa applicants with exceptional services that meet their needs. We anticipate a productive partnership and the opportunity to serve the community.” Source- Travel biz

As food price inflation in the hospitality industry approaches 22% once more, UKHospitality is advocating for measures that allow businesses to exit energy contracts negotiated during the height of the energy crisis. With a recent survey revealing that energy costs are up 80% year-over-year and nearly half of businesses that signed a contract during the height of the energy crisis dreading business failure, energy remains a key driver of inflation. As the cost of doing business continues to rise, hospitality businesses will have no alternative but to pass on these price increases to customers. Unfortunately, this causes inflation. Kate Nicholls, chief executive officer of UKHospitality, stated, “If the government is to achieve its goal of halving inflation, it must address the ever-increasing cost of doing business.” “We’ve observed today that food price inflation in the hospitality industry has increased to nearly 22%.” Farmers, food producers and manufacturers, and hospitality businesses are being negatively impacted by rising energy prices, and inflation will become entrenched unless businesses are able to terminate energy contracts that were fixed at rates far above the current market rate. “It is my expectation that the Chancellor discussed the urgent need for action with Ofgem during his meeting with regulators today, as there has been little in the way of action thus far. “While its evaluation of the non-domestic energy market is positive, it has been ongoing for at least six months and no conclusions have been reached. The severity of the situation confronting hospitality businesses necessitates a far greater sense of urgency on the part of the regulator, whose inaction has led to business failure, as we have repeatedly warned. “If Ofgem is unable to act and intervene in the energy market, compelling suppliers to renegotiate with customers, then I would urge the Government and the CMA to step in, conduct a thorough investigation of the market, and take meaningful action on behalf of hard-working businesses,” Source: traveldailymedia

Dubai stands out as an ideal destination for family vacations because it provides a delightful variety of activities for people of all ages. With direct flight connections and a streamlined visa process, Dubai is readily accessible to Indian tourists, making it a desirable destination for a quick family vacation or a long, memorable vacation. Some must-see landmarks for short-stay family excursions that will make your time in Dubai unforgettable: Aquaventure is the largest waterpark in the globe. It has over 105 attractions, slides, and experiences. You and your family can experience thrilling adventures and attractions, such as the Raging Rapids, the Tower of Poseidon, and the Leap of Faith, that will leave you wanting more. The park also features a 1 km private beach where visitors can relax and soak up the sun while admiring the iconic skyline of Dubai. Green Planet is a unique “bio-dome” containing over 3,000 tropical vegetation and animals. Families can observe a variety of animals, reptiles, and fish kept in open habitats that closely resemble their natural environments. It is an excellent opportunity for children to learn about endangered plant and animal species from around the globe. The Museum of the Future is a marvel of architecture where families can experience innovative and futuristic ideas. Interactive displays emphasise the most recent technological and environmental advancements, including virtual reality experiences and immersive displays. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to have joy while learning about the future of technology and innovation.If you have more time and are planning a prolonged family vacation, here are some additional activities to add to your travel bucket list. LEGOLAND Hotel is an excellent option for families wishing to extend their Dubai stay. The hotel has 250 themed rooms and suites decorated with colourful LEGO elements. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, a LEGO play area, daily LEGO building activities, and an outdoor pool. Additionally, you have simple access to the adjacent theme park and waterpark, ensuring that you will never be bored. MotiongateTM Dubai, Legoland® Dubai, and Legoland® Water Park are all located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest integrated theme park destination in the Middle East. With more than 100 thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and enthralling live performances, guests can experience a day of endless fun. The rides and attractions at Legoland® Dubai and Legoland® Water Park are ideal for families with small children, as they are designed for children ages 2 to 12. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a wonderful place for families to make unforgettable memories in Dubai. AYA Universe is a place that will leave you astonished and in awe. As soon as you enter this 40,000-square-foot area, you will be captivated by the breathtaking displays that surround you. Each of the twelve zones here will transport you to a distinct immersive world. Wild Paint House offers a unique and fun way for families staying in Dubai for a longer period to make art. The studio was created with the belief that art should be accessible to anyone, making for a fun and liberating experience. With six distinct concepts, families are guaranteed an unforgettable experience and will return for more vibrant times. Source: traveldailymedia

A recent report by Bankrate in the United States revealed that affordability is limiting traveller options, and sun-and-sea destinations in southern Europe have reported a booking slowdown that was unexpected this early in the season. In other terms, “revenge spending” is likely declining. What precautions can those who have benefited from this ‘peak’ take to avoid a ‘bust’ that is too severe? Experts in the travel technology industry from around the globe offer advice on how to best adapt. Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips, the leading multi-product B2B travel platform, notes that “while the boom may be waning, agents and other types of B2B sellers still have a bright future: people’s desire to travel remains, but their requirements and budgets are changing. The right technology and tools can assist B2B and B2B2C sellers in showcasing a broad range of travel options that appeal to all travel budgets. Now is the time to leverage tech-enabled platforms to identify best deals and secure sales with fintech options such as flexibility or BNPL (buy-now, pay-later) services, and get ahead in what is likely to be a return to a highly competitive environment. Alex Gisbert, CEO of Fastpayhotels, a B2B platform for travel sellers and hotels worldwide, concurs and adds, “Everything indicates to an inevitable shift in traveller behaviour, but we already knew that, didn’t we? As interest rates continue to rise and inflation persists, it is evident that disposable income will decline. Continue providing travellers with as many pertinent options as possible, and do so by segmenting and leveraging data to better understand their needs.” Janis Dzenis from the price comparison website WayAway believes that in the post-pandemic era, “loyalty and discounts have become key factors in enticing cash-strapped travellers to book their next trip.” While the popularity of’revenge travel’ has waned, travel suppliers and agencies can continue to attract customers and withstand the changing landscape of the travel industry by maintaining an unwavering commitment to customer loyalty and offering discounts when possible. Alex Barros of BEONx, a hotel revenue manager, argues that concentrating solely on room rates is too myopic. Instead, he suggests encouraging travellers to book travel at a lower price point, and then maximising profit by cross-selling additional services. Barros believes that “by offering personalised suggestions for add-ons or upgrades, travel suppliers can create a win-win situation for both themselves and their customers.” Regarding the possibility of cancellations, rescheduling to later in the year, or changes to cheaper room types, Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships at Cloudbeds, a technology provider for independent hotels, advises: “Although non-refundable room rates may be an enticing solution, don’t rush into it without weighing all the alternatives. Generally, it is best to offer both refundable and non-refundable rates, ideally using technology to determine which is more likely to appeal to a particular traveller based on the booking channel, types of prices or rooms searched for, the source market, or any other information you have on the traveller. Talking about the potential even for cancellations, rescheduling to later in the year or changes to cheaper room types, Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships from Cloudbeds – a provider of technology to independent hotels – feels that: “Whilst non-refundable room rates might be a tempting solution, don’t just jump in there without considering all the options. Often the best thing is to offer both refundable and non-refundable, ideally using technology to consider which is more likely to be appealing for that traveller based on the channel they’re booking via, types of prices or rooms searched for, the source market, or any other details you have on the traveller.” Ticketing changes and cancellations would mean more costs for travel businesses when it comes to the payments side of things, whether that be admin or actual charges for a B2B transfer warns Spencer Hanlon from global real-time payments platform Nium. He also points out that often bank charges have flat minimum fees regardless of payment amounts, “your average sale value might have fallen 30% but your bank charges you the same to settle with the airline or hotel”. Spencer feels that there has never been a better time to invest in efficient payment technology for this reason alone. As a final thought on the matter, one area where it would be tempting for travellers to cut costs could be insurance policies. Whilst this would be short-sighted,Katie Crowe from travel insurer battleface feels that it is the responsibility of insurers “to consider unbundling their benefits so that travellers can pick and choose the coverage most specific for their needs, and drop parts they don’t want, to make policies much more relevant and competitively priced for the needs of the cost-conscious traveller.” Source: traveldailymedia

Reed & Mackay, a company based in Navan, is empowering travellers to make environmentally responsible decisions without sacrificing travel experience or budget. Reed & Mackay’s clients can now view enhanced CO2 data for air, rail, vehicle rental, and hotels on R&M/Book, the proprietary online booking platform of the global TMC. Reed & Mackay announced a partnership with SQUAKE earlier this year to provide its clients with enhanced CO2 data. Carbon calculations within Reed & Mackay’s online booking platform now take into account the number of passengers, aircraft model, booking class, and more. This latest release is the first in a succession of sustainability-focused enhancements scheduled to arrive over the next few months. Reed & Mackay’s Global CEO, Fred Stratford, stated, “As companies seek to balance achieving their ESG goals with the need to stay connected with the international business community through in-person meetings, they are increasingly turning to their travel and events partners to empower their travellers to make informed choices with the most up-to-date CO2 intelligence. In addition, they wish to reconcile sustainability objectives with cost management and traveller productivity. This is what Reed & Mackay enables its clients to do.” The enhancement displays the relative carbon position of a flight relative to other flights on the same day, along with explicit policy indicators, and allows users to sort results by cost, preference, and carbon emissions. Reed & Mackay’s Global Director of Product, Fahim Khan, stated, “This is a new chapter for our in-product sustainability offering, which was designed in collaboration with clients to help them fulfil their ESG goals. By leveraging SQUAKE’s data, we go beyond the current market standard of generic calculations, thereby providing clients with more comprehensive information and ultimately more informed decisions as they work to manage Scope 3 emissions in support of their broader ESG objectives.” Philipp von Lamezan, CEO and co-founder of SQUAKE, commented on the partnership as follows: “Reed & Mackay is a leading name in travel, and with their prestigious client base increasingly seeking next-level support to manage their travel-related emissions, we knew our solution would add a vital new component to Reed & Mackay’s R&M/Book system. We are so pleased to have collaborated with Reed & Mackay on this project, and we look forward to seeing how their clients take advantage of this potent new feature.” Reed & Mackay has joined the United Nations Global Compact, partnered with Neste for sustainable aviation biofuels, and committed to setting near- and long-term company-wide emission reduction targets in accordance with climate science through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) over the past two years. EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most reputable provider of business sustainability ratings, reaffirmed Reed & Mackay’s Gold rating in April 2023, placing the company in the 94th percentile among its industry peers. Source: traveldailymedia

In collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas, The Nautilus, a five-star ultra-luxury private island hideaway in the Maldives, will stage a wellness retreat titled “Energy Harmony Retreat” this winter. This retreat will provide the ultimate restorative wellness experience by combining Ananda’s expert ayurvedic and yogic knowledge with The Nautilus’s timeless hospitality offering. Ananda in the Himalayas is one of the world’s premier luxury wellness sanctuaries, aligning with The Nautilus’ ultra-luxurious bohemian philosophy. The partnership debuted in January 2022 with a series of curated experiences offered at The Nautilus, augmenting its already extensive wellness offerings. This new retreat brings transformative wellness to the Maldives, offering a specially designed, integrated holistic experience for guests seeking to rebalance body, spirit, and mind. The Nautilus, located on the Baa Atoll in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its entirely bespoke experience, tailoring vacations to individual requirements and providing an unscripted and timeless offering. The private island is surrounded by only 26 beach and oceanside houses and residences and a vast array of facilities and leisure amenities. Hanifaru Bay is one of the world’s largest manta feeding locations, boasting white sand beaches, pristine waters, and coral reefs. The Nautilus is the ideal private island resort for relaxing, resetting, and recharging due to its extraordinary, tranquil location and unparalleled five-star ultra-luxury experience. Ananda, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the birthplace of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, combines these ancient practises with therapy and oriental medicine. The healthful gourmet cuisine served at Ananda contributes to the body and mind’s restoration. Chakras, the seven points of whirling energy centres within the human body, are affected by our movements and thoughts. These chakras can achieve balance through daily therapeutic Ayurvedic and Tibetan massages, yogic asanas, ancient meditation techniques, visualisation, and guided breathwork. The four therapy sessions, Reflexology, Kudalini Massage, Indian Head Massage, and Ananda Moksha, will be administered in the glass-floored private treatment pavilions of the overwater Solasta Spa. Geetika Sharma, Director of Wellness Strategy at Ananda in The Himalayas, says, “The Ocean transports you to the centre of your own being. Ananda, situated in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, provides the sense of belonging and rootedness that is so often desired. Wellness specialists from Ananda facilitate healing as an inside-out process by imbuing The Nautilus with the mystique of Himalayan soil. “Beginning the process of self-cleansing from the energy realms of the mind and meridian systems into the physical realities of our bodies. Ananda in the Himalayas and The Nautilus wellbeing experience is a perfect juxtaposition to introduce the ancient wisdom of Yogic asana, Ayurvedic therapies, discovering energetic passages with meditation, sound, and imagination, while nourishing the senses with natural flavours. At the Energy Harmony Retreat, we collectively seek to understand the source and path of all movement within us through the use of silent intentions and nurturing actions. Arun Kala, the executive chef of Ananda, will design a gourmet menu that incorporates anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic principles, where the fundamental food flavours are meticulously combined with macronutrients. The retreat’s menu will feature cleansing dishes, seasonal ingredients, and local produce. Ananda’s cuisine philosophy is tailor-made to support the deep yogic work of balancing the chakras. Source: traveldailymedia

Eurostar Group, the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe, has erected a three-meter structure depicting the Progress Pride flag to greet nearly 50,000 customers from the Continent to London this weekend (29 June – 1 July 2023), during the London Pride celebrations. The 200-flower flag also signifies Eurostar’s collaboration with The National Railway Museum to chronicle and preserve LGBTQ+ history in rail travel. Diversity is ingrained in Eurostar’s DNA. As a global train operator, Eurostar connects countries and cultures, enabling its commuters to cross borders in a single journey. The National Railway Museum has partnered with Eurostar to document intergenerational interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community to honour and educate all those who identify as LGBTQ+ and work in the rail industry. This is part of the museum’s recently funded People, Pride & Progress initiative to preserve LGBTQ+ rail histories for the future. The National Railway Museum’s Archivist, Ashlynn Welburn, explains, “Our recently funded initiative, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will produce up to seventy oral history interviews with individuals from the rail industry, including Eurostar. We intend to document the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, including Eurostar employees, in order to close a knowledge deficit in the rail industry. We are thrilled that so many people will be travelling by rail to London Pride this year, utilising a network that has provided LGBTQ+ individuals with access to a larger community.” Eurostar Group CEO Gwendoline Cazenave states, “Eurostar Group connects consumers to Prides across Europe. Our business reflects the diverse cultures and communities of our cities. We are extremely pleased to support the National Railway Museum’s initiative to preserve the LGBTQ+ history of the rail industry for future generations.” During London Pride weekend, customers can take photographs with the floral Pride flag that will be on the Eurostar platform at St Pancras. Source: traveldailymedia