Starfish Travel Corporation Team

With only days remaining until the implementation of tax-collected-at-source (TCS) on overseas tour packages purchased with credit cards, industry bodies have written to the government to express their concerns, fearing that domestic travel agents will be negatively affected. Numerous industry organisations, including Ficci, Assocham, PHD Chamber of Commerce, and others, have argued that it is equivocal, citing the recent clarification that exempts debt and credit transactions of up to INR 7 lakh. There is concern among domestic agents that they will lose business to foreign competitors who operate via travel platforms. They have argued that institutions, rather than themselves, should be responsible for monitoring compliance. In addition, agents reported that the financial sector is not prepared to implement it on July 1. However, some credit card issuers, such as SBI Card, have begun mailing cardholders under the new system. Following a meeting, they suggested in a letter to revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra that the INR 7-lakh threshold should apply to all modes of travel, including bundles. According to their findings, senior citizens and first-time travellers prefer packages, whereas frequent international travellers make individual reservations. In addition, they want the threshold to include all payment methods, including net banking and UPI, as well as the purchase of foreign currency and the loading of pre-paid forex cards. Source: travelbizmonitor

Society Pass Incorporated, Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, has announced that it will formally introduce its universal loyalty application, Society Pass Loyalty Wallet, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Clifford Pier, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326. In revealing its paradigm-shifting SOPA Loyalty App to +100 invited investors, media, and the general public, SoPa management will highlight the SoPa Loyalty App’s ease of use and value proposition for consumers and merchants to buy, collect, and redeem Society Points. Guests will observe the seamless integration of the SoPa Loyalty App with Nusatrip.com, Indonesia’s oldest online travel agency, and Gorilla.Global, Society Pass’ travel communications company. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, SoPa anticipates connecting all of its subsidiaries within its ecosystem to the SOPA Loyalty App, facilitating an unrivalled shopping experience for its 3,3 million registered consumers and 650,000 registered merchants. Customers and retailers can now obtain Society Pass on: The SoPa loyalty platform generates the following advantages for merchants: permanent customer loyalty, the replacement of cash discounts, and the creation of new revenue sources. The more consumers purchase from merchants, the more rewards they will earn and the more revenue merchants will generate. The Sopa Loyalty platform encourages ongoing consumer engagement with brands, thereby boosting conversions and revenue. Society Pass/Society Points are available to consumers and merchants registered in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. Users can make purchases in-store, in-app, and online. SoPa Loyalty Wallet enables users to pay for products and services by scanning QR Codes and using a credit card, debit card, or Society Points. Source: traveldailymedia

With the assistance of EY Transaction Advisory, Prague Airport, a joint stock company, has initiated the search for a strategic partner for its subsidiary, Czech Airlines Technics (CSAT). The primary objective is to increase the CSAT company’s competitiveness and ensure its appeal to consumers. “The procedure will begin by contacting potential collaborators who are active in the field of aviation repair and maintenance. Following a number of stages of negotiations, the most suitable partner will be chosen. We plan to conclude the process in the first half of next year, in close cooperation with our sole shareholder, said Ji Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, adding: “Fostering the optimal form of partnership, the degree of future synergies with Prague Airport, and the plan for development activities will be essential components of the evaluation of the offers received.” Czech Airlines Technics was founded as a subsidiary of Czech Airlines on 1 August 2010. Since April 2012, the company’s solitary shareholder has been esk Aeroholding, a.s., and since October 2018, due to a national merger by acquisition, its sole shareholder has been Prague Airport, a public limited company. Czech Airlines Technics, the former technical department of the national airline of the Czech Republic, has nearly a century of history and expertise with hangar maintenance of aircraft, particularly with the maintenance of jet aircraft from various manufacturers and aircraft equipment. The company employs over 600 qualified technicians, engineers, and administrative personnel and guarantees the high quality of services and work conducted, with an emphasis on strict adherence to safety standards. Source: traveldailymedia

Decatur Morgan County Tourism is delighted to announce a new and exciting partnership with American Cruise Line, one of the nation’s premier small-ship cruise lines. This partnership will result in American Cruise Line’s opulent riverboats anchoring for the first time in Decatur, Alabama and providing visitors with a remarkable Tennessee River travel experience. The first cruise ship arrived in Decatur on June 6, 2023, marking the beginning of American Cruise Line’s 14 summertime voyages to Decatur. American Cruise Line is renowned for its commitment to delivering unrivalled cruising experiences and providing passengers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore America’s scenic waterways. By adding Decatur as a port of call, American Cruise Line continues to expand its reach and offer passengers an exceptional experience in a captivating Southern setting. Decatur, situated on the shores of the Tennessee River, provides a picturesque backdrop for those looking to explore the riverfront communities of Alabama. Decatur is the perfect location for American Cruise Line to introduce their visitors to the heart of the South due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. “We are delighted to partner with American Cruise Line and welcome their riverboats to Decatur,” said Decatur Morgan County Tourism President and CEO Danielle Gibson. “This partnership creates new opportunities for both our local community and our visitors. It is a chance to exhibit Decatur’s exceptional hospitality, historical landmarks, and captivating landscapes to a wider audience. We are confident that American Cruise Line passengers will fall in love with all that our city has to offer.” The advent of American Cruise Line in Decatur will not only bring economic benefits to the city, but will also contribute to the expansion of regional tourism. Visitors will have the chance to investigate Decatur’s historic downtown district and local boutiques. Decatur offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities, such as guided excursions of local landmarks and visits to renowned museums and art galleries. American Cruise Line and Decatur Morgan County Tourism are excited to greet passengers aboard their riverboats as they embark on unforgettable journeys through the heart of Alabama. This partnership signifies a new era for both organisations and reaffirms their shared commitment to promoting tourism, fostering economic development, and showcasing the United States’ undiscovered treasures. Source: traveldailymedia

CWT announced an industry-leading strategic partnership to offer Spotnana’s Travel-as-a-Service platform of the next generation. This partnership is a significant step in CWT’s strategy to provide innovative solutions to clients seeking to deploy cutting-edge technology, based on the strength of CWT’s people and its global, holistic approach. CWT and Spotnana are developing a new technology-driven global travel solution for customers atop Spotnana’s modern infrastructure, with agents utilising Spotnana’s Travel-as-a-Service platform in its entirety. Spotnana offers a unified platform for agents and travellers, allowing for seamless service delivery, quick problem resolution, and personalised service. Both businesses share a similar vision for the future of corporate travel. This vision begins with combining the finest talent and technology to provide business travellers with consumer-grade experiences on a global scale. In addition, it provides travel managers with robust data and analytic capabilities to promote sustainability initiatives, traveller well-being, safety and security, and overall programme optimisation. “We are thrilled to accelerate our strategic expansion plans through this new partnership with Spotnana.” With the assistance of Spotnana, we’re able to provide consumers with a wider array of options by investing in technology and solutions. Patrick Andersen, President & CEO of CWT, stated that the clients will reap the benefits of CWT’s sophisticated self-service capabilities, as well as its strong people and global offering. “Many corporations are interested in combining Spotnana’s contemporary travel platform with CWT’s global servicing capabilities and comprehensive TMC services. Spotnana’s Founder & CEO, Sarosh Waghmar, stated, “We are creating the travel experience of the future by using our next-generation technology stack to provide a new level of self-service control to corporations and a single global platform that allows everyone in the ecosystem to collaborate.” Source: traveldailymedia

This week, ILTM Asia Pacific celebrated its most successful event since 2019 in Singapore, welcoming 500 luxury travel suppliers from across the globe to meet with 500 accredited regional agents representing their high-net worth clients across 25 countries in the region, including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. There were over 28,000 business-generating appointments, and a genuine sense of optimism permeated the week. ILTM Portfolio Director Alison Gilmore commented on the event’s success, stating, “At each ILTM event, we bring together our community to not only develop connections, but also to celebrate the constantly evolving luxury travel industry. Throughout the week, travel suppliers and consumers forged new relationships inside and outside the official venue of ILTM Asia Pacific in Singapore, Marina Sands. Over fifty influential media from across the region and the globe were also present, and many of these editors, along with the buyers and exhibitors, commented on the event’s energy and vitality. Space Perspective’s Edita Teper remarked, “We have met with incredibly engaged and affluent agents whose clients are seeking transformational experiences, which Space Perspective undoubtedly offers. Following this first ILTM Asia Pacific experience, we are confident that we will confirm a large number of trips to the border of space, in addition to gaining significant brand awareness.” Crystal Cruises’ Tony Archbold stated, “ILTM Asia Pacific is the best occasion to meet the most qualified agents who will introduce Crystal to the regional market. Incredible enthusiasm and interest have been demonstrated. Crystal is of Asian descent, so this forum is ideal for us.” Preferred Hotels’ Rick Stiffler stated, “This is a fantastic market for Preferred. And ILTM is the perfect venue for us to connect with such a large number of exceptional agents from the region. Overall, a tremendous prospect for our brand and hotels.” Standard Hotels’ Ollie Palmer stated, “With upcoming openings in Melbourne and Singapore, we are concentrating on raising awareness throughout Asia, particularly in Australia. In addition to reconnecting with so many excellent agents at ILTM Asia Pacific, we’ve also met nearly 70% new contacts – it’s exciting to be a part of the new business opportunities presented by the event’s continued growth.” Greta Defoe of the Town Hall Hotel in London stated, “This is my first ILTM Asia Pacific, and I’ve already received a number of very positive inquiries and reservations before the first day! It is a pleasure to meet so many proactive and effective agents at ILTM in Singapore.” Henny Fraser of ANI Private Resorts stated, “This has been a remarkable week at our first ILTM Asia Pacific. From the early morning dialogues to the networking events in the evenings, it is evident that the travel agents curated for us here are eager for knowledge and discovery. It is the ideal platform for us to reach so many pertinent new high-end travel curators.” Source: traveldailymedia

Flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, inaugurated service to Olbia today, becoming the first UAE carrier to operate direct flights between Dubai and Olbia. This commences the airline’s seasonal three-times-weekly service to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB), expanding its network in Italy to five destinations, including Catania, Milan-Bergamo, Naples, and Pisa. Officials at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) greeted the inaugural flight with a water cannon salute and a cordial welcome. The Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, Ghaith Al Ghaith, stated, “We are committed to opening underserved destinations, and we are thrilled to offer our consumers more summer travel options with the launch of flights to Olbia, Sardinia. Since 2018, when flydubai began operations to the region, Italy has been a popular destination for UAE and GCC customers, and we look forward to offering more travel options as flydubai enters another record-breaking summer.” “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chief Executive Officer of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, Silvio Pippobello, as well as the tourism board in Sardinia and other key stakeholders for their support. I look forward to enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Italy,” Al Ghaith concluded. ​ Silvio Pippobello, Chief Executive Officer of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, stated: “Thanks to flydubai’s extensive network, today’s inaugurated connection significantly improves the island’s connectivity for the benefit of the region and the local population, while also providing a crucial opportunity for our tourist destination to officially enter the global market. Today, in fact, it is possible to reach Sardinia with a single halt from every corner of the globe. We applaud the airline for believing in our destination, the region of Sardinia for its support, the Sardinian airports that have collaborated to reach this milestone, and all the stakeholders who are working to ensure the success of this flight.” Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, commented on the launch of flights: “With the launch of flights to our fifth destination in Italy, we look forward to providing more convenient and dependable options for passengers travelling between Dubai and Olbia. Our flights will be operated by our Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, where both Business Class and Economy Class passengers will enjoy a comfortable flight experience. ​ ​ In addition to Batumi, Bodrum, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Santorini, Tivat, and Trabzon, Olbia has joined flydubai’s network of seasonal summer destinations. The airline’s 737 MAX aircraft feature exceptionally comfortable Business Class seating. Additionally, passengers can enjoy an enhanced travel experience with menus inspired by international cuisine and hours of immersive in-flight entertainment. Economy Class seats are newly designed to maximise space and comfort, allowing passengers to lean back, unwind, and enjoy the flight. Flight Details From 22 June to 30 September 2023, flights between Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Business Class round-trip fares from DXB to OLB begin at AED 11,725 and Economy Class Lite fares begin at AED 3000. Business Class return fares from OLB to DXB begin at €2,900, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at €550. Source: traveldailymedia

Cisalpina Tours received the prestigious GoGlobal accreditation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), making it one of the very few global travel companies to effectively complete all requirements for approval. The GoGlobal accreditation is intended for travel agencies with a global footprint that wish to participate in IATA’s Agency Programme by operating in multiple countries with a high proportion of owned entities. IATA performs corporate compliance, due diligence clearance, and sanity checks on the company’s consolidated and audited financial statements prior to approving the application for accreditation, making it a highly reputable status highly regarded by global airlines. After approval, IATA conducts quarterly financial assessments at the parent company level, a significant reaffirmation for global airlines of our group’s stability. The GoGlobal Accreditation is a significant milestone in the annals of Cisalpina Tours. Cisalpini Tours’ Global Industry Relations Manager, Cristina Stacchini, believes that IATA’s GoGlobal is one of the most essential steps towards the internationalisation of the company, which is being undertaken in conjunction with its parent company, MSC Group. The airline partners have been entirely supportive of the expansion plan, and the Group’s GoGlobal status will help pave the way for it to become a global player in the travel industry. Cisalpina Tours received the prestigious IATA’s GoGlobal accreditation, making it one of only a handful of global travel companies to effectively complete all requirements for approval. Source: traveldailymedia

Recent Earth Day (22 April) and World Environment Day (5 June) brought with them inescapable tales of disgraceful greenwashing by energy companies, global banks, and automobile manufacturers. As an industry that contributes 8-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions (WTTC, 2022), travel companies have a significant role to play in adopting greener practises; however, they can easily face reputational risks in doing so: accusations of greenwashing or backlash from those opposed to environmental policies can leave many companies thinking it is better not to bother. For those in the travel industry who are truly committed to change, this creates a fear of launching green campaigns publicly, resulting in the exact opposite: “green-hushing,” or not communicating what they are doing. This not only deprives companies of the deserved benefits of acting virtuously, but also diminishes the impact of such actions, as engagement levels are lower due to a lack of awareness. Therefore, what should travel companies do in terms of communication when attempting to act sustainably? Where should their efforts be concentrated? We questioned several experts in the travel technology industry. Christian Sabbagh, Founder & CEO of travel SaaS provider Travelsoft – owners of platforms such as Orchestra, Traffics and Travel Compositor – comments: “In an increasingly environmentally conscious world and a very strong media focus on the travel industry regarding this subject, travel companies are under increasing pressure to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also to communicate and report their efforts in a transparent and meaningful manner. I believe that as an industry, we should view this topic as a positive challenge that we should embrace, act upon, and communicate our successes. By responding affirmatively to this pressure, we can advance more quickly and remain one step ahead.” Looking at how hotels present themselves in their sales and marketing channels, Janet Jaiswal, VP of Marketing at Cloudbeds, a technology provider for independent hotels, believes that “it’s not enough to just make changes behind the scenes; companies must also communicate these efforts to their customers in order to make a difference.” In a world where eco-friendliness is increasingly important to travellers, failing to follow through on sustainability initiatives once the guest is on the property can result in reduced guest satisfaction, cancellations, and fewer bookings over time. In order to benefit the environment and maintain profitability, businesses must adopt a holistic approach to sustainability. Alex Gisbert, CEO of FastPayhotels, a global B2B platform for travel sellers and hotels, notes that while much of the focus is on those who have a large carbon footprint, such as airlines and hotels, all businesses in the travel distribution ecosystem must accept that the days of saying ‘that’s not me’ are over. “The carbon footprint of the travel-focused technology sector – bedbanks, GDS providers, channel administrators, payments services, property management systems, PSS platforms, etc. – may have a negligible direct carbon impact compared to that of the suppliers, but it still exists. Moreover, genuine sustainability is about much more than just carbon footprint. There are steps in the correct direction, but they are not as well communicated or coordinated as they are in the B2C space, and they need to find their voice, neither overemphasising nor underemphasizing their role and impact. Start small is my recommendation.” In light of the challenges faced by tourism boards, Carlos Cendra from travel intelligence provider Mabrian adds, “DMOs have a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to sustainability, while avoiding the risks of greenwashing and backlash from those opposed to environmental policies.” Tourism sustainability must be approached from a variety of perspectives, including environmental, social, economic, and structural dimensions. Managers of DMOs are responsible for implementing a sustainable culture for both the tourism industry and residents. This requires time and effort to establish, but it is the only method to bring about a genuine and lasting change. In contrast, the ‘patchwork’ strategy of uncoordinated sustainability actions is nearly ineffective and can give the impression of greenwashing. Source: traveldailymedia