Starfish Travel Corporation Team

IndiGo, the largest airline in India, has announced a partnership with Sula Vineyards and Fratelli Vineyards to offer specially curated vacation experiences to all of its customers travelling to Nashik and Pune, respectively. With this partnership, IndiGo will offer exclusive 6Experiences that go beyond air travel, thereby enhancing the customer’s journey and giving them another incentive to experience ‘India by IndiGo’. As part of this partnership, IndiGo passengers who visit Sula Vineyards in Nashik will receive complimentary offers. At the Sula Vineyards, guests can expect a breathtaking setting, expansive vineyards, a luxurious stay, and exquisite cuisine. Customers will have the chance to partake in a delightful experience that will make their stay genuinely memorable. IndiGo will extend the partnership benefits to include an exclusive discount on stays at the Fratelli estate in Akluj, Maharashtra, for all Pune-bound passengers. Guests can anticipate vineyard tours in the largest vineyards in India, intimate stays, tailor-made cuisine, and special seasonal offers on rates for visits and stays at the Fratelli estate, guaranteeing a memorable and value-packed experience. Chief Digital and Information Officer of IndiGo, Neetan Chopra, stated, “IndiGo is overjoyed to combine travel with on-the-ground experiences, and we believe our partnership with Sula Vineyards and Fratelli Vineyards exemplifies this commitment. We are committed to connecting people with locations in a manner that transcends the ordinary, thereby enhancing the overall experience and value. By providing our valued customers with exclusive tours and discounts, we hope to create unforgettable memories and enhance their voyage. IndiGo remains committed to providing affordable, hassle-free, and on-time travel experiences throughout the network.” Grégoire Verdin, global brand ambassador for Sula Vineyards, stated, “We are ecstatic that Sula Vineyards and IndiGo have joined forces to usher in a new era of tourism in India. There is no need to travel abroad when we have a stunning vineyard with delectable flavours. We cannot wait to have you explore our vineyard and stay at our exclusive vineyard resort, The source at Sula. Let’s embark on a culinary journey together. Cheers to exploring the enchantment of our vineyard!” The Managing Director of Fratelli Vineyards Pvt. Ltd., Gaurav Sekhri, stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with IndiGo to create a genuinely captivating and immersive experience. Fratelli is proud of the vineyards it has developed and invites visitors to investigate them. They are able to experience exclusive, custom-designed itineraries against a backdrop of charming, endless vineyards. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to providing 6E guests with an unforgettable adventure, coupled with IndiGo’s seamless travel experience.” Passengers who schedule flights directly and exclusively through IndiGo’s website or app will have access to the exclusive offers resulting from this collaboration. Source: travelbizmonitor

At its current fifth session, the National Assembly of Vietnam approved extending tourist e-visas from 30 to 90 days beginning August 15, 2023. Upon receiving an e-visa, a foreigner may enter and depart the country an unlimited number of times within 90 days without having to obtain a new visa. Citizens of nations that Vietnam exempts unilaterally from visa requirements will be granted temporary residence for 45 days (increased from 15 days) and may be considered for visa issuance and temporary residence extension in accordance with regulations. The 15th legislature authorised the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on the Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam, with 95.14 percent in favour. The law becomes effective on August 15, 2023. Le Tan Toi, chairman of the National Assembly Committee for National Defence and Security, stated that online immigration procedures will improve the administration of entry and exit activities and create more favourable conditions for both Vietnamese and foreigners. Currently, the e-visas issued by the Immigration Department via the electronic transaction system to foreign nationals are only valid once. Vietnam issues e-visas to the citizens of 80 nations. Source: travelbizmonitor

VietJet, the premier carrier of the 21st century in Vietnam, has announced direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane, making it the first airline to operate directly between Vietnam and Queensland. The new route will make it simpler for Indians to travel from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi to Australia via Ho Chi Minh City due to the airline’s convenient connecting connections. The airline has expanded its services from Vietnam to the east coast of Australia by offering eight weekly return flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, the number of flights between Sydney and Melbourne will increase beginning in September. The airline will operate two weekly A330 flights to Brisbane, departing Ho Chi Minh City at 10:05 (local time) on Mondays and Fridays and arriving in Brisbane at 21:10 (local time). The return flights will occur on the same days, departing at 23:10 (local time) and landing at 04:50 (local time) in Ho Chi Minh City. Michael Hickey, chief operating officer of Vietjet, stated, “Vietjet’s direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane will facilitate travel between the two cities, nations, and throughout the region. Vietjet’s crew and leaders extend a warm greeting to our passengers for a comfortable and enjoyable flight.” Until 30 June 2023, the airline is also offering a 50% (*) discount on its SkyBoss and SkyBoss Business fares. The offer is valid for travel between 15 August and 20 December 2023. Using the promotional codes SKYBOSSALL50 (SkyBoss) or BUSINESS50 (SkyBoss Business) at www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile apps, passengers can take advantage of this offer. In addition, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the airline offers tickets for as low as INR5,555 (*) on all international routes, including those between Vietnam and Australia. Source: traveldailymedia

Black Swan Holdings LLC has acquired the Lyric brand to complement the real estate strategy of its asset manager, Black Swan Asset Management LLC, which was founded this year and raises capital to acquire Class A multifamily properties across North America. The acquisition comprises domestic and international trademark rights, a complete brand package, operational and performance data, and the domain name lyric.com. The company plans to relaunch Lyric in the summer of 2023. Black Swan and Lyric, two industry-leading hospitality companies of the next generation, have a history of strategic financing, operations, and growth performance. Since 2015, Black Swan has managed twenty distinct properties in nine markets, utilising a distinctive operational model and strategy to maintain the properties’ profitability in a competitive market. Black Swan and Wheelhouse began acquisition negotiations in the summer of 2022 and completed the deal in late 2022. “In a technology-focused category where brand and experience played a secondary role, Lyric stood out without question. As Black Swan gained control of the former Lyric units at LIZ DC, the magnitude and extraordinary level of investment in the brand became evident,” said Zachary Tombley, founder and managing partner of Black Swan Holdings. “This sparked a conversation between Andrew Kitchell, founder and former CEO of Lyric, and myself about the brand’s future trajectory. Controlling a developed, world-class brand became crucial as we transitioned to expanding through real estate acquisition.” Source: traveldailymedia

In a first of its kind, the world’s two leading Travel & Tourism organisations, representing the global public and private sectors, have agreed to collaborate on a number of essential goals. The Memorandum of Understanding signed today by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Tourism Organisation of the United Nations (UNWTO) at the G20 Ministerial meeting (Goa, India) focused on advancing public-private sector cooperation at the global level while promoting job creation, talent development, and global business opportunities. Together, WTTC and UNWTO will promote tourism on global and national agendas while advancing skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and the transition to a more resilient and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector. Using the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the two parties will also promote community empowerment and inclusion, and collaborate on crisis preparedness, management, and recovery. WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson stated, “Through the signing of a historic new MOU, WTTC and UNWTO embark on a new chapter of collaboration, combining our expertise to pave the way for a prosperous future for the Travel & Tourism industry.” Together, we can create a potent synergy that will reshape the global landscape, unlocking countless opportunities and benefiting travellers, businesses, and destinations. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasised, “We are only stronger if we work together to address the interconnected challenges confronting our industry. Strong public-private partnerships are the foundation for transforming tourism and building resilience, and consolidating our partnership with WTTC will accomplish precisely what we require – combining efforts to create a better future through tourism.” The MOU was signed by WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvil, and public and private sector representatives. Source: traveldailymedia

Palm Jebel Ali, which is projected to be twice as large as Palm Jumeirah, is a megaproject that is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Palm Jebel Ali is a series of visionary projects comprising 80 hotels and resorts, green landscaping, and other leisure and retail amenities on an area of 13,4 square kilometres. It is led by the foremost developer in the UAE, Nakheel. The development project will increase Dubai’s littoral by approximately 110 kilometres and provide beachfront housing for 3,500 families. Palm Jebel Ali will provide residents and tourists with a luxurious lifestyle and world-class amenities, thereby bolstering Dubai’s tourism industry. In addition, the initiative will support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goal of consolidating Dubai’s position as the world’s leading city for business and tourism. The ambitious plan seeks to make the area a desirable place for the elite to live and explore. This project also signifies the commencement of a new growth corridor in Jebel Ali. Sheikh Mohammed stated, upon unveiling the master plan, that we have lofty aspirations for the future and are confident that our magnificent vision for development can become a reality. Palm Jebel Ali will enhance our urban infrastructure and solidify the city’s emergence as a global metropolis, he added. In addition, the initiative aligns with the Emirate’s strategic development plan, which prioritises life quality and happiness. With the announcement of the Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai has entered a new innovation-driven phase of development. This ambitious undertaking exemplifies Dubai’s reputation as a thriving global centre for business and tourism. Sheikh Mohammed indicated that Dubai would continue to work towards a brighter future for our people and the entire world. Palm Jebel Ali will contribute to Dubai’s sustainable development by providing limitless growth opportunities for a variety of industries, including tourism and real estate. The project will encompass an area (13.4 sq km) that is twice the size of Palm Jumeirah and will feature verdant green spaces and unique waterfront experiences that will attract families and tourists from every corner of the globe. According to Wam, the project will add approximately 110 kilometres of coastline to Dubai and provide approximately 3,500 families with unrivalled luxury beachfront living. According to reports, it will also feature more than 80 hotels and resorts and an extensive selection of sports and leisure facilities, contributing to Dubai’s tourism industry. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Mohammed Ali Shaibani, director general of the Ruler Court of Dubai, Managing Director of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, and Chairman of Nakheel. Source: theprint

The new 45 Times Square Hotel is located in the centre of Manhattan, just a few metres from Times Square. It will be owned by Ferrado Hotels, which is part of the Rosp Corunna group and family office of Sandra Ortega, and managed by Palladium Hotel Group beginning in June 2023. The hotel group has chosen the ephemeral brand 45 Times Square Hotel to administer the property until its transformation into Only YOU Hotels, a premium-lifestyle brand with which it positions itself in urban destinations. There are 139 accommodations in this hotel, which is highly representative of New York aesthetics and life. It offers guests the opportunity to make the metropolis of skyscrapers their own due to its prime location. The 45 Times Square Hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the metropolis. Under the slogan “Enjoying every New York minute,” they will amaze even the most inquisitive and restless travellers. “This new inauguration is a significant achievement for Palladium Hotel Group, as it is the first hotel we will operate in the United States. New York is also one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and we believe that Only YOU Hotels will complement the city’s innovative and urban style,” said Jess Sobrino, chief executive officer of Palladium Hotel Group. Juan Serra, General Director of Only YOU Hotels, stated, “For Only YOU Hotels, it is essential to have a presence in one of the world’s most influential entertainment, fashion, and culture capitals. “At Palladium Hotel Group, we are working to transform the property in accordance with the brand’s trend, so that it blends in with the city and welcomes guests who come to enjoy all of its experiences.” During this transitional period, the company hopes to transform “45” into a symbol for urban explorers – those who visit museums and dine at the most sought-after restaurants recommended by locals. 45 becomes The Seeker’s Number as a result of the travellers who choose to remain there in order to recharge their energy so they can continue to explore the city. Given that New York is a metropolis that never sleeps, 45 Times Square is the place to rest and continue fantasising about an unforgettable experience in New York. Source: travelbizmonitor

The Nay Palad Hideaway has reopened after months of preparation following its near-total destruction by Typhoon Odette in 2022. The resort was conceived by founder Bobby Dekeyser (former goalkeeper for Bayern Munich, founder of global furniture company DEDON… and now raising alpacas in Ibiza!) and his daughter Carolin, who is based in London. It is a model of sustainable luxury, with unique and exciting features at every turn. Nay Palad, situated on the southeastern point of the Philippine island of Siargao between a white sand beach on the Pacific Ocean and an ancient mangrove forest, has undergone a complete redesign and reconstruction since more than 85 percent of the island was destroyed in 2022. Enlisting the talents of renowned, award-winning designer and friend Daniel Pouzet – renowned for his incredible art installation structures – the team has created a socially-conscious home away from home, with a staff of nearly 100 percent Filipinos; ensuring that local traditions and timeless beauty combine with the highest contemporary standards of comfort, environmental and social responsibility. Adopting the philosophy that “small is beautiful,” the new resort will feature 10 intimate villas ranging from one to three bedrooms, including the breathtaking Perlah Villa, which has its own private beach, pool, and treehouse, as well as a number of architecturally-distinctive spaces that promote wellness and the advantages of embracing a barefoot state of mind. In accordance with this philosophy, Nay Palad offers all-inclusive rates; an approach that enables each guest’s experience to be unique, with their time on the island being carefully curated and highly personalised throughout, encouraging guests to tune into their own rhythm, eat when and where they please, and fully immerse themselves in island living. At the heart of the resort is an unwavering commitment to supporting the local community through a variety of on- and off-island programmes and initiatives. The daily menu is centred on freshly caught and grown ingredients, and all room amenities and products are derived from natural sources. Source: traveldailymedia

United Airlines’ MileagePlus is regarded as the best global loyalty programme overall. According to a recent study, the number of airline passengers in 2022 increased by approximately 47 percent compared to the previous year. This is excellent news for airlines, whose profits declined during global lockdowns and pandemic regulations. Many are upping the ante on their loyalty programmes in order to attract a broader spectrum of customers, including those who are not frequent travellers, and to provide the winning, timely experiences that consumers now expect. Good Travel Management, a global leader in business travel management, has ranked the world’s airlines according to the quality of their customer loyalty programmes. To achieve this, it standardised the latest available data for each loyalty scheme in categories such as ‘average monthly Google searches,’ ‘points expiration,’ ‘lounge reviews,’ and’minimum leg room’ to rank the world’s largest airline loyalty programmes out of ten. With an aggregate score of 7.85/10, MileagePlus with United Airlines ranks first among the 59 loyalty programmes analysed. Despite recent price increases on all tickets to Europe, MileagePlus offers the most lucrative methods to earn and redeem miles among all airlines studied. It is renowned for its lucrative travel credit card offers and has more than 100 million members. MileagePlus has the maximum positive score for points expiration (10) with no expiration date for points. It also obtains a near-perfect score (9.75) for the 342 destinations to which it flies. It also has one of the highest scores for legroom, with a generous 75 inches for passengers to extend their legs on long-haul flights (9.22). Second place goes to Aeroplan with Air Canada (6.53 points). The most recent partnership enables members to earn points by attaching their Uber/Uber Eats account in Canada to their account with the loyalty programme. Aeroplan’s loyalty programme had its greatest performance in its history at the 32nd annual Freddie Awards, where it was named Airline Programme of the Year and won awards for greatest Promotion and Best Redemption Ability. With over 368,000 monthly searches, it has one of the highest global average monthly Google search volume scores (8.18) of all the airlines studied by Good Travel Management. Additionally, it has positive lounge review scores (7) and offers the same substantial leg room as MileagePlus. However, it falls short of the top position due to a short points expiration period of only 18 months (0.25) and a smaller selection of destinations (222 in total). Source: traveldailymedia