Starfish Travel Corporation Team

After years of reduced activity, international air travel has restarted, and people are eager to take to the skies once more. In 2024, there will be more than 4 billion travellers worldwide, reaching pre-COVID-19 levels. In Asia Pacific (APAC), travel is anticipated to quickly recover, with travel search volume rising by 50% year over year in Q4 2022. However, airports and airlines are now finding it difficult to keep up with the recovery after cutting employees owing to the protracted slowdown in travel demand. Since the summer of 2022, we have witnessed airports and airlines in Europe struggle to meet the rising demand, which has resulted in dissatisfied passengers and an increase in flight delays and cancellations. Flight cancellations and delays annoy travellers In Australia, during the fiscal year that ended in June 2022, the average on-time arrival rate for airlines was just 77%, while the average departure rate was 76%, and the annual cancellation rate was 8.3%. There is little doubt that flight cancellations and delays will increase the volume of insurance claims, which unintentionally causes longer wait times and low Net Promoter Scores (NPS), which have historically plagued the airline business. The average NPS for the aviation industry in 2020 was -1, which is 13 points lower than the average for all industries. The travel sector is still anticipated to be on track to recover to profitability in 2023 despite decreasing consumer satisfaction, as they continue to cut losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on their business in 2022. Travel companies may increase traveller confidence by providing embedded security Airlines are bearing the burden of irate and frustrated travellers as stories of flight delays, cancellations, and misplaced luggage scream for media attention. There are choices easily available, nevertheless, to assist passengers in controlling their travel hazards. Although trip protection is nothing new, more passengers are now looking for protection from their preferred travel companies to defend their interests. In the Embedded Insurance Travel Report, which Momentive.ai and Cover Genius commissioned, it is revealed that 45% of travellers worldwide prefer to purchase insurance directly from their travel agency, airline, or travel provider. The ability to offer clients “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) protection should encourage travel companies to act as intermediate agents and close any protection gaps that passengers may experience. Travellers can book their flights through CFAR with the assurance that they will get a full refund if they need to cancel for any reason, including illness, a disruption in public transport, or bad weather. Travel companies can use embedded protection to provide their customers with customised solutions that can address these issues in advance of better resourcing and operations anticipated for the rise in demand. Giving customers the proper protection at the moment of booking may help businesses create additional auxiliary income. The addition of a straightforward baggage protection or flight delay option for clients can ensure that travellers are immediately compensated should there be any baggage delay or disasters as airlines struggle with lost and delayed bags. You eliminate the cumbersome second step of looking for and buying third-party travel insurance after purchasing airfare by providing your consumers with incorporated protection during the booking process. Source: traveldailymedia

According to recent statistics from Trainline Partner Solutions (TPS), UK businesses who do not support and encourage low-carbon business travel run the risk of losing out on top applicants. Over half (53%) of respondents in a survey of UK business travellers said they would choose a company that promoted low-carbon travel over a rival that did not, underscoring the significance of taking sustainability into account when formulating business travel policy. The ability of their current employer to hire and keep employees in a tight labour market is another concern shared by nearly half (44%) of respondents. This reflects the fact that 91% of travellers now prioritise sustainability when making travel plans; for nearly three-quarters (72%), this interest has increased compared to pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, slightly more than half (51%) of respondents stated that their firm now either has a formal strategy to support lower-carbon forms of transportation or that assistance is minimal to nonexistent. Up to 62% of respondents admitted to travelling for work on short flights or in cars when rail or other lower-carbon options would have been preferable. The expectation of a negative response from management, either due to cost (26%) or longer travel time (24%), is the most frequent barrier that respondents cite as keeping them from pursuing lower carbon transport choices. Over half (52%) think that companies should, whenever possible, promote lower-carbon travel as a solution to the problem. Many respondents (45%) agreed that businesses should provide employees more time to travel sustainably.According to the data, there is an expanding group of “rail warriors” that prioritise low-carbon travel for business purposes. Seven out of ten respondents (70%) said they would choose to travel by rail even if it took a lot longer than by plane, indicating that this is more important to them than the length of the voyage. In the end, more than half of those surveyed who travel for work (53%) think that the company would benefit from better support for more environmentally friendly business travel. There are currently organisations all around the UK that are setting an example by prioritising support for low-carbon travel solutions. Our organization’s dedication to sustainability is the primary reason that many of our employees are with us, so we travel for business with a purpose and conscience, according to Russ Avery, CEO and co-founder of Avery & Brown, a sustainable marketing agency. We don’t fly within the country, and while travelling abroad, we carefully consider the environmental impact. In November 2022, my co-founder and I led the charge for this commitment when we chose to take a round-trip train from London to Berlin rather than fly, cutting our carbon footprints by 75%. We make an effort to always push ourselves and our staff to rethink how we typically conduct business journeys. International marketing firm Agenda’s co-director Becky Slack stated: “We believe in taking steps to decrease our environmental footprint whenever possible. Since I travel regularly, especially between Belgium and the UK, it’s crucial that I serve as an example and demonstrate that it’s acceptable to value sustainability when going on business trips. Since I can work while travelling, which is difficult to do when flying, the train is more cost-effective than the plane, and, in the end, it’s better for the environment. These are just a few of the reasons why I prefer it over other modes of transportation. Source: traveldailymedia

Norse Atlantic Airways, the first long-haul low-cost carrier, is proudly commemorating the first anniversary of its first flight between Oslo and New York. This trip marked the beginning of an incredible year in which the airline connected Europe to the US and made flying easier than ever. Norse Atlantic Airways has expanded operations since its first commercial flight a year ago, now serving 12 destinations in Europe and the US and employing over 1000 employees in Norway, the UK, the US, and Europe. The airline has operated around 2630 flights over that time, carrying close to 500,000 passengers. The airline’s cargo operations have increased all year, moving a total of about 14,500 tonnes, including 4000 tonnes of fish, between Europe and the US. “We are excited to celebrate connecting Oslo and New York for the first time. This accomplishment illustrates the growing demand for low-cost, high-quality transatlantic travel as well as the effort and commitment of our entire team. Bjorn Tore Larsen, the CEO and founder of Norse Atlantic Airways, said, “We are grateful for the confidence our passengers have placed in us and are looking forward to a busy year ahead. Norse Atlantic Airways is pleased to offer a global sale in all markets to commemorate this important anniversary. Customers can benefit from amazing reductions while enjoying the world-class luxury and service that Norse Atlantic Airways has grown to be recognised for. Booking is now open on www.flynorse.com for special rates from London to the US that include all taxes and fees. Source: traveldailymedia

Consumers, notably those from the Middle East and Africa (MENA), are taking advantage of a more conventional travel environment in 2023, prioritising leisure travel and opening up new routes throughout the globe, according to new findings from the Mastercard Economics Institute. The Travel Industry Trends 2023 research provides important information about the state of travel around the world, which is characterised by altering economic conditions, enduring consumer needs, and a reopening of mainland China. The picture for 2023 is shaped by post-pandemic preferences for experiences over things1 and a steady demand for leisure travel in the face of economic difficulties. Business travel, which had initially lagged behind pleasure travel, began to gain ground in the second half of 2022, particularly in societies where returning to work was valued highly. Although cross-market turmoil is being caused by an uncertain economy, mainland China’s reopening is anticipated to boost global GDP. Major conclusions include: The corridors are created by travellers. In 2023, a brand-new dynamic developed as tourists began visiting nearby locations. This year, Saudi Arabia and Egypt both cracked the top 10, taking seventh and eighth, respectively. The United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, and France continue to be the top international travel destinations for people departing the Middle East. Travel for both work and pleasure is accelerating at the same rate.With a 42% year-over-year shift from 2022 to 2023, both international leisure and business travel are now expanding at the same rate. In areas with a strong return to office culture, business flight bookings overtook leisure in the second half of 2022 and the early months of 2023. Bookings for leisure travel increased 49.5% in the UAE from January to March 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Experiences continue to be prioritised by tourists.There is still a preference for experiences over objects, and tourists from all over the world are showing an increased interest in the unusual. Travellers are choosing less well-known locations in quest of cultural immersion, possibly inspired by social media and entertainment. Compared to 2019, global expenditure on experiences has increased by 65% while spending on things has increased by 12%. Spending on experiences is increasing in several MENA nations, such Morocco, where it increased by an astounding 117.5% year over year by March 2023. The business travel and entertainment recovery is expanding.When comparing March 2023 to March 2022 in the MENA region, small enterprises’ spending on travel and entertainment (T&E) increased by 49%. Spending on T&E by small enterprises increased by 56% from January to March 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, continuing the rising trend.In MENA, spending is increasing 78% from March 2019 to March 2023. Large enterprises also saw growth, but at slower rates for the same periods (14%, 40%, and 37%, respectively). Source: traveldailymedia

Digital payment cards will be made available throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman thanks to a partnership between Mastercard and Bankiom, a lifestyle banking app located in the UAE. This collaboration represents a key step in Mastercard’s ongoing efforts to advance digitalization in the region’s payments sector. Building effective synergies with multi-market, adaptable fintech partners like Bankiom is essential as we transition to a more digital world. With 98% of the population online, the GCC alone has one of the highest internet penetration rates worldwide. Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard, said: “Our relationship will let us utilise our innovative payment solutions to advance digital and financial inclusion across the region. “Bankiom is creating a digital bank called PuraVida for those times in life when you want to experience life to the fullest. Consider it a membership to the “good life.” Partnering with Mastercard, particularly with their Priceless brand, was a no-brainer for us because our purpose is to share happiness through financial services. According to Danny Abla, founder of Bankiom, “We both share the same purpose and the same ambition to offer outstanding, unforgettable life experiences for our consumers. Launched in March 2022, Bankiom already has over 30,000 verified customers and is expected to reach 1 million users in three years. Its growth rate is 20% each week. Through PuraVida and in partnership with Mastercard, Bankiom is empowering a young, tech-savvy generation to enjoy life to the fullest by addressing their changing demands. Source: traveldailymedia

A Torii shrine gate, a Tokyo skyscraper, and cherry blossoms in full bloom are among the sights that most visitors to Japan must see. Traditional streetscapes rank high on this list as well, and one of the best examples may be seen in Ouchijuku, a time-traveling town two hours from Tokyo that is quickly establishing a reputation as a top tourist attraction. Located in the Aizu region, Ouchijuku flourished as a post town along an important trade route in the 17th century and continued to be a busy destination for tourists throughout the Edo era. In 1981, the town was declared an Important Historical Preservation District and restoration efforts started after a period of deterioration. The results are striking: the main street is lined with immaculate thatched Edo-style buildings and is devoid of the wires, pylons, neon, and noise that characterise contemporary towns. Here, history is very much alive. A tutorial in sustainability and community may be found in Ouchijuku. Three fundamental principles—no leasing, no selling, and no destroying—have been outlined in the town charter by the residents. The goal is to protect Ouchijuku so that locals can continue to live there as well as a tourist destination. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN serve as a guide for their actions, which include making sure new generations are taught traditional thatching techniques. Must-Sees While the main street alone can transport you back in time, there is much more to do. Get a panoramic view of the main street by climbing to the viewing platform atop Yudonosan hill. Visit the renovated Ouchijuku Honjin Machinami Tenjikan (Ouchijuku Main Inn Museum), which was formerly the city’s most opulent lodging option, to learn about the history of the place from a remarkable collection of tools and artefacts. Try your hand at making your own buckwheat noodles at the Soba Dojo in the Ouchijuku Food Hall. Exit the town core to find a wealth of natural beauty, including the Higurashi Falls, a forest park with a 1,000-year-old Zelkova tree, and the Kannonnuma Forest. Source: traveldailymedia

The inaugural flight of Qatar Airways has arrived in Trabzon, Turkey. Three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the nonstop service is run by Airbus A320 aircraft. The new route increases Qatar Airways’ presence in Turkey and boosts its more than 160-destination worldwide network. His Excellency Dr. Mustafa Goksu, the Ambassador of The Republic of Türkiye in Qatar, was present on board QR319 to commemorate the flight. Passengers were welcomed with exquisite Turkish pastries, enjoyed a custom meal, and received one-of-a-kind gifts that celebrate Turkish culture during festive events in the Premium and Economy Cabins. The water cannon salute greeted the aeroplane as it touched down, and Mr. Smail Ustaolu, the governor of Trabzon, attended a brief airport ceremony. Passengers received Turkish baklava and red flowers in addition to watching a traditional folk dance performance. Trabzon is the sixth Turkish destination served by Qatar Airways. Other Turkish destinations are Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Istanbul, and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. Trabzon, a city in the northeast of Turkey, is renowned for its illustrious past, diverse cultural offers, and stunning Black Sea coastline. The beautiful Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum, Sumela Monastery, and Uzungol Lake are just a few of the city’s many historical and natural beauties. Passengers on Qatar Airways will have the chance to easily and conveniently discover Trabzon’s many offerings thanks to this new route. Every tourist can find something special in Trabzon, from sporting events to mountain hikes and family vacations. “Trabzon is an exciting and significant new route for Qatar Airways, which solidifies our strong commitment to Türkiye and meets the high demand for connectivity between Doha and Trabzon,” said Akbar Al Baker, the group chief executive of Qatar Airways. Reiterating our dedication to the robust connection between Qatar and Turkey, Qatar Airways has increased its network in Türkiye to 58 weekly flights during the busiest summer travel period. We look forward to providing travellers from the Gulf region and beyond with an unmatched travel experience through our residence, the first-rate Hamad International Airport, to bring them to Trabzon. “We are proud of the ongoing demand from the State of Qatar to The Republic of Türkiye, evident in Qatar Airways operations to not only one, but seven different airports,” stated His Excellency Dr. Mustafa Goksu, the Republic of Türkiye’s ambassador to Qatar. “I am happy to participate in the airline’s celebration today, and I know that my nation will provide all travellers arriving in Trabzon with a first-rate and unforgettable experience. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being a part of this special occasion.” Throughout the summer of 2023, Qatar Airways will offer service to Trabzon on the route between 16 June and 22 August. Source: traveldailymedia

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour will undoubtedly visit Japan. Sophie Harvard-Williams, the head of business development for London and Hollywood at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, will be attending this year’s Arival Activate event in Bangkok in support of the brand’s expansion into the APAC region. “Our big focus right now is the opening of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter this summer,” Harvard-Williams said of the planned launch in Japan. Fans will have the opportunity to see enchanted sets, view real costumes and interact with mystical creatures from the Harry Potter films during the first studio tour of its type in Asia. “The most crucial aspect of what we do is consistently exceeding client expectations; we want to ensure that when consumers leave, they are truly impressed. Particularly at this time when people are [increasingly] looking for mystical experiences. Harvard-Williams also made the following comment about the future: “After Tokyo, we will make additional decisions about where we go from there. An essential component of what we do is the global market. “The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is seeing a surge of renewed interest in travel and tourism,” said Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival. Travellers are spending more money and placing a higher value on extraordinary, immersive experiences than objects, driven by the experience-hungry Gen Z. A company that is utilising this enormous opportunity to capitalise on Asian consumers’ appetite for cutting-edge in-destination experiences is Warner Bros. Join us in Bangkok in June 2023 to meet Harvard-Williams and her team in person as well as other top tour, activity, and attraction business executives. Source: traveldailymedia

Nine out of ten slots on OAG’s list of the busiest international flight routes for June 2023 are shared by Asia and the Middle East. Notably, the Cairo-Jeddah route has been replaced at the top of the list by the Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Changi route, which now has 417,982 seats. Two routes include Seoul Incheon, albeit both have dropped off the list since May. Incheon to Tokyo dropped from fourth to fifth, while Incheon to Osaka dropped three spots, from third to sixth. The Bangkok-Hong Kong route is now in the top ten, replacing the Incheon to Bangkok route in position ten. The 8th busiest international flight route in June 2023, with 334,560 seats, is New York JFK to London Heathrow, the only route outside of Asia and the Middle East. Source: traveldailymedia