Starfish Travel Corporation Team

After finishing a number of well-received events, such as Global Sources Hong Kong, which filled all ten halls at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) with over 100,000 buyers, and HOFEX, Asia’s Leading Food and Hospitality Tradeshow, which attracted over 30,000 buyers from all over the world to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Hong Kong is now booking additional events to keep the momentum of the exhibition growing. In addition to four new trade exhibitions for this year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that the city will once again host Vinexpo Asia 2024 and APLF Leather, Materials + & Fashion Access 2024, two additional prestigious international trade fairs. In 2024, APLF and Vinexpo Asia are expected to return to Hong Kong. The most prestigious international wine and spirits exhibition in Asia-Pacific, Vinexpo Asia, and one of the world’s most significant leather and fashion tradeshows, APLF Leather, Materials + & Fashion Access 2024, are scheduled to return to Hong Kong in March and May of 2019, respectively. “The return of the world’s top trade shows highlights Hong Kong’s attractiveness, its welcoming trading policies, and its strong fundamentals; Hong Kong also enjoys promising growth potential with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and comprehensive government support for the industry,” said Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of HKTB. We are overjoyed that producers of both new and classic shows have chosen Hong Kong.We’re thrilled to welcome the APLF events back to Asia’s World City next year, said David Bondi, Senior Vice President of Informa Markets Asia. The excitement is obvious because the city has served as our headquarters for a long time, connecting Chinese suppliers and customers to international markets. Vinexpo Asia, which was first held in Asia 25 years ago, is one of the biggest trade shows for wine and spirits experts worldwide. “Hong Kong is the strategic gateway to the market in mainland China,” according to Rodolphe Lameyse, Chief Executive Officer of Vinexposium Group, “and 2024 will mark Vinexpo Asia’s triumphant return to the city with hundreds of producers presenting the very best wines from all around the world.” Source: traveldailymedia

In honour of World Sea Turtle Day 2023, the Jumeirah Group’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project released 15 Hawksbill and 6 Green Turtles from its Jumeirah Al Naseem beach. Both turtles are endangered species. The release commemorates the day designated to recognise the significance of these wonderful animals and their crucial contribution to the harmony of marine habitat A huge female green turtle with carapace injury from a boat strike and Zippy, a male hawksbill turtle, were two of the turtles that were successfully rehabilitated. Zippy was found in poor condition floating close to the Ras al Khaimah beach in October 2022 and reported via the 800 TURTLE helpline. Zippy was then saved by the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP). Zippy had a severe lung infection, gut impaction from consuming plastic garbage, and was fully coated in barnacles. The DTPR devotes its entire existence to saving endangered turtle species like the hawksbill turtle, which nests annually along this Gulf coast despite being highly endangered. Katerina Giannouka, chief executive officer of Jumeirah Group, served as the event’s host. In her welcome remarks, she made the following observation: “With many of our resorts being coastal, both here in the Middle East as well as in Europe, Indonesia, and the Maldives, we see first-hand the impact that climate change has on precious marine species and these delicate ecosystems.”“Coastal resilience and biodiversity health are critical to Jumeirah as a company and for the global travel and hospitality industry,” Giannouka continued. We have a responsibility to take action right away, spread awareness, work together, and promote advancements towards a sustainable future for all. His Excellency Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, the DTRP Project Ambassador, as well as important partners from the government, academia, and NGOs, attended the release. Representatives from Yas Sea World Research and Rescue, which gave Zippy a CT scan at the beginning of his incredible recovery odyssey, were also there. Source: traveldailymedia

For the fiscal year 2022–2023, IntrCity has reported a startling increase in pre-COVID revenues of 573%, along with an equivalent rise in operating margins. The company’s exceptional financial success underlines its position as a market leader in intercity travel and indicates the rising demand for its services. With a vast network spanning 14 states, IntrCity is well-positioned for ongoing success and expansion in the quickly changing inter-city travel market. With a 1.2 billion passenger-kilometer capacity, IntrCity SmartBus managed to maintain an amazing average occupancy rate of 91%. With repeat customers accounting for 50% of daily sales, the booking ratio emphasises client loyalty. Additionally, one-third of reservations are made directly through IntrCity’s mobile application and website, demonstrating the ease of use and convenience that these platforms offer. These figures highlight IntrCity’s capacity to draw in and keep clients while utilising technology to speed up the reservation process and raise client happiness. Notably, the business, which ended last year with -5% EBITDA, is expected to record its first full year of profitability in FY23–24. This noteworthy accomplishment emphasises IntrCity’s dedication to sustained growth and success and further confirms the company’s financial future. The need for safe, dependable, and economical shared road mobility has been amply underscored, in our opinion. We are really appreciative of the positive feedback from customers and are dedicated to become the go-to option for travellers across India, said Manish Rathi, co-founder of IntrCity. “Bus travel is expected to predominate the inter-city mobility landscape given the government’s large efforts in improving the road network. We see significant room for expansion on both old and new routes. Added he. The business has centred its brand on innovation, dependability, and customer comforts including on-board restrooms, cosy boarding lounges, and skilled bus captains. IntrCity SmartBus takes pride in offering features that are firsts in the industry to further enhance the travelling experience. For instance, the ability for travellers to reschedule their trips now provides flexibility and convenience. Additionally, the company has developed a pre-order food service at pit stops, ensuring speedier service and enabling consumers to select from a consistent menu with prices while also giving them the opportunity to rate and evaluate the pit stops. Source: traveldailymedia

In order to improve connectivity for Vistara customers going around Europe, Lufthansa, one of the top airlines in Europe, has expanded its codeshare cooperation with Vistara, India’s full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. Amsterdam (AMS), Stockholm (ARN), Berlin (BER), Budapest (BUD), Copenhagen (CPH), Rome (FCO), Hamburg (HAM), Helsinki (HEL), Lisbon (LIS), Munich (MUC), Oslo (OSL), and Prague (PRG) are the 12 important cities that will now be part of Vistara’s network. Customers will have easier travel options thanks to the bilateral codeshare agreement between Vistara and Lufthansa, which allows both airlines to market and sell flights on each other’s networks. In 2019, Vistara and Lufthansa unilaterally agreed to a codeshare arrangement that allowed Lufthansa to add its designator code (LH) to Vistara flights to 18 Indian destinations. ‘We are happy to further deepen our partnership with Lufthansa, one of the world’s premier airlines,’ said Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer of Vistara. This is evidence of our ongoing dedication to providing our clients with improved connectivity, first-rate service, and a variety of options. This makes it possible for our customers to easily plan their trips and travel around Europe on the joint Vistara and Lufthansa network. “We take pride in our relationships and in India, our partnership with Vistara embodies our strong commitment to the country,” stated Jeffrey James, Head of Communications APAC & Chief Spokesperson, Lufthansa Group. India, the third-largest aviation market in the world, continues to be a top priority for our Group, and we are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Vistara and provide Indian travellers with additional options, options, and connections between Europe and the subcontinent. Vistara has always concentrated on extending its international reach and providing superior customer service. It is a wise strategic decision for Vistara to expand their codeshare relationship with Lufthansa in order to connect India with popular international destinations. With the signing of this bilateral codeshare agreement, Vistara further solidifies its position as a major player in the Indian aviation market, one that is renowned for its dedication to high-quality service, innovation, and client happiness. Source: traveldailymedia

Tourism Cares, a well-known nonprofit organisation devoted to promoting sustainable tourism, is commemorating 20 years of working with the travel industry to improve social and environmental conditions in local communities all over the world.  The group organised a volunteer clean-up event on New York City’s Ellis Island in 2003, which ultimately laid the groundwork for what Tourism Cares is today—a mission-driven international non-profit devoted to assisting travel and tourism businesses in their pursuit of sustainability by offering tools, training, and programming. Tourism Cares is pleased to announce the launch of its new Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map as part of the organization’s 20-year anniversary celebration. This marks an important step in converting the industry into a group that is dedicated to using travel as a force for good.  The recently relaunched Meaningful Travel Map is a B2B tool that makes it simple for the travel industry and environmentally conscious tourists to find real, community-led experiences, goods, services, lodgings, and tours that can be added to itineraries.  This gives the industry a competitive edge against the rising consumer demand for responsible travel and has a positive impact on the people and places of travel. The site is hosted by Tourism Cares partner Wander, which equips travel locations with cutting-edge mapping technology. Source- travel daily

The fulfilment of a new multi-year distribution agreement, which gives Sabre-connected agencies long-term access to Air Canada’s whole content across NDC channels, was announced by Sabre Corporation. According to the contract, Sabre will be able to provide agencies much better Air Canada content and offers, including the airline’s dynamically priced rates and additional ancillary services. Air Canada, the national carrier of Canada, and Sabre are actively collaborating on the introduction of the airline’s NDC offers into the Sabre travel marketplace. Within the next few months, the two businesses plan to activate Air Canada’s NDC content in Sabre. The Distribution Cost Recovery originally announced by Air Canada will be waived for Sabre-connected travel companies employing this channel once Air Canada’s NDC connection to Sabre is operational. Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital for Air Canada, said, “We’re proud to be taking this next step with Sabre, providing the broadest range of rich Air Canada content, travel options, and services to our customers and agency partners.” “Air Canada recognises and values Sabre’s forward-thinking strategy and the enormous technological investments they’re making, which, when combined, will benefit all parties involved in the travel industry. This new alliance is the outcome of extensive conversations, and it represents an important next step in fulfilling Air Canada’s distribution promise: a seamless transition for agencies and travel purchasers of all sizes. NDC is a pillar of Air Canada’s distribution modernization strategy and focuses on giving customers access to more personalised content and the best rates available across channels. The airline’s plans for fleet modernisation and expansion, which include investments in dozens of brand-new, fuel-efficient Airbus A220 and A321XLR aircraft, will be supported by improved distribution capabilities. As a facilitator of contemporary retailing, NDC is a corporate priority for Sabre. Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer for Sabre Travel Solutions, stated, “We share this vision with Air Canada and support its ambitious retailing and distribution goals, while guaranteeing agencies will benefit from the wealth of choice, efficiency, and transparency of the Sabre Travel Marketplace.  “This agreement demonstrates Sabre’s deep commitment to generating value and serving the diverse interests of the global travel marketplace, including airlines, travel agencies, and the travellers they serve,” said the company. Source- travel daily

Survitec, a provider of global survival technology solutions, has opened a new service centre in the Port of Southampton, completing a significant expansion of its UK servicing expertise. The 10,000 square foot building will provide increased capacity and quicker turnaround times when serving the needs of clients in the cruise, defence, Border Force, and commercial shipping sectors. It has recently been outfitted with tools and facilities for the servicing and repair of liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, and other safety equipment. According to Iain Allan, Southampton-based Operations Manager for Survitec, “Our new Service Centre is strategically located in Southampton to be closer to our customers in the port – it will allow us swift access in and out of the docks to provide an enhanced service to ships.” “We looked for and furnished the ideal venue in Southampton for many months. With space in our new site to grow, we can now service more than 2,000 liferafts annually and cater to customer needs.Survitec has boosted its personnel by 20% to accommodate the needs of the new Service Centre while also cutting servicing turnaround time by up to 50%. A 3,000-liter water tank with a davit launch frame for load testing has been installed for the purpose of testing liferafts and rescue boats. The facility also has a specific room for lifejacket servicing and repair, a particular platform for 151-man liferafts, an inflating compressor, and calibrated tools. According to Ronnie Vettese, Managing Director, UK Marine of Survitec, “the location of this new Service Centre effectively allows us to manage and build upon our offering to support our customers in the region.”In the long run, the new facility will allow us to increase our client offering and offer services for fire, lifeboats, and mooring equipment. This week, the newest Survitec Service Centre opened in Southampton to coincide with Seawork, the biggest commercial maritime and workboat expo in Europe. With the addition of the new Service Centre to its existing global network of more than 400 service centres serving 2,000 ports worldwide, Survitec is further cemented in its position as a global leader in the supply, inspection, testing, servicing, and repair of safety and survival equipment. Source- travel daily

The official airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways, will start operating a new daily Airbus A320 service between Kochi (COK) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) starting on October 29. With the addition of the second daily flight on October 29, there will be 20 weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Kochi, providing both leisure and business travellers with more flexibility and improved connection to one of South India’s most dynamic cities. “Etihad is thrilled to offer an additional service to Kochi in response to strong travel demand, bringing our operation up to nearly three flights per day,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer. This demonstrates the value of the Indian market for Etihad Airways and the emphasis we are placing on expanding our network to give our guests additional convenience and options, De continued. The flights will increase connection between India and the US via Abu Dhabi in addition to enhancing access to the UAE, where visitors may take use of a US Pre-clearance facility for a smooth entry into the US. The facility, which is the only one of its kind in the Middle East, enables travellers to the US to complete all immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi before boarding their flight, bypassing immigration and lines at the destination. In addition to increasing service to Kochi, Etihad Airways will increase service to seven other Indian cities throughout the winter, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Bookings for the new Kochi flights are now open on etihad.com and the Etihad Airways app. Source- Travel biz