Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Through Amadeus’ Cytric corporate travel and expense booking platform, CWT has begun giving its worldwide clients access to NDC content from Air France-KLM. Travellers looking to search and book NDC-enabled content and continuous pricing offers from Air France-KLM can do so without any difficulty through Cytric by Amadeus as part of CWT’s ongoing commitment to develop scalable, functional solutions for corporate travel programmes to access NDC content through preferred channels. This comes after the start of a pilot programme last year in which CWT travel advisors used the Amadeus Travel Platform to book Air France-KLM NDC flights for a small group of customers. “The ability to offer NDC content through an online booking channel is a major step forward in our ambition to create an omni-channel experience for our customers,” said Erik Magnuson, CWT’s Vice President of Product Management, Travel Content & Connectivity. This was made possible by our tight cooperation and relationship with Amadeus and Air France-KLM, and it builds on the achievements of our ongoing joint efforts. “We’re very happy to see the joint effort of CWT, Air France-KLM, and Amadeus come to fruition, and to bring the airline’s NDC-sourced content to CWT’s corporate travellers through Cytric by Amadeus in an effective and comprehensive manner,” said Ludo Verheggen, Director Air Distribution Growth, Amadeus. It has been a great example of all parties involved working together to share needs and discover solutions in order to advance NDC and speed up contemporary retailing. NDC is becoming more significant in Air France-KLM’s distribution strategy, according to distribution vice president Stephane Ormand. Our teams are collaborating closely with CWT and Amadeus to adapt our NDC technology to business travel requirements after placing a lot of emphasis on adoption in the leisure sector. We’re happy to begin a new online pilot phase after an earlier this year successful offline proof of concept phase. Through specific corporate bundles, CWT’s key corporate customers will now gain access to our exclusive NDC content, which includes continuous pricing, ancillaries, and customisation. Stephen came to an end. In order to create scalable solutions for NDC-sourced content through the major international content aggregators, CWT has been closely collaborating with its airline and technology partners. This most recent pilot programme marks another significant turning point for the sector and signals the coming later this year of other NDC-only services like seat packages and sustainable aviation fuel solutions. Source- travel daily

According to the Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR), more than 2,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from Iran, according to Afghan news outlet Khaama Press. According to the Taliban-run Ministry of migrants and Repatriation (MoRR), at least 534 Afghan migrants entered Afghanistan through Islam Qala in Western Herat province. In addition, it stated that at least 288 of the 2000 returnees had been connected with the International Office for Migration (IOM) in order to obtain the most fundamental assistance.According to Khaama Press, there are many reasons why the number of Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan from Iran has risen in recent months at a never-before-seen rate. According to a report by Khaama Press, the head of the Taliban’s refugee department for Nimruz Mawlavi Abdullah Reyaz had claimed that around 65,000 refugees had returned to Afghanistan via the Pul-e-Abresham crossing point in the previous month. In the meantime, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, which is run by the Taliban, reported that more than 527,000 Afghan refugees had returned to their country in 2022. It went on to say that Afghans either voluntarily fled Iran or were forced to. The UNHCR asserted that the persistent repatriation of Afghan refugees from nearby countries is directly tied to the escalating prices and a lack of employment opportunities in the host countries. Earlier on May 5, according to a report by Afghanistan’s Khaama Press and the Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, as many as 2,106 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan from Iran across the Islam Qala border in western Herat province. The Refugee and Repatriation Ministry stated in a series of tweets that these migrants arrived back in Afghanistan on June 3, according to Khaama Press. Taliban representatives claim that at least 193 returnees were brought to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for basic necessities. Source: theprint

Turkish Airlines, the airline that travels to most countries worldwide, and ITA Airways, the national flag carrier of Italy, jointly announce the start of a codeshare cooperation that will go into effect in July 2023. Customers of both airlines flying between Italy and Turkey will have more flight options thanks to the inked agreement between the two flag carriers. Through this codeshare agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its marketing flight numbers on ITA Airways’ flights from Rome to Istanbul, and ITA Airways will place its marketing flight numbers on Turkish Airlines’ flights from Rome to 9 Italian destinations, including Brindisi, Bari, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Palermo, Lamezia Terme, Turin, and Trieste. Through the seamless connectivity of a single ticket and the check-in of passengers and luggage at their destination, this cooperation will provide consumers of both airlines improved services. Istanbul and Rome have always been excellent cities for attracting and connecting people, according to Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi. I am convinced that this code-sharing arrangement between Turkish Airlines and ITA Airways will expand the current network with new locations and promote collaboration and travel between two highly prospective nations. Additionally, this alliance will do wonders for the tourism industry, Turkish Airlines’ market reach, and customer benefits. According to Fabio Lazzerini, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, “With the codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways’ commercial strategy of growth makes a step forward, along with the existing partnerships with the world’s leading carriers. This partnership opens up a preferred access route to Istanbul, one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in the world, for all ITA Airways passengers. The 32nd codeshare owned by the Company is represented by this agreement, a great accomplishment in less than two years. Through the airlines’ sales channels and websites at ita-airways.com and turkishairlines.com, customers can purchase the new codeshare flights. Source: traveldailymedia

As of June 5, 2023, just after 7:30 p.m. local time, British Airways’ first aircraft from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) touched down at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The city in Ohio joins the list of 27 American cities that British Airways now serves, solidifying its status as the biggest foreign airline operating in the country. As it taxied to stand, the inaugural flight was given a hearty greeting. By the exit gate, British-themed snacks were provided, while musicians and performers delighted passengers as they left. The central Cincinnati metropolitan region, which spans both sides of the Ohio River, includes parts of southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. With more than 11 million residents living within a 120-mile radius of Cincinnati’s airport, British Airways’ outstanding service is now available in a new part of the United States thanks to this innovative positioning. British Airways Director of Networks and Alliances Neil Chernoff said, “When we look at the Cincinnati region, we see a vibrant part of the U.S. with a great mix of business and leisure travellers who have long requested more international service and global connectivity. This is what made it so attractive to us and why we’re confident this new route will be a success.” “Our incredibly positive and welcoming conversations with the airport team, the business development community, and tourism partners — combined with all the region has to offer visitors from outside the U.S. — were a clear sign that Cincinnati was the right place to expand our flying in America.” Customers living in Cincinnati can now easily travel non-stop to London, the capital of the United Kingdom, and all of its famous sites. There is something for every style of adventurer, from the most well-known attractions like “Big Ben,” Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace to trendy hotspots like Borough Market, Shoreditch, Battersea, and Notting Hill. The service provided to one of the major commercial hubs of the world benefits Cincinnati’s business community as well. Additionally, British Airways provides easy connections from Terminal 5 at London Heathrow to more than 200 locations in 65 nations, including flights with its partner airlines. Unlike any other airline in the area, the introduction of British Airways connects Cincinnati to the rest of the world. “We are delighted that this day has come when CVG has non-stop service to and from London Heathrow,” CVG Airport CEO Candace McGraw said. Between the UK and our region, this flight has enormous growth prospects for business travel, economic development, and tourism. We appreciate the cooperation of our partners in Ohio and Kentucky for this flight, which will help travellers for many years to come. I would like to express my gratitude to British Airways, our new friends, for this chance. Customers of British Airways will find a city and region in the United States that are bursting with things to do when they arrive in Cincinnati, where the airport received more than six million visitors in 2021. There are numerous sports teams, performing arts centres, museums, and parks in the city itself. Covington and Over-the-Rhine, two distinctive neighborhoods, provide a diverse selection of eateries, breweries, cocktail bars, and art galleries. A journey along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, which runs through the state’s middle region and extends south, provides visitors with a truly American experience and a sense of history. During the present summer flying season, service between Cincinnati and London is provided five times per week, and four times per week during the winter flying season. The British Airways fleet will include a number of different aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, for the brand-new non-stop trips. All of the aircraft that fly to Cincinnati have three distinct cabins: Club World (for business), World Traveller Plus (for premium economy), and World Traveller (for economy), each of which offers a unique selection of distinctly British onboard experiences. Source: traveldailymedia

A Memorandum of Understanding titled “Tourism for Development” was signed by the Government of Cape Verde, TUI Group, and TUI Care Foundation to further their collaboration on a range of sustainability-related issues. Their shared objective is to increase the positive impact of tourism on the islands. The agreement identifies the main strategic areas of concentration that the three signatories want to pursue together. The Memorandum was signed by Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the Board of the TUI Care Foundation, Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group, and Minister for Tourism and Transport Carlos Jorge Duarte Santos. On the Sal island, the Government and TUI had a two-day work meeting during which the signing took place. The partners have decided to capitalise on and further enhance Cape Verde’s enormous tourism potential. They will collaborate closely and keep funding the growth of tourism in order to accomplish this. Their shared objective is to create a more diverse and sustainable tourism industry for the archipelago that will benefit the local populations on both an economic and social level. The agreement covers 18 sectors, with a special emphasis on generating local added value, protecting the environment, forming innovative collaborations, and enhancing the Cape Verdean tourism offering. To promote energy independence and decarbonize the industry on the islands, the signatories will be especially ambitious in analysing and increasing the production and use of renewable energies including solar, wind, and hydrogen power. Below is a summary of the 18 topics addressed under the MoU. The main economic engine of Cape Verde in recent years has been tourism. The nation was able to create a successful tourism industry in less than 20 years. For many years, TUI and Cape Verde have been close collaborators. TUI was a vital partner in the growth of Cape Verde’s tourism sector and actively encouraged it. More than 10,000 bedrooms are available to visitors at TUI’s portfolio of eight hotels on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista that feature well-known brands like RIU, Robinson, or TUI BLUE. TUI is also by far the largest airline provider in the nation, operating all year long and providing approximately 2,000 flights annually. Each winter season, TUI cruise ships make port calls at Cape Verde. The TUI Care Foundation also has Cape Verde as a priority destination. Since its founding in 2016, the independent foundation has been working on the archipelago. For young people in particular, a self-determined future depends on education in school and work training. The foundation gives young people new living possibilities with the TUI Academy on Sal. With its activities, it also promotes regional agriculture, which is difficult given the climatic circumstances in the area. The TUI Field to Fork programme supported the local production of fruit and vegetables by using innovative techniques. The organisation has long been involved in the protection of the islands’ threatened turtle populations. The Foundation has big aspirations to expand its portfolio in Cape Verde, with an emphasis on helping small and medium-sized businesses have an impact and safeguarding the region’s history and culture. In the upcoming months, more initiatives will be launched. Source: traveldailymedia

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important as the global hospitality sector develops since it not only matches with customer values but also has a big impact on a hotel’s online reputation and financial success. Leading provider of cutting-edge revenue management systems BEONx is aware of how important sustainability is to the hospitality sector and how it affects hotel profitability. Hotels have long used a solid web reputation as a potent marketing tool to encourage direct bookings and guest reservations. Positive reviews are a reward for hotels that put the needs of their guests first and offer outstanding service. This leads to an upward booking spiral, higher revenue, and increased profitability. As a result, online reputation management technology has been widely embraced by the sector and integrated into the revenue management mindset. The hospitality sector has, however, seen a change in customer attitudes and tastes in recent years. Travellers are increasingly looking for lodging options that support their social and environmental ideals. Sustainability has become a crucial distinction that affects customers’ choices and builds a hotel’s reputation. Sustainability is the new online reputation, as evidenced by the fact that sustainability activities are already changing reputation rankings. Initiatives focused on sustainability not only help hotels’ reputations but also directly boost their bottom lines. Hotels may make long-term savings and contribute to a greener future by lowering operational costs, increasing resource efficiency, and putting into practise strategies like energy conservation, waste reduction, and water management. The bottom line of hotels is directly impacted by the strategic business decision to be made on sustainability. BEONx is at the forefront of this revolutionary movement, offering hotels creative ways to strategically match pricing with environmentally friendly practises. Hotels may maximise revenue potential while keeping a balance between profitability and environmental responsibility by combining BEONx’s revenue management technology with the Bioscore sustainability management system. The BEONx Hotel Quality Index (HQI) provides a thorough examination of a hotel’s general quality, taking into account client segmentation and internet reputation. Given the significance of sustainability, HQI now takes into account the sustainability score supplied by the Bioscore integration. By taking a comprehensive approach, hotels may better understand their market positioning and enable BEONx’s technology to suggest the best pricing strategies in line with what customers are ready to spend. According to Ruben Sánchez, CEO and cofounder of BEONx, “as sustainability becomes more and more influential in the hospitality industry, it is crucial for hotels to adapt and embrace this shift.” “At BEONx, we are committed to assisting hotels in their efforts to be sustainable by offering them cutting-edge revenue management solutions that not only maximize profitability but also promote environmental responsibility.” Hotels may successfully use sustainability as a competitive advantage, enhance their online reputation, and appeal to the expanding market of eco-aware passengers by utilizing BEONx’s cutting-edge revenue management system and the integration with Bioscore. Source: traveldailymedia

Users of QVerse will receive discounts of up to 10% off of Premium and Economy Class airfare to more than 160 international locations. Prior to arriving at the airport, users may now browse their travel plans in an immersive digital world thanks to Qatar Airways’ new QVerse surroundings. The World’s Best Airline invites everyone to experience what it will be like to fly in the future with its MetaHuman cabin crew “Sama” who guides passengers through Qatar Airways’ different First Class check-in desks, Premium Lounges, and Business and Economy Class cabins. Sama is called after the Arabic word for “sky” The new Business Class Suite and Economy Class in the Boeing 787-9, as well as the Qsuite and Economy Class in the Airbus A350-1000, have been included to the online experience. At Hamad International Airport (HIA), travellers can now experience an oasis of luxury in the Al Safwa First Class Lounge and the peace of the Al Mourjan Business Class lounge. “Technological advancements have opened up a new world of opportunities to enhance the digital offerings available to our customers,” said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive of Qatar Airways Group. We have invested in QVerse because we continually try to deliver excellence at every stage, and the online booking process is no exception. Now, travelers can virtually use our aircraft and the award-winning services we offer at Hamad International Airport. While exploring the new surroundings, QVerse users will have the opportunity to take advantage of a discount of up to 10%, which can later be applied to the purchase of Premium or Economy Class tickets with Qatar Airways. Before making their reservations on one of Qatar Airways’ nearly 160 destinations, QVerse users will get the chance to test out the airline’s immersive experience. Passengers will see the airline’s most affordable rates for the following six months when navigating the QVerse. The onboard cabins, including seat features and a taste of the Business and Economy Class dining choices, may also be explored further by users. Now available in more than 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese (traditional), Chinese (simplified), English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai, the ‘World’s Best Airline’ may be explored by international visitors. In April 2022, Qatar Airways introduced its cutting-edge virtual reality experience QVerse to the world of the metaverse. Initially, customers could explore the Business Class – Qsuite, the award-winning Premium Check-in area at HIA, and the Economy Class cabin of the Boeing 777-300 using their personal electronic devices. The first international airline to introduce a MetaHuman cabin crew giving a digital interactive customer trip was The National Carrier of the State of Qatar. Source: traveldailymedia

For businesses wishing to advance their creative concepts, airline distribution supplier Hahn Air is setting up an innovation node. The Research & Development Division, under the direction of Executive VP Mathieu Montmessin, is asking startups and business leaders to propose their concepts, create a proof of concept (POC), or work together to create innovation concepts under the banner of “Innovation at Hahn Air.” The Hahn Air Research & Development Department has been investigating trends, assessing new technologies, and creating new revenue streams for the Hahn Air product line since its foundation in 2019. The team’s knowledge will be made available to businesses working on original concepts and unconventional solutions that may have an influence on the travel sector through innovation at Hahn Air. According to Mathieu Montmessin, innovation is all about teamwork, imagination, and daring. “In order to attract potential partners who are interested in learning, growing their business, and promoting innovation, we are introducing Innovation at Hahn Air. Domain expertise and a wealth of experience from several proof-of-concept initiatives will assist innovation at Hahn Air. Together, we want to have a big impact on our partners and ultimately develop travel-related innovative projects. The Hahn Air Research & Development Department is presently working on the following projects: Blockchain: By joining forces with Chain4Travel as a node validator, Hahn Air is gaining insight into the world of blockchain technology. NFT: By closely collaborating with TravelX, Hahn Air is developing a POC to comprehend the benefits and potential of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as an airline distribution strategy. Artificial Intelligence: Natural language processing (NLP) is being used by Hahn Air’s AI-chatbot on Facebook Messenger to improve communication with travelers and travel brokers. Big Data: Hahn Air is utilizing machine learning models and a range of data sources, such as human mobility, prices, timetables, and events, to aid in its decision-making and forecasting processes. Travel Distribution: To get ready for impending change and disruption in the industry’s distribution environment, Hahn Air is closelycollaborating with deep tech game changer distribution. By gathering and exchanging bitcoins, the team is also investigating the feasibility of loyalty programmes with infinite transferability. Source: traveldailymedia

It is crucial to acknowledge the many demands of travelers and the significance of LGBTQ+ travel safety in the ever-changing world of today. The updated LGBTQ+ module has just been released in honor of Pride Month by International SOS, the top provider of security and medical services in the globe. The LGBTQ+ rights organization Stonewall UK provided guidance in the creation of microlearning. It seeks to give people and organizations the information and resources they need to promote inclusivity and protect the LGBTQ+ community while on business trips. The updated LGBTQ+ section discusses local attitudes, prejudices, and difficulties that may provide dangers to LGBTQ+ visitors. Additionally, it discusses the various immigration and airport security rules, regional prescription drug importation laws and practices, and advice on how to get safe help. The course will also be offered in Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. According to Laurent Fourier, CEO of International SOS’ Health & Security Subscription Services, “violence and discrimination continue to be major problems for the LGBTQ+ population. Depending on the location to which they travel, the hazards experienced by the LGBTQ+ workforce may differ, and they may also be influenced by factors such as the legal situation and degrees of societal tolerance. Organisations must effectively train their employees for predicted health and travel security hazards because the experience of travelling for their LGBTQ+ workforce can be extremely different. “The LGBTQ+ module provides useful information for pre-trip study, including details on regional customs, beliefs, and views towards LGBTQ+ people. This aids businesses in upholding their duty of care to protect their varied, mobile workforce. Top five recommendations for businesses to encourage the security of their LGBTQ+ traveling employees: Encourage pre-trip planning and research by making LGBTQ+ information and pre-departure advice available to all travelers. The local implementation of LGBTQ+ rights, restricting regulations, and the culture of the location should all be included in pertinent material. Provide LGBTQ+-specific advice on risks and mitigation to traveling employees so they may decide what is best for their own safety and the safety of their coworkers. Educate employees about safety procedures. This may involve being attentive to proper clothes, avoiding dangerous situations, and exercising caution when making displays of affection in public or disclosing personal information. Make sure you are familiar with the immigration laws and airport security procedures. Transgender travelers may have trouble entering a nation if their identification documents don’t match how they are currently presenting themselves. In some cases, it may be beneficial to see a medical expert prior to travel to determine whether a letter of support or explanation could simplify entrance. Provide ideas for safe accommodations; the absence of anti-discrimination laws may make it easier to decline accommodations. Give staff members a list of accommodations with a track record of promoting safety and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people. Inform staff members of their rights and the services accessible to them by sharing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and emergency contacts. This makes LGBTQ+ tourists feel supported and enables them to locate appropriate support services. Source: traveldailymedia