Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, according to leading multi-product travel platform Digitrips, are changing the game for travel e-commerce, with such transactions accounting for up to 75% of revenues for the company’s B2B2C clients. The majority of the 65 white-label storefronts operated by Digitrips for e-commerce companies in Europe offer BNPL, a short-term financing option that enables customers to make purchases and pay for them over time with little or no interest. Depending on the customer typology of the website, the financial service currently accounts for anywhere between 35% and 75% of sales for their B2B2C clients.”It’s obvious that Buy Now Pay Later purchases play a critical role in empowering our white labels partners sites to make travel more accessible,” stated Emilie Dumont, CEO of DIGITRIPS. In fact, some claim that most of their travellers opt to postpone payment or divide the expense into several installments. According to the data, providing payment flexibility to clients not only helps to meet the travel demand that has been building up but also highlights the necessity for individualised offers that take into account each customer’s preferred method of payment. The FLOA – Kantar European Barometer 2022 emphasises the expanding significance of payment options in Europeans’ purchase patterns. The study’s emphasis on travel indicated that 35% of consumers utilise the financial service to book travel plans, making travel a crucial category for BNPL providers. The percentage of BNPL consumers in France, Digitrips’ largest market, who profit from postponed or staggered travel payments is as high as 44%. Source: traveldailymedia

The sixth of Destinations-E’s new innovations, the revamped CRUISES-E, is now available. CRUISES-E is a hand-picked collection of the best cruise lines from 7 different categories, visiting more than 2000 ports in 200 different countries. from traditional to expedition, river, sailing, and barge charters to super yachts, gulets, and phinisis. “together, the best” These are acknowledged as being the pinnacle of luxurious cruising and lifestyle. They serve as a reflection of the preferences, knowledge of the surroundings, and particular experiences of their owners. These were developed and planned by people who understand and cherish the requirements, plans, and preferences of luxury and wealthy travellers. Destinations-E, a luxury travel and leisure brand, has redesigned this exciting brand extension in response to the high-end desire for cruises of authentic, unique, and assured quality experiences.The Cruise-E lines we have chosen are the best cruise experiences available anywhere in the globe. Companies & Genre SILVERSEA Classic & Expedition Scenic River & Expedition AMAWaterways River Ponant Classic & Expedition & Sailing AQUA Expeditions Expedition & River Paul Gauguin Classic – together with SeaDream Sailing/Yacht Charter – Barges, Phinisis and Gulets “CRUISES-E exclusively offers the best for the oceans, seas, and rivers. With their impeccable credentials and the travel opportunities they have produced, we are thrilled to represent them all. remarked Destinations-E CEO Mark Greedy. “CRUISES-E is a Sales & Marketing affiliation, providing Friends of E introduction, assurance, support, and promotion to the best of the best cruises- And our cruise partners are introduced to our ever-expanding Friends of E global connoisseurs of the finest.” We started out as a group of 87 luxury cruise ships operating on 7 cruise lines and in 7 different genres, visiting more than 2000 ports of call throughout the world, all of which had reservation transaction support from our E-Travel Concierge.The other standalone websites and brands that Destinations-E has recently added under its umbrella, such as PrivateJets-E, Legends-E, E-VILLAS.co, E-Experiences plus GiftCertificates-E, and of course our JOY2ESPREE luxury retail, are outstanding new models with wonderful horizons and relevant partners. Source: traveldailymedia

With the help of Geneva Tourism’s summer campaign, explore Geneva’s unexpected side and enter to win a gratis weekend for two. The most recent marketing initiative encourages tourists to experience the city’s seasonal experiences and learn why Geneva is the ideal vacation spot all year long. For a chance to win a weekend spent discovering the unanticipated surprises of Europe’s top city break destination, participants need just share their favourite activities in and around the city with Geneva Tourism. The Jet d’Eau, excellent watchmaking, variety of international institutions, and the stunning Alps are just a few of Geneva’s well-known icons. However, it’s the city’s many undiscovered gems that draw tourists back repeatedly. Every traveller can find something to do in Geneva during the summer, whether it’s diving in the city, wine tasting, watching an outdoor movie by the lake, or sampling the city’s enormous variety of different cuisines. Witness the city’s transformation into an urban lakeside resort by trading your watches for some water-based pleasure. From the comfort of your paddle board, take in views of the Harbour and Old Town, or push the limits on a wake board in the shade of the Jura mountains. Take a tuk-tuk through Geneva’s vineyards throughout the day to see the city’s diverse and modest wine selection and learn why Geneva is Switzerland’s third-largest wine-producing region. In the evening, stop by Place Bourg-de-Four, Geneva’s oldest square and just a short distance from St. Peter’s Cathedral, for a drink at one of the numerous charming bars that line the streets. Those who don’t want to leave the water can take a surprise break aboard the historic steamer Bateau Genève and have a sundowner on the deck while the River Rhone runs below. Visitors who come for the city can extend their stay by taking a stroll through one of the many parks scattered throughout the city, such as the Parc de l’Ariana, which is home to the Ariana Museum, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture. Combine the city and the outdoors on a day excursion by climbing the Sentier du Rhône, which showcases the Moulin-de-Vert nature reserve’s natural splendour, or cycling the Entre Arve et Lac, a lovely route through the Genevan countryside. The Geneva City Pass from Geneva Tourism is the best way to discover the city’s well-kept secrets. The city is available for exploration for 24, 48, or 72 hours; over 60 attractions are all accessible for free or at a reduced price via free public transportation. Source: traveldailymedia

A strategic partnership to advance the marketing of river cruises in Latin America has been inked by reputable river cruise wholesaler Politours and Europamundo, a top tour operator for vacation circuits in the region. The purpose of this agreement is to improve the tourism ties between Europe and Latin America. By working with a partner who has a sizable local presence, Politours will strengthen its position in Latin America. The JTB Group, one of the biggest tourism organisations in the world, includes Europamundo, which has a significant presence in Latin America and is a market leader in the sale of premium circuits around Europe. The wholesaler’s hallmark product—and a highly sought-after niche by the Latin American market—Politours’ river cruise itineraries will as of today be incorporated by Europamundo into its catalogue as part of this agreement. Alejandro de la Osa, the CEO of Europamundo, commented on this, saying, “It will allow us to expand Europamundo’s traditional offerings with an attractive complementary product, with Politours’ quality guarantee.” The Politours brand enjoys tremendous prestige in Latin America thanks to an offering built on quality, culture, and hospitality, and this partnership reinforces our commitment to that market, according to Carlos Ruiz, General Director of Politours. We anticipate developing alongside Europamundo in the future. The arrangement comes at a critical time for Politours, which must now work to build its brand in Latin America, a key region from which it anticipates deriving 40% of its revenue within the next three years. With the development of a product specifically for these customers, the alliance also considers the possibilities of market extension into the English-speaking markets of Japan and other locations. Source: travelbizmonitor

The subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group that provides ground handling services, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), is now the first ground handler in the world to have achieved IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA), a certification programme designed specifically for ground and cargo service providers. The IEnvA certificate was given to Qatar Aviation Services by the Qatar Airways Group on June 5 in Istanbul, Turkey, at the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting. The successful IEnvA for Airlines programme was expanded with the introduction of the IEnvA for Ground and Cargo Handling Service Organisations certificate in June 2022 at the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting in Doha. QAS joined the expanded IEnvA initiative as part of the pilot phase, making it the first organisation worldwide to do so. A framework for achieving environmental sustainability across all ground operations has been established by IATA in partnership with Qatar Airways Group and international sustainability experts. The certification process covered QAS offices and workshop structures, ground handling operations and equipment, cargo handling operations and equipment, as well as maintenance tasks. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, stated: “We are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of our operations. In 2017, Qatar Airways became the first airline in the Middle East to receive IEnvA accreditation at the highest level. We are devoted to providing the leadership and resources required to realise our vision for environmental sustainability as we expand our global network. As the first ground handler certified worldwide under the new IEnvA programme for Ground and Cargo Handling Service Organisations, we today extend the IEnvA accreditation to QAS. Qatar Aviation Services has accomplished a critical milestone with their IEnvA accreditation, according to IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh. They are one of the program’s early adopters, and it is obvious that they are committed to controlling and minimising the environmental impact of their activities. For other ground handlers and ground service providers to follow, their certification serves as a fantastic example of top-notch environmental management practises. In order to enable Hamad International Airport achieve its elite status as an environmental leader among airports worldwide, Qatar Aviation Services is dedicated to reducing the environmental effect of its operations. It hopes to achieve the highest environmental standards through its participation while putting expansion plans into place. Source: traveldailymedia

In honour of World Oceans Day, Atlantis Dubai marks the second anniversary of the Atlantis Atlas Project, the cornerstone of its broader commitment to promote ethical and ecological travel. The deployment of green initiatives totaling $500,000 USD over the previous 12 months has led to considerable change that will aid in reducing waste and emissions and facilitating a more responsible operation. Atlantis Dubai’s Tim Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, stated: “We are happy to publish the results of the Atlantis Atlas Project’s second year, which represents our continuous dedication to sustainable growth. We have accomplished some amazing things thanks to the hard work of our committed Atlantis colleagues, and we’re building a legacy of environmental stewardship as we work to conduct business in a way that benefits both people and the environment. Effective Operations The Atlantis Atlas Project continues to place a high priority on reducing energy and waste production. Over the last 12 months, there has been a 40% decrease in food waste going to landfill thanks to the adoption of the Winnow AI technology to help reduce food waste throughout buffet operations. 2,020,908 plastic water bottles have been replaced since the start of the on-site water filtration and bottling plant, which provides all rooms and restaurant outlets with safe, clean filtered drinking water in the form of refillable glassware. The destination is on track to eliminate all single-use plastic water bottles by the end of 2023. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, made this pledge in support of Dubai Can in February 2022. Additionally, 2,178 solar panels were put all across Atlantis, The Palm, creating 720,445kWh of renewable electricity in 5 months and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 310 tonnes. Source: traveldailymedia

Sustainability has always been ingrained in the Club Med DNA since its foundation in 1950. Club Med, which invented luxury all-inclusive travel, has a firm conviction that the moments of delight it offers its guests cannot be obtained at the expense of other people or the environment. Club Med will serve as a catalyst in promoting sustainable tourism to lessen environmental effect and boost social impact as part of Green Week in June 2023, which will mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. 2023 GREEN WEEK There will be daily demonstrations of Club Med’s work towards a more sustainable future based on a particular environmental theme during this week-long presentation of the company’s innovative green projects in various Resorts throughout East, South Asia, and the Pacific. Examples of such subjects include, but are not limited to, plastics, biodiversity, solidarity, regional culture, and food waste. In terms of plastics, the exhibition will include Mini Clean-ups by young visitors as part of the kids club activities as well as beach and mountain clean-ups throughout Club Med’s sun and winter locations globally. Activities particular to each resort will be unveiled to promote biodiversity, such as a global snack initiative, a local cooking demonstration class, making bird feeders out of fruit shells, a workshop using coral clay in Bali, a marine biologist conference in Kani, and an upcycling fashion show in Phuket. GLAD TO CARE The programme evolved into Happy to Care in 2019, reflecting Club Med’s long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism, from the establishment of the Club Med Foundation in 1979 and the first Sustainable Development Department in 2005 to the merger of the Sustainable Development Department and Club Med Foundation to form the Sustainable Development and Philanthropy Department in 2014. The programme is built on three main tenets: environmental stewardship to preserve the exceptional natural settings in which its resorts are located; to make a lasting and positive impact in the communities in which Club Med operates; and to offer visitors memorable and sustainable vacation experiences. “The Club Med brand principles have always included sustainability as a fundamental strategic pillar. According to Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med in East, South Asia, and the Pacific markets, “We believe that we have an inherent responsibility to respect the communities and natural environment in which our resorts are located.” As we advance, we hope to “strengthen this vision, deepen sentiments for more socially responsible business decisions, and ignite a collective spark among guests, employees, and partners to embrace Club Med’s commitment to global sustainable tourism.” Source: traveldailymedia

As part of its expansion strategy, FlyBlade India, a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and BLADE Air Mobility, Inc., has begun offering same-day return helicopter services linking Bengaluru to Tirupati Airport. The flights can accommodate 5 passengers at a time and are available “on demand” for INR 3,50,000 + GST. They can be chartered or crowdsourced. The HAL flight from Bangalore airport will depart between 9:15 and 9:30 in the morning, with the return flight departing between 4:00 and 4:15 in the evening. The service intends to improve Tirupati’s connectivity and make travel easier and more efficient for pilgrims, especially the elderly. Bookings on this route can now be made on the BLADE India website or by calling the Flier Relations team at 1800 102 5233. By establishing connections between Bangalore and Coorg and Kabini, BLADE India also reached Karnataka. In addition to linking BIAL to the city centre for INR 4500 per person, it offers by-the-seat helicopter services to Coorg and Kabini starting at INR 20000 per person. Soon after, BLADE India introduced its first intra-city service, the BLADE Airport route, which offered flights from Bengaluru International Airport to significant city landmarks like HAL. To make the trip between North and South Bengaluru easier, BLADE added Hosur to their intra-city network three months after the debut of their Airport route. For an initial fee of INR 4500* per person, flights can be reserved just like any other air ticket. As a part of the company’s expansion strategy, more landing places will be introduced within the city in the upcoming months. Amit Dutta, Managing Director of BLADE India, commented on the opening of the company’s services in Tirupati, saying, “Pilgrimage in India presents itself as a transforming voyage, yet it remains riddled with accessibility issues, especially for the elderly. Tirupati is one of the most cherished travel locations and is a symbol of devotion. In light of this, BLADE India works to enhance connectivity to this holy location with the aim of connecting well-known locations that are not normally accessible or well-connected. We are happy that BLADE India offers an alternative to the traditional Tirupati darshan, which requires two full days of travel. Now, pilgrims can make the same celestial trek and return to the city the same day, weaving a tapestry of ease, speed, and timelessness. Source: traveldailymedia