Starfish Travel Corporation Team

An internal document reveals that the Indonesian transport ministry and three consultants objected to a consortium sponsored by China’s proposal to launch the nation’s $7.3 billion first high-speed train service in August. The 142 km (88 miles) line from the capital Jakarta to the sizable city of Bandung, which is being built by a consortium of Indonesian and Chinese state firms, is already $1.2 billion over the initial budget and four years behind schedule. This project is a centerpiece of President Joko Widodo and is a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Analysts predicted that a successful opening of the railway line, the most high-profile BRI project in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, as part of Independence Day celebrations would give the country’s ruling party a boost before a general election the following year.Teuku Rezasyah, a Padjadjaran University foreign relations analyst, asserted that further delays would simply serve as justification for the opposition to launch an offensive, undermining China’s ability to plan and carry out significant projects in the area. A 48-page presentation examined by Reuters reveals that the centerpiece project is plagued by new issues months before its intended commercial launch in August. The consortium’s Chinese investors demand a full operational worthiness certificate for the line despite an incomplete station. According to the “Progress Update” report dated May 14, the transport ministry, consultants Mott MacDonald, PwC, and a local law firm Umbra have instead recommended that full-fledged commercial operations might begin in January 2024. “There is a risk that the target of commercial operations in August could be delayed to complete all construction by December 31,” added the report, which was written in the local tongue. The project’s working capital requirements are also being impacted by the financial restructuring at PT Wijaya Karya Tbk (WIKA), an Indonesian state-owned construction company with an indirect minority stake in the consortium. The project has at least $381.75 million in outstanding payments, according to another internal document. Mahendra Vijaya, the corporate secretary for WIKA, claimed that while the company had the resources to do the remaining work, it also required payment from the consortium for previously completed work. According to a second set of documents dated May 18, Indonesia is negotiating with China for a further $560 million loan and is seeking an interest rate of 2.8% for the component of the loan in yuan, which is lower than the China Development Bank (CDB) offer of 3.46%. The two documents contain information that has not before been revealed, including the potential for more delays. Debt negotiations with CDB are taking place, according to Septian Hario Seto, a senior official with the investment coordinating ministry, and they are centered on the interest rate. According to him, the railway intends to start a free trial with passengers in the middle of August, followed by paid journeys in September and the completion of the unfinished station by November. PwC chose not to respond. Requests for comment from the China-backed consortium PT KCIC, Mott MacDonald, Umbra, CDB, and the Chinese embassy in Jakarta were not immediately fulfilled. Source: theprint

According to a travel data company, flight bookings for international business travel this autumn are approaching 2019 levels, which is a sign of recovery. However, climate concerns and economic clouds could dampen demand for business travel. In general, business travel has trailed behind leisure travel in the airlines’ COVID-19 recovery. The U.S. is in a “business recession,” according to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, and a recovery in business travel will take more time. However, according to statistics from travel analytics company ForwardKeys expected to be released on Wednesday, business reservations for the period from September to November are only 10% behind 2019 levels, which is the greatest performance since that year.According to Olivier Ponti, vice president of insights at ForwardKeys, the recovery of all air travel and the lifting of pandemic-related limitations have made it simpler to schedule business trips. The information is based on reservations for significant international airlines compared to the same time period in 2019. While the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) anticipates a complete sector recovery in mid-2026, segments like hotels are already noticing signs of rising demand. Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International, anticipates record future reservations between now and November. When you consider future holdings, the convention crowd is “stronger than it’s ever been,” Hornbuckle said on Tuesday at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are traveling more frequently than major firms, according to both airlines and hotels. Christopher Nassetta, CEO of Hilton Worldwide Holdings, said on Monday at the NYU conference that 85% to 90% of Hilton’s corporate reservations come from SMEs, up from 80% prior to the pandemic. With four out of ten European and a third of American businesses stating that they must cut back on employee travel by more than 20% in order to fulfil 2030 sustainability targets, climate concerns are predicted to have a negative impact on corporate travel gains. According to research being released on June 13, more than a third of businesses surveyed by the GBTA Foundation are either buying or anticipate to buy less-polluting alternative fuel or carbon credits by 2025 to offset employees’ travel. Due to the fact that they only serve to offset rather than to lower actual airline emissions, carbon credits that assist environmental projects have come under fire. However, as long as they benefit worthwhile causes, some environmental groups are okay with their use. Delphine Millot, a sustainability executive at GBTA, said, “I think we cannot discard any of the options.” Source: theprint

TUI uses Rhodes as a key location to create new environmental projects. This is why the Destination Co-Lab Rhodes was established. The Co-Lab Rhodes’ projects and experiences will be applied to other vacation spots, advancing the sector’s transition to sustainability. For TUI, both strategies are important: the large-scale strategic efforts and the more manageable projects that can be started right away, set an example for other destinations, and have a significant impact. For instance, the TUI service personnel on Rhodes will now ride brand-new motorcycles as they move between hotels. The 30 e-bikes and 30 cargo bikes for the 250 tour guides on the island have arrived. The crew will have more eco-friendly transit options thanks to the TUI bikes, which will help cut emissions. For distances greater than a 40-minute walk, the Rhodes team will use e-bikes; for distances greater than that, they will have access to traditional bikes. There will be only 60 cars available instead of more than 100. This number will be further decreased by 2024. The island’s objective of becoming climate neutral by 2030 is one step closer thanks to the e-bike pilot project. “Short vehicle trips are therefore becoming a thing of the past. On the island, coworkers in guest services travel from hotel to hotel on bicycles and e-bikes. They will only continue to utilise automobiles for larger distances. The pilot project should be started and gathered data at Co-Lab Rhodes, according to Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group. In order to collaboratively develop a vacation destination that is sustainable on all levels, the TUI Group, the TUI Care Foundation, the governments of Greece and the South Aegean region banded together in January 2022 and established the Destination Co-Lab Rhodes. The TUI’s commitment to sustainability includes the e-bike trial project. The TUI Sustainability Agenda was unveiled at the start of the year. Aiming to dramatically reduce the company’s ecological impact while enabling the good effects of tourism to materialize, it comprises ambitious aims and objectives. This dedication to greater sustainability includes emission reductions as a key component. TUI generates 99 percent of its emissions in the airline, cruise, and hotel industries. TUI has established challenging reduction goals by 2030, which the independent Science Based Targets organization has tested and approved. However, while in relatively smaller amounts, emissions are also produced directly in the destinations. TUI is attempting to lessen emissions in these areas and will provide more environmentally friendly options for local transportation at the vacation spot as part of its own strategy for sustainable mobility at the location. Every single initiative is important to TUI. Source: traveldailymedia

In order to develop distinctive data-driven and innovative solutions for companies throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Mastercard and ZainTech, the one-stop digital solutions hub of the Zain Group, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The collaboration will aid clients in streamlining their operations, increasing productivity and reducing costs. The regional teams at ZainTech and Zain B2B are revolutionising day-to-day operations by streamlining their digital transformation process and making it easier and more smooth than ever. The business provides cutting-edge data solutions that enable digital and data-driven decision-making to help clients accomplish their corporate objectives and spur growth. The CEO of ZainTech, Andrew Hanna, commented on the partnership with Mastercard by stating that the advantages of advanced data to productivity, safety, and cost-savings are revolutionizing company operations. Our enterprise clients will directly profit from the creation of novel data solutions that will be catalyzed by our cooperation with Mastercard. “Artificial intelligence has become an essential component of building cutting-edge solutions that use data to deliver added value to end-users,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, at Mastercard. We are thrilled to help ZainTech, a prominent regional provider of digital solutions, boost its value proposition. Big data analytics are being used more frequently in the MENA region, which is changing business and industrial operations. The Middle East is anticipated to gain from about 2% of these advantages, or about US$320 billion, by 2030, according to advisory firm PwC. By that time, AI’s potential contribution to the world economy would have reached over US$16 trillion. The MENA region will adopt sophisticated analytics, AI, and machine learning more quickly thanks to ZainTech’s partnership with Mastercard. Source: traveldailymedia

The national airline of Senegal, Air Senegal, offers the ideal blend of first-rate service, a tempting schedule, and top-notch onboard amenities. As a result, Air Senegal has expanded its network to include New York and 11 other African and three European nations. To increase flight income, Air Senegal has chosen Maxamation’s Aviator. Recently, the most modern web-based Aviator system was activated along with thorough training for the revenue management team that was conducted in French. “Air Senegal is a growing airline, and we seek partners who can genuinely contribute to our success story,” says CCO Eric Gueye. Our partnership with Maxamation and their Aviator revenue management system makes us really happy. We switched to the most recent web-based Aviator this month. For our RM team, it’s a brand-new, robust revenue management system with extensive features. The in-person instruction was first-rate, and we loved that the entire programme was delivered in French. The new Aviator RM system and Marko’s extensive training have equipped our staff to increase earnings from every flight. The CEO of Maxamation, Peter Brewer, is delighted to continue working with Air Senegal. We are thrilled to provide a variety of new Aviator features to Air Senegal, each of which may be leveraged to increase income from every flight. Training materials and sessions were conducted in French to ensure that Air Senegal will benefit fully from the new Aviator system. A leading international provider of IT services to the airline sector, Maxamation offers cloud-based revenue management. Aviator gives airlines the tools they need to optimize flight income with a strong, reliable system that is simple to use and has a track record of generating cash. The headquarters of Maxamation are in Sydney, Australia, and it has support facilities and knowledgeable Revenue Management specialists throughout South Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. The business was started in 1997. With the cloud-enabled system now being implemented across all 40 of Maxamation’s current customers, Aviator has continuously improved and now provides the revenue management solution with cutting-edge technology. The Republic of Senegal’s national airline, Air Senegal, is headquartered at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, Senegal (IATA: HC, ICAO: SZN). Air Senegal connects 14 nations with Senegal using a fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft. Source: traveldailymedia

Beginning on June 4th, 2023, Thai Vietjet will offer charter services between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The following timetable will be followed: Every Sunday, Thai Vietjet offers flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Ulaanbaatar (VZ8310) and Ulaanbaatar (VZ8311), both of which depart at 10:30 and arrive at 15:05 (local time) Source: traveldailymedia

In order to experience the romance of the Land of Ice and Fire firsthand, travelers who missed seeing the Northern Lights in the UK earlier this year may be planning a journey to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world this winter. The good news is that from today, Icelandair is providing discounted fares on Icelandair flights for tourists from the UK who want to see the breathtaking natural beauty of Iceland or even the wonders of North America. Up until June 12th, 2023, UK tourists may book return flights on Icelandair from London or Manchester to Reykjavik for as little as £140 roundtrip in economy class or £415 roundtrip in the airline’s Saga Premium cabin. Economy round-trip costs from Glasgow to Reykjavik start at £145, and Saga Premium offers start at just £399 round-trip! As part of these flight specials, Icelandair is also providing affordable rates to a number of locations in North America, including competitive rates from London: Orlando for $399 roundtrip From £399 return to Toronto from £425 return, Seattle From £449 round-trip to Portland These amazing offers are valid for travel between November 1, 2023, and March 19, 2024. Visitors to the website of Icelandair can make reservations. Source: traveldailymedia

For the Indian luxury travel agencies Explore Travels, Travel Arena, Icon Planners, AT Seasons & Vacations, and visit 4 Us, Outletcity Metzingen organized a familiarization visit to Europe’s largest outlet, situated just 30 km south of Stuttgart, two hours’ drive from Munich, Frankfurt, or Zurich. For a group of upscale travel agents attending IMEX 2023, a day trip was planned. The visit gave the travelers better insight into the thriving, cutting-edge store and introduced them to every facet of the magnificent goods. On the sidelines of the fam trip, Angela Rieger, Senior International Partnership Manager, Outletcity AG said, “We are happy to welcome the FAM trip from India to present Outletcity as a shopping paradise. The agents had a great chance to learn about and experience firsthand the possibility of luring shopaholics to Outletcity, a unique jewel that offers an immersive shopping experience. Over 150 high-end and luxury brands, including Burberry, Gucci, MCM, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and the biggest BOSS outlet in the world, are available at Outletcity Metzingen. Additionally, Outletcity offers a range of delectable dishes. The connection between fashion and gastronomy works because of how they interact. Source: traveldailymedia

Theo Panagiotoulias has been chosen to take over as CEO of Star Alliance, the first and largest global airline alliance in the world. Panagiotoulias has more than 25 years of experience working internationally in the aviation and airline sectors. From Hawaiian Airlines, where he served as Senior Vice President for Global Sales and Alliances since 2014, he joins Star Alliance. Prior to joining Sabre Corporation, a supplier of travel technology, Panagiotoulias served as VP and GM (Asia Pacific). He also spent 15 years working for American Airlines, where he held several commercial, operational, and managerial responsibilities. His whole bio is included. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines and Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board, expressed his congratulations to Theo on being chosen as the organization’s next CEO. “Theo has a solid awareness of the difficulties and possibilities facing our sector today because to his expertise in international commercial and airline operations. He is the ideal candidate, in my opinion, to steer Star Alliance into the future. “Star Alliance connects the world,” declared Panagiotoulias. “With its 26 member airlines, more than 200 million passengers fly on more than 16,000 flights every day. The transformation to provide a more seamless passenger experience has also been spearheaded by the Alliance. It is a privilege for me to head the Star Alliance team and collaborate with our 26 member airlines as we continue to innovate as the top airline alliance in the world. Panagiotoulias will succeed Charlotta Wieland, who has been acting as Star Alliance’s interim CEO since January 2023 on a secondment from SAS – Scandinavian Airlines. With the hiring of Panagiotoulias, Ms. Wieland will rejoin SAS and the Star Alliance’s Alliance Management Board as the organization’s representative. The appointment of Panagiotoulias is anticipated to become effective in the upcoming months, subject to the successful fulfillment of various formalities and permissions.I want to congratulate Charlotta for her contribution to Star Alliance as temporary CEO and welcome her back to her place on the Alliance Management Board on behalf of Star Alliance and its member carriers’, said Mr Kirby. In 2022, Skytrax recognised Star Alliance as the World’s Best Airline Alliance. In addition to providing awards and recognition for regular international passengers, it seeks to promote a seamless, high-quality traveler experience among its 26 member carriers. This includes facilitating seamless transfers over a vast global network. Source: traveldailymedia

The attitudes of Britons towards pensions and retirement have been exposed by a recent poll. In order to better understand public opinion on retirement, pensions, and investments, investment comparison website Investing Reviews polled over 2,000 users about their views on these subjects. It’s interesting to note that, despite rising tensions in France over the decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, attitudes in the UK appear to be very similar to those in France. The present retirement age in the UK is 66. According to the study, 68.71% of participants think it should be decreased. This opinion is shared by 71.16% of respondents, who also think that retiring in the UK is more difficult than it has ever been. According to the Investing Reviews study, this appears to be easier said than done. In fact, 62.60% of respondents said they didn’t think their pension was sufficient for a comfortable retirement and that they would need to make extra investments in addition to their pension. This might be because more than half of respondents (55.82%) concur that they are unable to contribute as much to their pensions as they would like to. In terms of employer contributions, considerably over a third (42.66%) of respondents would think about switching careers or working in a completely other industry if it meant higher employer contributions. In a previous study by Investing Reviews that examined official government data from ONS, the sector with the highest percentage of employers contributing 20% or more to employees’ pensions was “public administration and defense” (including mandatory social security). The sector with the lowest percentage of employers contributing 20% or more was “wholesale and retail trade (including motor vehicles and motorcycle repair). The fact that more than a third (34.93%) of respondents said they don’t know exactly how much money is in their pension and that more than a third of respondents think they won’t be able to retire comfortably in the UK is particularly intriguing. When asked if they would choose to retire outside of the UK, 42.66% of respondents said yes, echoing the sentiment that it is difficult to retire comfortably in the UK and that they are frustrated by their inability to make as much of a contribution to their pensions as they’d like. This raises concerns about the rising rate of inflation and the cost of living, which may make it difficult for those who are looking to retire to keep up with. Source: traveldailymedia