Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Air Canada has launched two crucial non-stop routes from its global headquarters in Montreal to Europe with the arrival of two planes there today. Toulouse is Air Canada’s fourth destination in France and the sole year-round service between North America and southwestern France, linking two important hubs for the aerospace industry as well as two vibrant francophone cities. Air Canada also offers seasonal service from Montreal to Copenhagen in addition to its year-round service from Toronto. “We are thrilled to have started our much-anticipated, year-round new flights connecting our global headquarters in Montreal and Toulouse to the French-speaking globe! Additionally to establishing a convenient connection to France and giving travellers from Toulouse connections to a variety of destinations via our Montreal hub, we are also connecting two significant business cities in the global aerospace industry, according to Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning. “We’re excited to launch our second route from Canada to Copenhagen, giving visitors on both sides of the Atlantic additional options to go to and discover one another’s nations. Our clients will be able to quickly connect to the wider Scandinavian market via Copenhagen, a Star Alliance gateway. This commitment to Montreal as a key hub in the expansion of Air Canada’s international network is further demonstrated by these two exciting new routes, said Galardo. “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is pleased to welcome Air Canada’s newest flights, Copenhagen and Toulouse. Service to these two locations will increase Montréal’s travel options and solidify YUL’s position as a significant global air traffic hub, according to ADM CEO Philippe Rainville. These two cities are significant travel destinations. The stunning architectural icons of the Danish capital are located in Copenhagen, a key entry point to the Nordic nations. Including Toulouse, the aerospace hub of the world, will definitely improve business ties. The YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel, a genuine beacon of knowledge and competence for the province of Québec, houses our own aeronautics sector, and this is excellent news for them. Source: traveldailymedia

‘Hit that subscribe button: subscription services in the travel industry’ is the headline of a comprehensive white paper about the travel subscriptions market that WayAway has just released. The report examines the history of subscription services in the travel industry and conducts interviews with experts like Adam Levinter, author of Subscription Boom, and Mauricio Prieto, founder of eDreams, in addition to developing a formal definition of what constitutes a travel subscription service and surveying the market to identify the current players in the US. The relatively little research we’d seen into travel subscriptions seemed to vary wildly in what was and what was not classified as either travel or a subscription. In addition, not much of it was up-to-date or took into account the long evolution of such services from as far back as 2011 when Usingmiles.com introduced the first plan. Therefore, we determined that before starting any investigation, we should define the space at a basic level and map out the universe of present participants. There are much fewer travel subscription services than you might think—only 49 in the US market, which shocked us on two fronts. Additionally, the fact that the majority of these are recent—they date from within the past few years—indicates a boom with a very distinct tendency towards increased expansion. We are adamant that years from now, we will look back and realize that this was a turning moment. WayAway was established in the summer of 2022 to provide passengers with a website that compares flight prices and has the lowest prices on airline tickets. The business also provides a premium membership programme called “WayAway Plus” as part of its services, which pays customers real’ payback on all bookings in the form of money delivered to their bank accounts. Source: traveldailymedia

The return of “Ladies Night” is being announced by CLYMB Abu Dhabi for this Thursday, June 8th, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Every second Thursday of the month, CLYMB Abu Dhabi’s most popular event delights ladies and their friends with an exclusive evening featuring two world records and in complete privacy, where female guests can enjoy an unforgettable sporting experience at the UAE’s ultimate indoor adventure hub. At CLYMB Abu Dhabi, women will have the chance to test their limitations by starting a one-hour climbing experience, giving them the chance to go on a special adventure with their loved ones. The world’s largest indoor skydiving chamber allows women to fly to new heights alongside their girlfriends for an unparalleled experience that is available to both young and old. Source: traveldailymedia

With the first aircraft landing on the Anatolian side of Istanbul on June 1, 2023, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen will be the newest addition to British Airways’ network. A combination of A320 and A321 aircraft will fly the new route four times each week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays between London Heathrow (LHR) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). The number of connections from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport has increased, and in June, the airport will add three more destinations to its large network. These include Mytilene (MJT), Rhodes (RHO), and London Heathrow (LHR). 154 locations in 51 different countries are serviced by Sabiha Gökçen via flights run by 45 different airlines. The City Airport had approximately 14 million passenger movements in the first four months of 2023. British Airways chose an all-female flight crew to honor the airport’s namesake, Sabiha Gökçen, the first female fighter pilot in history. Captain Jessica Telford and First Officer Kerry Bennett flew the maiden flight. “As we continue our investment programme into new products, services, and technology, we’re excited to open up even greater connectivity between two of the world’s leading cities, Istanbul and London,” said British Airways’ Head of Corporate Sales in Europe, Elisabeth Ruff. “British Airways has become the 45th airline to operate to Sabiha Gökçen and our passengers can now take advantage of its vast global route network,” said Berk Albayrak, CEO of Sabiha Gökçen Airport. With 200 destinations served by British Airways across more than 65 countries, the arrival of this route will definitely improve our clients’ travel experiences even more. Prices for round-trip travel on British Airways begin at £368 for Club Europe (business class) and £130 for Euro Traveller (economy). Customers of British Airways have access to one of the largest flight networks in the world, both domestically and abroad. Flights are available at convenient times to and from major airports, and the airline is dedicated to achieving net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050 through its sustainability programme, BA Better World. Source: traveldailymedia

Travel firms are advised by Spencer Hanlon of Nium, a pioneer in real-time worldwide payments, not to allow this year’s high season rise in foreign personnel to turn into a costly nightmare. All types of travel agencies are adding personnel as the peak travel period approaches. In our industry, there are more work-from-anywhere and work-from-home employment regulations than ever before, so many of these new hires will be stationed abroad. Could paying them all turn out to be more of a hassle than most expected? Spencer Hanlon, from the leader in real-time global payments Nium, comments at the Bavel Travel Summit in Barcelona, which is organized by Voxel Group: “Many companies have now begun to feel brave and venture into new markets – or return to old ones they withdrew from – and that means hiring and then paying new overseas staff. But frequently the places where these people are situated may have a distinct payments environment and currency for enterprises to handle, which can boost costs, especially when talking about small individual quantities. For example, the exchange rates for paying someone in Bali, the Philippines, or Turkey may result in an additional 10% wage expense. “Exchange rate risk also causes headaches and takes up time. Yes, had you thought about how the cost of that wage may suddenly be half or twice what you had initially anticipated in your currency when the exchange rate fluctuates? Meanwhile, paying your employees on time is almost as crucial as paying them the appropriate amount. Many individuals schedule their rent and other monthly expenses to be due the day after they are paid. If you make a mistake once, there will be many complaints; if you make a mistake again, resignations will follow. In other words, the payroll for international employees can suddenly become significantly more difficult. This justifies our prediction at Nium that there will be a tonne of pointless payroll bottlenecks. How can travel businesses approach this difficulty if they decide to hire personnel from abroad? Nium advises that if you’re still dependent on conventional bank transfers to make this happen, something is very likely incorrect. Due to the delayed wire transfers made possible by SWIFT as well as the fact that this approach is exceedingly expensive when all related expenses, including unintended ones like unfavorable exchange rates, are taken into account. Additionally, you can never be certain that the recipient will receive the precise amount in their local currency, so if they don’t, you have to make another transfer. Source: traveldailymedia

The first Skal Asia Congress to take place in person since the epidemic began today with a fanfare that welcomed Skalleagues from the more than a dozen nations that make up this vibrant Skl International area to Asia. Emphasizing the association’s lengthy 91-year history’s strong links of friendship and solidarity once more. A little under 18% of all global members are represented by the Asia Area. Juan Steta, the president of Skl World, Denise Scrafton, the vice president, and Mohan, the director of NSN, were there, as well as Peter Morrison, the former president of Skl World, and national presidents and their representatives from five NatComs in the area. Australia, with its 855 members, led by President Ivana Patalano, had the largest contingent. On the first day of the Congress on the Island of the Gods, the Bali Club, led by President Stefan Mueller and IPP Stuart Bolwell, put on a professionally run and well planned opening ceremony. The event took place at the stunning Merusak Hotel Nusa Dua and was directed by skilled Scottish GM Ian Mc.D Campbell. Skl is a reputable group of tourism industry executives that work to advance both international travel and friendship. It is the only organization on a global scale that unites all segments of the travel and tourism sector. The managers and executives that make up this group gather on a local, national, regional, and worldwide level to debate and pursue issues of shared interest. Following an informative trip to Scandinavia, travel managers established the first Club in Paris in 1932. As the concept of mutual understanding and friendship spread, the “Association Internationale des Skl Clubs” was established in 1934 with Florimond Volckaert serving as its inaugural president. Volckaert is regarded as the “Father of Skl.” Currently, there are over 12,100 members of Skal International spread throughout 308 Clubs in 86 different countries. The majority of Skl International’s operations take place at the local level, rising through National Committees, and are overseen by its General Secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain. Source: traveldailymedia

Beginning on June 1, 2023, Qatar Airways will resume a regularly scheduled non-stop service between Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) and Hamad International Airport. The cutting-edge Airbus A350-900 aircraft operated by Qatar Airways will include 247 seats in the economy class and 36 of the acclaimed Qsuite business class seats. The return of daily flights from Haneda Airport will boost the number of flights from the greater Tokyo region from seven to 14 per week, in addition to the already-existing Narita-Doha route. Through its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport, which was recently named the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the ninth consecutive year, travelers from Tokyo will be able to experience seamless connections to more than 160 destinations using the World Best Airlines extensive global network, including well-known locations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, stated: “The Tokyo Haneda-Doha service has been resumed following our substantial network expansion announced at ITB Berlin 2023, which will result in an increase of 655 more weekly flights in 2023 compared to 2022. For Qatar Airways and its customers, Japan continues to be an important market. In addition to Haneda, the carrier will shortly resume flights to Osaka this year. As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, flights to Haneda Airport have resumed, according to Shinji Miyamoto, regional manager for Qatar Airways in Japan and Korea. We are particularly delighted that for the first time ever in Japan, Qatar Airways’ acclaimed business class, Qsuite, will be available to Japanese passengers. Following the successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM, Qatar is slated to host a number of top-tier events this year, including the highly anticipated Formula 1® race for lovers of racing. Since Qatar is a destination with a wealth of tourism attractions, including breathtaking desert experiences and conserved historical buildings, we hope that many Japanese would fly with Qatar Airways to visit Qatar. The industry’s first double bed and privacy panels that can be stored allow guests in adjacent seats to establish their own private space in the lauded and trademarked Qsuite business class segment offered by Qatar Airways. When traveling with coworkers, friends, or family, the center four seats can be converted into a private suite with adjustable panels and TV monitors. This allows people to work, eat, and socialize together in an environment that is tailored to their specific needs for the most personalized travel experience Source: traveldailymedia

In conjunction with Visa and YES BANK as the acquiring bank, PayU, an online payment solution provider in India, has introduced Business Payment Solution Provider (BPSP) for Visa Commercial Card users. Numerous advantages of BPSP include customizable business products that save expenses for retailers. By utilizing the credit limits offered by the bank that issues their business cards, it also helps them enhance their cash flow. By enhancing their ability to accept credit card payments, this service enables businesses to pay their vendors online. The BPSP provides quick and secure payment options, streamlines supplier and buyer reconciliation, and generates a win-win situation for all parties involved in the payment ecosystem. The BPSP helps small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, become paperless by making it simple for them to accept digital payments and provide simple credit access. Although the BPSP solution may be used for any qualifying merchant transactions, corporate travel agents find it particularly useful. One of the biggest airline companies will employ this programme as a trial, benefiting from the favorable flexible advertisements while simplifying corporate bookings for corporate clients through its CTA programme. A payment aggregator acting as a BPSP business is delivering flexible commercials through this unique CTA programme. In addition, PayU has introduced the Vendor Payments Platform, a feature of BPSP that assists merchants in digitizing payments to vendors (e.g., automated reconciliation, monitoring, etc.). By reducing the cost of invoice processing, merchants can be more effective and handle payments outside of regular business hours. Additionally, it aids in preventing fraud and leaks, which significantly increases corporate value. Mohit Gopal, Chief Operating Officer of PayU Payments, commented on the news by saying, “PayU is expanding its current partnership with its strategic partners Visa & YES BANK to establish this innovative BPSP programme. The BPSP provides a link between companies that take credit cards and those that do not. We are thrilled to sponsor this programme since it aligns with our mission to encourage technological breakthroughs that promote financial inclusion among the nation’s companies. For businesses, especially small SMBs, who frequently lack the means to digitize payments or access credit without significant expense and effort, BPSP will digitize the whole value chain. We are dedicated to providing and assisting with payment solutions that make it simple for people to make digital payments in the nation and assist in bringing more and more businesses online. According to Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head of Products for India and South Asia at Visa, “Many industries depend on a large tail of small vendors and companies that are either not digitized or accept just a tiny number of digital payments. We are excited to introduce the BPSP solution from Visa in association with PayU & YES BANK for merchants in industries including FMCG, insurance, and travel and tourism. With the help of this solution, non-card accepting providers may now take card payments, providing them access to formal credit as well as a number of other benefits, while the payer merchant enjoys all the advantages of utilizing Visa commercial cards. Source: traveldailymedia

The national security concerns facing China, according to President Xi Jinping, have “significantly increased in complexity and difficulty.” In its statement following the 27th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination, or WMCC, on India-China border problems, Beijing makes no mention of withdrawal. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Chinese defense minister accuses the United States of exercising “hegemony.” Chinascope looks at a tumultuous week in which the US and China nearly went to war while attempting to prevent it. One organization that epitomizes Xi’s rule is the National Security Commission. This week saw a momentous breakthrough as the Commission had its inaugural meeting on May 30 in accordance with the 20th Party Congress. During the discussion, Xi stressed the need of being ready for the worst-case scenario while also highlighting the danger that artificial intelligence poses. Veteran China observer Bill Bishop’s translation of Xi’s remarks says, “We must adhere to bottom-line thinking and worst-case scenario thinking, and prepare to endure severe tests even in high winds and rough seas.” Xi aims to create a favorable foreign security situation for China. The Chinese premier stated during the meeting that it was important to “guarantee the new development pattern with the new security pattern, actively shape an external security environment that is beneficial to us, better maintain open security, and promote the deep integration of development and security.” The discussion also focused on how to successfully preserve political security, enhance network data security, and improve artificial intelligence security governance. Beijing has outlawed some of the earliest iterations of the technology because it is worried about the rise of generative AI, such as ChatGPT. Growing rumors suggest that Xi has appointed Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Xi’s chief of staff, to lead the National Security Commission office. According to the meeting’s transcript, the commission stressed the importance of moving quickly with the “construction of the National Security Risk Monitoring and Early Warning System.” Although we are unaware of the specifics of this system, Beijing has recently made technological investments to address issues with national security. Xi also discussed “actively shaping an external security environment” while he was concentrating on China’s borders. The 27th meeting of the WMCC was conducted in New Delhi on May 31 by China and India. The 26th edition took place in the Indian capital on February 22. The Chinese side’s statement only mentioned promoting the de-escalation of the border situation and settling relevant issues in the western section of China-India border areas – leaving out disengagement. However, the Indian statement claimed that the two sides discussed proposals for disengagement in remaining areas “in a frank and open manner.” Source: theprint