Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Norfolk, Virginia Eight significant travel companies, including a luxury tour operator, the most prestigious jet expedition company in the world, and the largest seller of luxury cruises and tours in the travel agency sector, have agreed not to advertise or sell tickets for exploitative animal rides at the Giza Pyramids after hearing from PETA. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt is under increased pressure from PETA to prohibit all camel rides and horse-drawn carriages at the Giza monument. Following a recent video exposé from PETA Asia that revealed camels used for rides at the pyramids of Giza and other top Egyptian tourist attractions are beaten bloody, prodded, yanked, tugged by the nose, forced to walk on their knees, and tied up, Scott Dunn, TCS World Travel, Wilderness Travel, Travel Leaders Group, Tauck, Abercrombie & Kent USA, and Artisans of Leisure changed their policies. Some camels are tethered to the backs of vehicles and dragged over the sand by their legs, which are securely fastened to keep them from moving or fleeing. They are sold to be butchered for meat when their bodies are too worn out to be used for rides. The governor of Giza has been encouraged by PETA Asia to look into the dealers who were found to be mistreating camels in light of the results. According to PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman, “top travel companies across the nation are pulling their ads for camel rides like hot potatoes.” “PETA is applauding these savvy businesses for severing ties with camel abuse, and we’re urging Egyptian authorities to take notice and outlaw these dishonourable rides that hurt animals and annoy tourists.” As a token of appreciation, PETA and its affiliates will provide each company with delectable vegan chocolates. Source: traveldailynews

2023 Group Summit highlights include new group applications and network success. FLORIDA’S FORT LAUDERDALE – Leading travel agency franchise Dream Vacations/CruiseOne reports record-breaking group sales for the first half of 2023. Compared to the same period last year, the business has sold more affinity groups this year. This outstanding accomplishment may be credited to the revolutionary new groups application, which provides franchise owners with unmatched success. Franchise owners can manage group reservations completely differently thanks to the unique group application that Dream Vacations/CruiseOne launched in February. The booking process has been made simpler by the streamlined and user-friendly website, allowing franchise owners to concentrate on what they do best—providing exceptional experiences to their clients. Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne, stated, “We are thrilled to see how much of a difference-maker the new groups application is on our franchise owners’ group sales.” “Our dedication to innovation and providing our franchise owners with the most cutting-edge tools and technology to take their group business to the next level is reflected in the success of the new application,” says the company. During the most recent two-day virtual group summit for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne travel advisers, this outstanding accomplishment was honoured. The event attracted more than 200 franchise owners and employees from throughout the nation, who gained priceless knowledge and useful advice to help them take their group sales to new heights. The summit offered guests the chance to hear directly from suppliers and headquarters personnel through interesting presentations and breakout sessions. There were several noteworthy workshops, such as “How to Negotiate with Group Leaders and Create the Win-Win Relationship,” “New Marketing Group Assets,” “Unravelling the Mysteries of Group Contracts to Reduce Risk and Maximise Success,” “Managing Group Communication,” and “Top 10 Tips for the New Groups Application.” The Dream Vacations/CruiseOne marketing team made a number of noteworthy announcements during the summit. Franchise owners may now benefit from the following marketing tools to boost their group sales even more. Personalised Group Registration Landing Page Graphics: Design a unique landing page that features your groups. You may use ready-made banners or make and upload your own to give users a polished and alluring experience. Professionally designed email and landing page templates make it simple for franchise owners to develop enticing and successful marketing campaigns. Homepage and Email Banners: Appealing banners that may be added to franchise owners’ websites and emails to advertise group travel options and pique interest among clients. Using a specially created postcard, franchise owners may connect with potential group leaders and highlight the advantages of booking group travel via Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. Social media posts: Franchise owners may use them to broaden their audience, entice new group leaders, and advertise their proficiency in organising exceptional group holidays. Franchise owners were enthralled by the summit’s real-life success tales. “Every minute I spent at the Group Summit was worthwhile. According to Lillie West, a franchise owner for Dream Vacations in Waldorf, Maryland, “the variety of topics from suppliers and staff members answered a lot of questions that I needed answered to scale my business.” I now feel confident to venture out and take on more group business thanks to the groups application and the group summit. The forthcoming June 13–14 second annual Marketing Summit is scheduled as part of the 2023 Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Training and Events calendar. Franchise owners may learn cutting-edge marketing techniques at this event to help their companies succeed even more. Source: traveldailynews

The eagerly awaited annual Top Lists highlight the best-performing MICE hotels and popular meeting locations for the first time since the epidemic. FRANKFURT, Germany and LONDON – The Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels for Europe were revealed today by Cvent, a market-leading provider of technology for meetings, events, and the hospitality sector. Based on sourcing activities through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the biggest venue-sourcing platforms in the world, these lists, which also contain regional rankings for North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Since the COVID epidemic upended the meetings and events sector in early 2020, Cvent has not before issued the yearly lists. According to Graham Pope, vice president of international sales at Cvent, “The crucial role the meetings and events industry plays in bolstering local economies across the globe was never more apparent than when that business disappeared overnight during the pandemic.” “Fortunately, thanks to the pent-up demand for in-person experiences, destinations and hotels alike have dramatically recovered from epidemic lows. “These Top Lists recognise hotels and locations that have adopted technology to engage planners and improve their sales and marketing initiatives, while demonstrating a real drive to innovate and extend their meetings and events offerings to better attract MICE business from across the world. After a long hiatus of four years, we’re thrilled to share these insights once more and offer a tool that event planners can use to locate excellent hotels and locations as well as industry professionals wanting to differentiate themselves and boost MICE income. Top Meeting Locations on Cvent Convention and visitors bureaus worked assiduously to advertise their towns and hotels and resuscitate the sector as rapidly as possible as pandemic restrictions lifted and travel resumed, and those efforts are beginning to bear fruit. For instance, London maintained its top spot from 2019 and has more than 400 hotels planned, with 17 opening just in 2022. In addition to becoming the first Biosphere Platinum Destination, Barcelona (ranked #2) opened eight hotels during the research period. Paris (ranked #3), which is preparing for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is expanding its tourism infrastructure significantly throughout the entire city. The only brand-new entry in the Top 10 is Lisbon, Portugal. Top 10 European locations for meetings 1 London, UK 2 Barcelona, Spain 3 Paris, France 4 Madrid, Spain 5 Lisbon, Portugal 6 Berlin, Germany 7 Amsterdam, Netherlands 8 Rome, Italy 9 Frankfurt, Germany 10 Munich, Germany According to Fiona Plumpton, Head of London Convention Bureau Services, “We are truly excited to be the number one Cvent Top Meeting Destination, confirming once again that London is a global leader in the meetings and events sector.” “When organising a conference or function, London provides unmatched options because it is a varied and welcoming city. In terms of innovation and technology, London is a world leader. By utilising technology, such as the Cvent platform, we are able to directly connect event planners with London and swiftly answer on behalf of both our team and those of our partner hotels and venues, which helps us stay one step ahead of the competition. Hotels Cvent Top Meeting In order to improve and renovate their buildings in order to get them ready for the post-pandemic tourist boom, several hoteliers took advantage of the downtime in 2020 and 2021. Corinthia Lisbon, Hilton Vienna Park, InterContinental Athenaeum Athens, and Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, all newcomers to the Top 10, have all announced major upgrades recently. Top 10 Meeting Hotels in Europe 1 W Barcelona 2 Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference 3 Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile 4 Meliá Castilla 5 Hilton Prague 6 Hotel Arts Barcelona 7 Corinthia Lisbon 8 Hilton Vienna Park 9 InterContinental Athenaeum Athens 10 Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon “Our team’s devotion to provide top-notch service has been honoured as one of the Top 10 Cvent Meeting Hotels in Europe. Our staff is now even better equipped to perform what we do best—making moments—thanks to our recent comprehensive makeover, which will be finished in 2022, according to Hilton Hotels Austria Area General Manager Norbert Lessing. Platforms like Cvent enable us to make data-driven decisions while streamlining event preparation. We at Hilton Vienna Park embrace technology, and we have introduced the ability to book small meetings up to 35 people online, providing quick event confirmations to planners. Source: traveldailynews

According to research, travellers nowadays demand personalised, adaptable, and sustainable travel experiences as the economy continues to improve. The industry’s ability to meet these traveller expectations is examined in a new analysis that combines material from the hotel, mobility, and travel insurance industries under the Amadeus ecosystem methodology. Over the previous four years, traveller expectations have altered, and the hospitality sector of 2023 is different from that of 2019. These expectations act as change agents since customers today prioritise customization and want customised options when making travel arrangements. Travellers’ top priorities include the promotion of contemporary technology technologies to reduce travel friction and flexible and sustainable routes. These are the conclusions of a recent study by Amadeus titled Catalysts for Change: Building the Hospitality Ecosystem of the Future. The announcement comes while air travel is still recovering. According to Amadeus Demand360® data as of May 6, 2023, on-the-books worldwide hotel occupancy for June has risen to 32%, rising higher than the numbers for the same month in 2022 and 2021 and behind just by three points occupancy levels recorded in 2019. At the same time, popular destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore in Asia, as well as Rome and Paris in Europe, are all reporting higher occupancy rates for June this year than they did for the same month in 2019, demonstrating a strong worldwide rebound. The global average daily rate (ADR) for hotels was US$216 in June of this year compared to US$184 in the same month of 2019. This is higher than pre-pandemic values. With more people travelling and more expectations, the sector must be proactive and quick to adapt to changing traveller demands. As it combines content from hotels, mobility, and travel protection into a single, cohesive whole, Amadeus is in a position to set the standard. With the help of this ecosystem strategy, travel sellers and providers can collaborate successfully to deliver unique experiences to customers while discovering new strategies for stimulating profitable demand and accelerating industry growth. “The travel industry has long benefited from collaboration, and we see a real opportunity in combining content from key travel providers across hotels, mobility, and travel insurance to better meet the needs of today’s travellers,” says Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, President, Hospitality, Amadeus. Travellers desire more alternatives, ones that are catered to their interests, and frictionless transactions. He continues, “Providers need to be able to personalise their service to maximise their revenues to continue to generate demand across various areas. Access to this integrated material is a game-changer for travel agents. The traveller has always been at the centre of all we do at Amadeus. The industry will be able to move closer to creating the end-to-end trips that travellers desire with the help of an ecosystem strategy. Catalysts for Change makes use of information gleaned from conversations with hotels, mobility providers, travel salespeople, travel insurance providers, and Amadeus executives in addition to information from Amadeus’ Demand360 business intelligence data. Source: traveldailynews

Beginning in June, there will be three more flights each day to Tokyo (Narita). HONG KONG With the launch of a new four-times-weekly service beginning on July 8, 2023, Hong Kong Airlines will continue to expand throughout Japan. The service to Nagoya marks Hong Kong Airlines’ ongoing efforts to provide visitors more alternatives for seeing the nation after the inauguration of the Fukuoka service in April and the more flights to other major cities in Japan. Aichi Prefecture’s capital city, Nagoya, has a population of 2.3 million. As Japan’s transportation centre, it serves as a vital entryway for tourists to quickly connect to several well-known sights. Nagoya is a fantastic location for those looking to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Japan, from the magnificent Nagoya Castle, which holds a significant place in Japanese history, to the picturesque countryside of Shirakawag, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. To satisfy the growing demand for summer travel between Hong Kong and Japan, Hong Kong Airlines continues to enhance its flight operations. In addition to the three weekly flights to Sapporo and the two daily flights to Osaka and Okinawa, the number of daily flights to Tokyo (Narita) will grow to three starting in June, and the number of daily flights to Fukuoka and Nagoya will start in June and August, respectively. Source: traveldailynews

Introducing lesser-known speciality cuisines from the five regions of Thailand in an effort to encourage visitors to go on a gastronomic tour of the country. Thailand – throughout order to capitalise on gastronomy tourism as a pleasurable method for Thai and international visitors to appreciate the diversity of Thai food, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is marketing “Thailand’s Hidden Dishes” throughout the five regions of Thailand: Central, Eastern, Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Regions. According to Mr Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, “The promotion of ‘Thailand’s Hidden Dishes’ forms part of the TAT’s ongoing strategy to elevate Thailand’s status as a top-tier gastronomy tourism destination and to raise awareness of the variety of local food culture in Thailand. Five lesser-known speciality foods have been chosen through this project to tantalise the palette, encourage visitors to try new dishes, and encourage them to get involved in the community in Thailand. This is also consistent with our strategy of encouraging tourists to find fulfilling travel experiences in Thailand under the banner of “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters.” The five ‘Thailand’s Hidden Dishes’ are some of the lesser-known speciality delicacies that are often only accessible while going to the location. Visitors will be motivated to explore the sights and activities in Phetchaburi, Trat, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, and Phatthalung while also sampling local cuisine. Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Hua Nod, also known as Kaeng Hua Tan or Toddy Palm Curry, is a representative dish of the Central Region. Phetchaburi is known for a number of regional specialties dishes and has received the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) label in the realm of gastronomy. Among other things, the province is renowned for producing premium sea salt, key limes, palm sugar, rose apples, pineapples, and bananas. The Pla Yum Sawat (also known as coral grouper or coral trout) marine aquaculture industry in Trat in the Eastern Region has made the province’s economic fish and speciality cuisine. The fish is delectable and may be used to create a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including sashimi and the spicy soup Tom Yum. Moo Phat Raak Suu, a stir-fried pork meal with the roots of hooker chives or garlic chives, is a local speciality of Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand and is an ethnic Thai dish with Yunna culinary influences. The roots of the chives, which are prized for their therapeutic properties and vital nutrients, are also fundamental components of a number of other regional recipes in addition to being stir-fried with pork. Khon Kaen’s Au Pla, a hot and salty freshwater-fish curry, is a prime example of the flavorful and unusual Thai-Isan cuisine found in northeastern Thailand (or Isan). As a result of the availability of freshwater fish in the several rivers that make up Isan, freshwater fish is a common element in many regional recipes. The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 includes Khon Kaen as one of the four Isan provinces, along with Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani. The Kaeng Nam Khoei Yod Waai (coconut-based curry with shrimp or fish paste sauce and rattan shoots) is one of Phatthalung’s most well-liked regional specialties. Nam Khoei (shrimp or fish paste sauce), rather than Nam Pla (fish sauce), is a common flavour in southern Thailand. It is a regional speciality food in Phatthalung because it uses Yod Waai, or rattan shoots, which are abundant in the province and have therapeutic advantages. To raise awareness of the five Thailand’s Hidden Dishes among Thai visitors, TAT collaborated with well-known travel sites on Facebook, including Chinotoshare, Koendanai, Sneakout, Pai Ngai Ma Ngai, and Pai Ka Pai in April 2023. Over a million people were reached by the exposure, and it was projected to contribute roughly 100 million Baht in food and tourist expenditures to the regional economy. FAM tours for worldwide KOLs are among the next initiatives to increase awareness among foreign tourists. To meet the increased demand from travellers looking for new culinary experiences, Mr Chattan added, “TAT also intends to encourage local restaurants and cafes to incorporate local speciality foods on the menus through the promotion of the Thailand’s Hidden Dishes project. Source: traveldailynews

The opening of a new eco-resort, AZULIK AlUla, has increased the range of accommodations available in AlUla.The sustainability-focused hotel will have 76 opulent villas when it debuts in 2027. It is a component of the Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan created by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).Its design respects the environment and is in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, Saudi Vision 2030, and the Sustainability Charter for AlUla. The AZULIK AlUla Resort is located in the Nabatean Horizon District of JTT, nestled away in a canyon not far from the AlMutadil Equestrian Village construction site and Wadi AlFann, a historic valley that will soon be home to massive outdoor sculptures. There will include a spa, VIP club, welcoming lounges, all-day dining, and an SFER IK museum in addition to the villas. The resort’s undulating exteriors will use natural materials and fibres woven into numerous layers, with flowing forms inspired by the surrounding sandstone cliffs and ecology. The AZULIK AlUla Resort will support a relationship with the ecosystem and fauna of the region, preserve surrounding historic rock art inscriptions, and use a natural network of existing streams to feed irrigation and prevent floods. No private vehicles will be permitted on the land; instead, an all-electric transportation system, horse and camel routes, and hiking paths will be made available for visitors to the area. The resort, which is run by the premium Mexican company AZULIK and was created by Roth Architecture, will offer opulent lodging for visitors while also benefiting the AlUla neighbourhood economically. More than 300 new employment will be created once AZULIK AlUla Resort is fully operating. To further stimulate regional economic growth, the majority of operating supplies will be sourced from AlUla and the larger KSA in addition to the local materials and contractors needed for construction. “AZULIK AlUla is focused on the concept of sustainability and connection with the natural and human heritage surrounding this magnificent property,” stated John Northen, RCU Vice President of Hotels and Resorts. This resort is one of several assets supporting AlUla’s development as a premier destination in accordance with our Journey Through Time master plan, along with its close vicinity to the AlMutadil Equestrian Village and Wadi AlFann, both under development. “As a tribe, we feel honoured to bring AZULIK’s vision to AlUla,” AZULIK Founder and CEO Roth remarked. We set out on a trip into the lively tradition and culture of AlUla with appreciation and the utmost respect. We begin a project that is both dear to our hearts and consistent with our brand values, rooted in its distinctive natural setting. These are our first steps together, and I have no doubt that we will travel a lovely and interesting journey. Source: breakingtravelnews

Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s official destination marketing organisation (DMO), introduces the first wellness retreat for leisure travellers and groups as the wellness industry expands. The Island is the best place to go if you’re looking for holistic experiences that will make you feel good inside and out. From exploring natural wonders such as El Yunque National Rainforest, to enjoying the soothing sounds of the native coqui frog, indulging in a world-class spa like the Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, to learning about a sustainable agroecological farm like Frutos del Guacabo, Puerto Rico’s offerings in this space combine wellness, dining (farm-to-table), nature/sustainability and fitness/watersports. Group travellers have never previously had the chance to reconnect and connect with the place thanks to the retreat. We’re excited to introduce this new product for the area, where the Discover Puerto Rico sales and services team can design the ideal getaway for any party. “The Island offers countless opportunities for visitors to unwind, restore, and rejuvenate, and the demand for wellness tourism around the world is only expected to increase,” said Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Puerto Rico. “The options to create the ideal retreat in Puerto Rico are focused on just that – a varied approach to serenity,” says the author. “The past few years have made everyone more aware of their lifestyle and the impact on well-being.” Discover Puerto Rico is highlighting and working with local partners from hotels to tours to eating and more to bring the retreat to life. Group travellers can benefit from various experiences and a la carte offers, including but not limited to: Bachelorette parties, family reunions, and corporate travellers. Casa Alternavida, a boutique wellness retreat centre in Rio Grande Anti-rheumatic asana series, pranayama & meditation, and ayurvedic culinary classes are available at Casa Grande (Utuado). Early morning trekking and sunrise/sunset paddle yoga are offered by Castillo Tours in San Juan. San Juan’s Condado Vanderbilt offers a hammam treatment, aerobics, and meditation. Dos Aguas, Grande River green bed and breakfast tucked away in the forest. San Juan’s Dreamcatcher Boutique – a massage in your accommodation, nighttime beach yoga, environmental projects, Vegetarian restaurant Aovara. Travel agency E-Vacations (San Juan) – Customised yoga/spa sessions in the forest, Coamo Fairmont’s hot springs San Juan (San Juan) is a luxurious resort focused on true wellbeing. Ayurvedic treatments, Chinese medicine, panchakarma, and western massage techniques are available at Finca Victoria in Vieques. Sustainable agricultural tours offered by Frutos Del Guacabo (Manat) Mobile wellness clinic LaVANda Puerto Rico is the ideal location for a combination of unmatched cultural experiences, breathtaking beaches, world-class culinary delights, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures – all while basking in the extraordinary Puerto Rico sunshine. U.S. citizens do not need a passport, foreign currency exchange, or international phone plan to visit Puerto Rico. The culture of Puerto Rico is fervent, with a past rich in festivities and distinctively Boricua experiences from other places. Source: breakingtravelnews