Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Fed-up Tourists visiting the island will get an official “dos and don’ts” card from the Balinese government in a fresh effort to stem a recent spate of inappropriate behaviour. Authorities are looking at new measures to make sure visitors follow local laws after a number of tourists, including some Australians, got into trouble at the well-known tourist site in recent months. An Australian lady was fined last month for yelling at a police officer while riding her scooter without a helmet. The new IDs have been made available to all foreigners accessing the island after the authorities decided enough is enough.The cards are nearing completion, according to Anggiat Napitupulu, head of the regional office for the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights. According to The Bali Times, Napitupulu stated that the card “will be created and handed over at Immigration, so that the Immigration can tuck the card into the foreigner’s passport when they land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.” We have had a number of meetings.The story is being developed by the tourist agency. Therefore, it will either be a card or a sheet that fits in your pocket. What is permitted and prohibited behaviour are listed on the card, according to Bali. Source: news.com.au

Following six years in the top position, a worldwide search is under way to recruit a new CEO for one of Australia’s busiest airports. After Geoff Culbert said he will step down as CEO of Australia’s main airport, a global hunt for a replacement is already under way. Mr. Culbert has indicated 2023 will be his last year in that position after almost six years at the top. In order to guarantee a smooth transition, Mr. Culbert assumed the top position in January 2018 and intends to stay in it through the end of the year. Mr. Culbert oversaw the airport through a “unique period of challenge” brought on by the Covid-19 outbreak while he was in charge. through the epidemic, he reorganised Sydney Airport and ran it while managing and advocating for it through one of the largest privatisations of a public firm in Australia. After the pandemic limitations were lifted, Mr. Culbert also guided the company through a rapid increase in activity and passenger numbers at the airport. After being grounded in 2020, Sydney Airport has nearly fully recovered, according to the CEO, making the end of 2023 the ideal moment to retire. Since 2018, Mr. Culbert has served as the leading domestic and international airport in Australia. Working with such a superb team during an unusual and hard time in the airport’s history has been an honour, he added. The ideal moment, according to him, to choose a new CEO to “lead the airport through the next phase” will be by the end of 2023. “Sydney Airport has been part of the social and economic fabric of Sydney and NSW for more than 100 years, and I’m confident it will continue to play a crucial role for the next hundred,” he added. David Gonski, the chair of Sydney Airport, praised Mr. Culbert for his leadership throughout the upsetting time. He said that the business was “enormously appreciative” of Mr. Culbert’s “skilled leadership”. “This includes managing the airport through the pandemic when traffic was devastated by border closures, the recent rapid recovery, and dealing with the largest take-private transaction in Australian corporate history,” Mr. Gonski remarked. “As a leader, Geoff also created a fantastic team and culture that will last for a very long time. Geoff’s decision to continue on until the end of the year will allow us to undertake a worldwide search and ensure a seamless transition to a new CEO, so we are happy about that. In 2018, Mr. Culbert accepted the position of chief executive of Sydney Airport. Prior to that, he spent over 15 years in key positions at General Electric. Source: news.com.au

First commercial flight in India using indigenous sustainable aviation fuel is received by Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon. Union Minister, MoPNG, in New Delhi. India successfully completed its first commercial passenger flight using a blend of locally generated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is a significant step in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. Using a blend of domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) provided by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in collaboration with Praj Industries Ltd. (Praj), AirAsia India flight i5-767 left from Pune for New Delhi. Hardeep Singh Puri, the honourable Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, welcomed this special flight at the airport. With the support and direction of the Ministries of Civil Aviation and of Petroleum and Natural Gas, this flight marks an important turning point in the nation’s efforts to advance sustainable aviation. It shows the commitment of the Air India group, IOCL, and Praj Industries to create and promote homegrown solutions to lessen the impact of aviation on the environment and open the door for the widespread adoption of SAF in India. The SAF was created locally by Praj Industries utilising captive agricultural feedstock in accordance with the nation’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan objective. Gevo Inc., which has created a ground-breaking Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology for the synthesis of SAF using bio-based feedstock, is the source of the SAF that Praj Industries is employing for this endeavour. Prior to being mixed for the unique flight, Praj created SAF samples in its R&D facility, Praj Matrix, which passed thorough testing at IOCL laboratories. Mr. Puri stated, “I am happy to witness this historic moment and receive the first commercial flight powered by an indigenous SAF blended ATF. This event marks a critical milestone in our country’s efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. As a demonstration mode, this would be the first domestic commercial passenger trip to use SAF mixing up to 1%. “By 2025, India will need about 14 crore gallons of SAF per year if we aim to mix 1% SAF blending in jet fuel. Even more so, if we aim for a 5% SAF blend, India will need about 70 crore litres of SAF annually. By creating homegrown solutions to lessen the impact of aviation on the environment and open the door for the widespread adoption of SAF in India, Shri Puri reaffirmed the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He congratulated the domestic industry giants AirAsia India, IndianOil, and Praj Industries. “We are proud to announce that AirAsia India has successfully completed the first commercial flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel in collaboration with IOCL and Praj Industries,” stated Mr. Aloke Singh, Managing Director of AirAsia India and Air India Express, in reference to the effort. As a member of the Tata group and an Air India subsidiary, we are dedicated to innovation and teamwork to reduce environmental effect. This trip represents an important turning point in our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable aviation industry in India. With this programme, we intend to accelerate the use of domestic, environmentally friendly aviation fuel. Our organization’s DNA is firmly embedded with sustainability, and we are committed to moving forward in the direction of more sustainable operations. Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, the founder and chairman of Praj Industries, commented on this breakthrough by saying, “Showcasing the capacity to fly with domestically built SAF is a historic moment for India. This is just another example of how crucial the agricultural community has been in India’s transition to energy independence and green growth, from Annadata to Urjadata. We are grateful for our continuous relationship with IOCL and are excited that AirAsia has decided to join us on this particular mission to create cleaner skies in the future. As the biggest energy PSU in the nation, Mr Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil, declared, “IndianOil is committed to leading the change in the oil & gas sector and ushering in a greener tomorrow.” “In line with our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision, IndianOil has committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2046. We have started this journey today under the auspices of MoPNG, and I have no doubt that SAF will soon no longer be the exception but the rule in the aviation sector, Mr. Vaidya said. Presently, around 3% of all GHG emissions are attributable to global aviation. By 2050, the emission may account for 22% of GHG emissions if it is not controlled. Regulations known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) have been published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and they set a goal of lowering CO2 emissions from the aviation industry by 50% by the year 2050. SAF can produce significant greenhouse gas (GHG) savings as an alternative to the present usage of fossil fuels. Source: traveldailynews

The first Mediterranean season will be sailed by Princess’ newest Princess ship in 2025. HONG KONG Princess Cruises has unveiled the name of its second, dazzling Sphere Class ship: Star Princess. When she makes her debut in August 2025, Star Princess will sail a first season of Mediterranean cruises. The Sun Princess and Star Princess, which are now being built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, are the biggest ships Princess has ever built, each weighing 175,500 tonnes and accommodating 4,300 passengers. The new ship is constructed on a platform that is distinctively different from other ships of its kind and exclusive to Princess. It was created to both honour the Princess legacy and celebrate the romance of the sea by providing more dynamic, outward perspectives. The Star Princess design keeps the more private places Princess is renowned for while being 20 percent bigger than any of the line’s other ships. There are a number of brand-new, very ground-breaking rooms, including: The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini; The next-level Piazza featuring a glass sphere; The “see it to believe it” Princess Arena, a configurable, technologically-advanced main theater that allows Princess to produce a variety of innovative entertainment concepts; and A majestic dining room positioned aft of the ship to deliver unforgettable wake views. With a variety of intriguing new food and beverage ideas, a stunning, enlarged casino, a two-story Lotus Spa, and spellbinding entertainment, including Cirque Éloize, this second Sphere Class ship will also have a number of remarkable features. The new Reserve and Signature Collections, as well as the enhanced selection of premium cabins and suites, will be a hit with passengers. The Star Princess will also feature the premium Princess Medallion service, which further solidifies Princess’ status as a pioneer in the provision of great personalised experiences. The new ship is being constructed with the most cutting-edge environmental solutions available and will be the second in the Princess fleet to use LNG fuel technology. The Star Princess makes its debut on August 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day inaugural Italy & Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), visiting Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii). Thereafter, a number of 9- and 10-day cruises that stop at picturesque coastal ports depart from Rome, Athens, or Trieste (Venice). On June 1, 2023, the expanded Europe 2025 programme will be released, along with the sale of Star Princess cruises. John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, said of Star Princess, “There’s much to be admired about her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors, and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings.” These ships have been meticulously built to feel both familiar to our passengers and greatly enhanced, with a wealth of excellent new and enlarged experiences to embrace and explore. Source: traveldailynews

Put your beach hat on and pack your thongs because Canberrans will soon have direct flights to Fiji. A new direct service is being introduced by Fiji Airways between Nadi, Fiji, and Canberra, Australia. It’s the first international route to leave Canberra since 2020, and it offers residents a direct path to escape Canberra’s chilly winter and go to the sunny beaches of Fiji. From July 21 through the end of September, the new route will run twice weekly; starting in October, it will run three times weekly. Bookings are already being taken for the maiden trip, which will take off on July 21, 2023. Depending on your travel dates, a roundtrip ticket from Canberra to Nadi might cost anywhere between $499 and $900 AUD. Meanwhile, round-trip business class tickets start at $2,960 AUD. All economy rates include carry-on luggage up to 7kg, meals, beverages, and entertainment in flight. You receive 30kg of checked luggage when you purchase a value fare. Fiji Airways CEO André Viljoen expressed excitement over the new service, saying, “We are happy to offer our world-class service to Canberra and connect Australia’s capital with our lovely home, Fiji. We are eager to serve our clients and extend our renowned Fijian hospitality, which distinguishes us from the competition. With the addition of this route, Fiji Airways now offers 22 direct flights to Fiji. The only airline in the world to currently provide nonstop service between Canberra and Nadi is Fiji Airways. Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister of Tourism, attended the ceremony for the route’s official unveiling in Canberra and expressed his enthusiasm for it, saying, “This new direct flight route between Canberra and Nadi is a testament to the strong partnership between the Fijian and Australian governments, and we are pleased to work with Fiji Airways, Canberra Airport, and Visit Canberra to make this service a reality.” “This new service will make travelling to Fiji easy for Australians, whether they are doing it for pleasure or business. The service will also aid in boosting Fiji’s tourism and economic development by creating additional job opportunities and advancing the sector. We extend a warm welcome to everyone who comes to our shores and invite them to discover Fiji’s charm. Important information From Nadi to Canberra, Fiji Airways will start operating direct flights. From July 21 through the end of September, flights will run on Tuesdays and Fridays twice a week, increasing to three times a week in October. $499 to $900 roundtrip in economy on flights from Canberra to Nadi. Currently, the only airline in the world to provide nonstop service between Canberra and Nadi is Fiji Airways. Canberrans will be able to travel straight to Fiji for the first time in over 20 years. Since early 2020, this will be Canberra Airport’s first international flight. The new route was hailed by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who also predicted that direct flights from Canberra to Fiji will be well-liked. The reintroduction of foreign flights to Canberra is a “really exciting development,” he added. I was to Fiji last year as part of negotiations between Fiji Airways and the ACT Government regarding this service, so I’m happy to hear that they were successful. I have no doubt that residents of Canberra and the surrounding area will be eager to take advantage of this direct trip and see everything that these lovely islands have to offer. Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport Michael Thomson stated, “This new partnership between Fiji Airways, The ACT Government, and Canberra Airport signals the return of direct international services to our city and puts Canberra back on the map.” We are pleased about this new option, which includes speedy connections from Fiji to Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Fiji is a fantastic vacation location. We are eager to welcome the first aircraft in July and are thrilled to resume our international operations, including our International Departure Lounge, which provides every customer with a top-rate business-class experience. Source: escape

Bringing 60 key opinion leaders (KOLs) from China to Thailand to learn about meaningful travel experiences and to reiterate the safety precautions the nation has in place for visitors. Thailand – The “Trusted Thailand, You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin” campaign has been launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as part of TAT’s ongoing efforts in China to boost market confidence and reiterate safety precautions for visitors while also promoting meaningful travel experiences in Thailand. “As the name implies, the ‘Trusted Thailand’ campaign is to reassure Chinese tourists that Thailand is a safe and secure destination,” said Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific. The Chinese tagline “You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin,” which literally translates as “the more one travels to Thailand, the more fun they enjoy,” serves to highlight the fact that Thailand continues to be a top choice for Chinese tourists thanks to its abundance of high-quality travel goods and services that are tailored to their various travel needs. Through a key opinion leaders (KOLs) Mega Fam Trip, which will take place from May 18–28, 2023, TAT is pushing the campaign ‘Trusted Thailand, You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin’ in collaboration with governmental and commercial sector partners. A group of 60 KOLs from China travelled to popular tourist locations such as Chiang Mai, Ko Chang in Trat, Chanthaburi, Pattaya in Chon Buri, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai to discover significant travel experiences. The itineraries feature community-based tourism, gastronomic tourism, health and wellness tourism, beach tourism, the China-Lao PDR-Thailand high-speed train, and a variety of unique travel experiences to suit the lifestyles of Chinese visitors, with a focus on safety precautions for travellers. The trip includes a ‘Shopping Challenge’ at ICONSIAM in addition to important travel encounters in popular tourist spots. The purpose of the activity is to highlight a range of Thai tourist goods and services that provide experience-based travel and make use of the 5F soft-power characteristics of the country—food, film, festivals, fights, and fashion—to provide memorable travel experiences in Thailand. The 60 participating KOLs, as well as Thai and Chinese media in Thailand, representatives of the airlines and campaign partners, and TAT and the Royal Thai Police today shared measures in place to ensure the safety and security of all tourists while enjoying travel experiences in Thailand, underscoring the campaign’s key message. The Tourist Police Bureau is committed to the safety and well-being of visitors visiting Thailand, according to Pol. Lt. Gen. Sukhun Prommayon, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau. To guarantee that visitors from all over the world may travel in peace while in Thailand, we are making every effort and best use of contemporary technologies. Along with calling the Tourist Police Hotline 1155, travellers may also download the smartphone app “Tourist Police I Lert U,” which is connected to the Tourist Police’s emergency response centre, where officers are available to help foreign visitors in a number of languages, including Chinese. The Tourist Police may be contacted using the app, and officers will be sent to the area right away. Additionally, visitors may post a snapshot of the incident to the app to request help. A live camera will be installed in the Tourist Police and patrol cars for surveillance purposes, and it will be utilised to monitor and transmit the situation to the emergency response centre. In order to increase safety and security during festivals and peak visitor seasons, the Royal Thai Police and its section of the visitor Police will work together. Through content shared with followers of the participating KOLs via various online community platforms, such as Weibo, WeChat, Little Red Book, and Bilibili, the ‘Trusted Thailand, You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin’ campaign is expected to increase awareness of the safety precautions for tourists and meaningful travel experiences in Thailand. 1,003,893 Chinese visitors visited Thailand between 1 January and 18 May 2023. TAT aims to welcome 5 million Chinese visitors in 2023 with more flights between Thailand and China planned in the coming months. Source: traveldailynews

To draw more visitors from Bangladesh and other South Asian nations, Malaysia is emphasising health, education, and ecotourism. DHAKA – From May 21 to May 25, 2023, Tourism Malaysia will be in charge of promoting Malaysia at the Dhaka Travel Mart (DTM) and launching sales missions in a number of significant towns, including Sylhet, Chattogram, and Dhaka in Bangladesh. The Malaysian delegation, which is headed by Mr Hafiz Hazin, Deputy Director International Promotions Division (Asia & Africa), is made up of representatives from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), as well as other tour and activity providers. Malaysia has been broadening its tourist offerings to meet the increasing demand for alternative and one-of-a-kind vacation experiences. To draw more visitors from Bangladesh and other South Asian nations, Malaysia is also promoting health, education, and ecotourism. Director-General of tourist Malaysia, Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, stated: “We believe Bangladesh to be one of the important markets for us and are committed to strengthening our presence and collaborating with the tourism fraternities in this region.” The participation of Tourism Malaysia at DTM 2023 is the ideal opportunity to promote Malaysia, highlight its distinctive tourism product offers, and develop stronger ties with its Bangladeshi counterparts. The pre-planned business-to-business (B2B) session in the sales mission, however, opens the door to new partnerships and more engagements. 10,070,964 international tourists arrived in Malaysia in 2022, including 59,033 visitors from Bangladesh. In 2023, it is anticipated that there would be 16.1 million foreign tourists arriving, bringing in RM49.2 billion in revenue. Malaysian visa requests can currently be submitted online using eVISA. There are 37 direct flights every week between Dhaka and Malaysia, carrying 7,269 passengers, operated by Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and US-Bangla Airlines. Source: traveldailynews

As the national carrier keeps an eye on renewal, the Qantas Group has today announced two changes to its Board. Doug Parker, a former chairman and CEO of American Airlines, will join the Qantas Board and bring with him more than 35 years of aviation expertise accumulated in one of the most dynamic aviation industries in the world. Michael L’Estrange AO, a long-time Qantas director who has served on the board for more than seven years, will step down from the board at the end of his current term in November after making a significant contribution. As the Group entered the next stage of its history, the changes, according to Qantas Chairman Richard Goyder, will assist retain the depth and breadth of expertise on the Board. There aren’t many people with Doug’s level of airline management expertise. He has more than two decades of experience as a CEO of an airline in North America, including eight years in charge of the biggest airline in the world. As we expand in the next years, his skills and perspective on the business will be a big advantage, according to Mr. Goyder. The connection between American Airlines and Qantas greatly grew during Mr Parker’s tenure as CEO as the two airlines established a joint venture to better service passengers. “Qantas has always been one of the great airlines in the world, and it has clearly come through the pandemic in a very strong position,” said Mr. Parker. It’s a pleasure for me to join the board at this time of great momentum, and I look forward to doing all I can to help. Prior to a shareholder vote at the company’s 2023 Annual General Meeting on November 3, Mr. Parker will serve on the Board starting today. Michael L’Estrange, the current non-executive director, will step down at the AGM after serving three terms. Michael has significantly aided Qantas over the past seven years, particularly during the most challenging times of the COVID issue, when the Board met often, according to Mr. Goyder. He is a highly meticulous director, and his knowledge of politics and global events in particular has been priceless. We are quite appreciative of his efforts. It has been an incredible privilege to serve on the Qantas Board, according to Mr. L’Estrange. Clarity of purpose and remarkable commitment and professionalism of its staff are two of Qantas’ greatest assets. I wish Qantas much success because I believe it has a very bright future. Following the November AGM, Qantas’ board will consist of eight members—four males and four women. Source: breakingtravelnews

The main waterfalls in Yosemite reach their heights in April, May, and into June, and several of them—including the park’s most famous cascade, Yosemite Falls—run dry by late summer. Yosemite Falls, however, is anticipated to continue running until July because to the abundance of snow that fell this winter. The greatest waterfalls Yosemite has seen in the past 40 years are currently on display thanks to the snow. One of the most well-liked walks in Yosemite, Nevada, and Vernal Falls is the Mist Trail, which is open all summer long. A list of Yosemite’s must-see waterfalls, from the most famous to the lesser-known, is provided below. The Iconic Waterfalls of Yosemite Yosemite Falls: active until July Height: 2,425 feet Region: Yosemite Valley Flow: November to July, peak in May/June The sixth-tallest waterfall in the world and the tallest in North America is Yosemite Falls. The top and lower waterfalls of the twin cascades, which are both visible from numerous locations around Yosemite Valley, are nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building combined. A wheelchair-accessible, one-mile circle walk leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. The entire Yosemite Falls Trail is challenging, but for fit hikers, it is well worth the effort. Fall Bridal Veil Height: 620 feet Region: Yosemite Valley Flow: Year-round, peaks in May Bridalveil Fall, a breathtaking waterfall that welcomes visitors as they approach Yosemite Valley from Highways 140 or 41, is the first waterfall that the majority of visitors to Yosemite National Park witness. By the end of the season, it changes from a rumbling spring flow to a softly drifting wisp. Only Bridalveil’s accessibility is more convenient than its beauty. The multi-year Bridalveil Fall Restoration project by the Yosemite Conservancy resulted in a larger, wheelchair-accessible and pet-welcoming newly refurbished, paved route to the foot of the fall. This spring, new restrooms and bigger viewing spaces should be finished. Nevada Autumn Height: 594 feet Region: Yosemite Valley Flow: Year-round, peaks late May The second aquatic act, Nevada Fall, is reached at the summit of the operatic Mist Trail after a steep 1.5 further miles and 2,000 extra feet of elevation increase. Before climbing the last ascent, hikers cross Emerald and Silver Apron, two stunning pools where swimming is not permitted between Vernal and Nevada falls. The Merced River thunders as it rushes into Yosemite Valley in the late spring and summer as Nevada Fall. Amazing views may be seen from the summit, particularly where a footbridge crosses the Merced River. Lesser-Known Waterfalls in Yosemite Fall Horsetail Region: Yosemite Valley Drop: 2,030 ft (619 m), two-stage Best Time To See: December-April Horsetail Fall must have a good snowfall to flow, and this year it will. Yosemite Firefall, an annual event that occurs in February, takes place at Horsetail Fall. Horsetail Fall looks like a falling cataract of flames when the conditions are right. International photographers travel here to record this extraordinary phenomena. Falls Chilnualna Region: Wawona (Southern Yosemite) Drop: 690 ft (210 m), multiple tiers Best Time To See: Year-round, with peak flow in May Comparatively few people visit Chilnualna Falls (pronounced “Chil-noo-all-na”) compared to Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls. The autumn passes by forested areas, providing views of Wawona Dome above and the Wawona hamlet below. The ideal destination for those seeking to get off the beaten road is Chilnualna Falls. It is hidden back within the little village of Wawona, away from major thoroughfares. Region: Foresta (near Yosemite Valley) Drop: Multiple cascades with a 40 ft (12 m) finale Best Time To See: Year-round, with best flows March-June It’s astonishing how few people have visited Foresta, which is only six miles from Yosemite Valley, and learned about its intriguing history. The straightforward 1.8-mile out-and-back track to Foresta Falls is really a deserted dirt road that offers views of multiple cascading waterfalls as it drops 40 feet (12 metres) to a thoroughly gratifying depth. A rickety bridge here offers a handy vantage point for close-up views and pictures. Visit the Meyer and McCauley Barns in Foresta’s large meadow after you’ve seen the waterfall. The barns, which are listed on the US Register of Historic Places, serve as a reminder of Yosemite’s early transplanted residents’ pioneering days. Source: breakingtravelnews

The flag carrier of the Republic of Seychelles, Air Seychelles, and Qatar Airways have announced a codeshare arrangement that would enable smooth travel to one of the world’s most exotic and unusual locations for customers on both networks. Through its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport (HIA), currently rated the “Best Airport in the Middle East,” Qatar Airways connects visitors from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe effortlessly to and from Seychelles. Qatar Airways currently flies to over 160 destinations globally. Additionally, members of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club have access to approximately 200 locations where they may earn and use Avios. Currently, Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), on the Island of Mahé, close to the capital city of Victoria, is served by a daily aircraft operated by Qatar Airways, arriving in the morning and departing in the evening. As a result of this new codeshare arrangement, Qatar Airways will display its code on flights operated by Air Seychelles between Mahé and Praslin, allowing customers to simply continue their trip with a single reservation. In addition to palm-lined beaches like Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, which are both surrounded by huge granite rocks, Praslin is home to the pristine Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two airlines, as well as local and internet travel firms, all accept reservations from passengers. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive of Qatar Airways Group, stated: “This strengthened engagement with Air Seychelles is in accordance with our goal of enabling access to African markets through partnerships. In order to provide customers with more travel options and to help the Seychelles tourist sector, our two airlines are happy to collaborate. With a fleet of five Twin Otter TurboProps flying between Mahé and Praslin as well as charter flights, Air Seychelles keeps up its domestic network. The airline turned 45 in October 2022, and during the World Travel Awards in Kenya, it was named “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline.” Captain Sandy Benoiton, acting CEO of Air Seychelles, stated: “This new partnership will provide passengers with new connection opportunities and access to unique destinations from both networks.” Source: breakingtravelnews