Travel News

Due to the strategic codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), passengers on both airlines will have better connectivity to locations on each other’s networks.  Customers can purchase a single ticket, check in just once at the beginning of their journey, and have their bags transported all the way to their final destination. “Our strategic bilateral agreement with SAS, coming after the start of our flights to Copenhagen, allows more seamless travel for our guests from Northern Europe to enjoy Abu Dhabi and to connect with our growing global network, including our expanding destinations in the Indian Sub-Continent, East Asia, Middle East, and Africa,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad. The partnership enables our visitors to travel to places throughout Scandinavia from a single point, including Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Bergen, and Aarhus.By inviting more visitors to our country who enjoy improved travel perks and more priceless experiences, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth, and this agreement is simply the latest step in that mission. “We are pleased for the opportunity to introduce a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways,” stated Paul Verhagen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of SAS.With links to India, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and other destinations, this agreement increases the options accessible to SAS passengers for trips to Abu Dhabi and beyond. We are devoted to keeping our promise to our consumers to offer smooth travel experiences, thus we will keep improving global connectivity. The partnership between SAS and Etihad in the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program is strengthened as a result of this arrangement.  Members of EuroBonus and Etihad Guest can earn miles when flying with SAS, and vice versa. This benefit is currently available for all flights on both airline networks. At the end of December 2023, the codeshare will be fully operational, allowing consumers to make reservations through all of Etihad’s sales channels, including travel agencies and Etihad.com, for travel beginning in January. Source- Travel daily Link-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-enhances-scandinavian-connectivity-in-strategic-codeshare-deal-with-sas/

Are you seeking a new location to celebrate Christmas this year? What better way to spend the most delightful time of the year than in Lithuania’s intriguing capital city, which offers some entertaining and unusual things to see and do over the holiday season? Swaying in front of the Christmas tree The focal point of the holiday celebrations in Vilnius is the city’s famous Christmas tree. The annual Christmas market is located in Cathedral Square and revolves around the tree. In December, it’s a wonderful and festive place to be, taking in all the sights and sounds of a Lithuanian Christmas. Vilnius’ Christmas trees are renowned for their distinctive themes and decorations. The show-stopper from the previous year was shaped like a cake, and the design for 2023 is now a mystery. The Christmas trees in the capital of Lithuania have long been acknowledged as some of the most imaginative in the world. The lighting of the Vilnius Christmas tree will occur on December 1, 2023. While incarcerated, serving time at a Christmas market Visitors can enjoy a truly unusual Christmas market in a former prison in addition to the traditional Christmas market! Instead of housing bad boy convicts, Lukiskes Prison has evolved into one of the city’s most important event venues. From 1904 to 2019, criminals, political detainees, and exiles completed their sentences. The prison complex remained standing after the Soviet occupation and both World Wars. It was reinvented, and now it presents a variety of cultural, musical, and artistic activities. This year, there are holiday markets focused on food on certain dates (7–10 and 14–17 December). A king’s level of ice skating The majestic inner courtyard of Valdovu Rumai, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, will be transformed into an ice skating rink this year, creating yet another novel scenario. Previously, the palace served as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s political, diplomatic, administrative, and cultural hub. Imagine skating over the ice while twirling in the knowledge that you are on historical ground. According to local tradition, the cookies can predict your future love life. It is stated that if you take a handful and count them, you will find true love or perhaps get married in the upcoming year if the number is even. How about an odd number? Simply return and make another attempt the following year. At Liepkalnis Water Storage, there is hot pleasure. Although it might not seem thrilling at first, this is really great! A special fire installations show will be on display for Christmas at the city’s old underground water storage, which is now a popular tourist destination. One for Instagram There is a fantastic custom in Vilnius where all the neighborhood shops compete for the greatest Christmas decorations. Although it’s fiercely competitive, their efforts have made the city appear magical. Visitors are certain to take some beautiful pictures! Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/a-quirky-christmas-in-vilnius/

The motto of Mein Schiff Relax is “Experience well-being in a new way.” The inaugural cruises for the InTUItion class ship are now accepting reservations. The Mein Schiff Relax will make port visits in Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Spain as it travels around the western Mediterranean. Regular passengers and first-time cruisers should keep an eye out for 7- to 10-day cruises from/to Palma/Mallorca. Visitors can explore the Spanish mainland by visiting the seaside cities of Valencia, Barcelona, Malaga, and Cadiz in addition to viewing Italian destinations like Rome, La Spezia, and Naples. The eighth ship will stop in ports in Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, Marseille or Cannes in France, Lisbon in Portugal, and other ports in Italy and Spain. On select itineraries, passengers may also explore the Moroccan port city of Tangier and make an overnight stop at Palma, which will give them the opportunity to spend two days exploring Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Cruise enthusiasts and those looking to join them will discover all they need for leisure and enjoyment, including large outdoor decks, an iconic roof over portions of the 25-meter pool and sunbathing spaces, terraced sunbathing sections, and an infinity pool. There will be the French Sur Mer Bistrot and the Greek Taverna Dionysos with outdoor and indoor seating on Mein Schiff Relax in addition to the tried-and-true, included, and excluded restaurants. As usual, the interior, outdoor, and balcony cabins are roomy, stylish, and give cruise fans the freedom and storage space they need to take a trip during the most beautiful season of the year whether they are traveling alone, with a partner, or with a family. 85% of the cabins on the Mein Schiff Relax have balconies, which is a larger percentage than the rest of the Mein Schiff fleet. The eighth ship now provides lone travelers balcony accommodations in addition to the inside and outdoor cabins that will also be offered on Mein Schiff 7. The Beautiful View Suites, the Wanderlust Suites, and the Weitblick Suites, two suite categories with separate bedrooms for up to four guests, are available in addition to the Junior Suites, which are around 25 m2. The two brand-new Große Freiheit Suites each measure 88 square meters and are spread across two decks. Each suite has a veranda, two bedrooms, an infrared sauna, and large window fronts providing an endless view and a feeling of maximum spaciousness. The collection of varied journeys consists of: The 7-day cruise “Bella Italia & Spanish Fiesta” with Mein Schiff Relax from 16 to 23.03.2025 from/to Palma/Mallorca via Civitavecchia and La Spezia (Italy), Barcelona and Valencia (Spain) is available from 799 euros per person in an inside cabin, from 1,069 euros per person in a balcony cabin, each with the Mein Schiff Premium inclusive services, for double occupancy in the PRO rate (incl. 150 Euro early bird discount for bookings until 30.11.2023).* The 9-day “Highlights of Italy and Spain” trip with Mein Schiff Relax departs/arrivals from Palma/Mallorca on April 8 and arrives on April 17 and travels via Palermo, Naples, and Civitavecchia (Italy), Barcelona, and Valencia (Spain), returning to Mallorca, a Spanish island. There is an overnight stay on the ship. Inside cabins start at 1,169 euros per person, while balcony cabins start at 1,519 euros per person, both with the Mein Schiff Premium comprehensive amenities, when booked for two people at the PRO rate (includes a 200 euro early bird discount if booked by November 30, 2023). The 10-day Mein Schiff Relax cruise “Sunny Iberia and Morocco” departs from/arrives at Palma/Mallorca on April 25, 2025, and returns on May 5, 2025, via Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Tangier, Valencia, and Malaga again. Visitors can stay on board for the final night of this voyage in the Spanish port. With double occupancy with the Mein Schiff Premium comprehensive services, inside cabins start at 1,249 euros per person and balconies start at 1,649 euros per person at the PRO rate (includes a 200 euro early bird discount for reservations made before November 30, 2023). The “Mediterranean Favourite Places” 7-day cruise with Mein Schiff Relax from/to Palma/Mallorca on May 5, 2025, to May 12, 2025, passes through Barcelona, Cannes, Marseille, and Marseilles in France before returning to Palma, where passengers can spend the night on board in the Spanish port of Mallorca. The price for the trip, with double occupancy and Mein Schiff Premium comprehensive services, starts at 849 euros per person for an inside cabin and at 1,199 euros per person for a balcony cabin. This price includes a 170 euro early bird discount for reservations made before November 30, 2023. The balconies of the cabins facing Mein Schiff Relax will specifically be marked as non-smoking areas. The deck layout indicates the non-smoking balconies with green hatching, and they are included in the PRO rate. All unmarked balconies still allow smoking. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/tui-cruises-unveils-mein-schiff-relax-western-mediterranean-voyages/

The inaugural ‘How India Travels’ report was published by Booking.com. The report, with McKinsey & Company as the knowledge partner, offers priceless insight into the changing travel preferences of Indians and the variables behind this increase. Indian travelers are back in the game, eager to put the pandemic’s lockdown days behind them and travel more than ever for both business and pleasure. They are looking for newer, unusual locations and authentic, immersive experiences. Often influenced by social media, where they obtain new ideas and plan their journeys, they have become more picky and experimental in what they want from a trip. The 2020s: An Era Belonging to Indian Travelers, Prepared to Explore Once More Prior to COVID-19, travel expenditures in India were USD 150 billion, placing the country as the sixth-largest spender globally. It is predicted that by 2030, total travel expenditure by Indians will soar to an impressive USD 410 billion, making India the fourth largest global spender and registering the fastest COVID recovery globally across key regions. This will be made possible by India’s strong economy, expanding middle class, and travel-loving youth. Travel restrictions that were in place for a long time, particularly in China, Japan, and South-East Asia, kept tourists away from Asia through 2022. By reaching 78% of 2019 levels in 2022, India took the lead in the recovery of tourism expenditures, compared to 52% for Asia. From 2.3 billion journeys in 2019 to a mind-boggling 5 billion trips in 2030, more trips overall are anticipated. Indian Travel Planning: Unleashing Spontaneity and Unusualness The study indicates an unexpected characteristic of Indian tourists: with an average window of only 29 days, Indian tourists exhibit extraordinary spontaneity in their trip planning, followed by Japanese tourists (57 days) and Americans (63 days). Indian travelers love the thrill of making swift, adventurous travel arrangements. The importance of food is paramount while choosing a place to stay: Indian tourists adopt a very unusual strategy. Food convenience was emphasized by travelers, with more than 80% of them valuing restaurant and room service alternatives while away. Alternative lodging choices like hostels, campgrounds, rental homes, and chalets are in high demand. Average Daily Rates (ADR) growth for these nontraditional lodging options surpassed that of traditional hotels and managed chains, pointing to a paradigm shift in travelers’ priorities. In 2023, three nights at villas and 14 nights at guesthouses were reserved for each night at a camp. In popular tourist and business destinations like Varanasi, Goa, Bangalore, and Delhi, the growth in weekend reservations for alternative lodging is 4 to 5 times larger in 2023 than in 2022. Where are Indians Going on Vacation? – An Increase in Locations While Accepting Both India and the World Tier 2-3 locations like Varanasi, Coimbatore, and Kochi are becoming more well-liked while metropolises continue to be the most popular travel destinations. According to data from Booking.com, a new trend is beginning where less well-known treasures are suddenly capturing the wanderlust of tourists looking for a more genuine and unique experience. Bookings for destinations like Varanasi, Gurugram, and Coimbatore are rising dramatically. Hilly destinations like Manali, Shimla, and Lonavala continue to be popular, but unusual places like Panchgani, Madikeri, and Mt. Abu are expected to see the highest surge in demand in 2023. The increase in demand for these outlandish locations reflects a desire to go beyond the usual. With new holiday spots from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal topping the list, Indians are increasingly exploring outside of their country for their next getaway. This is made possible by improved air connectivity, more awareness, simpler booking processes, and simplified visa requirements. What Encourages Indian Travelers to Explore: Film, Mega Events, and Social Media According to the study, TV shows and Indian movies influence the interests of Indian tourists, with more than half (54%) saying they would choose a destination featured in a show or movie. Only 2% of travelers say there is no impact. This shows how celebrity endorsements and relationships with brands are becoming more and more relevant and influential for travel destinations. Mega-events, such as athletic competitions (ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023), political gatherings (G20 Summit 2023), music festivals (Lollapalooza), and many others, have a magnetic pull on travelers and serve as compelling catalysts for their journeys. It is clear that social media has a significant impact on how people travel. In 2022, 91% of Indian travelers said that YouTube is their preferred social media site for travel inspiration, with 85% of Indian travelers showing an interest in Instagram. Rapidly Increasing Travel Ecosystem – Industry’s Approach to Providing Travelers with Power More than ever, Indian travelers desire to travel quickly and easily while seeking out unusual locations and alternative lodging. To suit the demands of the discriminating Indian traveler, the travel ecosystem is quickly adapting. For Indian tourists, destinations are creating a variety of services that cater to a range of preferences and budgets. In order to suit all types of travelers, Dubai, for example, is the pinnacle of this trend post-COVID, providing a wide range of lodging, dining, and experience alternatives for any price. The presence of major international hotel chains is growing even more in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Jodhpur, Dharamshala, Bodhgaya, Bilaspur, and Coorg. Additionally, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Kolhapur, Nashik, and Puri are home to 70% of the planned branded hotel properties. Branded inventory share increased in these markets from about 30% in 2015–2016 to roughly 50% in 2022–2023 due to the increasing growth potential. The road forward: Creating a Travel Industry that Blazes New Trails The travel business is experiencing fascinating times right now. Understanding Indian travelers will enable the country’s travel ecosystem to develop in concert with new wants and tastes, resulting in a thriving tourist industry in the coming years. “We are thrilled to launch the first edition of our ‘How India Travels’ Report with our knowledge partners McKinsey & Company, to better understand the ever-changing behaviors and preferences of Indian travelers,” said

Based on historical data and recent customer searches, Freetour.com, one of the platforms for scheduling free tours and inexpensive activities, has revealed the top 10 free tours that are anticipated to trend in November. 1. Free City Tour in Budapest, Hungary Budapest-based Generation Tours operates. An introductory city tour is the best option for visitors who are new to Budapest. This tour of the city’s must-see locations, including Vörösmarty tér, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament, Danube Promenade, and more, is led by professional local guides. At the 2023 Freetour.com Awards, held in March of this year, this tour was named the Most Popular Tour. 2. Free Tour: Vienna Highlights | Vienna, Austria run by Prime Tours With this tour, you can see Vienna’s fascinating fusion of contemporary and history. Discover well-known sites like the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Vienna Opera House, and Heldenplatz. Explore the city’s fascinating past, from its musical legacy to its experiences during the war. 3. Free Walking Tour of Naples, Italy with Local Expert Guides It is run by Napulè Tours. This two-hour trip introduces you to the fascinating history, mythology, monuments, tales, and gastronomy of this alluring Italian city. Start your adventure in Dante Square and then stroll around the historic center, taking in the Greek-era walls, “Spaccanapoli” street, Gesù Nuovo Square, Santa Chiara church, and other sights. 4. Free Istanbul tour | Istanbul, Turkey By Viaurbis Tours operated The tour’s entertaining mix of trivia and tales will make your trip to historic Istanbul one to remember. It is the ideal method to get to know this famous Ottoman capital. 5. Free Tour of Amsterdam’s Historic Center | Netherlands by Viaterra Tours and is run A 2.5-hour tour of the city’s past, including everything from its beginnings to the effects of different historical occurrences. Discover famous locations including the Royal Palace Amsterdam, Dam Square, and the Rembrandt House Museum. Learn about the history and hidden treasures that have shaped Amsterdam. 6. Free Walking Tour of Barcelona’s Old City | Barcelona, Spain a Barkeno Tours company. With a focus on local history, culture, art, and architecture, this Barcelona tour takes you on a journey through the intriguing city’s core from Roman times to the present. It includes guided tours of well-known locations like the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and Plaza de Sant Jaume. 7.- Dublin, Ireland, Original Free Tour Generation Tours Dublin runs the business With the help of an enthusiastic local guide, discover Dublin’s colorful personality and history. Visit famous locations like Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and Trinity College Dublin. Discover the city’s rich history, which includes information on the Vikings, the 1916 Rising, and more. Your entrance to Dublin’s past and present is through this tour. 8. The Original Walking Tour of Mexico City’s Historic Downtown Estacion Mexico Free Tours runs the business. With the help of this tour, you may learn about the historical city center of Mexico City, including its famous landmarks, fascinating past, and interesting trivia. Highlights include the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, Templo Mayor Museum, and Teatro de la Ciudad. In one of the biggest cities on earth, you’ll feel at home. 9.- Walking Tour of Tallinn in a Nutshell | Tallinn, Estonia by EstAdventures, Inc. On a 2-hour guided tour that brings history to life, explore Tallinn’s Old Town. Through engrossing tales and legends, learn about medieval, Soviet, and modern Estonia. Visit famous locations like the Danish King’s Garden, City Wall Towers, and St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum. 10.- Lisbon, Portugal, Free Tour: Important History & Fun Facts – Free Tastings Tours Of My Life runs the business Learn about the history, culture, and famous locations of the city, such as the Santa Justa Lift, the Carmo Convent, Bairro Alto, and Alfama. Discover Portugal’s rich history while taking advantage of a free sample of the greatest pastel de nata. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/top-ten-trending-free-tours-for-november-from-freetour-com/

The Oncenter and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, New York’s premier sports, entertainment, and convention venues, will continue to be managed by ASM Global, the venue-management company and producer of live-event experiences, as part of a long-standing partnership with Onondaga Country, New York. The agreement renewal formally extends Onondaga County’s fruitful 10-year partnership with the international live-experience business. In accordance with the terms of the renewed contract, ASM Global will keep managing The Oncenter, a multipurpose convention and entertainment complex made up of the 7,000-seat Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial, the 99,000-square-foot Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, and the three performance-ready theaters in the John H. Mulroy Civic Center. The 17,500-seat St. Joseph’s Amphitheater at Lakeview, a charming outdoor music venue with a view of Onondaga Lake, is also a part of the agreement. With the ability to host any size or type of event, from major conventions and trade shows in its convention center to ice shows and car shows in its arena to stage productions and business meetings in any of the three different theaters on the property, The Oncenter attracts both local and national events. Fans have the option of arriving to performances by boat at St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater, one of the most distinctive venues in the area. On days when there are no performances, the location is used by Onondaga County citizens as a County Park, equipped with a route that links it to other county parks near Onondaga Lake and a statewide trail network. Since their debut, the Syracuse properties have played host to some of the most well-known conventions and events in North America, including high-profile conventions and trade shows like the International Trails Symposium and the United States Bowling Conference Tournaments, as well as performances by celebrities like Miranda Lambert, Imagine Dragons, and Janet Jackson. The venues have hosted more than 339 events and drawn more than 535,000 visitors just in 2023. ASM Global started working with Onondaga County in 2013 to manage The Oncenter, and two years later they added the brand-new St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview. This most recent renovation is a part of the company’s expanding footprint across the United States, where it manages some of the most versatile and distinctive facilities of all sizes, including arenas, stadiums, theaters, conference centers, and districts with multiple uses for entertainment. The Oncenter and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview general manager Peter Casper of ASM Global said, “We are delighted to extend our long-standing cooperation with Onondaga County. “ASM Global is poised to fully support Onondaga County through the continued growth of the community by driving economic impact and creating unique opportunities through world-class meetings and entertainment options in the area,” reads a statement from ASM Global. “As Central New York prepares for expansion with massive future projects like the planned 2.4 million square-foot Micron semiconductor fabrication facility. According to Ryan McMahon, the executive for Onondaga County, “Onondaga County is home to some of the best convention, tourism, and entertainment facilities in the nation. As crucial, we keep making the calculated expenditures required to guarantee that each visitor, whether they are in town for a convention or a concert, gets to experience state-of-the-art facilities. “We are proud to welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year to our community, but none of it would be possible without our partners at ASM Global,” McMahon stated. With best-in-class sales, service, and technologies, their team is setting the bar higher to entice and wow guests from throughout the nation. Due to their widespread visibility, they are able to promote Onondaga County as a premier location for events of all kinds to a global audience. I’m excited to see our productive partnership continue. Onondaga County is strategically positioning The Oncenter facilities to improve the visitor experience by utilizing the special expertise of ASM Global. The use of cutting-edge visual and interactive displays, marquee and in-venue signs for next-level sponsorship, as well as improvements to the exhibit hall and ballroom, five new conference rooms, and other industry-leading initiatives will further boost income and engagement. “We thank Onondaga County for their continued trust in our management approach,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president of convention centers for ASM Global. The Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center will gain from being a part of ASM Global’s new premier package offerings, which showcase our most avant-garde designs and distinctive environments, from immersive LED moments to elevated VIP lounges and quiet spaces for business connectivity. We are confident that, when combined with our unmatched industry expertise, we will be able to deliver exceptional on-site experiences and appeal to the next generation of fans and event attendees. Facilities of this size and complexity, like The Oncenter, present so many opportunities for innovation. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/asm-global-continues-decade-long-partnership-with-onondaga-county/

Costs, Habits and Conditions: State of Ski for the Upcoming Season, the annual ski study from luxury travel company and top ski operator Club Med, has been released. Winter sports vacations for Britons have once again changed as the country continues to struggle with rising inflation expenses and climate change. While long-distance and far-flung places continue to be on travelers’ wish lists, evidence suggests that Europe is leading the way for the ski season this year, albeit with some new trends emerging for the upcoming season.  Booking Practices  While most skiers have a strong desire to hit the slopes again in 2023–2024, it’s crucial to take into account how growing inflation is affecting traveler behavior. According to a study of 1,000 habitual skiers and snowboarders in the UK, many choose to make their reservations sooner in order to secure lower pricing. For the upcoming season, two out of every five people (43%) have already made travel arrangements for a winter sports vacation, and 43% of these claimed to have done so because of growing inflation. When compared to 2022, two thirds (67%) of travelers made their reservations nine months or more in advance of their trip date. Eighty-three percent of reservations for the forthcoming ski season are made six months in advance, a trend that Club Med has personally observed with its own clients.  Three in five (61%) skiers say they are more likely to book all-inclusive vacations because of growing inflation, while more than half of those surveyed (54%) say they are rethinking their normal kind of lodging due to cost of living. Nearly two out of five skiers (38%) who have already made travel arrangements choose the all-inclusive model as their preferred lodging choice for the next ski season. When compared to this time last year, Club Med has witnessed a 10% rise in bookings year over year.  Budgets for the holidays this year should undoubtedly account for the cost of living crisis. The average cost of a ski vacation for those surveyed who have already made reservations is £1,580 per person (down £399 from 2022/23), indicating that many people are having to be more frugal with their expenditures. Although this is a little less than the average Club Med customer spend, which is currently £1,943 for the winter 2023–24 season, Club Med takes pride in their top-of-the-line, all-inclusive ski package, the price of which is fixed at the time of booking, protecting customers from increased costs brought on by inflation or currency fluctuations.  According to Club Med’s Managing Director for the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions, Nicolas Bresch, “Demand for mountain vacations for the winter 2023/24 season was stronger than ever throughout September. The high number of Brits making early reservations and the amount choosing all-inclusive accommodations this year are hopeful signs that travelers are choosing to lock in their vacation costs before they increase throughout the season.  The popular school half-term week in February and late January see over 95% occupancy at the ski slopes of Val d’Isere and Tignes, according to Club Med’s research on when Brits want to travel for their winter sports vacation. This year, survey participants’ booking behaviors were consistent, with January emerging as the busiest month for those making travel plans for the next ski season. This is in contrast to last year’s statistics, which showed that December was the most popular month to make reservations. This could be an indication of waning trust in early snow conditions, which may have led seasoned skiers to postpone their trip in anticipation of further snowfall.  A snow guarantee would increase the likelihood that 81% of people would book a vacation with the operator. If more than 50% of the ski domain is closed for two or more consecutive days within five days of departure, skiers will be relocated to an alternative resort or given a credit note for the full value of their stay (exclusive of the cost of the flights, transfers, and extras) under Club Med’s industry-leading Snow Guarantee.  Destinations  Previously, the preference for a resort or the urge to visit somewhere new were the main factors influencing frequent skiers when picking a resort or location. However, persistent socioeconomic problems are having a significant impact on where Brits are scheduling their winter sports vacations for the 2023–2024 season.  Switzerland (23%) continues to be the most popular ski destination, followed by France (20%), Austria (13%), Italy (8%) and Canada (7%), in terms of destinations. Bookings for Alpe d’Huez, Tignes, Val d’Isere, and Les Arcs Panorama in the French Alps, which are among the top five most booked resorts for the forthcoming season, are up 26% year over year, according to Club Med’s sales data.  Given that money is still a major concern many Brits, it should come as no surprise that nearly half of those polled said that value for money (or 45%) was the most crucial consideration when making a winter sports travel reservation. Once Once more, Europe topped the list of ski resorts deemed to offer the best value, with France (37%) taking the lead.  Along with the price, snow conditions and the lingering memory of a disappointing early season last year are also influencing where people plan their winter sports vacation. Given the snow conditions from the previous winter, more over half of those surveyed (55%) are rethinking where they will go for winter activities. This is evident from the resorts already reserved for the upcoming season and the fact that Club Med enjoys the benefits of several high-altitude locations that are more likely to have snowfall, including nine resorts over 1800 meters in the Alps.  Sustainability  The events that were taking place on the continent at the start of the 2022–2023 season could not be avoided, skier or not. In December and January, images of the Alps made headlines around Europe, with several lower-altitude resorts facing operational challenges due to a lack of snowfall and rising temperatures. The erratic snowfall of the previous year served as the inspiration

It’s fantastic news for travelers and the travel industry that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will once again be keeping an eye on domestic airlines, since this will help to improve flight reliability and efficiency. The Federal Government’s decision is welcomed by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), considering the crucial significance of the ACCC’s quarterly reports. The ATIA has advocated for the reinstatement of ACCC oversight of domestic aviation on numerous occasions, most recently at recent roundtables for the Aviation White Paper process and in submissions to the Inquiry into Tourism and International Education Sectors and the Bilateral Air Rights Inquiry. “Quarterly reporting by the ACCC is critically important to tracking the overall health of Australia’s domestic aviation sector, especially while Travel’s recovery is still in progress and capacity is still lacking,” ATIA CEO Dean Long said. We seen the advantages of this monitoring during COVID when the ACCC pointed out problems with the selling of tickets for canceled flights, among other things. “This reporting opens up crucial data that enables consumers and industry stakeholders to get timely and pertinent information, especially on capacity and costs. The improvements to include customer complaints will increase trust. “When the monitoring program started during COVID, we saw that this reporting provided important insight into the general state of the domestic aviation industry to support Australia’s overall economic growth.” “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for change, and we are pleased that the Federal Government has acted in accordance with ATIA’s submissions to the Tourism and International Education Sectors Inquiry and the Bilateral Air Rights Inquiry,” the statement reads. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/success-on-atias-call-for-return-of-accc-monitoring-of-domestic-airlines/

AlUla’s status as one of the most exciting travel destinations in the area has been cemented by its selection as the Middle East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2023 at the prestigious World Travel Awards. High-ranking officials from the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) attended the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2023 on October 15 in Dubai, including Phillip Jones, RCU’s chief tourism officer. RCU’s Chief Tourism Officer, Phillip Jones (middle), accepting the honor With this honor, AlUla has successfully preserved and promoted its distinctive cultural heritage through community-based, all-encompassing development projects. With this most recent honor, AlUla not only highlights its importance in the area but also reaffirms its dedication to promoting responsible tourism and preserving the old city’s historical history. The World Travel Awards provided a forum for the international travel community to celebrate and honor outstanding accomplishments to the industry that evening, drawing an elite audience of important industry professionals and media representatives. AlUla, which is in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, has served as a crossroads for trade, a point of transit, and the residence of various civilizations that have carved, sculptured, and engraved their lives into the landscape.  The most important attractions in AlUla are the Nabataean city of Hegra, which was recently named to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, and Jabal Ikmah, which is covered in hundreds of rock inscriptions in numerous ancient languages. Hegra is also Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. AlUla Old Town hamlet, a maze of more than 900 mudbrick houses built at least as far back as the 12th century, has also been chosen by UNWTO as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages for 2022. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/alula-named-middle-easts-leading-cultural-tourism-project-2023-at-world-travel-awards/

The party décor gurus at Ginger Ray have done a survey* to find out what Britain’s top worries are for 2023 as the Halloween season approaches quickly. Ginger Ray is able to expose not just the most horrifying Halloween horrors in the UK but also their genuine, physical terrors in order to disclose the collective mind in all its spine-chilling splendor. The majority of British people (24%) claim they are afraid of spiders, making them the most common phobia in the country. Vomit was revealed to be the second-biggest fear in the UK, with 10% of individuals finding it horrifying. Ghosts ranked third on the list of Brits’ top fears, with 9% of respondents saying they were terrified of being haunted. Arachnophobia, or the dread of spiders, was the top fear in every region of the UK, while the second-biggest spine chillers varied significantly by location. Northern Ireland has the highest percentage of scaredy cats in the UK, with only 9% of respondents saying they are not afraid of anything. Nearly a quarter (22%) of East of England residents reported having no worries, making them the most fearless Brits who will endure the most frights this Halloween. The hardest-to-frighten Brits reside in Nottingham, closely followed by Glasgow and Norwich, with 22%, 21%, and 20% of each group claiming to be phobia-free. On the other hand, Belfast (9%), Liverpool (11.4%), and Sheffield (11.5%) had the highest level of fearfulness and the lowest likelihood of having no anxieties for Halloween. However, many of our greatest anxieties now are more grounded in reality and less otherworldly. Many of these were dreaded more than the most prevalent phobias. The cost of living problem, which is feared by more than one-third (35%) of British people, is the country’s most immediate source of panic. One in five (20%) people fear the environmental problem, while 27% are afraid of the unavoidable aging process. As Halloween draws near, people wishing to frighten their friends might want to rethink their Halloween decorations or costumes and choose one of Britain’s greatest phobias instead. Visit Ginger Ray for advice on how to celebrate Halloween with the scariest theme possible. *Censuswide conducted the study for Ginger Ray using a sample of 2004 respondents who were nationally representative. For age, gender, and region, quotas were applied to nationally representative proportions. The survey fieldwork was conducted between September 20 and September 22, 2023. Censuswide is a member of the British Polling Council and adheres to the Market Research Society, which is founded on the ESOMAR principles. Source- Travel biz Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/haunted-britain-mapping-halloween-horrors/