Travel News

The feel-good factor doesn’t have to end just because the vacation is. Traveling can take people from autopilot into living their best lives, but there can be a difficult transition afterward. The post-vacation blues might set in with too many emails, a rapidly fading holiday glow, and a pile of laundry. One in five (17%) Hong Kong travelers report leaving their positive vacation attitude at the door as soon as they get home. In 2024, almost two thirds (74%) of Hong Kong residents wish to live more like their holiday self. This is according to Booking.com’s travel projections. In light of this, Booking.com offers five suggestions for visitors looking to maintain their best selves while returning home, ranging from creating daily routines to embracing a carefree attitude. 1. Release With over half (64%) saying they would prefer to have no plans fixed in stone before to going, travelers in 2024 are more and more willing to let go of control and explore new places and uncharted terrain while on vacation. In the day-to-day, adopt this carpe diem travel mindset by letting go of control and learning to let go of meticulous planning. Give yourself permission to do whatever feels right in the moment throughout the nights and weekends, and let things unfold naturally rather than forcing them to. Whether one spends their days working or surfing, following one’s natural flow makes one more receptive to unexpected meetings and experiences. Every minute of life is an adventure waiting to happen. 2. Assume the lead role ‘Main character energy’ is experienced by over half (66%) of Hong Kong residents when they travel, so why not harness this energy a little more at home? While on vacation, most people prioritize themselves and write their own story. Travelers might carry over this tendency by being slightly more self-centered in their daily life. Consider the distinctive traits and driving forces that shape your travel schedule and itineraries, such as your love of the outdoors or your passion for stand-up comedy, and make more of a “me.” moment,’ whether it’s enjoying a guilt-free cup of tea, going to the comedy club, or going wild foraging. It’s simple to prioritize the needs of others in the middle of life’s chaos; however, being more selfish doesn’t mean ignoring other people; rather, it means understanding the value of self-care and placing one’s own well-being first so that others can present as their best selves. 3. Turn off the autopilot. With 80% of tourists stating that they feel more alive than ever while on vacation, it’s no wonder that invigorating the senses with novel and intriguing meals and sights and increasing physical activity combine to make passengers feel more conscious. Keep your taste buds engaged and join the one in five (23%) Hong Kong visitors who prepare the meals they enjoyed while traveling, adding ideas and ingredients from different cultures to even the most boring meals. This will help you carry this feel-alive sensation into your daily life. Routines are important, but it’s important to recognize the difference between adhering to habits and becoming stuck because they’re comfortable. To stimulate the senses and encourage greater movement, try introducing novel experiences into your everyday routine. Try adding an energetic “virtual commute” walk before and after work to symbolize the start and end of the workday if you work from home, for instance. Vary it up by taking different routes to keep yourself attentive and aware of your surroundings. 4. Utilize mementos to their fullest Travel relics don’t have to be limited to mementos from past trips and souvenirs. Considering that 37% of visitors look back on trip images to bring back the festive spirit in their daily lives after returning, you might want to think about making a photo book or album of your favorite holiday moments. Making something that will assist relive and renew that nostalgic trip vibe has never been simpler thanks to the abundance of applications available that may help streamline tasks like camera roll to keepsake. 5. Initiate Travelers often find that being away from home awakens their inner child, and leaving behind the routine might satiate a certain need for entertainment. Play is a daily holiday “to do,” whether it’s a game of cards over a sunset cocktail, a game of bat and ball on the beach, or getting wild on the dance floor. When you return, try to recreate the vacation vibes you had while away by engaging in joyful activities, discovering new ones as well as revisiting favorites like learning to paddleboard or adding some salsa dancing to the evening. Play can be incredibly stimulating and helps individuals to take a break from the daily grind in a world when technology means people are always connected. When you go home, attempt to identify the things that drain your daily energy and fill those moments with some rejuvenating playtime, no matter how brief, to create a rhythmic balance between the use and replenishment of energy. Source- Travel daily

VFS Global has designated Jose Manuel Aisa Mancho as its Chief Financial Officer, commencing on 01 November 2023. The individual in question is accountable to Zubin Karkaria, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which serves as the worldwide headquarters of the organization. Jose has recently transitioned from his previous role at Cellnex Telecom to join VFS Global. The individual possesses more than twenty years of professional expertise encompassing many finance sub-disciplines, such as mergers and acquisitions, financial planning, investor relations, management control, treasury, and tax. The individual in question has prior professional experience within notable organizations such as Abertis Infrastructures, CriteriaCaixa, and Cellnex. Additionally, he held the position of Non-Executive Officer in other infrastructure businesses, including Hispasat, Sanef, and TBI Limited. Jose has been assigned the role of overseeing the comprehensive Finance function at VFS Global. Additionally, he will assume responsibility for the Legal, Data Privacy, and Corporate Risk divisions. Jose will utilize his extensive knowledge to enhance VFS Global’s financial operation and formulate strategies to facilitate the company’s continued expansion and progress. In his capacity as a member of the Executive Board, he will assume a crucial role in the comprehensive strategic decision-making process at VFS Global. Jose possesses a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, alongside a Masters in Business Administration from Esade in Barcelona, Spain. Additionally, he has obtained a CEMS Masters in International Management from the London School of Economics in London, UK. Furthermore, Jose has successfully completed the Executive Programme at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Source- Travel daily

The Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, which is the largest meeting of the creative marketing industry in the Kingdom, commences with a meticulously planned Young Talent Academy Programme over three days. Over 80 young Saudi creatives, including professionals and students under the age of 30, are currently participating in a unique and highly beneficial initiative aimed at enhancing their creative abilities, fostering professional connections, and exploring untapped potential in their respective fields. Concurrently with the event taking place from 13-15 November, a specialized training program will be conducted. This program comprises six Young Talent Academies that concentrate on several disciplines, namely PR, copywriting, innovation, branding and design, social communications, and planning. Each academic institution offers immersive and captivating seminars that provide a distinctive chance for professionals in attendance to receive practical training, engage in interactive discussions, share ideas, and acquire knowledge directly from leaders in the field. One notable aspect of the program is a comprehensive 24-hour hack competition that encompasses the entire academy. The victorious teams from this competition will be duly acknowledged during the Athar Awards gala dinner, scheduled to take place on the 16th of November. In regards to the initiation of the programme, Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner & Group Editor-in-Chief of Motivate Media Group, expressed that this endeavor signifies a significant moment in fostering the artistic potential of our younger generation. Through the allocation of resources to this program, we are not merely acknowledging the limitless capabilities of youthful individuals, but also cultivating an environment that promotes originality and exceptionalism. This is in perfect accordance with our dedication to fostering a vibrant future for the creative sector in Saudi Arabia, advocating for a cohort of emerging individuals prepared to leave a lasting impact on the international platform. In agreement with his statements, Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS, expressed his satisfaction in inaugurating the Young Talent Academy Programme during the inaugural edition of the Athar Festival. The program has been carefully crafted by professionals in the respective sector with the intention of fostering a sense of enthusiasm for artistic expression among young individuals, so enabling them to explore and uncover their inherent abilities and aptitudes. Our objective is to empower the upcoming cohort of innovators who will play a pivotal role in driving the Kingdom’s progressive economy. The academies have been meticulously crafted with the aim of empowering participants and facilitating their progression to the subsequent phase of their professional journeys. These academies are being organized in partnership with renowned entities such as TRACCS, Saudi Ad School, Getty Images, and What’s On Saudi Arabia. They are spearheaded by the Academy Leaders of Athar Festival, a group of industry professionals and subject matter experts who are committed to providing participants with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in their respective fields. The Copywriting Academy is being led by Will Awdry, a renowned coach, consultant, and writer who has received multiple awards for his expertise in the field. The Innovation Academy is under the leadership of Warren Knight, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Think Digital First. Similarly, the Social Communications Academy is guided by Jessica Avedikian, the Founder and Consultant of Social Astronauts. Yaz Ghon, the individual holding the position of Head of Creative at KickAds, is currently providing mentorship to the participants enrolled in the Planning Academy. Similarly, Lamiaa Ameen, who serves as the Brand and Communication Manager at Andalusia Health, is leading the Branding and Design Academy. The PR Academy is under the leadership of Rami Abbas and Samer Allouzi, who hold the positions of Director of Strategy & Development and Senior Communications Director at TRACCS, respectively. Source- Travel daily

As the MarketHub Asia event approaches, Hotelbeds assures to reveal the most recent and significant developments in the travel industry through the participation of esteemed speakers including Google, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Throughout the duration of the two-day conference, esteemed intellectuals will extensively examine the progression of individuals who engage in travel, with a specific emphasis on the escalating significance of travel that is both sustainable and responsible. Additionally, there will be an exploration of the impact of data-driven consumer decision-making in the realm of travel. Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group, the parent company of Hotelbeds, stated that the extensive schedule of MarketHub Asia, which includes prominent global organizations, highlights the significant worth of this event for leaders within the travel sector. The next event is anticipated to provide valuable insights on various pertinent subjects, including the potential of personalization in enhancing experiences, the advantages of collaboration in promoting innovation, and other relevant themes. The event, scheduled to occur from November 21-23 at the Amari Bangkok Hotel, aims to facilitate global collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the 400 participants hailing from 16 nations in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. MarketHub Asia will not only deliver a conference schedule of exceptional quality, but it will also offer a distinctive networking platform. MarketHub Asia is an exclusive event that convenes Hotelbeds’ key partners and clients, with support from a number of sponsors including Onyx Hospitality Group, NH Hotels (a division of Minor), Clermont Hotel Group, Accor, Visit Hungary, Rixos Hotels, and Titanic Hotels. Source- Travel daily

The United Kingdom boasts a plethora of breathtaking natural landscapes, which attract visitors from far locations who seek to immerse themselves in its splendor. During the winter season, when the cold weather becomes more prominent, individuals often feel inclined to seek refuge in their houses. However, holiday home operator, Verdant Leisure, aims to motivate British citizens to engage in outdoor activities by presenting fresh research that identifies ten exceptional walking routes across the United Kingdom. The dataset analyzes popular walking routes and categorizes them according to their level of social media engagement, visitor ratings sourced from platforms such as TripAdvisor, and average precipitation levels over the period from December to March. This information serves to inform walkers about the relative dryness of different locales. This article presents a compilation of the ten most notable winter treks in the United Kingdom. The location of Seven Sisters is in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Ranked at the pinnacle of the aforementioned list, Seven Sisters in Eastbourne garners a prestigious five-star rating on TripAdvisor and has amassed an impressive 14.6 million engagements on various social media platforms. Derived from the prominent geological formation consisting of seven chalk cliffs that comprise the coastal region of Sussex, the Seven Sisters spans from Eastbourne to Seaford, providing panoramic vistas of the ocean from atop the cliffs and invigorating coastal strolls down the shoreline. If one chooses to visit during the winter season, it is advisable to dress warmly in order to safeguard oneself against the cold sea breeze. Cheddar Gorge, located in Somerset, is a prominent geographical feature known for its unique characteristics and historical significance. Located among the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge is a region of remarkable natural splendor that has garnered significant attention, as seen by its substantial presence on the popular social media platform TikTok, with over 12 million associated hashtags. This destination is highly recommended for individuals seeking an unforgettable and captivating encounter. The expansive wintry terrain presents a plethora of enigmatic caves, including two of the United Kingdom’s largest show caves, as well as towering pinnacles, undulating hills, and precipitous cliffs that beckon exploration. This winter trek, which features renowned sites like Jacobs Ladder and a 3-mile clifftop trail with panoramic views of Somerset, has received a highly favorable rating of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor. It is particularly well-suited for enthusiastic adventurers. The following text describes the panoramic vista observed from the summit of Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. Additionally, it mentions the John Muir Way located in Dunbar, East Lothian. The John Muir Way, spanning a distance of 134 miles, provides captivating coast-to-coast vistas of Scotland, accompanied with an average precipitation of 46mm throughout the period from December to March. The route extends from Dunbar, which holds significance as the birthplace of John Muir, situated in East Lothian. The trails meander in a westerly direction across Scotland, ultimately leading to the town of Helensburgh, located to the northwest of Glasgow. This untamed pathway provides a variety of opportunities for anyone to engage in walking, hiking, and cycling activities, catering to individuals with diverse levels of physical capabilities. Boasting a commendable 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, the locale in question presents an unparalleled display of natural beauty, encompassing lush forests, serene lakes, picturesque coastlines, and ancient castle ruins. These captivating features give a plethora of visual delights to behold, regardless of the selected trail for exploration. Observing the surroundings from Greenock Esplanade (also known as Splash) on a chilly winter day, one’s gaze is directed upwards towards the snow-clad hills that loom over Kilcreggan, Roseneath, and Helensburgh.Belhaven Beach, located in Dunbar, East Lothian, is a notable coastal destination. Another location in East Lothian is included in the list, this time situated along the coastline. Situated within the picturesque landscape of John Muir Country Park, Belhaven Beach offers an optimal location for leisurely walks along the shoreline, accompanied by the captivating vistas of the Forth Estuary. The bay, which has received a rating of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor and has few reports of precipitation, encompasses meadows, sand dunes, and a diverse salt marsh ecosystem that extends from Belhaven to the northern region of the River Tyne. Engaging in a leisurely walk along the sandy terrain at this location presents an opportunity to potentially encounter remnants of ancient castle remains, so augmenting the historical dimension of your excursion. The aforementioned structure is commonly referred to as ‘The Bridge To Nowhere’ and was constructed as an integral component of Dunbar’s Victorian beach enhancement initiative. The Biel Water traverses the area where it converges with Belhaven Bay and ultimately meets the North Sea near Dunbar.Sycamore Gap and Crag Lough are prominent geographical features located in the region of Northumberland. Located within Northumberland National Park is Sycamore Gap, which formerly housed the most often captured tree in the United Kingdom1. This location has gained significant traction on social media platforms, as evidenced by its impressive engagement statistics of 350,000 interactions on Instagram and TikTok. These figures serve as a testament to its pre-existing popularity among users. The gap referred to is situated within the extensive expanse between Hadrian’s Wall and the border adjacent to the national park, which attracts several hikers during the winter season. The Hadrian’s Wall Path is often regarded as the most favored route for traversing this particular area, offering visitors the opportunity to see notable landmarks such as Steel Rig and the picturesque Crag Lough. The muddy yet scenic stroll offers an opportunity to appreciate the picturesque vistas of the undulating hills. According to testimonials from TripAdvisor users who have previously visited this location, it has been described as “stunning” and “magical”. Sycamore Gap, situated along Hadrian’s Wall in the County of Northumberland, England,Kielder Water and Forest Park is a renowned natural area located in Hexham, Northumberland. Kielder Water and Forest Park, which has received a rating of 4.5 from TripAdvisor, is a highly regarded destination among those who enjoy outdoor activities. It has the distinction of housing Europe’s largest artificial lake and England’s largest

VisitBritain Chairman Nick de Bois CBE will be showcasing the finest offerings of destination Britain during the agency’s inaugural trade visit to China since 2019. The topic of interest is the destination of Britain. The China and North East Asia event, scheduled to occur from 22 to 24 November in Shanghai, aims to facilitate business interactions between 43 industry suppliers from various regions of Britain and 69 esteemed customers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. The three-day trade expo is expected to host around 2000 one-to-one business appointments. Travel purchasers will be afforded the opportunity to engage with British tourism vendors in order to acquire knowledge regarding the most recent offerings and advancements within the broader scope of Britain’s tourism sector. The British suppliers, a significant portion of whom are participating in the event in China for the first time, encompass a diverse range of industries such as hotels, visitor attractions, destination management organizations, merchants, tour operators, and sightseeing operators. These suppliers represent various locations across the nations and regions of the United Kingdom. The Chairman of VisitBritain, Nick de Bois CBE, expressed his enthusiasm for leading the organization’s trade trip to China. This mission, the first of its kind since 2019, is a timely and useful chance to enhance the recovery of the highly significant visitor market. This endeavor represents a significant achievement for us in reestablishing connections with the travel industry in China and North East Asia. It also provides British travel providers and destinations with the opportunity to showcase their tourism offerings to prominent customers and pursue novel business prospects. Given the pent-up demand for travel and the recent inclusion of Britain on China’s Approved Destination Status list, this trade tour provides a fantastic opportunity to promote our hospitality and gain insights directly from buyers regarding the factors and trends influencing outbound travel from the region. In addition to engaging in business activities, attendees and media personnel will have the opportunity to gain insights into international travel market trends through seminars conducted by VisitScotland, UK Visas and Immigration, Kendal Mountain Film Festival, and Virgin Atlantic Airways. These sessions aim to enhance understanding of Britain as a desirable tourist destination and foster a sense of urgency among potential visitors. VisitBritain will also present its GREAT Britain ‘See Things Differently’ campaign, which aims to promote the diverse and captivating experiences available in the country. This campaign seeks to inspire tourists to further explore the many regions of Britain and to engage in travel during the different seasons. According to research conducted by VisitBritain, there is evidence of a robust rebound in airline routes and seat capacity from China. Flight bookings are steadily increasing, indicating a gradual restoration of travel activity. Moreover, the United Kingdom holds a prominent position on the travel preferences of Chinese tourists. According to its most recent projection, China is poised to regain its position as the United Kingdom’s second most significant source of visitors within the next two years. The current flight bookings from China to the UK indicate a level of almost 50% compared to the corresponding period in 2019. This data demonstrates a notable improvement from January, when bookings were merely at 6%. In addition to its Destination Britain China and North East Asia trade mission, VisitBritain maintains a strong collaborative relationship with industry stakeholders and partners in the market to effectively promote the exceptional tourism offerings and unique experiences that can only be found in Britain. Source- Travel daily

The signing of Radisson Blu Resort, Mani further strengthens the status of Radisson Hotel Group as the foremost international hotel group in Greece. The upcoming beach resort, consisting of 150 rooms and constructed from scratch, is set to commence operations in the 2025 season. This establishment will mark the fifth addition to the portfolio of Radisson Blu properties in Greece. The Radisson Blu Resort, Mani aims to ensure a wonderful stay for its visitors by offering a wide range of dining options. These include an all-day restaurant, a seaside terrace restaurant, and a pool bar. Visitors have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sunshine beside the swimming pool, as well as on the extensive fully serviced beach. Alternatively, they can seek tranquility in the health and fitness center located on the premises, or amidst the natural surroundings while taking a leisurely walk along the 1.5 kilometer turtle nesting beach, which is meticulously preserved. Our organization is dedicated to enhancing our influence in Greece, with a specific emphasis on major urban centers and popular tourist attractions, as the foremost multinational hotel conglomerate operating within the nation. The picturesque setting of the Radisson Blu Resort, Mani will provide a captivating offering that aligns harmoniously with our existing portfolio in both the local region and the broader country. Elie Milky, Vice President of Development for Greece, Cyprus, and the Middle East at Radisson Hotel Group, expressed gratitude towards Vema Tourism Enterprises S.A., their partners, for their trust. Milky emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance the branding proposition, commercial relevance, and real estate competitiveness, aiming to benefit the investors. The Radisson Blu Resort, Mani is situated in close proximity to notable archaeological sites in Greece, including the Mystras and Monemvasia Castles. Additionally, it is located on Selinitsa Beach, which is renowned for its Blue Flag status. The resort is conveniently positioned approximately 3 hours away from Athens International Airport and less than 2 hours away from Kalamata International Airport. The available accommodations encompass a diverse selection, comprising standard and accessible rooms, as well as suites, including a presidential suite. Notably, each of these lodging options will boast exclusive outdoor terraces, affording guests breathtaking vistas of the ocean. To enhance the level of opulence, a significant portion of the suites will be equipped with exclusive infinity pools. We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group in the establishment of the inaugural globally recognized hotel brand in Mani, situated in the Lakonian region of the legendary Peloponnese. According to Ekaterina Valiotis, Managing Partner of the hotel’s ownership and development companies, the decision to join them was influenced by the team’s support and leadership, as well as their ongoing expansion in the EMEA region. Valiotis also highlighted their commitment to bringing new properties online and their innovative approach in order to surpass the expectations of both current and future guests. The resort’s venue options include a fully equipped private meeting room and a multi-purpose event center. These facilities are designed to cater to the needs of business guests who have extensive travel experience. Additionally, the resort offers unique event planning services to ensure that each event is tailored to the specific requirements of the guests. Source- Travel daily

During the recent Dubai Airshow, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), presented its prospective strategies for future expansion. During a keynote interview held this morning, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Etihad Airways, Antonoaldo Neves, delivered a presentation on the airline’s ambitious expansion strategy for the upcoming seven-year period, known as Journey 2030. The implementation of this plan, which has received backing from the airline’s shareholder, ADQ, is a crucial milestone in Etihad’s trajectory. It establishes the foundation for a future characterized by sustainable expansion and improved customer satisfaction, while also making a noteworthy economic impact on Abu Dhabi. Antonoaldo Neves, the Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, expressed his enthusiasm for the future as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary. Journey 2030 serves as the strategic blueprint that propels Etihad Airways towards its future trajectory.Etihad has established a strong international presence and effectively managed various obstacles. Presently, equipped with robust backing from shareholders and an established strategic framework, the airline is positioned to achieve enduring and lucrative expansion. In the preceding year, Etihad Airways transported a total of 13 million passengers, reflecting a notable growth of 30% compared to the previous year, 2022. According to the Journey 2030 initiative, there is an anticipated continuation of this development trajectory, with a projected recovery to Etihad’s highest passenger numbers in 2017 by the end of next year or early 2025. This trajectory is expected to culminate in a target of accommodating 33 million passengers by the year 2030. As part of the Journey 2030 initiative, Etihad Airways aims to expand its network to encompass more than 125 destinations, capitalizing on its advantageous geographic positioning that facilitates connectivity between Asia and Europe. Concurrently, the fleet will undergo expansion, reaching a total of more than 160 aircraft. This expansion will primarily concentrate on establishing connections between short and medium-haul destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), India, and Asia, and long-haul destinations in Europe and North America. The fundamental principles of its network strategy encompass the introduction of novel destinations, the provision of a wider array of options, and the augmentation of frequencies to pivotal foreign markets. According to Neves, it is evident that our primary objective is to provide exceptional customer service and ensure long-term profitability, which serves as the fundamental basis for Etihad’s commitment towards fulfilling Abu Dhabi’s ambitions. Antonoaldo Neves is a prominent figure in the business world. The Journey 2030 initiative represents a significant strategic milestone in terms of expansion, while also holding the potential to generate large economic advantages for Abu Dhabi. The objective of the plan is to attract a total of 10 million point-to-point travelers to the capital of the United Arab Emirates by the year 2030. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth, generate employment prospects, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international travel center. Neves further emphasized that the inauguration of Terminal A, our newly established airport facility, serves as an ideal catalyst for our expansion and will effectively meet the demands of our esteemed clientele in terms of both capacity and service excellence. The airline has seen a fantastic year thus far, marked by the addition of 12 new destinations. Additionally, the company plans to launch additional routes in India, Boston, and Nairobi in the near future. The airline has expanded its operations in many significant regions, augmenting flight frequencies and enhancing network connections. Additionally, the company has acquired 16 additional aircraft to bolster its fleet. According to Neves, two decades ago, the authorities of the United Arab Emirates initiated the establishment of an exceptional airline that has since gained worldwide recognition. The historical legacy we possess serves as an ideal foundation for embarking upon our future endeavors. The implementation of Journey 2030 aims to sustainably maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and national benefit, thereby establishing the airline as the preferred choice for air travel among the general population. Source- Travel daily

By choosing Dolphin Dynamics as their newest strategic technology partner, The Advantage Travel Partnership—the UK’s leading business network that represents travel agencies and travel management companies—has advanced the development of its Advantage Managed Services (AMS) Business Travel offering. Advantage took advantage of the chance to modernize the technology provided to their AMS members who use their business travel model after retiring their antiquated back-office system. The action is a component of Advantage’s strategic plan to expand its Managed Services offering in the cutthroat business travel market, with the goal of replicating the accomplishments of its immensely popular AMS leisure travel offering. After conducting a thorough assessment of four possible back-office systems suppliers, Advantage concluded that Dolphin Dynamics was the best technological partner to help realize its strategic goals. Advantage came to the conclusion that Dolphin Dynamics was in the best position to make sure that AMS Business Travel offered current and future members operating under this model a mid-back office solution that can really enhance their companies, as well as Advantage a reliable technology solution that can handle the intricacies of a TMC operation that is centrally managed and involves multiple companies. Dolphin Dynamics was chosen because to its wide range of integrations, easy-to-use interface, efficient automation, strong reporting capabilities, and history of successful implementations. The company is also known for providing high-quality service and support. Dolphin Dynamics and the Advantage team worked closely together to make sure that everyone using the AMS Business Travel model migrated quickly and easily to the Dolphin platform on time—and most importantly, before the outgoing legacy system was shut down. Consequently, members using the AMS Business Travel model will now have access to much better reporting tools and substantially increased automation. “The Advantage Travel Partnership has achieved great success in the leisure space with their AMS offering over the years,” stated Chuck Richardson, MD of Dolphin Dynamics. We are thrilled that they have selected Dolphin to assist them in doing the same in the business travel industry, and we look forward to assisting both current and new members in becoming significantly more productive than they were in the past. The Advantage Travel Partnership’s chief operating officer, Paul Nunn, continued, saying, “We are thrilled to have joined with Dolphin Dynamics. They showed that they understood our Managed Services model quite well right away. Throughout the review process, they succinctly outlined how their platform would improve our proposal. More importantly, Chuck and his team gave us great assurance that they would be able to build the platform by the deadline, which they did. We are committed to significantly increasing the number of TMCs that are partnering with us in this special offering, and we will keep improving the technical aspects of our Advantage Managed Services Business Travel offering. Source- Travel daily

The global supplier of business travel and meetings solutions, CWT Travel Holdings, Inc. (“CWT”), announced the completion of recapitalization transactions that considerably strengthened and deleveraged its balance sheet, giving it a solid financial basis and improved flexibility. More than the minimum level of support was provided by CWT’s lenders, noteholders, and preferred and common stock holders for the transactions. Following the completion of these deals, CWT has extended the maturities of its debt, significantly lowered its yearly interest payment, and reduced the amount of outstanding debt by approximately $450 million. Not only have some stakeholders equitized CWT’s senior notes, but they have also contributed extra supplementary cash. Currently, a consolidated group of investors with sizeable capital bases who are dedicated to fostering the company’s long-term growth hold CWT. Chief Executive Officer Patrick Andersen remarked, “We are happy to have finished these transactions with the strong support of our financial stakeholders, whose constructive participation underscores their continued confidence in CWT.” “With this recapitalization, we have maintained our position as one of the top travel management organizations in the business. In order to adapt to the evolving business travel market, CWT will invest in people and technology, offer best-in-class customer and partner support, and fulfill its product roadmap with a solid financial basis and capital structure. “Going forward, we’ll keep putting our customers first by offering them more options, customizable solutions, content that works across channels, improved connectivity, and an unrivaled traveler experience and service, all paired with deep data and predictive analytics to drive value,” he said. Source- Travel daily