Travel News

Club Med is providing exclusive sailing excursions on the legendary Club Med 2, a French yacht. One of the largest sailing boats in the world, Club Med 2, has been renovated as a member of Club Med’s Exclusive Collection to provide an opulent experience evocative of the French Riviera. In the previous three years, more Indians have taken cruise vacations than ever before, according to a new CLIA report. Iconic ships like Club Med 2 are always making adjustments in response to these changing trends, strengthening their position as a tempting option for contemporary travelers. For Indian honeymooners, couples, and those organizing bachelor/bachelorette getaways, Club Med 2 presents an elite option. It comes complete with a club lounge, two pools, and a sizable balcony dangling over the ocean. It provides a customized mix of activities, including relaxing spa services, Heberson Yoga, and a variety of water sports, including water skiing, wing surfing, and Tiwal sailing. Club Med 2 offers a distinctive combination of serenity and excitement under the starry night skies, making it the ideal choice. Sailing itineraries range from a 21-day voyage from Nice to Athens via Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Greece to shorter 4-day cruises in spring and fall. As Club Med 2 sets sail, we are strengthening our commitment to providing exceptional experiences far from home. “This iconic yacht invites travelers to explore the world’s wonders while embracing the all-inclusive excellence Club Med is known for,” said Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med for East and South Asia & Pacific. Source- Travel biz

In collaboration with Clean Up The Lake (CUTL), Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) has launched a new fundraising initiative to clean up the lakes in the area. MLT will match every dollar raised over the following four years (up to $100,000). Over the past year, pilot research dives in Lake George, Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, and Lake Mamie in the Mammoth Lakes Basin led to a better understanding of the environmental issues present and the remediation needed to ensure the wellbeing and continued protection of the region’s namesake treasures. Beginning this week, CUTL volunteers will start a comprehensive cleanup and aquatic invasive species survey of Lake George’s 2-mile perimeter in collaboration with volunteer scuba divers, free divers, and kayakers to remove fishing debris, plastic pollution, and understand other environmental threats. This fall, I’m working in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it, said Colin West, founder and executive director of CUTL. Action is required to assure the continued conservation of the Sierra’s most important resource since there is a significant litter problem that has gone unaddressed for decades. Over the following four years, CUTL will also collaborate with MLT to engage visitors and members of the neighborhood in order to promote education and expand volunteer initiatives aimed at resolving the current problems. The partnership’s primary objectives are the elimination of submerged litter, the documentation of any and all aquatic invasive species threatening the lakes, the protection of animal species above and below the water, and the averting of further pollution. “Our investment in this program is a commitment to the natural resources that make this place so special,” said John Urdi, executive director of MLT. Not only will this work immediately affect our magnificent alpine lakes, but it will also emphasize how crucial it is to preserve our recreational spaces for both locals and tourists. Just below the surface, a significant impact on our environment is taking place. Out of sight and out of mind, much of this trash is. Source- Travel biz

Seven additional prominent e-wallets and payment apps from Asia have been formally accepted by Ant Group into the “Alipay+-in-China” Program (A+China Program). Users of mPay (Macao SAR, China), Hipay (Mongolia), Changi Pay, OCBC, Naver Pay, Toss Pay, and TrueMoney (Thailand) will be able to use their familiar home e-wallet on their own phone to enjoy seamless mobile payment experience across Alipay’s vast merchant network in the Chinese mainland. With the recent acquisitions, there are now 10 foreign e-wallets that are recognized on the Chinese mainland. In late 2022, the Program was piloted by Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), Kakao Pay (South Korea), and AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China). In Southeast and East Asia, various payment options are used by around 175 million people. Wherever Alipay is accepted, users of these e-wallets can use their own payment app to make secure, easy, cashless purchases at fair exchange rates. Through Alipay+ Rewards, a digital cross-border marketing hub connected into particular wallet apps, they can also take advantage of additional promotional offers. The teams behind the wallets are also offering their roaming users accustomed customer service, supported by Alipay+’s advanced smart payment technology. With the A+China Program, Alipay+ also formally welcomes five new mobile payment partners to its extensive merchant network, including Hipay, Changi Pay, OCBC, Naver Pay, and Toss Pay.Alipay+, a collection of international mobile payment, marketing, and digitalization products created by Ant Group’s International Business Group, enables payment partners to link local and international retailers with international digital consumers. Alipay+ works with more than 20 mobile payment partners across Asia, who together serve more than 1.4 billion customer accounts, and serves 5 million merchants in 56 regions outside of China. With the help of the A+China Program, Alipay+ may now access China’s vast merchant network and tens of millions of points of sale (POS). The People’s Bank of China’s direction, along with assistance from NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, e-wallet partners, international card associations, and other Chinese partner financial institutions, make the A+China Program possible. In order to use mobile payment and digital life services in China, tourists can also decide to link their foreign bank cards to an updated international Alipay version. To welcome Asian athletes, supporters, and tourists, Ant Group is launching massive merchant education and marketing operations across the Chinese mainland, particularly in the most popular tourist towns. According to Douglas Feagin, Senior Vice President of Ant Group and Head of Alipay+ Cross-Border Mobile Payment Services, Alipay+’s future strategy will focus on growing its partner and merchant network as well as improving the digital operational capabilities of SMEs. “A rising number of mobile payment service providers, including mobile wallets, banking apps, independent merchant apps, and super-apps, are joining this ecosystem of international digital trade. To assist our partners and merchants in achieving solid, omni-channel growth, we will invest more quickly and heavily in payment and digital marketing technology, according to Feagin. “As the People’s Bank of China’s chartered clearing institution, NetsUnion Clearing Corporation offers fast, secure fund clearing and transaction information interchange services for Ant Group’s international digital wallets and cross-border mobile payments. The NetsUnion Clearing Corporation of China stated, “We are committed to offering strong support for significant cross-border mobile payment scenarios and events, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, to help foster an open and inclusive cross-border consumption environment in China and promote high-quality dual circulation of domestic and global economic cycles. According to Eric Jing, chairman and CEO of Ant Group, “We are deeply grateful for the leadership of the People’s Bank of China, the assistance of the NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, and the support of major international card organizations, for helping to bring the world’s mobile wallet users and overseas bank card users to China as the Official Payment Partner of the Asian Games.” “It is tremendously encouraging to see how a regional multi-party partnership is enabling small firms to flourish in cross-border trade with unheard-of innovations, and travelers to enjoy more choice and ease. To achieve our shared goal of using digital technology to improve the world, we look forward to expanding and deepening our relationship. Between March and August 2023, the total number of payments made in China using the pilot A+China wallets Kakao Pay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, and AlipayHK increased 47 times. The most popular destinations for tourists from South Korea, Malaysia, and Hong Kong SAR are Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The three most frequent contexts for these transactions are in the food and beverage industry, retail, and transportation. PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that by 2030, there will be a roughly double- to triple-growth in cashless transactions. While China dominates the region in terms of the use of digital wallets, Southeast Asia has emerged as the region with the fastest-growing mobile payment sector globally. According to FIS research, between 2018 and 2023, digital wallets in the area (except from China) would have more than doubled their share of e-commerce transaction value and increased by six times their proportion of point-of-sale payment transaction value. Source- Travel daily

Passengers traveling to this year’s UN World Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai can take advantage of a special fare with Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Brussels Airlines that includes a 100 percent offset of flight-related CO2 emissions via Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This offer package was created by the Lufthansa Group. A free rebooking option and a ticket for a weeklong bike rental in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are additional features. The usage of an e-limousine for an airport-to-hotel trip is also available to Business Class passengers. The Lufthansa Group targets challenging sustainability objectives. By 2050, the Lufthansa Group hopes to achieve a CO2 balance that is neutral. This is one of its lofty climate preservation objectives. By 2030, the Lufthansa Group already hopes to have cut its net CO2 emissions in half from what they were in 2019. In August 2022, the independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved the reduction target for 2030. With a scientifically supported CO2 reduction target in line with the objectives of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, the Lufthansa Group was the first airline group in Europe. The Lufthansa Group is concentrating in particular on accelerated fleet modernization, the use of SAF, ongoing flight operations optimization, and offers for its corporate and private customers to make a flight or the transport of cargo more environmentally friendly. The Lufthansa Group has also long been a proponent of international climate and weather research. Source- Travel daily

The legendary party town of Magaluf is going to show off its cultural side during the annual Festival Literatura Expandia Magaluf (FLEM), which runs from Thursday, October 5, through Sunday, October 8, in 2018. This cultural festival, now in its third year, illustrates the changing perception of Magaluf and shows that the dynamic town is more than just a destination for package vacations and partying. FLEM is a special partnership between rata corner, Palma’s most innovative cultural space, and INNSiDE by Melia, an innovative hospitality brand. Together, they want to transform regional culture by providing a cutting-edge and powerful mix of workshops, discussions, concerts, and immersive events with a diverse lineup of writers, artists, musicians, and creatives from across the world. At the design hotel INNSiDE Calviá Beach, creatives gather for four days to share their experiences and thoughts with locals and visitors from around the world. The lineup consists of: Author of the bestselling book Call Me By Your Name, André AcimanNotes to Self, by renowned Irish author and professor Emilie Pine, was widely praised. Eve Fairbanks, an American author and former activist who is now a compelling radio showPopular Spanish author, director, and filmmaker David Trueba Bringing cultural closer to new audiences, FLEM 2023 participants can anticipate seeing: Immersive workshops: Take part in stimulating, immersive classes that foster creativity and give artists a stage to express themselves.Educative panels: delve into the complexities of your craft with renowned international artists, writers, and creatives.Engaging performances: Throughout the weekend, enjoy a wide variety of musical performances, from electric DJ sets to acoustic performances with the ocean as a backdrop.Events that are immersive and interactive, covering the arts, books, music, and literature, and that question norms and celebrate the spirit of creation Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/magaluf-mallorca-hosts-the-third-annual-magaluf-literature-festival-from-5th-to-8th-october/

When it comes to customer service during delays, airlines fall short, according to new study from AirHelp, the largest air passenger rights organization in the world. Customers gave airlines a satisfaction rating of 3.13 out of 10 for the care they received. In order to better understand the expenses and experience of a flight disruption, AirHelp polled 1,363 passengers who had experienced a substantial disruption. Over 60 nations, including the EU, USA, UK, and Brazil, sent responses. Effect on Travelers According to the survey, travelers’ top issue is having to wait for extended periods of time; 73% of respondents rated this as a major source of annoyance. Arriving at their destination at an inconvenient hour and feeling anxious come in second and third place, with 71% and 68% of respondents, respectively, expressing extreme frustration with these issues. Passengers have surely faced travel delays recently due to continuous labor disputes, strikes, and technical issues. According to AirHelp, major flight delays cost passengers an incredible €362.50 on average. 72% of individuals questioned spent money they hadn’t intended to, with alternative travel, food and drink, and lodging representing the top outgoings. 46% of passengers experienced financial losses as a result of disruptions, including lost wages and non-refundable expenses for things like lodging. Airlines’ Obligation to Take Care The research by AirHelp showed that although many airlines offer some form of care to passengers, more people are left without it. Only 37% of passengers questioned reported receiving basic care during their disruption, such as food and water, and 15% of them only got this care after requesting it from the airline. There is a lot of space for improvement as only 17% of customers who were delayed and 14% of passengers who had their flight cancelled thought the airline had given them enough information. Over 20 million passengers experienced disruptions in the UK alone in July and August of this year, with over 892,000 air travelers experiencing flight cancellations. While airlines often offer passengers with flight cancellations money or alternate flights, a closer examination of cancellations indicated that 17% of survey participants received neither. Passengers’ Rights Information There still needs to be more done to ensure that passengers are aware of their rights, even though most airlines are becoming more aggressive with their communications. 82% of respondents who were asked if the airline advised them of their rights as air passengers at any stage during their disruption said no. However, it was shown that proactive caregiving was the best strategy to enhance the passenger experience, with remuneration and adequate information having the biggest beneficial effects on satisfaction. According to a report by AirHelp, airlines may increase customer satisfaction by 60% by promptly giving customers enough information about the disturbance. “Dealing with the unpredictable nature of air travel is never easy, especially when considering strikes and other unforeseen disruptions that are out of our control,” says Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp. At AirHelp, we strive to do more than simply inform passengers of their rights and assist them in exercising them in the event of delays and cancellations. Instead, we want to collaborate with airlines to make sure that passengers have a positive travel experience overall. Companies can use the survey’s findings to pinpoint areas for improvement, with a particular focus on better and more timely communication.Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/airhelp-survey-what-does-flight-disruption-cost-passengers/

The extended relationship with Booking.com, a well-known international online travel platform, was announced by GIATA, a recognized leader in static descriptive content solutions for the travel sector. Users of GIATA DRIVE are now able to easily upload their photographs to their Booking.com accounts thanks to this integration. Existing customers can benefit from this new functionality by connecting directly through the GIATA DRIVE interface with only a single click on the distinctive “Booking.com Quick Connect” icon. The best hotel content management platform is GIATA DRIVE, which streamlines and automates the process of organizing and delivering hotel content. Users of the platform can share their photos, information, and facilities through more than 20,000 sales channels in more than 70 nations. Leading tour operators in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland may effectively push content with GIATA DRIVE, which offers direct access to the most important reservation systems. According to the article, Booking.com has “partnered with IcePortal, Leonardo, and GIATA and have seen immediate adoption at scale” for photo management. In order to increase reservations and enhance the visitor experience, resorts can manage images and reviews directly from their preferred platform by partnering with specialized companies. “Booking.com has partnered with GIATA for a very long time. The procedure of maintaining and distributing hotel photographs in real-time to Booking.com has now been much simplified as a result of our cooperation’s expansion beyond hotel mapping into content distribution, according to Kalina Nikolova, Business Development Director of GIATA. We take great pride in being one of their key connection partners and collaborating closely to achieve our aim of presenting the hotel to a user in its best possible light. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/booking-com-chooses-giata-as-one-of-its-first-providers-for-photo-management/

Geneva, the smallest metropolis in the world, epitomizes the phrase “small but mighty,” and its accessibility from the UK and variety of activities make it the ideal destination for a long weekend. Geneva is a terrific choice for a fun-filled city trip this fall since it simultaneously offers the cosmopolitan bustle of a big metropolis and the peace of a small village. In addition to the city’s famous Jet d’Eau, the world of fine watchmaking, and the variety of international organizations, there are many undiscovered gems that draw tourists to Geneva repeatedly. Visitors to the city have an almost limitless choice of cultural institutions to explore because it is home to over 60 museums and galleries. Everyone may learn something new during a vacation to Geneva, whether it’s diving deeply into the history of the Protestant Reformation at the International Museum of the Reformation or letting their inner scientist out at the CERN. Use the freshly introduced “Heritage and Wine” tour to learn about Geneva’s vibrant local wine offering while also learning about the city’s rich cultural past. The guided tour gives visitors the chance to learn about some of Geneva’s most significant historical sites while strolling around the old town, followed by tastings of four regional grape varieties from some of the best vineyards in the area. With 11 Michelin stars and the largest diversity of cuisines in Switzerland—more than 140—Geneva’s restaurants provide, foodies will be enthralled by the city’s extraordinary assortment of culinary delights. The two-Michelin-starred Domaine de Châteauvieux is a must-visit for fans of fine dining, and Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland, is the place to go for a dining experience with a worldwide perspective. With access to eight of the city’s most renowned chocolatiers within a 24-hour period, Geneva Tourism’s Choco Pass will be sure to appease any sweet craving after a hearty lunch at one of the city’s 1,800 cafés and restaurants. The City Pass from Geneva Tourism, which can be purchased for 24, 48, or 72 hours, gives visitors access to more than 60 of the city’s activities for free or at a reduced price. Additionally, the permits grant free access to the city’s public transportation system, making traveling around that much simpler—essential for a busy weekend! Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/enjoy-a-big-weekend-in-the-worlds-smallest-metropolis-geneva-tourism/

The legendary party town of Magaluf is going to show off its cultural side during the annual Festival Literatura Expandia Magaluf (FLEM), which runs from Thursday, October 5, through Sunday, October 8, in 2018. This cultural festival, now in its third year, illustrates the changing perception of Magaluf and shows that the dynamic town is more than just a destination for package vacations and partying. FLEM is a special partnership between rata corner, Palma’s most innovative cultural space, and INNSiDE by Melia, an innovative hospitality brand. Together, they want to transform regional culture by providing a cutting-edge and powerful mix of workshops, discussions, concerts, and immersive events with a diverse lineup of writers, artists, musicians, and creatives from across the world. At the design hotel INNSiDE Calviá Beach, creatives gather for four days to share their experiences and thoughts with locals and visitors from around the world. The lineup consists of: Author of the bestselling book Call Me By Your Name, André AcimanNotes to Self, by renowned Irish author and professor Emilie Pine, was widely praised. Eve Fairbanks, an American author and former activist who is now a compelling radio showPopular Spanish author, director, and filmmaker David Trueba Bringing cultural closer to new audiences, FLEM 2023 participants can anticipate seeing: Immersive workshops: Take part in stimulating, immersive classes that foster creativity and give artists a stage to express themselves.Educative panels: delve into the complexities of your craft with renowned international artists, writers, and creatives.Engaging performances: Throughout the weekend, enjoy a wide variety of musical performances, from electric DJ sets to acoustic performances with the ocean as a backdrop.Events that are immersive and interactive, covering the arts, books, music, and literature, and that question norms and celebrate the spirit of creation Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/magaluf-mallorca-hosts-the-third-annual-magaluf-literature-festival-from-5th-to-8th-october/

A renowned Asian hospitality company, ONYX Hospitality Group, is honored to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its venerable Italian restaurant brand, Prego, with a cutting-edge culinary menu that fits with the group’s development into new regions. The growth of the Prego brand fits in perfectly with ONYX’s dedication to providing innovative and modern eating experiences across its expanding portfolio in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Prego, which embodies dining in the traditional Italian trattoria style, has gained popularity among foodies and is praised for its upscale atmosphere and gastronomic comfort. Prego has been enticing customers with its blend of wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and bright seafood concoctions for the past two decades. All of these dishes are painstakingly handcrafted by resident chef Marco Boscaini. Chef Marco’s passionate commitment to artisanal elegance and Italy’s illustrious culinary tradition is evident in every delectable bite. The 20th anniversary of Prego, according to chef Marco Boscaini, “reflects our steadfast commitment to delivering an authentic Italian dining experience.” As we celebrate, we feel blessed to have shared our intense love of Italian food in so many different places, from the serene islands of the Maldives to the mesmerizing shores of Koh Samui. In every particular location, our journey has been a fascinating blend of innovation and tradition, shaping our services and enhancing our legacy. Prego’s influence has grown beyond its Amari Koh Samui flagship location to include Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Introducing the newest edition, Pregolino. Dubbed “Baby Prego,” this endearing extension of the Prego line made its debut at Amari Raaya Maldives. Pregolino expertly combines the breathtaking Maldivian setting with genuine Italian culinary talent. Pregolino provides an intriguing selection of antipasti, spaghetti, pizzas, and more in a welcoming café-style setting. A well-stocked bar, soulful acoustic music, convivial communal seating, and a carefully curated menu of traditional Italian drinks and wines are all provided for guests. “Prego’s anniversary celebration this year is especially significant because we’re launching an enhanced F&B concept to mark the occasion. According to Yuthachai Charanachitte, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, “Prego’s unwavering popularity, combined with its culinary innovation, expansion to Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and the introduction of Pregolino in the Maldives, underscores our commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences to our patrons. The growth and diversity of Prego effectively demonstrate ONYX Hospitality Group’s unwavering commitment to providing unmatched hospitality experiences that resonant with the shifting preferences of international travelers. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/pregos-culinary-journey-continues-celebrating-20-years-of-excellence-and-global-expansion/