Travel News

The Financial Express said that while INDIGO, a low-cost carrier with a 63.2% domestic market share, starts on an international expansion plan under CEO Pieter Elbers, it is considering adding more direct flights to Central Europe and the Far East. Two direct flights from Mumbai to Nairobi and Jakarta marked the beginning of the first phase of this development campaign earlier this week. Georgia’s Tbilisi was connected to Delhi. Later this month, there will be direct flights to Baku (Azerbaijan), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Almaty (Kazakhstan) in Central Asia. To put things in perspective, on international flights, IndiGo competes with the Air India network. Industry insiders estimate that IndiGo has about 16% of the market, compared to Air India’s 23%. According to Vinay Malhotra, global head of sales for IndiGo, a number of international locations are reachable from India in six to seven hours of flight time, creating opportunities for the low-cost airline to transport people to and from these locations. Given that a significant section of the world’s population lives within a six- to seven-hour flight of India, the country is in a favourable geographic position. In addition, a handful of Airbus A321 XLR planes are among the aircraft IndiGo expects to operate over the next ten years. “These aircraft will allow us to travel to locations in Central Europe on the west coast as well as locations in the far east,” Malhotra said. Considering the continued high demand for direct flight services on this route, industry sources believe the airline may target locations like Frankfurt, Rome, and Tel Aviv in the future. It may also consider operating a flight directly from Mumbai to Bali as early as October of this year. In the upcoming months, the firm may establish a connection between Delhi and Jakarta as part of a larger plan to connect major domestic hubs with important overseas destinations. The airline now serves 28 international and 79 domestic points (Shivamogga will be connected this month through Bengaluru). Elbers had previously stated that after the company’s current phase of worldwide expansion was over, it will reach 32 different countries. For instance, the airline will offer direct service between Dammam and Lucknow, Chennai, and Kochi in West Asia, as well as between Abu Dhabi and Goa, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad; Ras Al Khaimah and Hyderabad; Bahrain and Jeddah. In addition, in August, there will be more frequent flights between Mumbai and Dhaka, and this month, daily flights between Delhi and Hong Kong will restart after being suspended because to the Covid-19 outbreak. Through its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, IndiGo has improved its access to Europe on the western side. Currently, the codeshare agreement provides connection from Istanbul to 33 European destinations. The business recently added Casablanca in Morocco as part of its codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, according to Malhotra, who claims that four US points currently — Washington, New York, Boston, and Chicago — are accessed via codeshare agreements with Turkish Airlines. Additionally, the airline has code-sharing agreements with six other airlines, including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, American Airlines, and Qatar Airways, which allow it to connect to many other locations across the globe. Malhotra claims that as part of its future growth goals, the company is looking at codeshare agreements with additional carriers in addition to direct flight services. Source- Travel biz

The cutting-edge online eSIM Marketplace from social travel platform Alike has expanded the selection of travel services that customers may order on the Alike website. “This unique online hub provides a comprehensive suite of eSIMs, catering to the modern traveller across 200 global destinations, all at exceptional prices,” reads a press release from the firm. Travellers may now say goodbye to using physical SIM cards or looking for Wi-Fi hotspots by selecting and downloading the appropriate eSIM in advance of their trip. In honour of the opening of the eSIM market, Alike is providing eSIMs to 80 international locations for a very appealing price of just US$ 1! When purchasing eSIMs at www.alike.io/esims, use the promo code ALIKE to take advantage of this momentary offer. With more consumers choosing eSIMs over conventional physical SIMs, Juniper Research predicts that by 2023, there will be around 1 billion smartphones worldwide using eSIMs, with that figure rising to 3.5 billion by 2027. The launch of the Alike eSIM marketplace couldn’t have happened at a better time to support the growing global consumer shift to digital SIMs. As a social travel network, we are well aware of how important it is to maintain contact when on the road. Due to prohibitive roaming fees, visitors have long been forced to turn off their cellphone data, switching from a digital feast at home to a digital fast while travelling to an uncharted foreign location. A significant step towards redressing this injustice is the introduction of our eSIM marketplace, according to Ashish Sidhra, co-founder of Alike. Beyond its remarkable selection and competitive price, which were made possible by Alike’s reliable partnerships with several major international telecom providers, the eSIM Online Marketplace from Alike offers a wide range of customization options. Customers may easily navigate and identify the ideal eSIM for their particular travel needs thanks to the platform’s user-friendly layout and in-depth eSIM information. Additionally, Alike takes great pleasure in its customer-centric philosophy, which is exemplified by its excellent customer service. Travellers may rest easy knowing that timely and helpful support is always available to them thanks to a multilingual support team that is accessible 24/7 through a variety of channels. Alike’s focus on client satisfaction solidifies its dedication to providing a thorough and enjoyable user experience. Source- Travel biz

Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s top destination for leisure and amusement, providing tourists with a wide range of activities. One will be spoiled for choice between world-class theme parks, an exhilarating Formula 1 racecourse, the largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the Middle East’s first real Links golf course. Yas Beach, with its white sands, blue waters, and surrounding mangroves, is the perfect place to relax for those looking for a peaceful retreat. Alternatively, you can indulge in any of our many renowned hotels. Yas Island also offers a wide variety of dining, shopping, and world-class entertainment alternatives. Waterworld Yas Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island This enormous water park in the UAE, which covers 37 acres, offers the pinnacle in aquatic experience. Visitors of all ages can find thrills that suit their preferences thanks to the more than 45 exhilarating rides, twisting slides, and amazing experiences. It’s a vast, fun-filled family-friendly location that promises never-ending enjoyment. Ride the exhilarating waves, ride a looping free-fall waterslide, and hang on tight as you ride the Middle East’s longest suspended rollercoaster. With a special pearl diving attraction that displays conventional Emirati pearl diving, Yas Waterworld honours the Emirati culture and legacy of pearl diving. Yas Island’s Ferrari World is in Abu Dhabi. Visit Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi to experience the fastest speeds. This exhilarating location offers a fantastic selection of record-breaking rides that ignite passion and inspire excitement in the hearts of visitors of all ages with the fastest rollercoaster in the world and a heart-pounding atmosphere. Yas Island’s Warner Bros. WorldTM is in Abu Dhabi. Enter a colourful animated universe where renowned Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera characters like Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, and The Flintstones coexist with DC Super Heroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. The world’s first indoor theme park with a Warner Bros. brand offers top-notch entertainment, family-friendly immersive experiences, and a fantastic fusion of fiction brought to life with breathtaking realism. Abu Dhabi’s SeaWorld® Yas Island The experience at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is interesting. Eight immersive zones in the park take visitors on a spectacular journey across the frozen regions and vivid tropics. Customers at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi may enjoy more than 100 animal interactions and shows that give them a close-up opportunity to understand how our huge aquatic environment is interconnected. The One Ocean that binds us all will become more clear to guests through enthralling explorations and wonderful interactions. Beyond encounters with aquatic life, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi provides a wide range of engaging games and exhilarating rides. Visitors can engage on thrilling adventures while taking in the wonders of the park by selecting from more than 35 fascinating attractions and rides. With 17 restaurants offering a variety of delectable fare, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has an excellent assortment of dining options to meet the different demands of visitors. Visitors may also peruse 13 retail establishments, guaranteeing they can bring home a keepsake to treasure from their wonderful visit. CLYMBTM Dubai The ultimate adventure centre that revolutionised climbing and indoor skydiving. Explore the tallest indoor climbing wall in the area as well as the largest indoor skydiving flight chamber in the globe. Prepare to conquer two revolutionary experiences all in one thrilling location. Marina Yas set against the lovely shoreline of Abu Dhabi. There is something for everyone, whether it is enjoying a dinner on the sea, strolling quietly down the wharf, or taking a tranquil paddle through hidden mangroves. Get on a cruise to see the picturesque coastline or participate in a range of water sports for an added excitement. Source- Travel biz

The airline located in Dubai, flydubai, has announced a new contract with the airline based in the Czech Republic, Smartwings, to wet lease four Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft from 17 October 2023 to 16 April 2024. By using four leased aircraft to augment flydubai’s fleet of 79 Boeing 737 aircraft under the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement with Smartwings, the airline will be able to increase passenger capacity and meet demand for travel during peak travel times. Ghaith Al Ghaith, the CEO of flydubai, commented on the arrangement: “We are glad to confirm this new wet lease deal with Smartwings, marking our third arrangement with the carrier since 2019. ACMI agreements are a speciality of Smartwings, an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) accredited business. During one of the busiest travel times of the year, the leasing of four more aircraft will allow us to maintain operational effectiveness, increase network capacity, and reduce any potential passenger disturbance. Boeing 737 aircraft are now operated by flydubai in a single fleet consisting of 30 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 46 Boeing 737 MAX 8, and three Boeing 737 MAX 9. “We are happy to have partnered with flydubai on our third ACMI wet leasing deal. According to Jiri Juran, chairman of the board of directors at Smartwings, “this relationship, which we strongly value, will enable us to achieve a higher utilisation of our aircraft and provide our qualified personnel with more chances throughout the winter season. The flydubai network will use the all-Economy Class aircraft on a few routes, including those to Chattogram, Colombo, Dhaka, Karachi, and Muscat. Prior to their scheduled departure date, flydubai passengers who have reservations on a flight operated by Smartwings will be informed. Passengers can visit flydubai.com for further details. Source- Travel biz

The launch of the BAGTAG Crew Solution is announced by Icelandair. Following a fruitful proof-of-concept, they will launch the invention in October, making Icelandair the first airline to do so. This technology allows staff members to check their own bags. The operations of the airline are made more convenient and efficient thanks to this ground-breaking innovation. Crew baggage management has advanced significantly with the BAGTAG Crew Solution. Icelandair enables its crew members to optimise the crew travel experience by streamlining check-in procedures, eliminating paper waste, and using electronic bag tags in place of conventional paper tags.​ “We are constantly searching for methods to make our operations more efficient. This easy, clever, and environmentally responsible solution will simplify our procedures and support our goal of providing comfortable and joyful travel experiences for both our passengers and crew, according to Haukur Reynisson, Vice President of Flight Operations at Icelandair. The solution uses backwards-compatible plug-and-play technology to streamline procedures, cut down on mistakes, and improve the effectiveness of baggage handling. Using the Icelandair crew application, crew members can securely connect wirelessly to the electronic tags to wirelessly communicate baggage information. Amadeus, a BAGTAG partner, set up the necessary DCS link to retrieve the luggage information. Icelandair joined to the BAGTAG platform as an Amadeus Altéa airline in a couple of weeks, allowing for a speedy start to the PoC and integration of the solution.​ The electronic tags ensure a seamless and streamlined experience for the airline’s personnel by clearly displaying all pertinent baggage information, including crew data, flight information, and bag identification. “Icelandair is a fantastic partner as we introduce the BAGTAG Crew Solution. Through this collaboration, we will show how our crew solution may improve the crew baggage handling procedure. Jasper Quak, Managing Director BAGTAG, said, “We look forward to building on the success of our joint PoC and the potential it delivers for further advancements.” The Icelandair crew will start receiving personalised luggage with a permanent BAGTAG in October. Source- Travel daily

On November 18 in Melbourne, the much awaited National Travel Industry Awards will take place. The industry’s night of nights has already attracted unprecedented levels of interest. There have been a whopping 1700 nominations, and the AFTA crew is already hard at work planning a fantastic celebration. Dean Long, chief executive officer of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), stated: “We are pleased to welcome Viking as our Afterparty sponsor and thank them for their kind support.” “The 2023 Afterparty is going to elevate travel’s night of nights to a whole new level,” we have already said in very early meetings with the Viking team. “Viking is a very welcome addition to our family of NTIA sponsors, and we are thrilled to team up with the best in travel to celebrate the best in and of travel,” said the NTIA. Viking “We are so excited to be sponsoring the Afterparty for travel’s night of nights and can’t wait to celebrate the success of our industry over the past 12 months,” said Michelle Black, Managing Director Australia & New Zealand. “Our business depends heavily on our industry partners, and the past year has been tremendously significant for all of us as travel has made a victorious comeback. As a result, we are eager to welcome everyone to the NTIA Afterparty, which promises to be the best one yet in true Viking fashion. Source- Travel daily

In order to progress towards a joint venture operating agreement, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) and Turkish Airlines inked an MOU in Istanbul. This is an important step in strengthening the relationship between the national airlines of Thailand and Turkey. Since Turkish Airlines operates out of Istanbul Airport, which is ideally located to serve as a hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, Istanbul can provide unmatched connection to any country in the world. In December, THAI will launch daily service from its hub in Bangkok to Istanbul, solidifying its position as the gateway airline to Thailand, the Asia Pacific area, and Australia. Additionally, this alliance will encourage travel between Turkey (85 million people) and Thailand (66 million people). To maximise the synergies that this strategic relationship offers to both airlines, THAI and Turkish Airlines will work towards joint venture operations. In a meeting held on August 2 in Istanbul, the executive teams and CEOs of the two companies agreed to this strengthened partnership. The partnership would give THAI and Turkish Airlines customers an unmatched selection of destinations in Europe and Asia. The CEO of THAI, Chai Eamsiri, stated that this collaboration would improve the connection and route network efficiencies of THAI and Turkish Airlines. Utilising the vast networks provided by THAI and Turkish Airlines, our consumers will be able to simply travel between Thailand and Turkey as well as on to Europe and other locations in Asia. The CEO of Turkish Airlines, Bilal Ekşi, spoke on the significance of the partnership with THAI and said: “This agreement represents a significant turning point for Turkish Airlines and THAI’s cooperation as it brings together the rich cultural history of Turkey and Thailand. Through the networks of both airlines, this partnership will increase connection between the two areas, give passengers a larger selection of destinations and services, and enable seamless travel experiences. Source- Travel daily

Skyfun Travel has been designated as one of the booking channels by Dunamis 777 Co., Ltd., the charterer of the direct flight service between Bangkok and Ulaanbaatar, providing convenient flight service for business travellers and tourists who want to discover the capital of Mongolia. One-way international airfare from Bangkok to Ulaanbaatar, 20 kilogrammes of checked baggage, 7 kg of carry-on luggage, and hot meals served in flight starting at THB 20,000 per person are all included in the package. A round-trip package is also available to customers for just THB 32,000 per person. Bookings for the flight package can be made at www.skyfun.travel or through the LINE official @skyfuntravel until August 31, 2023. Every Sunday, a popular low-cost airline in Thailand, Thai Vietjet, operates the flight, which takes about 5 hours to complete and leaves from Bangkok at 2:10 in the morning and lands in Ulaanbaatar at 9:00 in the morning (all times are local). The return flight leaves Ulaanbaatar at 10:05 in the morning and lands in Bangkok at 2:35 in the afternoon. Source- Travel daily

Having welcomed a record 8.55 million foreign overnight guests in the first half of 2023, up from 8.36 million visitors in the first half of 2019, Dubai’s rebounding tourism sector is enjoying a triumphant first half of 2023. The most recent data released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows the industry had its greatest H1 ever, surpassing pre-pandemic visitation levels and supporting the city’s push to become the most popular travel destination in the world. The Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to solidify the emirate’s position as one of the top three cities in the world. The 20% YoY visitation growth supports this ambition. The successful and varied citywide marketing campaign for the destination, supported unwaveringly by partners and stakeholders, and carried out under the direction of Dubai’s visionary leadership, is reflected in the record H1 performance. Additionally, it confirms Dubai’s status as the location with the quickest recovery rate internationally and considerably exceeds the UN World Trade Organization’s prediction that foreign visitor arrivals might return to between 80 and 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels this year. The extraordinary increase in foreign tourists that Dubai saw in the first half of 2023 further demonstrates its emergence as one of the world’s economic powerhouses, according to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. This achievement is due to Dubai’s leadership’s foresight, whose vision and wise policies strengthened the city’s resilience in the wake of global crises and allowed it to recover more quickly than other markets. While the increase in foreign visitors supports Dubai’s development into a significant worldwide tourist destination, it also highlights its standing as a key hub for trade, investment, and business. second consecutive year as the top travel destination in the world Dubai was named the top global destination in the 2023 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards thanks to its diverse offerings and willingness to accommodate visitors with a range of needs and preferences. It has only happened twice before in history when the same city has received the coveted honour twice. The diverse offering of the city was highlighted by DET’s specialised programming across markets, which covered a range of leisure touchpoints from heritage to entertainment, outdoor activities and beach adventures, gastronomy, family-friendly experiences, shopping, festivals, sports, and events, as well as yachting and cruise tourism. “This significant uplift in visitation, which surpasses both pre-pandemic levels and marks a new record for Dubai’s tourism sector, is the result of a highly coordinated, sustainable, and robust strategy, that is underpinned by a strong execution mandate and driven forward by the vision and ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the emirate,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. strong performance in key areas Western Europe became a significant source of tourism arrivals in the first half of 2023, accounting for 20% of all international visits, while the GCC and MENA regions delivered a combined 28% of the regional share, highlighting Dubai’s allure as a dependable and popular destination for tourists from neighbouring markets. South Asia accounted for 17% of all visits, and Russia, the CIS, and Eastern Europe as a whole made up 14%. The Americas, Africa, and Australasia each contributed 7%, 4%, and 2%, while North Asia and South East Asia each produced 8%. Key markets are still producing. Dubai experienced remarkable growth in key markets in the first half of 2023 despite the current global economic downturn, geopolitical unrest, and issues with air capacity, thanks to targeted campaigns that highlighted the city’s distinctive offerings, as well as its dynamic global appeal and improved connectivity with various continents. Overall, hotels fare better. In H1 2023, Dubai’s hotels performed better than pre-pandemic levels in terms of occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), revenue per available room (RevPAR), and length of stay. Dubai hotels’ average occupancy, which is among the highest in the world at 78%, is 2.2% points higher than the occupancy realised for the same period in H1 2019. Given the 13% increase in hotel establishments and the 26% increase in room capacity compared to the same period in 2019, this gain is particularly significant. By the end of H1 2023, Dubai’s visitors and residents could choose from a total of 810 hotel establishments and 148,689 rooms, as opposed to 714 hotel establishments that were open with 118,345 rooms at the end of H1 2019. This was due to continued domestic and international investment into the sector. The H1 industry performance is a tribute to the future-focused strategy of our visionary leadership to position Dubai as the best city in the world to visit, live, and work, according to Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Dubai has continued to gain momentum and maintain its lead in a highly competitive global tourist ecosystem, largely through showcasing the variety of the city’s services and the adaptability of our portfolio.  Fostering multi-level collaborations between the public and private sectors is essential to our success in positioning Dubai as a must-visit location. Cruising and yachting centre for the area Dubai completed an extremely successful 2022–2023 cruise season with a 125% increase in cruise tourist footfall, with 762,887 people disembarking through the renowned Mina Rashid Terminal and the world-class Dubai Harbour, demonstrating Dubai’s position as the region’s top cruise centre. Additionally, 29% more ship calls were made this season than the previous one. Source- Travel daily

Turkish has long been a popular travel destination for people all around the world because of its rich cultural and historical legacy. Türkiye is unwavering in its commitment to ethical and sustainable tourist practises in order to maintain and preserve this priceless heritage for future generations. The nation is committed to fostering a peaceful coexistence between tourism and heritage preservation in order to ensure a prosperous and dynamic future for its beloved landmarks and traditions. The official tourism website, GoTurkiye, recently debuted sections highlighting the nation’s cultural and historical beauties in an effort to promote and highlight Türkiye’s distinctive legacy. Visitors can learn important information about the significance of the nation’s historic places and the preservation efforts in these parts. The cultural and historical landmarks of Turkey are of immeasurable significance and play a vital role in shaping the identity of the country. The nation aims to find a balance between introducing tourists to these extraordinary riches and also preserving them for future generations through responsible tourism efforts. In order to establish a stronger bond between the nation’s heritage and the people who uphold it, Türkiye also provides a variety of sustainable experiences, such as eco-friendly lodging, cycling, and trekking. In line with these activities, Türkiye places a high priority on encouraging ethical behaviour that fosters respect for historical monuments, regional traditions, and customs. Visitors are urged to actively participate in preservation efforts and to be aware of their environmental impact. By working together, Türkiye makes sure that the country’s tourism industry expands while also safeguarding its valuable cultural and historical legacy. The history of Türkiye must be preserved by everyone working together and making ethical decisions. In order to protect the nation’s extensive historical legacy, Türkiye consequently advises visitors to be responsible while visiting such places and to support the sustainability measures in place. Source- Travel biz