Travel News

The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, SAUDIA, announced the addition of the Airbus A321neo to its fleet under the tagline “A neo-way of flying.” This contributes to SAUDIA’s goals for growth, since the airline hopes to increase its fleet by 20 A321neo aircraft by 2026. The narrow-body airliner A321neo is a member of the A320 family, the most widely used single-aisle aircraft family in the world and the aircraft of choice for airlines all over the world due to its reputation for excellent performance and great comfort. The aircraft delivers new performance capabilities and can accommodate 180–220 passengers in a conventional two-class interior configuration. The aeroplane was bought mostly because of how little fuel it need to operate. Since the A320neo entered global service in 2016, the A320 family of aeroplanes have prevented the emissions of 20 million tonnes of CO2. The A320neo has also seen a 20% decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, a 50% reduction in noise footprint, a 5% decrease in airframe maintenance costs, and a 14% decrease in cash operating costs per seat compared to previous generation aircraft thanks to Sharklets, new fuel-efficient engines, and latest cabin innovations. “We are thrilled to expand our fleet with the new Airbus A321neo aircraft,” stated Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA. We will continue to buy cutting-edge aircraft from the best manufacturers in the world in order to uphold our commitment to provide the best guest experience and bringing the world to Saudi Arabia. “We commend Airbus for continually seeking to improve the performance of their aircraft, which is consistent with SAUDIA’s ambition to deliver the best guest experience while helping to make aviation more sustainable,” Koshy continued. The trust and long-standing relationship between SAUDIA and Airbus are highlighted by this alliance. It also contributes to the goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a market leader in the sector by promoting customer satisfaction, boosting safety, and fostering environmental sustainability. The plan supports SAUDIA’s plans for growth as the airline strives to welcome 330 million tourists to the Kingdom by 2030. SAUDIA is trying to achieve its objectives of becoming an industry-leading airline by collaborating with Airbus and growing its fleet. The growth of SAUDIA’s fleet will also contribute to the opening up of new posts for pilots, cabin crew, and other operational roles. Source- Travel daily

Under the terms of its Payment Service Provider (PSP) licence, Mastercard has introduced Click to Pay (C2P) in Kuwait in partnership with a prominent digital transformation and innovation organisation, One GlobalTM. By making it quick, simple, and secure for customers to check out without having to enter their card information or save this sensitive information with many merchants, Mastercard’s Click to Pay establishes a new benchmark for guest checkout transactions and gives customers a more uniform experience. Once signed up, users can utilise the stored cards in their profile to check out conveniently at any retailer who supports the service. On one of their vertical markets called Og MoneyTM, One GlobalTM has enabled Click to Pay for the purchase of digital gift cards and gaming vouchers like Amazon, Apple Cards, PlayStation, and Nintendo as well as bill payments. For gaming vouchers, entertainment cards, bill payments, top-ups, utilities, travel, and other digital services, the mobile financial service platform acts as a one-stop shop. One GlobalTM will soon be extending the service to additional nations and supporting more use cases with wider platform adoption. In 2007, Mastercard and One GlobalTM began working together on a variety of projects. The most recent partnership, which took place in 2022, sought to offer specialised financial solutions that would allow the Middle East and North Africa to issue digital mobile wallets. “Mastercard is committed to providing customers with a variety of payment technologies. As we continue to provide frictionless and seamless payment experiences throughout the markets we serve, we are thrilled to partner with One GlobalTM to launch Click to Pay in Kuwait and beyond, said Erdem akar, Country Manager, Kuwait and Qatar, Mastercard. One GlobalTM is a fintech-focused digital transformation and innovation firm with 3.2 million customers on board. The international player has established a significant footprint in more than 20 nations throughout MENA, East Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America since the start of its adventure in 2004. Og MoneyTM, Og TravelTM, Og BusinessTM, and Og StackTM are some of the Mobilised Lifestyle® services that One GlobalTM provides to consumers and enterprises. “At One GlobalTM, we’re always looking for ways to improve our comprehensive digital banking services. The introduction of C2P on Og MoneyTM in Kuwait presents an excellent chance to simplify the online checkout process for our clients. We are well-positioned to address rapidly changing customer needs with Mastercard as our partner because they are a worldwide payments technology expert, said Mohammed Al Rashidi, founder and executive chairman of One worldwide. Source- Travel daily  

View the most recent sights in New Zealand! Through Kristin Mariano the 4th of August 2023 TD Editor Share Travellers will be enthralled by the abundance of novel and captivating experiences that New Zealand has to offer. Experience the rush at New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar, which offers stunning views, or luxuriate in a one-of-a-kind stay at the cutting-edge PurePod, which offers a wilderness retreat. Enjoy the exhilarating Queenstown night ski parties that combine adventure and celebration, or book a room in a boot made for giants; the options are unlimited Here is a collection of recent offerings you should check out:       1.PMU PurePod Pmu PurePod in Rotorua is the most recent addition to the PurePod line. This stunning house, which is mostly made of glass, is situated in the middle of a green field, giving it a fantastic place to observe the dawn, sunset, and the night sky. The distance to the city centre is only ten minutes by car. launched in July 2023. Wai Ariki Spa and Hot Springs The largest spa and wellness centre in the Southern Hemisphere, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, opened its doors in late June and is situated lakeside in the heart of Rotorua. This is a five star, deluxe experience. Wai Ariki is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation offering a distinctive blend of ancient Mori healing practises and contemporary wellness experiences. It is owned by Mori (Ngati Whakaue) and managed by Belgravia Leisure. The medicinal mineral-rich hot springs, which are well-known for their restorative and healing qualities, are open to visitors. Mataroa Eco-Tours, third A recently established, locally owned and run Mori Trust business, Mataroa Eco-Tours, is located in the Mataroa forest in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Any lover of environment and wildlife must visit this off-grid eco-centre in the Puhikk reserve, which provides eco-tours and Kiwi bird sightings. Learn about the many plant and animal species and their significance to the forest ecosystem and Mori way of life while enjoying delicious kai (food) in a beautiful natural setting. Source- Travel daily

High-speed trains might potentially replace domestic flights on shorter, up to 500 km, routes, according to research done by Mabrian Technologies, a business that specialises in travel intelligence. The study examines the reductions in CO2 emissions that would occur if numerous European nations adopted the law, which has already begun to be implemented in France. There are 554 such routes in Europe, which will carry around 44 million passengers and generate about 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 this year, according to the analysis, which has examined the whole air schedule for 2023 on domestic routes with ground distances of less than 500km. Using high-speed trains could minimise this environmental impact by an average of 48% due to their superior emissions efficiency. As a result, more than 1 million tonnes of CO2 would be saved in just one year, which is the same as running more than 200,000 cars nonstop for a full year. Following the methods outlined in the EcoPassenger report, Mabrian has examined the type of electrical energy and its sources used to power the train infrastructure in each European nation in order to compare emissions. Using clean and green technologies, this lays out an ambitious transition towards sustainable mobility. In terms of these policies, certain nations stand out more than others. Germany, for instance, has made investments to upgrade its rail network and embrace cleaner technology that promote train travel as a more environmentally friendly option than flying, hence lowering carbon emissions. Sweden has been a leader in the use of renewable energy for rail travel, including hydropower and wind power. The analysis identifies five European nations that, in the event that this transformation occurred, would save the most CO2. Spain tops the list, with a potential annual CO2 savings of 360,000 tonnes if these routes were replaced by high-speed trains. Germany comes in second with a potential annual CO2 savings of 238,000 tonnes, followed by France with 193,000 tonnes, Italy with 189,000 tonnes, and Sweden with 159,000 tonnes. In contrast, Sweden, Austria, and France have the most potential CO2 reductions from the switch to rail, accounting for 97.13%, 92.79%, and 89.73%, respectively, of the annual total CO2 produced by aviation. In fact, France was the first nation to use this safeguard on short-haul flights departing from Orly. Mabrian claims that the potential savings would be substantially higher if all air routes of 500km or fewer joining different countries in Europe were also taken into account, despite the fact that all of this analysis has solely focused on domestic air routes inside each country. The study also emphasises the value of examining a number of factors that are not totally supportive of this transition. Not all nations may have the financial means to develop the expensive train infrastructure necessary to cover every one of these routes. It would also be necessary to take into account the long-term profitability and the potential of these new infrastructures to accommodate a sizable demand. The marketing director of Mabrian, Carlos Cendra, says: “While this study may sound idealistic or impossible to accomplish, at Mabrian we believe in proving the effectiveness of choices through statistics. We have calculated the possible savings from moving in that way using this analysis. The backdrop and the challenges presented by this transformation, however, point to a middle ground where the train takes the stage while still meeting some demand through aeroplanes. Source- Travel daily

SITA is updating the 400 self-service kiosks now operated by the Air France-KLM Group in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, and other European major airports to include new passenger features including contactless and smartphone payments. In order to digitise the passenger experience, Air France-KLM’s self-service offering would be nothing without its kiosks. The great majority of travellers rely on these touchpoints to plan their journey and hasten the check-in procedure. The SITA Flex platform, which enables seamless connectivity with mobile devices, is built into the new SITA kiosks, which will provide improved payment options. Air France-KLM can adapt the kiosk to its particular customer needs without adding complexity or expense by using SITA’s standard TS6 kiosks. The airline group can replace and modify individual components thanks to the TS6 modular design, assuring the durability of the kiosks and making it simpler for Air France-KLM to add new capabilities, like biometrics, in the future. The new kiosks also feature SITA Common Use Payment Service, which accepts supplementary fees via contactless cards, cellphones, and Payment Card Industry (PCI) compatible chip and pin terminals. In accordance with Payment Card Industry standards, this permits compliance with the EU PSD2 SCA law and the provision of end-to-end encryption of payment data. This enables airports and airlines to lessen their PCI obligations while providing more payment options to customers. “Today, our check-in kiosks across our hubs in Charles de Gaulle and Schiphol airports are a crucial part of our self-service offering to our passengers,” said Pierre-Olivier Bandet, EVP Information Systems at Air France-KLM. We require a fleet of dependable, always accessible, and user-friendly kiosks to deliver this. SITA has met all three objectives. “With a continued increase in passenger volumes, digitalizing the passenger journey with new self-service options will be essential,” said Sergio Colella, president of SITA for Europe. Passengers will have more control over their journey and the movement of people through the airport will be streamlined as a result. I’m glad we were able to provide Air France-KLM with a scalable solution to fulfil their passenger demand. Source- Travel daily

Over the next 12 months, consumers will spend 28% more on travel, according to Outpayce According to Outpayce, a fully owned Amadeus subsidiary, the consumer demand for travel is anticipated to continue strong over the next twelve months despite ongoing economic uncertainty. This is according to the second edition of the “Consumer travel spend priorities” report. Consumers once more ranked “international travel” as their top priority for discretionary spending out of a total of six categories. All spending categories saw a slight increase from the research from the previous year, suggesting a shaky improvement in consumer confidence overall. However, the highest percentage gain was seen in the proportion of respondents who rated travel as a “high priority” for the upcoming year, which grew to 47%, up 12% from the previous year. Travellers anticipate spending an average of $3,422 on international travel in the upcoming year, a major rise of $753 per consumer or 28% from the previous year. Source- Travel daily

Emirates is commemorating a stellar first year of full-service operations with the enormously well-liked cabin class after setting new standards for the industry in Premium Economy travel. Since Emirates Premium Economy was introduced in August 2022, over 160,000 passengers have upgraded to use it, and a significant increase in demand is anticipated in the upcoming months. As more retrofitted aircraft with updated cabins enter scheduled service, the airline is giving passengers more opportunities to experience its highly acclaimed Premium Economy product, which is currently offered on flights to 11 cities and will be expanded to 13 cities by the end of the year. Customers have responded overwhelmingly favourably to Emirates’ Premium Economy Class since it launched, with demand exceeding expectations and bookings increasing month over month. This shows that it appeals to a wide range of traveller segments who want to experience its understated luxury and painstakingly elevated experience at a great price. The majority of passengers travelling in Emirates Premium Economy are single people going on vacation, with couples and families making up the other half.  Over 60% of passengers who booked flights in Premium Economy in the previous year were also devoted Emirates Skywards members and frequent flyers. At the moment, Emirates flies its A380s equipped with the most recent Premium Economy cabins to London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Houston, San Francisco, and Dubai, with flights frequently registering full Premium Economy seat loads. Customers flying to/from Mumbai and Bengaluru will be able to book Premium Economy starting on October 29; additional cities will be announced soon. Emirates presently operates 20 aircraft with Premium Economy, 14 of which were upgraded internally over the course of the previous nine months by the Emirates Engineering team in Dubai. Source- Travel daily

Israel, which is renowned for its extensive religious significance and rich history, is also home to a wealth of spectacular natural beauty and exhilarating adventure experiences. The nation is endowed with a variety of ecosystems, rocky mountains, lush valleys, and appealing coastal regions in addition to its ancient towns and sacred locations. As we examine some of Israel’s most alluring adventure and nature trails in this article, we cordially welcome you to set out on an exhilarating journey where you may immerse yourself in the nation’s natural treasures and let your adventurous spirit run wild. A Trekking Adventure on the Israel National Trail The Israel National Trail (INT) is the pinnacle journey for ardent hikers and nature lovers. From Israel’s northernmost point to its southernmost point, the INT spans around 1,000 kilometres (620 miles), providing a great opportunity to travel among the country’s various landscapes. Observe the breathtaking cliffs of the Negev Desert, the majestic peaks of the Carmel Mountains, and the beautiful magnificence of the Galilee region. Discover charming villages, secret oases, and ancient ruins along the journey for a close-up look at Israel’s natural and cultural legacy. Oasis in the Desert: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a genuine oasis in the desert, nestled along the Dead Sea’s shoreline. The lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, and natural pools in this lovely nature reserve offer solace from the dry surroundings. Explore the rich species of the area on foot on the well-marked pathways, and cool down in the natural pools. The spectacular views and tranquil sounds of nature combine to produce an unforgettable feeling of peace and beauty. Rugged Peaks and Lush Valleys on Mount Carmel Mount Carmel is a mountain range in northern Israel that is recognised for its breathtaking natural beauty and ecological richness. Set out on a strenuous walk to the top of Mount Carmel, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Discover hidden caves, waterfalls, and historic ruins as you explore the Carmel Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of plants and animals. It’s a beautiful setting that begs for exploration and adventure because of the contrast between the craggy hills and lush valleys. Eilat: Sea Life Wonders Eilat, the southernmost city in Israel, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers seeking aquatic experiences. The Red Sea’s clean waters are home to a lively undersea ecosystem that is filled with tropical fish, colourful coral reefs, and even dolphins. Explore shipwrecks, explore the Red Sea’s marine environment, and take in the stunning coral gardens. Eilat offers an extraordinary encounter with the wonders of the ocean, regardless of whether you are an experienced diver or a novice snorkeler. Source- Travel daily

Here are some unique data-driven insights about international travel patterns to the host nations Australia and New Zealand as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches. FIFA reports that more than a million tickets have already been sold for the Women’s World Cup, potentially making it the biggest attended single women’s sporting event. Here are a few intriguing top-level conclusions: Travel to Australia and New Zealand Has Increased: Compared to 2019, there has been a noteworthy increase in travel to Australia and New Zealand from mid-July to early August, which falls during the World Cup dates (July 20 to August 20). West Europe and East Asia Recovery of outward Travel: Although outward travel from East Asia and Western Europe to Australia and New Zealand has not yet entirely regained its pre-COVID levels, there are positive signals. Prior to the World Cup, 28% of all travellers were from East Asia; during the tournament, that number increased to 35%. The percentage of travellers from Western Europe arriving in Australia and New Zealand has increased from 14% to 17%.** Growth in Particular Markets: Japanese tourists have demonstrated extraordinary interest, travelling to Australia and New Zealand more than twice as often (6% vs. 2%) during the World Cup season as they did during the non-World Cup season of the same year. During the competition, there is also a discernible rise in travel intentions from South Korea (5% vs. 4%) and China (16% vs. 15%). main Feeder Markets: During the World Cup, the UK (6%), Germany (2%), France (2%), and Italy (2%), are the main feeder markets in Western Europe for the host nations. Traveller Profiles: In comparison to before the World Cup season, there are more families (23% vs. 21%) and couples (24% vs. 19%) among all travellers. Even though football is a popular sport across the continent and Latin America (LATAM) was one of the top origin markets for last year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, there hasn’t been any discernible growth in travel from the region for this year’s women’s competition. Source- Travel daily

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, officially opened the sixth India International Hospitality Expo (IHE2023) in front of a large crowd at the India Exposition Mart Ltd. The four-day exhibition of India’s top hospitality sector takes place from August 2 to August 5. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, Sh. Prabodh Saxena, the chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Sh. Raghubir Singh Bali, the Himachal Pradesh Resident Commissioner, Ms. Meera Mohanty, and other distinguished guests were welcomed by the IEML Chairman, Dr. Rakesh Kumar. Dr. Kumar praised the state’s beauty and hospitality in his welcome speech, highlighting Himachal Pradesh as a top location for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). He stated that IEML would like to work with the Himachal Pradesh government to create a cutting-edge regional centre. Prabodh Saxena praised the state’s efforts during the opening session to manage recent natural disasters, ensure a speedy return to normalcy, and promote the state as a tourist destination. While stressing that the area is safe for tourism despite recent natural disasters that have affected portions of the state, he revealed plans for expanding Kangra as a MICE hub. By contributing 2,500 crore rupees to an ADB project, Raghubir Singh Bali lauded the state’s efforts during natural calamities and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to growing and strengthening tourism infrastructures. In order to increase tourism, he also confirmed plans for a convention centre, a safari zoo, hotels, spas, and wedding banquets. Source-Travel daily