Travel News

Around 1,000 guests, including representatives from the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the airport community, and other industries, attended a cocktail event held by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). John Lee, the HKSAR’s chief executive, and Jack So, the AAHK’s chairman, presided over the ceremony. Pan Yundong, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security, Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Professor LO Chung-mau, Secretary for Health, Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, and board members of AAHK also attended the event. The Hong Kong International Airport is frequently recognised as one of the best and busiest airports anywhere, according to John Lee, Chief Executive of HKSAR.  It is also a work of engineering that keeps expanding and changing as our skyward entrance to the world. In accordance with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, we will keep improving our position as a hub for international aviation. To keep ahead of the competition with other regional airports, we are committed to giving the Airport new energy. The Three-Runway System and SKYCITY, two massive projects that will greatly increase handling capacity and give rise to a vibrant “Airport City,” are where we see that momentum growing. Source- Travel biz

According to Globetrender, the European Travel Commission (ETC) has published its “European Tourism: Trends & Prospects” report for the second quarter of 2023, which offers a thorough study of the most recent changes in the region’s tourism and macroeconomic conditions. While European air traffic numbers were “edging closer to pre-pandemic levels” in mid-June 2023, the US had so far emerged as the year’s strongest long-haul supply market to Europe. Despite economic challenges, Europe’s tourism revival is still gaining steam, with international visitor numbers at roughly 95% of 2019 levels. Even though inflation and rising travel prices are straining consumers’ budgets, travel expenditure still takes precedence over other luxuries. The most recent data available reveals that pre-pandemic levels of foreign visitors had been surpassed in one-fourth of reporting European destinations. “It is encouraging to see the positive recovery of international visitor arrivals in the first half of 2023,” stated Miguel Sanz, President of ETC. In light of this, European vacation destinations need to be ready to handle the rising demand and return of tourists. “Travel dispersal must be taken into account in tourist initiatives in order to aid destinations in resolving overcrowding and to extend the advantages of tourism to less-traveled areas. Tourism can and should be used as a sustainable, social, and economic force for good. In 2022 and the beginning of 2023, the rebound in air traffic levels lagged behind consumer demand throughout Europe. With statistics through to June suggesting that recovery is inching closer to pre-pandemic levels, the tide does appear to be turning. Increased airline capacity among both European and non-European airlines, which will enter the market in time for the busiest summer travel season, should be credited for this. Flight schedule in Europe is returning to its pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with seat capacity anticipated to reach 96% this summer. Source- Travel biz

Travellers and Marriott Bonvoy members may meet up-close with Japan’s budding music artists at a few Moxy and Aloft hotels, including VIP admission to Summer Sonic 2023, starting now until August 22, 2023. – With a series of music events happening across its portfolio of hotels in Japan, most notably at Aloft and Moxy hotels, where music is essential to their brand programming and guest experience, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme, is getting ready to crank the amps up this summer. Marriott Bonvoy encourages passengers to experience the power of travel through music by supporting Summer Sonic 2023 in Tokyo, one of the biggest urban music events in Japan. Karl Hudson, vice president of Marriott International’s Japan & Guam region, said, “Through Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to excite members with experiences that closely connect with their lifestyle and interests. “We add value for our members by organising the Sizzling Summer Music Fest and taking part in one of Japan’s largest music festivals, inspiring them to celebrate the power of travel through sound and music that unites people,” the organisation said. Experience Japan’s Up-and-Coming Music Stars Up Close at the Marriott Bonvoy Sizzling Summer Music Festival The Sizzling Summer Music Fest provides members with the chance to book once-in-a-lifetime experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform across a number of immersive music events in Tokyo and Osaka: Awesome City Club at Aloft Ginza on July 11, 2023 Awesome City Club, a Japanese pop group with upbeat danceable music, opened Marriott Bonvoy’s Sizzling Summer Music Festival. The band was available for members to meet and greet. At the WXYZ Bar at Aloft Ginza, where the open area is the perfect backdrop for guests to experience the brand’s hallmark music programme, Live@Aloft, the evening continued with music from the pop band and DJs Ami and Nono Thing. 28 July 2023: Japan’s rock icon and Samurai guitarist, MIYAVI, will perform at the W Osaka Marriott Bonvoy’s Sizzling Summer Music Fest in Osaka, a port city. Members of the elite Marriott Bonvoy Moments programme can use their points to meet MIYAVI if they have the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® cobrand card. DJ TAIKI & NOAH, music duo AMIAYA, and singer/DJ Alisa Ueno will also be performing on stage with MIYAVI. Tickets for this event, which is open to the public, are available here. SIRUP at Aloft Osaka Dojima, 10 August 2023 Japanese singer-songwriter SIRUP, who is making waves in the neighbourhood R&B scene, will present his original songs at the energetic Aloft Osaka Dojima. An intimate meet-and-greet with SIRUP is a highlight of the Marriott Bonvoy Moment experience, which also includes an evening of live performances at the WXYZ Bar with DJs Ami and Nono Thing. Enjoy speciality drinks that go great with the lively ambiance of the bar and the brand’s trademark music programme, Live@Aloft. Tickets are aailable online and are available to the general public. DJ Night Party at Moxy Osaka Honmachi on August 22, 2023 Moxy welcomes free-spirited visitors to explore new music, network, and enjoy an open, dynamic, and fun-loving community with its lively and engaging personality. With a DJ Night Party at Moxy Bar & Lounge, Moxy Osaka Honmachi joins in on the hot summer celebrations. DJs Alisa Ueno, HiRAPARK, and NaNaMi will be spinning the latest tunes. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Source- Travel daily

On July 1, 2023, the InterContinental Shenzhen WECC formally welcomed guests. a symbol of the eagerly awaited advent of the renowned InterContinental brand in the renowned Shenzhen WECC area. The hotel, jointly invested by Shenzhen Zhaohua International Exhibition Development Co., Ltd., combines the local knowledge of the investors with the expertise of the InterContinental Group in premium hospitality, creating a new standard for luxury in the area. We are confident that InterContinental Shenzhen WECC, a one-of-a-kind luxury branded hotel, will help the development of the hospitality sector in Shenzhen while bringing some new ideas to the WECC market. said George Qiao, General Manager of the InterContinental Shenzhen WECC and Area General Manager of Luxury and Lifestyle South China.  With its architecture resembling a sail and a design influenced by art, the InterContinental Shenzhen WECC delivers a contemporary and opulent experience. The 11-meter-tall reception area in the lobby dazzles visitors, and the hotel features enthralling contemporary aesthetic elements. A contemporary art museum-like atmosphere is created by well chosen materials and well-balanced lighting, urging visitors to adopt the InterContinental way of life. The InterContinental Shenzhen WECC enjoys a superb location approximately 800 metres from the Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone of Bao’an District, Shenzhen.  The hotel welcomes international guests for business or pleasure purposes with easy access to Guozhan North Metro Station and key transportation hubs like Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Shenzhen Airport North High-Speed Train Station, and Shekou Cruise Home Port. The hotel offers a variety of leisure choices and is surrounded by the Huizhanwan Garden, Kingkey Banner Centre, and neighbouring parks, providing an urban oasis in the middle of Shenzhen. The InterContinental Shenzhen WECC offers top-notch amenities and attentive service, fusing cutting-edge technology with contemporary art to revitalise the Shenzhen hospitality industry. The 3,300 square metres of adaptable meeting space include a 1,200 square metre pillar-free Aden Grand Ballroom with natural lighting and an outdoor terrace that allows for wonderful in-the-outdoor events. There are 359 stylishly opulent guest rooms and suites in the hotel, ranging in size from 50 to 280 square metres.  Every room has expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtful facilities to ensure that every visitor receives a sumptuous and prestigious experience. The Club InterContinental offers a peaceful setting for unwinding and intimate parties because it was created particularly for distinguished visitors.  The Cai Feng Lou Chinese Restaurant at the InterContinental Shenzhen WECC provides visitors with a unique and pleasurable dining experience by fusing New Cantonese cuisine with regional delicacies. The upscale American steakhouse Char Bar & Grill offers a classy and comfortable dining and bar experience. The upscale American steakhouse Char Bar & Grill offers a classy and comfortable dining and bar experience. On the first floor of the hotel, Commune serves fusion Chinese and Western food in a space with an open kitchen and bar, making for a lively dining experience.  The Lounge 1872, which takes its name from the year the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company was established, offers a chic and relaxed setting for business meetings and social events, complete with a garden patio for afternoon tea. In order to ensure that both parents and kids have a fantastic stay at the hotel, InterContinental Shenzhen WECC offers immersive family suites with an Aden theme and the “Planet Trekkers by InterContinental” playground.  The InterContinental Shenzhen WECC is the ideal location for elegant social gatherings in the west of Shenzhen because to its additional noteworthy amenities, which also include an infinity indoor heated swimming pool, a 600-square-meter wedding lawn, and a 183-square-meter fitness centre. Source- Travel daily

Spencer Hanlon from the worldwide real-time payments platform Nium, which offers services to online travel agencies, hotels, and airlines throughout the world, cautions that this year’s more than welcome record summer for travel bookings brings with it the undesirable necessity to expand working capital.  He notes that “despite a surplus of eager customers, a company could easily go under this summer without additional working capital. That’s because, regrettably, a great deal of travel agencies don’t get compensated until after rendering the service or allocating funds in advance. “Most must use credit to fill this gap, which is sometimes difficult to rapidly acquire when faced with an unexpected windfall in bookings. According to the UNWTO, this is anticipated to occur this year, with booking numbers generally returning to 2019 levels and even higher in certain situations. The rising volume of bookings may be overwhelming back-office financial personnel throughout the travel chain, which could lengthen the time between providing services and receiving payment. The fact that these teams were severely depleted during the epidemic and have not yet fully recovered, according to Spencer, will make the problem worse. This is partly because of the worldwide workforce crisis, but it’s also because hiring front-office workers is frequently given precedence. Nium advises travel agencies who believe they may be exposed to these difficulties to start doing the following things right away: First, be aware of the financing choices you have so you can move quickly if you ever need them. As soon as possible, start the dialogue with your bank or other prospective sources of finance, being sure to explain and provide evidence of the significant number of bookings you have or anticipate having. Second, be proactive in your communication with your partners to make sure they comprehend the necessity for fast payments; they might not be aware of the burden that such large volume is putting on you.Consider whether it would be reasonable to create payment terms that would be more advantageous to you, such as requesting payment on a certain day. Thirdly, while sending or receiving cross-border payments, try to stay away from traditional bank transfers, especially if they are frequent and of modest value. This payment option can be quite slow and involve unnecessary back-office administrative time, which raises your requirement for working capital in addition to being pricey.Instead, make sure you’re utilising the infrastructure for real-time payments to hasten payments, save expenses, and give you more control and visibility over where your money is at any given time. Are you getting your money in the proper currency and on your preferred credit card, bank account, or digital wallet? If not, get a competent provider who can manage everything. The bottom line, according to Spencer, is that if you take these actions, everyone will be grateful to you and your creditors might be more willing to extend credit because they would better understand your financial status. There will undoubtedly always be a time lag between providing a service and receiving payment. However, if you don’t make every effort to cut this time in half, you’ll at best reduce your profitability and at worst expose yourself to the ironic possibility that your busiest summer will also be your last. Source- Travel daily

Many tourists won’t be ready for the additional regulations brought on by the ‘ETIAS’ plan in 2024 when it goes into effect the following year. From January 2024, visitors from more than 60 countries who are presently permitted to travel visa-free through the Schengen area of the EU will need to apply for a travel authorization through the EU Travel Information & Authorization System, or “ETIAS,” before to departure. This will include nations like Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States, whose citizens are not accustomed to requesting permission to go to many other countries. Even while the procedures are straightforward and approvals are expected to be swift, people without the proper ETIAS permission in place risk not being allowed to board their flights or being turned away at EU borders. For advice on how our industry can get ready to prevent disgruntled customers, rebookings, and even requests for refunds as some travellers inevitably get rejected, forget to apply in time, or simply weren’t aware the changes had taken effect, we spoke with industry experts from across the travel spectrum. The COO of travel search and booking technology supplier Vibe, Simon Goddard, issues a warning: “Given that this is a new requirement, intermediaries have got to be on top of their game warning their customers, or risk a lot of upset travellers and headaches.” The good news is that the customers should find the process to be simple and quick. Christian Sabbagh from Travelsoft, the company that owns the travel technology platforms Travel Compostor, Traffics, and Orchestra, adds to this by saying, “Modern booking technology can assist make the entire visa process more easy, regardless of whether it’s for existing rules or new ones like the future ETIAS. To ensure consistent procedures and answers, staff training and clear instructions would both be beneficial.  Anyone booking a vacation through a retail travel agent or tour operator worldwide anticipates receiving information on visa and entry procedures. It’s a big duty and a service that travel professionals offer. Spencer Hanlon of the worldwide real-time payments platform Nium issues this warning: “For cases where travellers aren’t prepared, the knock-on effect for the travel industry will come in the form of cancellations and the inevitable requests for refunds.” While businesses should, of course, take every precaution to prevent this from occurring in the first place, he also advises that they “at the very least, make sure that your payments platform can seamlessly handle any volatility without costing you both lots of money and valuable time with every refund.”  Given that many visa-related procedures call for proof of insurance, Katie Crowe of travel insurer battleface believes that there may be a hidden benefit to this that will benefit people who provide travel insurance. However, she issues the following warning: “Such travellers are likely to choose basic or minimal policies simply to obtain their visa, so insurers will have to work harder to sell more relevant and reasonably priced policies instead of the rigid one-size-fits-all policies that travellers don’t understand or like.” Although hotels are frequently required to provide proof of reservation letters and guidance on rules for visitors who are arriving by car or boat and as a result don’t look to the airline for support or use a travel agent, Adam Harris of Cloudbeds, the technology provider to independent hotels, notes that visa and entry requirements are not just a problem for travel sellers. According to Adam, this is a great opportunity to increase customer value and foster steadfast loyalty. Utilising guest engagement systems that enable automated pre-stay communications is advised. According to Alex Barros of the hotel revenue management platform BEONx, “either by charging for a visa arrangement service or simply using the interaction to convert sales of other products, for example a transfer or room upgrade,” it is also possible to generate ancillary income. Source- Travel daily

The internal tour operator of the Advantage Travel Partnership, Advantage Holidays & Cruise, has introduced a new line of “Villa Holiday” products for its members. Advantage members will now have access to 1,500 villa rentals in more than 100 locations throughout Europe and Florida thanks to a new partnership with SPL Villas. According to Advantage, this move reflects the continued demand for multigenerational family and group travel bookings. With recent feedback indicating a growing need for additional access to villa and flight-inclusive holidays at a time when options for agents without their own ATOL licencing are still limited, members will benefit from being able to package villa rentals with flights and ancillary ground arrangements as part of a fully ATOL-protected package. Customers will also have access to regional travel alternatives from 34 UK airports, customizable lengths starting at three nights or longer, and a flat-rate deposit of £250 per person with favourable balance payment terms of just 42 days before departure for European vacations. Advantage Holidays & Cruise will offer a bonus incentive of £50 per booking on all new bookings up until August 31, 2023, to support the launch of this new concept. The knowledgeable Advantage Holidays & Cruise contact centre staff will also be available to members for assistance with new bookings, a process that can frequently be time-consuming on Villa Holidays due to the amount of guests that typically travel. Members have unique access to the gratis Advantage package, which has competitive commission and the option to control margins on every booking. The new Villa Holiday packages are no exception and provide members with excellent earning potential. In order to fulfil consumer demand and leverage all sales and earning potential, Lee Ainsworth, Head of Operations, continued, “Through Advantage Holidays & Cruise we continue to pivot and align ourselves with the requirements of our members, ensuring we supply the products they require. After the introduction of Fly-Stay & Cruise at The Advantage Cruise Conference in October 2022, the launch of Villa Holiday packages represents the beginning of our second phase of product development, with additional expansion plans being created in conjunction with our members. “Our new partnership with Advantage Holidays & Cruise further demonstrates the value we place on trade distribution, something that has been part of our strategy since our launch,” stated Edward Frampton-Fell, Managing Director of SPL Villas. We are eager to deepen our ties with Advantage members and expand the range of fully inclusive vacation packages available to the public and the travel industry. We’re thrilled to be offering this wonderful variety of villa rentals through our association with SPL Villas, said Mark Pullen, Trading & Operations Manager. Our call centre staff members have a combined total of over 140 years of expertise in the travel industry, and they are eager to assist our members in offering their clients these superbly priced Villa Holidays. The largest association of independent travel agents in Britain, The Advantage Travel Partnership, has an internal tour operator brand called Advantage Holidays & Cruise. Source- Travel daily

Starting on October 30, 2023, LOT Polish Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, will start flying from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Rome Fiumicino. Passengers from India can take LOT Polish Airlines flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Warsaw, where they can comfortably carry on to their next destination in Rome after a brief layover. The new daily flights link Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Warsaw Chopin Airport. For instance, travellers from Mumbai (on Sundays and Wednesdays) and Delhi (on Fridays) can easily connect in Warsaw: travelling on Sundays and Wednesdays from Mumbai to Rome Arrival in Rome at 18:40 local time after leaving Mumbai at 8:40; total travel time is 14:30, including a 3:20 stopover in Warsaw. travelling on Fridays from Delhi to Rome Arrival in Rome at 18:40 local time after leaving Delhi at 7:00 am; total trip time of 16:10 hours, including a 4-hour stopover in Warsaw. The other days of the week, LOT Polish Airlines departs Warsaw at 7:15 and lands in Rome at 9:25 local time, making it the perfect option for travellers who need to stop in Poland. The latest, most fuel-efficient Boeing 737MAX8 aircraft are used to fly all flights. The 186 seats aboard LOT Boeing 737MAX8 aircraft are divided into two cabins (LOT Business Class and LOT Economy Class), with complimentary on-board service available in Economy Class. The Boeing 737MAX8 cabin uses the Boeing Sky Interior concept, which includes ergonomic seating, eye-friendly lighting, and roomy overhead bins. Director of India, DACH markets, and Italy as well as Head of Global Corporate and Strategic Sales at LOT Polish Airlines, Amit Ray, says, “We are excited to introduce the new service from Warsaw to Rome to our global network and to provide our clients from India with a wholly new Star Alliance travel option with us. Rome has always been a top tourist destination, which was necessary because of the tight business ties between Italy and India. Source- Travel daily

Oman Air has announced a historic new sponsorship agreement with Chelsea FC, under which Oman Air will serve as the club’s official international airline partner for the ensuing three years. The English Premier League, with a seasonal audience of more than 3 billion, is regarded as the most watched and well-known football league in the world. One of the top clubs in this league is Chelsea FC. Highlights of the agreement include jointly produced promotional content and CSR efforts, as well as specifically created co-branded livery that will be unveiled towards the end of the year. We are incredibly proud of this worthwhile partnership since it not only honours the love of the game but also offers a fantastic chance to introduce Oman’s beauty, culture, and friendliness to Chelsea’s large fan base. We are given an unmatched opportunity to promote Oman in new areas around the world, not just on match days but long beyond, with an astounding 135 million fans, 85% of whom are in international markets,”  According to Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Oman Air’s CEO. “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter and we are honoured to be associated with such a formidable team, elevating Oman’s position as a must-visit tourist destination,” the company said in a statement. Chris Jurasek, the CEO of Chelsea FC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Oman Air as our Official Airline Partner. We are eager to make this relationship a reality for our global fans because we have a common aim for innovation and success both on and off the pitch. Oman Air has a long history of supporting athletes. The airline supports a number of organisations, including Oman Sail, Oman Golf Association, Oman Desert Marathon, Oman’s Paralympic Team, and others. It also has a long-standing association with the Oman Football Association that dates back more than ten years. Oman Air, a crucial component of Oman’s tourism strategy, is still looking into ways to market Oman as a top travel destination globally. Source- Travel daily

 “British Original” programme, British Airways will provide ice cream and other delights for its passengers. As part of its continuous commitment to consumers, British Airways is delivering summertime indulgences for its passengers, including cool ice cream, pre-takeoff bubbles in World Traveller Plus, seasonal cuisines, and brand-new inflight entertainment. The airline is teaming with fellow British business Jude’s to serve a variety of flavours, including very vanilla, strawberries and cream, genuinely chocolate, and salted caramel, on daytime flights leaving London Heathrow and London Gatwick before 5 p.m. UK time. Customers flying in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy)* in the upcoming months will be able to taste the delicacies, which are made in Hampshire less than 60 miles from Heathrow. As part of its pre-takeoff beverage selection, British Airways is also reintroducing sparkling wine in its World Traveller Plus cabin beginning in mid-July. The exclusive Balfour Rosé de Noirs, made entirely from red grapes, is available for Club World (business class) passengers to enjoy during their journey. This English Sparkling wine in a lighter rosé style is a British Airways-only blend, making it the ideal libation before summer vacations. Additionally, the airline is debuting a rosé blend in its First class. Rock Angel, the older sibling of Whispering Angel, will be present on board. It has more structure and oaky characteristics than its younger sibling. Whispering Angel’s Provence rosé is now available for pre-purchase through the airline’s newly branded High Life Café** (previously Speedbird Café), giving customers the option to taste a hint of summer whether they are travelling to Europe or farther afield. This allows customers to taste Château d’Esclans’ creations while on short-haul flights. Additionally, until September, customers can take advantage of a variety of cuisines inspired by summer across all of its cabins. First class passengers have access to lighter fare including a traditional prawn cocktail, grilled Atlantic halibut fillet and berry bread and butter pudding, a British summertime favourite. While waiting, World Traveller Plus passengers can indulge on fresh calamarata pasta and raspberry panna cotta. “We know that so many of our customers have been looking forward to their summer vacations, so we’ve added these extra touches in time for summer to make their trips even more special,” said British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming. Every single one of our customers is different and has their own distinctive reasons for travelling, so our wonderful coworkers will be on hand to make our customers’ summers more enjoyable, whether they are going to visit family, travelling to a new location, or spending a week at the beach. British Airways is also bringing families and kids on board its flights a variety of seasonal entertainment options with the launch of its brand-new ‘Summer Fun’ category on its inflight entertainment channel. Mummies, Luca, Avatar: The Way of Water, and a dedicated Barbie channel are examples of popular films. Just in time for the summer football season, the airline has also launched a special “Women in Sport” movie category, featuring a variety of sporting highlights. Source- Travel daily