Travel News

According to a recent poll of travel advisors conducted by travel insurance and assistance provider Allianz Partners USA, the majority of advisors stated that cruise itineraries account for over 75% of their bookings, with over a quarter of the poll participants saying as much.  Allianz Partners polled 9,000 travel advisers who recommend its travel protection products for their clients in October. Travel insurance is valued by both travel consultants and their clients, according to the report.  The review* states that 82% of travel advisors think their clients are more confident about sailing when they have a policy on board, and 92% of advisors feel their clients enjoy peace of mind when they have Allianz Travel Insurance. Cruises are a major factor in travel advisor reservations, according to the travel insurance provider’s analysis of the breakdown of reported bookings, which included tracking the percentage of cruises compared to other types of travel. In contrast to 17% who indicated that only 6-25% of bookings were cruises and 6% of advisors who stated that less than 5% of bookings were cruises, over 75% of those surveyed indicated that the majority of their reservations were for cruise travel (27% said that 76-100% of bookings are cruises; 25% said 51-75% are cruises; 26% said 26-50% were cruises). Ocean Cruises Are Still Popular, and People Want to Take Repeat Expedition Cruises According to travel experts, ocean cruises were the most popular last year (81%) followed by river cruises (16%), expedition cruises (2%), and themed cruises (1%). Despite being a relatively young industry, expedition cruises are rapidly gaining traction and generating repeat business, with the majority of travelers expressing a wish to reserve another for a later date. Future Cruise Schedules and Changes to the Booking Window Regarding whether the window for clients to book cruises has altered this year compared to 2022, travel advisor respondents were divided: 40% thought it has gotten longer, 36% thought it’s the same, and 24% thought it has gotten shorter. More than half of respondents (52%) stated that the sailings will happen between six months to a year, followed by three to six months (27%) and within three months of purchase (11%). Just 10% of responders are travel advisors whose clients make reservations more than a year in advance. New Trends in Cruise Travel In a poll regarding growing interest in immersion and exploration-focused culture themed cruises, 35% of travel advisers reported seeing greater interest this year than in previous years, while 48% indicated they haven’t observed any increase in interest and 17% were unclear. More than a quarter (26%) of advisers surveyed reported seeing an increase in multi-generational groups, while almost half (49%) indicated they had not noticed a change in the number of tourists traveling in cruise parties. Travel advisors report seeing a rise in solitary travelers (13%), compared to couples (12%), on cruises. This indicates that solo travel has gained some traction. Travel consultants who assist in securing a cruise holiday with an Allianz travel insurance policy enable travelers to unwind and concentrate on the journey ahead, comfortable in the knowledge that they are safeguarded from covered, unforeseen catastrophes that could otherwise deplete an uninsured travel budget. Allianz Partners provides travel insurance to customers directly as well as through the majority of the country’s top airlines, reputable travel agencies, internet travel agencies, hotel chains, and cruise lines. Source- Travel daily

With the official opening of Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall, the first Hyatt Place hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the Hyatt Place brand is now more widely recognized worldwide in areas that are important to both visitors and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel, which is owned by WCT Hartanah Jaya Sdn Bhd, a division of WCT Holdings Berhad, has the user-friendly layout, laid-back vibe, and useful services of the Hyatt Place brand, like free Wi-Fi and round-the-clock service. All Hyatt Place hotels blend style, innovation, and 24/7 conveniences to provide an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multitasking traveler. Hyatt’s efforts are based on listening and driven by care. Attached to Paradigm Mall, the biggest shopping center in the city, Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall is located 15 minutes by car from Senai International Airport, 20 minutes by car from Tuas Checkpoint Singapore, and 25 minutes by car from Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore. It is also close to Legoland Malaysia, Johor Premium Outlets, and the recently constructed Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, which is home to the Johor Southern Tigers football team. General Manager Sean Yoon stated, “We are thrilled to add to the momentum by welcoming the first Hyatt Place hotel to Johor Bahru as the city continues to grow and thrive economically.” Our well-thought-out social areas and guestrooms featuring distinct work and sleeping areas enable our multitasking visitors to effortlessly complete their tasks while traveling. Offerings from Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall: 202 roomy guestrooms with private areas for resting, working, and playing, in addition to a cozy sofa-sleeper in the Cozy Corner A range of hot and cold breakfast options are available for guests’ breakfast, catering to their individual needs. The Market is open day or night and offers prepackaged meals to go. The Bar serves wines, cocktails, gourmet coffees, and premium beers. Program for necessities for forgotten goods that visitors can purchase, borrow, or use for free Wi-Fi is free in the hotel and in each guestroom. Event Spaces provide versatile, high-tech meeting and function space spanning more than 1000 square feet (92 square meters). 24-hour fitness facility with LCD touchscreen cardio equipment According to Mr. Yoon, General Manager of the Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall, “Johor Bahru is a vibrant city, filled with friendly people, great neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of great places to visit and things to do or see.” “We are convinced that the Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall will surpass guest expectations and provide them with everything they need while visiting our area, and our hotel is central to all of them.” Please see the press release attached. We really hope you will find this news interesting. You can download the high-resolution pictures of Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall by clicking this link. If you need any additional information, don’t hesitate to let us know; we would be happy to help. Source- Travel daily

Malaysia Airlines has expanded on its previous initiatives to increase the value of its connectivity on flights by starting to provide free Wi-Fi in all cabin classes on a chosen number of widebody aircraft. Prior to being gradually implemented on certain narrowbody aircraft, the service will initially be offered on twenty widebody aircraft. This improvement comes after the airline introduced free in-flight Wi-Fi for passengers traveling in Business Suite and Business Class, as well as Enrich Platinum members, including those in Economy Class, on July 1, 2023. The bandwidth cap for each sector is set at 100 MB. With this new improved service, passengers—including those traveling in Economy Class and those who are not Enrich members—won’t need to pay for the airline’s pay-per-use Wi-Fi. Travelers can utilize the airline’s complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to access the internet and remain in touch with loved ones by connecting their devices to the “MHconnect” network. Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, stated, “We are delighted to extend our complimentary Wi-Fi offering to passengers across all travel classes, making us one of the first airlines to enable such convenience.” Furthermore, we no longer cap data, as we did in the past, enabling visitors to conveniently stay connected for the duration of their flight—whether for business-related purposes or to communicate with loved ones. We’ll keep funding projects that will greatly improve the Malaysian Hospitality experience for our guests. The airline will provide a particularly chosen present for its child passengers in November in honor of World Children’s Day, in an effort to further enhance the onboard experience. Starting on November 1, 2023, children ages three to eight (8) who are traveling on specific long-haul flights will get a reusable Pilot Parker lunchbox set as an environmentally responsible memento of their trip, while supplies last. This is on top of the current activity pack that the airline offers its younger passengers. The airline’s steadfast dedication and all-encompassing approach to improving the passenger experience at every touchpoint are reflected in these efforts. With the aim of prioritising passenger comfort, convenience, and enjoyment, the airline is constantly striving to strategically improve its services and amenities. Examples of these efforts include increasing the content accessible in its in-flight entertainment (IFE) options and improving the cabin experience. Source- Travel daily

Leading international travel management firm BCD Travel has announced a leadership transition in its Japan business. With effect from January 1, 2024, Jonathan Kao, the present Managing Director for Greater China, will take on a more enlarged position as the Managing Director for North Asia. Jonathan will be in charge of BCD Travel’s activities in China, Hong Kong, and Japan in this role. Kao, a BCD veteran since 2016, offers a wealth of knowledge about the complex operational, technical, and cultural aspects of the Asia-Pacific region to his new position. His leadership abilities are demonstrated by his remarkable history of fostering progress in Greater China. With focused initiatives and customized solutions, the team has continuously increased client satisfaction, broadened its service offerings, and gained more agility under Kao’s leadership. Most importantly, his knowledge of handling intricate issues like international and domestic divisions, rail transportation, and regulatory affairs would be quite helpful in his new position. “I am genuinely thrilled about the chance to assist BCD’s customers and our own aspirational business plan in Japan,” declared Kao. “With the team, I’m excited to build on our past accomplishments and spur future expansion as we assist corporate clients and their staff in making wise travel and productivity decisions.” “BCD’s plans for Japan put our clients at the forefront, and Japan is key to our future growth in the Asia Pacific region,” stated Greg O’Neil, President of BCD Travel’s Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Global Network. “We strive to synchronize the entire ‘BCD experience’ for clients across numerous regions while reacting quickly and effectively to individual needs within this intricate industry. I’m really enthusiastic about BCD’s prospects in Japan under Jonathan’s direction. Kazuhiko Otani, the current Managing Director of BCD Travel Japan, will take on a consultancy role as part of this leadership change. O’Neil stated, “I am personally very grateful for Otani-san’s leadership, which spans the previous 43 years.” “BCD’s initial operational strategy and value proposition for our Japanese clients were greatly aided by his advocacy and support.” He has built a solid foundation for an even more robust future with his team. Source- Travel daily

With their New Agenda: Meetings Redesigned initiative, Centara Hotels & Resorts is once again changing the face of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). In the fast-paced world of business and professional meetings, planning an event that will leave a lasting impression is crucial. It involves more than just setting up a meeting; it involves creating an unforgettable experience. With its four-pillared approach, Centara is “The Place to Be for MICE,” providing all the necessary elements for flawless event management, imaginative catering, team-building that is unlike any other, and a dedication to sustainability. The following justifies Centara as your first choice for the location of your next event: All-in-one Meeting Expert Smooth communication, planning, coordination, and execution are some of the biggest obstacles to a well-run event. The creative “Meeting Guru” service from Centara serves as a one-stop shop and one point of contact for all of your MICE needs, and it is their answer to this difficulty. The Meeting Guru service provided by Centara is powered by contemporary technology. Participants get access to private chat groups using QR codes, which facilitates effective and safe conversation. By ensuring that all participants in the event are on the same page, it fosters teamwork and removes obstacles to communication. Additionally, the Meeting Guru will serve as your exclusive point of contact for any matters related to event preparation. With this customized service, you can be confident that your unique requirements and preferences are taken into consideration, resulting in an event that is exactly how you envision it. Innovative cooking encounter Food is essential to enhancing the essence of any memorable occasion. Thanks to its committed in-house F&B team, Centara has completely reinvented the art of catering. They provide unique dining experiences that will make a lasting impression on your visitors in addition to encouraging interaction and active involvement. The New Agenda for Centara: Meetings The redesigned curriculum offers a variety of mouthwatering culinary experiences that entice the senses. The possibilities are endless, ranging from an exciting cooking challenge to a sensory-driven “Dinner in the Dark” or an exclusive power lunch in a submarine in the Maldives. Other options include casual beach barbecues, exploring a mouthwatering journey through Thai food stalls, and enjoying the freedom to make your own signature cocktails.These amazing culinary experiences are carefully designed to make sure they stick in your memory and enthrall your guests. These distinctive locations lend an air of magic to your gathering, making it stick out as a genuinely exceptional event. Promoting participation and cooperation Several MICE events include team-building exercises, and Centara elevates them by working with Asia Ability, a well-known global training provider. Together, they provide specialized team-building activities that encourage creativity, information exchange, and involvement. Workshops run from thirty to ninety minutes, and Centara’s in-house professionals ensure that your team-building exercises are not only entertaining but also very educational. These workshops support individual development, team building, and skill enhancement. Additionally, the hotel chain has a partnership with Asia Ability, so you may benefit from the experience of one of the most reputable companies in the team-building sector. Through this partnership, you can take advantage of special pricing and have access to Asia Ability’s extensive library of team-building exercises, which will guarantee that your event is memorable and engaging. Centara also promotes community involvement in addition to your event. Building toys for needy kids, community gardening, beach clean-ups, and trash-to-treasure art projects are a few examples of philanthropic activities that can enhance your event while encouraging social responsibility and teamwork. A more environmentally friendly approach to MICE Centrara sets the standard in this field by providing eco-friendly venues and eco-friendly policies that lower carbon emissions. The hotel chain is dedicated to sustainability, even in terms of community involvement. Events like the “Plastics Only, Please” beach clean-up effort encourage teams to do their part for the environment and give attendees a feeling of direction and social duty. Convenience and sustainability are combined in Centara’s Green Meetings package. You may rest easy knowing that your event adheres to eco-friendly standards with regard to everything from LED and natural lighting to low-flow taps, waste separation, eco-friendly materials, and locally grown produce. Prominent institutions like GSTC, Viero, THIS, and DEQP have acknowledged its dedication to sustainability. This accreditation guarantees that your event will take place in locations that adhere to the strictest sustainability guidelines while also highlighting their commitment to environmental friendliness. The MICE Venue to Be at The New Agenda for Centara: Meetings The redesigned program is revolutionary in the MICE events industry. With the Meeting Guru service, it streamlines event planning; imaginativecatering enhances the gastronomic experience; reimagined team-building exercises promote participation and collaboration; and it sets the standard for sustainability. By using Centara, you’re doing more than just planning an event—you’re giving your guests an unforgettable, profound experience that will stick with them. Make Centara: The Place to Be for MICE the venue of your next MICE event to make it truly unique. Time-Limited Promotion By reserving your next MICE or corporate event at one of Centara’s breathtaking global locations by December 20, 2023, you may take advantage of these amazing benefits: Enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a Premium Coffee Break and give your gathering a really special and innovative experience.Take advantage of 50% off team-building costs and witness the success of your participants with cutting-edge programs tailored to your requirements. Source- Travel daily

Nguyen Thi Huong Lien was an aspirational young lady. She opened a modest tour company with just $100 USD in hand, knowing that it would give her plenty of opportunity to improve her English through conversations with foreign visitors to Hue. The CEO of I Love Hue Tour, Nguyen Thi Huong Lien, spoke with the IWTA Committee about her love of travel and tourism and how she founded a tour company while still a student. How did you begin working in the travel sector? And why does the travel sector? A: In my third year of college, I launched my tourism business, I Love Hue Tour. My goal was to increase my English language skills by conversing with strangers. After realizing that the tourism business is a sensible one that gives me regular opportunities to interact with international tourists, I made the decision to become qualified as a tour guide and organize female scooter excursions in Hue, Vietnam. It became my passion because I saw the potential in female students working in the tourism sector; as a result of our employment, we gain confidence every day. Furthermore, the neighborhood prospers when we do the trips to nearby companies and non-governmental organization initiatives. Indeed, tourism has a significant positive impact on our economy. Could you describe a pivotal experience from your life that sparked your love of travel? A: In 2017 at the APEC summit, I got to meet Mrs. Sheryl Sanberg. It was the pinnacle of my experience managing I Love Hue Tour, my own business. I vividly recall that when we first met, we talked a lot about community and gender equality. My enthusiasm for women’s empowerment was ignited after meeting her, and I worked assiduously to establish the business in five Vietnamese towns and one Laotian city in the hopes of helping more female students with their English language proficiency and financial literacy through employment in the travel and tourist sector. We rebranded the business as the I Love Asia Tour in 2020. In total, 180 female students from the area came and assisted us as tour guides. Being a CEO is not an easy journey; in order to be able to guide my team, I must embrace the fact that I am a lifelong learner. Could you describe a difficult project you worked on in your travel industry and the steps you took to overcome it? A CEO’s journey is not a simple one; in order to effectively manage my team, I must embrace the daily learning that comes with the job. Managing the finances is a problem for me because I have to ensure steady revenue growth and profit for the company. I took several finance classes to gain additional knowledge of this crucial ability, and it was beneficial. Q: In what ways has your employment or work in travel increased your awareness of various cultures and customs? A: Tourism is a sensible sector, as I have stated. It enables me to gain knowledge from individuals worldwide on a variety of viewpoints. I continually learn new things about history, culture, customs, language, and tradition as a tour guide so that I can educate visitors. I am really appreciative of my tour guide profession since it has allowed me to travel the world and make many friends. I also get to learn new things every day at work. Tour I Love Hue Could you tell us about how you came to launch your own travel-related project or business? A: I got $100 USD in cash when I developed and organized the I Love Hue Tour. When I was a university student, I constructed nearly everything by myself. My goals were to improve my English and use tourism to give back to the local community. While I initially had assistance from IT for the website builder, I put in a lot of effort on my own to handle the remaining tasks, which included recruiting, forming partnerships, social media marketing, content authoring, tour guiding, financial administration, and tour operation. All of them have forced me to quickly pick up the skills I need to properly manage the startup. The company was once known as I Love Hue Tour, then in 2018 it changed its name to I Love Vietnam Tour. We finally created the I Love Asia Tour, a global branding initiative, in 2020. After COVID 19, we are now growing a small business once more, thus the I Love Hue Tour is still in place. What alterations in travel patterns do you foresee following the pandemic? A: I believe the tourist sector is working to grow sustainably, and following COVID 19, I want to see more environmentally friendly travel. I hope more eco-friendly travel may be developed. Furthermore, it would be fantastic if tourism could encourage more neighborhood events. What character or identity would you choose if you could inhabit any role in the world? A: My goal is to represent women in the travel and tourism sector. Source- Travel daily

Kershing Goh has been appointed as the Regional Director of Europe by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), with the responsibility of spearheading business development efforts, marketing campaigns, and strategic planning for Singapore across the continent. The main offices in London, Frankfurt, and Brussels are under Ms. Goh’s purview, and she is tasked with expanding the European markets as a major source of tourism to Singapore. Ms. Goh left her position as Senior Vice President, Future tourist, located in the US, to take up her new role in London. In that capacity, she developed strong relationships with international technology and idea bellwethers to recognize trends and implement them in the nation’s tourist industry. Additionally, Ms. Goh played a key role in enabling STB to be the first destination partner to adopt Google’s early access program, which allowed STB to jointly develop new use cases for XR and geospatial tourism. “Europe remains an important region for Singapore, with strong air connectivity coupled with a deep consumer appetite for international travel,” Ms. Goh said in response to her nomination. Being able to join the European team during this period of great transition is an honor. My main goal is to make sure Singapore stays innovative for people who already know us and surpasses expectations for those who are visiting for the first time, with amazing new offers for both business and pleasure that are beautifully encapsulated in our new “Made in Singapore” campaign. We push ourselves to always present Singapore as the preferred travel destination in Asia by means of continuous innovation and revitalization. Ms. Goh has been employed by the Singapore Tourism Board since 2014. She spent more than five years as the region director for the Americas before taking on the position of senior vice president for future tourism. During her time in the private sector, she held positions as the first USA country manager for the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Vice President of the US-based destination representation company, MMGY Myriad, with headquarters in New York. She also worked on strategy and market development projects for numerous international clients. Kershing taught the Master of Tourism Planning and Policies at New York University as an adjunct lecturer as well. As Executive Director of World Expo and Special Projects, Ms. Goh succeeds Ms. Carrie Kwik, who is returning to Singapore and will continue to work with STB. Source- Travel daily

With the largest-ever delegation of 108 Portuguese travel agencies, Visit Portugal is thrilled to announce its presence at the World Travel Market, one of the most important gatherings for the world’s travel sector. “I am very pleased to attend WTM this year and be a witness of the largest Portuguese participation ever in this relevant fair, in the UK, the Portugal’s primary tourism market, with proposals for every British target,” said Nuno Fazenda, Secretary of State for Tourism. We are dedicated to creating and promoting unique travel experiences that enhance the value of the destinations and the traveler experience, increasing Portugal’s appeal and achieving our goal of expansion. We firmly believe in the importance of accepting diversity and standing by our goal of making Portugal one of the world’s most competitive, secure, and environmentally friendly travel destinations. The growing number of Portuguese companies at WTM is indicative of Portugal’s strong desire to grow its business in the UK market, of the bilateral relations between Portugal and the UK, and of Portugal’s exceptional attraction as a travel destination. We draw attention to the importance of the UK market, which is Portugal’s main source of tourists and has so far produced consistently outstanding outcomes. January through August 2023 will see a 5% increase in overnight stays and an 11% increase in tourism-related income compared to 2019. Furthermore, with a rise of more than 5%, travelers from the UK accounted for the greatest proportion of foreign overnight stays in Portugal. Portugal continues to thrive and is becoming a popular travel destination for British tourists. In addition, there was an 11% increase in international airport arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019, and a roughly 25% increase in year-over-year growth (2023 vs 2022). Portugal has introduced a diverse and excellent array of year-round tourism experiences, including wine tourism, nature, cultural heritage, art, literature, architecture, and gastronomy, as part of its strategic approach to the tourism industry. Portugal has been able to stand out and reinvent itself. Portugal’s tourism plan, which is dedicated to funding tourist-related investment projects and supporting and prioritizing investments in technology, infrastructure, and human resources, also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and authenticity. Portugal is committed to boosting travel to its interior regions, hoping to establish year-round travel throughout the nation, improve locals’ quality of life, draw tourists to the area, and revitalize the local landmarks, customs, history, and culture. All delegates are cordially invited by Visit Portugal to stop by their stand at WTM 2023, where they can learn about Portugal’s many attractions and network with representatives from a vibrant and varied tourism sector. At Visit Portugal stand N4-200, Visit Portugal looks forward to seeing you. Source- Travel daily Link-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/visit-portugal-gears-up-for-largest-participation-ever-at-wtm/

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) UK and Europe office has revealed that 2023 tourist numbers are expected to exceed the target of over 70% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Air arrivals during the month of January through August 2023 are in line with the Cayman Islands’ busiest year, when 14,583 visitors from the UK arrived. Arrivals from outside the UK are estimated at 8,597 as of August 2023, with the busiest travel season still to come and forward bookings appearing healthy. Rosa Harris, the director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, states, “We are thrilled with the numbers this year. The Cayman Islands’ economy is mostly dependent on tourism, and with our top-notch eating and diving options, we have enough to offer visitors of all stripes. In order to revive the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry following the epidemic, my team and I have made investments in and strengthened our ties with British Airways and the travel industry. “Going ahead, 2024 will be a significant year for the Cayman Islands as we welcome the opening of Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, Kailani, A Curio Collection by Hilton Resort, and VIDA Cayman, an eco-sustainable tourism development centered on wellness and adventure. We also anticipate welcoming the five-star Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman and Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences, which are both slated to open in 2025, to our portfolio. Working closely with our industry partners, we will be attending events and trainings to improve trade engagement and, above all, to reaffirm our position as the premier location for unhurried exploration on vacation. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) UK and Europe office announced this year that the Cayman Islands Training program and related agent incentive would be relaunching. When the course was first introduced in 2019, it was updated with new and relevant information. For example, British Airways started offering a fifth weekly flight to the destination in January 2023. Other updates included information about accommodations, such as the recently renovated Palm Heights and Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, as well as the exciting new properties that will open this year: Vida Ocean Adventure Lodge and Kailani Cayman, A Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel. The program now offers expert-led content videos as well, which allow viewers to delve deeper into each of the three islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Hannah Stitfall, presenter of Springwatch on the BBC, hosts the inaugural webcast. and highlights the amazing fauna of the area, such as the native blue iguanas that are unique to Grand Cayman, while a well-known TV personality hosts a gourmet series. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/cayman-islands-on-track-to-surpass-visitation-goals/

The greatest strategies for travelers to deal with the impending disruptions to their travel plans are disclosed by AirHelp, the largest air passenger rights organization in the world. According to data from AirHelp, 7.3 million travelers in the UK experienced interruptions during their winter air travel. Over 166,000 planes with registered passengers left the UK between December 2022 and February of this year. 23.7 million people traveled during this time. Compared to 2022, when 2.9 million passengers experienced delays or disruptions, this is an increase. During the previous winter, 372,000 flights in the UK were completely canceled and over 203,000 passengers experienced delays longer than three hours. 496,000 of these travelers qualified for reimbursement. It is imperative that travelers are aware of their rights while departing from UK airports, since several airlines have announced flight cancellations this winter in an attempt to prevent additional travel disruptions. All flights leaving from UK airports, flights arriving in the nation on UK or EU airlines, and flights entering the EU on UK airlines are covered by the air passenger rights legislation UK 261. According to this rule, travelers who have delays longer than three hours, cancellations made fewer than fourteen days in advance of departure, overbooking-related denials of boarding, or missed connections resulting in three-hour delays upon arrival are eligible for up to £520. It’s crucial to remember that when disruptions are caused by unusual circumstances, passengers are not entitled to reimbursement. In terms of care, travelers from the UK are entitled to lodging for overnight delays, alternate flights, or a complete refund in the event of rejected boarding, cancellation, or missed connection. Along with being informed of their rights, passengers must also be provided with food and drink after a few hours and be allowed to make two phone calls, send two faxes, or send emails. In addition, travelers should receive up to 75% of their initial ticket price back if an airline downgrades them. This winter, airlines are being forced to postpone flights due to staff shortages, strikes, and overall travel turmoil. At AirHelp, we want to inform travelers of their rights and assist them in using them in the event of unavoidable delays and cancellations. According to Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, “Our disruption data has proven that UK-based airlines and airports have significant opportunities for improvement, to ensure the service they are providing to passengers is as punctual as possible.” Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/airhelp-shares-ways-for-uk-passengers-to-weather-winter-flight-disruptions/