Travel News

MoneySmart, a prominent personal finance website, has released new research that identifies the top airlines in Singapore for flight delays and cancellations. Although air travel is notoriously tumultuous, the number of flight delays has increased significantly in recent years. The number of Singaporeans seeking online for ‘travel insurance claim’ has increased by 401%1 in the past year. MoneySmart surveyed over 1,700 Singaporeans who flew within the past 12 months (May 2022-23) to determine the 12 airlines with the most flight delays and cancellations, according to Sinaporean passengers. Air India headed the list, with nearly four in five (78%) of its customers reporting a flight delay and seven in ten (71%) reporting a flight cancellation. MoneySmart reveals the airlines with which Singaporean travellers have had the most disruptions and how this has affected their travel experiences. The airlines with the greatest number of flight delays, as reported by survey participants. Air India emerged as the airline with the maximum number of delays, as reported by nearly four out of five (78%) survey respondents who had flown with them: Air China ranked second, with 70% of respondents reporting a flight delay. Cebu Pacific Air followed closely behind in third place, with 69% of respondents experiencing flight delays. The national carrier, Singapore Airlines, was reported to have caused delays for nearly 40% of respondents who flew with them in the past year. In terms of documented delays, however, they ranked ninth out of the top 12 airlines. 1 to 3 hours was the most common delay duration reported by survey respondents, accounting for 40% of responses. Nearly two-fifths (38%) of travellers reported experiencing 4+ hour delays. The airlines with the greatest number of flight cancellations, as reported by survey participants. 71% of survey respondents who had flown with Air India reported experiencing a flight cancellation, excluding cancellations caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. Cebu Pacific Air followed, with 65% of passengers who had flown with them reporting a flight cancellation. More than two-thirds (64%) of respondents indicated that Air China had cancelled flights. The survey reveals that the most common wait time for a replacement flight was 1 to 3 hours (27% of respondents). Compensation for disruption When it comes to compensation for disrupted air travel, the survey findings shed light on the following key insights: Compensation for delayed flights On average, 42% of respondents who had experienced delays reported notreceiving direct compensation from the airline. Scoot, the low-cost airline owned by the Singapore Airlines group, compensated only around 23% of the surveyed respondents who experienced delays. This places Scoot as the airline least likely to provide compensationfor flight delays, leaving 77% of the affected passengers to bear the financial cost. Compensation for cancelled flights 32% reported notreceiving direct compensation from the airline for cancelled flights. However, survey responses indicated that Air India – the airline with the highest rate of both delays and cancellations – was least likely to compensatefor flight cancellations, with 43% of passengers receiving some.According to respondents who experienced disruptions, the result of flight delays and cancellations has appeared to have a longer-term impact on travel behaviours 65% now always pre-arrange travel insurance to safeguard against travel disruptions, emphasising the growing recognition of its importance. 62% found their experience to be stressful, substantiating the emotional toll such incidents can have on travellers. 58% now frequently worry. Source: traveldailymedia

As the Fourth of July approaches, Americans will take to the roads to reach their desired destinations. With the   of fuel, however, motorists are seeking ways to save money on the road prior to vacations and day excursions. In light of this, the car subscription experts at FINN offer ten suggestions that could significantly reduce your diesel and fuel costs: Ensure that your tyres are properly inflated. If your tyres are underinflated, they will degrade during handling and braking, wear more quickly, and eventually overheat and blast out. Before departing, it is vital to ensure that your tyres are adequately inflated. Maintaining your vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial, as regular service will ensure optimal fuel economy, performance, and longevity. Don’t wait until it’s too late to notice a problem; whenever possible, conduct regular checks to remain on top of any issues. Observe the speed limit at all times; however, some motorists neglect that exceeding the speed limit can significantly increase their fuel consumption. As highway velocities exceed 50 mph, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to decrease significantly. Adjust your pace in order to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces the need for repetitive acceleration and braking, which consume additional fuel. Reduce your use of  conditioning.Air conditioning uses a significant quantity of fuel to cool your vehicle, so use it only when necessary. Open your windows to cool off when you are travelling at slower speeds. Remove any excess weight from your vehicle. When not in use, minimise the use of roof racks and other specialty carriers. Even an empty bike or ski rack can reduce fuel economy on the highway, while laden racks or car-top containers have a significant impact. Download a fuel pricing application: Apps such as Upside and GasBuddy are incredibly useful because they allow you to quickly locate the cheapest petrol station in your area before you need to fill up. Even if it seems like a small amount at the time, developing the habit of checking every time you fill up can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. It is essential to utilise your gears effectively to prevent unnecessary gasoline consumption caused by excessive engine revving. It is also essential to brake and accelerate gradually, as sudden braking wastes a great deal of fuel. Reading the road and maintaining a safe distance is both more relaxing and economical. Consider vehicle pooling: Consider carpooling with a coworker to divide the cost and driving responsibilities if you commute to work every day. It is also more environmentally favorable if a group of individuals commute to the same location every day. Do not fill your fuel tank to the brim. Doing so can saturate the emissions system with fuel, potentially resulting in a fuel leak when the fuel heats up. When the fuel nozzle clicks off, the tank is full; do not add more fuel and do not round up the quantity on the fuel pump. Maintain your vehicle’s cleanliness: Possibly a surprising fuel-saving tip, but mud, dirt, and even insects on your car’s exterior can produce drag, which, over long distances, can impact your MPG range. Keeping your vehicle clean and varnished reduces its aerodynamic drag, thereby enhancing your fuel economy. Source- Travel daily

The Airports Council International (ACI) World Annual General Assembly (WAGA) has approved critical resolutions on the transition to cleaner energy and cyber threats, reflecting airports’ priorities in constructing a sustainable and resilient aviation ecosystem. Over 800 delegates attended the ACI EUROPE/ACI WORLD Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, where the 33rd WAGA was held. The Resolutions were presented by the ACI World Governing Board, which is comprised of the world’s foremost airport CEOs. Advancing SAF and bolstering ESG practises Recognising the need for collective action to achieve the long-term objective of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, the Resolution “Leading through cleaner energy transition and robust ESG practises” calls on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and governments to collaborate with all financial institutions to facilitate access to green finance for aviation and to stimulate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It urges governments to provide the technical and economic support and regulatory framework necessary to support the energy transition in the aviation sector. Airports are urged to consider implementing robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practises based on their unique circumstances, to collaborate with ACI in the development of the Airport ESG Global Framework, and to participate in global efforts to expedite the deployment of SAF. Cybersecurity risks in aviation Recognising that the aviation industry relies on interconnected systems and advanced technologies that may be vulnerable to increasing cyber threats, the Resolution “Affirming airport’s commitment to addressing the evolving cyber threats in aviation” acknowledges the actions already taken by airports and urges all aviation stakeholders to increase their awareness and mitigation measures in this area. The Resolution urges governments, international organisations, and relevant stakeholders to utilise extant international frameworks and standards on information security and cybersecurity in the development of aviation cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and guidelines. In addition, it urges governments to implement the necessary measures to support the growth of a cybersecurity workforce with expertise in aviation. The Riyadh Airports Company will host the WAGA in 2024. Riyadh Airports Company was named the host of the ACI Asia-Pacific / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA) at the ACI EUROPE / ACI WORLD Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition Closing and Handover Ceremony. The 21-23 May 2024 event will take place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to attract global and regional airport CEOs, regulators, and dignitaries. Director General of ACI World Luis Felipe de Oliveira stated, “We are thrilled to join forces with ACI Asia-Pacific and Riyadh Airports Company to host WAGA 2024, the most important global gathering of airport leaders.” The region is home to the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and leading airports that are lifting the bar for travellers and communities on all fronts. As we construct a resilient and sustainable aviation ecosystem, our continued engagement with the global airport community and its pertinent stakeholders remains the determining factor in achieving our industry’s global goals.” Stefano Baronci, director general of ACI Asia-Pacific, stated, “It is indeed a moment of pride for us, as WAGA will be conducted in Riyadh next year. This is a significant gathering of aviation leaders from around the world, and an excellent forum for discussing current issues and opportunities in the aviation industry, as well as examining innovative strategies for long-term success. We look forward to welcoming aviation leaders from around the globe and ensuring that everyone has a memorable experience.” Musad Aldaood, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, stated, “It is an honour to proclaim that Riyadh will host the ACI Asia-Pacific / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA) the following year. We are ecstatic to greet aviation leaders from around the world to create an unforgettable experience for all.” Moreover, he added, “This significant gathering of global aviation authorities is a prime venue for addressing current challenges and exploring opportunities in the aviation sector, as well as investigating forward-thinking and exploring innovative strategies for long-term success.” Source- Travel biz

Ant & Dec have been hired by TUI UK to deliver holiday-inspired fun and smiles to the British public. As they define their new duties as ‘Happiness Ambassadors’ for TUI, the duo from Newcastle will reveal their mischievous plans.   Launching on June 28th, the social media campaign will focus on how TUI creates ‘happy’ every day. Ant & Dec concoct their new job title in a witty and entertaining manner, creating the ideal holiday pitch, and dialling up holiday inspiration with TUI’s retail agents and cabin personnel. The social media content concentrates on the moments customers experience prior to travelling abroad, from planning and booking to the airport just prior to departure. Ant and Dec have a great time creating additional happy moments at each stage of the journey in an unexpected and memorable manner. The campaign, a creative collaboration between Ant and Dec’s Mitre Studios and Leo Burnett London, will run on TUI’s and Ant and Dec’s social channels for six months beginning on 28thJune. Follow @antanddec and @tuiuk to learn what they have been up to as of today. Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of TUI UK, stated, “Ant and Dec are the ideal duo to demonstrate what our Makers of Happy do every day: provide our customers with the finest possible experiences. The partnership comes at an exhilarating time for TUI, as our customers eagerly anticipate creating unforgettable vacation memories. It’s fantastic to be working with Ant and Dec, who are the happiest people on television, and they’re already sharing wonderful ideas on how to make holidays even more enjoyable.” Ant says, “We have previously collaborated with TUI on Saturday Night Takeaway, so we were thrilled to be asked to become their Happiness Ambassadors and create some entertaining content for their staff and consumers as they plan their holidays for this year.  Dec continues, “We have enjoyed collaborating with everyone at TUI and getting to know the team better. We hope that what we’ve created will bring a smile to people’s faces and disseminate a little holiday cheer from now until the end of the year.” Source- Travel daily

With the summer surge approaching in the northern hemisphere, travel concerns regarding delayed flights, rising airfares, and airport congestion are not discouraging air travel. Preliminary findings from the 2023 SITA Passenger IT Insights study revealed that 32% of passengers cited flight cancellation anxiety when reserving their next flight. Nearly two out of ten passengers surveyed expressed concern about airport congestion and costly airfares. This was fueled by the fact that 56% of respondents had experienced delays or cancellations and 48% had encountered lengthy airport lines. However, travellers plan to fly more than ever before. This year, passengers anticipate taking 4.7 journeys on average, compared to 4.2 flights in 2019. This was primarily the result of frequent travellers. The percentage of passengers planning more than 10 flights in 2023 has increased from 6% in 2019 to 10% this year. David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, stated, “It is encouraging for our industry that passengers want to travel and want to travel more efficiently, despite some of the challenges airports and airlines have faced with congestion over the past year. We cannot ignore the fact that passengers’ decisions are heavily influenced by the overall experience of air travel. With passengers indicating a clear intent to travel more in 2019, the industry would do well to resolve their concerns, such as by increasing automation. Lavorel emphasised that prior research from SITA indicated that airport and airline CIOs are treating digital transformation seriously. To support digitalization and automation, it is anticipated that the industry’s IT expenditures will continue their constant growth since 2020. The IT expenditures of airlines and airports increased to an estimated $37 billion and $6.8 billion, respectively, in 2012. In April of this year, SITA surveyed over 6,000 passengers in 27 countries as part of the 2023 SITA Passenger IT Insights. The complete report will be published on September 5, 2023. Source- Travel daily

BLS International Services Ltd. and the Embassy of Italy in Kazakhstan have inked a contract. This contract aims to improve and streamline the visa application procedure for Kazakhstani citizens travelling to Italy. BLS International will establish five visa application centres in Kazakhstan, strategically located in Astana, Almaty, Atyrau, Shymkent, and Ustkamendorsk, to meet the rising demand for visa services. BLS would manage 25,000 visa applications annually in Kazakhstan for the Embassy of Italy, ensuring accessibility and convenience for applicants from various regions of the nation. The new visa application centres will provide comprehensive visa processing solutions, such as application submission, biometric data collection, and applicant support. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Ltd., stated, “We are honored and humbled to once again partner with the Embassy of Italy and provide our best-in-class visa outsourcing services in Kazakhstan.” “We secured three new contracts with the Italian government in Singapore, Senegal, Abu Dhabi, and Russia earlier this year.” This agreement further demonstrates the confidence Embassy of Italy has in us. With our extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, we are committed to providing visa applicants with exceptional services that meet their needs. We anticipate a productive partnership and the opportunity to serve the community.” Source- Travel biz

As food price inflation in the hospitality industry approaches 22% once more, UKHospitality is advocating for measures that allow businesses to exit energy contracts negotiated during the height of the energy crisis. With a recent survey revealing that energy costs are up 80% year-over-year and nearly half of businesses that signed a contract during the height of the energy crisis dreading business failure, energy remains a key driver of inflation. As the cost of doing business continues to rise, hospitality businesses will have no alternative but to pass on these price increases to customers. Unfortunately, this causes inflation. Kate Nicholls, chief executive officer of UKHospitality, stated, “If the government is to achieve its goal of halving inflation, it must address the ever-increasing cost of doing business.” “We’ve observed today that food price inflation in the hospitality industry has increased to nearly 22%.” Farmers, food producers and manufacturers, and hospitality businesses are being negatively impacted by rising energy prices, and inflation will become entrenched unless businesses are able to terminate energy contracts that were fixed at rates far above the current market rate. “It is my expectation that the Chancellor discussed the urgent need for action with Ofgem during his meeting with regulators today, as there has been little in the way of action thus far. “While its evaluation of the non-domestic energy market is positive, it has been ongoing for at least six months and no conclusions have been reached. The severity of the situation confronting hospitality businesses necessitates a far greater sense of urgency on the part of the regulator, whose inaction has led to business failure, as we have repeatedly warned. “If Ofgem is unable to act and intervene in the energy market, compelling suppliers to renegotiate with customers, then I would urge the Government and the CMA to step in, conduct a thorough investigation of the market, and take meaningful action on behalf of hard-working businesses,” Source: traveldailymedia

Dubai stands out as an ideal destination for family vacations because it provides a delightful variety of activities for people of all ages. With direct flight connections and a streamlined visa process, Dubai is readily accessible to Indian tourists, making it a desirable destination for a quick family vacation or a long, memorable vacation. Some must-see landmarks for short-stay family excursions that will make your time in Dubai unforgettable: Aquaventure is the largest waterpark in the globe. It has over 105 attractions, slides, and experiences. You and your family can experience thrilling adventures and attractions, such as the Raging Rapids, the Tower of Poseidon, and the Leap of Faith, that will leave you wanting more. The park also features a 1 km private beach where visitors can relax and soak up the sun while admiring the iconic skyline of Dubai. Green Planet is a unique “bio-dome” containing over 3,000 tropical vegetation and animals. Families can observe a variety of animals, reptiles, and fish kept in open habitats that closely resemble their natural environments. It is an excellent opportunity for children to learn about endangered plant and animal species from around the globe. The Museum of the Future is a marvel of architecture where families can experience innovative and futuristic ideas. Interactive displays emphasise the most recent technological and environmental advancements, including virtual reality experiences and immersive displays. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to have joy while learning about the future of technology and innovation.If you have more time and are planning a prolonged family vacation, here are some additional activities to add to your travel bucket list. LEGOLAND Hotel is an excellent option for families wishing to extend their Dubai stay. The hotel has 250 themed rooms and suites decorated with colourful LEGO elements. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, a LEGO play area, daily LEGO building activities, and an outdoor pool. Additionally, you have simple access to the adjacent theme park and waterpark, ensuring that you will never be bored. MotiongateTM Dubai, Legoland® Dubai, and Legoland® Water Park are all located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest integrated theme park destination in the Middle East. With more than 100 thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and enthralling live performances, guests can experience a day of endless fun. The rides and attractions at Legoland® Dubai and Legoland® Water Park are ideal for families with small children, as they are designed for children ages 2 to 12. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a wonderful place for families to make unforgettable memories in Dubai. AYA Universe is a place that will leave you astonished and in awe. As soon as you enter this 40,000-square-foot area, you will be captivated by the breathtaking displays that surround you. Each of the twelve zones here will transport you to a distinct immersive world. Wild Paint House offers a unique and fun way for families staying in Dubai for a longer period to make art. The studio was created with the belief that art should be accessible to anyone, making for a fun and liberating experience. With six distinct concepts, families are guaranteed an unforgettable experience and will return for more vibrant times. Source: traveldailymedia

A recent report by Bankrate in the United States revealed that affordability is limiting traveller options, and sun-and-sea destinations in southern Europe have reported a booking slowdown that was unexpected this early in the season. In other terms, “revenge spending” is likely declining. What precautions can those who have benefited from this ‘peak’ take to avoid a ‘bust’ that is too severe? Experts in the travel technology industry from around the globe offer advice on how to best adapt. Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips, the leading multi-product B2B travel platform, notes that “while the boom may be waning, agents and other types of B2B sellers still have a bright future: people’s desire to travel remains, but their requirements and budgets are changing. The right technology and tools can assist B2B and B2B2C sellers in showcasing a broad range of travel options that appeal to all travel budgets. Now is the time to leverage tech-enabled platforms to identify best deals and secure sales with fintech options such as flexibility or BNPL (buy-now, pay-later) services, and get ahead in what is likely to be a return to a highly competitive environment. Alex Gisbert, CEO of Fastpayhotels, a B2B platform for travel sellers and hotels worldwide, concurs and adds, “Everything indicates to an inevitable shift in traveller behaviour, but we already knew that, didn’t we? As interest rates continue to rise and inflation persists, it is evident that disposable income will decline. Continue providing travellers with as many pertinent options as possible, and do so by segmenting and leveraging data to better understand their needs.” Janis Dzenis from the price comparison website WayAway believes that in the post-pandemic era, “loyalty and discounts have become key factors in enticing cash-strapped travellers to book their next trip.” While the popularity of’revenge travel’ has waned, travel suppliers and agencies can continue to attract customers and withstand the changing landscape of the travel industry by maintaining an unwavering commitment to customer loyalty and offering discounts when possible. Alex Barros of BEONx, a hotel revenue manager, argues that concentrating solely on room rates is too myopic. Instead, he suggests encouraging travellers to book travel at a lower price point, and then maximising profit by cross-selling additional services. Barros believes that “by offering personalised suggestions for add-ons or upgrades, travel suppliers can create a win-win situation for both themselves and their customers.” Regarding the possibility of cancellations, rescheduling to later in the year, or changes to cheaper room types, Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships at Cloudbeds, a technology provider for independent hotels, advises: “Although non-refundable room rates may be an enticing solution, don’t rush into it without weighing all the alternatives. Generally, it is best to offer both refundable and non-refundable rates, ideally using technology to determine which is more likely to appeal to a particular traveller based on the booking channel, types of prices or rooms searched for, the source market, or any other information you have on the traveller. Talking about the potential even for cancellations, rescheduling to later in the year or changes to cheaper room types, Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships from Cloudbeds – a provider of technology to independent hotels – feels that: “Whilst non-refundable room rates might be a tempting solution, don’t just jump in there without considering all the options. Often the best thing is to offer both refundable and non-refundable, ideally using technology to consider which is more likely to be appealing for that traveller based on the channel they’re booking via, types of prices or rooms searched for, the source market, or any other details you have on the traveller.” Ticketing changes and cancellations would mean more costs for travel businesses when it comes to the payments side of things, whether that be admin or actual charges for a B2B transfer warns Spencer Hanlon from global real-time payments platform Nium. He also points out that often bank charges have flat minimum fees regardless of payment amounts, “your average sale value might have fallen 30% but your bank charges you the same to settle with the airline or hotel”. Spencer feels that there has never been a better time to invest in efficient payment technology for this reason alone. As a final thought on the matter, one area where it would be tempting for travellers to cut costs could be insurance policies. Whilst this would be short-sighted,Katie Crowe from travel insurer battleface feels that it is the responsibility of insurers “to consider unbundling their benefits so that travellers can pick and choose the coverage most specific for their needs, and drop parts they don’t want, to make policies much more relevant and competitively priced for the needs of the cost-conscious traveller.” Source: traveldailymedia

Reed & Mackay, a company based in Navan, is empowering travellers to make environmentally responsible decisions without sacrificing travel experience or budget. Reed & Mackay’s clients can now view enhanced CO2 data for air, rail, vehicle rental, and hotels on R&M/Book, the proprietary online booking platform of the global TMC. Reed & Mackay announced a partnership with SQUAKE earlier this year to provide its clients with enhanced CO2 data. Carbon calculations within Reed & Mackay’s online booking platform now take into account the number of passengers, aircraft model, booking class, and more. This latest release is the first in a succession of sustainability-focused enhancements scheduled to arrive over the next few months. Reed & Mackay’s Global CEO, Fred Stratford, stated, “As companies seek to balance achieving their ESG goals with the need to stay connected with the international business community through in-person meetings, they are increasingly turning to their travel and events partners to empower their travellers to make informed choices with the most up-to-date CO2 intelligence. In addition, they wish to reconcile sustainability objectives with cost management and traveller productivity. This is what Reed & Mackay enables its clients to do.” The enhancement displays the relative carbon position of a flight relative to other flights on the same day, along with explicit policy indicators, and allows users to sort results by cost, preference, and carbon emissions. Reed & Mackay’s Global Director of Product, Fahim Khan, stated, “This is a new chapter for our in-product sustainability offering, which was designed in collaboration with clients to help them fulfil their ESG goals. By leveraging SQUAKE’s data, we go beyond the current market standard of generic calculations, thereby providing clients with more comprehensive information and ultimately more informed decisions as they work to manage Scope 3 emissions in support of their broader ESG objectives.” Philipp von Lamezan, CEO and co-founder of SQUAKE, commented on the partnership as follows: “Reed & Mackay is a leading name in travel, and with their prestigious client base increasingly seeking next-level support to manage their travel-related emissions, we knew our solution would add a vital new component to Reed & Mackay’s R&M/Book system. We are so pleased to have collaborated with Reed & Mackay on this project, and we look forward to seeing how their clients take advantage of this potent new feature.” Reed & Mackay has joined the United Nations Global Compact, partnered with Neste for sustainable aviation biofuels, and committed to setting near- and long-term company-wide emission reduction targets in accordance with climate science through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) over the past two years. EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most reputable provider of business sustainability ratings, reaffirmed Reed & Mackay’s Gold rating in April 2023, placing the company in the 94th percentile among its industry peers. Source: traveldailymedia