Travel News

Thai Vietjet and Centara Hotels & Resorts have joined forces to initiate a marketing partnership that will provide special perks to Thai Vietjet’s passengers and Centara’s guests throughout the year. In accordance with the new marketing partnership, Thai Vietjet passengers will receive a 19% discount on Flexible and The Place To Be room rates when logging in as a CentaraThe1 member and booking through Centara’s website at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/vj at participating Centara hotels & resorts in Thailand, UAE, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, the Maldives, Japan, and Vietnam. In addition, CentaraThe1 members will receive a 20% discount code Centara also offers Thai Vietjet’s passengers additional special perks when staying at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne (Vietnam), including a complimentary hotel upgrade to the next higher category (subject to room availability upon check-in) and a 10% discount applied for spa treatments during their stays (for advance reservation) when presenting Vietjet’s boarding pass upon check-in. Thai Vietjet and Centara surprised passengers on Thai Vietjet flight VZ110 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai on June 6, 2023, with a lucky draw for a special prize of a complimentary voucher from Centara for two nights stay at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, and two round-trip complimentary tickets from Thai Vietjet, in the presence of Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Director of Commercial of Thai Vietjet and Pini “Thai Vietjet is pleased to announce its partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts.” This is our second campaign with Centara, after launching the first one last year to overwhelmingly positive market response. This co-promotion between Thai Vietjet and Centara will not only provide special benefits to our customers, but will also play a significant role in stimulating the travel industry in the post-pandemic era, according to Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Director of Commercial at Thai Vietjet. Source: traveldailymedia

In July of last year, the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa opened as a one-stop luxurious destination for experiencing the magical Maldives and vacationing in paradise. Each of the 109 expansive beach and overwater villas features a private pool and enticing views of the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Six restaurants and lounges are available to guests, where they can dine on succulent seafood, beachside barbecue, refreshing refreshments by the pool, and live entertainment and cocktails at night. Spend your days snorkeling in the private lagoon and relaxing at the leisure. Additionally, one can unwind and recharge at the art centre, yoga pavilion, and photo studio. The property is hosting a fun giveaway contest in celebration of its first #AmingiriBirthdayParty if all of this sounds thrilling to you. One recipient and one guest will have the opportunity to stay in the one-bedroom beach pool villa for three nights, including breakfast and shared premium speedboat transfers to and from the airport. While entries for the contest can be submitted until 25th June 2023, the recipient will be announced on the property’s social media account, @HiltonMaldives, on the 1st of July 2023. Source: traveldailymedia

Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government have announced a $2 million plus investment in the next phase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feasibility studies in Aotearoa. The announcement was made today at the launch of the draught Tourism Environment Action Plan, which was hosted by Air New Zealand and attended by the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Peeni Henare. SAF is fuel produced from waste feedstocks, such as forestry residues, municipal waste, and used cooking oils, and can be ‘dropped in’ to existing aircraft refuelling systems without modification. SAF is produced with inputs and processes that result in substantially lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than fossil jet fuel. This new investment follows a one-year RFP process that invited innovators to demonstrate the viability of operating a commercial-scale SAF facility in New Zealand. Along with government officials, the airline evaluated proposals from numerous international SAF manufacturers in order to determine what technologies are available internationally and how they could be adapted to the New Zealand environment.In phase two, the working group is advancing two proposals: one with US-based LanzaJet and the other with Fulcrum BioEnergy. In the next phase, the technical, economic, supply chain, and environmental viability of establishing and operating a SAF production facility in New Zealand will be evaluated further. Air New Zealand’s chief sustainability officer, Kiri Hannifin, expresses gratitude for the government’s assistance in advancing the feasibility of SAF production in New Zealand. “Our climate is deteriorating much more rapidly than anticipated. We must all take immediate and drastic action to protect what we cherish, including our land and all of its inhabitants. “So much of what we depend on in Aotearoa, including tourism and agricultural production, is dependent on our magnificent natural assets. Air New Zealand plays a significant role in transitioning our economy to a future with reduced carbon emissions, and flying with SAF is a crucial component of this transition. “Globally, SAF is in high demand but supply is limited. “Producing SAF commercially in New Zealand would not only help reduce the country’s emissions while creating jobs, regional economic development, and Mori and Iwi investment opportunities, but it would also provide energy security and independence, which New Zealand currently lacks.” The second phase of SAF feasibility work will continue until the beginning of 2024. Source: traveldailymedia

VRetreats is enriched with five new hotels in iconic and strategic locations in Italy: a result that underscores the development of the collection, which has always been dedicated to art, history, and culture aficionados and aimed at redefining the concept of luxury, no longer as an end in itself, but as a means to access the beauty of our country. Founded in 2021 with only three properties, VRetreats now consists of nine delightful hotels and historic residences with a distinct personality: the collection is geared towards luxury travellers who are passionate about Italian art and culture. The path of development has been consistent and gradual, always focused on the search for unique addresses of great artistic value: VRetreats exalt these aspects, enhancing the nature of the original buildings, characterised by a significant past and embellished by cloisters, internal gardens, and terraces seamlessly connected to the external environment and where guests can reconnect with themselves and the place. The strong vision of VRetreats has enabled the collection to position itself among the most promising Italian hôtellerie establishments: the chain closed 2022 with a revenue of over 33 million euros, and 2023 projections call for a revenue of over 57 million euros and an EBITDA of over 20 million euros, thanks in part to new entries. “We are extremely pleased with the results,” says Gabriele Burgio, President and CEO of Alpitour World, of which VRetreats is a component. “It is an excellent illustration of clear vision and the development of strategic assets for business and tourism in our country. The newly acquired properties are all operational with the exception of the Cervino, which will open in the autumn. In 2024, we anticipate the brand to make additional strides in terms of revenue, EBITDA, and infrastructure.” The new VRetreats hotels play a vital role in the positioning of the brand, as they are situated in key tourist circuit locations, including Siracusa, Lecce, Olbia, Cervinia, and Florence. V RETREATS’ NEW HOTELS The historic Hotel Roma is located on Ortigia, an island off the coast of Sicily. A masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, it is housed in an ancient palace from the late 19th century that was constructed from the same limestone as the Greek temples, has internal courtyards and a suspended garden, is adjacent to the cathedral, and is located in the heart of Siracusa. To restore the building’s dignity and allure, a plan to renovate the common areas and chambers is currently being studied. Palazzo Sant’Anna is located in the heart of Lecce, a city renowned for its Baroque influence, extraordinarily beautiful architecture and the sea of Salento, enters the collection. It was conceived as a small, diffused hotel with courtyards, gardens, and panoramic terraces, and its three original buildings, two from the 18th century and one from the 14th, have been extensively rehabilitated. The structure and Lecce stone of the old convent have been preserved, but contemporary aesthetics, antique furniture, and design objects have been added, along with bioenergy techniques to enhance performance and create a healthy, comfortable environment. Source: traveldailymedia

This week, the premier global travel network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, Virtuoso, hosted its inaugural Connects event in Edinburgh. Over forty members and preferred partners from across the network gathered in the Scottish capital for an invaluable day of networking at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand. This is the second European Connects event hosted by Virtuoso in 2023, following the success of Connects Rome in May, with Barcelona and London events scheduled for 13 September and 11 October, respectively. The day consisted of partner presentations and networking sessions, allowing members to hear the latest news from partners, forge new relationships, and learn about the most recent client offerings. Following the event, Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, in partnership with The Johnnie Walker Experience Prince Street, hosted a cocktail reception. Nineteen European Virtuoso member agencies, including owners, managers, frontline advisors, and independent contractors, as well as twenty-one preferred partners representing hotels, experiential travel experiences, cruises, and tourism boards from around the world, including One&Only Resorts, EDITION Hotels, Rocco Forte Hotels, and Aurora Expeditions, were in attendance. Kieran Smith, Owner and Travel Advisor at HORIZONTALLY Luxury Travel Concierge, says, “Virtuoso events bring together like-minded peers and hospitality professionals and provide the chance to learn, grow, and network.” This is gold dust for me, as it allows me to provide exceptional value to my clients by forging personal connections around the world and ensuring that when I book, my travelers are a priority for all Virtuoso partners. General Manager of the U.K., Ireland, Middle East, and Africa who is a virtuoso Karen Joyce exclaimed, “We are ecstatic to have been able to host our inaugural Connects event in Edinburgh, and for our members and preferred partners to experience the city. The events provide an excellent opportunity for networking and learning the latest industry news. While we continue to concentrate on growth in this region, the Connects series is of paramount importance to us, and we are excited to host events in Barcelona and London later this year.” Source: traveldailymedia

Travel start-up Byway, a company committed to reducing the environmental impact of tourism by facilitating flight-free travel, has introduced an intriguing new collection of eco-friendly vacations for dog owners. These one-of-a-kind experiences have been meticulously curated to account for every detail, from pet-friendly lodging to transportation options. Byway, which offers vacations across the United Kingdom and Europe by train, bus, ferry, and bicycle, has seen an increase in inquiries from travellers eager to bring along their four-legged companions. Flight-free trips can be significantly more comfortable for canines than car/air-based alternatives, but researching and planning a pet-friendly vacation can be extraordinarily difficult. Byway’s team of sustainable travel specialists has hand-selected vacation routes that offer simple and stress-free experiences for dogs and their owners, such as: Dog-friendly – hotels are not merely tolerant, but also accommodating. Consider treats, dog bowls, comfortable couches, and restaurants that welcome pets. Locations for walking – meticulously chosen stops with dog-friendly beaches and parks Pooch-friendly Europe – Due to the fact that dogs are not permitted on the Eurostar, Byway has included excellent alternatives for European adventures, such as dog-friendly sleeper ferry cabins and cross-channel minibuses that permit dogs to travel alongside their owners. “Dogs make excellent travel companions, and flight-free vacations are a joyous and environmentally friendly way to explore with your furry friend. Our dog-centric vacations are designed to make it simple for dog owners to avoid the kennels and bring their pets along on vacation. We remove the burden of researching and reserving pet-friendly journeys and accommodations, and offer on-demand support from our pet-loving team (with free dog-friendly disruption rerouting if necessary)!” said Byway founder and CEO Cat Jones. Source: traveldailymedia

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) air connectivity index ranked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thirteenth in 2023, up from twenty-seventh in 2019, a 14-place jump in the classification of over 200 countries. It attained a record high due to its flight connections to 131 destinations. Saudi Arabia aspires to foster a favourable environment for global investment and to spearhead the future of aviation, ruling the Middle East region and increasing its GDP contribution. In addition, the Kingdom seeks to establish itself as a logistical gateway connecting three continents and a global hub for air transport and goods. The Kingdom’s 94.4% score in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) safety audit report and its seventh-place ranking among Group of Twenty (G20) nations in aviation safety are among the Kingdom’s significant achievements in its economic diversification voyage. In the first four months of 2023, Saudi aviation traffic increased by 42% when compared to the same period in the previous year. This expansion is part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, which seeks to attract 100 million tourists by 2030. Ease of access and connectivity will help transform the country into a leading tourist destination. New SAUDIA London Gatwick and Birmingham to Jeddah flights As part of a collaboration with the Saudi Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), the national airline of Saudi Arabia, SAUDIA, will offer new flights from London Gatwick and Birmingham to Jeddah this summer. Jeddah to Gatwick: 09:05-13:30 (6h 25m); Gatwick to Jeddah: 14:55-23:05 (6h 10m). Jeddah to Birmingham: 08:10-13:00 (6h 20m); Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; Birmingham to Jeddah: 14:30-22:40 (6h 10m); Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. These new direct flight routes are a response to the increase in traveller demand in the United Kingdom. With the inclusion of these routes, SAUDIA will serve four UK airports, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester, with 45 weekly flights. In addition, SAUDIA is paving the way for the future of aviation with a new partnership with the AI company Accenture, which will personalise the visitor experience and increase operational efficiency. More than 260 new digital and electronic services will be developed by SAUDIA over the next couple of years, facilitated by the incorporation of AI technologies. Source: traveldailymedia

Today, Eurostar, the high-speed passenger rail service connecting the United Kingdom and continental Europe, begins a three-day promotion. From the 20th to the 22nd of June, 2023. Customers can purchase Standard class tickets for weekday travel between 10 July and 7 September 2023 for as little as £35 one-way. With 29,000 available tickets for travel between London and Lille, Paris, and Brussels, tourists can enjoy a cheaper summer city vacation. During the promotion period, Eurostar will offer up to 16 daily return trips between London and Paris and 10 daily return trips between London, Lille, and Brussels. Eurostar provides seamless travel from city center to city centre and a generous cargo allowance with no weight restrictions. Travelers can book with confidence knowing that all tickets, including sale fares, are flexible with no exchange fees up to seven days prior to departure, providing peace of mind in the event that travel restrictions or plans change. Source: traveldailymedia

Travelex, the market leader in foreign exchange in New Zealand, has launched an FX affiliate referral programme with long-term bank partner BNZ, allowing 1.2 million BNZ customers to access discounted travel money. By presenting a valid BNZ bank card or bank statement, BNZ customers can access discounted travel money on the Travelex website or in one of Travelex’s New Zealand stores. Within the first few months of the partnership, more than 3,000 BNZ consumers have already received a discount on their foreign currency purchases. The discount applies to both cash and currency loaded onto the Travelex Money Card, which can be loaded with nine different currencies, has no ATM withdrawal or conversion fees, and is accepted at millions of locations worldwide. The new programme with BNZ is the result of Travelex’s sustained development in New Zealand. Recent months have seen the company announce contract extensions at Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport, as well as the opening of additional stores in Albany and Nelson. Travelex has also expanded its 20-year partnership with House of Travel, the largest privately owned travel agency in New Zealand and the third largest travel company in the Asia-Pacific region with over 50 branches. Dominic Mesiti, Head of Commercial Partnerships ANZ at Travelex, states: “Travel plays an essential role in creating lifelong memories and experiences, and Travelex aims to provide peace of mind when it comes to travel money so that our customers can concentrate on the good stuff. Being able to support BNZ and its community of 1.2 million customers with a discounted travel money solution – at any of Travelex’s airport and off airport branches in New Zealand, or when ordering online – is therefore very special for us, and something we’re very proud of as the global leader in travel money.” Karna Luke, Executive, Customer, Products and Services, BNZ, explains, “At BNZ, we are committed to serving our consumers with excellence, whether they are at home or abroad. We are pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with Travelex, which provides our consumers with additional access to quality products and services.” Source: traveldailymedia

With the unveiling of the brand-new Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is divulging the next big thing to hit the holiday scene, where shorter Caribbean cruises meet the revolutionary. Looking to incorporate a Bahamas cruise and Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay into your journey to the United States? On the new 3-and 4-night escapes, the variety and exploits of the original game-changing Oasis Class ships are available. Beginning in July 2024 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Utopia brings an unmatched combination of vitality to long-distance vacations, making it the ideal addition to any US vacation itinerary. Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, which has been named “Best Private Island” for three consecutive years, offers more than 40 dining, drinking, and dancing options, more pools than days to count, more ways to delight and relax, and even more of all of the above. Firsts and reimagined experiences such as the Pesky Parrot, a vibrant Caribbean tiki bar as soon as you enter the doors; a first-of-its-kind immersive dining experience; the latest and greatest – and longest – dry slide at sea; and newly designed resort-style pools, among others, will make this vacation the world’s largest weekend – regardless of whether it begins on a Monday or Friday! The Utopia of the Seas will be available for booking on Royal Caribbean’s website beginning on Friday, June 23. Crown & Anchor Society members can book in advance on Thursday, June 22. Source: traveldailymedia