Travel News

Travel firms are advised by Spencer Hanlon of Nium, a pioneer in real-time worldwide payments, not to allow this year’s high season rise in foreign personnel to turn into a costly nightmare. All types of travel agencies are adding personnel as the peak travel period approaches. In our industry, there are more work-from-anywhere and work-from-home employment regulations than ever before, so many of these new hires will be stationed abroad. Could paying them all turn out to be more of a hassle than most expected? Spencer Hanlon, from the leader in real-time global payments Nium, comments at the Bavel Travel Summit in Barcelona, which is organized by Voxel Group: “Many companies have now begun to feel brave and venture into new markets – or return to old ones they withdrew from – and that means hiring and then paying new overseas staff. But frequently the places where these people are situated may have a distinct payments environment and currency for enterprises to handle, which can boost costs, especially when talking about small individual quantities. For example, the exchange rates for paying someone in Bali, the Philippines, or Turkey may result in an additional 10% wage expense. “Exchange rate risk also causes headaches and takes up time. Yes, had you thought about how the cost of that wage may suddenly be half or twice what you had initially anticipated in your currency when the exchange rate fluctuates? Meanwhile, paying your employees on time is almost as crucial as paying them the appropriate amount. Many individuals schedule their rent and other monthly expenses to be due the day after they are paid. If you make a mistake once, there will be many complaints; if you make a mistake again, resignations will follow. In other words, the payroll for international employees can suddenly become significantly more difficult. This justifies our prediction at Nium that there will be a tonne of pointless payroll bottlenecks. How can travel businesses approach this difficulty if they decide to hire personnel from abroad? Nium advises that if you’re still dependent on conventional bank transfers to make this happen, something is very likely incorrect. Due to the delayed wire transfers made possible by SWIFT as well as the fact that this approach is exceedingly expensive when all related expenses, including unintended ones like unfavorable exchange rates, are taken into account. Additionally, you can never be certain that the recipient will receive the precise amount in their local currency, so if they don’t, you have to make another transfer. Source: traveldailymedia

The first Skal Asia Congress to take place in person since the epidemic began today with a fanfare that welcomed Skalleagues from the more than a dozen nations that make up this vibrant Skl International area to Asia. Emphasizing the association’s lengthy 91-year history’s strong links of friendship and solidarity once more. A little under 18% of all global members are represented by the Asia Area. Juan Steta, the president of Skl World, Denise Scrafton, the vice president, and Mohan, the director of NSN, were there, as well as Peter Morrison, the former president of Skl World, and national presidents and their representatives from five NatComs in the area. Australia, with its 855 members, led by President Ivana Patalano, had the largest contingent. On the first day of the Congress on the Island of the Gods, the Bali Club, led by President Stefan Mueller and IPP Stuart Bolwell, put on a professionally run and well planned opening ceremony. The event took place at the stunning Merusak Hotel Nusa Dua and was directed by skilled Scottish GM Ian Mc.D Campbell. Skl is a reputable group of tourism industry executives that work to advance both international travel and friendship. It is the only organization on a global scale that unites all segments of the travel and tourism sector. The managers and executives that make up this group gather on a local, national, regional, and worldwide level to debate and pursue issues of shared interest. Following an informative trip to Scandinavia, travel managers established the first Club in Paris in 1932. As the concept of mutual understanding and friendship spread, the “Association Internationale des Skl Clubs” was established in 1934 with Florimond Volckaert serving as its inaugural president. Volckaert is regarded as the “Father of Skl.” Currently, there are over 12,100 members of Skal International spread throughout 308 Clubs in 86 different countries. The majority of Skl International’s operations take place at the local level, rising through National Committees, and are overseen by its General Secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain. Source: traveldailymedia

Beginning on June 1, 2023, Qatar Airways will resume a regularly scheduled non-stop service between Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) and Hamad International Airport. The cutting-edge Airbus A350-900 aircraft operated by Qatar Airways will include 247 seats in the economy class and 36 of the acclaimed Qsuite business class seats. The return of daily flights from Haneda Airport will boost the number of flights from the greater Tokyo region from seven to 14 per week, in addition to the already-existing Narita-Doha route. Through its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport, which was recently named the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the ninth consecutive year, travelers from Tokyo will be able to experience seamless connections to more than 160 destinations using the World Best Airlines extensive global network, including well-known locations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, stated: “The Tokyo Haneda-Doha service has been resumed following our substantial network expansion announced at ITB Berlin 2023, which will result in an increase of 655 more weekly flights in 2023 compared to 2022. For Qatar Airways and its customers, Japan continues to be an important market. In addition to Haneda, the carrier will shortly resume flights to Osaka this year. As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, flights to Haneda Airport have resumed, according to Shinji Miyamoto, regional manager for Qatar Airways in Japan and Korea. We are particularly delighted that for the first time ever in Japan, Qatar Airways’ acclaimed business class, Qsuite, will be available to Japanese passengers. Following the successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM, Qatar is slated to host a number of top-tier events this year, including the highly anticipated Formula 1® race for lovers of racing. Since Qatar is a destination with a wealth of tourism attractions, including breathtaking desert experiences and conserved historical buildings, we hope that many Japanese would fly with Qatar Airways to visit Qatar. The industry’s first double bed and privacy panels that can be stored allow guests in adjacent seats to establish their own private space in the lauded and trademarked Qsuite business class segment offered by Qatar Airways. When traveling with coworkers, friends, or family, the center four seats can be converted into a private suite with adjustable panels and TV monitors. This allows people to work, eat, and socialize together in an environment that is tailored to their specific needs for the most personalized travel experience Source: traveldailymedia

In conjunction with Visa and YES BANK as the acquiring bank, PayU, an online payment solution provider in India, has introduced Business Payment Solution Provider (BPSP) for Visa Commercial Card users. Numerous advantages of BPSP include customizable business products that save expenses for retailers. By utilizing the credit limits offered by the bank that issues their business cards, it also helps them enhance their cash flow. By enhancing their ability to accept credit card payments, this service enables businesses to pay their vendors online. The BPSP provides quick and secure payment options, streamlines supplier and buyer reconciliation, and generates a win-win situation for all parties involved in the payment ecosystem. The BPSP helps small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, become paperless by making it simple for them to accept digital payments and provide simple credit access. Although the BPSP solution may be used for any qualifying merchant transactions, corporate travel agents find it particularly useful. One of the biggest airline companies will employ this programme as a trial, benefiting from the favorable flexible advertisements while simplifying corporate bookings for corporate clients through its CTA programme. A payment aggregator acting as a BPSP business is delivering flexible commercials through this unique CTA programme. In addition, PayU has introduced the Vendor Payments Platform, a feature of BPSP that assists merchants in digitizing payments to vendors (e.g., automated reconciliation, monitoring, etc.). By reducing the cost of invoice processing, merchants can be more effective and handle payments outside of regular business hours. Additionally, it aids in preventing fraud and leaks, which significantly increases corporate value. Mohit Gopal, Chief Operating Officer of PayU Payments, commented on the news by saying, “PayU is expanding its current partnership with its strategic partners Visa & YES BANK to establish this innovative BPSP programme. The BPSP provides a link between companies that take credit cards and those that do not. We are thrilled to sponsor this programme since it aligns with our mission to encourage technological breakthroughs that promote financial inclusion among the nation’s companies. For businesses, especially small SMBs, who frequently lack the means to digitize payments or access credit without significant expense and effort, BPSP will digitize the whole value chain. We are dedicated to providing and assisting with payment solutions that make it simple for people to make digital payments in the nation and assist in bringing more and more businesses online. According to Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head of Products for India and South Asia at Visa, “Many industries depend on a large tail of small vendors and companies that are either not digitized or accept just a tiny number of digital payments. We are excited to introduce the BPSP solution from Visa in association with PayU & YES BANK for merchants in industries including FMCG, insurance, and travel and tourism. With the help of this solution, non-card accepting providers may now take card payments, providing them access to formal credit as well as a number of other benefits, while the payer merchant enjoys all the advantages of utilizing Visa commercial cards. Source: traveldailymedia

The national security concerns facing China, according to President Xi Jinping, have “significantly increased in complexity and difficulty.” In its statement following the 27th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination, or WMCC, on India-China border problems, Beijing makes no mention of withdrawal. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Chinese defense minister accuses the United States of exercising “hegemony.” Chinascope looks at a tumultuous week in which the US and China nearly went to war while attempting to prevent it. One organization that epitomizes Xi’s rule is the National Security Commission. This week saw a momentous breakthrough as the Commission had its inaugural meeting on May 30 in accordance with the 20th Party Congress. During the discussion, Xi stressed the need of being ready for the worst-case scenario while also highlighting the danger that artificial intelligence poses. Veteran China observer Bill Bishop’s translation of Xi’s remarks says, “We must adhere to bottom-line thinking and worst-case scenario thinking, and prepare to endure severe tests even in high winds and rough seas.” Xi aims to create a favorable foreign security situation for China. The Chinese premier stated during the meeting that it was important to “guarantee the new development pattern with the new security pattern, actively shape an external security environment that is beneficial to us, better maintain open security, and promote the deep integration of development and security.” The discussion also focused on how to successfully preserve political security, enhance network data security, and improve artificial intelligence security governance. Beijing has outlawed some of the earliest iterations of the technology because it is worried about the rise of generative AI, such as ChatGPT. Growing rumors suggest that Xi has appointed Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Xi’s chief of staff, to lead the National Security Commission office. According to the meeting’s transcript, the commission stressed the importance of moving quickly with the “construction of the National Security Risk Monitoring and Early Warning System.” Although we are unaware of the specifics of this system, Beijing has recently made technological investments to address issues with national security. Xi also discussed “actively shaping an external security environment” while he was concentrating on China’s borders. The 27th meeting of the WMCC was conducted in New Delhi on May 31 by China and India. The 26th edition took place in the Indian capital on February 22. The Chinese side’s statement only mentioned promoting the de-escalation of the border situation and settling relevant issues in the western section of China-India border areas – leaving out disengagement. However, the Indian statement claimed that the two sides discussed proposals for disengagement in remaining areas “in a frank and open manner.” Source: theprint

An updated estimate from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that there will be more recorded occurrences of rowdy passengers in 2022 than there were in 2021. IATA urged more nations to use their legal authorities to punish passengers in accordance with MP14 (Montreal Protocol 2014).According to the most recent statistics, there were recorded rowdy incidents for every 568 flights in 2022 as opposed to every 835 flights in 2021. Non-compliance, verbal abuse, and drunkenness were the most often classified occurrences in 2022. Physical abuse events are still quite uncommon, but they increased alarmingly by 61% over 2021, happening once per 17,200 flights. “The rise in occurrences involving rowdy passengers is concerning. The staff and passengers have a right to a hassle-free and safe journey. Passengers are required to follow the crew’s directions for it. Although our expert crews are well-trained to handle situations involving rowdy guests, it is unacceptable if a tiny but persistent minority of passengers disregard the regulations established for everyone’s safety. Conrad Clifford, the Deputy Director General of IATA, stated on Sunday that there is no justification for failing to follow the crew’s instructions. Although non-compliance events initially decreased once the majority of flights were exempt from the mask regulations, they started to increase again in 2022 and concluded the year around 37% higher than in 2021. The most typical instances of non-compliance were using tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and puffing devices, in the cabin or restrooms. The Two-pillar technique, drinking personal alcohol on board, exceeding the carry-on baggage allowance, and failing to secure seat belts when directed are a few instances of rowdy behavior by passengers. There is a two-pillar system in place to implement the necessary zero-tolerance policy for disruptive activity. Unruly passengers should be prosecuted regardless of where they are from, and the government should have a variety of enforcement tools that are appropriate for the seriousness of the occurrence. IATA is asking all governments to ratify the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14), which has such rights. MP14 has been approved by about 45 countries, accounting for 33% of global passenger traffic. There are several strategies to avoid and de-escalate confrontations, including working with local industry partners (such as duty-free stores, pubs, and restaurants) and running awareness campaigns about the repercussions of disruptive behavior. Sharing best practices and providing crew training might also assist in defusing the situation. Beginning in 2022, a new set of guidelines was released, outlining best practices for airlines and offering useful advice to governments on raising public awareness, enforcing spot penalties, and resolving jurisdictional inconsistencies. “In the face of rising unruly incident numbers, governments and the industry are taking more serious measures to prevent unruly passenger incidents. States are ratifying MP14 and evaluating enforcement procedures, sending a clear deterrent message by demonstrating their willingness to bring criminal charges against disorderly conduct, according to Clifford. “The industry is working together more now, for its part. For instance, cooperation from airport bars and restaurants to promote responsible alcohol use is particularly vital, given the great majority of intoxication episodes result from alcohol drunk before the flight, he continued. “No one wants to prohibit people from having a good time when they travel, but we all have a duty to act in a respectful manner towards the staff and other passengers. We attempt to crack down on the poor behavior of a small number of passengers who may make a flight very miserable for everyone else, and we make no apologies for doing so for the sake of the majority,” added Clifford. Source: theprint

Across line with its expansion plans, IndiGo will add six more locations across Asia and Africa. The airline revealed on Friday that it will offer direct flights from Mumbai to Jakarta and Nairobi in late July or early August. In response to the growing demand for international travel from, to, and via India, IndiGo announced it is introducing 174 new weekly international flights between June and September 2023, including new destinations, routes, and frequencies. In August, Delhi will be connected three times to Tbilisi in Georgia, four times to Baku in Azerbaijan, and three times each to Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Almaty in Kazakhstan in September. An essential component of IndiGo’s strategy is the implementation of this significant worldwide expansion. IndiGo added that daily flights between Delhi and Hong Kong would resume in August. Due to COVID-19, this flight was canceled three years ago. “In keeping with our dedication to providing the Indian country wings, we are really eager to continue on with our ambitious plans to expand our international network. We are ready to create unmatched connections between people and places as we resolutely carry out our plan, “Towards New Heights and Across New Frontiers,” stated Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo. “With the first forays into Africa and Central Asia, the addition of these exciting new destinations, new direct flight routes, increased aircraft frequencies, and strategic codeshare alliances will help us expand our footprint over four continents. Along with our 78 domestic destinations, we will now immediately reach 32 overseas destinations thanks to this network extension (up from 26), according to Elbers. As part of the Middle East’s expansion plans, more direct international flights will be introduced in the coming months, connecting Dammam with Lucknow, Chennai, and Kochi; Abu Dhabi with Goa, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad; Ras Al Khaimah with Hyderabad; Bahrain with Kochi; and Jeddah with Ahmedabad. Additionally, in August, frequency between Mumbai and Dhaka will be increased. IndiGo also plans to launch direct international flights from North Goa Airport and provide direct international connection from places like Bhubaneshwar. In June 2023, the airline will start operating dedicated flights from Bhubaneshwar to Singapore and Bangkok. The low-cost airline connects 78 domestic and 26 foreign destinations with approximately 1,800 daily flights through its fleet of more than 300 aircraft. Source- the print Link: https://theprint.in/economy/indigo-expands-international-routes-adds-six-new-destinations-read-here/1608577/

International MICE is a new area for SKIL Travel. This strategic growth enables SKIL to enter the international market and provide clients with knowledge and access to remarkable events all over the world. Notably, SKIL has already planned two business events in cities like Kathmandu and Istanbul. A 250-attendee event for Godrej Properties was successfully conducted by SKIL from April 19–23, and from May 14–17, 250 people attended a fantastic event for Inflow Technologies in Kathmandu. With the opening of its International MICE section, SKIL Travel aims to give its potential customers from all over the world streamlined end-to-end customised event services. With their extensive international experience, they can easily access events, establish connections with top business figures, and open up countless opportunities for producing amazing experiences. In order to become the go-to supplier of exceptional event experiences, SKIL Travel is effectively acquiring high-profile worldwide projects. In an effort to increase brand recognition, SKIL Travel is securing worldwide contracts and moving steadily in the direction of being the go-to supplier of event experiences. SKIL currently provides various travel and hospitality-related services to more than 300 corporate clients, more than half of whom are multinational corporations. Ramanpreet Singh, VP of Growth and Strategy at SKIL Travel, commented on this ground-breaking move, saying, “SKIL sees being a forerunner in the International MICE industry, aiming to gain a large market share within two years. We are dedicated to raising the bar for excellence through our unmatched experience, creative solutions, and first-rate service. SKIL Travel is prepared to provide corporate air ticketing and visa services as part of a phased growth plan, streamlining cross-border business travel. On June 1, their second Mumbai location officially opened for business, further solidifying their presence there. Over 50,000 room stays and one lakh automobile transactions are easily managed by SKIL thanks to its extensive network of reputable hotel and transportation partners. All clients will experience cost-effective event management thanks to their global corporate contractual rates and strategic alliances. Source- travel biz Link:https://travelbizmonitor.com/skil-travel-forays-into-international-mice-segment/

In April, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that demand for passengers was still quite high.  Revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs, used to quantify traffic in April 2023 increased overall by 45.8% from April 2022. Traffic is now 90.5% of pre-Covid levels worldwide. Only 1.8 percentage points separated the industry load factor from its pre-pandemic level of 81.3%. Domestic traffic for April increased 2.9% over April 2019 figures, up 42.6% from the same month last year. Domestic traffic has now fully recovered. In comparison to April 2022, international traffic increased 48.0%, with airlines in the Asia-Pacific region continuing to lead the rebound. International RPKs surpassed April 2019 levels by 83.6%. “The excellent traffic trend we observed in the first quarter of 2023 maintained in April. Willie Walsh, the director general of IATA, stated that the easing of inflation and growing consumer confidence in the majority of OECD nations along with falling jet fuel costs “suggest sustained strong air travel demand and moderating cost pressures.” In comparison to April 2022, traffic for Asia-Pacific airlines increased by 192.7% in April 2023. The load factor rose 13.2 percentage points to 81.6% while capacity rose 145.3%. Compared to April 2022, traffic for European carriers increased by 22.6%. The load factor increased 4.5 percentage points to 83.3%, the second-highest among the areas, while capacity increased 16.0%. In comparison to April of last year, Middle Eastern airlines reported a 38.0% increase in traffic. The load factor increased 5.6 percentage points to 76.2% while capacity increased by 27.8%. In comparison to April 2022, traffic on North American carriers increased 34.8%. The load factor grew 5.2 percentage points to 83.8%, the highest among the areas, while capacity increased by 26.5%. With RPKs 0.4% higher than April 2019 levels, North American international traffic has fully recovered at this point. In comparison to the same month in 2022, traffic for Latin American airlines increased by 25.8%. Capacity increased by 26.4% in April, while load factor decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 83.1%. The second-highest increase across the regions was seen in April 2023 for African carriers, when compared to a year earlier. Capacity increased by 50.0% in April, while the lowest regional load factor of 69.8% increased by 1.6 percentage points. Domestic traffic in China increased by 536.2% in April compared to the same month last year, topping April 2019 levels by 6.0%. Domestic demand for US airlines increased 5.5% in April and was 3.3% higher than in April 2019. Source- travel daily Link:https://www.traveldailymedia.com/travel-demand-continues-strong-in-april-iata/

Few things are as thrilling as the times of discovery. Making connections with a new location and enjoying amazing experiences with friends and loved ones results in priceless memories that we will always look back on with nostalgia. GetYourGuide has been in the business of assisting more individuals in obtaining remarkable experiences ever since their early beginnings in 2009. In the first ten years of their existence, they have developed from a little start-up with a big idea to a large company serving millions of adventure seekers in numerous areas. The COVID-19 pandemic then fundamentally altered them, preventing tourists from experiencing the globe. Whereas others gave up, they saw a rare chance to strengthen the company’s basis and return as a bigger and stronger organization. Travelers from all over the world have rushed to GetYourGuide and booked with them at a magnitude and regularity that has never been seen before since the lockdowns were lifted. The experience economy is currently the focus of discussion and one of the most interesting future sectors. The CEO and co-founder Johannes Reck continues, “We have raised US$194 Million in fresh capital. The Series F fundraising round, worth USD 85 million, is led by Blue Pool Capital, with KKR and Temasek also participating. In addition, BNP Paribas, Citibank, and KfW joined UniCredit in leading the Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) of USD 109 million. With this additional capital, businesses can quicken innovation in the development of their products and technologies, guaranteeing that they meet and exceed the expectations of their clients while streamlining business growth for their supplier partners.Source- travel dailyLink:https://www.traveldailymedia.com/getyourguide-secures-usd194-million-in-funding/