Archipelago International unveils Harper Hotel Medan
Indonesia’s hotel management group, Archipelago International, has officially opened its third hotel in Medan, this time under the Harper brand. Carrying out its mission to provide more…
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San Francisco Travel Association unveils fresh brand
The San Francisco Travel Association revealed a brand refresh for the organisation and the destination at its 109th Annual Luncheon held at The Moscone Centre.
Joe D’Alessandro,…
Bold thoughts, bold moves: ITB Asia unveils latest conference theme
Travel trade show ITB Asia, is set to deliver another year of thought-provoking and inspiring content to industry practitioners as part of its conference programme. Themed ‘Bold…
UNIGLOBE expands in France with addition of CAP5 Voyages
UNIGLOBE Travel is expanding its service in France with the addition of new travel agency partner, UNIGLOBE CAP5 Voyages. Founded in 1976 in Armentières, France, UNIGLOBE CAP5 Voyages…
Air Tanzania picks India as first international destination outside Africa
Air Tanzania has launched its maiden direct flight from Dar es Salaam to Mumbai. This is the seventh international route for the airline and the first outside Africa.
Air Tanzania…
Destination Bali: Hotelbeds’ looks at the future of the hotel distribution at MarketHub Asia
Global bed bank, Hotelbeds, has announced that tropical haven Bali will be the host destination for the company’s second edition of the ‘Hotelbeds´ MarketHub Asia’, all set for to kick off…
Travelex inks pact with Copa Airlines for loyalty programme
Foreign exchange specialist Travelex has announced a partnership with Copa Airlines. ConnectMiles members can now earn miles when exchanging currency in all Travelex stores at Tocumen…
Georgia introduces eVisa for India
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and VFS Global have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the common objective of providing easier access to Georgia for travellers…
South Koreans are cancelling their Japan trip amid trade war
Amid the ongoing trade row between South Korea and Japan, reports claimed that South Koreans are boycotting Japan and travel agencies said that demand for Japan tours fell by 50%, along with…
Pierre & Vacances unveils 26 new offerings
French accommodation provider Pierre & Vacances is expanding its operations across Europe and elsewhere, with 26 new properties being added to the group’s portfolio this year.…
Dubai top MICE destination in MEA region
Solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destinations, Dubai has retained its first position in Top 10 meeting…
UNIGLOBE Travel expands Middle East service in Oman and Dubai
UNIGLOBE Travel has expanded its network in the Middle East with the addition of UNIGLOBE Bahwan Travels in Muscat, Oman and UNIGLOBE Nasser Air Travel in Dubai, UAE.
“At UNIGLOBE,…
Anantara Hotels extends footprint in Europe, launches first luxury resort in Spain
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has launched its first property in Spain – the exclusive Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort. Situated on Spain’s Southern coast…
Say cheese! Shangri-La unveils photography contest
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has announced the global launch of #MyShangriLa Photography Contest. The six-month-long contest aims to give new meaning to ‘Shangri-La’ - a memorable,…
Malaysia adds entry points for visa on arrival for Chinese travellers
In a bid to attract more Chinese visitors, Malaysia has announced it will grant visa-on-arrival to six more entry points for Chinese tourists. The home ministry of Malaysia announced the…
Retrace your family roots with curated DNA-based travel
Luxury tour operator TCS World Travel has announced a new partnership with Heritage Consulting, a genealogy research firm. This partnership will allow TCS to create bespoke legacy…
Caesars Entertainment, Margaritaville and The Travel Corporation join forces for personalisation webinar
The most senior executives from travel’s most unique hotel, resort, tour operator and casino brands will kick off a webinar on the most innovative revenue, marketing and customer…
East Rift Valley showcases offerings in Malaysia
The East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration (ERV Administration) of Taiwan is leading tour operators to attend the 2019 international MITM Travel Fair 2019 in Johor,…
China’s CITS to invest USD 1.9 billion on world’s largest duty-free haven
A subsidiary of tour operator China International Travel Service (CITS) will spend CNY 12.9 billion (USD 1.9 billion) to build the world’s largest duty-free centre in China’s southern…
Roiback’s new booking engine designed with accessibility in mind
Roiback has announced the development of what it believes is the first fully accessible booking engine in Europe. Created in conjunction with Ilunion Technology and Accessibility the system…
Meetings Mean Business: India joins global campaign
India has joined the global advocacy campaign for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE) travel originated in the US called ‘Meetings Mean Business’. Started by the US…
The rise of psychedelic retreats in wellness travel
The global spa and wellness consultancy and think tank, Raison d’Etre, has announced its latest trend alert -- the rise of psychedelic retreats in wellness tourism.
Psychedelic…
Maldives sees record 96.4% growth in Indian tourists
Maldives continues to ride the wave of growth with an increasing number of Indian tourists each year. The island nation witnessed a huge growth of 96.4% in tourist arrivals from India…
Ebix buys Yatra for USD 337.8 million, becomes India’s largest travel company
The US-based supplier of on-demand software and e-commerce services to the insurance, healthcare, financial and e-learning industries, Ebix has acquired Yatra Online, for an enterprise…
10 Greek islands that are becoming popular
Move over Mykonos and Santorini, Kythira and Samos are in! New research reveals that interest in Greece’s lesser-known islands is growing.
Munich Airport to extend operations in the US
Munich Airport International (MAI) has secured a contract from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to operate and manage the USD 2.7 billion Terminal One at Newark…
People-to-people relationship as vital French-India strategic partnership
Addressing a special gathering to mark the French National Day in the Embassy of France in Delhi, Alexandre Ziegler, ambassador of France to India, said that people-to-people…
British Airways offers USD 1.24 return flight fares
British Airways Executive Club Members can now book a reward flight using Avios and pay as little as GBP 1 (USD 1.24) return. With the new trial, the new Avios pricing options can be…
Roll up, roll up: Thailand Grand Sale 2019 to position Bangkok as top shopping destination
Tourism Authority of Thailand and Visa have joined hands to promote Thailand to the ever-increasing number of travellers who are interested in shopping.
Santi Sawangcharoen, deputy…
The Sanya EDITION unveils summer art camp
Cashing in on the summer holiday season, the Sanya EDITION, located on China’s super-luxe Hainan island, is offering unique family getaways this summer. The hotel which is home to a kids…
Accor announces Raffles brand in Bahrain
Accor is set to debut the iconic Raffles brand in Bahrain after signing a milestone agreement with GFH Financial Group (GFH) to manage the kingdom’s first ultra-luxurious retreat. The…
MakeMyTrip targets larger share of corporate travel
Online travel agency MakeMyTrip (MMT) is ramping up its offerings in the corporate travel segment through acquisitions. As a part of this strategy, the company recently picked up a…
Vietnam Airlines Group makes USD 2.24 billion in revenue
Vietnam Airlines Group earned nearly VND 52 trillion (USD 2.24 billion) in consolidated revenue in the first half of this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.5%. Its consolidated…
Splish, splash splosh: Princess Cruises opens family focused aqua park on Caribbean Princess
Princess Cruises has announced the opening of its brand new opened a family water playground on the top deck of the 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess cruise ship. The Reef Family Splash Zone…
Marriott’s W brand to debut in Argentina
Marriott International has signed an agreement with GNV Group to bring its W Hotels brand to Argentina for the first time. Situated in Buenos Aires, W Buenos Aires, expected to open in…
Jayride unlocks global growth potential
Global online marketplace for airport transfers, Jayride Group has announced that it has completed the foundation phase of its global transport strategy by securing a presence at over…
Holiday ideas come from TV shows, not Instagram
While choosing where to go on a holiday, British travellers still are influenced by TV and not social media channels like Instagram. Social media influencers and bloggers on sites like…
Kid & Kaboodle? SeaWorld Orlando welcomes whiskered baby walrus
SeaWorld Orlando’s animal care and veterinary teams have announced the birth of a 68-kilogram, female Pacific walrus calf on 3 July, to mum Kaboodle and dad Garfield. This is 16-year-old…
Bedfellows: Hotelbeds hooks up with Cloudbeds
Hotelbeds announced today a preferred partnership agreement with Cloudbeds, an all-in-one hospitality management suite.
With this agreement Cloudbeds aims to increase its connectivity…
Thomas Cook /Fosun deal: Fankhauser fails to give real reassurance to 22,000 employees
Following the news of a proposed rescue deal from its largest shareholder, Fosun Tourism Group, and its CEO's less than optimistic comments on job security, the Thomas Cook share took…
Paint your summer and bring home a masterpiece
This summer, TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, collaborated with Chill En Paint to launch art classes providing visitors with a unique way to unwind and laugh with friends and family while giving…
10 long-haul destinations for UK travellers this summer
Summer is here and Brits are planning for long haul travel.
UK travel managers cite visas, health and risk of violence as top three travel concerns
Organising correct entry documents, health and medical issues and terrorism and security threats are the top three concerns for managers when their staff travel on business trips – reveals…
Singapore Tourism Board hosts 8-city road show
Singapore Tourism recently organised roadshows in eight cities to woo visitors from India. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) brought together 45 tourism stakeholders in Trivandrum,…
US travel volume rise 3.2% year in May
US travel volume grew 3.2% year in May this year, as revealed by the US Travel Association's Travel Trends Index. The total domestic travel grew 3.6%, with growth in both business and…
Air China places order for 20 Airbus A350-900s
Air China has struck a sale agreement for 20 Airbus aircraft at a cost of approx USD 6.54 billion. The carrier said, the planes of the wide-body A350-900 type, were set to be delivered…
10 most expensive attractions in the world
Sightseeing is a must in every city and a great alternative to a beach holiday. Whether it is discovering thousands of years of cultural heritage, visiting world-renowned sights and wonders,…
Tell me a story: PATA to share secrets of storytelling with Kazakh travel industry professionals
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to stage the next ‘PATA Human Capacity Building Programme’ in Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan on 20 September 2019.
The half-day…
BCD Travel unveils new version of TripSource app
Global travel management company BCD Travel will launch a new version of its mobile app, TripSource, later this month. Built from the ground up, the entirely new TripSource app leverages…
Six-month holiday, too long? Not anymore
Forget the years when we were travelling for shorter period, the classic week or fortnight break as a standard is a thing of the past. Now, travelling for six months is the new norm…
Travel sales to remain strong in US this year
While American travellers plan to take slightly fewer trips in 2019 than they did in 2018, they will spend about the same money. This was revealed by a study titled ‘Portrait of the…
5 European cities to visit for the disabled
From hidden disability awareness to mobility assistance, there are multiple ways travel can be improved for people with a disability.
Executive decision: Qatar Airways splash USD1billion on corporate fleet
Qatar Airways revealed its massive order for 18 Gulfstream aircraft during a ceremony at the White House on 9 July 2019 that was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani,…
Thomas Cook open to new investments
Thomas Cook India has said its funds position is strong and it is not impacted by the recent challenges in the aviation sector. The company said it’s bullish about its travel and foreign…
ICONic rush: Icon Park Orlando announces two new attractions
Icon Park, Orlando, the entertainment destination in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive, has announced two new record-breaking attractions that are sure to satisfy any…
UAE to waive off tourist visa fee for travellers under 18
In a bid to position itself as a family destination this summer, the UAE is offering a new fee waiver.
Children accompanying their parents for tourism purposes to the UAE will be…
What would Ed do? Ed Fuller on hospitality trends
There is no one in the hospitality industry who doesn’t know Ed Fuller who in his 40-year tenure in Marriott drove creation of 80,000 new jobs worldwide, the formation and operation of 555…
Who runs the world? Solo female travellers doubled in just four years
The number of women choosing to travel the globe solo has nearly doubled in just four years, according to the Evolution of the Hostel Traveller report by Hostelworld.
TCEB showcases ‘Events in the Rain’ in Chiang Mai
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is joining forces with Chiang Mai province and its private sector to showcase ‘MICE Events in the Rain’, promoting the city’s array…
What happened when I dropped everything and escaped to Bali
The soft sound of gamelan reminds you to take it slow; the soothing mix of blue and green hues and earthy tones are easy on the eyes; and the wafting scent of frangipani tickles your nose.
Top 10 value-for-money sleeper train journeys around the world
With train travel steadily gaining more and more steam as one the modes of transport of choice for luxury travellers -- as well as those who just want to try something a little bit out of…
Baby boomers are more carefree than Gen Z – research
“At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don't care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven't been thinking of us at all,” says one of Ann Landers’…
It’s summer staycation for Brits this year
This summer, it’s not just the weather heating up but domestic tourism too, as most people from the UK plan staycations this year. This was revealed in a recent report by payments…
Top 5 honeymoon destinations in the world
There are plenty of budget-friendly destinations which are perfect for a magical, romantic getaway… in other words, a honeymoon on a budget!
Embark on family-friendly adventures this summer
With the school summer holidays just around the corner, Hilton’s luxury brands Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels & Resorts have introduced a variety of experiences guaranteed to…
Top tech trends changing the business travel industry
Amadeus has released new insights into the state of the business travel industry in the Asia Pacific (APAC) and key technology trends that are shaping it.
Best destinations for multi-gen family travel
Pettitts Travel created the 3G Family Travel Index to find the best destinations for all generations, from young children to grandparents looking to recapture their youth.
Connections: International private community for high-end travel execs on the radar
London-based event organiser Connections is evolving its offering in 2020 by creating an invitation-only international private community for senior executives in the high-end travel…
G Adventures’ Change Makers Challenge returns and it’s bigger than ever
Following the success of the inaugural Change Makers Summit in Peru this June, leading small group adventure operator G Adventures has announced it is carrying the incentive forward to a new…
A love affair with Africa: Bespoke Getaway Safaris offers experiences you can’t find elsewhere
One can say that Bespoke Getaway Safaris is at the right place at the right time as the new breed of travellers are constantly looking for unique experiences – the rarer, the better.
Hotelbeds to add 14,000 travel agent customers
Bedbank company, Hotelbeds has announced an ambitious plan to increase the number of travel agent customers affiliated to the bedbank booking platform as part of its commitment to offer…
Flight bookings boom to South East Asia from UAE
According to a trends report released by Dubai-based online flight and hotel booking platform, tajawal, South East Asia is the summer hotspot for the UAE travellers. With its wealth of…
Agent alert: Hilton puts female bonding up front, stage centre
It may be the second time in a week that I have sipped from the font of 80’s chart music to frame a story but when Cyndi Lauper sung: “Some boys take a beautiful girl; And hide her away from…
RoomIt by CWT: Key differences in business traveller hotel preferences
According to research commissioned by RoomIt by CWT, business travellers want different hotel experiences based on the country they are from.
CEO Travala.com: The power of social media in the travel industry
Matt Luczynski, CEO and co-founder of Travala.com, shares insights on social media, smartphones and other trends that are shaping the way we travel.
Sri Lanka launches packages for Indian tourists
Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Sri Lankan Airlines, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and inbound tour operators has introduced attractive packages, specifically…
STAAH hosts The Big Connect at Nashik
STAAH recently organised the second leg of their mega networking event, The Big Connect for hospitality industry in and around Nashik. The successful event witnessed leading names who…
1000 agents cruise into knowledge with CMV’s online training
Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced it is offering continued online training following their success in attracting more than 1000 agents and trade partners to their course.…
From coffee mornings to colouring competitions, Club campers celebrated 100 years of the caravan
Inspired by celebrity Julia Bradbury’s night on the first floating campsite on the Thames in central London last month, and a party she hosted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the…
Chugging off: Now aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express for an exclusive lunch experience
Inbound tour operator based in Thailand, Diethelm Travel Thailand has collaborated with the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train to offer an exclusive journey this 2-3…
Holiday date shifts impact school break calendars, hotel leisure demand
The 2019-2020 School Break Report from STR Global for the US market shows notable shifts in school calendar dates and subsequent periods of high hotel leisure demand, with weather and…
The Ticking Clock-Parents feel pressure of struggling to afford holidays and missing out on making memories
With the summer holiday season nearly here; many families will have already booked their break away. However, the latest research shows a holiday is an unaffordable luxury for many…
Cruise news: 30th anniversary discounts, Bvlgari at sea and more
On our cruise radar this week, we have 30th anniversary celebrations, big discounts, the largest Bvlgari boutique at sea in Asia and more.
Pack your bags! These are the top 10 countries for expats
Globehunters has analysed 34 OECD countries based on 11 factors to know the best place to relocate as an expat.
Yas Island celebrates most successful Eid season
Yas Island welcomed a record number of 'staycationers' and tourists during Eid-Al-Fitr this year as they enjoyed their holiday at the Island’s diverse mix of award-winning leisure,…
Moscow tales: OTDYKH International Russian Travel Market to host a series of events for exhibitors
All eyes of the travel industry are set on Moscow as Russia’s capital city gets ready to host OTDYKH 2019 travel expo in September this year.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of…
TUI Group vows to create better holidays for a better world
TUI Group has launched its 2018 Sustainability Report showing how the company is performing four years into its sustainability strategy ‘Better Holidays, Better World’.
Channel your inner Phileas Fogg with Airbnb Adventures
You can now enjoy a six-day Galapagos Slow Food Safari, experience the wonders of Oman or camp on a cliff in Colorado. All you have to do is just show up.
An expansion of Airbnb…
‘Meet Your South Africa’ guides at Experience Africa 2019 in London
South African Tourism will be one of the lead sponsors of Experience Africa this year which will take place between 24-26 June at the CCT Venues Plus in London.
South African Tourism…
Orange County sets tourism record: Attracts over 50 million visitors in 2018
According to the Orange County Visitors Association (OCVA), Orange County in Southern California welcomed a record-breaking 50.16 million visitors in 2018. This tremendous milestone…
Foreign tourist spend climbs to new highs in Turkey
One in every eight Turkish Lira is now generated by the nation’s travel and tourism sector.
According to the recent report titled ‘City Travel and Tourism Impact Report’ by World…
Are Brits looking after their holiday health?
With data from the Office of National Statistics revealing that the average UK resident was abroad for 10.2 nights in 2017, it may be surprising to hear that a recent survey has…
Carnival Cruise Line: “Travel agents rock!”
Carnival Cruise Line continues to promote the value of travel agents by expanding its year-long 'Why Use a Travel Advisor' (WUATA) program.
10 best family-friendly city breaks in Europe
To ease parents’ burden, here is a ranking on the best family-friendly city breaks in Europe using the most common factors that parents look for.
Travelsky: “Chinese tourists say ‘ni hao’ to modern flight shopping”
TravelSky and ATPCO have announced that China’s largest GDS signed a five-year deal for both ATPCO’s pricing and shopping content.
TravelSky is currently testing all three rich content…
Vacationing with family is priority for Indians
An ever-increasing number of travellers are coming out of their comfort zones and opting for newer destinations to experience their hobbies or unexplored interests. However,…
5 reasons why Portugal is the perfect destination this summer
Here are the five reasons you simply can’t skip Portugal, the perfect summer destination for 2019.
Single online booking tool is the need of the hour
Companies with high-frequency travellers see a growing need for a single online booking tool (OBT) platform.
Customisation, education and surpassing a consumer-grade experience are…
Great Mates Escapes: AKARYN Hotel Group level-up staycation in Thailand
Thailand’s home-grown luxury boutique hotel AKARYN Hotel Group is inviting groups of friends to enjoy fun-filled breaks together with its latest package that allows BFFs to experience…
To INFINI and beyond: Japan’s TAs gain access to global market place and 285,000 hotel properties
Sabre has announced today that Japanese firm INFINI will be the official distributor of the Sabre GDS in Japan.
Octa founder Zara Khanna is a little girl with big dreams
Move and give way! Zara Khanna is on her way to conquer the travel tech industry with travel chatbot Octa that helps kids and parents find cool things to do and epic places to visit when…
TCEB aims to enhance MICE trips with bleisure incentives
TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau) (TCEB) - has announced the launch of its new meetings and events marketing campaign, MICE Thailand Signature, as a way for business and…
Luxury health and wellness ‘mindstyle’ shifts in APAC
To better connect with the mindstyle of today’s luxury travellers, travel brands and advisors must upgrade their health and wellness propositions.
BHMA pairs with Travel Prologue to improve partnership with offline partners
BHMA Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Travel Prologue, a B2B white label travel portal solution provider, to deliver live room rates and inventory to traditionally offline…
Scotland China Ready Tourism Conference unveils its China Champions
The second annual Scotland China Ready Tourism Conference is all ready to take off at Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria on 11 June, a serendipitous date which aligns with the one-year anniversary…
Top wedding destinations when you want to elope
Historically, June has always been the most popular month for weddings. The month of June derives its name from Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage. It was thought that couples who married…
5 reasons why Cyprus is the GCC’s destination this summer
GCC travellers looking to escape the region’s escalating summer heat should look no further than the idyllic island of Cyprus for their summer vacation destination, according to Savvas…
“A vote for diversity, dignity and respect” Travelport commits to gender neutral booking code
Travelport has announced that is set all to use a new booking code for non-binary gender passengers when it kicks into action on 1 June.
Coming in the wake of United Airlines decision to…
Adelaide readies for 2020 and beyond
Australia’s Convention City, Adelaide, has undergone a period of significant growth and development, which has further enhanced the city’s business events landscape and destination…
“Innovative and socially minded”: GTMC teams up with Women in Travel
Professional body representing travel management organisations in the UK GTMC, has announced a new collaborative partnership with pressure group Women in Travel today.
The agreement will…
40% year-on-year increase of Chinese reservations root of Hotelbeds European success
Bedbank Hotelbeds unveiled its latest overview of the non-domestic bookings that the B2B sales platform offers to its European hotel partners today. The Spanish firm was able to confirm that…
Chinese tourism in US slows down as tourists travel closer to home
According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, Chinese tourism to the US fell by 5.7% in 2018 to 2.9 million visitors. In comparison, the US welcomed more than 3 million Chinese…
Klook’s top 3 babymoon destinations
Online travel agency Klook has unveiled some of the brilliant baby-friendly destinations around the world
Fifty global travel agencies sign up for Trip Assist app
UK based tech firm and travel commerce platform Travelport, has announced it has signed up 50 new travel agencies clients to its Trip Assist mobile app. The most recent signatories include…
Flight Centre revamps Student Flights to attract 21st century students, backpackers and FITS
Flight Centre has announced today that it will be pushing the growth of a major part of its business by overhauling and updating its Student Flight product in Australia.
The new brand,…
Human vs. Machine: Business travellers prefer tech to handle their flight bookings
CWT found out that travellers prefer to manage their travel transactions digitally, via an app or browser.
Alternative European breaks to avoid overtourism
When planning a summer getaway, a number of classic European cities spring to mind. However, some destinations like Paris, Amsterdam and Burges are roamed by crowds of tourists.
European Waterways barges into multigenerational travel
As more and more people seek out the advantages of multigenerational travelling, the fad of travelling with family members has grown into one of the modern travel trends.
One company…
Dealing with ‘holiday hell’: Expert travel advice from Hudgell Solicitors
We know you want your clients to have the smoothest and most enjoyable holidays, but what if they don’t go quite as planned?
Four Seasons: “Events that make the extraordinary happen”
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, has announced the launch of a new global campaign to promote Global Meetings Industry Day -- an annual celebration that puts the spotlight on the importance…
Why 2019 is a great time to visit Venice
That Italy is one of the finest holiday destinations in Europe is such a long-standing truth that taking a break in Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) is as much a cliche for the UK’s…
Game of Thrones is over! 5 set locations to relive its 8 years of glory
It is the final curtain call for Game of Thrones after its eight years of dominating television. While there has been outrage among fans in how the show ended and a debate ensued which has…
Thailand tourism to benefit from the worsening US-China trade war
Thailand tourism sector is expected to gain from the aggravating trade war between US and China as mainland tourists are looking to shorten their long haul flights to visit closer…
UK travel industry Eurozone spending increases by 598%
New research from foreign experts Fexco has shown that despite Brexit concerns British travel companies still can’t get enough of Europe -- something the data shows is tied into the the…
Room for Possibility: Marriott’s first-ever longer stays campaign
Marriott International has announced its first-ever longer stays category marketing campaign, featuring its brands that cater to business travellers.
Agent alert: CLIA Cruise360 location revealed
Cruise heavy weights CLIA, announced the launch of of its Cruise360 event, which will kick-off in Valetta, Malta, from October 28 – 30. Aimed squarely at TA’s the event is open to…
10 unconventional family destinations for the summer
The 2019 Virtuoso Luxe Report surveyed its affiliated advisors to discover where, why and how families are traveling this summer.
“Christchurch residents are reshaping the city” ANZ and ChristchurchNZ launch new toursim campaign
Coming in the wake of the tragic bombings in Christchurch on 15 March, New Zealand’s national carrier Air New Zealand and ChristchurchNZ have launched a new campaign inspiring tourists…
3.8% uptick in European business travel spending in 2018
European business travel spend will increase by 4.3% in 2019, according to the European Business Travel Barometer study published by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT).
The…
TAT seduces South America with first ever trade event
As one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, with the country expecting to hit 40 million visitors by 2020, Thailand is a magnet for leisure and business travellers from…
Netherlands to halt promotions to curb overtourism
While countries like Sri Lanka and Lithuania are actively promoting their destinations and attractions, the Netherlands has taken the opposite road as the country’s tourism board will halt…
Loganair responds to TA feedback with rescheduled Aberdeen-Esbjerg service
Scottish regional carrier Loganair has revealed it will be making changes to flights on its Aberdeen to Esbjerg service in a move to improve the schedule on the fledgling route, which is…
No entry to Thailand’s Maya Bay until 2021
The Beach’s story revolves around a pristine, uninhabited and restricted island in the Gulf of Thailand with a beautiful hidden beach and lagoon. The uninhabited and restricted part is true…
More boardroom drama for Hong Kong Airlines as president quits
The boardroom shuffle in Hong Kong Airlines is still on as a new CEO and CFO step in and the company’s president walks out.
5 baby-friendly destinations
It is super cost-friendly to travel with a baby, with flight tickets for babies costing only 10% of the adult fare. Contrary to popular belief, travelling with babies is not a painstaking…
12% of UK private travel and leisure businesses show ‘zombie’ symptoms
New analysis from KPMG UK has reported that 12% of private travel and leisure businesses display one or more of the symptoms associated with zombies.
Ultra luxurious private resort in the Philippines costs USD 100,000 a night
A luxurious tropical paradise in the western Philippines has opened for business but with a hefty price tag.
Days Inn is paying its intern USD 10,000 to travel the world
As the school year comes to a close, college students will actively look for summer jobs and Days Inn has a wonderful opportunity for creative individuals.
Will you stay in Prince Charles’ B&B?
Starting 15 May, the public can book to stay at Prince Charles’ bed and breakfast located on the North Sea on the grounds of Castle of Mey in Caithness, Scotland.
Sri Lanka mulls tax amnesty to boost tourism after blasts
The explosions that happened on Easter Sunday have a negative effect on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and the country is considering a tax amnesty program in order to help companies recover…
“Innovative yet mindful” Oakwood launches sky high property in Melbourne
Corporate and business accommodations expert Oakwood, has announced their latest antipodean location today with the launch of its second Oakwood Hotel & Apartments in Australia located…
No points, no booking: What makes today’s business traveller tick
La Quinta by Wyndham and Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec, have unveiled the behaviours, quirks and realities that business travellers face.
Traveknowledgy does what GDSs cannot
"If you can't find a way, create one!" This is probably what motivates a former travel agent who has seen the lapses in the industry processes and created technology to fill in the void.…
International Living: Smart strategies for budget travel in retirement
According to a new report from International Living, with the right money-saving strategies, overseas travel isn’t just affordable, it can cost less than staying home.
Top 5 cultural cities in the world
There is a breed of travellers that seek the uniqueness of the culture of the country they visited. Culture primarily has to do with people and less with places or things. So visiting…
Sri Lanka emerges from the ashes in heartfelt appearance at ATM 2019
“Sri Lanka will not be beaten by terror. We will take this opportunity to demonstrate to the global media, tour operators, airlines and the world that Sri Lanka is committed to security.”
ABTA supports Short Break’s customers following operator’s closure
British tour operator Short Breaks is no longer trading for business, as of 29 April 2019.
10 most Instagrammable European destinations
Instagram is one of the top social media platforms and is playing a big role in our lifestyle, especially our travels. Big 7 Travel has put together a list of Europe’s most Instagrammable…
Hotelbeds commits to ME with new Dubai nerve centre
Spanish based bedbank behemoth Hotelbeds, proved their commitment to building a presence in the Middle East and Africa today, with the announcement that it has opened a brand new office in…
Luxury travel in Boracay for USD 200? Here’s how I did it
On a shoestring budget, I was able to go on a luxury trip to the island. Before I move on, allow me to stress that people have different perceptions of luxury travel. Most of us deemed…
AMEX GBT adds two million properties to business travel division
American Express Global Business Travel GBT has announced that it has added more than two million properties to its online accommodation programme.
Trip.com upgrades loyalty benefits with TripPLUS
Trip.com, the international brand of Ctrip Group, has announced the official launch of a new rewards program entitled TripPLUS.
Why luxury travel shouldn’t ignore Baby Boomers
The travel industry is talking about Millennials and Generation Z constantly calling them the "new breed of travellers" creating a groundbreaking impact on the industry. However, we…
Snagged: Passengers bringing meat into Japan could face up to three years in jail
For those of you with clients heading to Japan now would be a good time to forewarn those committed to the toothsome flavour of pig products that entry into the country with their favourite…
Intrepid Travel aims to be the first “climate positive” travel company
Intrepid Travel aims to be the first travel company to become climate positive by 2020.
Business as usual: Corporate hotel sector thrives despite Brexit
Travel management company Advantage Travel Partnership has revealed that the UK regional capitals are performing strongly with overall room nights booked.
5 destinations rising in popularity among Brits
London Stansted Airport reveals Athens and Vienna have risen in popularity over the last five years among British passengers.
5 reasons why the travel industry is always talking about China
The travel industry is obsessed with Chinese travellers trying to attract millions of travellers.
Mandarin Oriental reopens renovated Hyde Park icon
Mandarin Oriental celebrated the opening of its latest London property, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, yesterday.
Designed by Hong Kong’s Joyce Wang, the hotel features 40 suites…
“Strategic and practical sense”: GTA rebrands in Korea
Spanish firm Hotelbeds has revealed that it will be bringing its GTA brand under the Bedsonline umbrella, in Korea, this week.
5 countries with the biggest increase in popularity
Exotic destinations are rising in popularity as travellers are shunning traditional holiday destinations.
Amadeus partners with Agoda to give access to pre-paid hotel content
Amadeus and Agoda, one of the world’s fastest growing online travel agents (OTAs), have partnered to give travel agents access to pre-paid hotel content from 150,000 properties globally.
Thomas Cook closes 21 high street stores
Tour operator Thomas Cook has announced the closing of 21 of its high street branches.
ATTA boy! Experience Africa 2019 comes to London
Experience Africa by ATTA will return to London for three days from Monday 24 June to Wednesday 26 June 2019 at Canary Wharf CCT Venues Plus.
Booking.com: “Diversifying talent needs to be front of mind”
Research from Booking.com has revealed that only 54% of women working in tech feel the industry today is prioritising gender diversity as part of its agenda.
Celebrate Easter effortlessly in glorious Danang
Stylish oceanfront destination hotel, the Sheraton Grand Danang Resort, has announced a great new package of incentives for visitors to take advantage of during the fast approaching Easter…
For women only: Elle Voyage forms sisterhood among female travellers
Elle Voyage aims to get more women to travel with group tours carefully selected for women.
KAYAK research breaks down the travel agent decline
New research has revealed that nearly half of British respondents (47%) have not visited a travel agent in the past ten years.
Holi 2019: Top 10 Indian destinations to celebrate festival of colours
Often celebrated sharing sweets and colouring the loved ones red, yellow, pink and blue, this festival of colors celebrates the victory of good over evil.
BA’s new “perfect alliance” focused on kids
BA has announced a new partnership with British children’s company, My 1st Years, a company focused on providing babies with personalised gift items.
Foreign group tours banned in some Japanese tourist spots
Japanese news publication The Asahi Shimbun reported that certain tourist sites in Japan do not welcome foreign tourist groups due to untoward incidents in the past.
Big Game: The hunt for an ‘end-to-end’ booking platform
There has been a long quest for that one name in travel that caters to the need of a traveller from beginning to end. That is the dream!
Phenomenal females: Wise words from the top women in travel
In celebration of International Women’s Day, I asked several women holding top positions in the travel industry how they managed to achieve their success and the advice they will give to…
IWD: Solo travel for women is a choice, not a consequence
Women solo travellers are mightily underestimated and misunderstood. Here's to the growing tribe of women solo travellers.
Sabre hails new partnerships as a “spectrum of voices”
Sabre has formed new partnerships are with corporate travel specialists Travel and Transport, and Reed & Mackay as well as independent airline ticket website AERTiCKET.
ITB 2019: Hotelbeds signs up 10,000 new hotel partners
Hotelbeds announced the addition of an incredible 10,000 new hotels at ITB Berlin today. The announcement is the culmination of a year's work whereby the company steadily built its network…
“A pleasure to experience their mindset”: Mövenpick GM Jean-Pierre Trabut on Thai hospitality
Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya GM, Jean-Pierre Trabut, has bounced all around the world building his reputation as a driven and successful hospitality executive along the way.
Here are the top destinations for bleisure travel
Tokyo ranks first out of 26 cities in the region for its combination of business and leisure—or bleisure—appeal for travellers.
Special Olympics Summer Games 2019: Travelport “takes action” to promote SSR codes
Travelport has announced its brand new campaign aimed at smoothing the travelling woes of passengers with intellectual disabilities, by putting a spotlight on the DPNA Special Service…
Waldorf Astoria Maldives: “So many opportunities for magical, unforgettable moments”
With the hotly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi gearing up to fling open its doors and offer luxury leisure seekers the pleasure of the companies patented blend of high…
Future-proof your business when Gen Z takes over
Kids born in the year 2000 will turn 19 this year entering university or working on their first job. Generation Z is the generation that follows Millennials, born in the late ’90s and early…
Breathing (OYO) Life into Japan’s home rental market
After China, Indonesia and Malaysia; OYO is now spreading its wings further east into Japan.
An escape for the soul: Eco retreats in Europe
Balance Holidays has launched collection of eco-friendly and sustainable retreats in Europe, each offering a range of activities from yoga and mindfulness for stress reduction, to hiking and…
Qantas hooks up with 425,000 global TA’s
Following the drama surrounding Qantas’ takeover of Alliance Airlines earlier this week, the carrier has made another, significantly less controversial, announcement by joining the Sabre…
Gym classes replace pub crawls: Wellness tourism in full bloom
Late nights at pubs and clubs when we travel could be a thing of the past and will be replaced by early morning runs and spa appointments. Most companies and organisations predict that…
How TA’s can help save the world
Destination management company (DMC) EXO Travel has unveiled its shiny new way for travel agents booking responsible travel and hospitality -- giving them the power to help save the planet,…
Avani’s latest tropical location is aimed squarely at families
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second biggest island and holiday hot spot, famous for its untouched beaches, coconut groves and dense rainforests, has just received a boost to its glamour levels with…
Machu Picchu trip enabled for the disabled
Two friends, Alvaro Silberstein and Camilo Navarro, thought of ways on how to hike to Macchu Pichu. Silberstein is using a wheelchair.
H2 Wo! Butlin’s Bognor Regis new water ride is first of its kind
Stalwart of the UK holiday landscape Butlin’s has taken two concepts, the traditional seaside helter skelter and the waterslide, and smashed them together to create the “world’s first helter…
Travelport NDC comes to UK Travel Agents
Good news for TA’s as Travelport revealed new partnerships with a number of big name agencies, to roll out the New Distribution Capability (NDC), giving participants access to the enhanced…
Home away from home: Here’s why serviced residences will flourish in 2019
WhyHotel CEO Jason Fudin claims business travellers and groups or families will continue to choose apartment products for their short stays in 2019.
Five personality traits of a travel consultant
Being paid to travel the world and share your impressions of the people and places that you encounter is considered by many to be a dream job.
Current employment trends point to a…
Zip zap vroom to your next European adventure
Thanks to the EU, the ultimate European road trip adventure is far more easy to execute. But move over the casual and look for alternative and fun itineraries that match you interests to…
Bedsonline extends +3% commission for TA’s across the globe
Bedsonline, has announced the extension of its +3% commission campaign for agents throughout the firm’s extensive global network, after a highly successful 2018.
Travelstop marks major expansion in Asia
Singapore-based business travel start-up Travelstop is launching in seven markets including Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
Invisible walls: US gov’t shutdown cripples travel industry
It is Day 32 of the shutdown and the travel industry is feeling the impact. If the UK is battling Brexit, the US is dealing with the disagreement between President Donald Trump and the US…
How TripClub values women and their need of work and life balance
For TripClub CEO and founder Menchie Dizon, women deserve to have both worlds so she created a program that will enable women to work and take care of their personal affairs. As a woman, she…
Unfolding the Arabic carpet: Deutsche Hospitality groups expands presence in ME
Intercity offers more than 40 upper mid-range urban hotels, all of which are located within easy walking distance of railway stations or airports, and a further 30 hotels are currently at…
Bourne Leisure: “Knowledge is power in the world of holiday selling”
Agent alert! Bourne Leisure, the company behind well known brands like Haven Holidays, Warner Leisure Hotels, and that icon of UK’s hospitality landscape, Butlin's has announced a brand new…
72 years in the making: “The industry’s best trade incentive”
Global tours provider Trafalgar has announced its annual agent incentive trip to the brand’s newest destination of Africa — a trip 72 years in the making.
