La Reserva de Sotogrande opens lagoon attraction The Beach
Sotogrande resort community in Andalucia, Spain opens The Beach, Southern Europe’s only man made fresh water lagoon.
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Travel Agents
VisitBritain opens the Harrogate to UK tourism at ExploreGB 2019
The 2019 edition of ExploreGB, the UK’s expansive and travel trade event has been announced this week by organisers VisitBritain, the public face of the British Tourist Authority.
Business travellers turn to shared accommodation with ‘Airbnb for Work’
Airbnb has reported a sizable increase in bookings via its corporate travel platform proving that companies are turning to shared homes for their accommodations.
European Waterways announces small group discounts
Hotel barge operator, European Waterways, has announced a reward for small group travellers with early booking discounts, up to 10% off on whole-boat charter prices booked before 14…
Corporate travel policies not enough to keep female travellers safe, says GBTA
Despite the established fact that female travellers face more safety risks when on a business trip, corporate travel policies are found lacking and not built with women in mind.
Seabourn: “Our new cruise collection is a real page-turner”
As one of the pioneers of ultra-luxe cruising, I always look forward to news of new itineraries from the Seattle based cruise line. This goes double this week with Seabourn announcing the…
Brulls eye: Mallorca’s newest villas hit the spot
Following on from the news in February of this year, when Son Brull revealed its brand new spa, the Mallorcan five star resort has now hit the news cycle with the announcement of more new…
German Tourism push fun in the sun with ‘German Summer Cities’
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has announced details for its new, hopefully, viral marketing campaign called German Summer Cities.
PAL strengthens London-Manila connection with Manchester event
Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Philippine Department of Tourism London (PDOT) have hosted over 80 travel agents from the leisure and corporate sectors in Manchester.
Infographic: The world’s most family-friendly airlines
New research from toy manufacturer, Play Like Mum, has revealed the most family-friendly airlines from around the world.
Egencia unveils dedicated business travel data visualisation tool
Digital travel management firm Egencia has announced the launch of the Egencia Analytics Studio a new “enhanced data visualisation and analytics platform”, the first tool of its type built…
Travel 2 Far East brochure: 43 new hotels, 20 new tours
Global tour operator, Travel 2, has launched its new Far East brochure for travel agents featuring additional hotels, new tours and a chance to win a GBP 250 (USD 320) voucher.
Cosmos Tours launches special ‘two-week only’ campaign
UK-based escorted touring operator, Cosmos Tours Ltd, has announced a late availability campaign with up to GBP 100 (USD 128) off autumn 2018 bookings.
Argyll Holidays invests GBP 6.5m for property development in UK
Lochgoilhead Lodges, owned by Argyll Holidays in the Scottish Highlands, has announced its new facilities as part of a multi-million-pound investment to develop its properties in the UK.
SellAnyHome insights: “Real estate market continues to maintain dynamism”
Home buying and selling platform, SellAnyHome.com, has released insights generated from thousands of its registered users, showing the strength of the real estate market in the UAE.
Millennium Hotels and Resorts unlocks the potential of GCC nationals
Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa (MEA), has launched ‘TooMooH’ – a programme designed to accelerate nationalisation and be an active contributor to the vision and…
The one-stop-shop for stress-free travel planning
We go on a trip to get away from stress at home and work and to take a break from the day-to-day routine, but travel planning and the travel itself can be quite stressful.
Mountain drive itineraries to rock your world
Rocky Mountaineer has released three new self-drive vacations and one ‘heli-trek” into the Rock Mountains
Yas Island celebrates summer with weekly draws of AED 100,000
Yas Island has announced its ‘coolest’ summer season yet, with weekly draws of AED 100,000 to encourage summer travellers to visit its golden shores.
Hatten Land to build USD 49m water theme park, the largest in Melaka
Hatten Land Limited, together with resort operator Samsung C&T Corporation and water slide designer and installer Polin Waterparks, has revealed plans to build the largest water park in…
Infographic: The best day trips only an hour from London
Citybase Apartments, a platform for booking serviced apartments, has compiled the best places to visit within an hour by train from central London.
Wendy Wu launches new tours in response to rising interest for Japan
UK-based Asia travel specialist, Wendy Wu Tours, has launched its Japan collection for 2019/2020 in response to a significant increase in interest for Japan.
Is data personalisation simply to improve the human touch?
Personalisation is the winning ingredient in travel and we have been seeing signs of it creep into more mainstream experiences. Whoever owns the traveller’s journey from end-to-end will win.
Travel Counsellors to open career paths with new programme
Travel Counsellors, an independent travel company, has announced the launch of a new programme tailored to open new career paths for industry professionals.
Hyatt to include SLH properties in its loyalty programme
Independent hotel group, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has announced a loyalty programme partnership with Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
13% of UAE travellers book their holidays just a week in advance
Research concluded by Hotels.com has revealed the booking behaviour of travellers in the UAE and the effects of technology in travel.
Travel 2 inks deal with Wendy Wu to capitalise on the touring market
Travel 2 has announced a partnership deal with Wendy Wu Tours to increase its collection of tours across the Far East.
Is the sharing economy safe for corporate travel?
The sharing economy enables individuals to lend and avail goods and services to one another for a fee.
Netflights ranks the most family-friendly airports in the UK
Netflights.com has ranked 20 major airports in the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands to find out which ones provide the most family-friendly experience.
Akaryn launches luxury multi-location family holidays in Thailand
Boutique resort specialist Akaryn Hotel Group has come up with a new way for family groups to discover Thailand with a collection of ‘stress-free’ trips, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and…
Travel Tips: A comprehensive guide to tipping worldwide
Flight booking company, Globehunters, has created an online ‘tip generator’ to provide a comprehensive guide to tipping, no matter where you are in the world.
Homelike’s upcoming UK launch was “just a matter of time”
Homelike, a German based B2B booking platform for furnished business and serviced apartments, has announced it will be launching in the UK next month.
The plight of the corporate traveller – in 2023
In 2023, Millennials and Gen Z comprise more than 60% of the workforce and they will dictate corporate travel trends in the next five years.
Rediscover Singapore: Three distinct hotels unite to create corporate package
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, The St Regis Singapore and W Hotels Sentosa Cove, have tied up to offer a new corporate package, Rediscover Singapore.
Travellanda adds over 18,000 activities for travel agents and OTAs
UK-based wholesale travel company, Travellanda, has announced the launch of thousands of new activities, from sightseeing and cooking classes, to submarine safaris and Sumo wrestling.
Ras Al Khaimah tourism, fuelled by MICE and adventure, up 14%
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced its latest tourism figures yesterday. And the data shows that trips to the Emirate by foreign travellers were up by 14% at the…
TravelCircle launches MyTravelApp to benefit TA’s and customers
British based travel agent TravelCircle announced the launch of its new customer facing application MyTravelApp last week.
TA Alert: St Kitts offers travel incentives and Caribbean fam trip
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA), in partnership with Park Hyatt St. Kitts and Montpelier Plantation & Beach Nevis and representatives of the Nevis hospitality industry hosted a…
TUI Group expands offering with new resorts for summer 2019
Growing its portfolio to 174 properties across 48 destinations, TUI Group has announced the addition of two TUI Family Life resorts and three adults-only TUI Sensimar resorts to its product…
Strike a northern light: Jet2.com launches Icelandic trips for 2019
Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks announce they are launching a new set of Icelandic getaways.
Learn the secrets of Arctic survival with Off the Map Travel
British company Off the Map Travel, who specialise in intrepid trips to the Arctic, has announced the launch of its new Fall into Foraging experience in Sweden – a fascinating opportunity,…
How self-service and automation will redefine corporate travel management
Travel management companies (TMCs), already providing road warriors with both travel-agent assistance and software solutions, are now starting to focus on the automation. This strategy…
Cheval Blanc to re-open its luxury resort in St Barth this December
Cheval Blanc, a luxury hospitality brand developed by LVMH Hotel Management, has announced the re-opening of its property in St Barth, France.
Authentic India Tours aims to tap South India’s uncharted tourism
New travel firm, Authentic India Tours, has launched to provide bespoke tours and experiences of South India.
Four Seasons and NetJets unite to create “ultimate” luxury itineraries
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and NetJets launch three customisable itineraries to Orlando and the Caribbean.
UAE’s Yas Island announces more than 40 events for 2018
Yas Island, the UAE’s premier entertainment destination and international tourist hub, has revealed its biggest events calendar to date featuring old favourites and ten new events.
Forget millennials, travel agents should target baby boomers
Millennials have a huge impact on different aspects of the travel industry, but luxury tourism should shift their focus to the aging and affluent generation that are keen to embark on…
Adventure awaits: Center Parcs opens Treehouses at Woburn Forest
Center Parcs, a family short break provider which operates forest villages across the UK, has completed the creation of Treehouses at Woburn Forest.
CMV launches 2019/20 itineraries, seasonal cruises to Canary Islands and Madeira
Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced that it has launched its new brochure. The new content will feature itineraries from the Winter and Spring 2019/20 season including trips to…
Amadeus receives NDC ‘dual level 3 certification’ from IATA
In the wake of the news that Amadeus' level 3 certification for the updated Altéa NDC was renewed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the company has now announced it has…
English scrambling to fly to Russia for World Cup semi-finals, says ABTA
With a higher chance to win the World Cup this year, Brits are looking for last minute deals to Russia for the remaining matches.
Trafalgar launches three USA and Canada trips for 2019
Guided tour operator, Trafalgar, has launched its 2019 USA and Canada programme with three new choices that offer trips to national parks, coastal areas, old towns, and metropolitan cities.
Best places to maximise the European summer
Travel insurance provider, Compare the Market, has compiled and tabulated just how much we have to pay for sunshine in The European Sunshine Index.
Emaar Hospitality completes Dubai Way course to uphold customer service
Over 1,800 associates of Emaar Hospitality Group have completed the Dubai Way online course, an initiative to upgrade the standards of customer service and further strengthen Dubai’s…
Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort introduces Roosterfish Beach Club
When it comes to choosing a beach holiday you can do no better than opting for, what has become, the quintessential destination for an exotic island getaway in South East Asia – Bali.…
BLS International to process Italy visas for Singapore residents
BLS International, a specialist provider of visa, passport, etc. services to the Governments across the world entered commenced Italy visa processing in Singapore from 2 July 2018.
Forget Russia 2018 – who won the World Cup of Travel?
Taxi2airport.com unveil the World Cup of Travel
Travel: The ultimate work perk for young professionals in US
In a survey commissioned by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, it comes as no surprise that 75% of young professionals in the US see business travel as a major work perk with 65% even considering…
HNA considers selling Radisson Group to repay $100B debt
Chinese conglomerate HNA Group is reportedly considering to sell Radisson Hotel Group to pay its debt.
Understand insurance jargon and save up to GBP 2000 on car hire
Research carried out by Opinium found that 42% of car renters don't fully understand the car insurance they have and what it covers.
Grupo Vidanta EVP Iván Chávez joins Inter-American Dialogue’s President’s Leadership Council
The executive vice president of Mexico’s luxury resort developer Grupo Vidanta, Iván Chávez, is one of the newest members of Inter-American Dialogue’s President’s Leadership Council.
Travel 2 marks significant sales increase with new brochure
Travel 2, one of the UK's largest long-haul tour operators, has announced a new brochure with incentives for travel agents, as a response to the increased sales in the Middle East and the…
ATPI updates ticketing tech following Serko partnership
ATPI Ticket Window to now include ND
Irish visa application centre to provide “seamless convenience” for UAE-based expats
VFS Global and Ireland launch dedicated visacentre in Abu Dhabi
Eco-friendly car hire now available at all the major airports in UK with Green Motion
With the opening of Green Motion's latest site at Newcastle Airport, it now has branches at all major airports in UK.
Research reveals keys to selling a family holiday
A new research commissioned by Orlando USA’s Official Tourism Association, Visit Orlando, has revealed the three stages of holiday planning and the top 10 things parents do before going on…
European Waterways announces luxury ‘Cruises for Everyone’
Luxury hotel barge operator, European Waterways, has announced its 'Cruises for Everyone' promotion with up to 20% discount on whole barge charter prices.
Club Med to offer discounts on all-inclusive holidays
Club Med, the French company specialising in all-inclusive holidays, has announced that its discounted sales will start on 18 July 2018.
New Zealand proposes tourism tax to fund conservation
New Zealand tourism is preparing to further conserve its native species and redevelop tourism infrastructure all funded through a new tourism tax reported to be introduced in 2019.
SALA enters experience sector with SALA Journeys
SALA Hospitality has announced 'SALA Journeys' with guides to Rattanakosin, Ayutthaya, and Wat Ket
Ninjas, fireflies and the Forbidden City: Isango unveils latest Asian tours
Experience specialists Isango announce new Asian itineraries, including updated trips to Malaysia, Japan, China, and Taiwan.
Nearly 40% of European travellers to spend more on holidays
New research from global travel technology leader Sabre Corporation found that a significant percentage of European travellers plan to spend more on holidays in 2018.
Saint Lucia marches on with three major trade initiatives
The Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia has topped all visitor records last year, paving the way for Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) to introduce three new trade initiatives.
Imagica ushers the monsoon season with new offers and attractions
Dubbed as India’s favourite theme park destination, Imagica has announced the launch of its third new attraction within six months, designed for visitors during the monsoon season.
Four amazing experiences for a summer in Taiwan
This summer, visitors of Taiwan can experience an array of exciting events ranging from summer festivals to culinary exhibits. Here are four of the best experiences tourists can have in the…
The “unprecedented” Mediterranean Luxe up and running in Asia
Flush with the spirit of fraternity, the nations of France, Monaco and Spain have joined forces to come together in what has been described by the group, as an “unprecedented collaboration”,…
Great British High Street Awards: 81% of British consumers will miss local high streets
Despite the rise of online shopping – made even easier with the proliferation of drone delivery services – or maybe because of it – it seems the British have not fallen yet out of love with…
Shopping around for holiday hire cars could save UK customers an average of £169
Hiring any product or services is, for many people, a process fraught angst and worry. So once we find a company and system we like, then we tend to stick with it. This applies to car hire…
Egypt Western Desert Tours sees 35% increase in visitor arrivals
Local tour operator, Egypt Western Desert Tours, has revealed a positive outlook for Egypt tourism in the second half of 2018 to 2019.
Red7 revamps business travel service to take the stress out of corporate travel
Independent travel and concierge service, Red7, has kicked off summer 2018 with the launch of its revamped Business Travel service, designed to bring a different approach to corporate…
Holidays Barometer: A detailed forecast of the world’s travel plans
Europ Assistance, a company that provides healthcare assistance and mobility services, has released the 18th edition of the Holidays Barometer, shedding perspective on the holiday plans of…
Osaka Castle to Ha Long Bay in half a day: Vietjet launches new route
Roll up, roll up! Vietnamese low cost carrier (LCC) Vietjet is celebrating two new routes by releasing tickets for one million flights for free.
Premier Holidays and Destination British Columbia boost tourism with joint campaign
Following a 40% increase in sales this year, Premier Holidays has launched a campaign in which travel agents can take advantage of British Columbia’s rising popularity.
Tiger state Madhya Pradesh roars with success at UK roadshow
Madhya Pradesh Tourism brought the jungles of India to the UK last week during a three-city UK summer roadshow.
Celebrity Reflection debuts in Greenock as part of exclusive 2019 itinerary
Celebrity Cruises will be making its Scottish debut next year as Barrhead Travel revealed they are bringing the Miami based company’s five-star ship Celebrity Reflection up to Greenock as a…
Adventures for Christmas with Voyages to Antiquity
Tick off three Wonders of the World at once, with Voyages to Antiquity this Christmas and New Year.
The Chedi Club Ubud launches first hot air balloon adventure in Bali
The Chedi Club Ubud has launched the latest adventure option in Bali by introducing a 50-metre-high hot air balloon ride over its panoramic rice fields and the lush tropical forests of Ubud.…
The Far East for far less: Silversea announces all-inclusive package fares
Luxury cruise line Silversea has announced nearly 200 free shore excursions including new experiences on its Far East promotion.
London is still top destination for business travellers despite Brexit
A new research commissioned by Jurys Inn, a hotel chain in the UK and Ireland, has revealed the five most business-friendly cities in Europe. And as business travel continues to flourish,…
The RAKTDA 2018 Euro roadshow meets 4,000 travel agents in 45 cities
Following news that the Ras Al Khaimah Development Authority (RAKTDA), had opened its latest Nordic office in Stockholm, the Middle Eastern tourism association has revealed has made great…
Start-up OTA Hey! Belgium partners with Booking.com
Last month, while attending ITB in Shanghai, my boss and Travel Daily’s editor-in-chief broke the news of the brand new online travel agent HEY! Belgium, who simultaneously opened for…
Hidden Iceland: “Trips we’d be proud to take our friends and family on”
It is still less than a year from when Hidden Iceland was first set up by Scott Drummond, Ryan Connolly and Dagný Björg Stefánsdóttir – a small group of friends who came together through…
The next big thing: Thailand outbound travel on the up
Thailand, long a major holiday destination, is starting to become a significant source of outbound travellers - The Next Big Thing Thailand Outbound Travel has revealed.
Air Canada Vacations announce first overseas partner, Funway Holidays
Air Canada subsidiary Air Canada Vacations has teamed up with Funway Holidays to get its product out to the people of Britain via the UK travel agency. This is the first deal of its kind for…
Step into antiquity with Ponant’s winter sun itineraries
Even though we are at the peak of summer – heck the summer solstice is still two weeks away, travel agents need to be a few steps ahead. And even though the sun is still high the sky, the…
Emerald Waterways is ready for 2019 with new river cruise itineraries
As we see the cruise sector making waves this year, Emerald Waterways announced the release of its 2019 collection, showcasing new itineraries and packages along the majestic Danube.
Last-minute bookings in the bag
The last-minute booking trend is on the rise, despite the travel industry’s best efforts to incentivise early bookers. In fact, a staggering three million Brits are more than happy to book a…
Open Destinations unlocks Tineri potential for DMCs
Almost a year after Open Destinations first announced it had bought up travel app Tineri, the travel tech company has launched a new functionality for Destination Management Companies (DMCs)…
Why hasn’t the Mount Kilauea eruption put Japanese tourists off visiting Hawaii?
When Hawaii governor David Ige felt, understandably, compelled to sooth tourists' worries about the lively activity of the island’s Kilauea volcano and insist it was still safe to travel and…
Radisson Ningbo Beilun comes to “one of China’s most historic cities”
After Radisson’s recent forays into South Africa with the Radisson Lusaka Longacres in Zambia, the hotel group has now announced it's adding more luxury to its network of “upscale” Chinese…
Sustainable tourism: What Indian millennials demand in travel
India-based Cox & Kings, one of the oldest travel companies in the world, has released research on how Indian millennials demand sustainable tourism and its perception of green holidays.
Eastern Airlines launches new summer service to Rodez
British airlines Eastern Airways has announced that it is bringing back its popular seasonal Southampton Airport to Rodez service for summer 2018.
Travix to join Amadeus NDC-X platform to “work for all travel players on a global scale”
Amadeus has announced that the Dutch OTA Travix is now part of Amadeus’ NDC-X programme. NDC-X was unleashed upon the industry during February 2018, with the aim to bring all the Amadeus…
Seven top historical locations to celebrate 300 years of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana is an almost legendary town and as the birthplace of Jazz, Bonnie and Clyde and tasty, tasty gumbo, it is also a city with a colourful past, and that’s putting it…
Travel management companies have a vital role in client safety, says ABTA
Research revealed the vital role of travel management companies in providing support and advice - and ABTA is there behind it.
SAS sticks with Amadeus to connect customers through “channel of their choice”
As one of Amadeus original partners, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has long been aware of the advantages the Spanish company provides. In fact Amadeus was first established by SAS, along with…
Agent alert: Earn 1,000 reward points with Celebrity Cruises
Premium cruise line of the stars Celebrity Cruises has announced its latest brochure with great fanfare, by giving travel agents the chance to grab up to “1,000 celebrity rewards on…
New partnership to help agents avoid the “onslaught” of OTAs
After signing a deal earlier this month, Advantage Travel Partnership UK and India’s Pricol Travel created Advantage Asia, India’s very first leisure travel consortium. Intrigued, I spoke to…
Brick by brick, the first Legoland in Asia adds new attractions
Fans of Lego, get ready for new and upcoming attractions at the first brick-themed family resort in Asia, the Legoland Malaysia Resort.
CLIA boosts agent interaction with new podcast and vlog launch
Following the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) revision of 2017 passengers figures closing the week on Friday, the organisation has kicked off Monday by announcing a slew of…
Five expert tips for selling bespoke train holidays
It is now getting on for five years ago that I struck out for Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Express. The epic journey through Europe, Russia Mongolia and into China was an incredible…
Wendy Wu Tours offer up to £500-worth of savings on 2019 holidays
British-based China and Asia travel maestro Wendy Wu Tours has come up with another offer to help what some travel appetites – an early bird promo for booking its 2019 China, Japan,…
Community-based tourism: What we can learn from Little Local
Changing the way India spends its vacations, Little Local promotes responsible tourism. The company encourages people to give back to the community while giving them curated community-based…
Descend into Colombia’s Lost City with G Adventures
You can say what you like about Colombia and you would probably be right, but the South American country can never be accused of being a boring place to go holiday.
Hide and go seek: Hidden Iceland hunts for UK travel agents
Ambitious new Icelandic tour operator Hidden Iceland is looking to expand its global reach by seeking out UK based travel agents in order to develop relationships and maximise the interest…
Zero commission on Hyatt’s new programme targeting corporate travellers
Hyatt Hotels has announced Hyatt Leverage, a global business travel programme that offers special rates to qualifying SMEs at participating properties worldwide.
Disneyland pushes luxurious behind-the-scenes tours
Touring the acres and acres of Disney Park with tireless kids in tow is probably not a pleasant experience, but the company is pushing more luxurious packaged tours complete with VIP access…
Connecting with 68,000 Travelport agents could be the lifeline Eurostar needs
Following Travelport’s response to Travel Daily’s assessment of its future last week, the travel commerce platform has now announced it has signed an agreement with Eurostar, to supply the…
TPConnects: Empowering travel agencies on a global scale
Through the Digital Empowerment Initiative, OTAs across the globe can now benefit from their own website, mobile applications, corporate booking tool and B2B platform.
Fogel’s future: Booking means travel
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel has a brand new vision – for the company to be synonymous with “travel” as it aims to widen its reach and strengthen its brand.
Road trip! Cox and Kings launches new driving holiday service Self-Drive 365
Indian travel giant Cox & Kings have announced the launch of Self-Drive 365, a new ‘one-stop road trip planner’, designed to put the driver at the centre of the action. The service…
Audley Travel grabs first place at the Great Australian Challenge
The Great Australian Challenge, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Tourism Australia’s annual agent event, took place on Tuesday 1 May at London’s Hippodrome in Leicester Square. The competition…
Wendy Wu – £99 business class upgrades on Japan cherry blossom holidays 2019
Following Wendy Wu’s last appearance in the annals of Travel Daily -- where we reported how it had made entering China much simpler -- the company has released news of another boon for Asian…
BBC Radio contributor Dr Karl to escort polar voyage to Antarctica
World Expeditions launched an exclusive Antarctic voyage with long-standing BBC Radio 5 Live collaborator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.
Gold Medal reveals 21% passenger increase to Mexico And Caribbean with latest 2019 brochure
Following the release of its 2019 Florida brochure in April, Gold Medal has unveiled its new 2019 Caribbean and Mexico brochure, which comes in the wake of a 21% year-on-year increase in…
Holiday Extras management buyout pushes value up to £100 million
Holiday Extras, the UK based travel company, has announced today after long negotiations, it has finalised a management buyout deal – which pushes the company close towards a market value of…
OTAs and agents take note: Travelport reveals how Americans will travel this summer
According to a new survey from Travelport, Americans are more likely to take a vacation this summer based on their household finances.
Alibaba offers new training in conquering Chinese travel market
For companies that wanted to dip their hands in China’s hypercompetitive travel market and strengthen their online presence and capabilities, Alibaba announced on Monday that it offers a…
OmniServ raise the bar for PRM services at Heathrow Airport
Airport assistance services company OmniServ has announced it has boosted its fleet of vehicles at Heathrow with the addition of seven Bulmor SideBull Ambulifts.
Orlando breaks U.S. travel record, surpassing 70 million annual visitors
U.S. tourism officials announced a historic milestone in the travel industry as Orlando became the first destination to surpass 70 million annual visitors.
Uber hires former NTSB chair to advise on safety following fatal crash
Uber has announced that it hired Christopher Hart, the former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, to advise the company regarding safety. The same organization is…
Cunard sends the refitted Queen Victoria on maiden call to Ireland
Following the €39 million (£34 million) refurbishment of its luxury liner Queen Victoria last year, luxury cruise company Cunard have announced the Vista-class cruise liner will be heading…
Taiwan Tourism Bureau promotes Penghu archipelago for ‘Year of Bay Tourism’
The Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) and Penghu County Government have announced plans to promote the Penghu archipelago as part of its ‘Year of Bay Tourism’ initiative for 2018.
Bedsonline to launch Chinese language website aimed at TAs at ITB Shanghai
Hotelbeds subsidiary Bedsonline, has announced today the launch of its enhanced Chinese language website, just in time for ITB Shanghai on16-18 May.
Thailand second favourite destination in Muslim tourism market set to reach US$300 billion
Repeating its performance from last year and 2016 as runners-up in the Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) most Muslim-friendly travel destination -- outside of the…
Goa Experience new brochure trips out on Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Bengal Tigers
UK tour operator Goa Experience, part of Serenity Holidays, who specialise in holidays to the popular coastal province in the west of India, has updated its list of guided, private tours to…
Has Travelport’s GDS business fallen too far behind?
Travelport last week reported 1Q earnings and took a big one on the chin reporting negative bookings growth. Already the smallest of the GDS, the company was bearing the brunt of the Flight…
71% of APAC hoteliers know quality gains loyalty, but only 33% improve product
Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN) and Points Travel revealed a new report which shows that travel brands in the Asia Pacific are taking the lead when it comes to customer loyalty.
Jet2’s new flights to Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey means 1.7 million seats in summer 2019
Jet2.com has announced its plans for summer 2019, which include three new European destinations flying out of London Stansted: Bourgas in Bulgaria; Chania in Crete; and Izmir in Turkey.
Kid-centric travel balloons to US$500 billion industry
A new trend has been emerging in the hospitality industry: hotels and resorts catering to kids are becoming more popular among families. According to Family Travel Association, family travel…
MICE – The top four hotels for meetings & events in Sydney
When it comes to Australian cities, there is no doubt Sydney has the highest international profile. Canberra may be the country capital but, I think we can all agree, Sydney has the…
Mauritius celebrates 50th anniversary with free trips for UK travel agents
The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) in partnership with Premier Holidays and British Airways, is giving UK travel agents the opportunity to win a six-night trip to the paradise…
Viking launches the ‘longest-ever continuous round the world cruise’
Californian cruise masters Viking claimed the honour of operating the ‘longest-ever continuous World Cruise itinerary’ when it unveiled its new Ultimate World Cruise yesterday.
Marriott Rewards and SPG update loyalty programmes with new promotions
Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) are aiming to help their members get the most out of travel through their latest loyalty points promotions.
Marriott International has…
First four TIPTO agent ambassadors appointed to inform organisation’s strategic direction
After a rigorous and thorough selection process, TIPTO (Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation) announced its first four agent Ambassadors last week.
Atlantis Sanya celebrates official launch with gala musical
Atlantis’ first resort in China officially opened yesterday. Owned by Fosun International and managed by Kerzner International, the opening of Atlantis Sanya was marked with a VIP packed…
Mauritius tourism minister meets with Middle Eastern travel agents at ATM 2018
A delegation headed by Mauritian minister of tourism Anil Kumarsingh Gayan met with Middle Eastern travel agents and tour operators at ATM last week, to boost the profile of island nation as…
Final few days for agents to earn up to £200 per booking with Travel 2
Tour operator, Travel 2, gives agents the chance to earn up to £200 on their bookings with the return of ‘Every Day’s a Pay Day’ running until 30 April 2018.
Voglr search engine to help travel agents with over 1,000 hotels on video
Voglr has launched its video platform especially made for travel agents, showcasing more than a thousand luxury hotels and destinations worldwide.
Ctrip invests in “next generation of travel” – Boom Supersonic
American purveyor of sound-barrier-busting travel Boom Supersonic has announced its intention to bring supersonic flight to China this week, after finalising and completing a ‘strategic…
Dubai Tourism Vision 2020: Meraas launches the Hala China initiative
Dubai-based investment company Meraas, along with Dubai Holding and DXB Entertainments, released details of their new collaboration, Hala China this week.
Cruise Baltic set to train international TAs at CLIA Conference 2018 after successful Cruise360
Cruise Baltic made a strong impression at the annual Cruise360 trade show this week. Putting the spotlight on trade and how it intends to support TAs with the knowledge of how best to…
World’s largest Warner Bros. indoor theme park to open in Abu Dhabi
Opening its doors on July 25th, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will join Yas Island’s list of world-class entertainment venues.
London exits top ten most expensive global business destinations
What a difference a year makes. Following on from a report in February 2017, where we detailed how London had fallen from being the second most expensive business destination in Europe to…
Leading Indian DMC moves to capitalize on growing Dubai MICE
Indian DMC leader Tamarind Global has made its first international MICE move, opening operations in Dubai. They have already have built out a strong Dubai and GCC footprint with their tours…
Building connections through Random Road Trips
We sat down with EXPH founder and CEO Giancarlo 'Gian' Gallegos, who explained how taking friends and strangers off the tourist grid goes beyond business:
Tourism board launches ‘L.A. Insider’ training program for travel agents
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board launches L.A. Insider – an online training tool for travel trade professionals.
Flight consolidator Lime Management announces incentive to reward TAs and boost business
Flight consolidator Lime Management has revealed news of its incentive programme for UK travel agents. Dubbed Kudos, the new scheme has been designed to work in tandem with the company’s…
Canny regional carrier signs with Sabre to power domestic growth
With the news that Sounds Air has signed up to a long-term distribution deal with Sabre Corporation, the canny New Zealand domestic carrier is showing its ambition as the appeal of Kiwi…
The self-drive test-drive: we take the new Brand USA Itineraries website for a spin
Brand USA unveiled its travel trade website, dedicated to helping travel agents explore and promote US destinations in November. I feel that after a couple of months smoothing out the kinks…
Podcast: Anita Chan Capturing Luxury Chinese Travellers
Anita Chan discusses how you can capture the luxury Chinese traveller
Caribtours celebrates summer with exclusive offers and agent incentives
For nearly four decades, Caribtours has been one of the UK’s most-renowned luxury tour operators. This summer, it unveils exclusive offers, including savings of up to 55%, complimentary room…
Expedia gives TAAP agents flexibility to optimise sales and earn more
As part of its Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), Expedia today announced a new travel agency commission model called Dynamic Commission.
Beyond the slopes: Why Swiss partnership is a “win-win” for WebBeds
After announcing details of a new partnership with Switzerland Tourism designed to seduce Asian tourists to the country, WebBeds has revealed it hosted its first two travel trade workshops…
7 tips for building a successful mobile booking app for OTAs, airlines and hotels
Travel customer expectations have changed significantly over the last several years. As with other consumer-focused industries, near universal smartphone and tablet adoption has affected…
Marriott targets OTA commissions
Marriott continues to hit the news cycle this week, following on from their public commitment to Indian tourism with a press conference in Bengaluru. The hospitality giant has now revealed…
MakeMyTrip and Flipkart announce travel partnership
MakeMyTrip and Flipkart announced a partnership that will leverage the MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, and Redbus products and services to provide Flipkart's customers with online travel bookings.
Should FlipKart launch a travel marketplace?
Is India's ecommerce giant Flipkart building plans to enter online travel? We look at the company and its history - and why it might be well-placed to build the country's biggest OTA.…
Travel partners defiant as Hilton follows Marriott in reducing group booking commissions
Agents’ worst fears are being realised. Another hotel chain giant, Hilton Worldwide, has followed Marriott International's lead and slashed standard hotel group booking commissions from…
Rotana brings culture and luxury to Saadiyat
The Rotana brand was launched with the opening of their first property, the Rotana Beach Abu Dhabi in 1993. This beach property has served as both a brand and a home market icon. 25 years…
Japan Airlines renews long-term partnership with Sabre to enhance global footprint
Tech provider for the global travel industry Sabre, have revealed this week they have renewed their long-term partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL), first established in 2006.
Travelport and Air France KLM sign new deal for content distribution, removing GDS charges for agents
Travelport signed a deal with Air France KLM to distribute its content through a private channel arrangement, allowing agents to avoid the carrier’s GDS charge.
The deal allows customers…
Emirates might owe you money in light of the new Supreme Court ruling – AirHelp tells you how to claim
The UK Supreme Court has declined the Emirates appeal of its enforcement of passenger rights legislation. What should travelers or agencies do on behalf of their travelers now?
Are we there yet? The best airlines for flying with your family
Qatar Airlines announced the launch of their new children focused Oryx Kids Club conference earlier this week, featuring appearances from the club mascots ‘Orry’ and ‘Orah’ the Oryx (main…
Marriott re-sign Grand Lion to take advantage of Cambodian growth
It’s been little more than eight years since Marriott International first entered into discussions with, Cambodian real estate company, Grand Lion Group to open a luxury resort near Angkor…
Hotelbeds Group: APItude’s increased functionality leads to exponential growth
Hotelbeds Group confirmed yesterday at ITB Berlin that 2017 was a very positive year for APItude, the Group’s latest hotel distribution API.
By the close of 2017 the number of daily…
Why WebBeds is showcasing the sights and sounds of Swiss summer
Hot on the heels of Finnish Capital Helsinki's recent push for Chinese tourists and their cash with a handy destination mini program Swiss Tourism and WebBeds Asia Pacific have signed a…
Amadeus boosts NDC push with new programme
Amadeus recently unveiled a dedicated programme in line with IATA’s push towards product differentiation, time-to-market, full and rich air content accessibility, and a transparent shopping…
MakeMyTrip Ltd renews OYO partnership
India’s largest online travel services provider, MakeMyTrip Ltd, formally announced that it entered an agreement with award-winning budget hospitality company OYO. The agreement entails…
Corporate travel management: driving technological transformation in the world of business travel
While leisure travel is rapidly moving forward by adopting consumer booking tools and mobile payments, as it drifts away from traditional travel agencies, business travel management is still…
Startup that lets multiple travel groups meet halfway hailed in 2018 Business Travel Show
Group trip organisers and business travellers in multinational organisations can now breathe easier thanks to a new platform where they can plan multi-origin group travel for face-to-face…
New lodging solution lets travel buyers access almost 1 million hotel choices
Texas-based Sabre has partnered with Bedsonline, TravelBound and the Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN) to make their content available in its new inventory and rate options solution.…
Priceline Group rebrands as Booking Holdings
In the business of travel, names matter. So why has the Priceline Group, which operates in over 40 languages across more than 220 countries and territories, come out under a new name?
BackHotel Lite – Roiback pocket booking engine already present in five countries
BackHotel Lite, the new simplified version of Roiback’s booking engine for small chains and independent hotels, is already being used in five countries worldwide: Spain, Mexico, Indonesia,…
Agoda: top destinations for Asians during Chinese New Year 2018
Tokyo has overtaken Bangkok as the number one Chinese New Year (CNY) destination for Asian travellers in 2018, a title held by Bangkok for the last two years, according to global online…
Hogg Robinson bought by AMEX business travel arm
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT), the corporate travel arm of American Express, purchased Hogg Robinson Group plc (HRG), a global B2B travel management company, for roughly £400…
Start-up carves its own niche in the alternative accommodations scene
We recently touched base with Valéry Linÿer, CEO and founder of MagicStay, to show us how a rental platform dedicated to business travellers holds its own.
TravelKoin the new blockchain travel service: “In terms of innovation and disruption, this is huge”
The problems with business to business payments in the travel industry are numerous and abundant. A single booking from a travel agent, inclusive of flights and accommodations, can pass…
Ctrip CEO commits heavy investment to “promote China-UK tourism”
Ctrip attended the China-UK Business Forum, where, Chief Executive Officer of Ctrip spoke at the event and shared her thoughts on China-UK travel and how big data and technology can help to…
Travel Leaders Group acquires Barrhead Travel
Travel Leaders Group has reached an agreement to acquire Barrhead Travel Group, one of Scotland’s largest retail travel companies and one of the largest in the UK.
The company will become…
WEF 2018: Ctrip co-founder on China’s huge market, e-commerce & ageing work force
Ctrip attended the 48th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Ctrip is the only Chinese online travel industry representative invited to the annual Forum. James Liang, co-founder…
Colour your Bangkok experience with a stroll through the city’s vibrant creative hub
The whirling waters of the Chao Phraya River have long been a symbol of Bangkok, and the evolution of the riverbank has lured young artists and entrepreneurs to the area too, bringing an…
See the edge of the world with Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Adventure awaits in the heart of the Arabian Desert as the new Extraordinary Experience takes guests through Bedouin history and a breath-taking landscape.
MagicStay accelerates growth securing EUR 1.5 million investment
B2B alternative accommodations rental platform for business tourism recently earned EUR 1.5 million (US$1.86 million) in its latest fundraiser.
Spotlight on Direct Bookings: Triptease report on how OTAs affect the hospitality industry
Hotel rates in Asia-Pacific are undercut by OTAs by an average of 11.4%, a new report by Triptease into the Direct Booking Movement in the region reveals...
Comment: The evolution of business travel
Paul Wait, COO at Applehouse Corporate Travel Management discusses the changes in business travel.
In my previous role as CEO of the GTMC (business travel trade association), I…
Ctrip publish report into China-Europe tourism market
Ctrip has released the "2017 China-Europe Tourism Market Data Report" alongside China Tourism Academy (CTA), a specialized institute under China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). The…
Demystifying air travel with Mystifly
Mystifly has become the definitive anywhere-to-anywhere B2B global airfare marketplace.
Joining offbeat trips is serious business: Q&A with Tripkada CEO April Cuenca
I recently sat down with Tripkada's April Cuenca to learn more about how both she and the startup she built are disrupting the Philippine travel industry.
SEAsians #GoLoka for Traveloka
Traveloka appears to be crushing Expedia in core SE Asian markets despite their late entry. Will it continue to do so in 2018?
