The post Cruise Croatia announces 2025 small-ship cruising lineup appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Specialist small-ship cruise line Cruise Croatia has launched its 2025 small-ship cruising program, with 105 guaranteed seven-night departures available throughout the season. The luxury yacht operator will deploy five vessels across the season, with departures from early May to mid-October next year.

The itineraries, available to book now, sail between Split and Dubrovnik, taking in the spectacular Dalmatian coast. Ports of call include well-known favorites such as the medieval towns of Trogir and Hvar, alongside lesser-known, hidden gems such as Korcula, Vis, and the national parks of Mljet and Krka.

In addition to the existing lineup, the 2025 season features a new Signature Croatia Hidden Gems Cruise. The seven-night voyage will sail from Split to Opatija, on June 21 and September 20, 2025, on the 36-passenger M/S My Wish. The cruise will visit hidden gems like Sibenik, Zadar, and undiscovered islands such as Losinj, Krk, and Rab. This itinerary will also take guests to the magnificent Plitvice Lakes with its seemingly endless waterfalls.

Cruise Croatia is also running other favorites, like the Signature Opatija to Dubrovnik cruise, which takes in the full length of the Croatian coastline. This route has proved popular with guests looking to enjoy sailing through four different archipelagos, namely the Kvarner Islands, Kornati Islands, Pakleni Islands, and the Elaphiti Islands, each offering guests a different landscape and experience.

“With five luxury ships in operation, we have an unbeatable choice for customers to visit the most popular destinations in Croatia, as well as stunning, undiscovered hideaways only accessible via smaller vessels,” said Graham Carter, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Cruise Croatia.

To celebrate the launch of its upcoming itineraries, Cruise Croatia is offering €75 per cabin bar credit and a three-course traditional Croatian village dinner experience in Korcula for any May 2025 departure booked by June 30, 2024. Plus, for group bookings of 10 or more, guests will receive a 5% reduction in cabin costs, alongside €50 per person in onboard credit. The group organizer will also receive a 50% savings on their cabin cost.

Each sailing includes sea-view accommodation; breakfast, lunch, and two on-board dinners; daily excursions including guided tours, wine tasting, and park entrance; use of water toys; on-board educative lectures; private airport transfers in Croatia on arrival and departure and a privilege card offering exclusive rates at restaurants on shore. Rates start at $1975 per person.

 

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The post Construction begins on Royal Caribbean’s first Royal Beach Club appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Royal Caribbean International and The Bahamas marked the start of a new adventure as the cruise line broke ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the 17-acre beach day experience on Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas. The beginning of construction was celebrated on location, where Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley were joined by The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper to commemorate the major milestone.

The first of the Royal Beach Club Collection will take shape in the coming months ahead of its opening in 2025, and at the heart of the experience will be the island nation of The Bahamas. From the location – one of the island’s most idyllic beaches – to the Bahamian food, culture and staff, to a unique public-private partnership in which Bahamians will own up to 49% equity, the all-new beach club combines the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas with signature Royal Caribbean touches across the experience, service and design.

“With the signing of this Heads of Agreement for the development of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, we embark on this project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product. Signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry,” said Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas.

Vacationers will be welcomed to their ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, starting with the vibrant and charming local architecture crafted by a local Bahamian architectural firm and the exceptional views of The Bahamas’ renowned turquoise waters and white sand beaches. With more details to be revealed in the coming months, what’s in store ranges from three stunning pools with swim-up bars to private cabanas, four island-style spots for quick bites and local fare, and experiences that feature local artisans and live music.

“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

Local businesses and entrepreneurs will also manage parts of the construction and experience, which will generate hundreds of jobs in the short and long term. To date, Bahamians have participated in workshops to develop authentic local dishes, music, entertainment, sports and activities as well as design ideas that reflect the true Bahamian spirit and style.

“As we break ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, together with the government and the people of The Bahamas, we are celebrating what partnership and innovation can achieve. This will be yet one more reason, in Nassau’s bright future, to experience a destination we have visited since the very beginning of Royal Caribbean more than 50 years ago,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The beauty and charm of the island are why we chose to debut the Royal Beach Club Collection in Nassau, and with the collaboration and support of local entrepreneurs and the wider community, we know that what we create will far exceed everything we imagined.”

The construction plans, created in close collaboration with the Bahamian government, also include the cruise line’s restoration of the native habitat that will help protect wildlife during the build and for many years to come. Guiding the overall development of the beach club experience are Royal Caribbean Group’s sustainability vision and proven practices as well as The Bahamas’ stringent environmental protection and planning process.

Once complete, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is expected to host an average of 2,000 guests. Vacationers will access the beach club via a ferry ride from the Nassau Cruise Port and return through historic downtown Nassau near the world-famous Straw Market.

 

 

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The post Westin: Your one stop destination for MICE in Bangkok appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Looking to ‘Meet’ in Bangkok, Thailand? The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel is just the right Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events (MICE) and Weddings venue in Bangkok to keep you focussed on business as well as pleasure.

Why meet up at Westin Bangkok?

Prime Location in the heart of Sukhumvit
The right location can make or break a MICE venue. This downtown Bangkok hotel has it spot on. Located in the heart of Sukhumvit, it is connected to the BTS and MRT, with large parking and shopping access. It is listed among the hotels near BTS  – Sky Train;  hotels near MRT – Underground;  hotels near terminal21 and  hotels near emsphere. It remains a popular choice for those business and corporate travellers attending events at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). It is one of the most popular Five Stars hotel in Bangkok.

Top notch MICE Standards

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel is officially certified with the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS). This downtown Bangkok hotel offers 15 event spaces totalling more than 1,571 square meters.

The hotel offers the perfect setting for meetings and conferences. It has the fastest possible internet speed of 50 Mbs with an LED screen in the Grand Ballroom on the 7th floor and Altitude, a rooftop event space on the 25th floor with spectacular views of Sukhumvit.  

Both venues are perfect for ideal conferences as well as grand wedding receptions. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests theater-style or be divided into two distinct spaces, with four possible configurations. The conference venue also includes mindful “green” features such as energy-efficient light bulbs, a linen less and sustainable set-up and water pitchers in lieu of plastic bottles.

Health is wealth and The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel supports you in the fitness journey

WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio offer 24/7 access equipments. Stay fit and experience with their RunWestin and WestinWORKOUT Gear Landing kit such as Hyperice, to release muscle tension from work and travel and Bala, a fitness equipment to maintain your fitness routine.

The hotel hopes to provide the right nutrition for your sustenance. There is a range of health-conscious food,  which is low in salt, MSG free and an excellent Breakfast Juicery Bar,  is provided with well selected local fresh fruits and vegetables, available daily during breakfast at Seasonal Tastes Restaurant.

They believe in sustainable local food purchase. Also, for the vegetarian and vegan guests, an Indian chef is available on the property, with extensive vegetarian and vegan food choices. The hotel also offers an 227-square-meter rooftop outdoor pool, with picturesque waterfall. Filled with saltwater, it overlooks Bangkok’s spectacular skyline.

 

Bleisure Basics

Go out there and relax after that busy day. Restore the body and expand the mind at the 380-square-meter Vareena Spa. Named for the Thai word for water, the spa focuses on relaxation, restoration, and personal evolution.

The hotel also provides the  Westin Heavenly Bed 2.0 experience for the perfect slumber. The new Westin Heavenly Bed mattress is uniquely designed with plush high-tech fibers motion – control technology and temperature management for premium support and comfort as well as Sleepwell Lavender Balm to support quality of sleep and Sleep Well Menu for sleep enhancing.

Accolades and more

Having won the Green hotel award, proves that the hotel is truly an environment conscious hotel. It has attained the Gold Level (Certified by The Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP). Placing your meetings and events here will surely help in your sustainability goals.

 

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Source: traveldailymedia

The post Seabourn plans special entertainment and activities to commemorate Seabourn Odyssey’s Farewell Voyage appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, invites guests to experience the iconic Seabourn Odyssey one last time during its 22-day Farewell Voyage, departing September 2, 2024, from Seattle, Wash., to Yokohama, Japan. The one-of-a-kind voyage will feature a number of memorable tributes to Seabourn Odyssey’s greatest moments, including appearances from the original team and performing cast, incredible local artists, and unique gifts and memories to be made with their Seabourn family.

In honor of this sailing, John Barron and Handré Potgieter will return as cruise directors for Seabourn Odyssey’s final voyage. Both Barron and Potgieter were part of the original onboard team when the ship launched in 2009, when Barron served as the ship’s first cruise director and Potgieter was part of the entertainment team. In addition, Seabourn President Natalya Leahy will be on board in Seattle to personally wish farewell to guests and the onboard team as they embark on this special voyage.

“Returning as cruise director for Seabourn Odyssey’s Farewell Voyage is a heartfelt journey for me, filled with memories of her inception in the shipyard, the exhilaration of her maiden voyage, and the joy of witnessing guests embark on her for the first time,” said Barron. “I’m thrilled to co-host this voyage with my dear friend Handré. We will celebrate 15 years of unforgettable moments, friendships, and the legacy Seabourn Odyssey leaves behind. This final voyage promises to be a magical ‘full circle’ experience, brimming with emotion and sweet surprises, as we bid farewell to our beloved ship.”

Potgieter echoes Barron’s sentiment, “What a beautiful ‘full-circle’ Seabourn Moment for us both. Seabourn Odyssey is really where my journey with Seabourn started, and it feels like I’m coming back home. It will be an incredibly special voyage, and I am very excited to share this final chapter with our many loyal guests, amazing onboard team and colleagues, Belinda King and John.”

The farewell voyage will offer special entertainment and activities, including:

• Belinda King of Belinda King Creative Productions – Belinda King, founder and CEO of Belinda King Creative Productions which produces the finest shows at sea, will join Seabourn’s cruise directors for a special walk down memory lane, as well as a Seabourn Conversation Q&A that delves into “The World Behind Seabourn Entertainment”.
• Bespoke Acts by Guest Performers – The sailing will feature a number of guest performers, including piano entertainer Roy Tan and vocalist Corlea Botha, magician Mark Haslam, cellist Andre Cavassi, pianist Aisa Ijiri, and violinist Irina Guskova.
• Seabourn Conversation speakers – A number of distinguished guest speakers as part of its Seabourn Conversations program are scheduled, including NASA Astronaut Heidemarie Piper, award-winning photographer Michael Yamashita, author and chef Maria Finn, marine scientist Dr. Dave Plourd, and maritime historian Dr. Tim Runyan.

• Artist in Residence Program – Seabourn invites guests to join artist Donna Lewis for the ship’s complimentary Artist in Residence mixed media classes inspired by the ports of call visited by Seabourn Odyssey. The class will allow guests to develop a wonderful memory of their voyage to take home. Classes are open to all ages and levels of expertise and beginners are welcome. Materials are provided on board.
• Seabourn Odyssey’s farewell voyage will also feature other special activities, including a signature caviar event and more.

During the 22-day Farewell Voyage, Seabourn Odyssey will traverse the glacial scenery of Alaska’s southern reaches, visit the wildlife havens of Kodiak Island and Dutch Harbor, and explore the cultural enclaves of Japan’s Hokkaido Island to revel in the first turn of fall foliage.

 

Seabourn Odyssey will visit 11 ports and destinations, including five in Japan across two islands. Highlights include the following:

• Kodiak Island: With two-thirds of the island covered by a national wildlife refuge, Kodiak is the ultimate escape with large stretches of private wilderness and beaches to enjoy and reflect. Guests may want to catch a glimpse of the island’s eponymous bears or enjoy Fort Abercrombie and step into Kodiak’s World War II defense encampment and military museum.
• Hubbard Glacier – Cruising the Hubbard Glacier is the quintessential Alaska experience as you navigate past towering icy walls and feel the rumble of the glacial calving. The Hubbard is North America’s longest tidewater glacier and continues to impress as she “gallops” forward and continues to grow.
• Hakodate, Japan – One of Hokkaido’s largest cities, Seabourn Odyssey will arrive just in time to see start of Japan’s fall foliage. A key highlight here is a gondola ride to the top of Mount Hakodate to take in the city vistas and enjoy a sample of Hokkaido’s extraordinary natural beauty.

During her 15 years at Seabourn, Seabourn Odyssey has welcomed 180,454 guests on board and traveled over 859,554 nautical miles to 426 different ports, a distance equivalent to a staggering 39.7 circumnavigations of the world’s equator. Along the way, the ship has become synonymous with ultra-luxury and excellence, serving up to 4 tons of caviar and 13 million breadsticks and pouring more than 300,000 bottles of champagne.

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia

The post American opens biggest season yet on the Columbia & Snake Rivers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

American Cruise Lines celebrates the growth of U.S. River cruising with its biggest season on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Following major announcements about the company’s rapidly expanding fleet, including 5 more new U.S. ships coming in 2024 and 2025, American continues to lead the U.S. industry’s expansion west, featuring 5 riverboats and an extensive collection of itineraries on the Columbia and Snake Rivers April through early November. The Line also has two small ships on the West Coast in Puget Sound and Alaska.

American’s 2024 Columbia and Snake Rivers fleet includes 3 modern riverboats and 2 classic paddlewheels, exploring the region’s rich history, exceptional sites, and diverse cultural influences. American Song, American Harmony, and American West are already cruising, and riverboats, American Jazz and American Pride, begin cruising this week.  The company’s spacious ships accommodate 100 to 180 guests in 100% outside accommodations and private balcony staterooms.

American’s Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises feature discovery and an array of experiences along well-curated 6 to 16-Day itineraries. Cruises highlight bucket-list adventures from guided tours through the country’s most beautiful national parks, to visits to Mt. St. Helens and Multnomah Falls, to Jet Boat rides and Flightseeing Adventures in Hells Canyon. Cruises also highlight the area’s awesome natural beauty—offering scenic views of flowering alpine meadows, rugged desert canyons, snowcapped mountains, and the breathtaking coast of Astoria—the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

This season’s itinerary collection includes the company’s popular new 16-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers cruises, which blend Columbia & Snake River cruising along with 7-Days of guided adventure through Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton National Parks; classic 9-Day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises; shorter 6-Day Highlights of the Columbia River cruises; and longer 12-Day Northwest Pioneers cruises. Cruises sail in both directions, between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington, with the National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary operating between Portland, Oregon, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

All the company’s Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises include enrichment and experiences highlighting Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition west, but the company also offers special themed sailings including  9-Day Lewis & Clark cruises, which feature additional onboard experts and experiences that delve deeper into the intrepid explorers’ expedition west; 9-Day Art Immersion cruises perfect for aspiring painters and artisans; and 9-Day Vineyard Cruises showcasing visits to regional vineyards led by wine connoisseurs, plus special experiences on board from wine tastings and pairings to culinary demonstrations, as well as other wine-inspired events.

American’s 2024 Columbia and Snake Rivers itineraries offer the most comprehensive cruise experiences in the region. Cruises offer an all-inclusive onboard experience, including entertainment and enrichment, guided shore excursions, complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays, and extended packages in Clarkston, Washington.

 

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia

The post Gold Medal extend opening hours to support Disney demand  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

To celebrate the launch of Walt Disney World Resort Florida’s Free Dining & Drinks offer which went live on 18 April, Gold Medal have revealed additional exclusive offers they are  providing. Agents who book by 30 April will earn £75 Instant Farebank Rewards and receive a $100 Disney Gift Card on Gold Medal, Pure Luxury and Cruise Plus package bookings.

Additionally, Gold Medal, Pure Luxury and Cruise Plus are offering savings of up to £300 per  package booking. These exclusive offers are valid on package bookings of 7 nights or more,  including park tickets.

To support the expected high demand for Disney’s latest deal and the rich rewards being  offered by the brand, Gold Medal opened their phone lines an hour earlier than usual this  morning and have confirmed they will be open for calls this Sunday, 21 April from 11am until  3pm.

Adrian James, Product & Commercial Director shared, “We are thrilled that Walt Disney  World Resort Florida have brought back their Free Dining & Drinks deal for summer holidays  into 2025. We have pulled out all the stops to ensure we are ready to support agents in  securing more magical experiences for their clients than ever before.”

In addition to the latest Florida incentives, last month Gold Medal announced they were  rewarding agents who booked Florida private homes and villa packages with instant £75  Farebank Rewards following the launch of their dedicated guide. This incentive remains live  to agents until 30 April 2024.

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Source: traveldailymedia

The post Kempinski expands in China’s Jiangsu Province with a Duo of Waterfront Escapes in Yangzhou appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

More than 32 years after opening the first Kempinski hotel in China, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel company reveals plans to open two spectacular properties in Yangzhou, reinforcing the company’s presence in Jiangsu Province. Set in Yangzhou Economic Development Zone, an elegant duo of dual-branded Kempinski and Bristoria hotels will bring first-class hospitality with a dash of European flair to the Chinese city when the project is complete in 2025.

The hotel management agreement was signed by Kempinski Hotel Group with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone Culture and Tourism Group Co., Ltd, which is a district state-owned enterprise, focusing on three sectors: modern agriculture, cultural media, and tourism economy. It is a high-quality cultural tourism industry builder, operator, manager, and supplier.

“Our constellation of beautiful Kempinski havens continues to shine and grow across China and we are excited to announce the China debut of our Bristoria brand here in Yangzhou,” says René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kempinski Hotels S.A. “This new signing reinforces our reputation as a trusted and respected business partner in China and further enhances the Kempinski footprint in Jiangsu Province, where we have operated hotels in Suzhou and Nanjing since 2008 and 2019 respectively.”

Set in a collection of classical Chinese buildings rib boned by waterways and ornamental ponds, Kempinski Hotel Yangzhou Nuoyuan and Bristoria Hotel Yangzhou will provide a stylish base from which guests can explore the city’s myriad business opportunities, gastronomic riches and cultural landmarks, with 405 guestrooms and suites between them.

When complete, the lakeside Kempinski Hotel Yangzhou Nuoyuan inspired by the characteristics of Sui and Tang architecture with modern design will be home to 93 elegantly appointed rooms and suites overlooking landscaped gardens and waterways, The boutique-sized hotel will also be home to a swimming pool and spa with gym and fitness centre, and a stunning ballroom for high-profile events and corporate functions.

Next door, Bristoria Hotel Yangzhou will have 312 guestrooms and a wide selection of meeting rooms and function spaces, providing a home from home for travellers visiting the region to explore the city’s dynamic business opportunities. As the first ever Bristoria hotel in China, guests can expect a more laid-back ambiance than big-sister Kempinski, with a philosophy based on simple excellence: a great night’s sleep, fresh local cuisine and first-class business facilities and connectivity.

Easily accessible from Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport in less than an hour and linked directly to Nanjing and Shanghai via high-speed train, Yangzhou Development Zone is also close to some of Yangzhou’s cultural highlights.

Yangzhou is a famous cultural city with a history of more than 2,500 years, a strategic intersection of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Grand Canal cultural belt, and a famous trade port and tourist city at all times. Yangzhou culture, represented by its painting school, gardens, crafts and cuisine, occupies a unique position in Chinese history. This outstanding city has four world-class intangible cultural heritage projects, including Guqin art, engraving printing technique, paper-cutting technique and Fuchun tea making technique, as well as 20 national-level intangible cultural heritage projects, including jade carving,  lacquerware, opera, Pinghua opera and puppet show. Currently, this outstanding destination  is speeding up the construction of a city famous for industrial innovation, cultural tourism and ecological liveable city. Continuing to polish the three world-class “business cards” of “World Canal Capital”, “World Cuisine Capital” and “East Asian Cultural Capital”, Yangzhou welcomed more than 100 million visitors in 2023, making it the fourth most visited city in Jiangsu Province.

“We’re delighted to be working with Yangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone Culture and Tourism Group Co., Ltd, to help turn this far-sighted vision into a reality,” says Nijhof. “As one of the most important parts of Jiangsu for new business opportunities and a strategically important city in China’s wider economic development plans, Yangzhou is destined to become an incredibly sought-after destination for leisure and business travellers alike.”

 

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia

The post British Airways touches down in Dhabi Zayed International Airport to launch new daily route to Abu Dhabi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

British Airways returned to Abu Dhabi this morning as it touched down at Zayed International Airport.  Customers and crew received a warm welcome following a four-year pause of the route.

British Airways will operate a daily flight from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi all year around, using Boeing 787-9 during summer 2024.  The new route adds to our extensive global network and strengthens connections between UAE and UK – whether customers are travelling for leisure, business or to visit relatives and friends.

Flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London Heathrow at 22.25, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1.  The inbound flight to London (BA072) departs at 10.10, arriving London Heathrow 15.20.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We extend a warm welcome to British Airways as they start operating at Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate both business and tourism. Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest.”

Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways said:“We are really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch. The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE. With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues.

And on a personal level, it is an honour to return to the fantastic city and Emirate of Abu Dhabi where I was lucky to live for the best part of a decade.”

Flight schedule: London Heathrow (LHR) to Zayed International (AUH) All times are local Season Flight number Departing LHR Arriving AUH Flight number Departing AUH Arriving LHR Summer ‘24 BA73 22:25 08:30+1 BA72 10:10 15:20 Winter ‘24 BA73 22:25 09:30+1 BA72 11:10 15:20

 

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Source: traveldailymedia

The post UK’s top 20 most popular travel and tourism websites in 2023  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A new study has revealed that Tripadvisor was the most popular travel and tourism website across the UK in 2023.  SEO agency Digital Climax analysed annual web traffic data to find the UK’s most popular travel and tourism websites over the past year based on the total number of visits they received each month.

Using SEMrush, they compiled a list of the country’s twenty most visited travel and tourism websites and then used Ahrefs to find the estimated number of UK visitors throughout 2023. These results were then ranked to determine the most popular sites.

Tripadvisor ranked as the most popular travel and tourism website across the UK in 2023, with approximately 428 million total visits in the past year. It receives an average of 35.7 million monthly visits and was visited most in August when it received approximately 41.2 million website visits. Tripadvisor specialises in comparing travel websites to showcase the best deals and as a platform for user-generated reviews.

Booking.com came second with around 127.9 million total visits throughout 2023. It had the most visits in August last year, with around 12.6 million visits, and receives an average of 10.7 million visits monthly. Booking.com compares the prices of hotels, flights, transport, and attractions to highlight the best deals when planning a holiday.

TUI took third place with around 120.2 million visits in 2023. The travel agency website was most popular in January, with around 11.3 million visits, and receives an average of 2 million visits each month. TUI is known for its holidays, cruises, flights, and hotels across the world and owns multiple airlines, cruise lines, and hotel chains.

Trainline came fourth with around 116.2 million visits throughout 2023. It had the most hits in July last year, with 10.7 million visits, and receives an average of 9.7 million visits per month. Trainline specialises in selling train tickets and rail cards, alongside showing live train times and railway station information through its website and mobile app.

Skyscanner ranked fifth with approximately 86 million visits in 2023. It receives an average of 7.1 million monthly visits and was visited most in July when it received approximately 8.5 million website visits. Skyscanner allows users to research, compare and book travel options for their trips worldwide, including flights, hotels and car hire.

Other travel and tourism websites that made the top ten include Easyjet, Jet2holidays, British Airways, Expedia, and Loveholidays.

Axl Van Steenacker, SEO specialist and founder of Digital Climax, commented on the findings: “The British public has always spent much time traveling for work or pleasure, whether staying in the country or heading abroad on holiday. According to the Office of National Statistics, UK residents spent around £58.5 billion and made 71 million visits abroad in 2022 after the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions.

“Travel websites make it easier than ever to book transport ahead of time, or explore potential destinations, with sites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com covering all aspects of planning a trip. It will be interesting to see whether the rankings for different airlines and hotels stay the same or fluctuate from year to year as new data is released.”

Top 20 travel and tourism websites across the UK in 2023:

Rank	Website	Average number of monthly web visits	Average number of web visits in 2023
1.	tripadvisor.co.uk	35,672,145	428,065,747
2.	booking.com	10,662,180	127,946,165
3.	tui.co.uk	10,021,383	120,256,600
4.	thetrainline.com	9,685,350	116,224,210
5.	skyscanner.net	7,172,594	86,071,135
6.	easyjet.com	5,948,216	71,378,594
7.	jet2holidays.com	4,762,175	57,146,101
8.	britishairways.com	4,402,664	52,831,974
9.	expedia.co.uk	3,547,815	42,573,782
10.	loveholidays.com	3,452,994	41,435,939
11.	premierinn.com	2,587,105	31,045,266
12.	airbnb.co.uk	2,408,980	28,907,760
13.	nationalexpress.com	2,294,240	27,530,880
14.	ryanair.com	2,258,086	27,097,043
15.	travelodge.co.uk	2,055,869	24,670,432
16.	flightradar24.com	1,794,186	21,530,242
17.	americanexpress.com	672,689	8,072,279
18.	wizzair.com	630,517	7,566,213
19.	tripadvisor.com	588,101	7,057,217
20.	wowcher.co.uk	553,734	6,644,810

 

 

 

 

The post UK’s top 20 most popular travel and tourism websites in 2023  appeared first on Brand TD.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Tourism leaders from around the world will explore how entrepreneurship and innovation are transforming the global travel sector at ATM 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

International policymakers and industry leaders are preparing to gather in the UAE for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, where they will examine how entrepreneurship and innovation are reshaping the global tourism industry. The 31^st edition of the exhibition will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May.

Over 200 speakers will participate in more than 50 sessions during the course of the four-day event. Experts from around the world will take to ATM’s Global Stage and Future Stage (formerly the Travel Tech Stage) to address some of the sector’s most pressing issues, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), the future of aviation, how to stand out in the luxury segment, retail tourism, and sustainable travel.

As the Middle East’s leading exhibition for inbound and outbound travel and tourism professionals, ATM 2024 will build on last year’s record-breaking 30^th edition with its theme: ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. Exhibitors and attendees will have the chance to explore new market opportunities, the benefits of collaboration and connectivity, how to attract investment and more.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The future of the global travel industry will be shaped by innovators and entrepreneurs, which is why we are so excited to shine a spotlight on the latest insights and technologies at ATM 2024. From startups to established brands, this year’s exhibition will showcase fresh thinking on how the sector can enhance customer experiences, drive efficiency and deliver positive economic impacts across the Middle East and beyond.”

Exhibitor participation is expected to be 23% higher than last year, making ATM 2024 the largest edition in the event’s history. Growth is expected across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East (19% larger), Europe (32% larger), Asia (20% larger) and Africa (28% larger). The exhibition’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56% greater on the show floor, with products from the sector demonstrating 33% growth year on year. Hotel participation, meanwhile, is projected to be 21% higher than last year.

This year’s edition will once again enable attendees to move beyond traditional leisure travel by exploring opportunities related to luxury, business, and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). ATM 2024 will feature an array of discussions on these subjects, including sessions dedicated to premium offerings, healthcare meetings, global business travel, sustainable procurement, sporting events and more.

ATM 2024 will host a selection of regional and international policymakers, including His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; Teodora Marinska, Head of Public Affairs, European Travel Commission; Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director, Middle East at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); and Lindsay Bowman Fraser, Leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE), Sport and eSport, Qatar Tourism.

Speakers at ATM 2024 will explore a series of emerging and established market segments, such as experiential, accessible and multi-generational travel, highlighting opportunities for growth, transformation and disruption. Delegates will also consider the implications of advancements in fields such as AI and how these technologies are impacting the Middle East’s travel industry.

“With less than a month to go before the international travel community converges on Dubai, we are looking forward to welcoming our biggest-ever cohort of exhibitors and guest speakers,” Curtis added. “For more than 30 years, ATM has provided a forum in which participants can share insights, overcome challenges and seize opportunities, and the 2024 edition will be no exception.”

Building on ATM 2023’s ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ theme, environmentally responsible travel will represent another key focus this year. Informed by the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the most recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which took place in Dubai last year, ATM 2024 will explore how innovation can be leveraged to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a greener travel and tourism sector for future generations.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia