FLYR, the technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the hospitality industry, announced a major upgrade to its popular business intelligence platform, FLYR Hospitality Insights. The new edition of FLYR Hospitality Insights is designed to revolutionize how hotel revenue managers, commercial teams, and management companies interact with and analyze their performance data.
The update maintains the customization, granularity, data freshness and automated report distribution capabilities that users of FLYR Hospitality Insights know and love, while adding new tools that provide unmatched flexibility and usability. FLYR Hospitality Insights now includes a range of advanced features to streamline data exploration, simplify reporting processes, and improve the overall user experience.
With over 500 data points and more than 20 visualization options, users can tailor reports and dashboards to meet unique business needs. Key innovations in this release include:
Natural Language Query (NLQ): AI-powered features that allow users to engage with their data using plain language queries. This simplifies data exploration and analysis, enabling users to gain powerful insights into their business without requiring the skills of a data analyst.
Excel-Style Workbooks: New functionality enabling custom calculations and data manipulation in a familiar format, allowing users to perform detailed analyses directly within the platform.
Smart Data Summaries: Automated, qualitative narratives that provide context to data visualizations, offering deeper insights and enhancing communication of key metrics.
Effortless Content Management: A revamped system for organizing, managing, and sharing reports more effectively across teams through more granular access controls for dashboards and folders.
“This update to FLYR Hospitality Insights represents a significant leap forward in how the hotel industry can harness and interpret data,” said Jens Munch, Chief Strategy Officer, Hospitality, FLYR. “With new functionality like natural language querying, we are breaking down barriers for users, enabling them to ask complex questions and receive meaningful insights without needing advanced technical knowledge.”
This news follows a period of monumental growth for FLYR. The company announced a $295 million capital raise in August to rebuild the foundation of travel technology. FLYR Hospitality became available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace, was awarded an Emotional Footprint Award for hotel revenue management by Software Reviews, and established new deals with major hotel brands like Best Western Scandinavia, and The Boca Raton.
FLYR Hospitality Insights is available immediately to all new customers, and will be available at no additional cost to current subscribers. For more information on FLYR Hospitality Insights, visit FLYR.com to schedule a demo.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expressed its delight over the resumption of direct flights by British Airways from London Gatwick to Bangkok.
The inaugural flight, BA 2231, departed from London Gatwick on the evening of Tuesday, 29th October, and arrived in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in the afternoon of Wednesday, 30th October.
With British Airways’ new direct services from London Gatwick to Bangkok, the upcoming flight schedule between the UK and Thailand for November 2024 to March 2025 amounts to 552 flights and 174,864 seats across various routes, including London Heathrow-Bangkok, London Gatwick-Bangkok, and Manchester-Phuket. Airlines serving these routes comprise Thai Airways International, EVA Air, and TUI UK (Charter).
A warm welcome
TAT deputy governor for international marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas Siripakorn Cheawsamoot said: “British Airways’ new direct services between London Gatwick and Bangkok reinforce the position of Thailand as a premier travel destination. This flight resumption boosts our tourism sector and strengthens connections between Thailand and the UK, offering travellers endless opportunities to experience our rich culture and stunning landscapes.”
Siripakorn attended the welcome ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport to greet passengers on this landmark flight, together with Thai tourism executives from various public and private organisations.
New schedules
From 28th October, British Airways operates three weekly flights until 30 March 2025, with plans to extend service until 26 April 2025.
During peak periods, a fourth and fifth weekly flight will also be introduced.
Utilising its Boeing 777-200 aircraft, the flight will offer various classes, including Club World, Premium Economy, and Economy, accommodating a total of 332 seats.
British Airways will also provide codeshare services with Bangkok Airways, enabling seamless connections for passengers wishing to travel onwards to Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ko Samui, as well as to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Expedia Group and Microsoft Corp. have announced a new strategic partnership, bringing together their respective loyalty programmes to offer Bing users additional rewards on bookings powered by Expedia. In addition to earning Microsoft Rewards, travellers booking eligible accommodation on Bing also earn rewards through Expedia Group’s brands, including its One Key travel rewards programme in US and UK points of sale.
The announcement comes on the heels of Expedia Group being listed as a 2024 Inc. Power Partner, a prestigious list recognising leading B2B companies that have a proven track record of helping businesses grow. Expedia Group Private Label Solutions powers travel for more than 60,000 businesses through industry-leading technology solutions, including Rapid API and white label template. Together with its partners, Private Label Solutions covers the span of the traveller journey, offering hotels, holiday rentals, flights, car hire and more.
This marks the first time Expedia Group combines its industry-leading Rapid API technology and One Key travel rewards programme. Through rapid API, Microsoft Bing users benefit from Expedia Group’s seamless end-to-end booking experience with access to a robust supply of more than 750,000 hotels and holiday rentals around the world, competitive rates and customer service.
‘We are excited to join forces with Microsoft to offer Bing users more ways to earn, redeem and travel the world,’ says Alfonso Paredes, President of Private Label Solutions at Expedia Group. ‘Our unique partnership underscores the importance of travel within loyalty programmes and its ability to amplify value, variety and member retention. In today’s competitive landscape, differentiation in loyalty programmes is crucial and earning rewards from both of our brands drives the value and flexibility consumers crave.’
The expansive rewards collaboration reflects the latest industry push towards more flexibility in earning and redemption options in loyalty programmes. According to Arrivia’s 2024 Travel Outlook, 56% of brands want to introduce new rewards and/or earning and redemption options, up from 47% two years prior[1].
‘We continue to focus on providing Bing users with more value while they search. By integrating Bing Travel with the Microsoft Rewards programme, we are creating a unique value proposition for travellers, rewarding them with a programme that is easy, simple and beneficial’ said Reid Maker, Partner GM, Microsoft Rewards. ‘Our partnership with Expedia Group is a compelling way to ensure our users have access to a wide variety of lodging experiences from a trusted travel platform while using Bing.’
The accommodation shopping and booking experience is now live in 16 markets globally, including the US and Canada, with Expedia Group as the preferred provider in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Australia.
Learn how Expedia Group Private Label Solutions supercharges loyalty programmes through industry-leading technology as travel increasingly becomes central to rewards programmes across all sectors.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “ABTA research shows that the travel industry is well positioned to boost economic growth over the coming years – but to do that, we need the government to put in place tax, policy and incentive regimes that support businesses in the sector and their customers.
“Unfortunately, at least in the short-term, today’s announcements will make life more difficult for travel businesses. Notably, whilst it is welcome that rates relief is extended for a further year, the reality is the 40% rate will represent a significant hike in bills for many high-street agents. Additionally, the cost of employing staff that the industry needs to thrive will increase for many travel firms.
“Meanwhile, for our customers, further increases in APD will be disappointing. While a £2 increase might not sound much, it brings UK air tax on economy flights to £15 per person, per flight. UK travellers already pay more on air tax than most other countries, and it is one of a multitude of taxes and charges people often have to pay on their holidays.
“The UK already charges the highest rate of APD in Europe. The Office for Budgetary Responsibility notes that APD is amongst the fastest growing of all taxes in the UK. The government must keep a close eye on the overall cost of travel to ensure that hard-earned holidays remain within reach.
“However, there are some bright spots in today’s Budget for the long-term outlook of our sector. We welcome recognition from the Chancellor that high street businesses are vital to the health of places across the country, with the announcement of a permanently lower rate of business rates from April 2026, and also investment in the decarbonisation of aviation.
“ABTA members are responsible for the happiest weeks of people’s year – their holidays, which offer the opportunity to relax, spend time with family and are valuable for mental health and wellbeing. The travel industry has made a remarkable recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, and has bucked the wider consumer confidence trend in recent months with people continuing to spend and commit to their holidays. We hope the additional pressures this Budget puts on businesses doesn’t serve to slow down that trajectory and dampen the sector’s growth opportunities.”
CWT’s military and government division, CWTSatoTravel, proudly announces the award and successful implementation of a new five-year task order by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to manage travel services for the U.S. Army OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States). This contract covers an estimated 163,000 air and rail transactions annually, reinforcing CWTSatoTravel’s vital role in supporting Department of Defence (DoD) traveler worldwide. Implementation began on October 15, 2024, with CWTSatoTravel continuing its service as the incumbent contractor.
With operations across 24 onsite locations in seven countries, this diverse task order supports Army travelers with official travel, leisure travel combined with official duties, standalone leisure travel at select locations, group movements, Patriot Express flights, and family and pet travel. Additionally, it handles emergency leave and crisis response. Under the new task order, CWTSatoTravel will continue to enhance its services, offering expanded travel support options via phone, email, and chat, ensuring 24/7 availability.
“We are honored to continue our long-standing relationship with the US Army, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional travel experience for soldiers and their families,” said Gregory Harkins, President of CWTSatoTravel. “This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and our ability to meet the Army’s complex travel needs, both now and in the future.”
The contract was awarded through a competitive request for quotations (RFQ) process, with CWTSatoTravel selected based upon best value to the Government after an evaluation of its technical expertise, past performance, and proposed pricing.
Romero is the latest addition to the hospitality group’s senior leadership team as it accelerates its global expansion plans. Leading global hospitality group Minor Hotels has named industry veteran Omar Romero as its Chief Development and Luxury Officer, a newly-created position, as the group continues its rapid global expansion.
In his new role, Romero will drive the global development strategy of Minor Hotels, identifying new business opportunities, overseeing the planning and execution of projects, and managing relationships with key stakeholders. He will also play a pivotal part in shaping and supporting the curation of Minor Hotels’ luxury brands, ensuring the delivery of exceptional experiences in every project. Based in Bangkok, Romero will report to Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, and work closely with Minor Hotels’ senior leadership team.
Romero brings over two decades of experience to Minor Hotels. He most recently served as Chief Development Officer at Six Senses, leading the global development team for over half his tenure. During his career, Romero spearheaded the signing of more than 50 Hotel Management Agreements and multiple branded residence projects. His extensive global expertise will drive Minor Hotels’ expansion and strengthen its prestigious footprint worldwide.
Rajakarier commented on the appointment saying, “At Minor Hotels, creating iconic destinations is at the heart of our success, especially for our experiential luxury brand, Anantara. Omar’s extensive experience in identifying exceptional locations and his dedication to building lasting partnerships make him the perfect leader to drive our global development ambitions. We are confident that with his expertise, Minor Hotels will continue expanding its footprint and creating inspiring, memorable experiences for our guests around the world.”
Romero added, “I’m thrilled to be joining Minor Hotels, an organisation that delivers exceptional value to owners, guests, investors and our team. I’m particularly excited about the potential to grow our branded residential offerings alongside our hotel and resort portfolio, a space where I’ve seen incredible opportunities for value creation. I look forward to working with the team to develop iconic destinations and build strong partnerships that will shape the future of our brands.”
Romero holds a degree from the renowned Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne and Les Roches Hotel Management School, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to his work. A true globetrotter, he thrives on finding exciting development opportunities across the globe and delivering exceptional guest experiences in every completed project.
Romero’s appointment as Minor Hotels’ Chief Development and Luxury Officer follows a string of senior hires as the hospitality group ramps up its expansion. In recent months, Puneet Dhawan joined Minor Hotels in Bangkok as Head of Asia, and the group announced the appointment of Gonzalo Aguilar to replace current Europe & Americas CEO Ramón Aragonés following his retirement in January 2025. Dhawan and Aguilar bring a wealth of experience from major hospitality players to spearhead the group’s growth in their respective regions.
Following its announcement in August that it is to establish a new Global Business Travel Advisory Board, The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced the board’s 14-strong membership.
The new board includes representatives from the world of aviation, technology, accommodation and other disciplines, who will meet quarterly to provide unparalleled insights, skills and guidance to Advantage’s Global Business Travel senior leadership team, helping drive forward at pace its ambitious growth strategy and enhance support for members and partners.
Curated to bring together subject matter experts from across the global business travel industry, the new board will be tasked with supporting Advantage’s Global Business Travel’s ambitious goals and strategic direction, whilst elevating Advantage’s profile across the global business travel landscape as part of the evolution of its One-Stop Business Hub approach.
Andrea Caulfield-Smith, Managing Director, Advantage Global Business Travel and Chair of the Advisory Board said: “We’re proud to announce this incredible selection of key figures from across the business travel industry to form our Global Business Travel Advisory Board. Between them, they will be able to bring proven expertise and valuable strategic insights into all aspects of global business travel and help support the strategic development of our business, as well as help us remain laser focused on supporting our key objectives of sustained growth and ambitious plans for new product development for all our stakeholders.
It is vital for us to remain agile in a rapidly evolving industry and we are continually looking to identify opportunities to help our stakeholders further succeed. This is the latest step as part of our strategic plan to drive a complete One-Stop Business Hub approach and we are looking forward to working together with the new advisory board to take bold steps and drive positive disruption in the business travel sector.”
This new Advisory Board for Advantage’s Global Business Travel division is the first step in creating a new dynamic approach to all Advantage’s steering groups, which currently operate across the organisation, and seek to deliver a clear approach to delivering robust engagement activity in supporting its overall strategic activity with all its stakeholders.
The Global Business Travel Advisory Board includes:
Ashley Bowling – Vice President of Commercial Solutions Business Development, Europe, Mastercard
Ashley Bowling has over 20 years’ experience in the Commercial Payments industry having worked across the T&E, B2B, and Cross Border Payments segments.
Clive Wratten – CEO, The Business Travel Association
With over 40 years in travel, Clive Wratten has led industry advocacy, notably during Covid-19, and held leadership roles at Etihad, Gulf Air, and Amber Road.
Craig Burdett – Director of Operations, Media Flights
At Media Flights, Craig Burdett specialises in overseeing travel for productions and media companies.
David Oppenheim – Director of Global Sales, British Airways
David Oppenheim’s team at British Airways is responsible for managing strong and successful relationships with agency and corporate partners worldwide.
Diogo Carvalho – Managing Partner, Travelcare
Diogo Carvalho is a key figure at Portuguese TMC Travelcare, which is also a representative of the Advantage Global Network, where he has worked for 10 years. He holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Commercial Management.
James Beagrie – Managing Director, Meon Valley Travel
James Beagrie is the antithesis of corporate blandness; he is a specially driven individual and profoundly knowledgeable on business travel.
Jeanette Harper – Senior Director – International Travel and Partnerships, Avis Budget Group
With over 15 years at Avis Budget Group, Jeanette Harper is responsible for driving sales and marketing strategies across the travel sector, including airlines, OTAs, TMCs, leisure accounts, financial card partners and loyalty partners.
Kim Renouf – Commercial Solutions and Business Development Director, Continental Travel
Kim Renouf has over 25 years of corporate travel experience in various roles from agent to customer success manager with experience in operations and personnel.
Jo Layton – CEO/Founder, CAP Worldwide
Jo Layton has extensive accommodation experience and a passion for ESG. Her career spans over 30 years in hospitality holding senior roles in Marriott, IHG and across the global extended-stay sector.
Matt Masson – CEO, CT Partners
Matt Masson brings 20 years of management experience in travel businesses across APAC. Currently he is the CEO of CT Partners, Australia’s largest network of independent TMCs.
Michael E White Duarte, Vice President of Global Sales & Member Experience, Hickory Global Partners
Michael E White Duarte drives growth through strategic leadership and client success. With over 35 years in the travel industry, Michael has held leadership positions at American Express Global Business Travel, Air France, Northwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, giving him a broad, global perspective on sales and client success
Paul Cronje – Managing Director, Clyde Travel Management
Paul Cronje has been the Managing Director of marine and energy specialist, Clyde Travel Management, since 2017, and is a council member of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association.
Simon Ferguson – Senior Vice President, Modaxo
Simon Ferguson has over 20 years leadership experience in the travel and technology sectors and currently works at Modaxo, a global provider of technology to public/private transportation and aviation sectors.
Suzanne Horner – CEO, Gray Dawes Travel
Approaching 40 years in the industry, with a career that spans retail, Leisure, Technology and Corporate Travel. Suzanne is the leader of one of the fastest-growing independent TMCs in the UK and has built a solid Global footprint.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland has awarded VFS Global the global tender to provide visa services and Resident Permit Services in 32 countries including India.
VFS Global has worked with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland since 2010 and under the new agreement will continue to provide Schengen short terms visa services and Residence permit services including biometric enrolment in 32 countries (including India) across 10 regions.
Since 2010, VFS Global has handled more than 8.5 million visa applications on behalf of the Government of Finland.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland said: “We anticipate a seamless and professional collaboration with VFS Global. In our tender, we especially highlighted the global coverage of the outsourced services, quality of biometrics and technical capacity, quality control, risk management and customer service. The external service provider receives applications, collects biometric data and application fees and forwards them to the missions. It does not make visa decisions. Visa decisions continue to be the responsibility of Foreign Ministry officials.”
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said: “VFS Global is delighted that we will continue to serve the Government of Finland as their trusted service provider. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and welcome the opportunity to renew our services. We look forward to offering visa applicants best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process across 10 regions globally.”
Global B2B travel technologies firm HBX Group announced the promotion of three senior executives to new strategic roles within its sales and sourcing teams.
Deputy CEO and chief commercial officer Carlos Muñoz said of these recent appointments: “These promotions mark an exciting chapter for HBX Group as we continue to evolve and strengthen our position in the market.”
Who’s who, who’s new?
Pippa Williamson was appointed senior vice-president for global sales. Based in Hong Kong, Pippa will lead HBX Group’s global sales team, driving strategic initiatives to align the company’s sales operations across key markets. Having previously held the position of Vice President Commercial for APAC, Pippa has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth across the region.
Andrew Boocock, based in Australia, steps into the role of vice-president for MEAPAC sales, where he will lead sales teams across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Australia. Reporting directly to Pippa, he will focus on strengthening HBX Group’s market position and fostering growth in these strategic regions.
Patrick Torres, also based in Hong Kong, has taken in the role of VP MEAPAC Sourcing. Reporting to Paul Anthony, SVP Sourcing Global at HBX Group, Patrick will play a key role in expanding the company’s sourcing capabilities, leading the development and management of supplier relationships across the region.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global passenger demand for the period ending 30th September 2024.
According to IATA director-general Willie Walsh, this year’s peak travel season ended with demand at an all-time high. This is good news not just for passengers but also for the global economy. Every flight creates more jobs and trade.
Walsh warned, however, that the current air travel success story is bringing challenges.
He said: “We will soon face a capacity crunch in some regions which threatens to curtail these economic and social benefits. Government’s will face a choice: lose out to more dynamic nations who value global connectivity, or forge a consensus for sustainable growth. Airlines are making significant investments to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That needs to be accompanied by an equally active political vision, backed-up by actions, to ensure we have efficient and sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity to meet the needs of citizens and businesses to travel.”
Highlights from September 2024
IATA reported that total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up by 7.1 percent compared to September 2023, an all-time high for September.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 5.8 percent year-on-year.
Likewise, the September load factor was 83.6 percent, +1.0ppt compared to September 2023.
International demand increased by 9.2 percent compared to September 2023. Capacity was up 9.1 percent year-on-year and the load factor rose to 83.8 percent, +0.1ppt compared to September 2023.
On the other hand, domestic demand rose by 3.7 percent compared to September 2023. Capacity was up 0.7 percent year-on-year and the load factor was 83.3 percent, +2.4ppt compared to September 2023.
Regional breakdown for September 2024
All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in September 2024 compared to September 2023, though load factor was a mixed bag.
Europe had the highest load factors, and Asia and African carriers also improved, but the Americas and the Middle East suffered falls.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved an 18.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 17.7 percent year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6 percent, +0.5ppt compared to September 2023.
European carriers saw a 7.6 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.4 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.9 percent, +0.2ppt compared to September 2023.
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 4.4 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.6 percent year-on-year and the load factor was 81.4 percent, -0.1ppt compared to September 2023.
North American carriers saw a 0.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 1.9 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.4 percent, -1.1 ppt compared to September 2023.
Latin American airlines saw a 12.4 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 13.9 percent year-on-year. The load factor was 84.3 percent, -1.1ppt compared to September 2023.
African airlines saw an 11.9 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.6 percent year-on-year. The load factor rose to 76.0 percent, +3.6ppt compared to September 2023.
