The post Avianca unveils nonstop Chicago-Bogotá route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Avianca began its operation of the route that will connect directly Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Bogotá, Colombia’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG). With this new route, the airline aims to continue contributing to the connectivity between the U.S. Midwest and Colombia, providing travelers with more convenient access to South America.

The return of this route will strengthen connectivity across the Americas, allowing millions of travelers in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean to connect to the Windy City through Bogotá.

“Avianca is committed to providing new and exciting travel opportunities for our customers. The new Chicago to Bogotá route is an important part of our mission to enhance connectivity between major cities in the U.S. and Latin America,” said Rolando Damas, Sales Director for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean for Avianca. “We’re delighted to introduce this new route, offering our passengers more options for seamless, convenient, and cost-effective flights.”

To make the inaugural flight a truly memorable experience, the airline surprised travelers with 15 ‘Golden Tickets’, each valid for a dinner for two at El Chato, the restaurant of chef Álvaro Clavijo, renowned for designing the Business Class menus on Avianca flights from Bogotá to selected destinations in the Americas and Europe.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Avianca’s route between Chicago and Bogotá, further fortifying the bond between Colombia and the United States. This connection enhances the exchange of travelers for both business and leisure, making it easier than ever for U.S. visitors to experience the beauty and diversity Colombia has to offer. As our top source of international travelers, the U.S. plays a vital role in the growth of Colombian tourism. This route not only strengthens our tourism industry but also solidifies Colombia’s position as the premier destination for U.S. travelers in South America. We look forward to welcoming more Americans to explore the meaningful experiences that our country has to offer”, said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia.

“On behalf of Mayor Brandon Johnson, I am thrilled to welcome Avianca’s new service between Chicago and Bogotá, which strengthens Chicago’s position as a key hub connecting North and South America,” said Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). “This new route offers Chicago travelers even more convenient options to explore Colombia and beyond, while also supporting economic and cultural ties between our two regions. We look forward to a successful partnership with Avianca as we continue to enhance global connectivity at O’Hare International Airport”.

More than 13 destinations to fly to North America:

Chicago is the 13th city Avianca will fly to in North America, joining a network of destinations that connect its travelers to Washington, Boston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, Ontario, San Francisco and, from now on, with Chicago.

Currently, Avianca’s customers have access to a network of 150 routes connecting 75 destinations in 25 countries across the Americas and Europe.

 

 

 

 

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The post Leeds Bradford airport celebrates first flight of new easyJet route to Paris appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The first flight of the new easyJet route to Paris from Leeds Bradford Airport took to the skies on Monday 28 October, as the airport celebrated the latest destination available this winter.

Following the success of the easyJet route to Belfast which has been running since 2021 and while eagerly awaiting the new Geneva connection which will begin in January 2025, easyJet has begun a new service from Leeds Bradford to Paris. Flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays throughout winter until the end of March, offering travellers the chance to experience everything Paris has to offer, from Disneyland to the Moulin Rouge – all from the convenience of Leeds Bradford Airport.

On Mondays, the flight to Paris from Leeds Bradford will depart at 14:10, perfect for those business trips or week-long getaways. While on Fridays, in time for a long weekend in the French capital, it will take-off at 12:40.

Winter is a fantastic time to visit Paris, with plenty of attractions and things to do, from festive Christmas markets, Parisian cafes, and classic monuments. With school holidays across Christmas and in February, it’s also the perfect opportunity to visit Mickey Mouse and Co with a family trip to Disneyland.

Tom Holdsworth, Leeds Bradford’s Aviation Development Manager, said: “We’re thrilled that easyJet has introduced this new route, linking passengers from Yorkshire to the heart of France. Paris is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with something for everyone. So, it’s exciting to see the first flight of many depart.”

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, added: “It’s great to see our fantastic new service from Leeds Bradford Airport to the French capital this winter, taking off for the first time.

“Now we can offer our customers in the region even more choice and connectivity whether they are travelling for leisure to enjoy a cultural city break, or for business. And with fares available from just £23.99 there is fantastic value on offer for everyone.”

Package holiday provider easyJet holidays also has a vast range of getaways available, with holidays available to over 150 hotels. Customers can book now right up until 31^st March 2026 from Leeds Bradford to Paris. From the 4* Dream Castle Paris offering the perfect family getaway, to the 3* Le Royal Rive Gauche in the heart of the city centre, close to several of Paris’ key historic attractions – there’s something for all.

 

 

 

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The post NC500 launches visitor pledge to drive Responsible Tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

North Coast 500 Ltd, the body responsible for the promotion and marketing of the 516 mile loop in the Scottish Highlands, has introduced a new Visitor Pledge aimed at encouraging responsible tourism on one of the world’s most iconic coastal driving routes.

The new pledge, developed in consultation with residents and businesses along the route, invites visitors to commit to respectful and sustainable tourism during their visit, addressing the growing challenges facing local communities as a result of increased visitor numbers.

The initiative will ask visitors to leave no trace by disposing of waste responsibly, park only in dedicated parking areas during the day and overnight and to prioritise shopping in local businesses alongside a list of other positive commitments.

The pledge is supported by a dedicated digital platform to boost engagement, offering tourists educational resources to help them explore the Scottish Highlands while preserving its natural beauty. It will be marketed extensively through PR, owned channels and advertising and additionally,  engagement is underway with motorhome rental companies and local businesses to maximise the pledge’s reach and ensure it resonates with as many visitors of route as possible.

David Hughes, Chair of North Coast 500 Ltd said: “The North Coast 500 is an iconic route that showcases the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty, but with that privilege comes responsibility. Although we don’t have authority to impose enforced tourism taxes, the Visitor Pledge is our way of ensuring that everyone who visits this unique region understands their role in protecting it for now and for future generations.

“We’ve all seen an increase in visitor numbers over the last few years and it’s important not to downplay the importance these visitors have on the local economy. We can’t control important infrastructure which supports the tourism industry, such as signage, rubbish/disposal facilities and parking, however, by asking visitors to sign the pledge, we are asking tourists to be part of the solution, helping us maintain the North Highlands’ natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.”

Part of a broader strategy to preserve the North Coast route, the pledge underscores the organisation’s commitment to placing local communities, the environment, and heritage at the heart of all of its operations. The initiative emphasises long term sustainability as tourism continues to grow and is designed to foster a positive relationship between tourists and residents.

Ewan Chisholm of The Highland Larder, a local business in Dornoch, said:

“Keeping the Highlands pristine for locals and visitors really matters, and it’s especially important to me and my business as we are right next to Dornoch Beach. The majority of visitors really want to be respectful, and we know that education and encouragement helps in guiding mindful behaviour. It’s great to see NC500 Ltd taking action and this Visitor Pledge initiative sounds like just the ticket. I’ll certainly be encouraging my customers to sign up.”

 

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The post FLY91 announces daily direct flights between Pune – Goa, Pune – Jalgaon appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The introduction of daily direct flights will enhance connectivity to and from the regional hub of Pune, in Maharashtra.

With an eye on the rise in travel activities around the festive season of Diwali, FLY91, India’s pure play regional airline, has announced direct daily flights connecting Pune-Goa and Pune-Jalgaon from October 27 onwards, significantly enhancing regional connectivity on the two routes.

The introduction of daily flights on the two routes will not only enhance connectivity to Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, a centre for IT and ITES services and an education hub, but will also offer convenient direct outbound air-travel options for Pune-based residents.

The Pune-Goa route will facilitate ease of travel for students, leisure seekers and promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism in Goa, a leading holiday destination.

The Pune-Jalgaon route will increase business and student travel,  along with leisure traffic drawn to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, UNESCO-endorsed world heritage sites in Jalgaon.

Diwali, one of the most popular festivals in Maharashtra, witnesses a bump in travel activity on account of people utilising the holiday to travel back to their ancestral homes for celebrations with family or to plan vacations. Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of five-day Diwali festivities, has been scheduled for the end of the month.

“The commencement of daily flights along the Pune-Goa-Pune and Pune-Jalgaon-Pune routes signifies FLY91’s commitment to improve regional connectivity between tier 2 & tier 3 cities across the nation. Better connectivity will usher trade & economic  development and prosperity to these underserved regions,” said Manoj Chacko, CEO and Managing Director FLY91.

In addition to the above routes, FLY91 will continue to ply its aircraft on the Pune – Sindhudurg route, twice a week.

Based out of Manohar International Airport, Goa, FLY91 currently connects regional centres such as Pune, Jalgaon and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, as well as Agatti in Lakshadweep and cities like  Hyderabad.

Flight Schedule:

Origin	Destination	Dep.	Arr.	Days
Pune	Goa	11:55	13:20	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri
Pune	Goa	10:50	12:10	Sat, Sun
Goa	Pune	10:20	11:35	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri
Goa	Pune	06:05	07:20	Sat, Sun
Pune	Jalgaon	15:50	17:15	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sun
Pune	Jalgaon	16:45	18:05	Sat
Jalgaon	Pune	14:10	15:30	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sun
Jalgaon	Pune	14:50	16:15	Sat
Pune	Sindhudurg	07:50	08:55	Sat, Sun
Sindhudurg	Pune	09:15	10:25	Sat, Sun

 

 

 

 

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The post IATA urges Thailand to strengthen foundations of its aviation sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged Thailand to strengthen the foundations of its aviation sector as it emerges from the impact of COVID-19.

Thailand’s passenger numbers are expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 3.88% between 2024 and 2043.

The call was made during the ongoing IATA World Financial Symposium and World Passenger Symposium 2024 in Bangkok.

IATA regional vice-president (ad interim) for North Asia and the Asia Pacific Xie Xingquan declared: “Thailand’s aviation potential is bright. Already demand has reached 88 percent of 2019 levels and we can expect the start of real growth from 2025. With world-class tourism assets and a growing regional business sector, Thailand is well positioned to become a top 15 global market for aviation in the next two decades.”

A need for urgent measures

Xie urged the government and authorities to take steps to further strengthen Thailand’s aviation sector to maximise the benefits that aviation can catalyse across the Thai economy.

Xie said: “With 84 percent of tourists to Thailand arriving by air (pre-COVID), the importance of aviation to this key economic sector is clear. Nurturing tourism should be a priority. A low tax burden is key to securing Thailand’s leading position in Asia in the tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sectors and to strengthening the Bangkok hub. Instead of considering, again, the introduction of a tourism tax, which can have a dampening effect on passenger demand, the government should look at ways to grow the sector with lower costs.”

Along with avoiding any increase to aviation’s tax burden, Xie highlighted infrastructure, digitalization and sustainability as key focus areas.

Key points for consideration

Infrastructure: The upgrading and expansion plans at Suvarnabhumi Airport are critical in ensuring the airport infrastructure is able to support the anticipated growth in air travel.

According to Xie: “A revised masterplan for Thailand’s airport capacity is critical to delivering the economic benefits of aviation. This effort can be maximised with customer input. Consultation with airlines will ensure alignment with market developments for the timely delivery of functional and cost-effective infrastructure.”

Digitalisation: Thailand is also investing in technology and automation to improve passenger processes throughout the airport, including automated border control gates.

Xie said of this: “The efforts to improve the passenger experience with technology will deliver their best if they are aligned with global initiatives to modernise processes. These include adoption of One ID standards to implement digital identity in the passenger journey and One Record to streamline cargo processes.”

Sustainability: Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is currently working on the draft National Oil Plan 2024.

According to Xie: “As [the aviation sector] decarbonises, there is a golden opportunity for Thailand to reap the economic benefits of establishing a successful Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.  While the government explores policies to support SAF production, it needs to keep in mind that airlines can only purchase SAF if it is available on the market. There needs to be sufficient SAF supply before any mandate is introduced, with flexibility across the entire mandate period. Airlines must not be penalised if national targets for production are not met.”

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The post Hotel101 Global app hits 500,000 registered users milestone appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

DoubleDragon Corporation in the Philippines announced that its hospitality subsidiary Hotel101 Global achieved the milestone of exceeding 500,000 registered users on its Hotel101 Global mobile application. 

The company hopes to hit its next milestone of 1 million registered users by the end of 2024.

According to DoubleDragon chair Edgar Injap Sia III, the primary goal is for the application to have over 1 million registered users in every country where Hotel101 operates. 

Sia said: “By next year we intend to complete Hotel101-Madrid and we would start to build up app users towards another 1 million from the citizens of Spain, to be followed by another million users from Japan in 2026 then United States, and eventually a million each from the citizens of  United Kingdom, UAE, India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Mexico, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Turkey, Italy, Germany, France, and Saudi Arabia.”

Likewise, the app’s self check-in capabilities will provide Hotel101 customers with seamless hotel experience starting from the time they book their rooms, to check in, all the way through to check out and settling the bill all on the app.

That said, the Hotel101 Global app is expected to become the most efficient and easiest to use hospitality application globally. 

Hotel101 Global CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini remarked: “The Hotel101 Global Hotel chain seeks to delight its customers by providing them with a completely predictable and consistent one room concept anywhere it locates around the world.”

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The post How IATA Easy Pay helps agents with their work appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Fast and secure payment or payment remittance services are among the things today’s travel agents need for their work, and IATA Easy Pay is one of the leading services in the field.

The International Air Travel Association (IATA) Easy Pay application is a “pay as you go” e-wallet solution for agents to issue tickets via IATA’s billing and settlement plan (BSP). 

IATA Easy Pay is a closed-loop and proprietary payment system, making it safe and secure with every transaction.

This proprietary system was developed by IATA by Edenred Corporate Payment.

Who’s currently using IATA Easy Pay?

Based on current figures, IATA Easy Pay is being used by more than 100 airlines in over 70 countries worldwide.

Among those currently using the system are Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, and United.

Since the technology’s launch in 2018, IATA EasyPay enables IATA-accredited travel agents to set-up and fund a dedicated prepaid eWallet, which can be used to pay for airline tickets through the BSP.

Funds are secured at the time of ticket issuance in the GDS, then settled by Edenred from the travel agent eWallet to IATA’s BSP.

What are the benefits of using IATA Easy Pay?

• IATA Easy Pay is Voluntary: The method is available to all agents, but it will be up to each agent to decide whether or not to use it. It is not intended to replace existing payment methods;
• IATA Easy Pay is Secure: To use IATA Easy Pay, agents must fund their IATA Easy Pay account. At the time of ticket issuance, the IATA Easy Pay system will first verify that funds are available in the account. If yes, the system will generate an authorization and the related funds will be blocked. For airlines there is no risk of chargebacks. Agents will nonetheless be able to void and refund their IATA Easy Pay transactions as per usual through the BSP;
• IATA Easy Pay is Fast: IATA settles IATA Easy Pay amounts to the airlines on a daily basis, using the existing BSP processes, with monies reaching the airlines 48 to 96 hours following ticket issuance;
• IATA Easy Pay is Economical: With a low cost per transaction, IATA Easy Pay is more cost effective for airlines than credit card transactions; and
• IATA Easy Pay is Flexible: As a secure form of payment, IATA Easy Pay transactions are not part of an Agent’s cash sales at risk. This allows Agents a means to lower their financial security amounts with IATA, and to issue transactions which are not included in their cash issuance capacity.

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The post IWTA speaks with Putu Seruni Pratiwi Sudiharta, Operation and Reservation Leader DISCOVA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

IWTA Chairwomen Michaela Connor speaks with Putu Seruni Pratiwi Sudiharta, Operation and Reservation Leader at DISCOVA

 

 

 

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