The post Tourism Cares hosts its 2024 Meaningful Travel Summit with the Willamette Valley from 30 Sept to 2 Oct appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Cares, a non-profit advancing sustainability within the travel industry, will launch its 2024 North  American Meaningful Travel Summit in partnership with the Willamette Valley Visitors  Association on  30 September  –  2October.  The Summit, held in Eugene, Oregon,  focuses on uniting, inspiring, and activating the industry around best practices in sustainable tourism and meaningful travel by growing partnerships, building relationships, and highlighting Willamette Valley’s leadership in responsible travel. 

More than 150 professionals from across the travel industry will gather at this sold out program to explore how meaningful travel can drive local impact and enhance the visitor experience. This year’s Summit will focus on inclusion and accessibility in travel, agritourism, and community-based tourism, showcasing local organizations,  non-profits, and businesses who are making a positive difference in their communities through travel and tourism. The objectives for this year’s North  American Meaningful Travel Summit include:  

• Connecting professionals to vetted non-profits and social enterprises for  product development 

• Facilitating cross-sector networking opportunities to build partnerships

• Providing actionable best practices in destination stewardship and  community tourism 

• Inspiring collective action through the commitments made by Summit  attendees  

“Tourism Cares’ North American Meaningful Travel Summit is a travel conference unlike any other as it brings together travel professionals across all sectors to collectively work together and explore how we can contribute to positive social,  environmental, and economic impact through tourism,” shares Greg Takehara, CEO  of Tourism Cares. “Our programming is designed to tackle global issues through a local lens, providing attendees with practical strategies and tactics around sustainable tourism. The Willamette Valley is an exemplary model of how tourism  can be a force for good, and we are excited to inspire our attendees to create similar  impact-driven programs in their own regions.” 

At the core of the Summit is a comprehensive educational program, featuring local community voices and industry leaders. These experts will share insights on topics such as regenerative tourism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and sustainable business models and partnerships. Key educational sessions will include agritourism  and rural community empowerment; understanding disability inclusion in travel; and building sustainable and meaningful partnerships. 

Participants will also engage in immersive tours showcasing the Willamette Valley’s commitment to sustainable tourism, providing firsthand insight into meaningful travel’s positive impact on the environment and local communities. 

“The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region offers Oregon’s greatest outdoor adventures in easy-to-reach, uncrowded places,” noted Andy Vobora, Travel Lane County’s Vice  President of Stakeholder Relations. “Three strategic pillars guide our efforts to promote leisure travel, sports, and conventions – sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. We could not be more thrilled to host the Tourism Cares’ North American  Meaningful Travel Summit and have attendees experience everything we have to  offer here in the Southern Willamette Valley.”  

As part of Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Program, the Willamette Valley launched its Meaningful Travel Map, an interactive tool for the travel trade that showcases vetted, sustainable, community-led enterprises, products, services,  accommodations, and tours. The Meaningful Travel Map of the Willamette Valley includes 20 local organizations from across the region that are working to promote environmental conservation, sustainable farming and winemaking, cultural heritage,  and regenerative practices. To further build connections with the travel trade and these local impact partners, Summit attendees will engage with several of the Map’s  Impact Partners through immersive tours and experiences, including: Antiquum  Farm, Camas Country Mill, 20X21 Mural Project, First Nature Tours, Jordan Schnitzer  Museum of Art, King Estate Winery, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Oregon  Black Pioneers, and Strides for Social Justice. 

“The Willamette Valley is fortunate to have forward-thinking leaders in regenerative and sustainable travel, and our organization is honored to share their stories,  showcasing what makes each one unique,” says Jessy Fabrizio-Stover, Destination  Development Manager for the Willamette Valley Visitors Association. “We are proud  to have this opportunity to offer memorable, hands-on experiences at our diverse  farms and storied cultural and heritage sites with community leaders throughout the  Willamette Valley.” 

To further support local impact-driven organizations in the Willamette Valley,  Tourism Cares has invested $15,000 in grant funding to INSPIRE Culinary Academy, a program dedicated to equipping low-income, disenfranchised youth (ages 16-24)  with essential culinary, nutrition, safety and sanitation, and employability skills. This initiative provides participants with a pathway to a sustainable career, offering them the opportunity to earn a living wage and achieve financial independence. 

The Tourism Cares North American Meaningful Travel Summit with the Willamette  Valley is made possible through the support of the program’s hosts and sponsors:  the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, Travel Lane County, American Society of  

Travel Advisors (ASTA), Expedia Group, Destination Greater Victoria, International  Inbound Travel Association (IITA), Experience Kissimmee, MMGY Global, Rocky  Mountaineer, Simpleview, Travel Oregon, Trip Mate, Brand USA, 4VI Social Enterprise 

Tourism Cares is thrilled to announce that Thailand will be the host destination for the 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit. In partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2025.

 

 

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The post Chinese travellers get cost-conscious for Golden Week appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Chinese government notes that the Golden Week holiday which began today, 1st October, may not necessarily mean more spending on the part of those travelling both in and out of the country.

Given China’s current economic slowdown and historically low consumer confidence, many people will be taking longer trips for the holiday but mean to stay within their set budgets.

As a result, most have opted for less expensive domestic trips or have flown to closer overseas destinations. The latter is the result of a recent drop in airfare among a number of airlines.

Traditionally, Golden Week is when travel in China hits its peak, with nationals booking overseas trips for the long holiday. However, authorities forecast a modest increase of around 0.7 percent year-on-year in terms of the daily average number of trips handled by the transportation sector.

Staying longer

According to travel platform Flight Master, domestic air ticket prices in China were noted to be 21 percent cheaper than the same period last year, while international economy class airfares were around 25 percent lower than 2023 and 7 percent lower than 2019.

Likewise, many Chinese still prefer closer Asian destinations for the holiday, specifically Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.

Chinese online travel agency Trip.com also noted that those opting for long-haul flights to destinations in Oceania and Europe are getting more for their money through longer stays.

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The post Uber launches Earthshot Prize partnership with international ENSO deal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Uber has launched a strategic partnership with The Earthshot Prize Finalist, ENSO to roll out their range-extending and low-emission electric vehicle (EV) tires across the UK and USA. Uber has launched a strategic partnership with Earthshot Prize Finalist, ENSO to roll out its energy-efficient and low-emission EV tires across the UK and USA. The partnership is designed to support the tire technology company to grow internationally.

Earthshot Prize Finalist, ENSO is a London-born tire technology company that makes high-performance EV tires that extend EV range and reduce tire pollution. As part of this three year strategic partnership, Uber and ENSO will offer thousands of drivers in the UK and USA access to specially discounted ENSO tires via a dedicated Buyer’s Club. 

London is Uber’s capital of electrification globally where almost 30% of Uber’s miles are now fully electric. The company has built up a £145 million Clean Air Fund to help drivers go electric in the city. Uber is the most widely available on-demand EV network in the world, providing millions of zero-emissions trips every month. 

ENSO announced earlier this year that it is developing a $500 million carbon-neutral tire factory in the United States as part of its expansion. ENSO’s U.S. factory will be operational by 2027, directly employ over 600 people and produce more than five million EV tires per year. 

The strategic partnership with ENSO is the first Uber has struck with an Earthshot Prize Finalist and part of a wider partnership with The Earthshot Prize, founded by HRH Prince William. As a new Founding Partner, Uber will nominate climate solution start-ups for The Earthshot Prize, an annual award worth £1 million given to five innovative climate solutions. Finalists will also receive mentorship and support from Uber engineers, as well as partnership opportunities.

This partnership with ENSO comes ahead of Uber’s second-annual climate event in London, GO-GET Zero, taking place on 8th October where Uber will introduce new features that make sustainable choices easier for drivers, consumers, and merchants.

Jill Hazelbaker, CMO and SVP, Communications & Public Policy at Uber, said: “Innovation is in Uber’s DNA and much more is needed to tackle the climate crisis. That’s why we’re partnering with The Earthshot Prize to offer Uber’s platform as a launchpad for groundbreaking solutions globally – especially those working to accelerate an all-electric future for our planet. We’re thrilled to work with ENSO to help them grow while making it easier for Uber drivers to go electric around the world.” 

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, Founder and CEO of ENSO, said: “The world needs electric vehicles. They help combat climate change and eliminate harmful tailpipe pollution. ENSO’s mission is to make EVs more successful, by extending their range while reducing the pollution from their tires. Our goal is to provide EV drivers with more affordable, energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and ultimately carbon-neutral tires. This helps Uber drivers save costs and earn more revenue every mile, all while reducing the impact of tires on the environment.”

Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, said: “The Earthshot Prize spotlights climate solutions from around the world, helping speed them to scale to reach their potential and create true impact.  We are proud that the partnership between Uber and 2023 Earthshot Finalist ENSO, with its groundbreaking solution in the transportation space, provides  a perfect example of how the Prize can use its convening power to connect businesses with innovators to find new ways to address the challenges we collectively face.”

Uber is working to become a zero-emissions mobility platform globally by 2040 and in North America and Europe by 2030. Low and zero-emissions options are now available in more than 200 cities. EV rideshare drivers also deliver up to four times the emissions savings that a regular driver would.

 

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The post Budapest Airport strengthens Copenhagen connection appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Budapest Airport, operated by VINCI Airports, has announced a significant enhancement to its Scandinavian flight offerings with the return of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) to its roster for Summer 2025. Starting 3 April 2025, SAS will launch a four-times weekly direct service connecting Budapest to Copenhagen, further strengthening ties between the Hungarian and Danish capitals. This route will be operated using the airline’s state-of-the-art A320 Neo fleet, flying the 1,105-kilometer sector.

This new route marks a key addition to the airport’s existing services to Copenhagen, which are currently operated by Norwegian, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. SAS’ arrival will immediately claim a 16% share of the weekly flights to the Danish capital, adding significant capacity to this popular route. By the second week of April 2025, Budapest Airport’s one-way seat capacity to Copenhagen will exceed 4,300 weekly seats (based on OAG Analyser data for the week commencing April 7, 2025).

“We are excited to welcome SAS back to Budapest Airport and expand the airport’s connection to Copenhagen,” said Máté Ritter, Head of Airline Development of Budapest Airport. “The demand for travel between Budapest and the Danish capital continues to grow, and the return of SAS will allow us to better meet this need while enhancing our overall connectivity to Scandinavia. We look forward to the long-term success of this route and building upon the positive momentum we’ve seen in our Scandinavian offerings.”

With SAS joining the ranks, Budapest will now have five airlines offering scheduled flights to various destinations in Denmark and across the Nordic region. In addition to Copenhagen, passengers can access direct flights to Billund, Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Gothenburg, offering extensive coverage of Northern Europe. This bolstered connectivity will see Budapest offering close to 300,000 departing seats to Nordic destinations during the Summer 2025 season, reflecting the growing importance of the region as a key market for both leisure and business travellers.

The return of SAS not only underscores the airline’s confidence in the Budapest-Copenhagen route but also highlights Budapest’s strategic commitment to expanding its international reach, particularly in the fast-growing Scandinavian market. With enhanced capacity, more flight options, and the arrival of established Scandinavian carrier, the airport is set to offer even greater flexibility and convenience for travellers seeking to explore Copenhagen and beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Two US destinations implement cruise passenger fees appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Two ports in the United States are slated to charge modified cruise passenger fees beginning in 2025.

Catalina Island in California will increase its current $5 fee per passenger to $7.50 beginning 1st January 2026. 

According to the Avalon City Council which oversees the port in Catalina, funds raised through the charging of modified fees will be used to maintain existing facilities and pay for necessary improvements. The Council expects to raise an additional $900,000 per year thanks to the adjustment.

Likewise, the Council ended a programme wherein 50 percent of fees collected for a second ship visiting the island at least 50 times a year would be returned to its cruise line. This is due to the fact that no cruise line has qualified for a refund since 2019.

Up in Haines

Meanwhile, the Alaskan port of Haines plans to introduce its first ever cruise passenger fees in 2025 and may incrementally raise it well into 2029.

While the port is one of Alaska’s less popular destinations, the Haines Assembly will charge $9 per passenger beginning in 2025. Over time, it will be raised to $12 by 2027, then to $13 come 2029.

While the Assembly has not specified what earnings from those fees will be used for, federal law requires any income to be used for maintenance and improvements to aid those travelling on cruise ships.

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The post ATIA lauds Qatar Airways’ investment into Virgin Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) extended appreciative comments regarding Qatar Airways’ impending investment into Virgin Australia.

Association officials remarked that, if approved, Qatar Airways’s investment in Virgin Australia will translate into a more competitive Australian aviation sector, as well as improved connectivity for Australian passengers.

Qatar Airways’ proposed acquisition of a 25 percent minority stake from Bain Capital is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

If approved, it’s expected to enable the launch of flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney to Doha, meaning more connectivity on itineraries to Europe and other key destinations from 2025.

A boon for Australian passengers

According to ATIA’s acting chief executive Ingrid Fraser this investment will lead to the creation of over 100 new connecting itineraries to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This will ultimately mean more travel options and more competition in the air, all of which will prove a boon for travellers.

Fraser said: “We expect the planes to take to the sky from mid-2025. While the Government must carry out the necessary checks, we urge them to do so expediently to ensure that any benefits of increased competition and connectivity are realised as soon as possible.”

She added that such investments are a strong sign of confidence in the recovery and future growth of the Australian travel sector. Fraser likewise expressed optimism that this will provide Virgin Australia with a runway towards long-term sustainable ownership and an anticipated return to public listing.

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The post Cebu Pacific receives its 11th aircraft for 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cebu Pacific received its 11th aircraft for this year in line with its ongoing commitment to expand its network and provide accessible air travel for Filipinos.

The fuel-efficient 180-seater Airbus A320neo flew into Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last month, bringing the airline’s A320 component to 40 aircraft.

Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said:  “We’re thrilled to welcome another aircraft to our growing fleet. This delivery supports our commitment to making air travel more accessible and can help us serve upcoming route launches in October, including Davao to Puerto Princesa and Hong Kong.”

Airbus NEO aircraft are currently among the most fuel-efficient in the world, burning 15 percent less fuel per flight and the engines are significantly quieter. This reduced fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions.

While Cebu Pacific is currently one of the world’s youngest airlines, it boasts of a diverse commercial fleet. Aside from its A320s, this also includes nine Airbus A330s, 22 Airbus A321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft.

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