The post AIDA Cruises continues tests on biofuels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AIDA Cruises continues to perform tests using biofuels to evaluate their feasibility for regular ship operations, as well as their potential for future use. 

Most recently, the German cruise line refueled its flagship AIDAprima cruise vessel entirely with renewable Bio Marine Fuel (BMF 100) for the first time. After refueling in Rotterdam, AIDAprima will test the new biofuel during regular ship operations on upcoming voyages from Hamburg through the fjords of Norway. The fuel performance will help determine its potential for future use across the AIDA fleet.

Fully compounded from advanced feedstocks organic waste or residue, BMF 100 is completely sustainable and is supplied by VARO Energy. The use of BMF 100 in cruise operations is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85 percent compared to conventional fossil fuels.

Working to identify viable solutions

According to AIA Cruises president Felix Eichhorn, the company continues its drive to identify advanced fuels and technologies that may be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operations. 

Eichhorn said: “In our search for the fuel mix of the future, we have been gathering valuable experience through trials using various biofuels since 2022, and we continue to closely cooperate with experts from industry and science to develop new approaches to continuously reduce emissions.” 

He added that a growing supply of biofuels or similar low-carbon alternatives is necessary for a sustainable future. These essentially need to be available globally at scale and priced reasonably enough.

A long-term investment

Over the years, AIDA Cruises invested a great deal towards a sustainable future for cruising as part of its decarbonisation strategy. 

In addition to trialling biofuels, the cruise line also uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) to deliver immediate greenhouse gas emission reductions in the absence of market-ready zero-emission maritime fuels. 

The line is also expanding its use of alternative energy sources such as shore power to operate ships in port, as well as onboard batteries to store extra energy for use during peak engine operation to reduce fuel use. 

Together with various partners, the cruise company is working intensively on further solutions for using renewable and synthetic fuels.

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The post Dusit Thani Bangkok counts down to relaunch with an exclusive docuseries appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In celebration of its reopening on 27th September, the Dusit Thani Bangkok presents a new episodic documentary titled An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries.

Essentially a chronicle of the hotel’s path to redevelopment over the past five years, the series was launched with an official teaser last 3rd September. 

Running at ten episodes, the documentary highlights the new hotel’s meticulous development process, offering an intimate look at the vision and dedication passed down through generations. It will culminate in the 50-year-old hotel’s much-anticipated reopening in a new, reimagined form.

As of press time, the first episode of An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries is now available for viewing via Dusit Thani Bangkok’s official Facebook page and Dusit International’s YouTube channel. New chapters will be released every Tuesday throughout September.

The story of an icon

Dusit International vice-chairman Chanin Donavanik said: “When talking about the Dusit Thani Bangkok, many people think about my mother, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, who built the original hotel following her vision to uniquely deliver gracious Thai hospitality to the world.

Indeed, when the hotel was initially built by his mother, people questioned the strange building that was rising in the city skyline. This was because it looked neither Thai nor Western in terms of its architectural style. However, as the years passed, Dusit Thani Bangkok established its own unique identity and personality, becoming one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. 

Donavanik added: “The new Dusit Thani Bangkok continues [my mother’s] vision to create a recognised landmark in Thailand, reflecting the nation’s culture while delivering service and hospitality with true Thai heart and soul.”

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The post Cathay Pacific now offers onboard WIFI for first and business class passengers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cathay Pacific  customers travelling via first or business class may now enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi service on their flight.

This latest  enhancement the airline made to inflight customer experience is bound to keep passengers connected to colleagues or loved ones on the ground anywhere in the world. 

Cathay Pacific has provided complimentary Wi-Fi services to its first class customers since 2022. However, following successful trials on selected flights, the airline now extends the service to those travelling on business class on all  connected aircraft.

The airline also announced its plans to extend the service to Cathay Diamond members in all cabins by November of this year.

Chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau said: “At Cathay Pacific, we  are committed to investing in and further elevating the experience we provide for  our customers. With complimentary Wi-Fi now available to customers travelling in  first and business class, and coming soon to our Cathay Diamond members, they  can stay connected in the air whether travelling for business or leisure.’’

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The post Oceania Cruises reveals new value promise appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Oceania Cruises announced a new brand value promise that features an updated selection of always included amenities for all guests across the globe.

The new Your World Included value statement reinforces the cruise line’s overarching brand promise Your World, Your Way. 

Under this, all guests will now receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff automatically in their cruise fare. Previously, gratuities were included selectively as travel partner or loyalty club amenities, or offered only to guests from certain regions of the world.

Oceania president Frank A Del Rio said of the new value promise: “Oceania Cruises’ promise to show our guests Your World. Your Way has been at the heart of our business since we launched more than 20 years ago. The change has come following feedback from guests, highlighting that they would prefer that we include amenities valued by all versus amenities valued by some. It also gives us a clearly defined position in the cruise sector as the leading ultra-premium line of choice, offering outsized value to our guests.”

The updated inclusions will be offered from 1 October for all new reservations on sailings departing on or after 1 January 2025. Based on a 10-day cruise, guests will receive always included amenities valued at more than $1,800 per stateroom when compared to premium cruise lines. This figure is based on average charges made for gratuities, WiFi, non-alcoholic beverage packages, and speciality dining reservations.

Those sailing aboard Oceania Cruises may also personalise their vacation experience with extras such as air transportation and transfers, shore excursions, or a beverage package, to be added according to preference.

It should be noted, however, that Oceania’s simply MORE value offering will no longer be offered after 30th September. While guests enjoyed the simply MORE inclusions, they would rather have global guest inclusions focused on the things that matter the most. Based on guest feedback, this would be gratuities available to all guests.

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The post Club Med teams up with Mandai X to teach kids about sustainability appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Club Med teamed up with Mandai X, the growth and impact venture-building arm of Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Group, to bring the Ranger Buddies programme to Club Med Bintan to nurture  the next generation of conservation heroes.

The interactive play-based learning programme will be offered at the resort from 16 November to 5 January 2025 and will feature engaging missions and activities that blend augmented reality (AR) with real-life exploration.

Through these Ranger Buddies Missions, families with children can join Coco the Tortoise as she goes to save the threatened habitats of her ocean-dwelling cousins. In turn, these adventures serve as an eye-opener for children to the growing need to care for our natural environment.

Participants can also join Club Med’s Amazing Family programme, which offers curated family activities designed to strengthen bonds while learning about sustainability. Mini Club Med+, animated by Mini Club Med GOs, adds another layer of excitement with workshops and activities that bring the magic of conservation to life.

A learning adventure

Olivier Monceau, General Manager, Club Med Singapore and Malaysia general manager Olivier Monceau remarked that bringing Ranger Buddies to Club Med Bintan is an exciting learning experience in itself.

Monceau said: “This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering enriching and transformative experiences for families. By combining Mandai X’s commitment to empower everyone to play a part in protecting our world, with our dedication to creating the ideal environment for family vacations, this programme can help inspire children to appreciate this planet they share with nature and wildlife and be sustainability champions of tomorrow.”

Mandai X chief executive Belina Lee added: “Our partnership with Club Med allows us to bring the Ranger Buddies Missions to a new and exciting setting, where children can acquire future-ready skills, while learning about sustainability through hands-on experiences. Together, we are empowering families to make a positive impact on our planet, one mission at a time.”

The impact of the Ranger Buddies Missions extends beyond Club Med Bintan. Participants will leave the resort with a heightened awareness of sustainability and a renewed commitment to make a difference. Children can become Ranger Buddies certified by Mandai X, and families can take home a personalised digital story about precious sea turtles to preserve memories of their adventure.

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The post Global passenger demand up midway through 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A new report released by FCM Consulting shows that global passenger demand rose by 9.1 percent as of the end of the first half of this year.

The latest Global Trends Report showed how numerous factors drove incremental growth in the business travel sector. Along with strong overall global passenger demand, these factors include a need for in-person meetings, as well as the return of in-person conventions, exhibitions, and similar events.

Based on figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as of 30th June, global passenger demand rose by 9.1 percent compared to where it was in June 2023.

A passenger demand boom

International passenger demand saw the largest growth of 12.3 percent, while passenger load factors were 85 percent, an increase of 12.7 per cent year on year. 

Domestic passenger demand, on the other hand, stood at 4.3 percent. Passenger load factors were 85 percent, showing an increase of 2.1 percent year on year

According to Felicity Burke, FCM Consulting’s head in the Asia-Pacific: “Total seats offered for calendar year 2024 is up 3.04 percent from 2019 levels and up 6.15 percent from 2023. This calendar year is the new baseline for aviation growth after 2023. [Also,] 2025 airline schedules are forecast to be positive with continued increases.” 

Burke added that the forecast seats offered across the top corporate global airlines in 2024 are set to be five percent above 2019 and, in comparison, seats offered in 2023 were two percent below 2019 levels. It should also be noted that 11 of the top corporate airlines hope to exceed their 2019 levels by the end of 2024.

The accommodation scene

The report likewise stated that the hotel average room rate across the top 100 corporate cities reported by FCM Consulting’s business analytics team was US$182, a US$5 drop versus H1-2023. As reported by STR on 6 July 2024, the global hotel occupancy rates were forecast to reach 70 per cent during July.

Global hotel occupancy climbed to nearly 70 per cent by the end of H1-2024, and air travel demand grew steadily throughout the same period. As the northern hemisphere summer emerges, we forecast travel demand to grow steadily through the next quarter.

FCM Travel Southeast Asia general manager Kenji Soh added: “A year after China’s border reopening, Asia’s average room rates hold strong in the first half of 2024. Singapore remains the priciest destination for hotel stays, with rates averaging US$298, a 27 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2024; followed by Hong Kong and Tokyo.”

Soh also pointed out how Shanghai saw a modest increase of around 3 percent, bringing its average hotel room rate to US$146, while Beijing’s rate stands at US$149.

With regard to hospitality for business travellers in India, Bangalore took the lead with the highest average nightly room rate at US$152, trailed by Mumbai at US$147 and Delhi at US$142.

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The post China Eastern Airlines launches Eastern E-Services at Shanghai Pudong International Airport appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

China Eastern Airlines recently launched a new series of travel facilitation services at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The implementation of the airline’s Eastern E-services aims to improve assistance for international passengers flying into the country, and to boost existing baggage services and transit routes into the Yangtze River delta.

Eastern E-Services includes online systems for digital boarding passes, ticket booking, a 24-hour transfer service, health services, declaration at customs and immigration, a city pass, and a digital arrival card.

These services not only reduce the airline’s carbon footprint, but they make the entry and exit processes easier for foreign travellers.

As soon as you arrive

Passengers arriving in China aboard China Eastern Airlines flights via Shanghai Pudong International Airport may obtain electronic boarding passes through the China Eastern Airlines app. This also enables them to enjoy an extensive range of convenient services.

China Eastern Airlines also offers an online transit information submission service for foreign visitors eligible for the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit, which significantly reduces the time needed to complete entry procedures.

The airline likewise extended the service hours at its domestic check-in counters at Shanghai Pudong International Airport to midnight, ensuring 24/7 availability for domestic check-in services.

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