The post TAP launches mega promotion to travel from September to March appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

TAP’s UK customers can enjoy great travel deals for flights from September to March, thanks to a fantastic new mega price promotion with offers that are not to be missed. 

Return flights to Portugal, with all taxes included, between London and Lisbon or Porto start from £89,  meanwhile, long-haul travellers can enjoy a brilliant break in Brazil, thanks to return flights from just £527

The prices are valid on flights operated by TAP and the promotional tickets included in this campaign can be purchased until 21 May, for trips to be made between 8 September 2024 and 31 March 2025 (excluding the peak holiday travel period, from 15 December 2024 to 13 January 2025).

TAP operates flights from three UK destinations – London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester – offering customers easy access to both Lisbon, Porto and beyond.

With seamless connections via its Lisbon hub, British customers can also easily enjoy TAP’s extensive long-haul network, including 11 destinations in Brazil – the highest number of any European airline.

Customers can access the airline’s award-winning stopover programme when connecting through Portugal with TAP. Customers can explore Portugal for up to ten days on their outward or return journey.

The airline also provides a second stopover in Portugal during the stopover period, offering a 25 per cent discount on any domestic flight.

 

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The post VIVA cruises launches its first ever booking incentive with Cruise Plus to win a 4-night Rhine fam trip appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

European river cruise specialist, VIVA Cruises, has launched its first ever booking incentive with Gold Medal’s sister brand, Cruise Plus. Travel agents who make a VIVA Cruises booking for 2024 or 2025 this month (May 2024) will be entered into a prize draw for one of twelve places on a 4-night Rhine River cruise.

The Rhine Course North cruise will depart on 30 June 2024 and be on board VIVA MOMENTS, featuring 88 modern cabins and two restaurants. The ship will leave from the historic city of Basel (on the border of Switzerland with Germany) and will finish in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim (near to Frankfurt), where the trip will end on Thursday 4 July.

Agents will be able to experience VIVA Cruises’ signature VIVA All-Inclusive product on board, which includes snacks, full board, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, beauty products from luxury cosmetic brand, Rituals, Wi-Fi and all tips and gratuities.

The Rhine Course North cruise will also include shore excursions and airport transfers from Basel and to Frankfurt airport; and VIVA Cruises will also include £200 per person for flights to participate in the fam trip. Each booking means one entry, so the more VIVA Cruises agents book with Cruise Plus, the more chances they will have of winning a fam trip place.

The agreement between VIVA Cruises and Cruise Plus was signed in March this year, meaning that travel agents across the UK can book VIVA Cruises’ itineraries through the Cruise Plus Contact Centre – a milestone for the young river cruise operator.

VIVA Cruises was founded in 2018 as the first in house tour operator of Swiss shipping company, Scylla AG. Since then, it has grown rapidly and now boasts an eight-ship fleet sailing on major European rivers, including VIVA ONE and VIVA TWO – their two very own build ships; with the third one, VIVA ENJOY, launching at the end of this year. VIVA Cruises is also launching new Douro itineraries on board new built ship, PORTO MIRANTE, from May 2025.

 

 

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The post Port of Dover welcomed inaugural calls from three cruise lines in the past week appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) Renaissance, Seabourn Venture and TUI Mein Schiff 4 all sailed into Dover over the past week for inaugural port of call visits. The three vessels each made a grand entrance being sprayed by water cannons at the first glimpse of sunrise, before a plaque exchange ceremony took place onboard.

On Tuesday 7^th May, CFC, which launched as a cruise line less than a year ago, visited Dover with Renaissance as part of her ten-day Scottish Highlands voyage ending in Le Havre-Paris on 8^th May. Renaissance kicked off her first ever season last September.

Then following on Thursday 9^th May was TUI Cruises with Mein Schiff 4, joining Mein Schiff 3 to become their second ship to sail from Dover this year. Mein Schiff 3 returns in June and throughout the summer as part of her British Isles and Western European cruises.

For the grand finale, Seabourn Venture arrived on Saturday 11^th May to become the latest member of their Dover fleet, with eight more turnaround visits still to come in 2024 from Ovation, Sojourn and Quest.

Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said: “It’s been a fantastic week for us; we are delighted to have welcomed a trio of wonderful cruise ships for debut calls, with their guests being able to sit alongside the stunning backdrop of the White Cliffs in all its glory as the sun arrived just in time. Thank you to CFC, TUI and Seabourn, we can’t wait to welcome you back again soon.”

Sonia Limbrick, Head of Business Development for Cruise added: “Thank you to the teams onboard, in particular the captains for celebrating these extraordinary calls with us. I’m proud of the diverse and growing portfolio of cruise lines choosing Dover as their number one destination in the UK for turnaround and port of calls. We are looking forward to some exciting journeys ahead.”

Marcus Puttich, TUI Cruises Director Destinations said: “TUI Cruises calls at various ports in the UK. Dover, with its location on the south-east coast of England and quick access to London, is an attractive port for the Mein Schiff fleet. We are delighted that the guests of Mein Schiff 4 have now also been able to discover the city and the region for the first time.”

Tobias Pietsch, Captain of Mein Schiff 4 commented: “The first call of Mein Schiff 4 in Dover was a really successful premiere. Dover Castle, high above the city, and the bright white chalk cliffs in the rising sun were indeed a particularly impressive welcome for our ship and also a special moment for me as the Captain.”

 

 

 

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The post The Algarve, Portugal is the most affordable European Holiday Destination appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Algarve, in southern Portugal is the most affordable European holiday destination according to the Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money. Forty destinations were surveyed for the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer where eight items that visitors typically purchase on holiday were assessed – a three-course meal for two with wine, cup of coffee, bottle of local beer, can of cola, glass of wine, bottle of still water, suncream and insect repellent.

 Portugal is the only European destination in the top five most affordable destinations as Turkey and Bulgaria lose ground this year. Additionally the Algarve was the best value place across 40 destinations worldwide to buy a glass of wine at £1.76 and a coffee at 0.88p.

The Post Office reports that prices in resorts and cities are one of the biggest concerns for holidaymakers planning trips abroad.  Their research shows that 84 per cent of them – rising to 89 per cent of family travellers said that costs for items like meals and drinks would be one of their biggest considerations when choosing their holiday destination.

Hugo Nascimento, Executive Director of Algarve Tourism gives his feedback on the report and provides some suggestions on where to get even more value if visiting the region. He says: “With a cost of living crisis currently affecting many countries, this report will really help holiday makers to decide on where to book a holiday this year.

“Accommodation in the East and West of the region is typically more affordable than the central area of Portimão, Albufeira and the ‘Golden Triangle’ area between Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Amancil. There are a vast array of accommodation types from self-catering properties, small characterful boutique hotels to larger resorts with more facilities.

“For those that don’t want the expense of hiring a car, towns like Loulé, Faro and Olhão are good choices as they are close to airport and getting there by taxi or Uber is relatively cheap.  Or head inland for an off-the- beaten track holiday to regions such as Aljezur, Vicentina Coast, Silves and Monchique, where again prices are less expensive.”

In terms of restaurants, Hugo says: “You can’t go too wrong with a local, typical place – the ones that don’t outwardly market themselves to tourists.  The food is generally of a high quality and features delicious fresh seafood.”

“And for those that can travel outside the key school holiday and the peak season of July and August, the prices are dramatically cheaper.”

The Algarve can be reached from many regional airports throughout the UK and Ireland in just over two and half hours with flights arriving into Faro international airport.

The sea is integral to the Algarvian way of life, one that is closely bound to nature. Inland, old villages preserve a life that is historic and rich in culture and lived in harmony with the seasons. In villages of small, cobbled streets you will find whitewashed houses and small local cafes serving bica (espresso), while sardines are grilled openly on the streets, as they have done for years gone by. All year round the region’s beautiful beaches, nature reserves, picturesque villages, golf courses, castles and fortresses can be enjoyed in all their splendour.

 

 

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The post Vietjet is the only airline offering a direct flight between Hanoi and Hiroshima appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Vietjet is excited to launch the direct route linking Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city with the captivating city of Hiroshima in Japan. This new service marks the airline’s eighth route between the two countries and is the only direct air link between Hiroshima and Hanoi, significantly reducing travel time and providing a seamless travel experience.

The inaugural flight ceremony was attended by notable figures including the Consul General of Vietnam in Fukuoka, Vu Chi Mai; the Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, Yuzaki Hidehiko; representatives of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Hiroshima; leaders of Hiroshima International Airport and Vietjet; along with residents and tourists. Passengers on the first flight also received special souvenirs from Vietjet and Hiroshima Airport.

President and Representative Director of Hiroshima International Airport, Yasuhiro Nakamura, congratulated Vietjet on the new route launch: “Vietjet’s debut flight today marks the first new international service to be launched at Hiroshima Airport post-pandemic. We extend our appreciation for this milestone as it is a significant step in enhancing Hiroshima Airport’s international network. As travel demand rises, we are committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to increase the service frequency and look forward to Vietjet’s flight expansion to Hiroshima.”

Vietjet Vice President, Nguyen Duc Thinh, expressed gratitude for the support from the Japanese authorities and local partners, and said: “Vietjet currently operates 116 flights weekly between major Vietnamese cities and Japan’s top destinations, including Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and now Hiroshima. The airline is committed to further expanding the connectivity between Vietnam and Japan, providing more convenient, cost-effective, and time-saving travel options for citizens and tourists of both nations and across the regions.”

The Hanoi – Hiroshima route operates twice weekly, with return flights on Thursdays and Sundays, each leg taking approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Hanoi, the cultural, economic, and political heart of Vietnam, is renowned for its rich heritage and culinary delights. Singaporean travellers can now have two holiday destinations instead, travelling from Singapore to Hanoi, and then continuing on the next leg of their journey to Hiroshima, located in Southwestern Japan, which is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Itsukushima Shrine, among other notable attractions. From Hanoi, travellers can also easily access other destinations in Vietnam and the Asia Pacific region thanks to Vietjet’s expanding flight network.

Passengers flying with Vietjet can enjoy unique Vietnamese cuisines, including Pho, Banh mi and coffee, along with international dishes served by professional and dedicated cabin crews on a modern, eco-friendly fleet. Complimentary Sky Care insurance ensures peace of mind for every journey.

*Hanoi – Hiroshima route’s flight schedule:

Flight	Flight number	Departure (local time)	Arrival (local time)	Frequency
Hanoi – Hiroshima	VJ952	06:00	12:30	Thursday, Sunday
Hiroshima – Hanoi	VJ953	13:30	16:20	Thursday, Sunday

 

 

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The post ATIA welcomes Government’s Fast-Track Passport announcement appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

 

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomes the Federal Government’s Budget announcement to fast-track passport processing, a significant move that aligns with ATIA’s advocacy efforts to make travel as seamless as possible.

The introduction of expedited passport services will commence on 1 July 2024, allowing applications to be processed within five business days for an additional fee.  This initiative is anticipated to streamline travel for Australians, enhance international mobility, and boost the travel industry’s recovery post-pandemic.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said: “We are thrilled by the Government’s decision to fast-track passport processing.  This reflects our close relationship and ongoing work with the Australian Passport Office and Government.”

“Starting in July, passports can be processed within five business days for an additional fee of $100.  This offers a great option for travellers seeking more certainty in receiving their passports, without needing the two-day expedited service, which will soon cost nearly $300.”

“It’s also an opportunity to share with clients that, on 1 July, passport fees have an additional 15% increase, so anyone who is looking to renew this year should do so before then.”

“On the small-business front, there are several supportive measures.  Eligible small businesses will benefit from a $325 reduction in their electricity bills over the year.  The $20,000 instant asset write-off has been extended, and additional funding has been allocated to programs providing free financial and well-being support for small business owners.  In terms of skills and training, the Government has partially reversed previously announced cuts to traineeship incentives.  This reversal applies to occupations on the Priority List, so retaining Travel Consultants on this list is a significant victory for our industry.”

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The post AirHelp Analysis: Best airlines to fly with from the UK by haul appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AirHelp, the leading travel tech company supporting passengers with flight disruptions, has analysed 2023 flight data by haul to share the best airlines to fly with from UK airports to avoid disruptions. The flight data is split between short-haul (less than 1,500km), mid-haul (between 1,500km and 3,000km), and long-haul (over 3,000km).

In 2023, more than 71 million passengers flew on short-haul flights from UK airports, halving to 35 million for mid-haul flights, and 28 million for long-haul flights. The data indicates that overall disruption rates across the three hauls were similar, with passengers on short-haul flights the least disrupted (30%) and those on mid-haul flights the most disrupted (34%). More than 4% of short-haul flights were cancelled, compared to 2% of both mid- and long-haul.

Short-haul airline comparison

AirHelp analysed flight data from airlines that carried more than 500,000 passengers on short-haul flights from the UK last year. Eurowings was the leading airport with 90% of 724,000 passengers departing on time. It had the lowest rate of passenger delays across the three categories: more than 15 minutes (8%), over two hours (0.3%), and over three hours (0.04%). The airline with the lowest cancellation rate was Jet2 with 0.07% of 991,000 passengers facing cancellations. Jet2 was tied with Iberia as the second-best airline for timely departures, with 78% of passengers departing on schedule.

Of the three most popular airlines for short-haul flights – EasyJet, British Airways, and RyanAir –  RyanAir fared best overall, with 72% of passengers departing on time, and less than 1% of its 13 million passengers facing cancellations or delays of more than three hours. EasyJet and British Airways were both in the bottom three for overall timely departures, both with 62% of their 20 million and 15 million respective passengers departing on time, just above Swiss International at 59%. EasyJet also had the highest cancellation rate, with almost 7% of passengers facing cancellations, while 4% of British Airways passengers had their flights cancelled.

CEO of AirHelp, Tomasz Pawliszyn, comments: “We understand that as the volume of passengers increases, timely departures become more difficult to achieve. However, Ryanair demonstrated that it is possible to avoid frequent cancellations and delays on short-haul flights across the 13 million passengers it served last year.”

Mid-haul airline comparison

Looking at airlines with more than one million passengers flying on mid-haul flights from UK airports last year revealed Jet2 as the top performer, with 72% of its 7 million passengers departing on time,  fewer than 2% of passengers delayed more than two hours, and 0.2% of passengers facing cancellations. Also making the top four for highest overall rates of timely departures were Ryanair (71% of 7 million), Wizz Air UK (69% of 1.6 million), and Wizz Air (67% of 1.7 million). However, both Wizz Air UK and Wizz Air had the highest rates of passenger delays of over two hours, at 6% and 5% respectively.

Tui Airways had the lowest rate of on-time departures, with 49% of 1.2 million passengers departing on schedule. Of the passengers disrupted, 5% were delayed more than 2 hours and almost 8% of passengers had their flight cancelled – the highest cancellation rate of mid-haul flights last year. Turkish Airlines also fared poorly for on-time departures with less than 51% of passengers flying on time, though only 2% of these were delayed by more than two hours.

With almost 3 million passengers on mid-haul flights, the UK’s flag carrier British Airways had 61% of passengers depart on time and saw almost 2% of passengers with their flights cancelled, the third highest cancellation rate. Easyjet, the largest UK carrier for mid-haul flights last year, saw 0.6% of more than 8 million passengers face delays of more than three hours, however, almost 5% of passengers faced cancellations.

Long-haul airline comparison

AirHelp also analysed the performance of airlines that carried more than 400,000 passengers on long-haul flights in 2023. All three of the best-performing airlines for timely passenger departures were American. American Airlines took the top spot with 84% of on-time departures and was among the most popular carriers with over 2 million passengers in 2023. Delta Air Lines (81%) and United Airlines (78%) followed as the most punctual.

Tui Airways fared worst with only 47% of 400,000 passengers departing on time and more than 7% of passengers facing cancellations – the second-highest cancellation rate last year. Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong’s leading carrier, came in second with 50% of flights departing on time, but only 0.2% of its passengers faced cancellations. British Airways followed with less than 52% of passengers departing on time and more than 3% of 7.7 million passengers delayed by more than two hours. The airline with the most cancellations by a significant margin was Easyjet with 13.5% of its 440,000 passengers having their long-haul flights cancelled.

Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Air India all fared well for on-time departures with more than 70% of passengers departing on time. The majority of these delays and disruptions were not significant, however, Air India saw 3.5% of passengers face delays of more than two hours. Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and Emirates all had the lowest rates of cancellations (less than 0.15%) and delays of more than three hours (less than 0.5%).

“A common misconception among passengers is that flying with low-cost carriers (LCCs) or ‘budget’ airlines means you are more likely to face disruptions. This data shows that passengers flying on full-service airlines are not exempt from delays and cancellations, and LLCs can provide efficient and timely services. Passengers pay more for the pre-departure and in-flight experience, and so may expect better from these airlines when disruptions occur. However, many LCCs are excellent with customer care and handling claims for passengers. To ensure they are best protected, we urge passengers to learn their air passenger rights and be prepared for delays and cancellations as appetite for air travel continues to increase,” concludes Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp.

 

 

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The post Future of Travel: Bolder adventures with a bigger safety net  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The future of travel may include more journeys for longer durations to increasingly remote destinations as travellers’ confidence in their connectedness and ability to be rescued increases with the widespread use of satellite communications devices, according to the world’s most experienced travellers responding to the Global Rescue Spring 2024 survey. 

Eight out of 10 respondents (82%) would feel safer with a smartphone enabled with satellite connection abilities, according to the survey results.

“Nearly half (49%) said they like knowing they can always call for help if needed while more than a third (37%) reported that having satellite communications capabilities if cell coverage is unavailable gives their family, friends or colleagues peace of mind,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

One out of 10 (12%) said they had lost cell coverage before during travel, and it concerned them that they were unable to communicate with others, especially in an emergency.

Most travelers (81%) have already reported they are planning three or more trips in 2024, with 40% of respondents committing to three or more international trips. Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents said that since the pandemic ended, they are planning to stay longer on at least one of their international trips in 2024. A nearly equal percentage (22%) of respondents said they plan more adventurous, immersive trips in 2024.

“Add to those survey results the race among wireless service companies and smartphone manufacturers to provide satellite communications capabilities for users, and travelers have a bigger safety net to travel more boldly in the future,” Richards said.

The traveller frontier is expanding. Off-the-grid adventures could include risking a venomous bite while exploring Brazil’s Snake Island, exploring remote south pacific islands like Vanuatu, or braving the deadly heat in Ethiopia’s Danakil Desert.  These locations will likely become more popular as travellers’ confidence in their ability to call for help increases. While 80% of respondents don’t want to travel to space, a full 20% do.

“People were born to travel, explore new places, and take part in transformative experiences,” Richards said. “Improved safety and security protections make traveling boldly more accessible.”

 

 

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The post Hotel Management Japan signs agreement with Sabre Hospitality to enhance global reach appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Sabre Corporation announced a new agreement with Hotel Management Japan, a prominent hotel operator that oversees some of Japan’s most renowned hotels. This agreement will involve Hotel Management Japan utilizing SynXis, Sabre Hospitality’s cloud-based commerce and distribution platform, to improve its connectivity to travel agents and travel management companies worldwide.

The company, which manages over 6,400 hotel rooms across Japan, will establish a robust connection to the main Global Distribution Systems, including Sabre’s GDS, through SynXis for their own brands, including ORIENTAL HOTELS & RESORTS. Additionally, it will utilize Sabre Hospitality’s Channel Connect to streamline and automate inventory distribution to global Online Travel Agency (OTA) channels from a single distribution point, ensuring it can reach guests where they prefer to book.

“Our new collaboration with Sabre represents a significant advancement in our dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences while maximizing our revenue opportunities,” said Junichi Araki, COO, Hotel Management Japan. “By opting for Sabre’s advanced technology, we are confident in our ability to reach a broader audience, improve operational efficiencies and, ultimately, enhance our position in the competitive Japanese and global hospitality industry.”

“We are excited to assist Hotel Management Japan in their efforts to revolutionize and optimize their distribution strategy,” said Frank Trampert, Senior Vice President, Global Managing Director of Community Sales for Sabre Hospitality. “Sabre Hospitality’s cutting-edge solutions are highly regarded in the industry for empowering hoteliers to expand their reach, and we are eager to help Hotel Management Japan use our capabilities to attract a wider audience.”

 

 

 

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