25 APRIL 2018 ISSUE 69
19 AGENTS
ETOA Welcomes EC’s Schengen Visa Reform
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BRUSSELS AIRLINES EXPANDS NETWORK WITH 26 NEW DESTINATIONS
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MESSE FRANKFURT ACQUIRES UK SUBSIDIARY
MARKET UPDATE
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PROFIT SLIDE CONTINUES FOR UK HOTELS - HOTSTATS
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
The latest worldwide poll of full-service hotels from hotel benchmark service, HotStats, revealed that, despite recording a revenue increase across a number of departments, year-on-year profit per room at UK hotels fell by 5.1 percent during February as cost increases continue to accelerate.
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel EDITOR Mario Hajiloizis PRESS Efi Rousi Maria Angelica Constantinou Athena Karsera Yiazou CONTRIBUTOR Dominique Christou DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel
Hotels at Heathrow Airport suffered a profit per room decline, according to HotStats
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K-based hotels successfully recorded a 0.2 percent year-on-year TrevPAR increase during the month, which was due to increases across all revenue departments, including rooms (0.4 percent), food and beverage (0.2 percent) and conference and banqueting (3.6 percent). The room’s revenue growth at UK hotels throughout February was driven by a 1.3 percent achieved average room rate increase and was in spite of a 0.6 percent room occupancy decline. “It has been a tough start to this year for hotels in the UK. Now may be the perfect time for hoteliers to consider an alternative strategy, which focusses on searching for opportunities to increase non-rooms revenues, as well as preserving profit levels by reducing costs,” remarked Pablo Alonso, CEO, HotStats.
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GERMANY IS EUROPE’S BIGGEST TOURISM ECONOMY – WTTC Germany has retained its position as Europe’s largest travel and tourism economy, according to new research released by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
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Germany’s forests, rivers, mountain ranges and North Sea beaches are frequented by tourists
he research shows that Germany’s travel and tourism sector contributed EUR348.1 billion to the country’s economy during 2017. “Tourism creates jobs, drives economic growth and helps build better societies. This is particularly the case with Germany,” elaborated, Gloria Guevara, CEO, WTTC. Specifically, the data also shows that Germany’s tourism industry grew by 1.7 percent throughout 2017. This compares to 9.8 percent growth for China, 6.2 percent for the UK, seven percent for Spain, and 5.5 percent for Canada. According to WTTC, this implies that Germany is not getting its fair share of growth as other countries are increasing their tourism at a faster rate.
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NEWS
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WYSE Revealed New Horizons Survey
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old Youth and Student Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation delivered its New Horizons Survey at this year’s ITB Berlin travel trade show. The survey of 57,000 travellers aged 18 – 35 offers the industry's most comprehensive look into youth and student travel. In 2016, according to WYSE Travel Confederation estimates, youth generated about USD280 billion tourism receipts. The US is still at the top of the list for young travellers, but it has lost some of its share of the pie. Spain is now the second leading destination and Australia moved back into the top 10 for the first time since 2007.
Youth accounted for at least 23 percent of 2017’s 1.3 billion international arrivals
Enterprise RentA-Car Continues UEL Partnership
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nterprise Rent-A-Car revealed that it has signed a new three-year agreement to continue as an official UEFA Europa League (UEL) partner. The partnership with Europe’s second largest club football competition gives Enterprise Rent-ACar the opportunity to increase its global brand awareness, build consumer loyalty and engage with its markets across Europe. Since the begining of the partnership in 2015, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has built considerable brand equity with fans across Europe by launching both pan-European and individual market promotions each season.
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From Left: Pololikashvili and Tajani
UNWTO Deepens Tourism Cooperation with EU With sustainable tourism increasingly growing across Europe, UNWTO and the European Parliament signed an agreement on February 28 to further enhance and improve the sector across the continent.
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ddressing the European Parliament’s Tourism Task Force, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general, UNWTO, highlighted the need to enhance integration, connectivity and technology to maximise tourism’s role in creating jobs and stimulating growth across the EU. “Over the next 10 years, tourism can create more than five million new jobs, not least because the number of tourists is set to double. Europe must not let this opportunity pass by,” outlined Antonio Tajani, president, European Parliament. UNWTO and the EU Parliament pledged to work on promoting good practices and continue sharing knowledge and experiences on the ground. The agreement coincides with 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
IPK: 2017 a Success for Global Travel
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PK International, a travel data provider, revealed at this year’s ITB Berlin exhibition that 2017 had been a strong year for international travel. According to IPK, Europe is the main growth driver as both a source market and destination. Europe was the strongest source region for international travel with an overall increase of seven percent compared to 2016, followed by North and Latin America, both six percent, and Asia with five percent. Europe also profited most with eight percent more trips. Additionally, the number of outbound trips worldwide increased by 6.5 percent, reaching nearly 1.2 billion international trips. Also, for the first time since IPK surveys launched, the impact of terrorism on international travel has decreased.
IPK anticipates global outbound trips to increase by a robust five percent this year
Sports Event to Reopen Minsk’s Renovated Dinamo Stadium
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ollowing a major renovation, Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, Belarus is scheduled to officially reopen on June 21, with an athletics event featuring Belarus, Balkan country and Gulf state athletes. The event will feature competitions covering 16 sports, wrapping up with a mixed 4x100 m relay. Speaking at a recent press conference, Vadim Devyatovsky, chairman, Belarus Athletics Federation, said a memorandum of cooperation had already been signed with the Association of Balkan Athletic Federations. Interest for the June 22 event has also been demonstrated by Persian Gulf countries, Poland, and
another strong national team will join the event. “We hope that the world-renowned athletes will come here,” added Devyatovsky. Speaking at the same event, Vyacheslav Durnov, first deputy minister, sport and tourism, Belarus, noted the June 21 official opening would come exactly a year before Minsk hosted the 2019 European Games, meaning that the countdown to the June 21 – June 30, 2019 event will also be launched. “Work on the reconstruction of Dinamo Stadium is on schedule, and the builders assured us the stadium will be completed by June 01,” concluded Durnov.
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TECHNOLOGY
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Koubaa: We are working hard to solve our airline customers’ technology challenges
Amadeus Creates Innovative NDC-X Programme Amadeus has announced it has created a dedicated programme to drive the industrialisation of New Distribution Capability (NDC) and ensure its success for all travel players.
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reated by International Air Transport Association, NDC is an XML-based data transmission standard that enables travel companies, such as airlines or travel agencies, to evolve travel distribution and merchandising. The NDC-X programme brings together experts from across Amadeus’ business to focus on practical use cases of the standard, adopting a test and learn approach to deliver improved capabilities for the industry. Maher Koubaa, vice president, Middle East and Africa, airlines, Amadeus, noted, “NDC holds great potential for the travel industry, and is part of a bigger picture of digitalisation as airlines and travel sellers test new ways to adapt their businesses and improve services provided to the traveller.”
Louvre Launch New Leisure Bookings Solution
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ouvre Hotels Group has launched a new digital booking solution, aiming to simplify the leisure group management for tourism professionals. As from May, PROaccess will enable travel agents to save time on group booking management with an advanced performing search and
booking engine. To respond to the market expectation, concerning digital solutions, the platform allows tourism professionals to check real time room availability, consult best available group rates, discover food and beverage options and book hotels directly that match their search criteria.
Airbus Exploring Photonic Payloads
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eronautical products designer and manufacturer, Airbus, has launched the OPTIMA project, anticipated to deliver a proof of concept demonstrator for using photonic payloads on telecommunications satellites. According to an official Airbus announcement, OPTIMA, led by Airbus Defence and Space, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, the UK, comprises specialist partners from across Europe including DAS Photonics, CORDON Electronics, SODERN, IMEC and Polatis. Airbus will define, assemble and test a photonic payload demonstrator based on the components and equipment developed by other consortium members.
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Travelport and Airtrade Holland Announce Agreement
OPTIMA is part of the European Commission-funded EU research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020
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ravelport, a leading travel commerce platform, announced a new multi-year technology and content agreement with Airtrade Holland BV, the Dutch experts of travel fulfillment and travel technology. Under the new agreement, Airtrade will utilise Travelport’s open platform and Universal API technology to deliver its customers real-time informed content from over 400 airlines, 650,000 hotel properties and 35,000 car rental locations. With 250 airlines signed up to use Travelport’s merchandising technology, Airtrade is to display, gain powerful information around, and sell branded fare families and ancillary products from these airlines. Meanwhile, Travelport is to benefit Airtrade by creating NDC connections with airlines as they become available. 25 APRIL 2018
DESTINATIONS
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Cologne’s convention and congress market passed the four million participant threshold
Cologne Celebrates RecordBreaking 2017 2017 was a succesful year for Cologne, Germany’s tourism industry, welcoming a total of 3.59 million arriving guests and 6.24 million overnight stays, according to Cologne Tourist Board.
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here were 7.3 percent more arrivals and 8.1 percent more overnight stays compared to 2016, official registration records show. International visitors represented an 8.9 percent increase of arrivals and a 9.2 percent increase of overnight stays. The further expansion of Cologne’s hotel market has been a topic of discussion for quite some time and a cooperative project has been launched by relevant stakeholders. “The remarkable increase in visitors from abroad testifies to Cologne’s huge appeal as a travel destination,” outlined Josef Sommer, CEO, Cologne Tourist Board. “As trendsetters and networkers, we will work together with the relevant players to further enhance the quality of Cologne as a travel destination, thus helping to shape the positive image of our city.”
Scotland Preparing for European Golf Team Championships
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uropean Tour and Ladies European Tour have jointly unveiled a new format and qualification process for what is being labelled as a revolutionary new golf event. The inaugural European Golf Team Championships is to take place at Gleneagles, Scotland between August 08 – 12, as part of the innovative multi-sport Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
The new format will feature a 50/50 gender split with male and female professionals competing for equal prize money. Aileen Campbell, sports minister, Scotland, expressed, “Scotland, the Home of Golf is no stranger to innovation when it comes to golf so it is fitting that history will once again be made with men and women competing side by side at the European Golf Team Championships.”
MTA Reports Collective Accommodation Rise
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alta Tourism Authority (MTA) has reacted positively to data reporting that increases have been registered concerning the amount of tourists visiting collective accommodation establishments during the fourth quarter (Q4) 2017. In 2017, total guests surpassed 1.8 million, marking a 13 percent increase and total nights spent reached nearly 9.6 million, an increase of almost seven percent over 2016. Figures published by the country’s National Statistics Office indicate that between October and December 2017, total guest increases were registered at 11.7 percent and total nights spent at collective accommodation establishments was at 8.3 percent.
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Lithuania 2017 Tourism Boost n 2017, Lithuania received 1.55 million foreign tourists that stayed at least one night, marking a 4.3 percent increase on 2016, according to the country’s State Department of Tourism. Accommodation services also showed general industry growth, included; local tourism, amounted to 6.6 percent when tourists who were provided with accommodation totalled 2.92 million. Accommodation establishments were mostly visited by tourists from Belarus (174,900), Germany (171,100), Russia (162,900), Poland (154,600), Latvia (148,000), Ukraine (83,200), the UK (66,400), Estonia (61,700), and Italy (39,900). Extraordinary growth was demonstrated by tourist flows from the US with 43,000 tourists, 21.9 percent more than 2016.
Tourism Ireland Leads US Sales Mission
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ourism Ireland’s annual Jump into Ireland sales blitzes across the US recently kicked off with Houston (Texas), Tampa (Florida) and Atlanta (Georgia) being the first destinations on the route. In February, a delegation of 18 tourism companies from Ireland and the US, led by Tourism Ireland, undertook a busy schedule of B2B events at each stop. The sales blitz also gave participating companies a platform to promote and sell their products and services. Boston (Massachusetts), Chicago (Illinois) and Seattle (Washington), are also set to host similar events throughout April; and the same applies for California – Silicon Valley, Orange County and San Fernando Valley – this November.
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DESTINATIONS
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2017 a Success for Berlin, Despite airberlin Closure
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isitBerlin announced it ended 2017 with positive results, despite airberlin ceasing operations. Guests staying at the city’s hotels climbed by 1.8 percent to 12.96 million, with the number of nights stayed up slightly by 0.3 percent to 31.15 million. German guests still account for the largest proportion of overnight stays (55.1 percent), posting 1.6 percent growth. However, 5.1 million international guests travelled to Berlin, a 1.2 percent jump, while the number of nights at hotels fell by 1.4 percent to 13.98 million. Large numbers of the city's international guests
came from the UK, the US, and Spain. Countries posting strong growth were Russia, Brazil, and the US. A quarter of all overnight stays, 7.9 million, were by visitors attending conferences, trade fairs, and conventions. 2017 saw some 11.7 million people, up by one percent over 2016, attend 140,200 events. "airberlin’s insolvency and the unsatisfactory situation concerning our airport have had a dampening effect,” warned Burkhard Kieker, CEO, visitBerlin. “City tourism does not run all by itself. This applies to Berlin, too. That's why we need everyone to redouble their efforts."
Tourism brings annual revenues of more than EUR11.5 billion, employing 235,000 people
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Greece a Top Choice for Romanian Holidaymakers
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reece is emerging as a top destination for Romanian holidaymakers with 35 percent more organised tour reservations having been booked from the country so far this year. Greek Tourism Organisation (EOT) said the increased interest was revealed during its contacts at the recently held Bucharest-based Targul de Turism al Romaniei Romexpo tourism fair. EOT had a pavilion at the fair and Charalambos Karimalis, chairman, board, EOT, visited the exhibition to meet with Romanian tourist industry leaders and the local press. EOT also organised events during the travel fair.
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ACCOMMODATION
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Rezidor now operates 15 Poland-based hotels
Park Inn by Radisson Katowice Opens its Doors Park Inn by Radisson announced it has expanded its Poland portfolio with the 168-room Park Inn by Radisson Katowice.
IHG Reveals Hospitality Career Misconceptions
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ew research by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has revealed that hospitality sector misconceptions are discouraging young Britons from entering the industry. The research found less than a quarter would consider a hospitality career, with almost 26 percent admitting they did not see it as an ideal industry after obtaining a degree. The survey, featuring feedback from 1,000 Britons aged 16 to 21, found young people were unaware of the full range of roles available within the industry, even though flexible working hours (40 percent), career progression (36 percent) and the ability to travel (29 percent) which rated as important factors for their ideal job, are also key features of a hospitality career. 26 percent thought working at a hotel mainly entailed dealing with a difficult guest.
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he new hotel includes an all-day restaurant and lobby bar, fitness centre, sauna and extensive meeting facilities, including a 370 m2 ballroom. “We are pleased to continue the growth of [the] Park Inn by Radisson brand in Poland, where our brand awareness and the portfolio is growing from strength to strength,” said Yilmaz Yildirimlar, area senior vice president, central and southern Europe, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. “Poland is also identified as the focus country for growth in our five-year operating plan.” With this opening, it brings Rezidor’s total Polish portfolio to 15 hotels. Park Inn by Radisson Katowice is also located close to Katowice centre, and offers quick access to the Silesian region’s main roads, is within walking distance of the 620 ha Silesian Park, as well as the city’s International Conference Centre.
Hyatt’s Unbound Collection Grows Europe Portfolio
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yatt Hotels Corporation has announced that London’s Great Scotland Yard Hotel and Istanbul’s Nish Palas, are expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio. Additionally, Hôtel Martinez (Cannes, France), Párisi Udvar Hotel (Budapest, Hungary), and the newly renovated Hôtel du Louvre (Paris, France) are all expected to open and join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio by early 2019, creating significant European growth for the brand. “This brand enables us to team up with new owners and developers,” outlined Peter Norman, senior vice president, acquisitions and development, Europe, Africa and Middle East, Southwest Asia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
The 409-room Hôtel Martinez is expected to fully reopen on May 05
Vienna and Düsseldorf to Host New prizeotel Properties
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he Rezidor Hotel Group and prizeotel announced that Vienna, Austria and Düsseldorf, Germany are anticipated to welcome new hotels. The 294-room prizeotel Vienna-city marks the brand’s entry into Austria and is due to open its doors during the first quarter 2022. prizeotel Düsseldorf-City is expected to be part of a EUR500 million construction project called Grand Central
district – a regeneration project bringing investment into the city, and will offer 250 economy-design rooms. The property, which is set for a 2022 opening, will be located a 400m walk from the city’s main station. “prizeotel’s arrival in two of the most vibrant business and tourism hubs of Europe is perfectly in line with our newly launched asset-right growth strategy,” noted Elie Younes, executive vice president, The Rezidor Hotel Group. 25 APRIL 2018
ACCOMMODATION
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Deutsche Hospitality Introduce MAXX by Steigenberger
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eutsche Hospitality has introduced a new hotel brand to its portfolio, MAXX by Steigenberger. The brand launch is follows the group’s strategy of striving for expansion both within its German language domestic base and international growth markets. MAXX by Steigenberger will occupy the upscale segment and thus fill an existing space between the brands Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts (luxury and upper upscale), IntercityHotel (upper mid-scale) and Jaz in the City (lifestyle). Thomas Willms, CEO, Deutsche Hospitality, explained that the group was taking this step to make better use of available opportunities and to accelerate growth. “MAXX by Steigenberger possesses more flexible hardware standards and this provides us with the leeway we need to pursue qualitative and quantitative growth.” Specific negotiations for the first MAXX by Steigenberger hotels are already underway, and initial locations are expected to be announced soon.
The new hotel’s brand motto is MAXXimise your stay
Malta’s Corinthia Palace Hotel Goes Straw-Free
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orinthia Palace Hotel, Malta has gone completely straw-free as part of its planet-friendly policies. The move follows planned new EU legislation being introduced before the summer to ban single-use plastics. Environmental concerns focus on the fact that plastic straws take over 200 years to break down. Already, a number of British restaurants have announced that they are phasing out straws, making them available on request only. “As a group we strive to look after the environment, buying local produce to reduce our carbon footprint and having an active ECO programme,” said David Woodward, general manager, Corinthia Palace Hotel. “Following EU discussions that arose reflecting straws’ usage and the damage they cause the environment, we have decided that we will be a
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straw-free property.” The hotel used, on average, 40,000 straws each year and will now use paper straws with a wax cover as a substitute, offered on request.
Corinthia Palace Hotel places sustainability as a top priority
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ACCOMMODATION TUI Holly Awards for Atlantica Hotels
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tlantica Hotels & Resorts has been awarded two prestigious TUI Holly 2018 prizes. Agroup announcement revealed that the prizes had gone to TUI Sensimar Imperial Resort & Spa by Atlantica, Rhodes, Greece, and, for the fifth consecutive year, TUI Sensimar Kalliston Resort & Spa by Atlantica, Chania, Crete, Greece. Atlantica Hotels & Resorts currently operates 47 properties properties within Cyprus, Greece and Egypt as is the only Cypriot hotel chain belonging to TUI Group. According to TUI, a multinational travel and tourism company, TUI Holly is awarded based on guest reviews and represent the highest accolade that can be accorded to a TUI Hotel.
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Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport Signed
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he Rezidor Hotel Group announced the signing of Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport Hotel & Business Center. Slated for a 2020 opening, the 120-room hotel will be located within VNO Business and Retail Park, and is just 300 m from Vilnius International Airport and six km from the city centre. Elie Younes, executive vice president, The Rezidor Hotel Group, highlighted, “The area around Vilnius Airport is a fast-developing commercial zone, and Vilnius itself has been ranked one of Europe’s most promising cities for growing businesses that focus on innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. “Demand has been increasing in the city year-on-year, and Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport Hotel & Business Center will showcase our commitment to making every moment matter for visitors of Lithuania.”
DAMAC Properties Unveils AYKON London One
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roperty development company, DAMAC Properties, has unveiled a new Londonbased project namely, AYKON London One. The 50-storey AYKON London One’s residences will be available in studio, one-, two- and threebedroom arrangements, in addition to some exclusive penthouse suites, all interiorly decorated by Versace Home. Residents can expect a range of amenities,
TUI Sensimar Kalliston Resort & Spa by Atlantica has won five TUI Holly awards
including expansive roof gardens overlooking London. A state-of-the-art gymnasium, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, all featuring elements of the signature Versace style, will be set on the north tower’s 23rd floor. Other facilities will include 570 m2 of communal gardens, children’s play areas, optional hospitality services, two car lifts, ample parking spaces, secure bicycle spaces and secure storage facilities.
AYKON London One aims to represent the ultimate luxury living space
IHG Debuts Hotel Indigo Durham
Swiss-Belhotel to Make Italy Debut
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ntercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) has officially opened Hotel Indigo Durham, England, the UK. Situated near to Durhman Cathedral and Durhman Castle making up the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hotel Indigo Durham is also located near the city’s train station and Durham University. Occupying the Grade II-listed Old Shire Hall, the structure housing Hotel Indigo Durham was a
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university building itself until 2012. Now, all 83 boutique bedrooms feature ornate details to reflect the rich ties to the city’s famous trinity of cathedral, castle and university. The hotel features three distinct academia-inspired room types featuring the University’s official colour, purple, through to grand bedrooms with tapestry detailing.
wiss-Belhotel International has officially announced plans to enter Italy after revealing the signing of Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village. The Vedelago-based property is being designed to be an exclusive adults-only resort. Located within the northwest region of Lombardy, Vedelago is an hour drive from Verona, and only 50 minutes from Venice. “Curious visitors can use the resort as a luxurious base from which to explore the surrounding region," said Gavin Faull, chairman Swiss-Belhotel International. Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village will feature 156 rooms and suites, plus a complete range of facilities, including; two restaurants, two bars, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a gym, tennis court and wellness centre.
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AIR Brussels Airlines Support Bike for Africa
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n February 28, 40 Brussels Airlines employees took off for Cameroon to start a six-day mountain bike tour, Bike for Africa. With the EUR200,000 that Brussels Airlines aims to collect during this fourth edition, the airline announced it will support international organisation, Mercy Ships, as well as three other local and Belgian projects. On March 01, 15 CEO’s and top managers representing Belgian companies joined the team, and together with Brussels Airlines employees, they started their cycling tour of 400 km through the country nicknamed Africa in Miniature, thanks to its big diversity of climates and vegetation.
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Norwegian Makes Dublin – New York Service Twice Daily Norwegian is doubling the number of flights on its Dublin, Ireland to New York service to allow for day trips to the popular US state.
Condor adds Nine Routes from Zürich
Icelandair Increase Tampa Bay Operations
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celandair announced that they are to increase their seasonal non-stop service from Tampa, Florida, from twice-aweek to four times weekly. Flights will operate from Tampa on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and return from Keflavik, Iceland, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The expanded service aims to better serve the Tampa Bay community, while offering more flights to Iceland and better connections to more than 25 European destinations. Icelandair allows passengers the opportunity to stopover and experience Iceland for up to seven nights at no additional cost.
Ryanair Adds Services to Paphos from Liverpool and Bournemouth Condor added nine new destinations from Zürich Airport
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erman leisure airline, Condor, is selling additional Laudamotion (a Vienna-based carrier) flights for travellers from Switzerland, while it has also added nine new destinations from Zürich Airport and Basel. The additional flight programme for the coming summer offers routes from Switerland to eight islands via Condor, including flights to four Spanish destinations, three Greek islands, and Italy’s Sardinia and Lamezia Terme. Also, with the addition of five aircraft, new connections will be made from Düsseldorf to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Greece, Italy, Egypt and Turkey. For the first time, the airline is also offering a domestic German flight to Sylt, a North Sea island. There are also Condor flights with Laudamotion from Düsseldorf as well as selected routes from Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
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More than 130,000 passengers have flown Norwegian between Ireland and the US since its flights commenced
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rom an anticipated start date of April 26, Norwegian’s non-stop flights from Dublin to New York will double to twice-daily. In July 2017, Norwegian first launched transatlantic flights from Dublin to Stewart International Airport, using new Boeing B737 MAX aircraft offering up to 189 seats. The new early morning departure will offer passengers the earliest flight from Dublin to New York, providing several hours to shop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets before departing for Dublin the same evening. Passengers can also expect to have the option of direct shuttle bus services into New York City or Woodbury Common. From March 27, 2019, the airline will also double its frequency from Shannon, Ireland to Providence from two to four flights a week and add a third weekly flight to Stewart, New York. “With strong demand from Irish holidaymakers and business travellers, it was naturally our next move to increase capacity even further,” remarked Thomas Ramdahl, chief commercial officer, Norwegian.
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yanair announced it will launch two new routes between the UK and Paphos, notably, Bournemouth and Liverpool. Services on both routes are scheduled to begin on October 28, and will operate twice weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays. The low-cost carrier also noted that passengers are now able to book flights as far out as March 2019. “We are delighted to see Ryanair take the opportunity to add flights to Paphos from Liverpool which is on one of the largest unserved markets from here,” outlined Paul Winfield, director, aviation development, Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA).
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AIR
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Ryanair and ANPAC Sign Recognition Agreement for Italy
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yanair confirmed that it has signed a Union Recognition agreement with Italian Airline Pilots Association (ANPAC), who will now be the sole representative body for Ryanair’s Italy-based pilots. The airline welcomed the positive and constructive engagement of ANPAC which led to the formal signing of this recognition agreement within eight weeks of their first meeting. This recognition agreement with ANPAC is significant because Italy currently accounts for almost 80 of Ryanair’s 400 current aircraft fleet and ap-
proximately 20 percent of the airline’s pilot body. “The fact that we have delivered pay rises of up to 20 percent for most of our pilots, and union recognition agreements in our two largest markets (UK and Italy), which together represent over 45 percent of our pilot body, shows how constructive Ryanair is about developing relationships with those unions who wish to work with us and how much progress we have made in a short period of time,” noted Eddie Wilson, chief people officer, Ryanair.
Italy accounts for almost 80 of Ryanair’s 400 current aircraft fleet
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SAS Enhance Greece Network with Direct Flights
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candinavian Airlines (SAS) announced the launch of an additional direct route to Greece, now to the island of Rhodes. Departures from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport are scheduled to be on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer, for the period between June 23 and August 04. According to Swedavia, there has been increasing demand for more Mediterranean destinations. The company revealed that within a five-year period, the number of passengers flying to Greece has nearly doubled. SAS flies non-stop from Stockholm to Athens, Thessaloniki, Chania, and Mykonos.
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AIR
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Nine New Summer Routes for airBaltic
Brussels Airlines Expands Network with 26 New Destinations
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russels Airlines announced plans to launch 26 new destinations this summer. Besides there being more flight frequencies to different holiday regions, the airline also welcomed new leisure destinations to Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Macedonia, Greece, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal and Spain, which run from March 25 until October 27.
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The flight offer to the following holiday regions; Spain, Morocco, Greece and Croatia, are also set to grow significantly with the addition of Lanzarote, Agadir, Santorini, Zadar and Split. There will also be an increased flight frequencies to France’s Ajaccio, Bastia, Bordeaux and Nice, as well as to Athens (Greece),Tel Aviv (Israel), Florence (Italy) and Malaga (Spain).
atvian carrier, airBaltic, announced that it is starting its scheduled summer season with nine new routes on March 27. Additionally, the airline’s improved schedule linking the Baltic region with destinations across Europe, Scandinavia, CIS and the Middle East will also commence. This summer airBaltic is set to offer more than 70 direct services from Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. For the summer season of 2018, airBaltic is due to offer new services from Riga to Malaga (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Split (Croatia), Bordeaux (France), Gdansk (Poland), Almaty (Kazakhstan) as well as Sochi and Kaliningrad (Russia). In addition, airBaltic is expected to launch a new route connecting Tallinn and London.
According to Brussels Airlines, this represents its biggest ever network expansion
Iberia Expands Codeshare Partnership with Qatar Airways
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beria and Qatar Airways jointly announced the expansion of their codeshare partnership, offering the Spanish airline’s customers increased connectivity to destinations across the Middle East and Asia, as well as providing access across Latin America to Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways' code (QR) will be applied to routes operated by Iberia from Madrid to Panama City, Panama; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bogotá Medellín, Colombia;
Montevideo, Uruguay; and Santo Domingo; Dominican Republic. Qatar Airways currently offers double daily flights from Doha direct to Madrid. From July, this will increase to 17 times weekly. “We will be able to provide our customers with greater access to the Middle East and Asia, offering even more choice to both business and leisure travellers,” said Luis Gallego, CEO, Iberia.
S7 Airlines Adds Domestic Novosibirsk – Samara
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Airlines is scheduled to launch flights from Novosibirsk to Samara (both Russia), starting June 01. Services from Novosibirsk to Samara are due to be carried out on Mondays and Fridays, departing from Tolmachevo Airport and arriving at Samara Airport. The flights will be carried out on modern Embraer 170 aircraft, designed to carry 78 passengers within an all-economy class cabin. Commenting on the new route, Igor Veretennikov, commerce director, S7 Group, stated, “Passengers from Samara will be able to travel to the cities of the Far East and Southeast Asia with convenient connections at Tolmachevo Airport.” To help passengers booking connecting flights, S7 Airlines introduced the feature of being able to book the flight as a single ticket. In addition, baggage is checked-in at the airport of departure straight to the airport of the final destination.
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airBaltic serves over 60 destinations from its Riga base
Air Malta Re-Introduce Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées
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ir Malta announced that it is due to start operating services to Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport, France from June 29 on a twice weekly basis. Scheduled services are set to take place on Mondays and Fridays. Charles Mangion, chairman, Air Malta, announced the new route at AMITEX, a yearly travel fair organised at Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre. Mangion noted that the airline had initially started operating the route as a charter destination since March 1988, and has operated it incessantly as a charter service since. Paul Sies, chief commercial officer, Air Malta, added, “Tarbes–Lourdes is a very sought after and known destination and regarded as place of worship and pilgrimage, however, it has much more to offer like a gateway to the Pyrénées, it is not too far from Toulouse and possibly even more interesting is that it is a gateway to the North of Spain.” Lourdes hosts around six million visitors every year, making it France’s second most important center of tourism, behind Paris. 25 APRIL 2018
AIR
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Flybe Boosts London Route from Belfast
Thomas Cook Airlines Balearics Granted Air Operator's Certificate
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ritish regional airline, Flybe, announced it has boosted its schedule to London City Airport from George Best Belfast City Airport, Northern Ireland. Adding an extra 12 flights a week, the airline’s new schedule is expected to begin on May 07 and is due to include morning and early evening flights. Offering up to six flights a day with a total choice of up to 35 flights a week, Flybe’s enhanced London City Airport schedule aims to give a particular boost to business customers travelling on one of the carrier’s routes from Belfast. It is scheduled to provide more than one-aday return options as well as an extra service on both Saturday and Sunday for weekend travellers. Flights are said to be conveniently spread out, offering a comprehensive choice, with the first weekday service departing at 06:45 and the last returning at 19:50.
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homas Cook Airlines Balearics (TCAB) has been granted an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC.) An announcement from TCAB noted it can now formally operate as an airline, and that it planned to start flight operations on March 24. "The new AOC for TCAB is an important step for our whole group airline," commented Christoph Debus, chief airline officer, Thomas Cook Group. "In the highly competitive short- and mediumhaul market we will gain an advantage with greater operational flexibility at a competitive
cost. At the same point we can increase our customer experience by maintaining closer control over the quality and product onboard," Debus further noted. The new airline forms part of Thomas Cook Group Airlines' growth plans, providing a new base on what it described as its most popular destination. TCAB’s five Airbus A320 aircraft are anticipated to initially taking over shortand medium-haul flights for Thomas Cook's German airline Condor, replacing third party aircraft leases.
Five Airbus A320 will initially be operating TCAB’s Network
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AIR SWISS and Etihad Announce New Partnership
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wiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and Etihad Airways have announced a new codeshare partnership with bookings effective immediately. Under the agreement, SWISS is set to market its LX code on Etihad Airways’ services between Zurich and Abu Dhabi. Correspondingly, Etihad Airways is scheduled to have its EY flight code on SWISS services between Geneva and Zurich, two key gateway cities served to Switzerland from Abu Dhabi. SWISS transfer passengers may fly into Zurich aboard a SWISS flight, and then continue on to Abu Dhabi aboard an Etihad Airways flight operated under a SWISS number.
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Air Malta Flights to be Booked on Ryanair’s Website
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ir Malta has recently reached an agreement to be included on Ryanair’s website, expected to allow passengers to book flights directly from there this summer. Charles Mangion, chairman, Air Malta, expressed his excitement about the new service by saying that this is a period of consolidation, when the airline will focus on building up 15 new routes and a new schedule which will mean that each aircraft operates for 14 hours a day during the busy summer period. While keeping its business class, the airline intends
Air Malta has been contributing to Malta’s economy for 45 years
Wizz Air Reveals Expansion Plans for Vienna
Saudia Boosts Spain Links with Malaga Flights
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izz Air has announced major expansion plans for its Vienna operations. Following the base establishment with three aircraft this year, Wizz is set to deploy two additional Airbus A321 at Vienna Airport by March 2019, growing its annual capacity to over two million seats on sale. Wizz Air’s offer from Austria is scheduled to include nine new routes from Vienna to the following destinations; Nice (France), Reykjavik (Iceland), Catania and Milan (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal), Madrid (Spain), Malmo and Stockholm Skavsta (Sweden), and Kharkiv (Ukraine). The newest Wizz services are planned to commence from February and March 2019.
to adopt other strategies used by low-cost airlines, such as offering services like car hire and hotel bookings. It will also be much stricter when it comes to enforcing limits on cabin baggage, warning defaulter passengers that anything over 10 kg will have to be checked in and paid for accordingly at higher rates than if it were booked beforehand. Mangion added that the workforce had now been reduced to 550, following 450 leaving on an early retirement and a further 450 moving to a new ground and passenger-handling company.
S Wizz Air’s offer from Austria is scheduled to include nine new routes
audi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, has announced a new summer gateway into southern Spain with the anticipated launch of links to Malaga. The airline recently revealed plans to connect Jeddah and Riyadh with Malaga from June 09 – September 10. Malaga will become Saudia’s second Spanish destination. The airline currently links Madrid with Jeddah and Riyadh four-timesweekly. The new flights, also taking place four-times-weekly, are scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays for the Riyadh to Malaga service, and Thursdays and Mondays for the Jeddah to Malaga route. The services will be operated non-stop to and from Malaga International Airport.
Austrian Airlines Expands Germany, Greece and Italy Flights
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ustrian Airlines is showcasing an extensive offering via its new summer flight schedule by expanding flights to Germany, Greece and Italy. Austria’s flag carrier will substantially expand its flight offering to Germany by flying up to 55 times per week to Berlin-Tegel, a rise of 21 flights
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compared to the summer of 2017. Flight connections to Düsseldorf will also be increased with the start of the new summer flight schedule by doubling its offering, and will also offer up to 31 flights from Vienna to Stuttgart. Additionally, Austrian Airlines is set to fly more frequently to Greece’s Chania, Corfu, Karpathos, Kos
and Athens. The airline will operate three additional flights each week, raising the total to 55 weekly flight connections to 17 destinations across Greece. Italy also remains a popular vacation destination, as the airline expands its offering by up to 13 additional flights per week. Frequencies are being increased to Venice, Catania, Olbia and Cagliari, among others.
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AGENTS
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The product training element is divided into three sections reflecting Viceroy’s signature brand tiers
Viceroy Launch Online Agent Training Programme Viceroy Hotel Group launched Viceroy Insider – a new, indepth online agent training programme, developed by Londonbased full-service communications agency Black Diamond.
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esigned to serve as a resource for all travel trades, Viceroy Insider is to provide UK and Ireland agents the tools needed to amplify their ability to highlight and sell the hotel brands’ 13 properties across the globe. The platform’s key benefits include incentivised product training courses unique to Viceroy Hotel Group’s portfolio, dedicated portals highlighting company news and accolades, a contacts page for global offices, and a comprehensive asset toolkit including videos, an image gallery and the brand’s most recent in-house magazine. “We realise the need for a consistent form of communication to ensure Viceroy Hotel Group continues to be easy to do business with, having all necessary information in one place,” remarked Jane O'Shea, vice president, sales, Europe, Viceroy Hotel Group.
Online Abandonment Rates Affecting Europe’s Travel Sector
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ustomers across Europe are now more hesitant to commit to an online booking than this time last year, as shown by soaring website abandonment rates within the travel industry. Marketing technology company Ve Global (VE) released its latest in-
sights which analyse behavioural trends from hundreds of thousands of online travel sessions across Europe. Booking abandonment online, stood at an enormous 92.8 percent during the second half of 2017, up from 2016’s 85 percent.
“While the entire industry continues to invest heavily in digital, this data clearly shows that consumers in every subsector of travel are spending more time browsing their options before committing to a purchase,” outlined Morten Tonnesen, CEO, VE.
WebBeds to Encourage Swiss Tourism to Asian Travellers
W Running throughout April, this initiative will enable travel agents to learn the latest about Switzerland
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TUI Unveil Responsible Tourism on the Up
ebBeds Asia Pacific, a regional B2B travel distributor, has formed a new partnership with Switzerland Tourism aimed at showcasing the alpine country to Asia’s travel trade industry. Through this exclusive agreement, WebBeds Asia Pacific will encourage Asian travel agents to promote Switzerland’s many summertime experiences to their customers. Participating staff will be rewarded with bonus points and prizes, including a familiarisation trip to Switzerland. By harnessing WebBeds Asia Pacific’s extensive regional network, Switzerland Tourism is aiming to increase Asian traveller volume to Switzerland as a year-round destination, encourage travellers to spend longer exploring the country, and expand the range of activities available
UI UK & Ireland commissioned research company, Opinion Matters, to survey opinions of UK holidaymakers on the importance of responsible tourism. According to the research, nearly 50 percent of UK holidaymakers say giving back to a holiday destination is important to them. Moreover, even more holidaymakers agree travel companies’ commitment to support communities impacts their decisions. The research revealed the extent to which engagement with local culture and people can enhance holidays and help create unforgettable memories; 62 percent of UK holidaymakers agree that it makes them feel better when they know their holiday was organised with respect to nature and the local community.
Thomas Cook Overhauls Regional Structure
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K travel giant Thomas Cook has announced a proposal that would see each of its stores have a dedicated manager, a move which the company believes will more effectively run its portfolio. This would replace the current cluster manager structure and would be rolled out nationally. It follows an earlier decision where dedicated managers were placed at stores covering six regions. Kathryn Darbandi, director, retail and customer experience, UK, Thomas Cook, explained, “Our management team plays a critical role in the success of our stores across the UK and Northern Ireland. By proposing these new roles we would be creating exciting opportunities for both existing and aspiring managers.”
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AGENTS
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ETOA Welcomes EC’s Schengen Visa Reform EUROPEAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION (ETOA) HAS WELCOMED THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S (EC) RECENT PROPOSALS ON VISA POLICY REFORMS FOR NONEU NATIONALS VISITING THE SCHENGEN AREA, WHERE INTERNAL BORDER CHECKS HAVE LARGELY BEEN ABOLISHED.
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TOA announced that improved visa facilitation was a pre-condition for Europe’s continued success as a long-haul travel destination. With the increasing significance of China and India as source markets, and other Asian visa-requiring markets showing strong growth, the suggested reforms are overdue. According to ETOA, the proposals include faster and more flexible procedures with visa application decision making time reduced from 15 to 10 days. It would also be possible for travellers to submit their applications up to six months before their planned trip, instead of the current three months, and to complete their applications electronically. Also proposed are multiple entry visas with longer validity, from one to five years. Additionally, the proposals include short-term visas, for a maximum stay of seven days at external borders to facilitate short-term tourism. Increasing visa fees from EUR60 to EUR80 would also contribute to maintaining security, according to ETOA.
Hotelbeds Sells Destination Management Division
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otelbeds Group has announced the sale of its destination management division to multinational travel and tourism group, TUI. TUI is set to acquire, for an enterprise value of EUR110 million, all of the assets of Hotelbeds Group´s destination management division, which represents the Group´s incoming services
Cruise Baltic Launch Platform for German Agents
offering. The destination management division is made up of three main global brands: Destination Services, Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, and Pacific World. “This simplified structure will enable us to focus fully on our bedbank core,” commented, Joan Vilà, executive chairman, Hotelbeds Group.
ETC Hosts First Pan-European FAM trip for China Market
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uropean Travel Commission (ETC) has partnered with European Tourism Association (ETOA) and several European destinations, to host the first FAM trip for the Chinese market. From March 08 – 15, 70 qualified tour operators from China, including; Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Jinan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Wuhan, Nanjing and Xiamen; had the opportunity to experience European destinations. Destinations included 15 countries from the Adriatic, Balkans, Baltic, Benelux and Central Europe regions. The programme commenced with Berlin-based Partnerships in European Tourism conference and B2B workshop between tourism-related European companies and Chinese operators hosted by ETC, ETOA and the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association on March 06 – 07. 25 APRIL 2018
Cruise Baltic is expanding its travel training set-up with a German e-learning platform
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One of the FAM trip destinations was Lake Wolfgang, Austria
ruise Baltic launched a new e-learning platform designed to support German travel agents with their Baltic cruise sales. According to a company announcement, Cruise Baltic has a long tradition of educating English speaking travel agents worldwide on how best to sell the Baltic cruise product, both online and face-to-face, however, the German language has proven to be a barrier thus far. Claus Bodker, director, Cruise Baltic, elaborated, ”Cruise Baltic has always strived to build a strong relationship with the German travel agents, but the language has been a challenge. Therefore, we decided to make a big investment in creating an e-learning platform in German. We hope that it will assist the German travel agents in their sales work, and that it, as a side-effect, will tighten the communication between us.”
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TRAVEL CHANNELS Female pilots entering this programme will be eligible to apply for the EUR30,000 scholarship which will be offset against their training costs
Thomas Cook Creating More Opportunities for Female Pilots
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European Commission Launch Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange European Commission has launched Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange, a project to promote intercultural dialogue and improve the skills of at least 25,000 young people through digital learning tools. The project covers the 33 Erasmus+ programme countries and the Southern Mediterranean region covering Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia. "While a very successful programme, Erasmus+ is not always accessible to everyone. Through Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange we will facilitate more contacts between people, reach youth from different social backgrounds and promote intercultural understanding,” said Tibor Navracsics, commissioner, education, culture, youth and sport.
Thomas Cook Airlines operated an all-female crew on International Women’s Day this year (March 08), while the airline also announced that it launched its first scholarship for future female pilots. The crew for the flight from Manchester to Gran Canaria, Spain was all female, as were engineers and ground staff from the UK airport and the National Air Traffic Services controllers who cleared the A321 aircraft carrying 212 passengers onboard for take-off. On the same day, Thomas Cook Airlines announced that is would be partnering with the Cadiz, Spain-based aviation pilot academy, FTEJerez, to attract more women to piloting.
British Airways’ Celebrity Team Raises Money for Sport Relief
Sport Relief is a bi-annual fundraising event held by Comic Relief, which invites the public to get active, raise cash and change lives
Olympians, football stars and world champions put their skills to the test on March 16, by helping British Airways customers on their airport journey. Celebrities from the world of sport descended on British Airways customers at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports to raise money for charity Sport Relief, which the airline supports through its Flying Start partnership with Comic Relief. Former world champion and six-time Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy gave customers at Gatwick a lift across the forecourt on a tandem bike fitted with a special luggage trolley, while Heathrow customers donated for the chance to pair up with reigning Tour de France winner, Chris Froome.
Erasmus+ connects young people through various activities
Deutsche Hospitality Switches its Lights off On March 24, Deutsche Hospitality participated during World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) annual Earth Hour event by turning off the lights, as a symbolic show of solidarity for the planet. The group’s Frankfurt-based corporate office and a number of its hotels across Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Egypt, Dubai and Oman were part of the campaign. On the day of the event, the external facade lighting of the hotels involved switched off for an hour. Lights were also dimmed inside the buildings. The participating hotels were said to have drawn the attention of their guests to the campaign by highlighting the topic on their respective websites and placing information sheets throughout their rooms.
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Europe’s Urban Tourism Promotes Entrepreneurship – ECM The European Cities Marketing (ECM) Spring Meeting, which took place in Reykjavík, Iceland, recently saw industry thought leaders challenge 179 delegates from European cities with new ideas and insights. Views at the February 21 – 23 event were exchanged on how destination marketing organisations all over Europe are morphing their business models, forming new partnerships out of the touristic marketing box, and hacking innovative new solutions to shared problems. "Even
though there is not a fixed template for innovating the city, it is clear that many of Europe's prominent urban destinations are looking beyond bednight growth and working with new models of manifesting their cities with culture and urban entrepreneurships," commented Dieter HardtStremayr, president, ECM. Examples mentioned by ECM included London and Paris setting up incubator environments hosting a diverse range of start-ups and travel tech entrepreneurs to promote future jobs and growth.
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TRAVEL TALK
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ALEXANDER ZINELL
H. E. AKBAR AL BAKER
CEO, FRAPORT GREECE
GROUP CEO, QATAR AIRWAYS
The decision by Qatar Airways, is an indication of our growth potential “I am delighted to welcome Qatar Airways to Thessaloniki ‘Makedonia’ Airport and the first ever scheduled flights to and from Thessaloniki and Doha. The decision by our new airline partner, Qatar Airways, is a clear indication of the Thessaloniki ‘Makedonia’ Airport growth potential. Passengers from Northern Greece and the Balkans can now benefit from direct flights linking Thessaloniki with the international hub of Doha and beyond. We look forward to working closely with Qatar Airways.”
We are delighted to support Greece’s tourism industry “Qatar Airways’ new service to Thessaloniki will help reinforce links between the State of Qatar and Greece, and deepen the friendship and co-operation between our two great countries. Our second gateway in Greece, Thessaloniki is a major tourist destination all-year-round offering access to some of Greece’s most famous resorts. We are delighted to support Greece’s tourism industry by providing more global travellers the opportunity to visit this iconic city.”
PETER BAUMGARTNER
GEORGE MICHALOPOULOS
CEO, ETIHAD AIRWAYS
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, WIZZ AIR
Switzerland is one of our most attractive markets “We are delighted that Switzerland, one of our most attractive markets for both business and leisure travellers, will now be exclusively served by our flagship Boeing B787 Dreamliner. In addition to maintaining attractive timings for guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Geneva, we will create further suitable connections that will benefit more travellers to conveniently connect to Geneva via our Abu Dhabi hub. Through our optimised schedule, more guests will now have the opportunity to experience our next generation aircraft.”
We are creating new opportunities for Austrian customers
“After the opening of our Vienna base this June, in just nine months we will expand our operations to five based aircraft with a local team with more than 200 direct employees, while growing our low-fare network to 27 routes. We are creating new opportunities for Austrian customers to visit some of the most beautiful cities and regions in Europe. We are sure that our excellent value service will make Wizz Air the airline of choice for Austrian travellers as well as drive inbound tourism.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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WHO’S MOVED
JONI SUNDELIN has been promoted to director at Finavia’s Helsinki Airport. Since 2012, Sundelin has been Finavia’s senior vice president, responsible for the regional airport network. Effective from April 01, Sundelin is to plan and coordinate the operations, construction, and maintenance of airport facilities, especially as the airport is currently undergoing a EUR900 million investment renovation. The new director will also remain responsible for the management of airline sales, accounts and information and communications technology. Sundelin will also stay on as a member of Finavia’s executive group and report to Kimmo Mäki, president, Finavia. “It is great that we can use his expertise to further develop the extensive operations of Helsinki Airport,” said Mäki.
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Joni Sundelin
Dieter Vranckx
BIRGIT CONIX has been appointed as a member of TUI Group’s executive board, effective from July 15, ahead of becoming its chief financial officer later this year. Having held assignments across the Netherlands, UK, Mexico, and Germany, Conix gained extensive experience within all of TUI’s core markets during the course of her career. Conix joins TUI from her current role as chief financial officer, Telenet. She was previously senior finance director, Western Europe, Heineken, and held various management and leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson. Prior to that, she worked at both Tenneco and Reed-Elsevier. From July 15, Conix is due to work closely with Horst Baier before succeeding him as chief financial officer when his current contract expires. Klaus Mangold, chairman, supervisory board, TUI Group, commented, “With her international background and comprehensive experience from various sectors and companies, she will be a great asset to TUI.”
DIETER VRANCKX has been named new chief financial officer and deputy CEO of Brussels Airlines. Vranckx is now the third member of the management board at Brussels Airlines. Vranckx began his career as operations manager at Sabena, before joining Swissair as senior manager, network planning, Europe. He later held several departments within Lufthansa Group. Vranckx is set to join Brussels Airlines as of May 01 and will head the finance department, which includes accounting, controlling, legal, purchasing and facilities. The IT aero-political and HR units will also fall under his responsibility. “We welcome a real aviation expert with managerial experience, which will help us to further reinforce our position,” enthused Etienne Davignon, co-chairman, board of directors, SN Airholding.
Birgit Conix has 25 years of finance experience across many different industries
Birgit Conix
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PHOTO ALBUM
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Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Wera Hobhouse, member, parliament, Bath, supported the opening of Visit Bath’s new Visitor Information Centre
Ryanair launched its Athens and Thessaloniki winter 2018 schedules with 13 new routes and more flights on five other routes
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Lithuanian carrier Small Planet Airlines greeted Hollywood actor Harrison Ford onboard a flight from Da Nang, Vietnam, to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Brussels Airlines unveiled a Smurfs design which will represent Belgium on an A320 named Aerosmurf
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS HEALTHCARE TRAVEL EXPO Kiev, Ukraine April 25 – 27 www.htexpo.com.ua International Exhibition of Medical Tourism, SPA & Wellness - Healthcare Travel Expo presenting Ukrainian and international medical tourism and recreation service providers.
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Messe Frankfurt Acquires UK Subsidiary
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esse Frankfurt has expanded its international network after acquiring Forest Exhibitions Ltd, meaning the trade fair, congress and event organiser now has its own UK subsidiary. In the last financial year, 560 UK exhibitors and 15,300 visitors came to Frankfurt-based trade fairs. "The UK is an attractive trade fair and export market for our international customers,” outlined Wolfgang Marzin, CEO, Messe Frankfurt. “Another important factor for us is the proximity to our British partners and organisers who are regular visitors to Frankfurt.”
ITB China and ECTY Sign Partnership Agreement TEMPO LIBERO / FREIZEIT Bolzano, Italy April 28 – May 01 Tempo Libero /Freizeit welcomes more than 40,000 visitors and more than 400 exhibitors each year to a showcase holiday and outdoor products and services.
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TB China, Shanghai set to take place from May 16 – 18, announced it is now an official partner event within the EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY), a cooperative marketing programme. In February, a corresponding agreement was signed by Eduardo Santander, executive director,
European Travel Commission, and David Axiotis, general manager, ITB China. ECTY is designed to help EU and Chinese tourism businesses, authorities and all other stakeholders enjoy successful commercial and cultural exchanges between the EU and China.
GTM- GERMAN TRAVEL MART Dresden, Germany May 06 – 08 www.germany.travel GTM Germany Travel Mart is a high-calibre forum at which German providers can meet key buyers from the international travel industry.
IMEX FRANKFURT Frankfurt, Germany May 15 – 17 www.imex-frankfurt.com IMEX Frankfurt opens its door to 3,500 exhibitors from over 150 countries and 5,200 global decision makers with qualified buying power.
UNWTO Focus on Sustainable Tourism at ITB
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TB Berlin’s opening ceremony, which took place on March 07, featured an array of speeches by influential stakeholders which analysed tourism weaknesses and strengths. Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), emphasised tourism’s responsibility when contributing to sustainable development on a global scale. Angela Merkel, chancellor, Germany, sector leaders, and tourism ministers from around the world were present as Pololikashvili conveyed how tourism not only needs to consolidate current growth rates, but needs to grow better.
Focus on Sustainability at ITB Berlin
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his year’s ITB Berlin examined overtourism, integrating refugees and the financial viability of social tourism projects under the ‘sustainability’ heading. From March 07 – 09, experts from around the world discussed key issues and possible solutions at ITB Berlin.
Germany’s Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the official ITB partner country, featured numerous sustainable tourism projects. Attractions included a solar-powered boat on which visitors can take round trips across the Peene region’s National Park, and will leave a zero carbon footprint, a first for the show.
Medical Tourism a Focus at ITB
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ollowing ITB Berlin 2017’s successful Medical Tourism segment launch, growing demand into this sector led to its relocation to a larger hall at this year’s edition which was held from March 07 – 11. In Hall 21b, lectures and presentations took place, from where visitors were able to get detailed information on clinics, destinations and medical health insurance. Having taken place for the first time, Medical Media Lunch was held on March 07, followed by ITB Medical Night on March 09.
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