Travel Weekly Group Ltd - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 121

2 min

Virgin Trains Ticketing deepens SilverRail…

🚂 Virgin Trains Ticketing enhances its collaboration with SilverRail, introducing 'Gen 2' split ticketing and 'Cheaper Routes' to offer up to 78% savings on some routes. Customers now have cheaper, indirect options on 33% of peak morning searches. The new features aim to simplify fare systems and add value to train travel, with Virgin Points rewards and a double points promotion until December 15. This partnership marks SilverRail's first provision of indirect journey tools to a British rail ticket retailer.

1 min

Travelport strengthens Eurasia Travel…

🛫 Travelport and ETN expanded their agreement, enhancing travel retail experiences with AI-powered search and enriched content. ETN, led by Managing Director Nikos Bolias, aims to simplify travel options for corporate and marine clients. Travelport+ will provide ETN's global clients with normalised NDC content and modern retailing tools. The Cyprus-based agency will benefit from Travelport's Content Curation Layer for efficient trip searches. Fred Lindgren of Travelport emphasized the commitment to delivering choice and value in travel retailing.

1 min

Tour Amigo launches first DMO marketplace…

🏕 Tour Amigo, a travel sector connectivity provider, is transforming destination promotion by introducing Micro Destination Platforms (MDPs) for Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) and tourism boards. MDPs integrate with current DMO websites, enabling a branded marketplace without complex redevelopment. The platform helps DMOs promote local experiences, increase visitor stays, and spending while supporting sustainable tourism. DMOs gain insights on regional trends, and local operators can connect to OTAs, agents, and wholesalers. For partnerships, visit touramigo.com/dmo-partnerships. CEO Murray Decker emphasizes ease of connection between travelers and regional experiences.

2 min

Tui eyes source market expansion further…

🏖 TUI Group, under CEO Sebastian Ebel, targets Eastern Europe expansion, emulating Tui Poland's success, where over one million Polish travelers choose Tui, favoring Turkey, Greece, and Spain. With plans to double Czech Republic customer numbers next summer and similar strategies for other Eastern European nations, Tui aims to introduce its proven business model and tech platform in new markets, building upon its presence in 16 source markets.

2 min

Ice Travel Group announces Cruise Critic…

🚢 Ice Travel Group has launched a dedicated cruise hub in collaboration with Cruise Critic, aiming to enhance cruise holiday search for its TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com customers. The hub will feature millions of cruise deals, informative content, and tailored advice. Stuart Barrett, Ice Travel Group's commercial director, anticipates the hub to boost UK cruise passenger numbers in 2025. In 2024, Ice Travel Group expects to deliver over 42 million package holiday searches to its partners. The partnership between Cruise Critic and Ice Travel Group is designed to redefine cruise search experiences and expand cruising's presence in the UK market.

2 min

Spanish Tourist Office hears calls for…

🏖️ The Spanish government enacted a rule on December 2 requiring hotels to collect extensive personal data from guests over 14, including passport details and payment information. UK visitors to Spain rose by 7.1% in the first 10 months over 2023, reaching 16.5 million, with a forecast of 18.8 million by year's end. Spending by UK travelers is expected to be €23 million by year's end, a 30% increase over 2019. The winter season may see UK visitors to Spain increase by 25% over the 2019/20 season. Spain's Tourist Office plans to promote longer stays and lesser-known destinations for 2025, with events like 'Spain Talks' on April 30 and an accessible travel campaign meeting in Seville from May 19-22. After October floods, Valencia has recovered, with attractions and businesses fully operational.

2 min

IATA expands UAE presence

✈ The International Air Transport Association (IATA) inaugurated a new office and training centre in Abu Dhabi to address the increasing need for skilled aviation professionals. The facility, officially opened by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, will offer over 60 courses in areas like safety and cargo management starting in 2025. IATA's Abu Dhabi team has expanded by 140% in 18 months, emphasizing the UAE's role as a global aviation hub.

2 min

Holiday Extras founders exit after 42 years

💰 Holiday Extras, founded 42 years ago by Gerry and Carol Pack, has shifted majority shares to an employee benefit trust following a buyback of the founders' 12% stake out of six million shares. Control remains with management under CEO Matthew Pack, the founders' son. The company has secured a £10 million increase in its NatWest borrowing facility, now totaling £30 million, to fund European expansion and AI investment. Earlier acquisitions include Quick Parking and a new Airparks car park in Munich. Further acquisitions are anticipated.

3 min

‘Severe’ supply chain issues holding back…

🛫 IATA warns "severe" supply chain issues affecting airlines will persist into 2025, impacting costs and growth. From a peak of 1,813 aircraft deliveries in 2018, 2024 saw only 1,254, a 30% shortfall. Deliveries are expected to increase to 1,802 in 2025, short of the 2,293 predicted. The backlog has reached 17,000 new aircraft, taking an estimated 14 years to fulfill at current rates, doubling the 2013-2019 average. The global fleet's average age has hit 14.8 years, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) making up only 0.3% of jet fuel production and 11% of renewable fuel in 2024. Airlines' net margin stands at 3.6%.

1 min

Saudia extends distribution agreement with…

🏨 Amadeus and Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national carrier, have extended their distribution agreement, including the global deployment of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content starting Q1 2025. Saudia aims to enhance its airline products and services, offering dynamic offers and hyper-personalization for passengers, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Integration with the Amadeus Travel Platform is expected to be seamless due to Saudia's existing use of Amadeus Altéa NDC, promising improved transparency and servicing for travel sellers worldwide.

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