New research from Amadeus has sought to examine how the hospitality industry has adapted to Covid-19, as well as the trends hoteliers think are likely to stay as the industry rebuilds. Amadeus’ Demand360 business intelligence data shows that hotel occupancy levels are now on an upward trajectory. Worldwide occupancy reached 46 per cent in April, up from the low point of just 13 per cent during … [Read more...]

MSC Cruises’ flagship, MSC Virtuosa, has arrived in Southampton, ready to welcome guests as cruising restarts in the UK. The newest ship in the fleet, she will embark on her maiden voyage around the British Isles on May 20th. Antonio Paradiso, UK managing director, MSC Cruises, said: “The arrival of our flagship MSC Virtuosa into Southampton today is an exciting moment, as we prepare to welcome … [Read more...]

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has warned package holiday companies to respect the refund rights of holidaymakers ahead of the summer period. The government body has published an open letter to the sector and has also sent it directly to the 100 package travel firms with the most complaints about them. The letter reminds the firms of their legal obligations and of the need to … [Read more...]

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has warned package holiday companies to respect the refund rights of holidaymakers ahead of the summer period. The government body has published an open letter to the sector and has also sent it directly to the 100 package travel firms with the most complaints about them. The letter reminds the firms of their legal obligations and of the need to … [Read more...]

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has warned package holiday companies to respect the refund rights of holidaymakers ahead of the summer period. The government body has published an open letter to the sector and has also sent it directly to the 100 package travel firms with the most complaints about them. The letter reminds the firms of their legal obligations and of the need to … [Read more...]

While Princess Cruises has cancelled a number of trips over the coming months as it battles back toward operation. All California Coast and Mexico sailings on Ruby Princess have been suspended until at least August 21st this year, while Caribbean sailings on Caribbean Princess will not restart until at least the same date.ADVERTISEMENTAll remaining 2021 Mediterranean summer season voyages on … [Read more...]

While Princess Cruises has cancelled a number of trips over the coming months as it battles back toward operation. All California Coast and Mexico sailings on Ruby Princess have been suspended until at least August 21st this year, while Caribbean sailings on Caribbean Princess will not restart until at least the same date.ADVERTISEMENTAll remaining 2021 Mediterranean summer season voyages on … [Read more...]

Embraer has agreed the sale of nine new E175 jets to Alaska Air Group and its subsidiary Horizon Air. The aircraft will fly exclusively with Alaska Airlines under a capacity purchase agreement. The value of the contract, which will be included in the second-quarter backlog, is US$449 million, based on current list prices. “We have navigated through the pandemic and we’re on a solid path to … [Read more...]

British Airways has revealed it will be trialling new queuing technology from Qmatic. The carrier hopes the system will enable customers to virtually queue at check-in by pre-booking their slot time in advance of arriving at the airport. The technology, that is optional for customers, will be trialled by British Airways for three months on selected flights departing from Heathrow Terminal 5. … [Read more...]

British Airways has revealed it will be trialling new queuing technology from Qmatic. The carrier hopes the system will enable customers to virtually queue at check-in by pre-booking their slot time in advance of arriving at the airport. The technology, that is optional for customers, will be trialled by British Airways for three months on selected flights departing from Heathrow Terminal 5. … [Read more...]

London City Airport has welcomed the restoration of connections to Zürich (ZRH), with Swiss to resume flying to Switzerland’s largest city from today. The carrier will initially operate two rotations per week. The schedule will increase in line with the anticipated surges in demand for leisure and business travel as travel restrictions are relaxed in the UK and Europe this summer. Commenting on … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line has said it hopes to return a small number of ships to service in the United States from July. The line anticipates beginning able to operate sailings on three ships from Florida and Texas, including Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze from Galveston, and Carnival Horizon from Miami.  Further, Carnival said if it can find a solution to allow cruise ships to visit Alaska, … [Read more...]

Spainish minister of tourism, Reyes Maroto, has said she hopes British travellers will be allowed to return to the country later this month. Officials are currently reviewing a European Union resolution that will permit more flexible travel terms for countries outside of the bloc. The United Kingdom is then expected to be included in a free-to-travel list. Following this review, possibly as … [Read more...]

Silversea Cruises has announced its return to service in the Galápagos Islands aboard new ship Silver Origin. The vessel arrived in San Cristóbal at the end of last month.ADVERTISEMENTWith Silver Origin departing on her inaugural season from June 19th, the cruise line will welcome guests on all-new itineraries. Full vaccinations will be mandatory for guests and crew embarking Silver Origin, … [Read more...]

Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) London is launching a new interactive weekly webinar for travel trade, to share destination updates, trivia and travel protocol information in an engaging way for agents and partners. ‘Jamaica Virtual Vibes’ will take place every Wednesday at 13:30 for 45-60 minutes as a casual but informative way to hear about updates from the Caribbean’s top holiday destination, where … [Read more...]

Following the announcement that Britons are likely to be able to get a summer holiday this year after all, British Airways has added new services to holiday destinations for June and July onwards. The carrier said the new services are in response to overwhelming interest from its customers on its website. The 26 additional weekly frequencies will include destinations across Greece, the Canary … [Read more...]

An NHS app offered in England will be available to use as a vaccine passport from next Monday, the government has said. However, it will only be accessible to those who have had both doses of the jab. The existing app can already be used to request repeat prescriptions, arrange appointments to see a doctor and view medical records. It is, however, separate to the NHS Covid-19 app, which is used … [Read more...]

Airbus has resumed work on the modernisation of its A320 industrial capabilities in Toulouse. The manufacturer said the decision would provide increased flexibility throughout its global industrial production system to respond to market recovery and future demand. The modernised, digitally-enabled A320/A321 final assembly line will replace one of the original Toulouse A320 line. It will be … [Read more...]

From today, travellers flying from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways will be able to validate their Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport. Guests can arrive at the airport with confidence and with peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight.  With the formalities out of the way, verified travellers can enjoy fast track check-in at the … [Read more...]

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed its next ship will be called Norwegian Prima. The vessel, due to launch next summer, will be the first of six new ships in a class of the same name. Until now the new fleet, which will carry 3,215 passengers each, had been called Project Leonardo. The first ship, under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, is a departure for the line, which has … [Read more...]