Harry Johnson - TravelWire News

United Mobile App for Busy Summer Travel Season

United Airlines' mobile application offers a range of features that can help airline passengers save an average of 30 minutes at the airport. These features include mobile check-in, a bag drop shortcut, live flight updates, terminal wayfinding, self-service rebooking, and more. By utilizing these mobile app tools, passengers can streamline their airport experience and make the most of their time.

New Chief Marketing Officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts

Harry Johnson·

People in Travel & Tourism

New Chief Marketing Officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts

Innocentin holds a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business, York University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Toronto. His achievements include being recognized as one of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization in 2015. He currently serves as the Global Chair of HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International).

New ASM Global Europe UK Venues in London, Newcastle, Derby, Southport

Harry Johnson·

Meeting Industry

New ASM Global Europe UK Venues in London, Newcastle, Derby, Southport

The four new venues are: Becketwell Performance Venue, Derby (Anticipated opening 2025), The Sage ICC, Newcastle Gateshead (Anticipated opening 2026), Olympia London (Anticipated opening 2026), Southport Marina Lake Events Centre (MLEC) (Anticipated opening 2026). Currently, in the UK, ASM Global Europe manages 11 Arenas, theaters and conference and exhibition centers and its subsidiary catering company, CGC Events, operates at 11 sports, culture and heritage venues, as well as catering for outdoor and special events.

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

Ethiopian Airlines to Manage Lodges as Ethiopian Skylight Hotel Brand

As per the terms of this strategic partnership, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel will take on the responsibility of operating and managing the remarkable Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge, Halala Kella Lodge, Gorgora Ecolodge, and Wonchi EcoLodge. Each Legacy Lodge provides a distinct encounter that highlights Ethiopia's natural splendor and cultural heritage. The primary objective of this new partnership is to enhance the tourism experience in Ethiopia by leveraging Ethiopian Airlines Group's extensive expertise in the hospitality industry. This collaboration will ensure the provision of unparalleled services to all visitors. This partnership between Ethiopian Airlines Group and the Prime Minister's Office signifies a significant achievement for Ethiopia's tourism sector, solidifying the country's status as a top choice for global travelers. By combining the renowned hospitality of Ethiopian Airlines with the distinctive offerings of the Legacy Lodges, visitors can anticipate an exceptional experience that celebrates Ethiopia's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Norse Atlantic Airways Partners with Goethe-Institut New York

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

Norse Atlantic Airways Partners with Goethe-Institut New York

The Goethe-Institut is the global cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. With currently 151 institutes in 98 countries, it promotes the knowledge of the German language, fosters international cultural cooperation. Through partnerships with partner institutions in numerous other locations, the Goethe-Institut has a total of around 1,000 contact points worldwide. In New York, the Goethe-Institut has been linking Germany, Europe, and the USA since 1969. From Union Square in Downtown Manhattan, the institute team manages a network of partners in the cultural and educational fields in New York State, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, offering its own language courses and events on current socio-political debates and contemporary cultural productions from Germany. Special emphasis is placed on the promotion of literature and translation as well as visual arts. Norse is supporting the institute with flights for artists traveling to New York from Berlin for cultural projects and events. Norse Atlantic operates up to four direct weekly flights between the two cities.

International Visitor Numbers Up 39% in Illinois

Harry Johnson·

Government and Public Sector Tourism News

International Visitor Numbers Up 39% in Illinois

In 2023, the top five markets for visitation to Illinois, US were Canada, Mexico, India, the U.K., and Germany. Canada emerged as the leading market for international visitation, experiencing an impressive growth of 48% from 425,000 to 627,000 visitors. Overseas visitors, excluding Canada and Mexico, also showed significant growth, dramatically increasing from 963,000 visitors in 2022 to 1,347,000 in 2023, representing a 40% rise. India demonstrated substantial growth in visitors to Illinois, with a remarkable 55% increase from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, Mexico contributed to the upward trend, with visitation numbers rising from 164,000 to 183,000, reflecting a notable 12% increase. In 2022, Illinois received a grand total of one hundred eleven million visitors, who collectively spent $44 billion. This figure, which is based on the latest available data, indicates a significant increase of 14 million travelers compared to the previous year, resulting in an additional expenditure of $12 billion.

VisitBritain and British Airways Launch Iconic Film Locations Campaign

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

VisitBritain and British Airways Launch Iconic Film Locations Campaign

This new initiative will be directed by the esteemed Charlotte Regan, who has been nominated for a BAFTA award. By showcasing the allure of Britain's cinematic heritage through the eyes of its own people, this campaign aims to address the curiosity of Americans and provide an authentic glimpse into what Britain truly embodies. Under the guidance of Charlotte Regan, known for her recent film "Scrapper," and in collaboration with Uncommon Creative Studio, new initiative showcases the charm, humor, and idiosyncrasies of Britain on screen, with the goal of encouraging American travelers to consider booking their next trip to Britain with British Airways. Featuring a pair of films that explore the questions "Does Britain Live Up to the Movies?" and "Is Britain as Romantic as Depicted in Films?" this campaign captures genuine reactions from a variety of individuals hailing from England, Scotland, and Wales. Moving beyond stereotypes, the campaign highlights the diverse and distinctive qualities of Britain, while also presenting its famous film locations in a fresh and authentic light.

Venetian Lagoon Luxury at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Harry Johnson·

hospitality industry

Venetian Lagoon Luxury at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Creams and teals dominate the color scheme, creating a calming and earthy ambiance in the retreat in Venice. The use of teal hues reflects the colors of Venice's lagoon, mirroring the breathtaking views of the city and the Giudecca Canal from the suites. The building's history as a flour mill is honored with exposed wooden beams and brushed oak floors, adding warmth to the space. To add a touch of luxury, black lacquer tables by Chica and crystal chandeliers by Fortuny are incorporated. Wall screens are adorned with bespoke 'Toile de Venice' Venetian fabric made by Rubelli, while dreamlike teal-colored wallpaper for the connecting rooms is crafted by Inkiostro Bianco. Rubelli fabrics are also used for upholstered furniture such as sofas, armchairs, curtains, and cushions, as well as chairs, benches, headboards, and bed structures upholstered in eco-leather fabric by Casamance. Throughout the space, references to the city of canals can be found.

Heraklion and Podgorica Flights Resume on Air Astana

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

Heraklion and Podgorica Flights Resume on Air Astana

Services between Almaty and Heraklion, situated on the island of Crete, are scheduled to run three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, commencing on the 6th of June 2024. The flights will be conducted using Airbus A321LR aircraft. Citizens of Kazakhstan must possess a Schengen visa for entry into Greece. Travelers have the option to extend their Greek adventure from Heraklion to Athens by catching a one-hour flight with a local carrier or by taking a ferry to the popular island of Santorini. Flights between Almaty and Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, are set to recommence on 8th June 2024, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Similarly, flights from Astana to Podgorica will resume on 9th June 2024, operating on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. From 1st May to 31st October 2024, citizens of Kazakhstan will be able to visit Montenegro visa-free for a period of up to 30 days. The flights will be conducted using Airbus A321LR aircraft, from Almaty, and Astana.

Eurowings Hannover Flights from Milan Bergamo Airport

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

Eurowings Hannover Flights from Milan Bergamo Airport

Eurowings announced a new route connecting Hannover and Milan Bergamo Airport on 6 May. This will improve the travel options between Italy and a major business and trade fair hub in Germany, serving both leisure and business passengers. Initially, flights will run twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, but this will increase to four times a week starting from 4 September, with extra flights on Wednesdays and Sundays. The airline will deploy its Airbus A320 aircraft for this route. The inclusion of Hannover enhances Eurowings’ current services connecting Dusseldorf and Milan Bergamo, thereby broadening the airport’s reach and providing passengers with increased travel choices. Hannover is well-known for its role in hosting significant global trade fairs, and this fresh connection will establish vital connections for professionals and exhibitors journeying to events from Northern Italy. Additionally, this new service will unlock additional prospects for tourism, cultural interchange, and economic cooperation between Italy and Germany.

Qatar Airways Launches US Privilege Club Credit Cards

Harry Johnson·

airlines

Qatar Airways Launches US Privilege Club Credit Cards

Both, Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card and Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card offer generous bonus and tier fast-track with Qatar Airways Privilege Club. With the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card, cardholders can collect up to 50,000 Avios and 150 Qpoints as a sign-up bonus with minimum spend, and a fast-track to Gold tier with Privilege Club. With the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card, members can collect up to 40,000 bonus Avios with minimum spend, and a fast-track to Silver tier with Privilege Club. Cardholders will enjoy enhanced privileges including tier bonus, complimentary lounge access, extra baggage allowance, priority stand-by, priority check-in, priority boarding, complimentary 'meet and assist' service from Al Maha Services when travelling through Hamad International Airport in Doha.Cardholders of both credit cards will also enjoy a new way to collect Qpoints and upgrade or retain their tier with Privilege Club. Members will collect two Qpoints for every 1,500 Avios earned on spends with the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card or for every 2,000 Avios earned on spends with the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card.

India’s Largest Airline Orders 30 Airbus A350 Jets

Harry Johnson·

Airbus

India’s Largest Airline Invests in 30 New Airbus A350 Jets

For over fifty years, Airbus has been closely linked with India in a mutually beneficial relationship, playing a key role in the expansion of the country's civil aviation industry. The Airbus A320 Family has been instrumental in making air travel more accessible in India, while the A350 has emerged as the preferred aircraft for Indian carriers looking to tap into the global market. IndiGo, one of the world's fastest-growing airlines, stands out as one of the biggest customers of the A320 Family. The A350 stands as the most contemporary and effective wide-body aircraft globally within the 300-410 seater range. Its design starts from scratch, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and aerodynamics that provide unparalleled levels of efficiency and comfort. With its next-generation engines and utilization of lightweight materials, it offers a remarkable 25 percent improvement in fuel consumption, operating expenses, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to its predecessors and competing aircraft.

Holland America's Rotterdam Tests Renewable Fuels

Harry Johnson·

Cruise Industry News

Holland America’s Rotterdam Tests Renewable Fuels

Holland America Line has initiated a long-term biofuel trial on its flagship, Rotterdam, utilizing 100% low carbon intensity biofuel during its voyage through the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. The vessel was fueled with biofuel prior to departing from the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on April 27, 2024, and will run one of its four engines on low carbon intensity oil sourced from organic waste or residues that are certified in accordance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive while navigating through the Fjords. The sustainable biofuel, GoodFuels MR1-100, provided by FincoEnergies, is expected to result in an 86% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. The ship's first tests will take place on one of its four engines throughout the cruises scheduled for this month. There is a possibility of extending these tests to multiple engines during the summer, while the ship operates in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, namely Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Cunard's Queen Anne Sets Sail for Maiden Cruise to Lisbon

Harry Johnson·

Cruise Industry News

Cunard’s Queen Anne Sets Sail for Maiden Cruise to Lisbon

Luxury British cruise line's newest ship embarked on a seven-night journey to Lisbon via La Coruna on May 3, followed by a visit to the captivating Portuguese city on May 7. Subsequently, it will commence a 14-night expedition to the enchanting Canary Islands. Katie McAlister, the President of Cunard, expressed that the inaugural journey of Queen Anne represents the beginning of a fresh chapter in opulent ocean voyages. The departure of Queen Anne from Southampton was a momentous occasion for all those affiliated with Cunard. Cunard is renowned in the UK and worldwide for our magnificent iconic Queens. The addition of Queen Anne to our collection signifies not only a new symbol but also the final piece of a flawless quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.

New Delta Amsterdam to Tampa Winter Flight

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

New Delta Amsterdam to Tampa Winter Flight

Delta operates year-round flights to the Dutch city from Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP), New York (JFK), Portland (PDX), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Seattle (SEA). The Airbus A330-300 aircraft will be utilized by Delta Air Lines for the new service, offering four distinct product experiences: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. Passengers traveling with Delta Air Lines from Tampa to Amsterdam can take advantage of convenient connections to more than 100 destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India through KLM's well-connected hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Delta Air Lines' partners in joint ventures provide additional connectivity choices for travelers flying to and from Florida, USA. KLM and Air France operate flights connecting Miami, Florida and Paris, France, while Virgin Atlantic offers flights from both Miami, Florida and Tampa, Florida to London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic operates flights from Orlando, Florida to both Manchester and London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom.

WestJet Partners with Travelport on NDC Content Distribution

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

WestJet Partners with Travelport on NDC Content Distribution

This new agreement ensures that together, WestJet and Travelport deliver a future modern retailing experience for our agency partners and travel customers so that they can easily search, shop and service our fares and ancillaries. New deal includes the future implementation of WestJet NDC content - and Travelport is the first GDS to reach an NDC agreement with WestJet. This agreement shows the companies' commitment to deliver retail-ready content and more value to the customers in North America and the rest of the world.

New Family Summer Camp in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

Harry Johnson·

Rush

New Family Summer Camp in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

The coastal town of Las Catalinas in Guanacaste, Costa Rica is dedicated to creating opportunities for a more balanced lifestyle and a stronger connection to nature. It has been at the forefront of the car-free movement, aiming to build neighborhoods, towns, and cities that are highly walkable. In 2022, Las Catalinas received the prestigious Charter Award from The Congress for New Urbanism for its Beach Town neighborhood. This recognition highlights the town's commitment to creating communities that are equitable, sustainable, connected, healthy, and prosperous.

Star Asia Group Buys Japan's Domestic Hotel Operator Minacia

Harry Johnson·

Hotels

Star Asia Group Buys Japan’s Domestic Hotel Operator Minacia

Star Asia Group has made the decision to purchase 100% of the shares of Minacia from a third party. Minacia currently operates 39 limited-service hotels with a total of 5,180 rooms in major cities across Japan. This acquisition aligns with our strategic goal of actively investing in the hotel industry, which offers significant growth opportunities. With a history of over 30 years, Minacia has established itself as a leading hotel and restaurant management company in Japan. The company operates limited-service hotels under well-known brands such as Wing International and Tenza Hotel, the latter of which was introduced in 2020. These brands are widely recognized throughout Japan. Additionally, Minacia boasts a strong proprietary loyalty program that attracts a large number of repeat customers. The company also has extensive experience in the restaurant sector and is currently developing unique dining concepts both within and outside its hotel properties, leveraging the diverse regional characteristics of Japan.

Largest-Ever Princess Europe Cruise in 2026

Harry Johnson·

Cruise Industry News

Largest-Ever Princess Europe Cruise in 2026

The "Love Boat" line, Princess Cruises, has just announced that their 2026 European cruise and cruise tour season for that year will be their largest ever. Five Princess cruise ships, including the impressive new Sun Princess, will be sailing the region. With a staggering 222 cruises planned, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to discover the beauty and diversity of Europe. From March to November 2026, the European season will offer 59 unique itineraries, covering 101 destinations across 29 countries. These itineraries range from five to 42 nights, ensuring a variety of options for travelers. Some of the highlights of the upcoming season include the chance to witness the total solar eclipse of 2026, the opportunity to sail on the newest Princess ship – Sun Princess, and the return of roundtrip cruises from Copenhagen, as well as new itineraries from Rome. Guests will have the option to enhance their Europe cruise experience by adding several days on land to explore different parts of the region.

New Norway Cruise from Hurtigruten Expeditions

Harry Johnson·

Adventure

New Norway Cruise from Hurtigruten Expeditions

The expedition will explore four iconic regions in Northern Norway: the Lyngen Alps, Senja, Lofoten, and Vesterålen, uncovering hidden gems in each during ten scheduled sailings from January to March 2026. Departing from and returning to Tromsø, the expedition aboard MS Spitsbergen promises a completely all-inclusive experience. Guests will delve deep into Norwegian culture and the spectacular winter landscapes through three bespoke experiences unique to HX, including a bonfire under the polar night, an exclusive evening at the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes, and a traditional Scandinavian sauna session followed by a polar plunge. Additionally, the itinerary includes a variety of activities such as kayaking, whale watching, nature walks, alpine treks, snowshoeing, community visits, and ski touring, ensuring a rich and diverse adventure. During the seven-day expedition cruise, guests will have the unique opportunity to venture above the Arctic Circle, where long winter nights devoid of light pollution create ideal conditions for observing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

New Ankara to Dublin Flight on Pegasus Airlines

Harry Johnson·

Airline News

Edinburgh to Istanbul Flight for £1 on Pegasus Airlines

Incorporated in 1990, Pegasus Airlines was acquired by ESAS Holding in 2005 and adopted the low-cost business model. As Türkiye’s leading low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines believes that everyone has the right to fly and offers its guests the opportunity to travel with good-value fares and young aircraft through its low-cost model. In 2018, Pegasus Airlines adopted the motto Your Digital Airline and carries its guests to 137 destinations, 36 in Türkiye and 102 on its international network. Pegasus Airlines operates connecting flights between Türkiye and Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. Commencing on June 27, 2024, Pegasus Airlines will offer customers direct flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Turkey and Edinburgh Airport, Scotland providing 2,500 seats for sale at a price of £1 + taxes for a one-way journey. These airline tickets can be booked from May 10 to May 16, 2024.

New Cruise Terminal Planned for Port Canaveral

Harry Johnson·

Cruise Industry News

New Cruise Terminal Planned for Port Canaveral

The North 8 berth at Port Canaveral currently shares its basin with Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of the port. Originally designed and constructed in 2018 with versatility in mind, the North 8 berth will only require minimal modifications to extend its current bulkhead length from 1,020 linear feet to 1,344 feet in order to accommodate larger cruise vessels. Furthermore, improvements to the waterside of the shared basin on the northside will also enhance the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5. The new cruise terminal and parking facility will utilize technology to offer maximum flexibility for multiple users and brands. The North 8 site, existing berth layout, and available uplands present the chance for minimal interference with current port and tenant activities while under construction. The schedule for the design, engineering, and construction phases is currently being developed, aiming for the completion of the new facility by the summer of 2026. The upcoming terminal campus will feature a multi-level parking structure capable of accommodating 3,000 vehicles.

Harry Johnson·

Adventure

New Brand President at Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air, the largest indoor adventure park operator globally, offering a wide range of thrilling activities such as intense ropes courses, Urban Air's Sky Rider, Battle Beams, laser tag, dodgeball courts, electric Go-Karting, obstacle courses, and more, has appointed Jeff Palla as its new Brand President. Palla, a franchise-industry leader with over 25 years of experience, most recently held the position of President at Mr. Handyman, a part of the Neighborly platform of home service brands. Prior to this role, he spent 18 years as the Senior Vice President of Operations at the hotel chain La Quinta, where he played a key role in launching and expanding the franchise program to over 600 units. Palla began his career at the Walt Disney Company, serving in various guest service roles. Additionally, he was a franchisee of Bloomin' Blinds in Texas, providing him with valuable insights into driving success in a small business.

Dusit Signs New dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives Resort

Harry Johnson·

Hotel & Resort News

Dusit Signs New dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives Resort

The new resort, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024, is currently undergoing construction. It will operate under Dusit's upscale dusitD2 brand and will be the company's first 'all-inclusive' property. Along with spacious overwater villas and family suites, the resort will offer a variety of amenities. Guests will have access to three main private beaches for relaxation, as well as a smaller 'picnic beach' for memorable meals on the sandy shores. Taking advantage of its proximity to Malé International Airport, which is only a five-minute speedboat ride away, the resort's developers also have plans to establish a resort-based entertainment hub and a small convention center to cater to guests seeking experiences beyond the core resort offerings. Details regarding these additions will be announced at a later date and will also be managed by Dusit. Great care will be taken to ensure that all aspects of the resort seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. Dusit's group-wide sustainability program, Tree of Life, will further reinforce this commitment by implementing processes and systems that minimize the resort's environmental impact.

New Member on Maastricht Board of City Destinations Alliance

Harry Johnson·

Destination

New Member on Maastricht Board of City Destinations Alliance

Jurgen Moors, hailing from the southern region of the Netherlands, has been chosen as a new Board Member during the General Assembly. His term will last for a duration of 3 years. For almost a decade, Moors has held the position of CEO at the Maastricht Convention Bureau. In addition to this role, he has also held various positions in the national Chamber of Commerce. With an extensive career in international affairs and cross-border business, Moors has gained experience working in Japan and Belgium, as well as for multinational companies in Maastricht and Brussels. As a member of the Board of CityDNA, Moors will continue to actively contribute towards advancing the interests of city destinations across Europe. He will also introduce innovative approaches to further enhance the meetings industry agenda. Prior to his election as a Board Member, Moors had the privilege of serving as the Chairman of the CityDNA Meeting Industry Steering Group.

Sabre Partners with Kilroy Group Europe Travel Agency

Harry Johnson·

hospitality industry

Sabre Partners with Kilroy Group Europe Travel Agency

Sabre Corporation and the Kilroy Group, a prominent European hybrid multibrand Travel Agency, have recently announced the extension of their multi-year agreement. The renewal of their business partnership emphasizes the long-standing and robust partnership between the two companies, which has lasted for more than twenty years. The Kilroy Group will utilize Sabre's advanced technology solutions such as Sabre Bargain Finder Max, Sabre Automation Hub, and Sabre Direct Pay to propel its business growth. Through the implementation of various Sabre solutions, the Kilroy Group aims to improve the overall travel experience for its customers, covering aspects such as shopping, automated processes after booking, and secure payment methods. Kilroy anticipates utilizing Sabre's knowledge, dedication to providing innovative solutions, and state-of-the-art technology, allowing it to concentrate on their primary goal: offering unmatched, transformative travel experiences for its clients. With its technology, Sabre assists its partners like Kilroy in enhancing their operational efficiencies and payment methods, essential for meeting the constantly evolving demands of the travel sector.

Radisson Americas Hotels Join Hotelbeds Portfolio

Harry Johnson·

Accommodation

Radisson Americas Hotels Join Hotelbeds Portfolio

Choice Hotels is recognized as one of the largest lodging franchisors, currently franchises over 7,500 hotels, included in Hotelbeds' hotel portfolio, with a total of nearly 630,000 rooms available in 46 countries and territories worldwide. The strategic agreement with Hotelbeds is a significant step in expanding their longstanding partnership. This agreement not only opens up new avenues for revenue generation and international exposure for their U.S. franchisees but also reinforces their trust in Hotelbeds' valuable wholesale distribution model. Choice Hotels remains dedicated to maintaining rate integrity across all channels and aims to reduce distribution costs for their franchisees. This agreement holds great potential in enhancing their ability to achieve these goals in the long run, particularly in key international source markets. This extension not only strengthens the already strong relationship between the two companies but also demonstrates Choice Hotels' trust in Hotelbeds as a key driver of their B2B growth.

Harry Johnson·

Educational Travel News

ABPCO Festival of Learning in Glasgow

The educational event centered around a captivating speech by Dr. Tharaka Gunarathne, who shared innovative techniques rooted in brain science to boost efficiency and alleviate stress. The comprehensive agenda also encompassed sessions on the social and economic ramifications of the events, the harmonious relationship between technology and human creativity in event planning, and practical tips for effective public speaking. Noteworthy workshops encompassed 'Embracing the Future with Limited Resources', which introduced a novel tool for assessing conferences' contributions to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, as well as discussions on risk management and the future of event accessibility. These discussions further underscored ABPCO's unwavering dedication to sustainability and inclusivity. The festival's success was achieved thanks to the generous backing of the SEC, along with their partner Glasgow Convention Bureau. GES, Harrogate Convention Centre, Aberdeen Convention Bureau, Brightelm, and ACC Liverpool also offered additional support, enhancing the event's dynamic networking and educational atmosphere.

New British Classics Menu at Mayfair's DUKES London

Harry Johnson·

Culinary Travel News

New British Classics Menu at Mayfair’s DUKES London

With a range of signature dishes including fish & chips accompanied by curry sauce, shepherd's pie prepared using braised shoulder of lamb, creamed potatoes, and lamb cutlets, as well as treacle sponge, patrons can indulge in an authentic British gastronomic adventure. Meticulously selected by Executive Chef Nigel Mendham and his skilled team, the fresh menu exclusively features premium seasonal ingredients procured solely from local British suppliers. This commitment by the hotel ensures an unparalleled English experience, encompassing both culinary delights and exceptional hospitality. The traditional British dish of fish and chips, known as fish 'n' chip supper by locals, has been a beloved part of UK cuisine for centuries. DUKES London offers a high-quality version of this classic meal, ensuring guests enjoy an authentic experience similar to dining at Brighton Pier. In addition, shepherd's pie, a historic British favorite originating in the 18th century, distinguishes itself from cottage pie by using lamb instead of beef. DUKES London takes pride in using locally-sourced ingredients to elevate this humble pie to new heights.

OYO Targets 250 New Hotels in USA in 2024

Harry Johnson·

hospitality industry

OYO Targets 250 New Hotels in USA in 2024

OYO has recently revealed a new partnership with Stripe aimed at enhancing the payment process for both customers and hotel owners in the US. This collaboration will offer hotel owners a convenient and flexible solution for in-person payments through Stripe Terminal at their establishments. OYO has also introduced a virtual front desk solution for its partner hotels in the United States. This self-check-in technology is seamlessly integrated with smart lock systems, enabling guests to access their rooms without the need for physical key cards. The 24/7 virtual front desk, powered by ChatGPT, significantly reduces operational costs by approximately 60%, resulting in an annual saving of around $30,000 for an average OYO hotel. This virtual front desk is equipped to support more than 80 languages, providing prompt assistance to guests in their preferred language and addressing any concerns in real-time. Moreover, the system automates payment collection, simplifying the entire process for a hassle-free experience.