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    Britain’s biggest bus operator Stagecoach to increase number of electric bus fleet by over 80%

    Stagecoach has confirmed today (28 November 2022) that it is planning to increase its electric bus fleet by over 80% in the next 12 months as it continues its journey towards being a net zero business.The country’s biggest bus and coach operator has published a new report outlining progress in 2021-2022 against the strategy it launched in 2021, Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work.
    The report details a programme of improvements delivered in 2021-2022 against its Planet, People, Prosperity and Governance targets. It includes a package of capital investment in new cleaner buses, measures to improve energy efficiency as well as improvements and investment for Stagecoach employees and local communities.
    Stagecoach is continuing with its plans to target a zero emission UK bus fleet by 2035, and has introduced new electric buses across many parts of the country, including one of Europe’s biggest investment in e-buses in Manchester. As part of these plans, Stagecoach will be increasing its electric bus fleet from 184 buses to 343 in the next year, representing an increase of 86%*. It will also be launching the first all-electric city bus networks in the UK in Inverness and Perth in 2023.
    Key highlights during 2021-2022 include:
    Protecting the PlanetADVERTISEMENTIntroduction of 75 new zero emission buses in regions across the UK, with 79 new e-buses in London during 2021-22. A further 159 new electric buses are planned to be introduced in 2023.Stagecoach will also start running 10 new hydrogen buses in Liverpool in spring 2023, the first of its kind for the region, operated through a partnership between Stagecoach, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Arriva.Delivered an overall 32% reduction in scope 1 & 2 CO2e emissions per passenger journeyHelped customers avoid nearly 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by providing them with more sustainable travel, rather than taking the carIntroduced 100% renewable electricity across the business, with new energy saving lighting in place in some locationsAchieved management ‘B’ rating in benchmark assessment from CDP, above the average for the road transport sectorRecycling mobile devices which has helped to fund the planting of over 3,000 treesOpening of a sustainable new £7m depot in Cwmbran in South Wales, which features a water recycling system, electric charging bays, intelligent heating, solar panels and a grass roof for rainwater harvesting.Investing in the health, safety and wellbeing of employees and customers
    The first bus operator to introduce low bridge alert technology across its fleet of 4,000 double decker busesNew employee networks in place as part of diversity and inclusion plans, giving employees the chance to help shape the agenda and bring about lasting changeInvestment in company’s first ever Head of Sustainability and Inclusion & Culture PartnerCaring for local communities
    Stagecoach ‘Giving for Good’ initiative launched to support charities and community causes, with new partnerships with four national charities and supporting hundreds of local charitiesNew UK customer contact centre opened, creating 60 new jobsEarlier this year, Stagecoach launched a sector-leading report which demonstrated the importance of government funding to match operator investment in new zero emission buses: https://www.stagecoachgroup.com/~/media/Files/S/Stagecoach-Group/Attachments/media/publication-policy-documents/zeb-report.pdf

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    SWISS and Switzerland Tourism promote carbon-neutral air travel

    Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and Switzerland Tourism, the Swiss national tourism promotion organization, are expanding their existing collaboration into the sustainability field.From 2023 onwards, Switzerland Tourism will reduce by half the carbon dioxide emissions generated by its employees’ business and duty air travel by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and will compensate for the remaining emissions by investing in high-quality climate protection projects via the myclimate foundation. Switzerland Tourism will be the first tourism organization in Switzerland to use SAF to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote carbon-neutral air travel in this way.
    “Switzerland Tourism and SWISS both carry the Swiss cross out into the world,” says SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “And I’m delighted that we’re now teaming up on the sustainability front, too. In adopting this forward-looking approach, Switzerland Tourism is taking on a pioneering role. And we will keep striving to convince further organizations of the rightness and the benefits of sustainable air travel.”
    “Sustainability begins at home,” adds Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger. “Having seen the entire tourism sector respond so favourably to our ‘Swisstainable’ initiative and sign up for it in their thousands, it’s clear to us that we must make our own contribution, too, together with our partner SWISS, by ensuring that our people’s air travel is performed with SAF and its carbon impact is further offset through appropriate investments.”
    SWISS is committed to scaling SAF
    The current generation of SAF reduces carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to traditional jet fuel. The next generation, which will be produced using solar energy, is likely to allow almost completely carbon-neutral air travel. Through participation in research and pilot projects, and by establishing SAF alliances, SWISS and the Lufthansa Group are committed to the development and scaling of sustainable aviation fuels. Together with their private and business customers, who are now offered the opportunity to reduce the carbon emissions of their air travel by paying an SAF surcharge at the time of booking, substantial demand signals are being set and further impetus is provided to develop production and related technologies.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Reuben Brothers Accelerates Plans to Bring Waldorf Astoria to Admiralty Arch

    Plans to convert Admiralty Arch, one of London’s most iconic historical landmarks, into a luxury hotel under the Waldorf Astoria brand are accelerating under new ownership with Reuben Brothers.Since taking ownership of the building over the summer, Reuben Brothers has been working closely with Hilton to upgrade existing development plans for the site, in a partnership that will see the transformation of one of London’s most notable landmarks, staying true to its heritage and refined aesthetic.
    The building, originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, stands proudly at the end of The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, offering unparalleled views of the Palace in one direction and across Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square in the other.
    Suite Spot: The Best View in LondonCentral to the updated plans is a newly developed two-bedroom suite boasting the most sensational view of Buckingham Palace. The suite will sit at the very centre of the building on the fourth-floor bridge and will be bookable for overnight stays and private events.
    The hotel will provide exciting restaurants and bars with world-renowned chefs, ensuring it becomes a must-visit London destination for hotel guests and non-residents alike. To take advantage of the incredible architectural beauty of the building and the impressive surroundings, the property will feature two outdoor spaces: the 6th floor rooftop terrace and on the ground floor, where guests will be able to sit overlooking St James’ Park.
    Transforming a LandmarkThroughout its history, Admiralty Arch has been home to leading figures of state and society, from Sir Winston Churchill – whose office was based within the arch when he was First Sea Lord of the Admiralty – to the author of the James Bond spy novels, Ian Fleming. To this day, Admiralty Arch plays an integral role in many a ceremonial occasion, serving as the gateway to The Mall and linking the processional route to Buckingham Palace for events such as royal weddings, funerals and next year, the coronation of King Charles III.ADVERTISEMENTThe hotel’s design and characteristics, now incorporating an increased room count and exclusive spa, will pay homage to the building’s historical significance, drawing inspiration from its storied past to create an exquisite experience for guests.
    Jamie Reuben of Reuben Brothers said, “Transforming and restoring Admiralty Arch – a true London landmark – into a five-star luxury hotel with restaurants, bars, a ballroom, spa and residences is an incredible honour for us. We are excited to be working with our esteemed partner, Hilton, to bring the Waldorf Astoria brand to the heart of London, and revitalising the area for hotel guests, visitors and London locals to experience and enjoy.”
    Christopher J. Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton, said, “Admiralty Arch is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in London and we are delighted to be working with Reuben Brothers on this magnificent hotel. With a legacy of preserving and enhancing incredible historical buildings, Waldorf Astoria is a natural fit for this development, and Reuben Brothers’ proven track record in delivering projects of this magnitude makes them a wonderful partner. Together we will write the next chapter of this exceptional building’s rich story and we look forward to expanding our partnership over the coming years.”
    The hotel will join an exclusive portfolio of more than 30 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts across the world, with recent signings including the brand’s expansion to other iconic cities including Sydney, as well as the return of Waldorf Astoria New York, which is in the midst of an extensive refurbishment to preserve the building’s history.
    Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch is scheduled to open in 2025.

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    CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND IS BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER

    TUI, the UK’s largest travel company, started its biggest Lapland programme last Wednesday, with more Christmas joy than ever. More than 28,000 excited British holidaymakers will make their way from six different regional airports, including Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham to the most Christmassy place on earth. 
    No Christmas stone has been left unturned, as the hard work to create true Christmas spirit starts months in advance with preparations beginning last June. 200 TUI elves, 51 reps and 33 entertainers have been arriving and are dedicated to making holidaymakers Christmas dreams come true, taking care of them from start to finish. Guests will enjoy snowmobile rides, cookie making, sleigh rides the snow village – which is themed Seven Wonders Of The World, and includes an ice slide, and not forgetting a visit to the real Santa himself. 
    With day trips almost sold out, this is TUI UK’s biggest Lapland programme, starting with nine flights departing on Wednesday 30th November from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London Gatwick and Newcastle. 3,777 day trip guests will experience a festive packed itinerary, starting with a visit to Kittilas Snow Village, which is home to an ice hotel, impressive sculptures and an ice bar, followed by a sleigh ride, snowmobile ride and a taste of tradition with a Lapland local telling old-aged stories and legends about the Lappish culture. All guests will of course meet Santa himself in his grotto before some free time to play in the snow. 
    Those staying a little longer have some more free time at leisure to experience all Lapland has to offer with guests staying in hotels including Hotel Snow Princess and Winter Wonderland Hotel and Log Cabins which are two of TUI’s nine snow clubs hosting day and evening entertainment and Christmas panto provided by TUI.
    TUI UK’s Commercial and Business Development Director Richard Sofer said: “To be sending more people away than ever on an unforgettable trip this winter brings us such joy. Lapland has always been an important destination for us, and even more so because we know the memories made on a trip like that last a lifetime. Families plan all year for their magical trips to Lapland with dreams of meeting Santa, husky sleighing and feeding the reindeer. We make sure their dreams are a reality and our Christmas elves, as ever, are on hand to help make sure they experience the magical wonders of Lapland.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Trip.com Group invites travel industry to journey into the future together at global partner summit

    Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, delivering her keynote presentation to partners at the Global Partner Summit
    Leading travel service provider Trip.com Group held its 2022 Global Partner Summit in Macao, with tourism boards, international airlines, hotel groups and industry representatives from across the travel industry in attendance.Celebrating this year’s theme, ‘Journey into the Future Together’, Trip.com Group and partners provided insights on the industry’s growth and opportunities ahead, with leadership and experts sharing sector-specific knowledge via breakout sub-forums.An Encouraging Outlook
    Countries worldwide are reopening borders, and the pace of global travel recovery is accelerating.
    James Liang, Chairman and Co-founder of Trip.com Group, made no secret of his expectations for the future of tourism. He believes that: “Travel has great significance on innovation and heritage. At Trip.com Group, we play an important role in bringing people together from around the world. It’s our mission to help build communication and innovation, using our travel platform to create new value for the industry.”
    Trip.com Group is continuously safeguarding efforts toward global travel recovery by following its ‘Local Focus, Global Vision’ blueprint.
    Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, highlighted some of the Group’s financial results, emphasising triple-digit growth in hotel bookings across key APAC markets compared to the same period in 2019. With its global air ticket bookings increasing by 100% year-over-year.ADVERTISEMENTRising international air ticket and hotel bookings have empowered partners with a source of business and revenue. Trip.com Group’s hotel travel specials (PKG program) delivered recommendations to over 30 million cross-users and brought over RMB 10 billion GMV to hotel partners.
    Jane Sun commented: “Although the road ahead is still uncertain, we want to explore more opportunities and use cooperation, technology, and service to promote the tourism industry together with our travel partners.”
    Trip.com is the mainstay global travel brand of Trip.com Group. Its hugely successful 11.11 global campaign reveals the growth of the all-in-one travel app across its major markets.
    Bookings around 11th November hit a new high, surging by 84% compared to last year, and the average number of bookings for promoted products rose by 68%. In the Singapore market, bookings for the 11th November flash sale jumped by 115% in just 24 hours, while in South Korea, bookings on the same day jumped by 260% year-on-year.
    “The early recovery of global markets has given us confidence. We will continue looking for more possibilities to better serve our partners and users by building an improved travel ecosystem to meet users’ needs,” said Jane Sun.
    “The recovery and prosperity of the global tourism industry is a long-term trend, which will not be hindered by short-term difficulties. We remain confident and patient,” said James Liang.
    Scaled-up Content Marketing Strategy
    Trip.com Group has ambitious plans to revitalise the tourism economy and reconnect with keen travellers by enhancing engagement between travellers and partners. This is primarily done through an expanding content offering, consisting of Trip Moments on Trip.com, the Ctrip Community travel sharing space on Ctrip, and Star Hub, the Group’s enhanced marketing tool for suppliers to increase marketing activities, which generated a total GMV of RMB 1 billion in the last 30 days.
    In the past year, Ctrip Community has continued to see exponential user growth and has provided hundreds of millions of users with travel inspiration.
    Several upgrades and expansions to the existing content marketing offering were announced at the summit. The innovative and hugely popular Ctrip Livestream, which generated a total GMV of RMB 10 billion, will launch across more cities in mainland China to boost global distribution.
    Trip.com’s successful Trip.Best list, which curates an extensive range of hotels for global users, will launch across all major sites. This valuable tool will help global users get the best from the Trip.com app.
    Bo Sun, CMO of Trip.com Group, explained: “We are optimising user engagement, inspiring more travellers and generating increased traffic by upgrading how we connect products and partners. This year, we have helped millions of new travellers, KOLs, and partners connect to our content marketing hub and inspire travel around the world.”
    Strengthening Global Destination Reach
    Its global reach, diversified supply chain and content marketing ecosystem have uniquely positioned Trip.com Group as a leading travel service provider able to promote regional and local destinations to eager travellers.
    Under new and existing partnerships, Trip.com Group leverages its world-leading brands to engage high-quality travellers eager to explore global destinations.
    Trip.com Group continues to pen multiple strategic destination partnerships to strengthen destination visibility and capture pent-up travel demand.
    Trip.com Group and Macao Government Tourism Office entered an official strategic collaboration to develop Macao into a world-class centre of tourism and leisure.
    Trip.com Group and the Macao Government Tourism Office held a Global Partnership Launch Ceremony to strengthen their collective commitments this year. On-site for the event was Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government.
    With joint efforts to enhance the vitality of the Macao tourism market, Ctrip platform data shows that the popularity of Macao travel searches has increased by 231% year-over-year. 
    Trip.com Group further deepened cooperation with industry partners to enhance Macao’s tourism market vitality.
    Trip.com Group and Sands China Ltd. held a strategic signing ceremony, in which both parties will continue to deepen cooperation in various aspects around product marketing, content marketing, membership benefits, offline shopping and dining activities to help upgrade the Macao tourism consumption market.
    Trip.com Group will continue to deepen strategic cooperation with the Macao Government Tourism Office, Sands China Ltd. and other partners in various industries, including accommodation, shopping, and gourmet, to enhance the vitality of Macao’s tourism market and build it as a world-class centre of tourism and leisure.

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    Hurricane Ian Relief and Restoration Efforts for Florida’s Iconic Coastline Businesses

    More than two months after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, local businesses across the state are still struggling to reopen and welcome customers once again. To support these rebuilding efforts, PepsiCo and CELSIUS® are coming together to give back to Florida communities and local economies with its “Save the Shore” program, supporting nearly 30 local Florida businesses reliant on tourism in their path to reopening.Acknowledging the loss that will come from being closed during the start of peak holiday tourism season, PepsiCo and CELSIUS® will fund employee relief and restoration efforts of three local iconic Florida businesses – Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill in Daytona Beach, FL, and Lani Kai Island Resort and Salty Sam’s Marina in Fort Myers Beach, FL – with a donation to the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association on behalf of each business.
    “Being headquartered in Florida, it’s our responsibility to step up for the communities we serve. At PepsiCo, we took immediate action to funnel our resources to address the damage left in Hurricane Ian’s wake,” said Heather Hoytink, PepsiCo Beverages North America, President, South Division. “By joining forces with our partner CELSIUS, we’re able to expand our support of these beloved local businesses and help the people and places that make these communities thrive.”
    “Florida’s coastline is full of iconic businesses that play an integral role for locals and visitors alike. The ‘Save the Shore’ initiative especially hits close to home with our brand being based in South Florida. With our partnership with PepsiCo for the ‘Save the Shore’ initiative, we hope to alleviate some of the stress for these business owners by helping their establishments get back on track, giving employees relief, and revitalizing the region for the new year,” said CELSIUS® Director of Human Resources & Administration Danielle Babich.
    “We are so thankful to our wonderful partners at PepsiCo and CELSIUS for their generous donation directly to these iconic FRLA Members who were among many devastated by recent events,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “These funds will help so much as our restaurants recover from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. We are proud to be a part of this effort and will also continue to assist through the FRLA Disaster Relief Fund as we rebuild our industry.”
    Along with driving awareness to the businesses, PepsiCo’s South Division will also introduce a reopening fund to provide additional local businesses with free PepsiCo products as soon as they are able to welcome back customers. In addition, PepsiCo plans to sponsor reopening parties for Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill, Lani Kai Island Resort and Salty Sam’s Marina as well its various businesses including Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, The Original Shrimp Dock Bar & Grill, Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise and Sight Sea-R Dolphin and Sunset Cruises. The events will honor and celebrate local first responders who played an integral role during Hurricane Ian and in the wake of its aftermath.ADVERTISEMENTThis is the latest in the company’s ongoing support of areas impacted by Hurricane Ian, led by its regional headquarters in Orlando. Most recently, executives from PepsiCo’s South Division headquarters joined Team Rubicon’s clean-up efforts on the ground in Fort Meade, FL, clearing the area of debris for reconstruction. In October, PepsiCo Beverages North America’s South Division and the PepsiCo Foundation supported the recovery efforts of the Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, and other local organizations to help Florida communities and PepsiCo employees impacted by the storm, providing safe accommodations, supplies, meals, water and more. The PepsiCo Foundation has also offered employees opportunities to volunteer locally, encouraging them to donate their time and resources to those in need when they are able.

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    IATA calls Danish and Icelandic Air Navigation Service Providers to revoke planned increases

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on both the Danish and Icelandic Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) to revoke the planned increases in air traffic charges set to come into effect on 1 January 2023.On average, the fees paid by airlines for crossing the airspace managed by these two ANSPs on North Atlantic routings will rise by up to 30%. The increase was announced unilaterally by the two ANSPs without any user consultation, user input or justification.
    In response, IATA has written to the Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority and Isavia ANS, calling for the plans to be scrapped.
    “This is a cash grab by two monopoly suppliers with no justification. It must be stopped. Why should airlines pay a higher price for a service by a monopoly supplier that has not changed and with nothing to justify the higher cost? Rather than ramping up charges, the providers should be looking to achieving efficiencies that will keep costs under control. And if efficiencies cannot be found, then it is time for these suppliers to sit in consultation with their customers to review proposals. The unilateral approach that has been taken is totally unacceptable,” said Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President, the Americas.
    A transparent consultation process, conducted in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, is a well-established international practice. As part of this exercise, detailed information on the proposed increases, including differences in cost structure, traffic data of the past five years and the 2023 traffic forecast, needs to be made available to airlines.

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    Bristol Airport strengthens its digital presence with launch of new website

    Digital customer experience agency Great State is marking twelve years of strategic digital partnership with Bristol Airport with the launch of their new website, transforming the digital experience for their customers.Bristol Airport is the fastest passenger recovering airport in the United Kingdom since the pandemic, forecast to register more than 8M passengers in 2022. For many, their first experience of the airport is the website which forms a crucial role in delivering the goal of seamless customer journeys.
    The new website offers a new sleek modern design using best-in-breed technological solutions to improve speed, functionality and resilience. With the customer at the heart of the project, Great State carried out extensive user testing and research to guide and optimise the overall user experience for both desktop and mobile.
    Isabelle Whiteman, Head of Marketing at Bristol Airport, says:
    “We’re delighted to be launching our brand new website, bringing together a modern and fresh design with the introduction of new features and functionality to create an even more enjoyable user experience. Whether it’s to get inspiration for a trip away, find information before flying, or to simply book parking, our new website makes it even easier, quicker and with a significantly enhanced mobile experience”.
    Built on the Umbraco CMS platform, new improved features include a trip finder tool for destination inspiration, real time information on arrivals and departures, as well as a new e-commerce landing page for booking airport parking.ADVERTISEMENTMatt Powell, Creative Director at Great State, says:
    “Our strategic digital partnership with Bristol Airport has remained solid over the years, and therefore we were a clear choice to redesign and overhaul the digital customer experience of the whole website. Working closely with the Bristol Airport team we helped identify which components were most important to their customers, and originated a cleaner, clearer, more aspirational design system to bring them to life. Another benefit of this creative work is that it will bring consistency to the end-to-end digital customer journey, strengthening the digital presence of the Bristol Airport brand beyond the website”
    The new website reflects not only 12 years of digital advancement, but also the strength of a local, strategic partnership that will continue to serve the South West for years to come.
    It’s been a real collaborative project, working with Great State who have been our digital agency for over 10 years”, adds Isabelle. “They have transformed the design and user experience, creating an enjoyable experience for our customers and a robust platform from which we’ll continue to optimise and develop over the coming years.  We’re delighted with the end result”.

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