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    Trip.com features in the top 10 most downloaded OTA apps global rankings

    Trip.com, the global travel service provider, has been named the 10th most downloaded OTA app globally in the first half of 2022 by leading app analysis firm Apptopia. The announcement comes as Trip.com continues to expand worldwide with its all-in-one app-first offering.
    The success seen in download numbers is guided by Trip.com’s app-first strategy. By applying a balanced mix of approaches learned through experimentation and best practices, Trip.com app installs from marketing channels grew steadily to a total of 6.2 million downloads. In H1 2022, Trip.com app downloads saw double-digit growth compared to H2 2021, reflecting the success of this strategy and increased consumer desire for travel.
    Through full utilisation of the trustworthy products and attractive deals presented on Trip.com, new downloads were gained across a variety of app marketing channels. In tandem, a web-to-app strategy also showed great potential in constantly attracting new app users.
    Feng Han, Marketing Director at Trip.com, said: “This year, we have experienced an energised, organic recovery of the travel industry. Leveraging this trend, our teams have adopted a targeted and data-oriented approach in each market to encourage users to download the Trip.com app. We are delighted to see our young brand reach the top 10 most downloaded OTA apps globally for the first time ever. We will continue to work to share the convenience and top-class services available on Trip.com with an ever-growing audience.”
    On top of the platform’s extensive range of products, the Trip.com app gives users a more unique and comprehensive browsing and booking experience. Currently available in 24 languages in 39 countries and regions worldwide, the app gives users easier booking management capabilities, direct access to reliable customer support and exclusive app-only deals.ADVERTISEMENTTrip.com’s breakthrough in Apptopia’s global app download rankings correlates to increased traveller demand as the industry continues to recover following the outbreak of covid. This year, Trip.com’s European sites saw an average monthly growth in traffic of around 10% between April and July. In Asia, countries and regions that have relaxed their travel restrictions have seen an impressive market performance, particularly those in Southeast Asia. Overall in the APAC region, bookings on Trip.com increased by 21% in May and by a further 7.8% in June.
    As demand increases, users turn to platforms with a comprehensive offering that goes beyond a solely product offering. In turn, Trip.com has looked to grow the engaging travel content hosted on the platform. In the first quarter of this year, daily average content traffic on Trip.com increased by 80% YoY, whilst the content engagement rate on Trip.com grew by 115% YoY.
    A key benefit to using the Trip.com app is the ease in which users can access Trip.com’s best-in-class customer support. Trip.com global customer support is available in 19 languages delivered by a dedicated international customer support team. In the first half of 2022, over 95% of calls made to Trip.com Group customer service were picked up within 20 seconds, 99% of chats were responded to within 20 seconds and 92% of incidents were dealt with in a timely manner. In addition to this, of all incoming enquires, 88% of incidents were resolved on the first attempt. App users can book and travel reassured in the knowledge that Trip.com customer support is only a click on their phone away.

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    ABTA shares ‘super six’ tips for families as summer getaway begins

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    ABTA shares ‘super six’ tips for families as summer getaway begins

    ABTA – The Travel Association has issued its top tips for families travelling abroad during the summer holidays, with this weekend marking the start of the summer break for the majority of schools in England and Wales.
    According to ABTA’s latest research, three in four (75%) families are set to be travelling overseas this summer, with almost half planning to enjoy a beach break (47%), a third opting for an all-inclusive holiday (33%) and one in five jetting off on a city break (19%).
    With many heading overseas for the first time in three years, ABTA has the following ‘super six’ tips to help their journeys go as smoothly as possible:
    1. Make sure you’ve checked the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for your destination before you travel (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice).2. Plan your journey to the airport, train station or ferry port in advance and allow extra time for traffic, planned road closures or engineering works.3. Arrive at the earliest time advised by your airline or transport provider (arriving earlier than this may add to queues at the terminal).4. Make sure you’re ready to present your passports and any COVID-related documents you need at check-in. You also have the option to check-in online which may save you time.5. Prepare your hand luggage for security by placing large electrical items like laptops and tablets in the trays provided alongside any liquids you’re taking – these need to be 100ml or less and placed inside a 20cm x 20cm plastic bag.6. Take off items of clothing like coats, jackets and belts when passing through security and put any items in your pockets into the trays provided.
    More tips and advice on travel can be found at www.abta.com/getreadyfortravel.ADVERTISEMENTGraeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association said:
    “The school summer holidays are usually the busiest time of year for travel, so planning ahead is the best way to make the start of your holiday as stress-free as possible. Holidaymakers can help keep queues to a minimum by arriving at the airport at the time advised by their airline, having their travel documents ready for check-in and carefully preparing their hand luggage for security.”

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    Gatwick launches official new mascot

    Passengers travelling through Gatwick this summer will be able to take advantage of a number of special offers, competitions and seasonal drink choices, as part of the airport’s new campaign – ‘Explore Like Never Before’.
    The campaign, which officially launched this week, includes special offers on World Duty Free products, such as up to 50% off selected spirits, and savings on this season’s top fragrances with the Reserve & Collect service.
    Wetherspoons, in both the North and South Terminals, are selling a special guest ale – ‘Summer Sun’ – a pale, hoppy beer produced by Twickenham Brewery, while Juniper & Co. in the North Terminal has launched a range of five summer cocktails exclusive to Gatwick, including a non-alcoholic option.
    As passengers await their flight, they will also be able to enjoy in-terminal activities, including a tombola with a range of prizes to be won, or grab a pre-holiday photo in one of Gatwick’s giant deckchairs.
    Families may even get to meet the airport’s new mascot, Gary Gatwick, who made his first public appearances in the terminals yesterday.ADVERTISEMENTAirlines are getting in on the summer fun too, with Wizz Air running a competition with a chance to win a £500 flight voucher, while passengers can also win a family bundle which includes sun care from Boots, WHSmith children’s toys and books, Shake Shack and Wagamama vouchers and Gatwick shopping vouchers.
    Nick Williams, Head of Retail Operations, Gatwick Airport said: “With a busy summer holiday period expected – the first since 2019 with unrestricted travel – it’s fantastic that so many of our retailers and restaurants at Gatwick are able to help our passengers celebrate, with some great offers and exclusive products available.
    “We know there have been some challenges with travel recently and while our teams are working incredibly hard to ensure passengers get away on their holidays with ease, we are excited that once people reach the departure lounge, we have plenty here to help families relax and get their holidays off to a great start.”
    Earlier this month, Gatwick announced the opening of two new LEGO stores (North and South Terminals) and a Kidstop pop-up (North Terminal), as well as the return of Itsu and Ted Baker in the South Terminal.
    For those not flying over the summer, there will be further opportunities to meet Gary Gatwick and take a photograph in one of the giant deckchairs, with Gatwick sponsoring Crawley Pride, taking place at Goffs Park between 19 – 21 August.

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    IATA release statement on Dublin Airport charges

    “We welcome the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) decision to push back on Dublin Airport’s proposed outrageous average 68% price increase. But even under the regulator’s revised proposal, the average price cap is still some 11% above 2022 levels. With strong demand for air travel now back, IATA is predicting traffic to and from Ireland to recover in 2023, well ahead of CAR’s prediction, which could allow for the charges increase to be cut further over the period to 2026.
    There is also no excuse for a repeat of the delays seen at Dublin airport this summer. It is now critical that Dublin Airport accelerate delivery of urgent Pier and stand capacity infrastructure within its Capital Investment Programme. If the airport is unable to service demand because it has not prepared properly, the CAR must ensure the airport is not rewarded for its failures. We will provide more information to the CAR on these and other matters ahead of the final determination.” – Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

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    Alpine and Accor partner for French Grand Prix

    BWT Alpine F1 Team is delighted to announce a partnership with ALL- Accor Live Limitless, for its home race, the French Grand Prix.
    Accor is one of the world’s leading hospitality companies with over 5,300 hotels in 110 countries and across more than 40 hotel brands including Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure and ibis. ALL is Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program that provides meaningful experiences and rewards for its millions of engaged members around the world.
    This initial partnership will enable both companies to explore multiple opportunities for potential collaboration within the world of Formula One and beyond, including design services, hospitality programming and travel management.
    Both parties will also explore sustainable technologies to reduce their respective carbon footprints and environmental impact. Alpine has recently taken strides to reduce emissions by implementing high performance electric technology in its road car range. Inspired by the cutting-edge innovation seen in Alpine F1 Team’s powertrain, all Alpine cars will be fully electric by 2025. Alpine can now also benefit from Accor’s leadership and expertise in sustainable travel initiatives, as it works closely with the FIA and F1 to reduce its environmental impact when travelling the globe throughout the F1 Calendar.

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    Disability Equality Index recognises Airbnb as a best place to work

    Airbnb has been recognised as a Disability Equality Index® (DEI) Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. We are proud to share that we received a 100 percent score on the DEI for the second year in a row, joining 240 companies with a top score.
    The DEI was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. The DEI was created by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates. Now in its eighth year, the DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities. In 2022, 415 corporations utilised the DEI to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts.
    Airbnb is committed to disability inclusion for our employees and our community of Hosts and guests around the world. While this recognition is important, we are committed to continued progress and improvement to help ensure our product, community, and company is inclusive of people with disabilities. Some of our ongoing work includes:
    Reviewing and improving our company policies and practices to ensure they’re inclusive of employees with disabilities.
    Providing training for Airbnb employees designed to strengthen disability allyship within our company.
    Executive sponsorship and support for [email protected], our employee resource group for employees with disabilities and allies.
    Continuing to expand our definitions of diversity to help us better understand and support our employees. In the US, and now newly launched in the UK and Ireland, employees can now voluntarily share if they identify with having a disability.
    Through our Supplier Diversity program, connecting more diverse-owned (including people with disabilities-owned) businesses with Airbnb to provide goods and services.
    Engaging with the disability community by hosting Disability Advisory roundtables in the United States and in Europe with national and regional organisations, activists, advocates, and leaders to inform our work.
    Introducing updates to make it easier for guests with disabilities to find and book accommodations and activities that meet their needs, including our Accessibility Review for Stays and accessibility filters for Experiences.
    As a Worldwide Paralympic Partner in a nine-year, five-Games partnership, supporting Paralympian athletes as Hosts and guests on Airbnb.
    Continued membership in the Valuable 500, a movement to encourage businesses to advance disability inclusion in their organisation.
    Globally, people with disabilities represent over one billion people. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion.
    “Disability inclusion is a rapidly expanding aspect of corporate culture, and it’s gratifying to partner with 415 companies on the 2022 Disability Equality Index,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. “These top-scoring companies not only excel in disability inclusion, many are also adopting emerging trends and pioneering measures that can move the disability agenda from accommodation to inclusion and ultimately, genuine belonging.”
    “There is no single best way to practice disability inclusion, however, the companies taking the DEI share the desire to create a workplace that fosters the concept of bringing your whole self to the office,” said Maria Town, President and CEO of AAPD. “We look forward to working with all of the participants to help identify meaningful ways to build upon their current practices as we continue on the disability inclusion journey together.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Korea raises PCR test requirements

    Starting July 25, quarantine process for international travellers will be strengthened. Due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Korea, all international travellers must receive a PCR Test within 1 day after arrival (by 23:59 on the next day). The previous 3-day leeway has been shorten to 1 day. Travelers must stay in their accommodations until they receive a negative PCR Test result. If the test result comes back positive, they must quarantine for 7 days.
    Effective July 14, travelers can input their test result on the Q-code system after entry. In addition, to provide easier access to COVID-19 screening, COVID-19 Test Centers will be expanded to more airports in Korea. Currently there are 3 test centers in Incheon International Airport and 1 test center in Gimhae International Airport. Jeju International Airport will get a test center within the month of July and other airports will be add with the increasing number of visitors.
    If the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, the Korean government is considering to limit the 48-hour pre-entry test method strictly to PCR tests only. Currently, Korea accepts negative test results through either a 48-hour PCR test or a 24-hour RAT methods long as they are supervised by health authorities as a pre-entry requirement.

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    Strengthening extensive cooperation in culture, sports and tourism between Vietnam and Laos

    At a conference in Hanoi with Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh, Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung suggested activities. strengthen deep and substantive cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.
    Minister Nguyen Van Hung holds talks with Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism. Photo TITC
    At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Van Hung expressed his pleasure to receive the delegation on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam – Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
    Minister Nguyen Van Hung said that in the past few days, along with activities of high-ranking delegations of the Party and State of Vietnam and Laos, leaders of the two ministries have closely coordinated, organised activities and reaped rewards. achieved much success in Lao Culture Week held in Vietnam as well as Vietnamese Culture Week held in Laos. Today’s meeting helped leaders of the two ministries understand more about the state of affairs in the field of state management that the two ministries are in charge of, thereby strengthening cooperation, promoting the relationship to go deeper and to higher heights. new.
    Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh. Photo TITCADVERTISEMENTOn behalf of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh thanked and expressed his pleasure at the warm welcome, full of brotherly affection for the delegation on the occasion of visiting and working in Vietnam.
    Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh thanked Vietnam for its sincere and great help with Laos, which has contributed to strengthening the great relationship and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and States. Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh said that this is a very good opportunity for the two ministries to work together to continue promoting the implementation of the cooperation agreement signed in the last period of 2021-2025 affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Vietnamese delegation attended the conference. Photo TITC
    Going into each specific field of cooperation, Minister Nguyen Van Hung said, first of all from a cultural perspective, the view of the Communist Party of Vietnam is to put culture on a par with economics and politics, determine the development Cultural development is a central task because culture is the driving force of development.
    Vietnamese culture under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam is an advanced culture imbued with national identity. But building a culture imbued with national identity does not mean being confined in a narrow space, but having to interact and acclimate with other cultures and civilisations of humanity. In particular, Vietnamese culture and Lao culture have many similarities.
    Minister Nguyen Van Hung hoped that in addition to organising programs such as the cultural week that the two countries are doing, the cultural exchange must be spread wider and deeper, reaching both localities and people in each locality. become the host of cultural exchange activities. Especially the localities of Vietnam and Laos share the same border.
    Overview of the conversation. Photo TITC
    Regarding the issue of training high-quality human resources in the field of culture and tourism, Minister Nguyen Van Hung said that, first of all, if you want to do tourism, you must have someone who knows about tourism and understands tourism. The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism can coordinate to send more Lao students to Vietnam for training in the field of tourism, not only under the Government’s scholarship but also under the study abroad program. born.
    As for human resources for the cultural sector, currently the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam is being assigned to train students in the fields of circus, dance, and sports… these can be considered as “red seeds” to build a movement in Laos. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will carry out socialisation to further support these students.
    Minister Nguyen Van Hung presents a souvenir to Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh. Photo TITC
    Regarding a number of projects related to the cultural field such as the Vietnam – Laos Cultural Park, Minister Nguyen Van Hung wished the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports to coordinate more with the Central Office of the Lao Party. to speed up progress, remove difficulties if any, to soon have a cultural institution, which is an address for cultural exchange for people of the two countries.
    Emphasising the historical value of the legendary Ho Chi Minh road and the legendary Truong Son, Minister Nguyen Van Hung also suggested that the Lao side consider recognising the Ho Chi Minh road in Laos as a national monument of Laos to affirm its value. govern, honor and educate the traditional images in the war of national liberation of Vietnam and Laos.
    Regarding the proposal of UNESCO to recognise Hin Nam No as a world natural heritage of Laos, Minister Nguyen Van Hung said that within its capacity, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam will coordinate and support Laos as soon as possible. world natural heritage.
    Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh presents a souvenir to Minister Nguyen Van Hung. Photo TITC
    Expressing agreement with the exchange of opinions of Minister Nguyen Van Hung, Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh said that preserving and embellishing cultural values ​​is a very important issue. culture is vital for each country, and culture is also an important source for tourism development.
    Supporting Minister Nguyen Van Hung’s view that if culture and tourism are to develop, it is necessary to train human resources with deep understanding of culture and tourism, Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh said he would try to find sources of investment to promote training in this field.
    As for the Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos, Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh said that the Lao side had discussed to make a detailed dossier on the recognition of the Ho Chi Minh trail as a national relic. This is a very important and educational route for future generations about the blood and blood sacrifices of the soldiers and people of the two countries in the struggle for national liberation.
    Regarding the proposal of UNESCO to recognize Hin Nam No as a world natural heritage of Laos, Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh wished to receive the maximum support of Vietnam and said that he would soon send a delegation to work with the Vietnamese side. to discuss specific issues.
    Delegates pose for a photo. Photo TITC
    Vietnam has enjoyed multiple wins at the prestigious World Travel Awards in 2021. These include:Asia’s Leading Destination 2021Asia’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2021Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2021Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2021 (Hoi An)World’s Best Golf Destination 2021 (World Golf Awards)Asia’s Best Golf Destination 2021 (World Golf Awards)Asia’s Best River Cruise Destination 2021 (World Cruise Awards)
    Vietnam is also nominated in a host of categories in 2022. These include:Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2022Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination 2022Asia’s Leading Destination 2022Asia’s Leading Nature Destination 2022Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2022Asia’s Leading Youth Travel Destination 2022Asia’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2022Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2022 (Da Nang City)Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2022 (Hoi An)Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2022 (Hue City)Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2022 (World Cruise Awards)Asia’s Best River Cruise Destination 2022 (World Cruise Awards)Asia’s Best Culinary Destination (World Culinary Awards)Asia’s Best Golf Destination 2022 (World Golf Awards)World’s Best Wellness Destination 2022 (World Spa Awards)Asia’s Best Spa Destination 2022 (World Spa Awards)

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