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    HQ and Gett partner to provide quick, sustainable rides on-demand to corporate customers in London

    HQ, the industry-leading end-to-end global enterprise solution for corporate mobility, and Gett, a market leader in the UK black cab market, today announced a new partnership. Through this partnership, select HQ corporate customers in the UK now have the ability to book on-demand and future rides directly through the Gett app or HQ SummitGround platform.Starting today, Gett’s transport options, including black cabs, will appear alongside existing ground travel options on the HQ SummitGround platform. Integrating Gett and HQ embeds Gett’s services into the corporate policy compliance process of existing HQ users, making Gett a pre-approved option for travellers that is seamlessly plugged into HQ users’ billing and procurement processes. At a time of budget cuts and rising costs, HQ’s billing technology is built from the ground up to provide customers with spend visibility and cost optimisation.  Moreover, with HQ SummitGround, customers have the freedom to tailor travel policies and booking parameters based on factors like employee position and journey type, allowing for greater spend control. The partnership with Gett extends these capabilities to ride-hail in London.
    Amiad Solomon, the CEO and Co-Founder of HQ, said: “Our partnership with Gett in London is an important milestone as we bring high-quality ride-hail into the mobility mix. From today, clients can select on-demand Gett rides from within the HQ SummitGround platform or mobile app, as they would with any other ground transportation service.  As a result, Gett rides are integrated within HQ’s booking, billing, and payment platform, alongside our clients’ preferred suppliers.  In turn, clients gain a complete picture of ground travel activity, covering everything from spend to scope-3 emissions, from one single dashboard.  We’re thrilled to partner with Gett, and look forward to the journey ahead.”
    Matteo De Renzi, the CEO of Gett, added: “We’re excited to be partnering with HQ, who share our commitment to providing customers with maximum options and flexibility while also promoting compliance with their travel policies. In partnership with HQ we believe we will be able to provide an unrivalled service in London for businesses when it comes to reliability, quality, and convenience, as well as greater transparency on their costs and emissions. Together with the drivers on our platform, we are looking forward to providing our services to some of the most prestigious enterprises in London and beyond.”
    The two companies also share a similar vision in regard to sustainability. With this partnership, on-demand rides with Gett will appear within HQ’s sustainability reports to show key emission hotspots, employee usage, and travel behaviour.  This will help ensure that ride-hail and black cabs are more accurately and comprehensively tracked alongside other travel.
    As part of Gett’s offering, HQ customers can select greener ride options, like electric black cabs, at the time of the booking.  As well as providing access to 3,000+ electric vehicles, Gett also offsets all CO2 emissions from every ride booked on their app/platform in the UK with certified carbon offsetting projects through their partnership with EcoAct. ADVERTISEMENTThe availability of electric vehicles strategically times with the expansion of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023.  ULEZ aims to tackle air pollution and traffic congestion, a move that is expected to bring cleaner air to 5 million more London residents.  Pure electric vehicles are exempt from ULEZ charges. As part of the two companies’ shared sustainability efforts,  HQ and Gett aim to support customers in reducing scope-3 emissions while offering greener, more sustainable forms of ground transportation.
    To learn more about HQ, please visit hqtravel.comTo learn more about Gett, please visit www.gett.com

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    Mountain biking in Quito, a unique experience for lovers of adventure and nature

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    Mountain biking in Quito, a unique experience for lovers of adventure and nature

    Quito is the ideal destination for mountain bikers due to its wonderful landscapes, uneven terrains and perfect places to ascend and descend on all surface types. It also offers a wide range of nature tourism, whereby taking some small trails you can cross the moorland and shaded forests, while admiring the biodiversity of the area.
    Tourists can enjoy cycle routes through rivers, waterfalls and forests, with different levels of difficulty, from the easiest for novice cyclists to real challenges for the more experienced.
    Also, Quito offers bike rental services and protection equipment for safety guarantee during the trip, as well as experienced tour guides to accompany visitors on their routes, offering information on the history, culture and biodiversity of the region.

    El Chaquiñán RouteADVERTISEMENTEl Chaquiñán is a cycle route that passes through the parishes of Cumbayá, Tumbaco and Puembo and crosses a stretch of the old railway.
    It is a simple path which does not present great difficulties. Due to its longitude, it is recommended for cyclists with previous experience in routes of at least two hours of cycling.
    ·      100% cyclable route·      Difficulty: Low·      Distance 20.5 Kilometres
    Ruta Lloa – Palmira
    The path from Lloa a Palmira has short elevations and gentle descents. It offers natural viewpoints with incredible views, such as those of the Guagua Pichincha and Atacazo volcanoes.
    Over the course of the route, you will find various farms that offer dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yoghurt.
    ·      100% cyclable route·      Difficulty: Low·      Distance: 12.4 Kilometres

    Ruta Pululahua
    Descending from the Mirador del Pululahua to the heart of one of the few inhabited craters in the world, its dramatic descents have been the scene for multiple races.
    In the area, you can take various routes with different levels of difficulty and modality such as the return from Moraspungo to Pondoña, the route between Tanlahua and Pululahua, among others.
    ·      100% cyclable route·      Difficulty: Medium·      Distance: 6.5 – 26 Kilometres

    Ruta Pacto – Mashpi
    In the parish of Pacto, 70 km from the capital, there are wide paths surrounded by mountains ideal for sport. This route crosses a large part of the Conservation and Sustainable Use Area of Mashpi-Guaycuyacu-Sahuangal, the first Protected Natural Area of the Metropolitan District.
    ·      100% cyclable route·      Difficulty: Medium·      Distance: 39 Kilometres
    Ruta Nono – Alaspungo
    Its 13 km stretch reveals less travelled paths, as well as beautiful and unique landscapes. It offers some prolonged ascents, that gift the cyclist with spectacular views of the Rucu and Guagua Pichincha volcanoes towards to east, and a cushion of clouds that covers the land below.
    ·      100% cyclable route·      Difficulty: Low·      Kilometres: 13.3 Kilometres

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    “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races” Returning in June Extending an Invitation for Teams

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    “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races” Returning in June Extending an Invitation for Teams

    The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races is making a return in June after a four-year hiatus! The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that the HKTB and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association will co-organise the “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races” on 24- 25 June (Saturday & Sunday) in Victoria Harbour.
    Both the general public and visitors from around the world can enjoy the exciting races along the promenade from Tsim Sha Tsui East to the Avenue of Stars.This year, the event will invite local, Mainland, Taiwanese and overseas dragon boat teams to participate. For the first time, cash prizes will be awarded to the winning teams in the four major races.With the world’s top dragon boat athletes gathering in Hong Kong, both the general public and visitors to Hong Kong will once again be able to experience the glamour of a major sports event in town!Interested teams can register on the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association website https://hkcdba.org/en/2023hkidbr from 20 March.
    Details of the event can be found at the following links:- HKTB event website: (https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/dragonboat-races.html )

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    RIYADH AIR ANNOUNCES FIRST FLEET ORDER OF 72 BOEING 787-9 DREAMLINERS More

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    RIYADH AIR ANNOUNCES FIRST FLEET ORDER OF 72 BOEING 787-9 DREAMLINERS

    Riyadh Air, the new world-class airline launched by the Public Investment Fund (“PIF”), today announced an order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes in a multi-billion dollar deal.
    This unprecedented order for a new carrier – 39 confirmed aircraft with an option to acquire 33 additional wide-body 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes – is a strong signal of intent for Saudi Arabia to become a global aviation hub. This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, national carriers today announced their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visits by 2030. 

    In terms of economic impact, in the U.S., the deal is expected to support nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and more than 300 suppliers from across 38 states, including 145 U.S. small businesses, while in Saudi Arabia, the new airline is expected to add USD20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.The order also underlines the importance of Riyadh Air environmental goals as it aims to operate one of the newest and most sustainable airline fleets in the world, while intending to meet the most stringent noise regulations. Operating from the capital of Riyadh, a thriving international metropolis rich in history and culture with a futuristic vision embodied by Vision 2030, Riyadh Air will help enable the transformation of the capital into one of the world’s top cities economies. The city has a rich history and is home to some of the most ambitious new projects in the world, including King Salman International Airport, Qiddiya, Sports Boulevard, King Salman Park, Diriyah Gate, and the New Murabba Development. Saudi Arabia has a unique strategic geographical location that connects the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe.
    ADVERTISEMENTThe new world-class airline aims to connect millions of leisure and business travelers to more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030 following this partnership with The Boeing Company. Riyadh Air will be at the cutting edge of technology enabling digital innovation at every guest touchpoint while offering an exceptional guest experience with authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan Governor of the PIF and Chairman of Riyadh Air said: “This is a momentous day for PIF and Riyadh Air, and highlights our determination to significantly extend Saudi Arabia’s connectivity with the world. Our stated commitment is to create a world-class airline and this partnership with Boeing in building the fleet is the next step in achieving the aspirations of Saudi Arabia as a global transportation hub. We look forward to fostering strong strategic relationships within the wider aviation ecosystem as we continue to shape the new airline to become one of the leading carriers around the world.” 

    Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air’s commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain. We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Our agreement builds on that longstanding partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more.”
    Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of guest experience. Riyadh Air’s commitment to its guests will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world.” As an airline that will be a global leader, Riyadh Air will equip its airplanes with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. The first deliveries of the widebody aircraft are scheduled for early 2025.
    Riyadh Air will be a digitally led full-service airline with a commitment to sustainability reflecting Saudi Arabia’s transformative projects under Vision 2030. It will operate in line with the country’s strides toward net zero emissions. The 787-9 Dreamliner model is manufactured with environmental impact considerations in mind, including CO2 emissions, fuel efficiency and noise regulations. The new airline was officially launched earlier this week and will serve as a lever to help fulfill Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
    The establishment of Riyadh Air is in line with PIF’s mandate to unlock the capabilities of key sectors locally to drive the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy. The airline will also support the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s broader vision, and enable the National Tourism Strategy, unlocking Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions to international tourists and creating new jobs

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    Jetstar Asia prepares for move to Changi Airport Terminal 4

    Jetstar Asia has completed its second orientation flights from Terminal 4, ahead of its move on 22 March 2023.
    Comments from Jetstar Asia Head of Flight Operations, Captain Geof Lui  
    “The focus of this second round of orientation flights was to evaluate the process and validate the efficiency with which passengers and their luggage could be transferred between terminals to seamlessly meet onward connections.
    “Following the initial orientation flights, we’ve worked with our airline partners to increase the frequency of shuttle services, both airside and landside, to ensure customers can quickly and easily transfer between terminals from our new home at T4.
    “To ensure a smooth experience for our customers, these operational trials included system testing at every stage of the journey, from check-in through to boarding to clearing customs.ADVERTISEMENT“As we approach our move date, we continue to perform operational tests covering crew communications and procedures, ensuring our entire team is ready to welcome our customers to T4 on 22 March.” 
    Jetstar Asia will initially operate more than 230 weekly services in and out of T4, to and from key destinations in Southeast Asia including Bali (Denpasar), Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Phnom Penh.
    Jetstar Airways will also operate from T4 and continue to fly between Singapore and Melbourne up to six times a week with the popular route being operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying more than 200,000 passengers each year between the two cities.

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    Malaysia Aviation Group’s Airlines Appointed as the Official Airlines for MATTA Fair 2023

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    Malaysia Aviation Group’s Airlines Appointed as the Official Airlines for MATTA Fair 2023

    Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)’s airlines, comprising Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings, have been appointed as the official airlines for the forthcoming Malaysian Association Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair 2023.MATTA Fair visitors can look forward to a wide range of enticing offerings from the airlines including, up to 45% off on Malaysia Airlines’ domestic and selected international destinations and an opportunity to win one of the 37 return tickets in its Buyers Contest.
    Meanwhile, Firefly will be offering fares starting from RM69 all-in one-way to domestic destinations and RM99 all-in one-way to international destinations onboard its ATR 72-500 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft, whereas MASwings will offer all-in one-way fares starting from RM131. This exclusive offer is valid from 16 to 24 March 2023, via the physical MATTA Fair event and the airlines’ online platforms, for immediate travel to 30 November 2023. Enrich members will also earn 50% Bonus Enrich Points during this period.
    Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from MAG said, “We are delighted to be part of Malaysia’s biggest travel fair as the official airlines for MATTA Fair 2023 through sister companies Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings. This reinforces our commitment to providing more value, convenience and options through great deals and travel experiences for our customers, while also playing our unique role in supporting the recovery of Malaysia’s aviation and tourism sector.
    On top of the great discounts offered on air fares, customers will also get to enjoy other deals beyond air travel including on MHholidays, Journify, and travel add-ons among others, as part of MAG’s wider aspirations of becoming Asia’s leading travel and aviation services group focused on delivering highly customised, end-to-end travel solutions in line with our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0. As the appetite for travel regains momentum, we invite everyone to take advantage of the great offers available during MATTA Fair and on the airlines’ website to enjoy the best deals for their upcoming travels.”
    To further enhance visitors’ experience at the physical fair, the three MAG airlines will be giving away 37 tickets in the Buyers’ Contest which includes Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class return tickets to London, Sydney and Haneda and Economy Class return tickets to Osaka, Melbourne, Perth, Seoul, Denpasar, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.  Meanwhile, Firefly and MASwings will offer five (5) and 12 return tickets respectively to the winners’ destinations of choice within their network.ADVERTISEMENTAs members of the Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia (TSAM), the sister airlines are dedicated to ensuring safe and seamless travel for customers by adopting the highest safety and hygiene standards across all end-to-end touchpoints of the traveller journey so passengers can continue to Fly Confidently.
    MATTA Fair 2023 is scheduled to take place from 17-19 March at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Admission to MATTA fair is free of charge and will be open from 10am to 9pm for three days from Friday to Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation such as the LRT and e-hailing services.

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    ABTA, The School Travel Forum and UKinbound welcomes new commitment

    The announcement follows ongoing work by the three associations to raise the challenges faced by school travel with Government, including a joint letter sent to the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, on Monday 6 March. 
    The letter asked for action to ease the situation which has not only led to significant falls in visits, estimated at a drop of 84% compared to 2019, but also school children and youth groups’ welfare to suffer due to excessive waiting times at entry ports and having to travel at extremely unsociable hours.
    ABTA, The School Travel Forum and UKinbound have called for the establishment of a new youth-group visa application process that is fully digitalised, works in collaboration with Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and supports the 2025 UK Border Strategy. It would allow students under the age of 18 that have an ID Card, and therefore the right to live in the EU, and third country nationals that have settled in the EU to travel to the UK as part of an educational or cultural group if accompanied by a teacher or supervisor over 18 years old that is travelling on a passport.
    The Governments are still to confirm the details of the new arrangements and the associations have already been in touch to follow-up on the commitments made.
    Luke Petherbridge ABTA Director of Public Affairs said:  ADVERTISEMENT“The Prime Minister and the French President commitment to easing school group travel between France and UK will be welcomed by the school and youth travel sector. Our members have been reporting challenges related to recent border policy changes, and they will now be eager to hear more about the details of what is being proposed. Working with our industry partners, The School Travel Forum and UKinbound, ABTA will be in touch with the relevant government officials and will provide more information as soon as we have received it.”
    Gill Harvey, CEO The School Travel Forum commented:
    “The school/youth travel sector has been forgotten for far too long. We welcome these discussions within Government and look forward to young people being able to enjoy and benefit from the same opportunities and experiences as their older schoolmates.”
    Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound commented:
    “Many of our members’ businesses are heavily reliant on organising and bringing in school groups to the UK from France and other countries in the European Union but this sector has dropped off a cliff since the requirement for all EU visitors to travel with a passport rather than an ID card changed in October 2021.
    “In 2019 this sector of the market was worth over £1 billion in export value to the UK economy, as well as providing a route to demonstrate Global Britain in practice. It is a relief therefore that the Government has announced it is committed to making this process easier going forward and implementing the changes needed to recover this valuable inbound business for the UK.” 
    The joint announcement from the two countries stated “Cooperation and policy exchanges on school education, facilitation of school trips and exchanges, including in the field of vocational education, opportunities for language learning will be expanded. On school travel, the United Kingdom committed to ease the travel of school groups to the UK by making changes to documentary requirements for schoolchildren on organised trips from France. France commits to ensuring appropriate mechanisms are in place for visa free travel for children travelling on organised school trips from the United Kingdom and to facilitating the passage of those groups through the border.”

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    MEA region expected to return to pre-pandemic levels of business travel spend by 2024

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    MEA region expected to return to pre-pandemic levels of business travel spend by 2024

    Business travel in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is recovering more rapidly than in any other region, according to the most recent Business Travel Index™ Outlook annual forecast and outlook (2022), from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s largest business travel association. MEA business travel achieved 86% of its 2019 levels during 2022, outperforming the recovery in Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.
    The strong performance of the sector and future opportunities will come under the spotlight during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 1-4 May.
    Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The business travel sector is a key component of the Middle East’s wider travel and tourism industry, and it is encouraging to see that it has bounced back so strongly since the pandemic. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) will present an in-depth analysis of how technology can support this return to travel and the ways in which this can be done sustainably in two education sessions with key insights from leading industry professionals.”
    According to the forecast, business travel spending reached $933 billion globally in 2022, 65% of the USD $1.4 trillion business pre-pandemic travel spend, with the MEA region accounting for $23 billion or approximately 2.5% of overall spending within the sector.

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