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    The Newest, Independent, Luxury Glamping Sites Across the UK

    Unique hideaways welcome five new luxury, independent glampsites across the UK, into their one-of-a-kind collection. From a dog-friendly clifftop cabin in Devon to a shepherd’s hut in a walled garden on the edge of the Peak District, in the past month, Unique hideaways have welcomed a whole array of dream-worthy places to stay to their bespoke collection.
    The Nest- Devon
    Say hello to paradise. Perched atop a cliff and nestled amongst lush green trees, this heavenly cabin with dazzling sea views is sure to light a sense of adventure within you. The interiors are lavish, the view is awe-inspiring and the location is quite simply out of this world. Welcoming dogs, this hidden haven is perfect for a weekend escape to the seaside, while offering complete privacy and a sense of serenity from the bustling world outside.Secret Garden Escape- Staffordshire

    Perched within a beautiful walled garden, this majestic hut has a magical wood-fired hot tub and delicious pizza oven. Just a stone’s throw from the dramatic landscape of the Peak District National Park, this pocket of paradise is perfect for adventure dreamers, seeking a retreat off the well-worn path.ADVERTISEMENTLazydays Hideaway- Isle of Wight
    How does island life sound to you? This gorgeous family-sized yurt is idyllic for a getaway with the ones you love most. The sea view is sparkling, the interiors are sumptuous and the outdoor bathtub offers a little bit of luxury for your stay in nature. It’s time for an adventure with all the family and we’ve found the perfect hideaway for doing just that…
    Vista Paris- Cornwall
    Cosy interiors, spellbinding views and dream-worthy moments exist at our upcycled, handcrafted haven in the Cornish countryside. From the bubbling hot tub to the central location for exploring the very best that Cornwall has to offer, this stunning hideaway makes for the perfect last-minute getaway to this special corner of the UK.

    Matilda- Sussex
    This cute cabin offers you a dose of escapism. With folklore tales, a vibrant colour palette and rustic features, this quirky glamping abode is just the spot to call home for a little while. Nestled in the blissful East Sussex countryside, there’s so much to explore nearby that you’ll be wishing to return time and time again.

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    Redefining the Luxury Holiday – Simple Pleasures Result in a 5-Star Feeling

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    Redefining the Luxury Holiday – Simple Pleasures Result in a 5-Star Feeling

    Tailor-made travel specialist Audley Travel has conducted research* into what defines a luxury holiday experience and has concluded that a ‘5-star feeling’ is indeed a more measured personal preference, with almost a third of people explaining that spending time in nature provoked a feeling of opulence (29%), and 38% saying time spent with family on holiday was the luxurious gift they crave.

    For many Brits (60%) the classic combination of indulging their taste buds and relaxing by the pool (43%) whilst on a break was front of mind when thinking about what luxury means to them during holidays taken in the past (in the UK or abroad). Almost half (46%) explained visiting ‘new places and cultures’ was important, and for almost a fifth of people asked, indulging in a good book and meeting local people (18%) felt lavish to them. Being away from the crowds is a luxury for more than 3 in 10 (31%) with 14% going further to say spending time completely alone is a holiday luxury.

    The findings showed however that when trying to please others when planning a trip that luxury feeling can be lost. Unsurprisingly deciding where to go on holiday can be a stressful experience when trying to please a group with 35% of those asked struggling to fulfil everyone’s wishes. The findings showed that 21% explained the cause of family and friends wanting to do different things was to blame, with 20% mentioning it is difficult to identify a destination that will meet everyone’s needs. To help combat this, more than a third (34%) of people said they would like to seek the advice of someone who had visited the destination before so they could plan better and avoid friction amongst the group (13% said wanting to do different things leads to arguments).ADVERTISEMENTAudley Travel CEO, Nick Longman said: “As a nation, we’re on a journey to become more mindful in everything we do, and our findings show that travel is no different. What makes a holiday feel luxurious is actually a very personal preference. It’s the seemingly simple moments that are most appreciated, from a stunning sunset to a meaningful exchange with a new person.

    “Designing a trip with an Audley expert means individual or group tastes can be taken into account. There are multiple ways of experiencing the same place, for example in Cape Town some people prefer to walk up Table Mountain, others take the cable car and some happily enjoy the view from the base. All preferences are catered for and everyone has their wow moment.”
    When it comes to deciding where to go on holiday the majority of people surveyed (43%) said they searched online for inspiration, whereas 35% preferred the familiarity of destinations they have been to before and liked. Friends and family recommendations were cited as a trusted source when planning a trip with 31% of people answering this impacted their decision making, and nearly a fifth of respondents (19%) were enticed by far flung, exotic locations or chose ‘unusual destinations’ (18%) with the same number choosing to stay within a short flight of the UK.

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    Discover the Allure of Morocco with Wego

    Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), team up with Moroccan National Tourist Office to showcase the magic of the country.
    Wego continues to partner with leading tourism boards globally to provide more choice for travelers and promote the best of those destinations, making it easier for travelers to discover their unhidden charms.
    Through the company’s cutting-edge platform, travelers will be empowered to explore Morocco’s hidden gems through immersive virtual experiences, curated itineraries, and tailored suggestions that cater to their unique preferences.
    Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego said: “We are excited to embark our partnership with Moroccan National Tourist Office. This partnership is set to inspire and captivate travelers worldwide, igniting a sense of wanderlust. We recorded over 39% increase in the number of searches to the country in 2023 in comparison to the same period last year, with over 2 million searches so far. We are looking forward to forging a long-lasting relationship with the board.”
    Morocco offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers during the summer.ADVERTISEMENTFor history and culture enthusiasts, exploring the ancient medinas of cities like Marrakech and Fes is a must. Immerse yourself in the bustling souks, admire stunning architectural masterpieces like the Koutoubia Mosque, and visit historical sites such as the iconic Jardin Majorelle.
    Nature lovers can embark on an adventure to the Sahara Desert, where they can experience the magic of camel trekking, spend a night under the starry desert sky, and witness mesmerizing sunsets over the golden dunes.
    Beachgoers can head to coastal towns like Essaouira or Agadir, where they can relax on pristine sandy beaches, try water sports like surfing, or savor delicious seafood.
    Food enthusiasts can indulge in the aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine, sampling tagines, couscous, and traditional mint tea in local restaurants or joining cooking classes to learn the secrets of Moroccan culinary delights.
    With its vibrant markets, captivating landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Morocco offers an unforgettable summer experience for travelers of all interests.

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    Budapest Airport Achieves Milestones in Passenger Traffic, Awards, and Safety in First Half of 2023

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    Budapest Airport Achieves Milestones in Passenger Traffic, Awards, and Safety in First Half of 2023

    The first half of 2023 has been a strong period for Budapest Airport in all respects: the series of developments worth more than 100 billion HUF over the past 4.5 years and the outstanding quality of the airport ecosystem have been confirmed by numerous awards based on passenger feedback and the assessment of the airport industry.
    Budapest Airport’s PR activities, airline marketing and annual partner event have also received accolades and an international rating certified the safety of the airport. Meanwhile, passenger traffic continues to grow, with the annual number of passengers likely to exceed initial expectations.
    Budapest Airport’s results in the first half of the year: rising passenger numbers and numerous awards
    In 2023, June was the fourth month in a row in which airport traffic exceeded one million passengers, and between January and June the airport handled a total of 6,683,524 passengers, which is 26.6 percent more than the same period of 2022 and more than the whole of 2021. As a result, total passenger numbers for the year to date are now only 9.4% below the record year of 2019, exceeding previous expectations. After a temporary global slowdown at the beginning of the year, cargo started to grow again in the spring, and cargo volumes handled at Budapest Airport in the first half of the year was 91 452 tons, which means that the annual target of 200 000 tons seems to be within reach in the near future.
    At the same time, thanks to a series of developments worth 100 billion HUF over the past few years, Budapest Airport and the entire airport community received numerous awards in the first half of this year. In addition to the awards for outstanding service and passenger experience, the airline marketing activities of the airline development team, which is the driving force behind passenger growth, and a major PR campaign that strengthened the company’s reputation were recognized, while the event industry honored Budapest Airport’s Annual Awards Gala with several awards.You may also be interested in:  IHG® Hotels & Resorts announces signing of Hotel Indigo Resort in Durrat Al Arus, JeddahThe best airport in Europe and the regionADVERTISEMENTFerenc Liszt International Airport and Budapest Airport have received an important, unprecedented recognition at the beginning of March. Airports Council International (ACI) has named Budapest Airport as the winner of the Best Airport of 15 to 25 Million Passengers in Europe Award. The ACI survey examines the quality of service at nearly 400 international airports based on 30 performance indicators and asks passengers, the most important target group for developments about their journey in person. The results provide a complex picture of the experience of arriving and departing passengers, from the moment they enter the airport, through their time spent there, to boarding.
    The next award was granted to Budapest Airport in mid-March, which also marked a jubilee for the airport community: Budapest Airport was named “Best Airport in Eastern Europe” by Skytrax for the tenth time in a row. The award is also based on passenger feedback: the World Airport Survey questionnaire is completed by people of more than 100 different nationalities over the eight-month survey period. Similar to the ACI survey, respondents rate the travel experience and airport services.
    After the passengers, auditors from the international aviation research organization Skytrax also examined the airport’s services and processes, and the organization upgraded the airport’s rating to four stars as a result of the three-day audit. Similar to hotel rankings, the independent experts rated Budapest Airport between 1 and 5 stars, but the process was tailored to airports: the rating analyzes all the areas that passengers may encounter, based on more than 500 performance indicators. This means that, following a number of prestigious awards this year, Hungary’s gateway is now in a similar league to airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Barcelona and Vienna Airports, in terms of passenger experience.
    In addition, the company’s cargo activities continue to be recognized by the industry: after winning the “Cargo Airport of the Year” award at the Air Cargo News Awards last year, Budapest Airport was again a finalist this year, alongside such prestigious competitors as Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore and Liège.
    Safe airport
    In April, Ferenc Liszt International Airport became the first airport on the continent to receive the international WELL Health-Safety Rating, which confirms that professionals are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and health of passengers and staff. During the certification process, independent experts examined five focus areas in passenger terminals: cleanliness, emergency preparedness, health, air and water quality, and stakeholder engagement.
    Outstanding campaign activity and high quality events
    Budapest Airport’s traditional Annual Awards Gala is usually a big hit with the company’s partners. For the second time, the event won the UNICEO live communication solutions award in the category of B2B events with more than 150 participants, while the Hungarian Association of Event Organizers and Service Providers granted the Event Design of the Year Award to the event, organized jointly by Progressive Advertising Agency and Budapest Airport.
    The joint production of Budapest Airport and MediaFactory, Fly into Work – Stars at the Airport, has won the industry’s biggest awards, the IPRA Gold Medal, also known as the international PR Oscars, the CMA content marketing award in the branded TV programs category and the Bronze Blade of the Golden Blade award in the PR solutions category. The entertaining and informative series was broadcast on TV2 at the beginning of this year, to showcase the colorful and varied jobs available at the airport and the complex, challenging and skilled tasks that can be found there. The show achieved outstanding ratings and attracted many applications for positions at the airport. Following the success of the award-winning first season, Budapest Airport and MediaFactory have started filming the second season, which will return to the screens in the fall with new stars and even more exciting challenges.
    At the Routes Europe Marketing Awards in Lodz, Poland, Budapest Airport won the award for the best airline marketing in the category of airports with 4-20 million passengers. The jury was impressed not only by the company’s B2B marketing activities, but also by the growth in passenger numbers over the past year, with the airport’s passenger traffic again exceeding 12 million last year, i.e. 75% of the pre-pandemic level, despite the adverse economic climate. Last year, 13 routes were launched or resumed, and this year this number rises to 23. Thanks to outstanding marketing activities, a total of 121 destinations will be accessible from Ferenc Liszt International Airport in the summer season of 2023.
    “I am proud of the airport community, as these awards are a testament to the work we do together, the dedication, energy and professionalism we put into running the airport every day. The recently received passenger satisfaction surveys show that passengers recognize the results of the continuous developments, and are happy to use the expanding services,” said Kam Jandu, chief executive officer of Budapest Airport. He also added: “We want to maintain this level of quality in the future, and keep our passengers satisfied by increasing the capacity in line with the growing number of passengers.”

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    Hamad International Airport Reports Impressive 33.5% Increase in Passenger Traffic in H1 2023,

    Hamad International Airport (DOH) continues its impressive growth in passenger traffic as it records promising numbers in the first half of 2023. The award-winning airport has witnessed an influx of travelers flying to and from Doha with a recorded 33.5% increase in passenger traffic and 18.1% increase in aircraft movements from the same period last year.
    The airport saw a total of 20,775,087 passengers during the first half of 2023 – moving 10,315,695 passengers in the first quarter of the year and a further 10,459,392 in the second quarter. Aircraft movements during the first half of 2023 also increased compared to last year, with a total of 116,296 arriving and departing from the airport – 56,417 in the first quarter of 2023 and 59,879 in the second quarter.
    During the first half of 2023, Hamad International Airport handled 1,121,382 tonnes of cargo and moved 17,596,776 bags, including 11,376,483 transfer bags through its facility.
    The second quarter of 2023 saw the airport manage a 24% increase in passenger traffic from the same period last year, with 3,281,773 passengers in April, 3,440,047 in May and 3,737,572 in June. Aircraft movements also saw a steady increase, with 18,762 in April, 20,226 in May and 20,891 in June. In terms of total destinations during the second quarter of this year, the airport saw a total of 194 scheduled passenger and cargo destinations.
    Hamad International Airport’s commitment to investing in the latest technologies has allowed it to implement the advanced screening technology to reduce processing time and enhance security within the facility. The adoption of the latest screening equipment allows transferring passengers to keep their electronic devices, along with liquid containers in their hand luggage. During the second quarter of the current year, the average processing time for transferring passengers at security check points was 28 seconds per passengers.ADVERTISEMENTCommenting on a promising performance from the airport, Hamad International Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammad Al Meer, said: “We are pleased to witness a surge in passenger traffic during the first half of this year. Our unwavering focus on enhancing our operations and investing in growth strategies has allowed us to augment our airport infrastructure and expand our product offerings. With these advancements, we aim to fortify our competitive position in the aviation industry and continue to exceed expectations.”
    Over the past year, Hamad International Airport has expanded its facilities, introduced new leisure offerings and adopted cutting edge technologies. Home to the recently opened Louis Vuitton Lounge, the first of its kind at an airport and offering a wide range of bespoke retail and dining options, the airport is committed to provide an exceptional travel experience to all its passengers. Furthermore, the ORCHARD, a tropical garden situated in the north portion of the airport and designed to invoke feelings of wellbeing and tranquility continues to inspire awe among travellers.
    Looking towards the future, phase B of the airport expansion is currently underway and once completed will increase the airport’s capacity to more than 70 million passengers annually. The expansion will ensure that Hamad International Airport retains its position as an industry leader, as passenger numbers in the Middle East are expected to double by 2040, according to the recently disclosed figures by IATA.
    As the gateway to the State of Qatar and the Middle East, the airport continues to solidify its position as the airport of choice among global travellers.

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    White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Celebrates 125 Years

    This year, The White Pass & Yukon Route is celebrating 125 years of service in the North. The iconic railroad has resumed operations into the Yukon territory this summer for the first time since 2019.The service is departing from Skagway in Alaska once more and running excursions to Fraser Lake and Lake Bennett in British Columbia, before the journey ends in Carcross in the Yukon.
    Widely acclaimed as the most “Scenic Railway of the World’, the White Pass & Yukon Route was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. The narrow-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation shared with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. Visitors will experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage rail cars.

    Carcross was originally called “Caribou Crossing” by the miners en route to find their fortunes in Gold Rush Town Dawson City, because of the large number of woodland caribou that migrated through the region. A friendly community within the Traditional Territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Carcross is surrounded by big skies, soaring mountains and emerald-coloured glacier-fed lakes. The little community is thriving with Indigenous art and culture and visitors can discover some of Carcross’s treasures including the only one-way street in the Yukon, the oldest hotel in the territory, the smallest desert in the world and the Yukon’s strongest bridge.
    Take me on the White Pass & Yukon Route RailroadADVERTISEMENTNorth America Travel Service offer a 4 day Discover Whitehorse & White Pass Yukon Railroad tour including 3 nights in Whitehorse and the White Pass rail excursion. discover-whitehorse-white-pass-yukon-railroad
    To book, visit www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk or call 0333 323 9099
    Canadian Sky offers an optional excursion to travel on the railroad on their 16 nights Glaciers and Gold Rush Bonanza tour from £4839pp based on two adults sharing. Price includes international return flights, a seven-night cruise on the Inside Passage, all accommodation and an experienced guide whilst on land. glaciers-gold-rush-bonanza-tour

    To book, visit www.canadiansky.co.uk or call 01342 395590

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    IMM to Feature The TravMedia Summit in 2024

    The travel industry’s leading media event returns to London’s QEII Centre on 19-20 February 2024 and, for the first time in the UK, will feature The TravMedia Summit.The dates for IMM 2024 were announced today by organisers TravMedia, with the show moving from its usual date in March to 19-20 February next year at the QEII Centre. The show will open with The TravMedia Summit, a morning of panel discussions and keynote sessions for all exhibitors to attend.
    Last year’s IMM drew a record-breaking attendance of over 500 PR professionals, journalists, and influencers, who held more than 10,000 pre-scheduled meetings. Journalists checking in to last year’s show represented media titles including The Times, The Telegraph, The Sun, The i, Daily Mail, National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust, JRNY, CNN Travel, France Magazine, Condé Nast Traveller, Cruise Adviser, loveEXPLORING, TTG, OutThere, Good Housekeeping, and Bella magazine.
    Now in its 12th year, IMM is established as the must-attend annual event for travel and tourism brands to make media connections, nurture established relationships, and catch up with industry friends. TravMedia has announced that the first 50 exhibitor bookings will be available at special earlybird prices, with savings of up to £630 on offer (based on a stand with two delegates).
    Exhibitors can book today at the show’s site (www.travmedia.com/immuk).
    Louise Napier, TravMedia UK’s recently appointed new Managing Director, said: “We’re super excited to be launching what we anticipate will be another sell-out event. In response to delegate feedback, we’re thrilled to be introducing new developments, in particular, the launch in the UK of The TravMedia Summit – a whole morning dedicated to panel discussions and keynote sessions by key editors and PR thought-leaders for all PRs and invited media to attend. This year tackles head-on the vital topic of Sustainability and the Future of Travel.”ADVERTISEMENTIMM 2024 will provide exhibitors with an exponential return on investment from two highly productive days of activity. Timed, pre-scheduled 15-minute meetings between exhibitors and journalists remain the cornerstone of the event. Alongside breakfasts and lunches, and socialising at the IMM evening drinks party at the end of day one, the event will introduce further breaks between meetings – providing more focus in the meetings and further informal networking.
    Exhibitor highlights in 2023 included major delegations from France, Australia, USA, and Canada. The event enjoyed headline sponsorship from Australia. IMM 2023’s other sponsors were the Israel Tourist Office, FlightCentre, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Pure Michigan & Visit Detroit, Princess Cruises, and VisitEngland.
    Brands interested in taking sponsorship at IMM 2024, including new opportunities at The TravMedia Summit, can find more information at www.travmedia.com/immuk/sponsor.html or contact Louise Napier directly at [email protected]
    TravMedia UK created and launched the IMM concept in 2013. The event has evolved globally to become the world’s leading show connecting the travel industry with the media. IMM is operated by TravMedia, the global network connecting the travel industry with the media and content creators.

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    Dubai Tourism confirms emirate is now ahead of record 2019 figures

    Dubai is officially ahead of its 2019 tourism levels, which was a record-breaking year for the emirate. Dubai Tourism’s May 2023 data recorded 7.39 million international visits YTD, slightly higher than May 2019’s 7.16 million.It is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
    The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
    It is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
    The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
    ADVERTISEMENTIt is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
    The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
    During this year’s City Briefing, Issam Kazim told the emirate’s hospitality leaders he wants to convert holiday-makers into residents.

    Kazim said: “Today we have two new KPIs. We want to make sure Dubai continues to be one of the best cities to work in, and more importantly, one of the best cities in the world to live in.”
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

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