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  • Safety & security matters most, UK voted safest in Europe

    The survey asked global respondents from over 70 countries, to spot the important thing influencing factors of their decision making process, when picking out both leisure and business travel destinations.

    Petra Malenicka, Vice chairman, CNN International Ad Sales, Western Europe said, “Destination branding has become one of the vital competitive aspects of today’s tourism industry and these insights are valuable for countries trying to market themselves because the destination of choice for travellers.”

    “That security and safety is significantly more important for respondents than the price of travel, even in austere times, is a trademark that, in times of regional unrest, the pendulum has swung. Tourist boards will clearly continue to have an important role to play in shaping international perceptions in their country to encourage tourism growth,” she added.

    ‘Price’ ranks second in travel decision making, reflecting the ongoing impact of the commercial crisis on consumers.  Yet despite this, the newest UNWTO growth predication figures confirm the resiliency of a buoyant global tourism sector.*

    According to the effects, respondents aren’t just price conscious, also they are discerning. ‘Reputation’ is the third most considered factor for respondents considering travel destinations.

    The results demonstrate the appeal of the united kingdom from a commercial perspective:
    ·    The united kingdom is probably the top 5 countries globally, with regards to being “attractive for business investment opportunities”.

    The UK leads Europe for safety and is seen as a developed, hospitable destination:
    ·    46% of world respondents confident of a bother-free stay
    ·    43% of worldwide respondents cited the UK’s reputation of being ‘most established and welcoming’ for tourists as a cause of visiting.

    The UK can be well positioned in terms of attracting international travellers inside the immediate future.
    ·    38% of world respondents told CNN they might consider a trip to the united kingdom inside the next yr, positioning the rustic second only behind the united states in an inventory of the highest 25 destinations probably to be visited within the next year. 

    “The results paint a favorable picture for the united kingdom relating to global perception, and should indicate the rustic is definitely positioned to profit from the nice and cozy glow left by a successful Olympic year”, added Malenicka.

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  • JJW Hotels set to extend online bookings with RateTiger’s channel manager

    JJW hotels has selected RateTiger by eRevMax because the channel manager of choice across 23 of its European hotels. The JJW Group now has access to RateTiger’s new Allocation Management feature, enabling them to accurately distribute inventory from a controlled central pool to all sales channels.

    The hotel chain may be capable of update rates and inventory at property level through RateTiger’s vast distribution network, whilst simultaneously optimising the performance of obtainable inventory from connected channels. Each property might be ready to increase the effectiveness of all third party sales partners, thereby improving both bookings and revenue opportunities.

    In addition, JJW Hotels may even get pleasure from real-time competitor rate data, allowing their hotels to appropriately manage rates with booking performance, that allows you to maintain the precise market position.

    Customer experience to extend with profits.

    “We require a competent solution which will meet our demands for price shopping in addition to channel management. Having seen the success RateTiger has delivered to other hotels with their streamlined way to revenue management, we’re sure that our new partnership with them increases revenue, in addition to the customer’s booking experience,” said Guy Marwood Finance Director for JJW Hotels & Resorts. “This new automated inventory distribution tool will react instantly to ever changing markets, allowing each hotel to profit from occupancy levels and revenue opportunities.”

    JJW Hotels will make the most of eRevMax’s recently released RateTiger RTSuite 3.0; this latest version comes complete with a brand new user interface and integrated channel management functionality, and is designed to maximise usability and effectiveness.

  • News: Passenger facilities unveiled at Hamad International

    The soft opening of Hamad International Airport (HIA) on April 1st 2013 will see ten foreign airlines operating out of Concourse B and an array of recent facilities for passengers to enjoy.

    HIA is a uniquely designed airport set against a stunning synthetic lagoon and landscaping, making a lush green environment to enrich the airport’s natural bay and coastal setting.

    The roof of the passenger terminal complex creates an architectural feature, the design of that is influenced by the waves of the Arabian Gulf.

    HIA is found 4 kilometres east of the present Doha International Airport (DIA) and have been primarily built on reclaimed land. The airport relies at the Ras Abu Abboud street expressway, sometimes called the F Ring Road.

    Upon entering the HIA site there’ll be signage directing passengers to the eastern side of the quick term car park located opposite the passenger terminal complex.

    There are pick up and drop off areas located on both the departure and arrival floors and a bus pavilion located outside Concourse A for passengers using the general public bus route or the shuttle bus provided by DIA.

    Passengers wanting a beverage or snack before they fly would be ready to visit the café located in Concourse B on the far end of level 1.

    Before boarding, passengers can visit the specific duty free store to browse quite a lot of products on offer or pick up any last minute items.

    A newsagent is additionally available for passengers to buy magazines, books and newspapers for his or her journey.

    Passenger facilities available at HIA include a female and male prayer room and a smoking room located in Concourse B. As well, HIA will offer all passengers and visitors free WIFI to access from their personal devices inside the airport.

    For families travelling through HIA, there are two specially designated areas located in Concourse B. Families with youngsters can be capable of utilise baby strollers available at HIA on a complimentary basis from airport customer services.

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  • PATA predicts continued growth in regional travel

    Officials on the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel & Tourism Management released their joint publication, the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2013-2017.

    The new forecasts at the complete visitor economy will make it easier for tourism organisations to anticipate demand trends and manage supply.

    The annual and quarterly forecasts cover a five-year horizon and include price elasticity variables for many of the destinations covered.

    High-level snapshots from the forecasts show that visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region will keep growing with an ordinary annual growth rate of four.1 per cent over the period 2013-2017 and reach 581 million by 2017.

    At a similar time, north-east Asia will maintain a dominant position within the inbound market of Asia Pacific, and its market share will reach 53 per cent by 2017./

    China will remain the pinnacle inbound destination within the Asia Pacific, peaking at 147.4 million visitors in 2017.

    Visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific from China will exceed 100 million by 2015
    Cambodia, the Maldives, Chinese Taipei, Bhutan and Mongolia are the tip five fastest growing destinations on the subject of visitor arrivals over the period 2013-2017.

    Taken together these projections provide essential information for tourism planners and operators alike.

    The forecasts aim to assist destinations set strategy for the approaching years by supporting the entire visitor economy in both long-term decision and policy making by predicting arrivals, tourism receipts and departures in step with country/region of origins for 41 destinations.

    “I am delighted to recommend these next generation forecasts to PATA members and colleagues. The scope and quality of the forecasts will add value to our many various members across 17 time zones and a lot of different functional groups,” said Martin J Craigs, PATA chief executive.

    Published annually with a quarterly breakdown, the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2013-2017 will include details about visitor arrivals to choose PATA member economies from key source markets, visitor expenditures in PATA member economies, and visitor departures of member economies.

    The annual edition of the forecasts will even feature reports analysing the forecasts and their implications, contemplating particular trends for certain regions.

    Though it really is clear that demand for inbound and outbound travel in Asia Pacific is growing, it’s the details shown by forecasts of travel demand if you want to guide the visitor economy within the measurement of tourist arrivals and expenditure.

    Forecasts might help justify decision-making in the case of planning investments in visitor infrastructure, human resource management, marketing resource allocation decisions and new product development.

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  • News: Cunard Line’s new dress codes celebrate the prospect to decorate up and relax

    Cunard Line has renewed its commitment to the excitement of dressing up aboard “The Most renowned Ocean Liners within the World” with an update to its dress codes, while while encouraging the loosening of ties on its less formal nights.

    Research with existing passengers and comfort travellers generally has led Cunard to bolster the Line’s commitment to important occasion dressing 3 times per week on its Transatlantic Crossings and twice each week on sailings to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and beyond.

    However, in accordance with growing travel trends, Cunard is adjusting its advice on dress codes for other nights. The outcome: together with two or three formal nights each week, there’ll be four or five “informal” evenings where jackets are required but ties will now become optional, heightening the sense of anticipation for formal nights much more.

    “The glamour of dressing to the nines is a trademark of travelling with Cunard, and distinguishes us from the mass of cruise operators where dressing up has become a specific thing of the past,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

    “In a global where everything seems to tend towards the casual, Cunard is proud to offer passengers the chance to place on their best bib and tucker and very shine. Dressing up heightens anticipation and brings yet another special sense of occasion to a night at sea. Our passengers let us know it makes all of the difference to their delight in a major night out on board.”

    Shanks added, “Formal nights are an opportunity for the girls to glitter in cocktail dresses or full-on evening gowns, while for the gentlemen, dinner jackets – or tuxedos or dark suits – always bring a marginally of sharp, 007-type style to the occasion.”

    Passengers opting out of evening wear on formal nights shall be welcome within the ships’ main buffet restaurants and within the adjoining Winter Garden or Garden Lounge bars, but not in other areas of the ship, out of respect for his or her fellow guests.

    By day, smart casual remains the way of choice among Cunard’s passengers, as in a five-star hotel ashore.

    This change from the former evening dress codes of “formal,” “semi-formal” and “elegant casual” to simply “formal” and “informal” will take effect before flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria set out on their main sailing seasons in April / May 2013.

    All future passengers are being advised of the adjustment in good time before departure.

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