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Elemental Cognition and AI transforms oneworld’s round-the-world travel booking with Google Cloud
The oneworld® alliance’s partnership with Elemental Cognition and use of its advanced AI capabilities in the EC AI Platform, powered by Google Cloud, have revolutionised the booking process for oneworld’s popular ‘Round the World’ tickets. This innovative AI travel agent was designed to streamline the process of booking intricate flight itineraries, addressing complex product rules and fluctuating flight availability. With the help of intuitive state-of-the-art AI technology, the new booking tool guides travellers in crafting elaborate itineraries that often involve multiple airlines, enhancing the global travel experience. Powered by Google Cloud, the EC AI Platform provides the reliability, accuracy, and transparency necessary for oneworld to simplify the booking journey, significantly enhancing the customer experience. In just six months, oneworld used Elemental Cognition’s platform to successfully develop and deploy this multi-modal AI ticketing agent, which operates globally in real time. The ‘Round the World’ fares include all oneworld airlines, hundreds of destinations, and millions of flight combinations. Traditional airline booking engines struggle with these complex booking journeys, which can involve up to 16 stages. The smart oneworld AI travel agent, however, reliably overcomes this complexity, significantly enhancing the booking process. Roger Blackburn, oneworld VP, Europe, said, “Elemental Cognition and Google Cloud have enabled us to create a smart and intuitive tool that has transformed the oneworld round-the-world booking experience. Since its introduction, we've witnessed a fivefold increase in conversions. This powerful application improves and simplifies booking, making it more enjoyable for customers to plan their dream holidays, regardless of the complexity of their flight requirements.” Matt Demmler, Chief Commercial Officer of Elemental Cognition, added, “Customers rely on Elemental Cognition to solve complex problems with AI when precision is paramount. oneworld was an ideal partner because they needed to help customers build complex travel plans that are 100% accurate and optimal based on changing preferences and business constraints.” Driven by the goal of making customer journeys across its global network as seamless as possible, oneworld continues to embrace digital technology. The booking platform, powered by Elemental Cognition and built on Google Cloud infrastructure, employs a neuro-symbolic AI architecture to solve complex problems with mathematical precision, delivering a game-changing experience. The platform captures all oneworld airlines’ global fare rules, creating a robust AI agent capable of planning a bookable round-the-world travel itinerary. Blackburn further noted, “Elemental Cognition impressed us with their ability to decode our complexity. They ingested a year's worth of global airline schedules and our rules, recorded in various formats, to build a customised solution that our customers could engage with in natural language. This approach to solving the problem was unprecedented.” Building on the success of the AI-based ticketing app, oneworld aims to deliver even greater value to its member airlines, boosting revenue and passenger satisfaction. The partnership with Elemental Cognition and Google Cloud enabling the application of AI is seen as crucial for addressing a broader array of travel industry needs and providing additional travel-related services. The story of a successful collaboration between Elemental Cognition, Google Cloud enabled technology and oneworld was published earlier this week on Google Cloud’s site. Carrie Tharp, Vice President, Global Solutions & Industries, Google Cloud, said: “This collaboration showcases the power of AI and cloud technology to solve real-world challenges and enhance customer experiences in the travel industry.” “Google Cloud's reliable, scalable infrastructure provides the foundation for Elemental Cognition's advanced AI capabilities, enabling oneworld to take the stress out of complex travel planning." Since its inception, oneworld has been a trailblazer in the aviation industry, consistently raising the bar in customer service and connectivity. Together, oneworld airlines operate over 4.5 million flights, carrying more than 500 million passengers annually, and with 212 million loyalty programmes’ members. With oneworld celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the primary focus of the alliance is the enhancement of all aspects of the guest travel experience, including deeper, more personalised digital capabilities.
SKIL flags off new venture ‘World of Musicians’ to redefine bespoke artist management
SKIL, India’s comprehensive travel solutions provider recently entered the artist management realm with the launch of their new venture, ‘World of Musicians’ (WOM). WOM is poised to revolutionize the artist management landscape by delivering tailored, end-to-end talent management services. Catering to a diverse array of events such as corporate functions, private and social gatherings, brand endorsements, digital marketing campaigns, and various marketing communications, WOM promises to elevate the standard of talent management with its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. World of Musicians (WOM), a pioneering brand in artist and talent management, is dedicated to deeply understanding event requirements and curating talent to deliver meaningful engagement, entertainment, and endorsement across various genres, geographies, and platforms. WOM aspires to be the premier resource for quality talent and artist management, providing seamless and comprehensive services to its ever-growing clientele across multiple industries. Safeguarding client’s interests while valuing artists for their unmatched talent, WOM excels in maintaining a delicate balance through its dedicated and strategic approach to talent management. WOM is committed to achieving goals by delivering thoughtful, well-planned talent management solutions that benefit both clients and artists. WOM boasts an extensive portfolio of artists, actors, speakers, influencers, and content creators from diverse backgrounds and geographies, ensuring a wide array of immersive event experiences for clients. As an aggregator, WOM offers a competitive pricing edge over direct bookings, along with significant end-to-end perks that enhance the overall event experience. Speaking about the launch of WOM, Yogendra Jain from WOM stated: “Having hosted a wide range of events for decades, we at SKIL recognized that the artist management segment within the events space remains largely unorganized. This disconnect between clients' requirements and artists' talent showcases prompted us to develop an exhaustive portfolio of artists across various categories. By understanding our clients' diverse needs for different event formats, World of Musicians was born! At WOM, we are dedicated to curating meaningful engagements and immersive experiences through dynamic music and talent. Our mission is to bridge the gap between artists and clients, ensuring both parties achieve their objectives with a balanced approach.” Shylender, MD of SKIL, added: “The launch of WOM gives us a competitive edge in the big-ticket event management space. As a comprehensive event management firm, we no longer need to look elsewhere for talent management solutions. With the inclusion of WOM, we now offer clients complete in-house solutions for all their requirements, from transport and event logistics to talent management. This holistic approach enhances our ability to deliver exceptional event experiences.” The WOM team, composed of self-driven individuals, respects time and embodies agility, proactivity, and meticulous attention to detail, facilitating clients' decision-making processes. WOM's recommendations are guided by the business objectives of its clients, ensuring that they receive the best potential solutions tailored to their specific needs.
World Nomads partners with Collinson to launch new annual multi-trip product
World Nomads, the global travel insurance provider, has announced the launch of its new Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) product in the UK & Ireland, following a new strategic underwriting partnership with Collinson, one of the UK’s leading travel insurance providers, dedicated to helping the world travel with ease and confidence. The new product, available today for purchase on 27 June, will enhance the customer experience with the addition of increased coverage limits and new benefits that apply to both AMT and single-trip policies, as well as innovative parametric service SmartDelay, ensuring comfort, convenience and tranquillity during unexpected flight delays. Introducing the Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) Policy for Frequent and Adventurous Travellers World Nomads’ AMT policy offers comprehensive and cost-effective coverage for frequent international and domestic travellers, allowing for multiple trips within a one-year period under a single policy. This product caters to World Nomads’ core demographic: independent travellers with a passion for adventure and high-energy activities, including coverage for over 150 adventure sports activities under the Standard and Explorer Plan. Additionally, a higher age limit (up to 69 years) and free coverage for children (aged under 18) when travelling with adult relatives or friends applies, making the AMT policy ideal for multigenerational travel. New Services to Tackle Airline Travel Delays and Simplify Medical Access World Nomads is also introducing new and additional innovative services for AMT Standard and Explorer Plan policyholders, including: SmartDelay:Providing access to over 1500 airport lounges or alternative benefits such as spa, sleep pods and restaurant discounts for travellers experiencing flight delays of more than 90 minutes Air Doctor:Connecting travellers to private doctors and medical advice in destinations where public health services may be overstretched and/or unable to treat international travellers. Enhanced Benefits across Single-trip and AMT Insurance Products Drawing upon Collinson’s 35+ years of industry experience, the new underwriting partnership brings a range of additional benefits to both AMT and Single-trip policy holders. Customers will enjoy increased coverage limits and enhanced benefits for trip cancellation and delays, emergency medical expenses, personal baggage, and personal liability*. These enhancements ensure that travellers are better protected against a wider range of travel-related issues. Jonathan Frankham, General Manager, UK and Europe says: “Both the introduction of the AMT product and the integration of Collinson as World Nomads’ new underwriters reflect our unwavering commitment to providing adventurous travellers with the most comprehensive and innovative coverage available. We are thrilled to offer an enhanced travel insurance experience that addresses the unique needs of today's travellers, whether that be pursuing their love of action and adventure activities, celebrating nature or culture, those that favour short city breaks or families looking to get away and create memories for a lifetime. “Our research found that the majority of travellers (65%) in the UK and Ireland prioritise policies that cover year-round adventures, which is why we have extended our offerings to include even more adventure activities. With features like Air Doctor and SmartDelay, our travellers can tackle today's most common travel challenges with confidence, enjoying seamless access to medical care and luxurious airport lounges during delays. We believe these enhancements will not only protect our customers but also enrich their travel experiences, making World Nomads the top choice for independent and adventure travellers worldwide” Greg Lawson, Head of Travel Insurance at Collinson, says: “Given both Collinson and World Nomads are established and respected brands by travellers globally, our collaboration in developing an AMT product that delivers what today’s travellers demand from their travel experience and insurance, demonstrates our commitment in offering fair value, flexibility and choice to the consumer. The synergies of our companies make our partnership stronger; based on Collinson’s experience as a renowned travel underwriter and World Nomad’s commitment to offer innovative travel insurance. It’s a great time to bring exciting products to the travel market so together we can drive our UK and European growth ambitions.”
MSC World America: A New Era of Family Cruising
MSC Cruises is set to redefine family cruising with the launch of its latest World-Class ship, the MSC World America. This ultramodern flagship, entering service in April 2025, will feature seven distinct districts, each tailored to provide a range of experiences. The highlight is the Family Aventura, destined to become the ultimate destination for kids and family fun. As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises has always been known for its award-winning kid’s offerings. With MSC World America, they’re taking everything to a new level. The ship will feature the company’s largest and most technologically advanced kids’ area yet, spanning over 10,000 square feet across seven different rooms. These spaces are designed for guests in various age ranges from 0 to 17, promising a new range of concepts that will elevate vacations on board to new heights. Steve Leatham, Head of Entertainment for MSC Cruises, said: “We set the goal to create the most exceptional kids and family offering at sea with MSC World America. We aim to allow our younger guests to express their creativity, play, socialise, and explore with amazing spaces and programs that must be seen and believed.” Matteo Mancini, Senior Manager of Youth Entertainment for MSC Cruises, added: “We specifically listened to our young guests from North America to design our kids and family offering. We are bringing a variety of extraordinary facilities and new experiences never seen before!” New Experiences Await Photo credit: MSC Cruises Among the exciting activities waiting to be discovered on board are: LEGO® Parade: For the first time in the cruise industry, MSC World America will host a LEGO® parade with LEGO® characters designed to entertain children of all ages. The parade will march through the ship from Family Aventura to the World Promenade once per cruise. LEGO® Family Zone: Family Aventura will include a brand-new area for master builders and brick enthusiasts called LEGO® Family Zone. Parents and children can play together, and LEGO® fans of all ages can unleash their creativity from morning to evening. LEGO® Game Show: For the first time in the cruise industry, MSC World America will offer a LEGO® Family Game Show. During each cruise, families can come together for an exhilarating team challenge in which parents and children compete as accurate Master Builders on board. The competition will feature timed challenges, colourful bricks, and unexpected twists, culminating in determining the ultimate winner. LEGO® fans of all ages won’t want to miss this exciting activity. Boxes Family Game Show: Families will get the chance to compete in “Boxes,” a new fun-filled family game show in which each mystery box contains a blind challenge to beat to win prizes. Doremix Family Disco: For dance competition fans, a new version of the Doremix Family Disco will arrive for the first time with the latest technology and must-see visuals. Parents and children will dance together to hit music and original MSC Cruises songs for children, all vying for the title of best dancers of the night. High-Tech Experiences: Specifically created for teenagers, Star Shooters is an adventure course in the Sportplex with targets for participants to hit and rack up points for a win. Virtual Reality at Luna Park will give guests access to the latest VR technology experiences, transporting them to other worlds from MSC World America. Largest Ever Doremiland: MSC World America will feature the largest, most action-packed Doremiland kids’ area in the MSC Cruises’Cruises’ fleet, spanning over 10,000 square feet. Home to seven rooms dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17, it will also be the fleet’s most technologically advanced kids area with the latest tech consoles and stunning light and sound effects. Baby services are offered in collaboration with Chicco® – the leading global baby brand and a long-term MSC Cruises partner. Exclusively on MSC World America, the popular Kids’Kids’ Clubs will be open all day, from 9 am until midnight, for each voyage. The Harbour: The Harbour is at the heart of the Family Aventura district. In this revolutionary new outdoor park, families can come together to engage in activities, indulge in delicious bites, and soak up the sun. The Harbour offers an exhilarating high ropes course, a thrilling new state-of-the-art Cliffhanger attraction, a family dwelling area, and a playground modelled after the iconic lighthouse at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. More details of The Harbour will be revealed soon. A New Era of Family Cruising When MSC World America enters service in April 2025, she will create an eye-catching silhouette against the Miami skyline. The ship’s blend of American comfort and European design will give guests a memorable cruise experience, whether searching for a relaxing tropical escape or an action-packed holiday. The ship will feature seven distinct districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences waiting to be explored. The districts allow guests of all ages to choose their adventure and maximise their time on board. From a dedicated family area or tranquil zen area to a lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars—a world of options awaits. The new World Class ship’s signature plumb bow will rise vertically from the waterline, and her Y-shaped aft will open onto the impressive outdoor World Promenade. Overall, MSC World America will span 22 decks, measure more than 150 feet wide, feature 2,614 staterooms, and offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and top-of-the-line features and facilities. MSC World America will offer a variety of 20 bars and lounges, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings: Sports Bar: This warm and inviting venue combines sports memorabilia, technology, and entertainment in a space where guests of all ages will feel welcome. Guests can grab a beer or soft drink and watch the game on one of the many screens while enjoying popular bar food like wings and sliders. Games like darts and foosball will also be available. Comedy Club: New to MSC Cruises, the Comedy Club is where guests can come to kick back, let loose, and take life a little less seriously. Evenings begin with an interactive and comical duelling piano experience that friends of all ages can enjoy. The laughter will continue with sets from notable comedians that will rival some of the best shows in NYC & Chicago. The Gin Project: Offering an extensive choice of craft gins with classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders. Elixir—Mixology Bar: Expert mixologists create handcrafted concoctions. The bar features an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy pre- and post-meal cocktails while enjoying spectacular ocean views. Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ classic British pub comes complete with a full-scale micro-brewery that puts MSC Signature beers on board. Coffee Emporium: This sleek and modern coffee house is a coffee connoisseur’s dream. It offers some of the world’s best coffee beans and a selection of brewing and serving styles, including French, Italian, Turkish, and Moroccan. Jean-Phillipe Chocolate shop and Café: Offering custom chocolates, coffee and other treats in a relaxed café atmosphere. More NEW concepts are on the way! Thrilling Adventures Await Guests will have a variety of exciting activities to choose from: 11-deck-high dry slide: A striking stainless steel slide that gives guests a fun way to reach the lower decks in style. Cliffhanger: A state-of-the-art, over-water swing ride at sea, towering 50m above the ocean. Pools and hot tubs: Six pools and 14 hot tubs, including a spacious indoor pool with a retractable roof and twin adults-only Zen pools at the aft of the ship. Water park: An expansive water park with water slides and a VR experience. Kids Clubs: Featuring dedicated facilities for age groups ranging from infants to 17 years old. Entertainment venues: Three venues with all-new live entertainment and theatre shows. Comfort and Luxury MSC World America will offer stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, including Infinite Ocean View cabins, balconies that overlook the outdoor World Promenade and connecting family staterooms. The MSC Yacht Club will feature spacious suites, a dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool and sun deck facilities, and 24-hour concierge and butler service. MSC World America promises to deliver an unforgettable cruising experience, combining the comfort of American design with the elegance of European style. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or family fun, MSC World America has something for everyone. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements about this state-of-the-art ship! For more information about MSC World America, visit the MSC Cruises website. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey aboard this state-of-the-art ship, where every day brings a new adventure.
Sky Vacations launches new queer travel brand, Out World Journeys
Sky Vacations, an outbound tour operator committed to delivering extraordinary travel experiences announced the much anticipated launch of Out World Journeys, an exclusive brand dedicated to providing exciting and inclusive travel experiences to the queer community. "June is Pride Month, so there’s no better time to launch Out World Journeys and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. My team and I are very excited to provide a wonderful portfolio of suggested itineraries that travelers can use as the foundation to craft their own journey, says Richard Krieger, Director of Out World Journeys. He continues: "If you’re interested in history, art, architecture, food and wine, we have great programs for you. If you’re looking for the perfect family getaway, we’ve got that as well. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for – we’ll do our best to curate the journey of your dreams. Our goal is to celebrate every traveler and to connect with each other and the destinations they visit in a meaningful way." Out World Journeys offers a range of experiences, including group tours, private journeys, and custom itineraries. With a commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, Out World Journeys partners with local businesses and organizations to support communities around the world.
Oneworld alliance celebrates 25 years of excellence and outlines enhanced customer focus
As oneworld®, the premier global airline alliance, celebrates its 25th anniversary, oneworld’s Chairman, its member airline CEOs and the alliance’s new CEO praised oneworld’s incredible growth and increasing customer relevance at a press briefing this morning during the IATA AGM in Dubai. Today, oneworld is a strong global alliance of thirteen leading airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines. Founded in 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, oneworld will triple in size by 2025, expanding from the original four founding members to fifteen in the next twelve months, with Oman Air and Fiji Airways joining the alliance as full members. Since its inception, oneworld has been a trailblazer in the aviation industry, consistently raising the bar in customer service and connectivity. Together, oneworld airlines operate over 4.5 million flights, carrying more than 500 million passengers annually, including a staggering 212 million loyalty programmes’ members. With a combined fleet of over 3,400 aircraft and 13,000 daily flights, oneworld member airlines have united customers, countries, and businesses across the globe. More than nine billion passengers have flown with oneworld member airlines since its inception - a phenomenal number, highlighting its status as the world’s leading airline alliance. Robert Isom, oneworld Chairman and American Airlines CEO, reflected on the alliance’s journey: “I’m proud to mark the creation of the oneworld alliance. Since its inception 25 years ago, the alliance has raised the bar in customer service and forged a common bond between the world’s leading airlines. We have never wavered in our commitment to enhance the customer experience every day, on every flight.” With oneworld celebrating its 25th anniversary, the primary focus of new alliance CEO Nat Pieper is enhancement of all aspects of the guest travel experience, including an ambitious premium lounge strategy, an alliance-wide oneworld upgrade programme, and deeper more personalised digital capabilities. Pieper said: “Our priority is to consistently deliver an exceptional travel experience, a best-in-class journey every step of the way. oneworld’s success over the past 25 years is due to the quality relationships between our member airlines and their constant prioritisation of guest satisfaction. “I am honoured to serve as CEO of the world’s leading airline alliance, and I look forward to forging ever closer relationships between our terrific partners.” oneworld broke new ground earlier this year by opening its first ever branded premium lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands and at Incheon International, Seoul in South Korea. Over 45,000 guests have already experienced the new oneworld premium offering, launched in partnership with global aviation ground services provider Swissport and the team behind its ASPIRE Airport Lounges. The alliance will continue to ambitiously pursue future opportunities to expand its current network of nearly 700 lounges. In another landmark development, in March this year, oneworld launched its highly anticipated oneworld upgrade programme which provides a new, valuable way for the alliance’s frequent flyers to use their miles and points to upgrade across oneworld member airlines. The first phase, launched by American Airlines and Qantas, enabled AAdvantage® customers to use their miles for upgrades on Qantas-operated flights. The reciprocal offering for Qantas Frequent Flyers to use their Qantas Points for upgrades on American Airlines operated flights is already in development and will be enabled in the coming months. More oneworld member airlines will join the oneworld upgrade programme later this year, making it an important and much desired development for millions of oneworld loyal customers. oneworld will also continue to pioneer its digital transformation to elevate the personalised guest experience, providing customers with self-servicing tools to manage their journey. oneworld is committed to supporting implementation of new technology connections between member airlines to facilitate improved journeys across the entire alliance network. As oneworld enters its next 25 years, it remains dedicated to enhancing every aspect of the customer journey, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading airline alliance. The future of air travel is here, and it’s brighter than ever with oneworld.
oneworld says “Bula” to Fiji Airways as its 15th full member airline
oneworld®, the world’s airline alliance, has announced that Fiji Airways is to become its 15th full member airline. Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, has been a valuable presence in the oneworld alliance for the past five years as a oneworld connect partner. During this time, the airline has developed cooperative links with all oneworld member airlines, paving its way to a more seamless integration as a full oneworld member. Fiji Airways’ transition to full membership will commence immediately and will be completed within the next 12 months. Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO, said: “It’s a very warm bula, or hello, to Fiji Airways as we welcome them as our 15th full member airline in the oneworld alliance. Fiji Airways is already part of the oneworld family, as we have had a highly successful relationship since the airline joined as a oneworld connect partner five years ago. With its tremendous growth, award winning product and services, and acceleration of connections with all oneworld member airlines, Fiji Airways will strengthen our position as the premier airline alliance for international global travellers.” Andre Viljoen, the Managing Director, and CEO of Fiji Airways, added: “I am extremely proud to announce our full membership in the award-winning oneworld alliance, marking a significant step in our commitment to providing unparalleled service and connectivity. As a full member airline, we are excited to enhance the travel experience for oneworld alliance frequent flyers, offering greater accessibility to Fiji and the South Pacific, and ensuring seamless connections and memorable journeys for Fiji Airways customers across the alliance network." Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 26 destinations in 15 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs at Sydney, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Fiji Link, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiji Airways, will become an affiliate airline of oneworld and extend the alliance’s network even further by bringing its domestic flights to Suva, Nadi, Labasa, Taveuni and Kadavu; as well as regionally to the Pacific Island nations of Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Fiji Airways recently announced record annual profits and revenues, for 2023, with 2.2 million passengers carried on its flights, offering 2.8 million seats. With an unprecedented growth, increased capacity, and fleet enhancement with new state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft, Fiji Airways is well set to continue its growth now as a full oneworld member airline, offering even more flights and new routes in response to the growing customer demand. As a full oneworld member airline, Fiji Airways will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Fiji Airways’ top tier customers will be able to gain access to all oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 business and First class lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon Airports. Fiji Airways originally commenced flying on 1st September 1951 and now has a fleet of 21 aircraft, including Airbus A350s, Airbus A330s and Boeing 737s. At the 2023 Skytrax Awards, Fiji Airways won the Best Airline, Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Services in Australia & the Pacific categories; came 15th in the Global top 100 Airline Rankings; was 12th in the Global Top 20 Cabin Crew Rankings; and came 16th in the Global Top Cleanest Airline Rankings. 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the oneworld alliance, which was founded in 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Later this year, Oman Air will become the 14th member airline of the alliance, joining Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines.
Universal Orlando Resort unveils new details about– Super Nintendo World
Next year, guests can jump into the action of their favourite video games when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD makes its much-anticipated debut at Universal Orlando Resort as one of five imaginative worlds at the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park. Developed in partnership between the visionaries of Universal Creative and Nintendo, the vibrant land combines iconic Nintendo characters with Universal’s renowned craft of creating innovative theme park experiences to deliver a multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way. Universal Orlando reveals official details about all the excitement that awaits in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe – featuring attractions plus dining, shopping and interactive experiences inspired by the Super Mario franchise and – for the first time in the U.S. – Donkey Kong Country. ENTER THE ICONIC GREEN PIPE It all begins the moment guests enter the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which will transport them through the iconic green pipe into the immersive land. As guests emerge from the pipe, vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, ? Blocks and more. Inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, guests will be able to explore Super Mario Land – where they’ll enjoy adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and other characters; and Donkey Kong Country – where they’ll encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and other members of the Kong family. SUPER MARIO LAND The colorful landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom come to life in Super Mario Land, where guests can experience: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Guests are invited to join Team Mario and battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in this groundbreaking attraction that fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments to bring the fun of the Mario Kart video game series to life in a compelling ride-through experience. Guests up for the challenge will enter through Bowser’s Castle – where they’ll wind its corridors and get a glimpse of Bowser’s deceptive plans to stack the odds in his favor – before boarding their kart and heading to the starting line. Then, guests steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses – collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles, and more – as they join their favorite characters and compete to help Team Mario win the race. Yoshi’s Adventure: The delightfulYoshi’s Adventure attraction will make its U.S. debut when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens at Universal Epic Universe. On this family-friendly ride, guests of all ages will enjoy breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way. Toadstool Cafe:At Toadstool Cafe, guests can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs and so much more. Guests will also get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant. Yoshi’s Snack Islandand Turbo Boost Treats: Guests can also pick up delicious treats, snacks and beverages at these walk-up dining locations. 1-UP Factory andMario Motors: Guests can shop for souvenirs, apparel, toys and more inspired by their favourite Super Mario characters and adventures within these retail locations. Meet and Greets: Guests can meet, greet and interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad throughout various areas in Super Mario Land. DONKEY KONG COUNTRY At the edge of Super Mario Land, guests will discover an entrance that leads them to Donkey Kong Country, where they’ll explore the lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, complete with tall trees, waterfalls, landmarks such as The Golden Temple and more. Here, guests can enjoy: Mine-Cart Madness: Guests will hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana on this first-of-its-kind family coaster. Utilizing an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology and a unique coaster design, Mine-Cart Madness will send riders on a thrilling adventure where they will experience the jaw-dropping maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts perform in the video games – including getting blasted out of a barrel, seemingly jumping over gaps as they speed along a rickety track, and so much more. A selection of tropical menu and merchandise offerings in the middle of the jungle – all inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video game franchise and its characters. More details will be shared in the coming months. And that’s not all - guests will find even more exciting experiences and adventures while exploring SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. POWER-UP BANDS Guests can level up their fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with the purchase of a Power-Up Band, a wearable for their wrist that allows them to enhance their play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching ? Blocks and playing interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises. Guests can also access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where they rank amongst fellow guests. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe will be Universal Destinations and Experiences’ third instalment of the immersive land. Right now, guests can enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.
Cendyn’s World Tour kicks off in New York
The calendar of Cendyn's World Tour 2024 The Cendyn World Tour kicked off in New York City, Tuesday 23rd April, as part of a ten-date globetrotting adventure of innovation, connection, and industry transformation with leading technology partners. In partnership with Google, SiteMinder, Tripadvisor, Infor, Shiji, Mews, and Oracle, the Cendyn World Tour 2024 aims to empower hoteliers with data, resources, and the latest trends from across the hospitality industry. The event series is dedicated to driving demand and enhancing profitable revenue for hotels - both through direct bookings and fostering loyalty among guests. Kicking off in New York City, the tour will visit ten locations: Bangkok, Paris, LA, Miami, Madrid, Singapore, Dubai, and London, before concluding in Cancun in November. The afternoon workshop sessions highlight the pivotal role integrated technology plays in attracting and managing direct business, as well as guiding hoteliers through the ever-competitive travel landscape. Attendees at first event of Cendyn World Tour in New York City Jack Blaha, CEO at Cendyn, said: “With our valued partners, we’re excited for hoteliers to learn how they can find more guests, source more direct bookings, and grow revenue. The Cendyn World Tour will help hoteliers create uniquely meaningful experiences that drive demand while balancing direct bookings with reputable online distribution channels to maximize reach and revenue potential.” Siteminder will be joining Cendyn for all tour dates to further support hoteliers' understanding of the technology partnerships at play which enable them to improve revenue and commercial opportunities. The Cendyn World Tour is by invitation only with hotel delegates selected by their presence in and around the tour locations.
Melbourne Airport Soars to New Heights at World Airport Awards
Melbourne, Australia – Melbourne Airport has once again been recognized as the premier gateway in the Australia-Pacific region, clinching the title of “Best Airport” for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the past five years. The accolade was presented at the prestigious 2024 World Airport Awards in Germany on Wednesday night. The Victorian hub has topped the regional charts and secured a spot among the global elite, ranking 18th in the top 20 airports worldwide. This impressive feat places it ahead of renowned international airports such as London Heathrow and Frankfurt. Additionally, Melbourne Airport was honoured as the runner-up in the category for best airports serving 10 to 20 million passengers. The Skytrax World Airport Awards, determined by passenger votes, is the largest survey of its kind, encompassing over 550 airports around the globe. The awards are a testament to customer satisfaction and service quality. Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport, expressed her profound pride and gratitude, attributing the airport’s success to the collective efforts of the entire staff. “Whether you’re the CEO or a cleaner, in customer service or construction, every individual at Melbourne Airport is dedicated to enhancing our travellers’ experiences,” she remarked. The ‘Stepping Forward’ initiative, a testament to our staff’s dedication, has been pivotal in encouraging proactive assistance and fostering a culture of human interaction that distinguishes Melbourne Airport from its competitors. Over the past year, the airport has proudly introduced new dining options, retail stores, and amenities while laying the groundwork for future expansion. Plans include a new runway, improved road access, and terminal upgrades. “We are committed to continuous improvement, especially in our international arrivals area, and are collaborating with our airline partners to develop infrastructure plans for an expanded international terminal and a third runway,” Argus added, instilling a sense of optimism for the airport’s future. Following Melbourne in the regional rankings were Brisbane, Auckland, Perth, and Sydney airports. Completing the top 10 list for the Australia-Pacific region were Adelaide, Gold Coast, Christchurch, Nadi, and Wellington airports. Adelaide Airport also received significant recognition, being voted the Best Regional Airport in Australia-Pacific for the second time in three years. It ranked among the world’s top 10 best airports for 5 to 10 million passengers. Brenton Cox, Managing Director of Adelaide Airport, highlighted the airport’s recovery post-pandemic and record passenger numbers. “Our recent expansion has revitalized the terminal, and we’re committed to further enhancements as part of our $1 billion capital program,” Cox stated. Perth Airport was awarded the Best Airport Staff in Australia & Pacific and ranked 7th for airports accommodating 10 to 20 million passengers. Brisbane Airport was lauded as the Cleanest Airport in the region and placed 8th globally for airports handling 20 to 30 million passengers. Sydney Airport, Australia’s busiest hub, didn’t secure any individual awards but was recognized among the best airports for 30 to 40 million passengers. The Pullman Sydney Airport was celebrated as the Best Airport Hotel in Australia & Pacific. The achievements of Melbourne Airport and other recognized airports reflect the industry’s commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving needs of travellers. As the aviation industry continues to rebound, these hubs are setting the standard for passenger experience and operational efficiency in the Australia-Pacific region and beyond, instilling a sense of progress and optimism in the audience. The post Melbourne Airport Soars to New Heights at World Airport Awards first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.
New World Hotel Saigon
New World Hotel Saigon, Lê Lai, Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Bangkok, Thailand
10th Centara World Masters Golf Championship – Hua Hin, Thailand
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Phuket’s New Wellness Trends for Hotels, Tourism, and Real Estate
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ITB India 2024 – 11 – 13 September 2024 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India.
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World Travel Mart 2022 – London
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Live Online Event – Unchartered Antarctica onboard Le Commandant-Charcot PONANT’s world-first hybrid luxury exploration vessel
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Webinar – PONANT and National Geographic delivering the authentic Expedition Experiences across the world
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Beyond Covid-19: Global Tourism’s New Normal
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ITB India 2025, Mumbai India
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Maximum Occupancy Perth – 12th June 2025
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Digital Travel APAC Singapore – 12-13 August
The Premier Gathering for Digital Innovators from APAC's Top Airlines, Hotels, OTAs and more
Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism Phuket (PHIST 2025)
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ITB China 2025 – Shanghai, 27-29May
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November 2024 – Extraordinary Travel Festival Bangkok
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December 2024 – GXT 2024, Guest Xperience Tech Summit & Expo
The program for the Guest Experience Tech Summit & Expo explores how technology transforms customer experiences across sectors. Through keynote sessions, panels, and workshops, attendees discover topics such as AI, automation, sustainability, and analytics. From reshaping guest interactions with AI and IoT to driving operational efficiency and sustainability, participants gain actionable insights to innovate in guest experiences.
ITB China 2024 – Shanghai, China
Meet with high diversity of buyers coming from leading travel companies throughout China, and attendees seeking for business opportunities in China. At ITB China we gather top and hand-selected Chinese buyers from leading Chinese travel agencies, with the focus on conducting successful and profitable deals for you, the matchmaking system is a proven way to make the most of the limited time at the exhibition
WTM London – 6-8 November 2023, London UK
Exhibit alongside the world's best travel brands and meet the people who can open the door to the abundant opportunities that lie ahead. Connect with fellow travel innovators, share your solutions in-person and do business deals that don’t happen anywhere else. Ready?
AIME 2024 – 19 – 21 February 2024 • Melbourne, Australia
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19 – 21 February.
HEDNA Bangkok – September 11-12 2023
The agenda will bring a wide array of current topics in our industry to the main stage. You’ll hear from experts in Distribution, Fintech and Payments, Marketplaces, Leading Executives and of course our Hoteliers will be bringing their perspectives to these topics and so much more.
GBTA APAC Conference 2023 – Singapore
The GBTA APAC Conference 2023 – Singapore will bring together the business travel community to network, learn from industry experts and benefit from peer-to-peer education. Tapping into the global insights of GBTA and curated by regional thought leaders this event will focus on the key issues and opportunities facing the business travel industry today
3rd Hospitality Malaysia Conference – Sheraton Kuala Lumpur
With the rosy prospects, there are a good number of challenges faced with hotel operations and revenue generation including slow return of foreign tourists, manpower shortage, high wages, high operating cost, overheads, supply chain issues. The Hotel Revenue Summit will address the key issues and practical plans to tackle these obstacles in order for hotel operators to capture a revenue rebound for 2023 and onwards.