Travel News Group

Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines Codeshares with Alaska Airlines

Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has announced a new codeshare partnership with Alaska Airlines, expanding their reach across the United States. This strategic arrangement initially includes eight key domestic routes, offering travelers more options and seamless connectivity. The codeshare agreement covers popular destinations such as Salt Lake City, San Diego, Phoenix, Portland, Las Vegas, Dallas, Denver, and Austin. This collaboration aims to enhance travel convenience and provide a wider network for passengers flying with STARLUX Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Baobab Game Ranch Is Now Namibia’s First Ageless Safari Operator

Discover the pioneering strides in inclusive tourism with Baobab Game Ranch & Serval Safaris, the first tour operator in Namibia to earn the age-friendly tourism recognition badge. This achievement marks a significant milestone in creating accessible and enjoyable safari experiences for visitors of all ages. Join us as we explore how Baobab Game Ranch is setting new standards in the safari industry, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the breathtaking beauty and wildlife of Namibia without age-related barriers. Learn about the initiatives and adaptations that have led to this recognition, and what it means for the future of tourism in Namibia.

Destination International and IMEX America in Action after Hurricane Helene

In this episode, we explore the remarkable efforts of Destination International and IMEX America as they lead the U.S. travel and tourism industry's immediate response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Through their quick and decisive actions, these organizations are making a significant difference for many members of the sector affected by the devastating hurricane. Join us as we delve into how these leaders exemplify resilience and unity in the face of natural disasters, showcasing the strength and determination of the travel community to support and rebuild.

Cannabis Travel Pioneer Brian Applegarth joins Travel Marketing Network

In this episode, we explore the innovative strategies of the Travel Marketing Network, a New York-based PR and Marketing agency network. The network is renowned for assisting tourism boards, hotels, and tour operators in expanding their business or destinations beyond traditional methods such as press releases and road shows.
We delve into the latest addition to their portfolio: cannabis tourism development. This emerging sector is set to revolutionize the travel industry, and who better to guide us through it than Brian Applegarth, a pioneer in cannabis travel.
Join us as Brian shares his insights on how cannabis tourism can be integrated into marketing strategies to attract a new wave of travelers, and learn how the Travel Marketing Network is paving the way for this exciting niche market.
 
TravelMarketing Network is the PR, marketing, and consulting arm of TravelNewsGroup and World Tourism Network, based in the heart of New York City.
Members include PR and marketing agencies, professionals, journalists, consultants, former tourism ministers, marketing gurus, and research specialists. They joined TravelNewsGroup to collaborate, find, and provide top services for clients such as tourism boards, hotels, tour companies, and SMEs in the regional or international travel and tourism world.
TravelMarketing Network members have full access to the TravelNewsGroup database and outreach options, including eTurboNews.
With Brian Applegarth joining, Travelmarketing Network adds proven expertise consulting with destinations to deliver strategic roadmaps that drive economic impact and success in the rapidly growing global cannabis and hemp travel sector
Services of the TravelMarketingNetwork include:
Strategic planning
Marketing
Advertising
PR/ Media communications
Press releases and story distribution
Roadshows
Events
Finding and qualifying speakers for your event
Finding and qualifying experts
Qualifying participants for FAM trips
Consulting
Representation (Destinations, Hotels, etc)
Trade Show promotion
Organizing seminars and educational events
Organizing focus groups
Event and destination photography
Niche market outreach, including the LGBT Community, Accessible Tourism and much more.
Recently, Brian Applegarth joined the TravelMarketing Network, joined the World Tourism Network as a member, and became a new service partner for the TravelMarketingNetwork.
Brian is the Founding Chair of the Cannabis Travel Association International and the sole expert advisor on the first-ever cannabis travel audience research in the United States, an ongoing study with MMGY Travel Intelligence since 2019. Since 2013, he has specialized in destination development and visitor economy strategies related to the rapidly evolving hemp and cannabis travel trends.
Through Applegarth Strategies, he helps destinations and brands integrate hemp and cannabis-related strategies, focusing on destination preparedness, development, and marketing to attract and adequately serve the modern cannabis traveler.
Applegarth leads the Cannabis and Hemp Task Force for Destinations International, an organization with tourism destinations as members, and also works with TravelNewsGroup.
Cannabis Travel Association International is the largest association of destination organizations worldwide and chairs the Cannabis and Hemp Council for the California Travel Association.
 
TravelMarketingNetwork partner Applegate has been recognized by the Clio Awards, Visit California Poppy Awards, US Travel ESTO Awards, and the International Federation of Fairs and Expos Awards.
He says: “Being invited to join the World Tourism Network as a member and the TravelMarketingNetwork as a service provider is an exciting opportunity to engage with a global community dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Having advised and consulted with several destinations in the US and Canada, we look forward to sharing our knowledge, insights, learnings, and innovative approaches to modern-day cannabis and hemp-related destination development and marketing strategies while collaborating with industry leaders to drive strategic and brand-aligned growth of the experience economy globally.
“As a new member of the World Tourism Network, we are excited to contribute our expertise in cannabis and hemp-related travel to this global community of destination and travel industry leaders and stakeholders.
 
“We have consulted for several destinations and brands, including SF Travel, Visit Greater Palm Springs, Sonoma County Tourism, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Visit Oakland, Humboldt County Visitors Bureau, Visit Mendocino County, Sunstone Winery, and others.
“By focusing on the cannabis and hemp-motivated travel audience of today, we help destinations and brands tap into growth opportunities across wellness retreats, medical and leisure tourism, and cannabis and hemp-related business travel.
“Through our consulting services, we work to enhance the economic impact of tourism, creating jobs, fostering local development, and shaping unique visitor experiences that cater to a rapidly expanding and mainstream market and travel audience. We look forward to leveraging our expertise within WTN’s innovative and inclusive network to drive impactful tourism initiatives globally.”
World Tourism Network Chairman Juergen Steinmetz, also the CEO of the TravelMarketingNetwork says: “In welcoming. Brian Applegarth adds a new dynamic to our services and allows our WTN members to learn and reach out to one of the most lucrative and fastest-growing sectors in the travel and tourism industry.
Steinmetz added: Since World Tourism Network is now part of the TravelNewsGroup, there was never a better time to join WTN and give access to eTurboNews readers around the globe.
 
 

One Love, One Heart at World Tourism Day with 1.4 Billion Connections for Peace

According to Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Dr. Bartlett, peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of connections. He shared this insight with eTurboNews after arriving in Georgia for World Tourism Day.Last year, 1.4 billion tourists traveled the world, making 1.4 billion connections. These connections fostered better human understanding and contributed to global peace.

Dr. Alain St. Ange Speaks for the World Tourism Network on World Tourism Day On A Roller Bike

While ministers celebrate World Tourism Day in Georgia at a Gala Dinner and enjoy the best food and wine this country, famous for its wine, has to offer, Dr. Alain St. Ange delivers his Roller Bike message on Peace and Tourism on World Tourism Day.
It's more than a symbolic gesture; this carnival-inspired approach is slightly different. WTN is a little different as a new organization coming in from the sideline with a message that SMEs matter in tourism.

Southwest Airlines Changes include Icelandair

Southwest Airlines announces a major transformation in its Customer Experience, aiming to offer more choices and greater comfort for its passengers. These enhancements are strategically designed to drive revenue growth and restore the carrier to industry-leading profitability.
Southwest Airlines says it was transforming its Customer Experience to provide more choices and greater comfort for Customers, designed to drive revenue growth and return the carrier to industry-leading profitability.
Southwest’s transformation is guided by data-driven research of travelers’ changing needs and expectations. Southwest’s evolution will provide even more choices for its Customers and preserve aspects of the business that make the airline unique among its competitors:
Assigned Seating: Southwest will broaden its consumer appeal and boost demand through an assigned seating model. Airline passengers now have a clear preference for seat assignments: 80 percent of Southwest Customers and 86 percent of passengers who choose other airlines want assigned seats. Southwest flies farther than ever, and seat assignments are a higher priority on long-haul flights. The Company expects to begin selling assigned seats in the second half of 2025, with its first flights operating with the new model in the first half of 2026.
Premium Seating: Market research shows that the preference for an assigned seat with extra legroom offers broad appeal for both business and leisure travelers. Southwest will offer extra legroom options with up to five additional inches of pitch for approximately a third of its seats while maintaining a standard economy seat pitch among the best in the industry. New seating product options will drive demand and are expected to generate more revenue per passenger.
Southwest Boarding with Upgrades: Southwest will evolve its boarding process with seat assignments while focusing on operational efficiency and improving the Customer Experience. The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest’s unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area. The carrier’s most loyal Customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board. 
Bags Continue to Fly Free: Extensive research reinforces Southwest’s bags fly free® policy1 remains the most important feature by far in setting Southwest apart from other airlines. Based on Southwest’s research, the Company believes that any change in the current policy that provides every Customer two free checked bags1 would drive down demand and far outweigh any revenue gains created by imposing and collecting bag fees.
“We’ve spent the past few years laying a foundation that serves as the base of our transformation,” said Ryan Green, Executive Vice President Commercial Transformation. “We’ve already started rolling out modernized cabins with improved WiFi, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, enhanced operational efficiencies, and optimized flight schedules. We will continue to build upon our unique competitive advantages, while adapting to consumer priorities in today’s dynamic environment.”
In addition to offering more Customer choice, Southwest will launch new capabilities and products designed to add value and revenue potential:
Global Airline Partnerships: Southwest is formalizing partnerships with international carriers to expand its network and connect Customers with more global destinations to generate additional demand for travel across the Southwest network.Icelandair will become Southwest’s initial partner with an expected launch in 2025 through Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which will serve as its first U.S. gateway for the carriers. The Icelandair partnership will expand gateways throughout 2025, and Southwest intends to add at least one additional partner carrier next year.
Getaways by Southwest™: In 2025, the Company intends to launch a new product, Getaways by Southwest, offering vacation packages that are unique to the industry and come with friendly policies that Customers expect from a Southwest-operated venture. These customizable vacation bundles will feature Southwest’s generous cancellation policy and flexibility with its no change fees for flights extending to hotels and other elements of packaged vacations.
Rapid Rewards®3 Enhancements: Throughout the transformation, all Members will earn and redeem points at the same rate that they do today, and Southwest will continue to offer no blackout dates, uncapped reward seat availability, and points that don’t expire. The airline will update its Tier Benefits with the transformation giving A-List and A-List Preferred Members even better benefits. The airline also soon will share updates to its credit card program, including how assigned seats and premium seating will offer Cardmembers even more value. Until then, Cardmembers will continue to take advantage of their current card benefits. Eventually, Rapid Rewards Members also will have more opportunities to earn and redeem points for longer-haul international destinations with development of its airline partnerships and the evolution of its Getaways by Southwest product.
The changes come as part of Southwest's broader efforts to stay competitive and appealing in the ever-evolving airline industry. Passengers can expect improved service and amenities as the airline rolls out these exciting new updates.
 

UN Tourism had Tourism and Peace Despised Way Before World Tourism Day 2024

World Tourism Day 2024 is celebrated under the hopeful slogan "Tourism and Peace". Ministers and renowned figures in the tourism industry are gathering in Georgia to exchange praises and discuss the theme of peace.However, this spirit of peace was undermined as early as 2018 by the actions of the UN Tourism's Georgian leader. The event is as notable for who is absent as for those who are present.

Hurricane Helene is a Category 4 and made landfall in Florida

Hurricane Helene made a powerful landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, just outside of Aucilla, at approximately 23:10 EST (11:10 PM) on Thursday night. The US National Hurricane Center confirmed that Helene hit as a Category 4 hurricane.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay safe and follow emergency protocols as the storm brings severe weather conditions.