ABTA Reports Luxury and budget Holidays to Tread Big In 2012

ABTA’s travel trend report 2012 reveals positive signs for travel industry despite the economic slowdown; Britons will go for ‘value for money’ holidays over cheap flight and hotels; Luxury and budget holidays will sell more than mid market holidays.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) released its Travel Trends Report 2012 on Tuesday 27th 2011. This report, developed in collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, predicts that the luxury and all-inclusive breaks would have an edge over the mid-market holidays in 2012.

Authentic and specialist holidays

Desirous of getting value for money, tourists will seek new experiences, which might fuel the demand for holidays to destinations with strong and authentic sense of location, in everything from food to setting and excursions to entertainment.

Specialist holidays like cruising, adventure, exploration, spiritual breaks, learning and activity holiday or wedding/honeymoon package are also expected to perform well in 2012.

Oppressed with economic uncertainty, one in five couples currently marries overseas and spends as less as £6500 as compared to £20000 in the UK. The report hinted an increase in the number of overseas weddings in the coming year.

Hot destinations

The figures for early booking of airline tickets for summer 2012 depict the impact of economic downturn with travellers playing safe by booking airline tickets were for tried-and-tested destinations. Hence, short and mid haul destinations like France, Greece, Italy and Spain are likely to be popular tourist haunts in 2012.

The figures also indicated that flights to USA are in demand for summer 2012. USA has been one of the top family friendly destinations for Britons and ranked number 3 in ABTA’s 2011 Consumer Trends Survey in October. This trend is likely to continue with many Britons expected to book flights to USA in 2012 too.

The figures hinted that the destinations like Tunisia and the Red Sea Resorts (Sharm El Sheikh) lingered a bit in the booking activity for summer 2012. However, with travel companies attempting to lure tourists with cheap package deals including flight and hotel, the demand for these destinations is likely to increase.

The report further revealed that destinations like Poland and Ukraine, Jordan, Colombia and Cape Verde and Iceland will be among most frequented tourists’ spots in 2012.

Budget and luxury travel

The report indicated that the luxury and budget holiday markets are expected to perform strongly in 2012. Budget tourists are likely to seek all inclusive packages including cheap flights and accommodations while the high end luxury travellers are likely to head to far less touristed destinations including Antarctica.

Age group trends

10% of people over the age of 55 seemed least willing to sacrifice their holidays because of economic downturn and took approximately more than four foreign holidays in 2011. The report indicated a continuance of the same trend into 2012.

Online Vs High Street Bookings

The report suggests an increase in the presence of several major travel companies on the high street in 2012. An encouraging 25% increase in the number of travellers booking their air tickets and foreign holidays on the high street was witnessed in 2011 as compared to 17% in the year 2010, regardless of the reduction in overall shop numbers.

Kenya Airways Plans to Expand its Flight Networks

According to the chief executive officer of Kenya Airways, after getting the delivery of its 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777s, the airline will expand its flight network and will cover destinations in the Middle East and Asia.

Kenya Airways has placed an order of nine aircrafts with an option of taking four more in order to flourish its fleet and network. In the coming years, the airline is also expecting a high growth in passengers, cargo demand and network extension and thus has planned to gain more 787 Dreamliners

With a capacity to carry 210-250 passengers, the 787-8 Dreamliner, will substitute the old 767 aircraft and will open up new long-range routes. This strategy will perhaps be very fruitful for the travellers planning air travel and booking flights to Nairobi and other destinations for their holiday or business trip.

Kenya Airways, the flag carrier and largest airline of Kenya serves five domestic and 16 international destinations. This Jomo Kenyatta International Airport based airline is probably the first airline that pops in mind while booking tickets for flights to Nairobi.

Last month, Kenya Airways declared its half-year resort that states that the passengers flying from Middle East have risen up to 24 per cent and the turnover reached Dh2.23 billion over last year’s Dh1.67 billion. With the addition of three new destinations — Jeddah, N’Djamena and Ouagadougou in Africa — the airline has earned loads of profit and has lifted its status in the tour travel world.

The Trade Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere believes that there is a lot of trade between Africa and the Middle East and a lot of horticulture and agriculture movement from Kenya to the Middle East.

British Airways’ Owner Takes BMI under Wing

Christmas revelry for British Airways and bitter holidays for Virgin Atlantic! Well, that’s what seems to have been the consequence of International Airlines Group (IAG) outbidding Virgin Atlantic to acquire BMI from Lufthansa.

IAG, British Airways’ owner, made a successful bid of 172.5 million-pound ($271 million) to bring the loss-making venture under its wings. BMI is Heathrow airport's second largest airline and the acquisition of BMI will consolidate BA’s position as Heathrow’s most potent carrier, with its share rising from about 44% to 53%.

BMI also runs BMI regional and BMIBaby, a budget airline known to offer cheap flight tickets. IAG has emphasised it is only interested in BMI’s mainline business and also has warned Lufthansa to face “significant price reduction” if the German carrier is unable to find buyers for both units.

British Airways is one of Europe’s leading airlines and is known to offer connections to many destinations. With the acquisition of BMI, IAG will now look to exploit some of slots by offering more flights to Asia – Flights to Malaysia and Korea appear to be quite a possibility, apart from Indonesia and Vietnam. BA has never served South Korea’s Incheon airport and it stopped its flights to Malaysia in 2001 for more focus on Bangkok and Singapore.

Virgin Atlantic’s Sir Richard Branson, however, is not buying IAG’s plans of new Asian markets from Heathrow and calls them “smoke-screen.” He also hinted at the prospect of air tickets prices going up and cheap flights becoming rarity in case BA has monopoly on London Heathrow.

IAG has rubbished the claims.

Best 4 accommodations near Christchurch airport

It is easy to find a good accommodation in Christchurch, but the hard part is to choose one out of all. The city brims with endless range of hotels, especially near the airport. Many opt for them as hotels near airport ensure a hassle free journey.

What do you expect after a long tiring air travel? Well, for many it definitely is a good and comfortable accommodation option not far from the place your flight landed at. Considering this fact in mind, travellers planning holidays to Christchurch or the ones who have a stopover in the city can be termed as “lucky” as the city hosts many impressive accommodation options near the main airport - Christchurch International.

Travellers booking tickets on flights to Christchurch need not to fret about accommodation as a wide range of accommodation options are available right near to the city’s airport. Christchurch airport accommodations are not only popular among stopover air travellers but also regular holiday makers.

Copthorne Hotel Commodore

While counting the most lavish and swanky Christchurch airport accommodation options, the name of Copthorne Hotel Commodore always top the list. The hotel is situated within a mile from the Christchurch Airport and greets millions of travellers booking flights to Christchurch each year. Some of the key features of the Copthorne Hotel Commodore:

• Well-furnished guest rooms

• Room service (24 hours)

• Currency exchange

• Conference room(s)

• Bar/lounge

• Meeting rooms (small groups)

• Wedding services

• In-house restaurant

• Garden

• Gym

Huntley Lodge

Located a little over 3 miles from Christchurch Airport, Huntley Lodge is known for its lavish ambience and striking facilities that floor every traveller booking cheap flights to Christchurch. Listed among some of the best accommodation in Christchurch, Huntley Lodge offers outstanding services and world-class facilities like:

• 12 guestrooms

• Bar/lounge

• Restaurant(s) in hotel

• Business services

• Event catering

• Dry cleaning/laundry service

• Swimming pool - outdoor seasonal heated

• Technology support staff

• Tours/ticket assistance

• Casino shuttle (complimentary)

Peppers Clearwater Resort

Stretched across more than 450 acres and located just 4 miles away from Christchurch Airport, Peppers Clearwater Resort is a fantastic lifestyle resort that offers amazing services and incredible facilities to stopover travellers as well as holiday makers in the city. The glittering lakes and sparkling waterways flowing along the hotel make it a complete dreamland to weave some blissful memories with your partner. Here are the key facilities at the Peppers Clearwater Resort:

• 75 guestrooms

• Barbecue Grill(s)

• Parking (secure)

• Conference room(s)

• Golf course on site

• Currency exchange

• Room service (24 hours)

• Ballroom(s)

• Tours/ticket assistance

• Number of meeting and conference rooms 5

Chardonnay Motor Lodge

Chardonnay Motor Lodge is another prominent accommodation option in Christchurch located at a distance of nearly 4 miles from the Christchurch Airport. The hotel is popular among those with a stopover in Christchurch as the hotel’s location embodies the natural beauty of the city. The most fascinating features of the Chardonnay Motor Lodge that entice the soul of the travellers into booking cheap flights to Christchurch and making a room reservation here are:

• 14 guestrooms

• Free guest parking only during stay

• Airport transportation

• Barbecue grill(s)

• Garden

• Casino shuttle (complimentary)

• Internet access in public areas - high speed

• Laundry facilities

• Accessible path of travel

• In-room accessibility

• Picnic area

Tips for Women Traveling in India from UK

Awareness of essential tips is absolutely must for every women traveller hopping flights to India. Read on and get the notion of some of the effective tips that decidedly help female travellers to safely enjoy Indian holidays.

Women travellers to India face infinite problems while roaming around the country. Some get annoyed with eve teasing, few are troubled by stalkers and others are put off by frequent molestations. It is absolutely must for female travellers to be cognizant of some handy tips that debar unwanted situations and doubles up the joy of the trip.

Go for Cultural Clothing

Dressing is something that attracts much of the attention. Wearing short-skirts or tight clothes is a major source that attracts lots of eyes. Proper dressing is absolutely must for every woman traveller hopping on cheap flights to India. Wear long tunics, loose pants, trousers or traditional clothing like salwar kameez, especially when you are wandering around villages, bazaars and markets. In addition to this, go for synthetic apparels that wick away sweat and suit the Indian climate.

Stay away from Strangers

Try to stay away from strangers and avoid mingling with them. Shun being frank with men you meet in trains or buses, as it may lead to unexpected sexual advances. Avoid making conversations with unknown men and if someone does, then try to keep it minimal and never share any personal information with them. Although female travellers grabbing cheap flights to India can befriend women, yet cautiousness about one’s motive is must.

Ask For Directions

Always ask for directions at the time of vagueness. It is better to confirm the directions and places before heading to any unknown area. Women travellers booking flights to India can hire a reliable tourist guide for getting the assistance. Besides, they can also take guidance from hotel staff or buy an effective travel guide to get acquainted with different regions.

Be confident

Always exude confidence while walking down the street. Act as if you know the place and are clear about the destination. Try to keep your head high and voice firm while talking with strangers and never let the jittery feeling appear on your face. Being confident makes you appear surefooted and help in warding off severe dangers and undesirable situations.

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

Pickpockets and thefts are not unheard of in the country. It is must for every holidaymaker bagging airline tickets on flights to India to keep an eye on their belongings. Never trust any stranger for your luggage and avoid carrying valuables like cash or gold jewellery. Avoid accessing your money belt in public places and flaunting your jewellery in front of others.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are key ingredients for happy holidays. Always stay alert and mindful of the people around you. Avoid going to isolated places and never travel alone. Refrain from taking a cab or auto with more than one man. Avoid hitching at all cost and do not accept invitations from strangers.

Travel Light

Trains and buses are the common modes of travel within India and with heavy bags it will be very difficult for you to travel comfortably and quickly. Avoid carrying more than two bags at a time and go for roll-aboard bag that can be easily converted into a backpack.

Etihad Airways bolsters its Stake in Air Berlin

Etihad Airways has become the largest stakeholder in Germany’s second largest airline, Air Berlin.

As per the deal that was signed by the two airlines on Monday, Abu Dhabi Airport based Etihad Airways will furnish $255 million for the fleet improvement and network growth at Air Berlin and in return will acquire two seats on the board of directors of Air Berlin.

The deal also covers a code share agreement that grants Etihad Airways access to Air Berlin’s European short-distance network, and to the German capital of Berlin.

Air Berlin has decided to shift its Middle East operation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and will operate flights to Abu Dhabi from Berlin four times a week. According to the agreement, from January 15, 2012 the German carrier Air Berlin will operate four A330-200 flights to Abu Dhabi per week. This service will grant the European travellers access to 29 flights per week between Abu Dhabi and four German hubs.

The agreement between the two airlines will perhaps be worthwhile for the budget-oriented European and Middle East travellers seeking cheap flight tickets to travel between two destinations. A further rise in flight frequency which is planned by mid April is sure to assist travellers in landing up with cheap flight tickets.

As per Air Berlin’s website “Etihad Guest and topbonus, the airlines’ frequent flyer programs, will be integrated, enabling passengers of both airlines to ‘earn and burn’ on each other’s flights and offering reciprocal benefits - including status earning - to top tier members”.

Etihad Airways has raised its stake in Air Berlin from 2.99 percent to 29.2 percent, followed by the ESAS, Pegasus Airlines’ parent company.

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Odyssey Airlines’ Launch May Spell Trouble for British Airways

A soon to be launched British airline, Odyssey Airlines, is likely to emerge as a new rival to British Airways on an all-business class route to New York City. With its launch shrouded in mystery, the airline plans to offer non-stop all-business class flights from London city to New York initially. However, the airline is not expected to start operations before 2014 or 2015.

This mysterious airline for which no official information has come forth, is predicted to challenge British Airways which also operates twice daily all business class flights to New York. Online news reports indicate that Odyssey has plans to use Bombardier’s CSeries jets which are more advanced than the Airbus narrow body planes currently being used by BA.

The use of CSeries jet will eliminate the necessity of fuel stop for those taking flights to New York. BA’s A318 plying from London City airport to New York currently stop to refuel in Ireland because these can't carry enough gas to complete transatlantic travel in one go.

Focussed on the corporate travellers, Odyssey may not be a great choice for most leisure holiday makers who seek tickets on cheap flights. Even those leisure business class travellers who seek tickets on cheap business class flights are not likely to form a large customer base for Odyssey.

Additionally, this mysterious fledgling carrier is expected to tempt executive flyers off the business class travel companies such as NetJets.

However, in the past, numerous all-business airlines have foundered against the high costs such as Canada's Roots Air, U.S. based Maxjets and UK based Silverjet and Odyssey’s path may also be riddled with challenges.

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