Quantcast
Channel: News Archives - ittn.ie
Viewing all 8885 articles
Browse latest View live

European Corporate Travel Spend Expected to Rise by 2.5% in 2017

$
0
0

American Express Global Business Travel announced the findings of its European Business Travel Barometer during the 26th annual EVP in Paris. The results of the Barometer – a survey of 982 travel, HR and procurement professionals across Europe – show that travel budgets in Europe grew 1% in 2016. Respondents said they expected to see continued, stronger growth in 2017, with a 2.5% increase in spend anticipated. Growth in travel spend in 2016 was driven by small and mid-size companies, which saw budget increases of 1.8% and 2.1% respectively.

Growth expectations found among survey respondents offer cause for optimism, and indicate that European businesses are generally upbeat about prospects for the year ahead. Geopolitical developments have not dented overall confidence and 67% predicted that Brexit would have no impact on the European business travel market.

Key Findings

  1. Companies increasingly see business travel as a force for growth

The Barometer captures a shifting corporate perception of business travel; most now believe business travel plays a vital role in fulfilling business objectives. Instead of viewing it as a cost, almost half of companies consider travel as a form of investment; this proportion has increased by 28 percentage points in three years.

The trend is strongest in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia: more than three-quarters (76%) of UK companies reported that business travel plays an essential role in facilitating growth. The figure was 54% in Germany and 53% in Scandinavia.

When asked about specific business activities underpinned by business travel, 32% of companies said budgets fund travel to existing marketplaces and retaining customers, while 22% said budgets were allocated against winning new business in new marketplaces. Small companies allocate the largest proportion of their budgets (69%) to developing their customer base.

  1. Traveller safety remains the greatest priority for companies

Last year’s Barometer highlighted a shift towards prioritising traveller safety over cost. Following this year’s survey, traveller safety is again the main concern. In addition, for the first time, productivity and employee satisfaction were rated more important than cost, albeit by a slim margin.

Focus on traveller safety is reflected by the proportion of companies using traveller-locating technology, which now stands at almost two-thirds (64%), up 5% on 2015.

  1. Cost control continues to be an important factor

Although companies are placing greater emphasis on safety, productivity, and employee satisfaction when developing travel programmes, cost control remains a fundamental pillar of managed travel. However, when asked if they still had room to optimise travel expense, almost half (48%) said there was either no scope, or very limited scope, to make savings. This number rises to 56% among small businesses. Consequently, companies are looking at indirect costs – organisational structures and automation – to make savings.

Large companies place greatest emphasis on reducing indirect costs (46% versus 40% of mid-sized companies and 36% of small companies), while a greater proportion of small and mid-size companies believe costs can be optimised by improving traveller comfort and efficiency (20% of small companies and mid-size companies versus 12% of large companies).

Elyes Mrad, American Express GBT’s Managing Director for EMEA, said: “The findings of this year’s Barometer reflect the positivity we are seeing in the marketplace. Businesses are now looking to corporate travel as an investment to support growth objectives rather than treating it as a cost, with small and mid-sized businesses (SMEs) in particular leading the way. This SME sector is the backbone of all European economies; their optimism is good news for entire marketplace.

“Priorities are changing: duty of care and traveller satisfaction are now at the heart of travel programmes. Working together with a travel management company, a company can identify areas for cost-optimisation within their programme, while employing a traveller-centric approach to policy.”

The post European Corporate Travel Spend Expected to Rise by 2.5% in 2017 appeared first on ITTN.


HotelPlanner and Travelport Partner on Book-in-Block

$
0
0

HotelPlanner.com, an online provider of group hotel bookings worldwide, and Travelport have announced a new technology partnership that allows customers to obtain custom group rates plus instant online booking capabilities for any number of rooms/room types through Travelport as part of HotelPlanner’s newest all-in-one booking tool,‘Book-in-Block’, exclusively with Travelport.

Once a group negotiates a contract through HotelPlanner Book-in-Block, the tool expedites the rate loading process and creates a consumer facing booking page, as well as a customised travel co-ordinator interface. Consumers will be able to book group rates instantly for any event. The travel co-ordinator interface offers the ability to upload attendee lists, instantly book live segments, receive instant confirmation numbers, manage room blocks and rates online, combine segments, bridge flight and rental car reservations and send booking information to travellers instantly.

“Today’s group travellers want fast, accurate connectivity to the content needed to book their trip,” said Niklas Andreen, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Hospitality, Travelport. “By exclusively connecting to the Travelport Travel Commerce Platform, with relevant choices of more than 650,000 hotel properties globally, HotelPlanner’s new solution gives group and event planners added capability to more efficiently manage their events, regardless of size.”

John Prince, Co-Founder and CIO of HotelPlanner.com, added: “HotelPlanner is excited to offer our group hotel sourcing and room block booking toolset exclusively though Travelport. I am confident it will be a winning partnership for all the parties involved as we have already seen strong adoption since our launch. Travelport has been a great partner of ours for the past four years and this new expanded partnership will open up a whole new market for both of our companies.”

Book-in-Block by HotelPlanner is the latest addition to the company’s event housing product lineup and, in conjunction with Travelport, positions HotelPlanner ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering comprehensive online housing solutions for a faster, more effective group booking process overall.

The post HotelPlanner and Travelport Partner on Book-in-Block appeared first on ITTN.

Travel Partners Group Roadshows Hit the West

$
0
0

The Travel Partners Group roadshows hit the road again at the end of March with visits to Sligo and Ballinasloe on 29th and 30th respectively and Shannon Airport, the sponsor of both events, was impressed with the turnout and format of the evenings.

The Sligo show was hosted at the Raddison Blu Hotel and was well attended by agents from as far away as Letterkenny. ITAA President Cormac Meehan was also in attendance and thanked the TPG group for making the trip to the west and keeping the agents up to date with all their latest product news.

The following day it was on to Ballinasloe and the Shearwater Hotel for the TPG team where there was yet again a great turnout from local agents, as well as agents from Galway and Athlone. Brief but informative presentations from the group were followed by dinner and spot prizes, followed by a quiet drink or two in the bar.

On behalf of Travel Partners Group, Niall McDonnell, Classic Collection Holidays, said: “We really appreciate the support we get for both of these events, they are always well supported. The opportunity to network with key sales staff, both pre and post the presentations, works well for suppliers and agents alike. Having Shannon Airport onboard as our sponsor of both evenings gave the agents the opportunity to get an insight into all the fabulous developments at the airport.”

The Travel Partners Group Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/TPG.IE/, now has over 570 members and agents are encouraged to join to keep up to date with the Groups’ activities. Travel Partners Group is made up of seven suppliers: Amadeus, ASM (representing SAS, ANA, Obeo Travel and Your Car Hire), Blue Insurance, BookaBed, Classic Collection Holidays, Cruisescapes, and MSC Cruises.

The post Travel Partners Group Roadshows Hit the West appeared first on ITTN.

Multitrip.com Introduces Two-Year Multi Trip Travel Insurance

$
0
0

Multitrip.com, Ireland’s leading travel insurance provider with over 150,000 travel policies, has announced that it will exclusively launch two-year Multi Trip travel insurance cover to Irish consumers. The new two-year cover is the first on the market for travel insurance and will allow consumers make further savings and avoid the hassle of having to renew their policies each year.

 

Ciaran Mulligan, Managing Director, said: “Historically, insurance companies are slow to move forward and be innovative. In order to offer consumers better choice and build your consumer base you have to invest in technology, you have to offer new innovative products and you have to give your customers a convenient solution to their needs.

 

“As a result we have invested heavily in new technology that allows us to offer our customers new and better product offerings. Most other companies are unable to do so as they don’t have the technology or haven’t upgraded their systems and are working with antiquated systems. Our intention is to continue to move forward and that the industry will follow suit.

 

“The launch of our unique two-year Multi Trip travel insurance product is in line with our commitment to deliver innovation, great value and quality to our customers. It will also provide consumers with a differentiated offering, price certainty, convenience and real savings, something other insurance companies can’t offer. We expect sales to increase by 20% as a result of this new innovative product.”

 

The new two-year innovative Multi Trip will start from €31.99 and will be cheaper than some comparable one-year travel insurance products on the Irish market.

 

Multitrip.com, a trading name of Blue Insurance, has been a leader in the travel insurance market for the past 10 years with innovative benefits and was the first company to launch Travel Disruption Cover for volcanic ash, bad weather and strikes. The company was first to launch two-year car and home Insurance in the Irish market in 2015 under the Blue Insurance brand.

The post Multitrip.com Introduces Two-Year Multi Trip Travel Insurance appeared first on ITTN.

Carmel Wins Tickets to Ed Sheeran Concert with Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines Sponsors Agents 10-Pin Bowling

$
0
0

The pins were falling big time at the Leisureplex Bowling Alley on the Malahide Road on Tuesday evening for the third Turkish Airlines Bowling competition, which is now a major social event for the trade in Belfast, Dublin and Cork.

The winning team from BCD Travel.

The winning team from BCD Travel

Teams from all over Dublin took part, impressing with their bowling skills, and the Turkish Airlines hospitality was exceptional as usual with Onur Gul, Onder Gencer and Alper Sean Kanburoglu on hand to ensure fair play and food and drink a plenty for all.

Onur Gul,

Onur Gul, Onder Gencer and Alper Sean Kanburoglu were hosting the evening for Turkish Airlines

The leading team from all three tournaments in Belfast, Dublin and Cork will travel to Istanbul to play in the Grand Final, competing against other winners from 45 countries.

All the players

All the players

The winning team on the night was BCD Travel – Rachel McKay, Brendan Egan and Kevin Smithwick – with 687 points, followed by HRG with 680 points and Cassidy Travel on 678 points – not enough to get to Istanbul but none the less a great score.

Onur Gul with the Skyline team.

Onur Gul with the Skyline team

The overall Irish winner for the second year in a row is Selective Travel from Belfast with 825 points, who go on to represent Ireland in Istanbul.

The post Turkish Airlines Sponsors Agents 10-Pin Bowling appeared first on ITTN.

Caroline is Blue Insurance ‘Polo Magnifico’ March Winner – and Competition is Extended

$
0
0

Blue Insurance has announced that the winner of the March ‘Polo Magnifico’ draw is Caroline Riordan, Sol Travel – and that the competition has been extended by one month until 30th April 2017.

‘Polo Magnifico’, in association with Frank Keane Volkswagen, started in April 2016 and runs until April 2017. The competition is giving one lucky travel agent or broker the chance to take home a brand new Volkswagen Polo. All you have to do to enter is become one of the monthly winners by selling travel insurance policies. Every five policies sold each month automatically gets you one entry into the monthly draw. Make sure you have your own unique login to make your bookings count.

You can also avail of a bonus place at the final by posting, to Facebook or Twitter, a funny picture or video of yourself with a car and the hashtag #DontRenewUnlessItsBlue. Each of the monthly winners, as well as the one bonus winner, will take home an iPad Mini for their troubles and be invited to the Grand Final in Dublin in May 2017 to compete for the Volkswagen Polo.

Visit www.blueinsurance.ie/AgentLogin for more information on the competition.

The post Caroline is Blue Insurance ‘Polo Magnifico’ March Winner – and Competition is Extended appeared first on ITTN.

Norwegian Cruise Line Launches Premium All Inclusive in Ireland

$
0
0

A high-powered delegation of senior Norwegian Cruise Line executives descended on Dublin to launch their new inclusive product to the Irish travel trade. If the  composition of the NCL personnel is anything to go by, it showed the serious approach being taken by NCL to the growing Irish cruise market.

Nick Wilkinson,GM nortnern Europe and Christain Boll,MD Europe with NCL

Nick Wilkinson,GM Northern Europe and Christian Boll,MD Europe with NCL

 

Putting it in context how often do you see Senior Vice-President International Sales and Operations,the Managing Director Europe, the Head of Sales-UK and Ireland and the General Manager -Europe and MEA all in the one place, making a presentation to the trade at the same time.Without a doubt NCL are serious about doing business in Ireland.

Jeremy McKenna,Head of Sales ,UK and Ireland.

Jeremy McKenna,Head of Sales ,UK and Ireland.

Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced its latest innovative cruise concept for the Irish market, changing the face of holidays at sea by bringing the all-inclusive holiday trend to the premium global cruise sector.

Norwegian Cruise Line will launch Premium All Inclusive in Ireland from 6 April 2017, offering guests unparalleled flexibility at sea and setting a new trend for contemporary large ship ocean cruising. By bringing even more elements into the upfront fares, guests can now benefit from even more peace of mind whilst cruising with Norwegian.

Premium All Inclusive includes:

Varied selection of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in all bars, lounges and dining venues at any time throughout the cruise. From spirits, tap and bottled beers, to wines, cocktails, soft drinks and juices

  • Unlimited juices, water and soft drinks for children and teenagers
  • Lavazza coffee specialities during meals
  • One free bottle of water per person, per day in staterooms
  • Services charges and gratuities
  • Culinary excellence in the main dining venues on board – including buffets with live cooking, on-deck grills, informal eateries and up to three signature main dining rooms per ship
  • Award-winning entertainment, including Broadway hits, production shows, music and comedy
  • Outstanding leisure facilities for all ages
  • Additional exclusive benefits and privileges for guests staying in Suites and in The Haven by Norwegian®

On the launch of Premium All Inclusive in Ireland, Managing Director Europe, Middle East and Africa, Christian Boell, comments: “Norwegian has long been an innovator in cruise and the introduction of Premium All Inclusive takes our carefree, relaxed cruising style to a whole new level. A considerable number of what were once considered ‘extras’ are now taken care of including a large choice of premium drinks as well as service charges and gratuities. These newly included extras come on top of the many services that have always made a Norwegian cruise special, including the most exciting dining and entertainment scene at sea. Having already successfully launched in several European markets, I’m confident that our Irish guests are going to love Premium All Inclusive too.”

Christian Boll,MD Europe,Middle East and Africa.

Christian Boll,MD Europe,Middle East and Africa.

Nick Wilkinson, Senior Director and General Manager Northern Europe & MEA, Norwegian Cruise Line, adds: “The launch of our product as Premium All Inclusive is a game-changer for the large ship ocean cruise market and it offers a wealth of opportunity for our valued travel partners. We have armed them with a powerful sales tool, helping to convert customers who may not yet have considered cruise as a holiday option, whilst also introducing new-to-brand cruisers to the Norwegian product. We know that our travel partners have seen an increase in enquiries for all-inclusive holidays, and our new pricing will continue to keep a cruise holiday with Norwegian in the equation.”

Category T1

Category T1 Cabin

For all bookings made between 6 – 30 April, guests benefit from savings of up to EUR 200 per stateroom. Guests sailing in Studios save EUR 50, those sailing in ‎inside and ocean view staterooms benefit from savings of EUR 100 and guests in balcony staterooms, Mini Suites, Suites and in The Haven save EUR 200 per stateroom.

 

 

 

The post Norwegian Cruise Line Launches Premium All Inclusive in Ireland appeared first on ITTN.


Welcome to Colliqure

$
0
0

A delegation from Colliqoure on the Cote Vermille were in Dublin to publicise the destination to Irish visitors.Located in the South of France this charming Catalan fishing port has remained intact,with climate and sunshine guaranteed.

There are direct flights,during the Summer season,from Dublin to Perpignan-Riversaltes Airport,there are also high speed train connections on the TGV from Paris and Barcelona.

Matisse,Derain,Picasso and many other painters immortalized the small Catalan harbour in their works. With a modern art museum and more than thirty galleries it is still the place for painters.

Pictured above are Dominique Fabre,Philippe Moncelet,Tourist Office of Collioure and Hannah Holmes,BeAble2.

More info on www.colioure.com

The post Welcome to Colliqure appeared first on ITTN.

Centre Parcs appoints General Manager

$
0
0

Center Parcs have appointed Daragh Feighery as the first General Manager of Center Parcs Longford Forest, near Ballymahon, County Longford.

The General Manager is a key appointment and Daragh becomes the company’s first employee in Ireland and will be the most senior role at Center Parcs Longford Forest.

Daragh joins Center Parcs from ARAMARK Ireland, where he has been Operations Director Northern Europe since 2006, with responsibility for the implementation of Aramark’s strategic and operational business plans. Daragh lives in County Kildare and is married with 4 children, and in his spare time plays an active role in the local GAA club, Lucan Sarsfields.

Commenting on Daragh’s appointment, Martin Dalby, CEO of Center Parcs, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Daragh to the Center Parcs team. He brings with him a wealth of industry experience in Ireland as well as the drive and personality that are crucial to the role of General Manager at Center Parcs. This appointment represents another key milestone in our journey to bring Center Parcs to Ireland and we look forward to Daragh taking up his position in May”.

Daragh Feighery, said:

“I am extremely excited to join the Center Parcs team and look forward to what will be a fantastic opportunity for families like my own to enjoy a unique family break in Ireland. I believe my experience, skills and beliefs will be a great match in the role of General Manager in Center Parcs Longford Forest. I also look forward to working closely with the local community in what is a very positive and exciting time for Longford and the wider Midlands Community. “

As General Manager Daragh’s main responsibility will be to oversee the safe and successful operation of Center Parcs Longford Forest, which includes the 1000 employees and approximately 2500 guests per break. Daragh will also work closely with the local community once operational to ensure that Center Parcs remains a long term, sustainable partner within County Longford and the wider Midlands region.

 

Daragh will officially join Center Parcs on 29th May and will spend much of the next 15-18 months working in the UK to fully understand the Center Parcs business before returning to Ireland in time for the start of the main recruitment campaign and opening of the Longford Forest in 2019.

The post Centre Parcs appoints General Manager appeared first on ITTN.

Sympossio 2017-Greek Gourmet Touring in Dublin

$
0
0

EVNT6751It was the first time that the 8th Greek Gourmet Touring came to Dublin but judging by the reception that the group received from the travel trade at the event in Cooks Acadamey, it certainly wont be the last .

Lynda Betsch,Aegean Airlines and Panos Papadopoulos, Greek National Torism Organisation at the event.

Lynda Betsch,Aegean Airlines and Panos Papadopoulos, Greek National Torism Organisation at the event.

 

This was truly both an educational event and a really fun evening and it certainly achieved the objective of demonstrating what a great gastronomic destination that Greece is.

The Atlas Travel team of Rachel Tracey,Stacey McWilliam and Crona Gilbarry in Cooks Acadamey.

The Atlas Travel team of Rachel Tracey,Stacey McWilliam and Crona Gilbarry in Cooks Acadamey.

The philosophy behind the Sympossio is that gastronomy is the ideal ambassador for the Greek islands that adds value to hospitality and shaping the kind of tourism that this Mediterranean nation wants.

Neenan Travel were well represented by Jill Scully,Gina Smyth,Denise Egan,Aindri Hurley and Elisha Bernie at the Greek event.

Neenan Travel were well represented by Jill Scully,Gina Smyth,Denise Egan,Aindri Hurley and Elisha Bernie at the Greek event.

Sean McCarthy from Club Travel with his winning dish.

Sean McCarthy from Club Travel with his winning dish.

The agents really got into the  fun of learning to cook from two great Greek chefs, all donning aprons and chefs hats,before tackling the cookery tasks.In the end the winner was decided on the best dessert dish, and it was Sean McCarthy who claimed the winning prize.

Hertz ,who were a sponsor of the evening were well represented by Jason Kearns,Enda O'Toole and Sean Boland.

Hertz ,who were a sponsor of the evening were well represented by Jason Kearns,Enda O’Toole and Sean Boland.

The event was conceived by Aldermar Resorts and its team of chefs,organised Ireland’s Car Hire Company,Hertz in association with Aegean Airlines under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation.

Aegean Airlines was represented by Dublin born Lynda Betsch who was delighted that the carrier have increased their flights to Athens from Dublin to three per week for the summer.EVNT6809

EVNT6751

 

EVNT6840

The post Sympossio 2017-Greek Gourmet Touring in Dublin appeared first on ITTN.

CLIA Welcomes TUI, Scenic and Emerald as Global Members

$
0
0

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the addition of three global cruise line members – TUI Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, and Emerald Waterways – to bring the total to 31 cruise lines.

Cindy D’Aoust, President and Chief Executive, CLIA, said: “CLIA’s global cruise line members play a critical role in, not only our organisation, but also the cruise community as a whole and every cruise line member is vital in propelling our industry forward.”

The three lines, formerly regional cruise line members within CLIA, represent the global cruise industry’s ever-growing offerings with the addition of these ocean, river, and luxury lines exploring ports and destinations around the world.

TUI Cruises

TUI Cruises is a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean, founded in April 2008. The line, offering cruises for the German-speaking market since 2009, designs every ship from bow to stern with well-being and relaxation in mind with destinations including, among others, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean in summer and the Canary Islands, the Orient, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America in winter.

TUI Cruises appeals to travellers with a focus on freedom, space, quality, and personal service. The premium all-inclusive concept offers large spa areas, numerous service restaurants, as well as a diverse and generous entertainment programme that are already included in the paid travel price.

Anchored in environmentally-friendly business practices, TUI Cruises is currently expanding with a new ship, the Mein Schiff 6, setting sail this year and broadening the fleet to six ships with around 14,000 beds. Two further new builds planned for 2018 and 2019 will successively replace Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 (tuicruises.com).

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours recently celebrated 30 years in business and offers both river and, in 2018, ocean cruises, with destinations around the world such as in Europe, including France and Portugal, and Asia.

The company’s scenic ships are built for adventure and uphold a reputation of providing luxury, once-in-a-lifetime tours. From gliding down the European waterways on a Scenic Space-Ship or going on a South American adventure through the Amazon, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours prides itself on offering a perfect adventure for every traveller (www.scenicusa.com).

Emerald Waterways

Emerald Waterways, as part of the Scenic family of brands and backed by award-winning expertise, Emerald Waterways represents Europe’s most stylish fleet, custom-built with a boutique hotel ambiance and fantastic features. The cruise line caters to the 4-star-plus market with an inclusive pricing plan using 5-star ships and service and destinations such as Amsterdam, Germany, and Hungary (www.emeraldwaterways.com).

For more information visit: www.cruiseexperts.org

The post CLIA Welcomes TUI, Scenic and Emerald as Global Members appeared first on ITTN.

Irish and UK Visitors to India Can Now Stay Twice as Long with e-Tourist Visa

$
0
0

India’s Ministry of Tourism has announced that foreign tourists visiting India on the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) will now be entitled to stay in the country for up to two months and have double entry benefits.

Beginning 1st April 2017, the new e-Visa guidelines permit a traveller to stay in the country for up to 60 days, with double entry for those holding valid business and tourist e-Visas, and triple entry for those holding medical e-Visas. This entitles visitors to explore neighbouring countries before returning to India within a specified time. The window for application to the e-Visa scheme has also increased from 30 days to 120 days.

The e-Visa for India, which was introduced in August 2015, has been sub-divided into three categories: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa and e-Medical Visa. On arrival, the visitor must present the authorisation to immigration officials, in order to enter the country.

Applying for e-Visa

  1. e-Visa has three sub-categories: e-Tourist visa, e-Business Visa and e-Medical visa. A foreigner will be permitted to combine these categories.
  2. Applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online a minimum of four days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 120 days. For example: If you are applying on 1st September then the applicant can select an arrival date from 5th September to 2nd January.
  3. A recent front-facing photograph with white background and the photo page of the applicant’s Passport containing personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date, etc, are to be uploaded mandatorily by the applicant. Additionally, one more document depending on the e-Visa type will also be required to be uploaded. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear / as per specification.
  4. The e-Visa fee is country/territory specific. Bank transaction charges of 2.5% will be charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees. The fee must be paid at least four days before the expected date of travel, otherwise the application will not be processed.
  5. The e-Visa fee, once submitted, is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either grant or rejection of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
  6. The applicant should carry a copy of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) along with him/her at the time of travel. The applicant should confirm that their ETA status is shown as ‘GRANTED’ on the website prior to commencement of their journey. Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking on VisaStatus.
  7. Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at Immigration on arrival in India.
  8. The validity of an e-Visa will be 60 days from the date of arrival in India. Double entry is permitted on e-Tourist Visa and e-Business Visa. Triple entry is permitted on e-Medical Visa.
  9. An e-Visa is valid for entry through 24 designated airports (Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, and Varanasi) and three designated seaports (Cochin, Goa, Mangalore). However, the foreigner can exit from any of the authorised Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India.
  10. This facility is in addition to the existing Visa services.
  11. An e-Visa can be availed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year, i.e. from January to December.
  12. An e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible and not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. If the visitor intends to visit Protected/Restricted/Cantonment areas, they will require prior permission from the Civil Authority: please visit here.
  13. Be careful while making payment of the e-Visa fee. If the number of unsuccessful attempts is more than three, then the application ID will be blocked and the applicant will be required to apply afresh by filling the application form again and regenerating a new application ID.
  14. The e-Visa fee payment status update may take up to four hours due to technical reasons/network delays. Before re-applying, the applicants are requested to wait for four hours for payment status to update, after final submission of the application form and payment of the fee. In cases where an e-Visa fee has been deducted but status of the application has not updated, applicants are advised to verify their payment status by clicking on the ‘Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee’ tab or by clicking on the link Verify Payment.
  15. Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from these countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for six days on arrival in India. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare latest guidelines regarding yellow fever countries are here.
  16. For any assistance call the 24×7 e-Visa support centre at +91-11-24300666 or send an email to indiatvoa@gov.in

How to Apply for e-Visa

Step 1: Apply online
 Upload Photo and Passport Page

Step 2: Pay visa fee online
 Using Credit / Debit card

Step 3: 
Receive e-Visa Online
 e-Visa will be sent to your e-mail

Step 4: 
Fly To India 
Print e-Visa, carry at the time of travel and present to necessary authorities

For more information about India, visit: www.incredibleindia.org

The post Irish and UK Visitors to India Can Now Stay Twice as Long with e-Tourist Visa appeared first on ITTN.

ATTS will no longer represent Affordable Car Hire in Ireland

$
0
0

ATTS Travel Representation Solutions Ltd. announced today that ATTS and Affordable Car
Hire have mutually agreed to terminate contractual relationships.

As and from Friday 7thApril 2017 all enquiries in respect Reservations or bookings for Affordable Car Hire will behandled and answered by Affordable Car Hire directly in the UK. Telephone number 0766801164 or reservations@affordablecarhire.com
“We have been representing ACH since 2013 and have enjoyed an excellent relationship.
Affordable Car Hire is a great brand and we wish Angela Day and her team all the very best
for the future” said Catherine Grennell-Whyte Managing Director of ATTS Travel
Representation Solutions Ltd.

The post ATTS will no longer represent Affordable Car Hire in Ireland appeared first on ITTN.

Great Value Travel Deals – 11th April 2017

$
0
0

Sarah Slattery compiles a list of the top Travel Deals from trade partners, including airlines’ seat sales, special offers from tour operators, hotel deals from bed banks, and the latest cruise deals. 

Sunway is offering seven nights in the Golden Day Wings from €299 on 22nd April or 6th May. Price includes flights, transfers and checked baggage.

Falcon Holidays is offering two weeks at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean, Runaway Bay, Jamaica, from €1,299 on 15th June. Price includes flights, transfers, hotel on an all-inclusive basis and checked baggage.

Crystal Holidays is offering seven nights in the 3-star Hotel Obermair, Mayrhoffen, from €429 on 31st May. Price includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and hotel on a B&B basis.

Classic Collection Holidays is offering seven nights in the 5-star Aldemar Knossos Royal Hotel, Crete, from €1,050 on a B&B basis in June. Price includes flights, accommodation, private transfers and complimentary access to the Executive Lounge at Dublin Airport. Holidays are available from any airport on any day for any duration.

Sunway Club Med is offering seven nights all-inclusive in the Club Med Kamarina, Sicily, from €3,415 on 20th June. Price includes flights, transfers and baggage, based on two adults and two children (under six) sharing.

Topflight is offering a seven nights stay at the Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto, Sorrento, from €899 on 16th July. Price includes flights, transfers, baggage and hotel on a half-board basis.

Thomson Cruises is offering a seven-night Aegean Meze cruise from Corfu onboard Thomson Dream, from €1,029 on 2nd June. Price includes flights, transfers and checked baggage.

Royal Caribbean International is offering a nine-night Greece and Italy cruise onboard Jewel of the Seas, from €1,169 on 16th October. Price includes flights from Dublin and US$50 onboard credit.

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 13-night Southern Caribbean cruise onboard Celebrity Equinox from €2,029 on 3rd September. Price includes flights from Dublin.

Uniworld is offering an eight-day Castles Along the Rhine river cruise from €2,719 on 5th July. Price includes meals, drinks and excursions, but excludes flights.

Classic Resorts is offering a 12-night holiday to Dubai and Thailand. Price of €1,979 includes accommodation at the 4-star Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach, the 5-star Amari Watergate Bangkok, and the 4-star Centara Villas Samui on a B&B basis. Book by 30th April for travel during September.

Wendy Wu Tours is offering no single supplements on its nine-day In Pursuit of Pandas tour and its 12-day Vietnam at a Glance tour. Save up to €360.

BookaBed is offering 20% off rates at the Palmin Hotel, Kusadasi, if booked by 30th April. Prices from €19 B&B or €36 all-inclusive, per person per night based on two sharing in June.

The post Great Value Travel Deals – 11th April 2017 appeared first on ITTN.


Bjorn Receives ‘Outstanding Contribution to Aviation’ Award from Irish Aviation Industry

$
0
0

Bjorn Kjos, Chief Executive of Norwegian (centre), received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Aviation’ award from Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive, Irish Aviation Authority, and Shane Ross TD, Minister for Transport, at Ireland’s Aviation Gala Ball  – and dedicated the award to “the tremendous support Norwegian has received across Ireland.”

Bjorn co-founded Norwegian in 1993, with the airline rapidly growing from a domestic carrier in Norway into Europe’s third-largest low-cost carrier today. Norwegian now flies more than 30 million passengers each year to over 150 global destinations.

To support Norwegian’s European and global growth, an Irish subsidiary, Norwegian Air International, was established in 2013 with headquarters in Dublin – NAI now has nearly 2,100 pilots and crew, with 57 Irish-registered aircraft operating over 260 flights each day from 11 European bases.

Earlier this year it was announced that NAI will also operate 19 new weekly transatlantic flights from Cork, Shannon and Dublin to the US east coast this summer. As well as delivering new routes and significant economic benefits on both sides of the Atlantic, Norwegian is also establishing two new pilot and crew bases in the USA to serve the routes, creating several hundred jobs.

The launch of new transatlantic flights from Ireland followed Norwegian’s long-running application for a Foreign Carrier Permit with the US authorities. In receiving the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Aviation’ award, Bjorn praised the significant and crucial support of the Irish community in securing the much needed permit: “This award is a tremendous honour, but there are many people that helped me and Norwegian to get here today. I want to thank the aviation industry and particularly the Irish community for their huge support throughout Norwegian’s growth.

“Securing a US permit simply would not have been possible without the huge support we received across Ireland. In particular I want to thank the Irish Government, including An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, the current Minister of Transport, Shane Ross, and two of his former predecessors, and a very special thank you to Eamonn Brennan from the IAA for all his assistance. Thanks also to the many airports, airlines and business groups who helped push this issue continuously.

“Receiving our US permit was a victory for passengers above all, allowing us to offer new routes and more choice as well as hundreds of new jobs in Europe and the USA. New routes, greater competition and more jobs – exactly what we promised and exactly what the Open Skies agreement is for.

“Thank you again for this accolade – it is a true honour but I wouldn’t be here without your help so I would like to dedicate it to everyone in Ireland that has supported us over the last few years.”

Norwegian B737-8 MAX Tom Crean

Tom Crean

Earlier, Norwegian had also announced Tom Crean as its first ever Irish tail fin hero with the explorer’s portrait set to appear on the new B737-8 MAX aircraft that will serve new transatlantic routes from Cork, Shannon and Dublin this summer. In collecting the IAA award, Bjorn Kjos also paid tribute to Tom Crean saying his achievements “are an inspiration to the whole industry never to give up in the face of adversity”.

In receiving the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Aviation’, Bjorn Kjos follows previous recipients of the award, including IAG CEO Willie Walsh and Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.

The post Bjorn Receives ‘Outstanding Contribution to Aviation’ Award from Irish Aviation Industry appeared first on ITTN.

Geraldine Wins Place on Fam Trip to South Africa

$
0
0

Last Wednesday night, 32 agents from the West of Ireland attended a training session in the Galway Bay Hotel organised by South African Tourism, Travel Focus and Audrey Headon Representation – and a place on a fam trip to South Africa was won by Geraldine Dolan, Society Travel.

Denise Connaughton, Holiday Experts; Margaret Roper, Grenham Travel; and Avril McGrath, Corrib Travel; with Audrey Headon, Headon Representation

Denise Connaughton, Holiday Experts; Margaret Roper, Grenham Travel; and Avril McGrath, Corrib Travel; with Audrey Headon, Headon Representation

Nina Farrimond, Manager Trade Relations, South African Tourism (above left) was the trainer for the evening along with Anne O’Sullivan from Travel Focus. Nina informed agents that tourism from Ireland to South Africa was up 16% last year and delivered what Frances Grogan summed up in her kind words afterwards as “the best training session I have ever been at”.

Frances Grogan, Grogan Travel; Margaret Giblin and Kaspers Kivlenieks, Fahy Travel; and Marie Grenham, Grenham Travel

Frances Grogan, Grogan Travel; Margaret Giblin and Kaspers Kivlenieks, Fahy Travel; and Marie Grenham, Grenham Travel

The event gave agents an in-depth knowledge of Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kruger Park, and everyone left feeling better equipped to sell South Africa as a holiday destination.

Winner of a place on an educational to South Africa, Geraldine Dolan, Society Travel (centre) receives her prize from Nina Farrimond, South African Tourism, and Anne O’Sullivan, Travel Focus

Winner of a place on an educational to South Africa, Geraldine Dolan, Society Travel (centre) receives her prize from Nina Farrimond, South African Tourism, and Anne O’Sullivan, Travel Focus

The winner of a place on an educational to South Africa was Geraldine Dolan, Society Travel, while Amanda Sharkey, Grenham Travel, won some South African wine and Riona Burke, Grogan Travel, won a National Geographic goodie bag.

Winner of South African wine: Amanda Sharkey, Grenham Travel

Winner of South African wine: Amanda Sharkey, Grenham Travel

Winner of a National Geographic goodie bag: Riona Burke, Grogan Travel

Winner of a National Geographic goodie bag: Riona Burke, Grogan Travel

Watch out for further details of training sessions around the country!

Fiona Flaherty and Caroline O’Toole, Fahy Travel

Fiona Flaherty and Caroline O’Toole, Fahy Travel

Margaret Roper, Amanda Sharkey and Rachel Donnelly, all Grenham Travel, with Nina Farrimond, South African Tourism

Margaret Roper, Amanda Sharkey and Rachel Donnelly, all Grenham Travel, with Nina Farrimond, South African Tourism

Mike Shinnors and Denise Connaughton, Holiday Experts

Mike Shinnors and Denise Connaughton, Holiday Experts

Anna May and PJ Gannon, East West Travel

Anna May and PJ Gannon, East West Travel

Geraldine Dolan, Mary Dolan and Glenn Burke, Society Travel

Geraldine Dolan, Mary Dolan and Glenn Burke, Society Travel

Lorraine Walsh, Westport Travel; Ciara Sweeney, Corrib Travel; Lynne Casey and Maura Fahy, Fahy Travel

Lorraine Walsh, Westport Travel; Ciara Sweeney, Corrib Travel; Lynne Casey and Maura Fahy, Fahy Travel

Emer McDermott, McDermott Travel; Fidelma Burke and Riona Burke, Grogan Travel

Emer McDermott, McDermott Travel; Fidelma Burke and Riona Burke, Grogan Travel

Kersti Costello and Marion Dunne, Grogan Travel

Kersti Costello and Marion Dunne, Grogan Travel

Anita Gately, Keller Travel

Anita Gately, Keller Travel

Anne Donnelly, Keller Travel, and Nina Farrimond, South African Tourism

Anne Donnelly, Keller Travel, and Nina Farrimond, South African Tourism

The post Geraldine Wins Place on Fam Trip to South Africa appeared first on ITTN.

SuperBreak Launches New Paris Short-Break Packages

$
0
0

SuperBreak has launched four new short-break packages in Paris that include accommodation and experiences to help agents promote this popular city. From a 2CV tour and a chocolate museum to a wine museum and Salvador Dali exhibition, there are a host of unique tours and attractions to be enjoyed. Flights or Eurostar can be added to all packages, which are fully commissionable to agents.

TWO NIGHT CHOCOLATE MUSEUM AND 2CV TOUR PACKAGE, from €168pp – includes two nights at the 3-star Ibis Styles Paris Tolbiac with breakfast, entrance to the Choco-Story, a museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, plus a 2CV Tour, an unusual Paris city tour by 2CV car with driver. Priced on early July.

TWO NIGHT PARIS STORY SHOW AND CITY BUS PACKAGE, from €145pp – includes two nights at the 3-star Claret Hotel including breakfast, entrance to the Paris Story Show – a film exploring the sights and past of the City of Lights and Paris City by Bus, a two-hour tour of the city by bus. Priced on early July.

THREE NIGHT CULTURAL PACKAGE, from €141pp – includes three nights at the 3-star Canal Suite Paris La Villette hotel on a room-only basis. Plus a visit of the Jacquemart André museum, an ornate collection of rare art and furniture; a visit of the Espace Dali museum, a permanent exhibition of the surrealist works of artist Salvador Dalí and a visit of the Musee du Vin, a museum housed within 15th century vaulted cellars boasting over 2,000 items related to the vineyards and wines of France. Priced on early May.

TWO NIGHT MONTPARNASE TOUR PACKAGE, from €153pp – includes two nights at the 4-star Holiday Inn Montparnasse Pasteur hotel including breakfast and entrance to the Montparnasse Tower where a 360 degree, panoramic view of the iconic sights of Paris can be enjoyed. Priced on mid July.

Packages are available from now until 31st October 2017. Flights can be added from Dublin.

For more information visit: www.superbreak.ie/travelagent or call 01 695 0000.

The post SuperBreak Launches New Paris Short-Break Packages appeared first on ITTN.

Thirty is Magic Number for Pinnacle and Bryan Somers

$
0
0

Pinnacle Worldwide and Bryan Somers Travel, who are both celebrating 30 years in business in 2017, have announced a partnership that will see the two independents working together in the future to benefit from their combined experience and strengths.

Pinnacle Worldwide is well known for ski and tailormade holidays as well as for its special occasion holiday business, while Bryan Somers Travel has its golf and long-haul tour operation, as well as being specialists in Portugal.

Conor Magee, Director, Pinnacle Worldwide, said: “The combined expertise and knowledge of Pinnacle Worldwide and Bryan Somers Travel means that this collaboration now gives our customers an even wider range of products and first-hand knowledge. With both companies now 30 years young, we see a great future working together and with our combined zest for cutting edge innovation within the travel industry, we expect to build on the hugely successful year we have both recently completed.”

Jonathan Millar, Director, Bryan Somers Travel, said: “This new partnership made sense to both of us. We are not as strong in skiing and special occasion holidays whereas Pinnacle can benefit from our tour operating expertise with our Ultimate Horizons programme. Both of us will be looking after our existing clients and offering them added value and expertise to their holidays.”

Pinnacle Worldwide moved off the high street in February 2016 and now operates primarily online, but also offers private consultations to those customers who are planning more complex tailor-made itineraries. Bryan Somers Travel is based at Main Street in Saintfield with its Ultimate Horizons, golf and family holidays products.

The post Thirty is Magic Number for Pinnacle and Bryan Somers appeared first on ITTN.

Norwegian Easter Sale with 15% Off USA Flights

$
0
0

Norwegian has launched a five-day Easter sale offering passengers 15% off direct transatlantic flights from the UK and Ireland to 10 US destinations.

The discount is calculated on ‘net’ fares, excluding taxes and charges, with transatlantic fares available from as low as €117 one-way. From Wednesday 12th April 00.01 until 22.59 BST on Sunday 16th April, passengers can access special Easter weekend savings on 17 of Norwegian’s long-haul routes to the USA.

Belfast to the US East Coast

The five-day sale includes savings on Norwegian’s newest transatlantic route from Belfast to the east coast of America. Passengers can save 15% on flights from Belfast to Providence Airport (Boston) and Stewart International Airport (New York). Passengers can book now at www.norwegian.com/uk using discount code EASTER2017UK on travel from 15th June – 14th December 2017.

Ireland to the US East Coast from €117

Savers can also enjoy discounts on Norwegian’s brand new USA flights from Shannon, Cork and Dublin. Passengers can save 15% on flights from Cork, Shannon and Dublin to Providence Airport (Boston) and from Shannon and Dublin to Stewart International Airport (New York). The discount is available on travel from 1st July – 14th December 2017 and can be booked now at www.norwegian.com/ie using discount code EASTER2017IE.

Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Our five-day Easter fare-busting bonanza will give consumers the chance to enjoy further savings on 17 transatlantic routes from the UK and Ireland. These fantastic offers will provide passengers high quality flights at even more affordable fares, all while flying on one of the youngest and greenest fleets in the industry.”

The new routes from Belfast, Cork, Shannon and Dublin will be operated on brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft – Norwegian is the European launch customer for this state-of-the-art new aircraft, which offers a longer range than existing single-aisle aircraft. Passengers will be able to travel in a fresh and modern single-class economy cabin.

The post Norwegian Easter Sale with 15% Off USA Flights appeared first on ITTN.

Viewing all 8885 articles
Browse latest View live