Top Travel News of July 2024 [First Fortnight ]

Below see the top travel news from the first fortnight of July 2024 (1-15th July 2024).

Qantas Introduces Non-Stop Flights Between Paris and Perth

Qantas has launched a new non-stop route between Paris and Perth, beginning on July 12, 2024. This service coincides with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, offering a faster connection between Europe and Australia.

Highlights:

Start Date: July 12, 2024
Frequency: Initially four times a week
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Expected Impact: Over 75,000 additional seats to Europe annually, boosting tourism and economic activity in Western Australia.

Alaska Airlines Expands Winter Travel Options

Alaska Airlines is expanding its winter travel offerings with 18 new routes to popular sun and ski destinations. This move caters to the increasing demand for seasonal travel.

Highlights:

New Destinations: Vail, Colorado; Kelowna, British Columbia; Lake Tahoe, California
International Routes: Liberia, Costa Rica; Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico
Service Details: Non-stop flights from various US cities including San Diego, Seattle, and Los Angeles
Booking Availability: Tickets available from July 10, 2024

Indian Man Tricked into Joining Russian Army

An Indian man, intending to travel to Italy, was deceived by a travel agent and found himself conscripted into the Russian military to fight in Ukraine. This shocking incident has drawn international attention and efforts from the Indian government for his safe return.

Highlights:

Victim: Mandeep Kumar
Destination Intended: Italy
Actual Destination: Russia
Current Status: Conscripted into the Russian military
Government Action: Indian authorities are working on repatriation efforts

Air France-KLM Faces Financial Impact Due to 2024 Olympics

Air France-KLM is anticipating a significant financial hit due to the Paris 2024 Olympics, with an estimated €180 million loss in bookings. The airline expects disruptions and increased operational costs during the event.

Highlights:

Estimated Loss: €180 million
Cause: Disruptions and increased operational costs due to the Olympics
Implications: Reflects broader economic challenges faced by airlines during major international events

Travel Startups Secure Significant Funding

Five travel startups have successfully raised over $70 million in funding rounds, highlighting the continued investor interest in travel tech innovations. These startups focus on hotel technology and business travel solutions.

Highlights:

LimoLane: Provides chauffeur services for businesses, and has raised $38.2 million. Companies can book the LimoLane service for airport transfers, events, and private transport.
Volant Aviation Technology: Developing a flying taxi, has raised $13.8 million.
The Hyoosik: Offers a hotel property management system and owns a hotel brand in South Korea, has raised $11.5 million.
Byway: Sells flight-free travel packages, and has raised $6.5 million.
Centriti: An India-based platform where hospitality companies can order products, has raised $719,000.

Adventure Travellers Seek Cooler Locations

As temperatures rise globally, many adventure travelers are opting for cooler destinations. According to a recent report, there’s an increasing demand for vacations that offer respite from the heat while providing thrilling experiences. Countries like Iceland, Norway, and Canada have seen a surge in tourism due to their cool climates and opportunities for activities such as hiking, glacier tours, and snow sports. This shift not only promotes unique destinations but also supports sustainable travel practices by spreading tourism across less frequented areas.

Highlights:

Increase in demand for cooler travel destinations.
Popular activities include hiking, glacier tours, and snow sports.
Promotes sustainable travel by diversifying tourist locations.

No Visa Fees for Malaysians Visiting India

In a bid to boost tourism, India has introduced a new travel program that waives visa fees for Malaysian travelers. This initiative is expected to enhance tourism ties between the two countries, making it easier and more affordable for Malaysians to explore India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities.

Highlights:

No visa fees for Malaysian visitors to India.
Expected to boost tourism and strengthen ties between the two nations.
Easier access to India’s diverse attractions.

‘Dry’ Travel Comes to South Africa

South Africa is embracing a new trend in tourism known as ‘dry travel,’ which caters to visitors seeking alcohol-free experiences. This concept includes activities such as wellness retreats, adventure tours, and cultural experiences that do not involve alcohol. It aims to attract a broader range of tourists, including those who prefer a sober lifestyle or are part of health-conscious communities.

Highlights:

Introduction of ‘dry travel’ experiences in South Africa.
Focus on wellness, adventure, and cultural activities without alcohol.
Targets health-conscious and sober lifestyle tourists.

How Italy is Taking Money Out of Tourists’ Pockets

Italy has been implementing measures that have significantly increased the cost of tourism for visitors. Recent reports highlight new fees and taxes on popular tourist activities and destinations. For example, Venice has introduced an entry fee for day-trippers, and several cities have increased the cost of public transport and entry fees to cultural sites. These measures are aimed at managing tourist numbers and generating revenue for maintenance and conservation efforts.

Highlights:

Introduction of new fees and taxes on tourist activities in Italy.
Venice imposes entry fees for day-trippers.
Increased public transport and cultural site entry fees.

Singaporeans are Top Online Searchers of Travel and Among the Biggest Holiday Spenders

Singaporeans have been identified as the most frequent online searchers for travel information and among the highest spenders on holidays. According to recent data, they are highly active in researching destinations, planning trips, and spending significantly on travel experiences. This trend underscores Singapore’s strong economy and the high value placed on leisure and travel among its citizens.

Highlights: