Ready for UK’s ETA? Find a basketball court worldwide. Tokyo’s Taxis without drivers. More.
UK’s ETA just weeks away
Most overseas visitors to the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 8 January 2025. Without one, there is a risk that passengers heading for the UK could be denied boarding. This includes infants and children.
To receive an ETA, travellers must [...]
A ripper from Zipper. The Hari’s Hong Kong guide. Hungry for Singapore cuisine. More.
Ultra-lean hotel team delivers
The Zipper Hotel & Apartments in Düsseldorf, Germany, has revealed how it operates efficiently with 80% fewer staff than typically required for a hotel of its size.
The 168-room hotel, which opened its doors in November 2023, has only ever required six members [...]
Bedsonline rewards agents. Travel Tuesday takes off. NaviSavi hooked on user-generated video.
A rewarding experience with Bedsonline
Bedsonline, part of the HBX Group, has unveiled its new loyalty programme, Bedsonline Rewards, designed to reward and recognise the work of travel agents around the world.
The new programme, which will substitute the prior Star Rewards programme in some mar [...]
Japan-easy shopping. Hotel app for jet lag. 2025 revenue management. More
Japan-easy shopping launch
Japanese luxury goods store Matsuya is approaching its 100th anniversary with a thoroughly modern approach to retail.
Matsuya Ginza is the first Japanese department store to offer global customers a “click and collect” service, including tax refund.
Customers ca [...]
Traveloka vs scammers. Looking for loyalty in Saudi. Tourism operators seek best in class. More.
Saudi hotels turn to tech for loyalty
Global hotel technology specialist SHR has teamed up with Saudico Electronic Systems, one of Saudi Arabia’s top Oracle Hospitality providers, to elevate customer loyalty programmes across the kingdom's hotel sector, where hotel loyalty programmes are not wide [...]
Glamping goes digital. VFS Global expands empire. SITA’s gold standard. More
Farmers take tech to the farm gate
Farmers in the UK are benefitting from a property management system (PMS) that is pushing customers to the farm gate.
UK glamping pioneer Wigwam Holidays and eviivo are using tech to transform more than 80 UK sites into "outdoor hotels”.
Eviivo says the [...]
Tech vs bed bugs. Rail Europe expansion on track. Plain sailing with SITA. More
Tech takes on bed bugs
Helsinki-based Valpas, which claims to be the only travel platform for bed bug safe and non-toxic stays, is tackling an itchy problem for hotels and their guests.
The company has unveiled plans to grow the number of beds in hotels using the Valpas ‘hospitality standard� [...]
Singapore’s new Trip Planner. Hotel workers get a voice. China Airlines’ ‘slow travel’ campaign. More.
Digital currencies take off
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will offer digital currencies in the financial settlement systems it operates for the aviation industry.
The first digital currency to be offered is the digital Renminbi, which will be available in the China Billing a [...]
AI for SMEs. Visa approval checks. Digital replaces pens Down Under. More.
PATA primes SMEs for AI
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) - concerned that SMEs in the travel sector are in danger being left behind in the rapid take-up of artificial intelligence (AI) by business organisations - has launched a a new training programme in Sarawak, Malaysia.
PATA sa [...]
Hubby unlocks investment. Lufthansa aces airline app poll. Indigo tunes in with Spotify. More
Hubby’s success with eSim sales
Hubby – the worldwide mobile internet solution for travel sellers and travel providers to keep customers connected in-destination has, until now, been funded by friends and family to the tune of €450,000.
That’s about to change. The company is in advanced [...]
