Sabre bonds with Protect Group
Sabre says a long-term partnership with Protect Group, a provider of trip protection and guarantee services, will provide hotel guests with increased peace of mind when booking their stays.
Hotels using SynXis Booking Engine can offer Protect Group’s trip protection guarantee at online checkout. This feature allows guests to book with confidence, knowing they can receive a refund for covered events.
Sabre Hospitality’s Ethan Wiseman said partnering with Protect Group complements SynXis Booking Engine “by adding a critical layer of assurance for the guest and increased conversion for our hoteliers”.
MSC finds a smarter way to sail
MSC Cruises expects its fleet of ships’ emissions will be reduced “by up to 15% in 2026” thanks to the introduction of a new itinerary planning optimisation tool called OptiCruise.
The tool examines numerous factors that influence the planning of each of MSC Cruises’ itineraries to achieve the optimum level of efficiency for a sailing while maintaining, or enhancing, guest satisfaction.
OptiCruise takes into account sequencing of the port calls, departure and arrival times at ports, a ship’s speed, the appeal and attractiveness of destinations for a holidaymaker, shore excursions, and operational costs such as fuel, port charges and food provisions.
The tool’s algorithms use all of the information to identify optimised itineraries, which continue to appeal to customers, while allowing for energy efficiency.
Cruise ship itinerary planning typically takes place two years before a sailing and OptiCruise’s benefits will be evidenced in 2026 when MSC Cruises’ fleet will number 24 ships.
MSC Cruises’ strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is focused on three key areas: ship and engine technology, operational efficiency and renewable fuels.
Garuda books a SmartRyde
SmartRyde has signed off on a new partnership with Garuda Indonesia offering pre-booked private transfer services at 60 destinations worldwide.
Sota Kimura, CEO and founder of SmartRyde. said the partnership with Garuda represents a major milestone for SmartRyde “as we incorporate air and ground transportation together and provide a seamless travel experience to our mutual customers”.
The new airport transfer service is already available to book as an additional service for international flights at selected airports and destinations served by Garuda Indonesia.
The service is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Incheon, Haneda & Narita, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and can be purchased up to 48 hours prior to arrival time via the FlyGaruda App.
