ATOL protection should be extended to cover all flights, not just package holidays, the Parliamentary Transport Committee urges today.

The committee’s report on the future of aviation calls for the ATOL levy to be increased and extended to include all flights overseas and “not merely package holidays”.

The report says: “We remain concerned that air passengers are not adequately protected from airline collapse.

“As the number of people who book flights over the internet increases, the number at risk also rises.”

The Government should also work with the insurance industry to make it clear to passengers that standard travel insurance does not normally include flights home when an airline collapses.

The committee also calls into question to need for a second runway at Stansted and suggests the Government “reconsider” whether it should be built at Gatwick instead.

Controversial Air Passenger Duty should be set “according to the Government’s revenue needs taking careful account of the economic importance of the aviation industry,” the report says.

The committee admits that taxation is an aspect of aviation that is “hotly disputed”.

It said it would be “helpful” for the Government to clarify the situation with a statement of revenues raised, the extent of any tax exemptions and how these compare to the social and environmental costs of aviation.

The European Union’s emission trading scheme is criticised as having “an appalling track record” and it may prove insufficient to drive investment in low carbon aviation “in these difficult times”.

It is “imperative” any high speed UK rail network includes links to major airports, the committee stated.

EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison reacted by saying: “The key to sustainable aviation is technology not taxation.

“This means setting minimum standards for aircraft emissions to force airlines to use the most modern aircraft and to force aircraft manufacturers to bring forward the next generation of aircraft much sooner.

“We already have minimum standards for aircraft noise, car emissions, diesel engines and many other products – aircraft CO2 emissions are the logical next step.

“We must also reform perverse taxes like APD, which taxes full aircraft more than empty aircraft. How daft is that?

“High-speed rail is a good thing and is complementary to easyJet – our average sector length is 1,100km.”

Source: Phil Davies – TravelMole.com

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The crisis in the UK employment market was laid bare yesterday after research showed that as many as 10,000 people have been applying for a single job.

Statistics from one of the country’s leading recruitment websites revealed that job applications have risen in some sectors by a staggering 150 per cent as record numbers of unemployed seek work as a consequence of the recession.

In a fortnight alone one online job board reported more than 9,300 applicants had downloaded information on an air hostess job with a major airline.

Job adverts for careers in human resources, marketing and the travel sector have attracted on average more than four applicants per post over the past 12 months, while competition for sales positions has also increased with three people vying for each job vacancy.

Research from Simply Jobs boards, an online recruitment firm which runs job websites across 14 industry sectors in the UK, also revealed that applications for careers in recruitment and the automotive sector have also rocketed with double the number of job seekers per post.

Competition for work is perhaps unsurprising after unemployment topped 2.5million this year and Britain struggles through the longest recession in history, Ian Partington, managing director of Simply Jobs boards, said.

”The global economic downturn has had a dramatic effect on unemployment and almost every sector has suffered,” he added.

”However, the airline industry has been particularly badly affected and the fact that almost 10,000 people were interested in a single airline steward’s job is a sad reflection on how many people in the sector have lost their jobs over the last 12 months.

”It also points that our websites aviationjobsearch.com, cabincrew.com and traveljobsearch.com are the number one online recruitment sites for anyone seeking work in the travel aviation sector.”

The news comes as experts predicted that a further 2,500 jobs will be lost as a result of the Government’s increased air passenger levy, introduced earlier this month.

Roger Wiltshire, secretary general of the British Air Transport Association, said the 10 per cent rise in air passenger duty, imposed on November 1, would have a devastating impact on the industry which is already suffering terribly as a consequence of the global recession.

”The fact that we have almost 10,000 people applying for a single cabin crew job is a reflection of the difficulties the industry is going through as a result of the impact of the recession,” he said.

”We’ve had pay freezes, pay cuts, voluntary unpaid work, unpaid leave and redundancies – there are lots of very difficult decisions being made at the moment.

”We are also very concerned that the Government’s completely unjustified 10 per cent rise in Air Passenger Duty, which came into force on November 1, will have a very significant impact on jobs in the sector which is already severely weakened by the recession.

”We believe the rise will take some 2,500 jobs out of the airline industry alone, but it could just be the tip of the iceberg. The knock-on effect on the economy and tourist sector could see as many as 20,000 British jobs affected.”

The Government claim money from the APD helps combat the environmental impact of air travel by cutting carbon emissions.

But Mr Wiltshire denied such a link.

”It is simply a money making exercise for the Exchequer,” he added.

”Gordon Brown will get an extra £700million a year from these tax rises, which means the air passenger duty will generate as much as £1.96billion this year for the Government.

”That figure goes beyond any environmental justification.”

Job cuts have been announced at virtually all the world’s large airlines this year as many of them struggle as a consequence of the global economic meltdown.

Rising oil prices, faltering demand and intense competition will see it post a £16.9bn loss for 2008 and 2009, the International Air Transport Association estimate.

Air France-KLM, Aer-Lingfus, Bmibaby, Japan Airlines are among those who have announced job cuts already this year.

British Airways is also trying to implement plans that would save £140 million a year from its cabin crew budget. It has proposed a two-year pay freeze, reduced allowances for long-haul travel and lower pay for new recruits. In addition, 1,000 crew have taken voluntary redundancy and a further 3,000 are moving to part-time work. The moves have angered unions who have threatened strike action over Christmas.

A spokesman for the Treasury said:”Flying is a relatively under-taxed activity, paying no fuel duty or VAT on tickets.

”The reform of APD ensures flying contributes fairly to public services and strengthens the environmental signal of the tax.”

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A cruise ship is like a one whole community traveling above the sea. Anything that you see on a typical town or city is possible to reside on a cruise ship, like shopping stores, barber shops, restaurants, jogging place, hospitals, basketball court, theater house and many more. A moving high class community. A world surrounded by great views of exotic places, with an atmosphere of pure luxury. A lifestyle that only few people can afford.

But don’t worry, don’t give up, you can still experience this kind of life, without spending much. You can ride a cruise ship and get paid. By applying for a cruise ship job, you’ll have the chance to see the beauty of Caribbean, scenic beaches of Bahamas and the rest of the world. Cruise ships are looking for outgoing, energetic and social people. If you think this describes you, then go and grab your CV and be hired as a cruise ship crew.

Like I said, cruise ship is a one whole community, this also means a long list of job selection for cruise ship dreamers. There are variety of cruise ship positions that one can apply for. Specialised positions include engineers, electricians, accountants, information technology positions and of course seamen. This positions pay better salaries and benefits. Other types of jobs are cabin stewards, pursers, waiters, chefs, casino workers, gift shop workers, plumbers, massage therapists, doctors, nurses, dishwashers, electricians, bartenders, pool attendants, dancers, comedians and security officers. See, no matter what your course in college was, you can qualify as a cruise ship employee.

Free travel is not the only benefit you can get on a cruise ship job. You also get free meals on your free stay on the ship. You are also granted with a medical coverage, and depending on your position, this feature will stay effective even when you are off the ship. Many positions, like a restaurant or entertainment crew, receives tips from passengers. Moreover, there are some cruise ships companies that offers great discounts for you and your family members.

You won’t feel home-sick on your life aboard. There are so many things where you can lend your time. You will meet different people with different personalities. You will gain friends, more than what you can do on the land. Your knowledge will become international. You will learn a lot of things that will make you feel like you are not really working at all. Instead, you will feel like you’re just on a vacation trip, a luxurious vacation trip. These things and more will erase your loneliness and go on with a beautiful life on the ship.

A cruise ship job is the only job here on earth that offers you the best of the world. Job and pleasure, both at the same time. So there’s no more reason to get stuck and hesitate. Get a cruise ship job and experience the best of the world. Get yourself in some place where only few people can ever be.

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Agents have earned more than £1 million in commission by taking advance bookings on two cruises not departing until 2011.

The income came on the back of early demand for two new P&O Cruises’ voyages – the farewell cruise of Artemis which sold out in 17 minutes (see previous TravelMole story) and 500 passengers booked on an Alaska sailing by Arcadia.

More than 80% of the 500 passengers booked on Arcadia’s Grand Alaska Adventure were for the complete 72-day voyage from Southampton between April 12 and June 23, 2011.

P&O Cruises’ managing director Carol Marlow said: “As these bookings were for 2011 cruises, it is evident that people are optimistic about the future, committing to spending money and bucking trends by booking ahead for a holiday in 18 month’s time.

“It also shows, without doubt, that cruising is highly lucrative for agents, with just these two cruises‘ bookings yesterday worth over £1 million to our agent partners.”

She added: “Artemis’ farewell cruise sold out in just 17 minutes – an average of 68 passengers booked per minute. This is a phenomenal achievement in any environment but it particularly underpins the allure of cruising in today’s climate.

“These figures prove unequivocally that cruise holidays of all durations are still very much on the spending agenda and that the inclusive nature of a cruise offers excellent value for money.

“That makes them largely recession resilient, enabling passengers to budget easily whilst obtaining that great value.”

Source: Phil Davies – TravelMole.com

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Flights to Iraq are to be operated from Birmingham Airport.

Weekly departures on an alternate basis will run to the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah via Stockholm by Swedish travel operator Aer Olympic, which already serves Iraq fom Gatwick.

The new route provides the Midlands’ Iraqi-Kurdish population with a direct link to the region.

Flights depart Birmingham every Tuesday at 08.15, serving Erbil and Sulaymaniyah on alternate weeks.

Airport CEO Paul Kehoe said: “At a time when the aviation industry is facing the toughest trading conditions in living memory, we are delighted to be welcoming this new service to Birmingham.

“The route will offer a direct link to Kurdistan for the first time and means that those living in the Midlands can access this service from their local airport.

“We wish the service every success and it’s particularly promising to see such encouraging loads on the first flights.”

Aer Olympic CEO Akes Kefalas said: “Aer Olympic has been expanding in the UK for the last 12 months and the launch of these routes from Birmingham is an important step for us.

“The diverse ethnic communities of the Midlands will now have a direct link to northern Iraq and the feedback we have already received has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Those who have family and friends in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah can now fly from their local airport and we are looking forward to hopefully growing our business from Birmingham in 2010.”

Source: Phil Davies – TravelMole.com

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A report identifying the top ten ethical destinations to travel to next year has been released.

US-based international travellers’ alliance Ethical Traveler has highlighted countries in the developing world that are best at protecting their natural environments, promoting responsible travel, and building a tourism industry which provides real benefits to local communities.

In alphabetical order, they are:

Argentina
Belize
Chile
Ghana
Lithuania
Namibia
Poland
Seychelles
South Africa
Suriname

Jeff Greenwald, executive director of Ethical Traveler and co-author of the report, said: “There’s no doubt that worldwide interest in mindful, responsible travel is growing – not only among travellers, but within the countries that host us.

“Now is the perfect time for savvy travellers and well-intentioned governments to evolve together, each encouraging the other.

“This is especially true in the developing world, where travel and tourism can be developed as lucrative, low-impact alternatives to forestry, mining, and the destruction of ocean habitats.”

Report co-author Christy Hoover added: “In drafting our report, we use scores of information sources – including publicly available data – to rate each country’s genuine commitment to environmental protection, social welfare and human rights.

“Data sources include the United Nations Development Program, Human Rights Watch, Columbia University, Reporters Without Borders, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and many others. Private interviews with NGO leaders are part of the process, as well.”

Source: Phil Davies – TravelMole.com

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Thomas Cook Group continues to review acquisition opportunities, with the focus on emerging markets and independent travel.

“In emerging markets, tourism is growing at a faster rate than in our traditional markets. We are particularly encouraged by the opportunities in Russia and China, which are expected to become two of the largest travel markets within the next few years,” stated the company.

“We are looking at limited investment in partnership and joint venture structures in these markets to manage risks, but with an opportunity to take majority or full control over time. In Russia, we seek to establish a strong presence early on and would expect to leverage our destination strengths, particularly in Turkey. However, in China, we believe it is essential to first establish a foothold to gain experience.”

The group will also explore consolidation opportunities in its existing mainstream markets as they arise.

Thomas Cook Group’s strategy remains focused on strengthening its core mainstream business and investing in areas of future growth, primarily independent travel, travel-related financial services and acquisitions, most notably in emerging markets. Mainstream travel represents 74 percent of revenue.

A number of bolt-on acquisitions were completed during the year, notably Gold Medal and Med Hotels in the UK, adding to the independent travel business.

Courtesy of Eyefortravel.com

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Carnival Corporation has ordered a new ship for its Carnival Cruise Lines brand which will be the third in its Dream class of vessels.

The 130,000-ton ship will be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and will enter service in spring 2012.

The unnamed ship will have capacity for 3,690 passengers and feature many of the same facilities as Carnival Dream, which made its debut in September.

These will include a WaterWorks water park with 300ft corkscrew slide, entertainment venue Ocean Plaza, Cloud 9 Spa and Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides.

Already under construction at Fincantieri is Carnival Magic, which will also be a sister ship to Carnival Dream, and will enter service in May 2011.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines‘ president and chief executive officer, said: “Carnival Dream is already earning rave reviews from guests and travel agents.

“Ordering a third Dream-class ship speaks volumes about the confidence we have in the continued success of this series.”

Courtesy of TTG Live

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Tui Travel today unveiled full-year pre-tax profits up 15% to £355 million and said UK bookings had improved in the past four weeks.

The UK contributed £184 million to the group profit total, up £51 million, or 38%, on the year before.

Revenue for the year to the end of September was £13.9 billion, flat on the year before, and underlying profit was up 11% to £443 million.

Tui said UK bookings for this winter had improved over the past four weeks and were down 4% on the same period in 2008, compared with 16% down for the year to date.

The company said capacity reductions meant it had 13% fewer holidays left to sell in the UK, and average selling prices were up 10% but margins were flat year-on-year.

Summer 2010 bookings to date were down 3% on last year but average selling prices were up 7%, which Tui said was partly due to a move away from short-haul and towards more differentiated products.

Savings from the merger of Thomson and First Choice were on track to be £200 million as £120 million had been delivered so far and another £60 million was expected to be delivered next year.

Chief executive Peter Long (pictured) said: “Despite the challenging economic environment we have delivered strong earnings growth, demonstrating the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness with which we have delivered merger synergies.

“Our customers’ behaviour has demonstrated that even against a backdrop of reduced consumer confidence, the main summer holiday is an essential expenditure.”

Courtesy of TTG Live

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