News

Turkish Airlines Expands Passenger Services Through Strategic Alliance with HBX Group and PerfectStay, Introducing Bespoke Turkish Airlines Holidays

HBX Group (HBX.SM), a premier independent B2B travel technology marketplace, along with PerfectStay, a specialist in travel packaging technology, have announced a strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines, leading to the creation of Turkish Airlines Holidays. This new venture is set to transform the travel landscape by enhancing the passenger experience through tailored travel offerings. Leveraging HBX Group’s extensive global inventory of hotels, experiences, and transfers, coupled with PerfectStay’s innovative dynamic packaging technology, Turkish Airlines Holidays offers travelers the unique ability to customize their travel packages. This service not only ensures the most competitive prices but also includes exclusive benefits in holiday packages that span over 60 countries and 200 destinations, featuring custom-designed holiday and tour programs. Turkish Airlines, renowned for having the largest global network of international flights, sees this partnership as a strategic enhancement to its service offerings. This collaboration represents a significant portion of HBX Group’s business focus, with the airline and loyalty program sectors accounting for 13% of the Total Transaction Value (TTV) of its Accommodation segment in 2024.

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Abu Dhabi Unleashes An Unstoppable Sports Revolution With A Monumental Euroleague Basketball Partnership Boosting Global Recognition And Investment

Abu Dhabi partners with Euroleague Basketball in a groundbreaking deal, boosting global sports tourism, expanding fan engagement, and elevating elite competition. Euroleague Basketball Announces Landmark Global Partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism Euroleague Basketball, the governing body of Europe’s premier EuroLeague and EuroCup club competitions, has unveiled a major global partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). As part of this strategic alliance, ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ has been designated as the official tourism and travel destination for the EuroLeague and EuroCup through the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

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Iceland Joins Greece, Mexico, Bahamas, Barbados, and Scotland in Making Cruise Taxes the New Norm for Travel

Iceland has officially joined Mexico, the Bahamas, Barbados, and Scotland in making cruise travel taxes the new norm. With its newly introduced passenger tax, Iceland is following a growing global trend of regulating cruise tourism, funding local infrastructure, and managing overtourism. As more destinations adopt similar measures, the days of tax-free cruising are rapidly fading, reshaping the industry for travelers and cruise lines alike. If you’re planning to set sail, it’s time to factor in these extra costs—because cruise taxes are fast becoming the new norm. Iceland’s Cruise Tax Shakes Up the Industry As of January 1, 2024, Iceland has implemented a 2,500 ISK (£14.35 or $18) per person, per 24-hour tax on cruise passengers—regardless of when the trip was booked. While the government insists the revenue will help maintain ports and infrastructure, the cruise industry isn’t happy. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has called the tax a “cause for concern,” arguing that it unfairly burdens travelers. And they might have a point—some ports are already feeling the impact. Destinations like Grundarfjörður, Vestmannaeyjar, Akureyri, and Faxaflói are seeing cancellations, and bookings in certain locations have dropped by 17%.

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Battle of the Oranges Showcases Remarkable Tradition and an Iconic Food Fight Festival in Ivrea, Northern Italy, from 2-4 March 2025

Battle of the Oranges showcases vibrant tradition and an iconic food fight festival, drawing visitors to Ivrea, Northern Italy, from 2-4 March 2025. The Battle of the Oranges, an iconic and exhilarating food fight, transforms the picturesque town of Ivrea in northern Italy into a lively hub of energy and tradition. Taking place annually just before the Catholic Lent season, the 2025 edition promises three days of unforgettable festivities from March 2 to March 4. History Comes Alive in a Carnival of Oranges Far from being just a chaotic food fight, the Battle of the Oranges carries a profound historical and cultural significance. The event commemorates a rebellion against a despotic ruler, where locals triumphed in their quest for freedom. Participants, grouped into nine teams symbolizing the townspeople, clash with “guards” on horse-drawn carts, hurling oranges to recreate the legendary battle. These oranges represent the weapons of resistance, turning Ivrea’s streets into a vibrant orange-strewn battlefield. Experience the Festivities in the Heart of Ivrea The festival kicks off on the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday, infusing the town with infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie. Ivrea’s main square and surrounding streets serve as the dynamic stage for this dramatic event. Visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, including parades, traditional music, and participants donning authentic medieval attire. The celebration embodies the spirit of unity and resistance, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

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Malaysia Airlines Boosts International Connectivity With New A330neo Flights To Auckland And Bali

Malaysia Airlines launches A330neo flights to Auckland and Bali in March 2025, enhancing comfort, efficiency, and connectivity on key international routes. Malaysia Airlines Expands Network with New Airbus A330neo and Boeing 737 Max 8 Arrivals Malaysia Airlines is gearing up for a major fleet enhancement as it prepares to introduce its all-new Airbus A330neo on multiple international routes. The carrier has confirmed that daily flights to Melbourne will commence on 18 March 2025, while services to Auckland will operate four times a week from 13 March. Additionally, Denpasar (Bali) will welcome the A330neo three times a week starting 16 March. This milestone follows the much-anticipated delivery of Malaysia Airlines’ second A330neo, after extended delays from manufacturer Airbus. The airline, a oneworld alliance member, has committed to leasing 20 A330neo aircraft, signaling a significant step in fleet modernization.

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Egypt-Japan Relations Reach New Heights With Fresh Commitments To Culture And Tourism

Egypt and Japan expand ties to boost tourism, culture, and education with new agreements, heritage preservation efforts, and a $1.17M grant for Cairo Opera House. Egypt and Japan Strengthen Bilateral Ties with a Focus on Tourism, Culture, and Education Egypt and Japan are deepening their collaboration across multiple sectors, with a strong emphasis on tourism, education, and cultural exchange. The latest round of high-level discussions and official visits has resulted in new agreements and commitments, further solidifying the longstanding partnership between the two nations. This week, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, officially welcomed Yu Ebisawa, the newly appointed head of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Cairo. The meeting, held at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), marked a pivotal moment in Egyptian-Japanese cooperation, underscoring both countries’ shared dedication to heritage preservation and knowledge exchange. Strengthening Cultural and Tourism Relations Key discussions between Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and JICA centered on expanding tourism initiatives, safeguarding Egypt’s archaeological treasures, and advancing expertise in archaeology and heritage conservation.

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