Latest from Travel Daily News
Travel Daily News
29-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Quieter aircraft at Schiphol due to higher fees
extensive maintenance work, ranging from dozens of projects within the multi-year maintenance plan to major works on the Buitenveldertbaan Runway; the renewal of the lounges, including wider walkways, more seating, new shops and restaurants; improved rest areas for staff; lifting aids installed at every workstation in the baggage halls; sustainability upgrades, such as the transition to electric vehicles and equipment, and the replacement of climate control systems; the construction of Pier A is progressing according to plan, with the opening scheduled for April 2027. These investments not only strengthen the airport infrastructure but also enhance the experience for airlines, passengers and staff. New airport charges: a quieter Schiphol As of 1 April, Schiphol introduced new charges that cover airport costs and enable essential investments. A key element of the new structure is the principle that the quieter the aircraft, the lower the airport charges for airlines. Also, flying during the day is cheaper than flying at night. Schiphol introduced this tariff differentiation in the interest of the airport's neighbours. The first results are clearly noticeable within the first three months of implementation: airlines are increasingly deploying quieter aircraft. In the period April until June 2025, 30% of aircraft fell into the two quietest tariff categories, a 7 percentage points increase compared to the same period in 2024. At the same time, the share of aircraft in the noisiest categories dropped by 7 percentage points compared to the same period. Financial performance The underlying net result (without revaluation of real estate) for the first half year of 2025 amounts to 214 million euros compared to 99 million euros in the first half year of 2024. The increase is due to more passengers and flights and new charges (which include settlement of COVID-19-related losses). Revenue increased by 20.4% to 1,262 million compared to 1,048 million euros for the same period last year. In the first six months of 2025, 495 million euros was invested in the quality of the airport (excluding M&A activities). Cash flow after investments (including M&A activities) was 111 million euros negative. Schiphol is investing six billion euros over five years to improve the quality of the airport, for which it is also securing external financing. Solid financial management therefore remains essential to realise this investment agenda and to maintain a healthy financial foundation.
Travel Daily News
29-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Sonesta executes 31 franchise agreements in H1 2025
Sonesta adds 31 new franchise deals and opens 10 hotels in H1 2025, reinforcing its strategic growth and global brand expansion. NEWTON, MA – Sonesta International Hotels (Sonesta), the 8th largest hotel company in the US, announced the execution of 31 new franchise agreements during the first half of 2025 as well as 10 openings that showcase Sonesta's global expansion and continued growth strategy. 'The continued growth in the first half of 2025, with 31 new franchise agreements, highlights Sonesta's sustained momentum and our attractive value proposition for owners,' said Keith Pierce, Sonesta's EVP and President of Franchise & Development. 'We're seeing continued demand across our diverse portfolio, which speaks to our ability to meet the needs of various markets and strengthens our existing owner relationships.' Sonesta's ongoing franchise expansion, in spite of the macroeconomic and political headwinds that started the year, highlights its success in growing its footprint. This growth is bolstered by its fast, friendly, and flexible model, which especially appeals to hotel owners during times of uncertainty. 'Our tailored brand offerings and flexible standards are clearly resonating with developers looking for strategic growth,' said Brian Quinn, Sonesta's Chief Development Officer. 'These 31 new agreements, spanning our distinct brands, along with the 10 recent openings, demonstrate our continued commitment to providing solutions that drive success for our franchisees and expand Sonesta's footprint in key locations.' Sonesta had 10 new hotels add nearly 1000 new rooms to the portfolio in the first six months of 2025. They include (in order of opening): Sonesta Essential Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge, LA – Baton Rouge, LA Red Lion Hotel Charlotte – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte, NC Signature Inn Berkeley – Berkeley, CA – Berkeley, CA Americas Best Value Inn Donaldsonville – Donaldsonville, LA – Donaldsonville, LA Americas Best Value Inn Fredonia – Fredonia, NY – Fredonia, NY Sonesta Essentia Blue Springs – Blue Springs, MO – Blue Springs, MO Sonesta Essential Overland Park – Overland Park, KS – Overland Park, KS Signature Inn Miami – Miami, FL – Miami, FL Americas Best Value Inn/Knights Inn Pilot Mountain (dual brand) – Pilot Mountain, NC In late 2021, Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. launched four Sonesta-branded hotel concepts in the U.S., complete with a comprehensive platform of franchise services, hotel operations, and franchise support. Building on this momentum, 2023 marked another milestone with the introduction of four new brands: The James, Sonesta Essential Hotels, and two soft brands – Classico Collection by Sonesta and MOD Collection by Sonesta. In 2024, Sonesta expanded its reach by introducing the 'by Sonesta' endorser branding to the Red Lion portfolio, further reinforcing its commitment to strategic growth and innovation. Sonesta's diverse portfolio of 13 distinct brands provides owners and developers with a wide range of options across the upper-upscale, lifestyle, upscale, midscale, extended-stay, and economy segments. With a focus on strategic growth, an owner-first approach, available market opportunities, and direct access to its leadership team, Sonesta stands out as an attractive partner for developers seeking flexibility and innovation in hospitality. Guests of these new locations can earn or redeem points as members of the award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass guest loyalty program.
Travel Daily News
28-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Russian aviation market remains profitable despite Angara Airlines crash
The Angara Airlines crash in Russia may cost insurers $20–$25 million, raising premiums and straining the aviation reinsurance market in 2025. Following the news that, on July 24, 2025, Angara Airlines Flight 2311, an Antonov An-24RV turboprop, crashed near Tynda in Amur Oblast in eastern Russia, resulting in the tragic loss of all 48 people on board – including 42 passengers and 6 crew, Chandini Sharma, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, comments: 'This catastrophic accident will cost around $20 to $25 million to the Russian aviation insurance market. Claims paid by Russian insurers for the AZAL plane crash in December 2024, and this accident will not only reduce the profitability of the Russian aviation insurance market in 2025 but also increase the reinsurance rate for Russian insurers. It signals a growing pattern of severe and frequent losses that will reshape the risk environment for both the Russian and international aviation insurance and reinsurance markets, which are already reeling under pressure from the costly Air India plane crash in June 2025. 'The crash not only represents an immense human tragedy but also marks one of the largest single claims events in the recent Russian aviation insurance market. The total loss will comprise around $10 million of aviation hull and the rest as liability claims. Insurers will cover liability claims related to passenger fatalities, governed by Russian law and the internationally binding Montreal Convention. Initial estimation of liability claims, based on applicable regulations, could go up to $9 million. However, this could further escalate based on the investigation report. 'Russian insurers will bear a major portion of the loss, as aviation insurers retain most of the risk and cede less than 60% of the gross written premiums (GWP) to reinsurers during 2020-24. In 2024, insurers ceded 32.6% of the GWP to reinsurers. 'SOGAZ JSC, the leading Russian insurer, confirmed that it holds the civil liability policy for Angara Airlines. As the company ceded only 56.2% of the total aviation liability GWP, this incident will push the company's aviation business into losses. However, as aviation contributes only 0.6% of the company's general insurance GWP, this will not have a significant impact on its overall performance. 'This disaster comes amid ongoing turbulence in Russia's aviation insurance landscape, destabilized by elevated claims severity, inflation in repair costs, and disruptions linked to the Russia-Ukraine aircraft leasing dispute. However, the Russian aviation insurance market has been historically highly profitable, with the loss ratio remaining well below 30% in the last three years. The recent AZAL (based on earlier industry estimates of around $30 million) and Angara Airlines crash-related claims could go up to $50 million compared to the estimated aviation GWP of $298 million in 2025. 'With recent major aviation losses, insurance premiums and reinsurance rates are expected to increase. International reinsurers are expected to revisit their terms and conditions. Also, the ongoing investigations into the crash could result in regulatory action and trigger additional business interruption claims.'
Travel Daily News
28-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Italy set to break tourism records
Italy's tourism sector will hit record 60.4bn euros in international spending in 2025, driving jobs, growth, and global recognition through WTTC Summit. ROME, ITALY – Travel & Tourism in Italy is poised for a record-breaking year, with international visitor spending forecast to hit an all-time high of 60.4bn euros in 2025, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel & Tourism is not just back, it's booming. After a strong recovery from the pandemic, Italy is racing ahead, cementing its place as Europe's fourth most popular destination and a global powerhouse of wellness, luxury, culture, culture and cuisine. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), the sector is on track to support 3.2mn jobs in 2025 — 100,000 more than last year — and contribute 237.4bn euros to the Italian economy, nearly 11% of GDP. Domestic tourism remains robust, with spending projected to reach 124.6bn euros. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said 'Italy is back at the top of travellers' wish lists and for good reason. From the timeless beauty of Rome to the elegance of its coastlines, and countryside, Italy offers a unique experience steeped in history, culture, and exquisite luxury. This record-breaking growth is a tribute to the strength of Italy's Travel & Tourism sector and the passion of the people behind it. 'Our Global Summit in Rome will bring together leaders who are shaping the future. From Ministers and CEOs to innovators and sustainability champions. Italy stands as a model of how Travel & Tourism can power prosperity, cultural pride, and sustainable growth.' A Government Committed to Tourism Since 2021, Italy has stood out apart among European and G20 countries with a dedicated Ministry of Tourism, demonstrating a powerful sign of political recognition for the sector's economic and social value. The Italian Government has also prioritised sustainability, innovation, and skills, while launching new national campaigns to encourage travellers to discover lesser-known destinations, spreading the benefits of tourism more evenly and responsibly. Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, said: 'For the first time, we have brought to Rome, and brought back to Europe after six years, the world's largest event in tourism: the WTTC Global Summit, which sees the participation of key international leaders in the sector. 'It represents an important moment for the industry and for Italy and is a sign of how much ground we have regained and how we have returned to being protagonists on the global stage, so much so that we have the honour and privilege of hosting events of such prestige. Especially in a year already so stimulating for Italian tourism, with the ongoing Jubilee and the record figures we are registering, the summit further projects our capital and our nation towards continuous growth. 'The WTTC Global Summit will offer a unique opportunity to network and create new synergies among operators, associations, and institutions, developing the product, the offer, and the potential of our tourism ecosystem. And, ultimately, to be increasingly competitive and successful.' Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises and WTTC Chair-Elect, added: 'As Italy prepares to host the WTTC's 25th Global Summit, we celebrate not only our remarkable recovery from the pandemic but also the vibrant future of our Travel & Tourism sector. This growth is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the shared passion of our communities. Together, we will continue to shape a prosperous and culturally rich experience for travellers from around the globe.' 2024 in Review Last year, the sector contributed 228.5bn euros to the Italian economy and supported 3.1mn jobs. Domestic spending hit 122.6bn euros, while international visitor spending reached 55.2bn euros. With the right investment in connectivity, skills and promotion, Italy is poised to become the blueprint for tourism-led growth in Europe. What's Next: 2035 and Beyond Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts the sector will contribute 282.6bn euros to Italy's economy by 2035, 12.2% of GDP, and support 3.7mn jobs. International visitor spending is projected to reach 78bn euros, with domestic spending hitting 142.5bn euros. What This Means for SMEs As the Italian tourism economy enters a new era of growth, opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises are expanding rapidly. In association with the Ministry of Tourism, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, WTTC's 25th Global Summit will take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, from the 28th to the 30th of September 2025.
Travel Daily News
24-07-2025
- Travel Daily News
Daytrip and International Press Trips partner on a new campaign
Daytrip partners with IPTO to showcase Europe's hidden gems to U.S. travel media through private transfers and immersive storytelling journeys. NEW YORK, NY – Daytrip, the global travel platform specializing in private, door-to-door car transfers with friendly, English-speaking drivers and optional sightseeing stops, has partnered with International Press Trips (IPTO) to bring American travel media and their audiences closer to Europe's most captivating hidden gems through immersive, story-worthy journeys. Under the theme 'Discover Europe's Hidden City-Gems,' this collaboration will create engaging editorial opportunities that showcase Daytrip's seamless transfer services and IPTO's expertise in curating unique media experiences. Together, the companies aim to make Europe's lesser-known destinations more accessible than ever. Beyond Europe's famous cities lie charming villages, medieval castles, vineyards, and artisanal towns – places that are often overlooked by traditional tours or difficult to reach by public transportation. With its private transfers, Daytrip transforms these overlooked routes into unforgettable travel experiences, turning the journey itself into the highlight of the trip. Depending on their needs, travelers can either use Daytrip's transfers or day trips to explore: Transfers (one-way, return, and multi-city): For customers who are interested in a private transfer between points A and B, with the option to add one or more sightseeing stops along the way. Day trips: They allow travelers to explore the hidden gems as part of a trip that brings them back to their original location. This service could be used in instances when travelers get off a cruise but need to return to it ahead of their departure, or when they are in a city and want to see smaller towns, castles, and other nearby attractions but return to the city on the same day. 'Europe's most beautiful places aren't always found in guidebooks – they're often tucked between destinations, waiting to be discovered,' said Denisa Caldova, Head of Global Communications and PR at Daytrip. 'We're excited to welcome American travelers to explore these hidden gems with us, making every leg of their journey unforgettable.' Daytrip is already present in more than 130 countries around the world. As part of this campaign, the companies are inviting North American travel media to experience Daytrip firsthand and help share Europe's lesser-known treasures with their audiences. Featured destinations include Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Latvia, among others.
