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Holidays Still a Priority for Northern Ireland
Page 14-16: Destination Med... what’s hot in the Balearic Islands
Page 21-25: Focus On: Air Travel... it’s time for take-off - pack
your bags, it’s hoiliday season!
Page 30-31:
Istanbul is the new Cool... we take an insiders look at the bustling city at the crossroads of two continents
Page 36-40: Jersey and
the Isles: From Jersey to
Guernsey and the Isle of Man
Consumers Although the cost-of-living has risen significantly in the past few years, Northern Ireland consumers are still prioritising holidays with most planning to take at least two this year... and 41% are booking an adventure holiday!
...continued from Page 1
Research from Barclay’s Bank and Revolut back up the Advantage findings. Barclay’s
Consumer Spending Index
found that spend with airlines increased by 32.1% year-on-year in April, a slight uplift compared with March (28.5%) while Revolut found that trips abroad were one of consumers top spends on May 2023, attributing to a 178.3% increase in bookings through a travel agent. Revolut customers spent 67.7% more on travel last month than in 2022. Additionally, spending on hotels and airlines have increased year-on-year by 35.8% and 55.5% respectively. Spending on cruise holidays also increased 144.5%. British travellers can also now enjoy
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a better exchange rate in five out of the six most popular foreign holiday destinations compared to how they did before the pandemic. In fact, according to travel money specialists No1 Currency, the pound is now worth more against 45 of the 54 (83%) most in-demand currencies. Sterling has more than trebled in value against the Argentinian Peso (up 234.6%) and the Turkish Lira (up 205.8%), and has doubled against the Egyptian Pound (up 103.9%) and the Sri Lankan Rupee (up 94.4%). Simon Phillips, Managing Director of No1 Currency, said: “Our analysis shows that compared to pre-pandemic times, the Pound in your pocket now goes further in the vast majority of the countries typically visited by British tourists. “In the two most popular foreign destinations, France and Spain, sterling is currently worth a modest 5.4% more
is holding
June 2023
than it was before the first lockdown. But travellers venturing further afield will find their spending money goes dramatically further. For example, the Pound has doubled in value on Egypt’s popular Red Sea coast and in Sri Lanka, which offers palm-fringed beaches and year-round warmth.” And with the top five tourist hotspots reporting record early bookings sun- seekers are certainly making up for lost time.
Early bookings suggest Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey and Portugal could receive record tourism revenues this year with the luxury end of the market gaining in popularity. In Italy, the travel industry was worth €100bn, while in Greece, tourism accounts for no less than one-fifth of gross domestic product before the Covid-19 pandemic brought the sector to its knees.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Italy was up 70.5% in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2022, and if the trend continues, Italy could match or surpass pre-pandemic levels. Turkey is
reporting high numbers
of tourism and there are still plenty of great late bargains to be had from the likes of Jet2holidays.
Airlines such as Lufthansa, easyJet
Virgin Atlantic Seeks 350 New Cabin Crew VIRGIN Atlantic
a massive recruitment drive as it seeks to recruit 350 new cabin crew.
The airline announced it is now taking online applications from all backgrounds, no matter age or gender. “We’re seeking new recruits from all backgrounds who are committed to offering the friendly, smiling and professional service Virgin Atlantic is known for,” said Estelle Hollingsworth, Chief People Officer. “We champion difference and individuality and uphold an inclusive environment where they each can thrive.” Virgin Atlantic recently removed the need to wear make- up, and now visible tattoos are permitted. New
recruits are offered
comprehensive training to support career development, further opportunities in the travel industry and travel perks.
and Ryanair have also all confirmed robust summer bookings. Portugal registered more than 2.8m foreign visitors from January to March, the best first quarter on record while in Spain, the flow of international tourists in the first quarter increased by 41.2% over the same period in 2022 and exceeded 13.7m visitors. The large number of holidaymakers heading to Portugal could be largely attributed to the lower cost of living there. Figures from Numbeo have revealed that the cost of living in Portugal is, on average, now 26.3% lower than in the UK. Key to the more affordable lifestyle in Portugal is the cost of food, with everything from everyday groceries to eating out costing more in the UK.
A meal in an inexpensive restaurant
in Portugal costs €8.25, while a three-course meal for two in a mid- range restaurant comes in at €40.00. Equivalent meals in the UK cost £15.00 and £55.00 respectively. In the supermarket, meanwhile, small price differences on everyday items quickly add up. A litre of milk in Portugal costs €0.74; in the UK it is £0.99. A kilo of rice costs €1.08 in Portugal; in the UK it is £1.38. A mid-range bottle of wine in Portugal will set you back €4.00, while in the UK you would pay £7.00. So where are you heading?
WTTC Says It’s Time for Action
on Sustainable Aviation Fuel THE World Travel & Tourism Council urged governments to ‘get serious’ about sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) incentives. WTTC wants countries to set ambitious targets to produce adequate SAF supply. Without meaningful quantities, it says the aviation sector cannot decarbonise on a scale that will reach Net Zero by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuel is expected to be the main driver of reducing greenhouse gases to achieve net zero by 2050.
Singapore Airlines Extends Unlimited Complimentary In-Flight Wifi
SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) customers will enjoy the most comprehensive free unlimited Wi-Fi access
in the airline
industry from 1 July 2023, when the service is extended to all travellers in all cabin classes, including Premium Economy Class and Economy
Class.This enhanced Wi-Fi offering will be available virtually across the entire aircraft fleet and almost the entire global SIA route network.
As a result, customers across all cabin classes will be able to stay connected with loved ones, work online, or keep up to date with the latest news or their social media feeds, even from 36,000 feet in the sky. To enjoy this service, customers must enter their KrisFlyer membership details at the point of booking through the Manage Booking online option, or at check-in.
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