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April/May 2025
TUI Launches Summer Route from Belfast!
TUI has announced flights to the Balearic Island of Majorca from Belfast City Airport will return for summer 2025.
Commencing on 7th June, weekly
flights will take off every Saturday throughout the summer season. From stunning beaches to trendy restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Majorca is the perfect destination for families, couples and young travellers that want to escape to the sun. Ellie
McGimpsey, Aviation
Development Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “At Belfast City Airport, we are committed to delivering choice and convenience for our passengers, and the return of TUI’s route to Majorca will make it even easier for Northern Irish holidaymakers to get away this summer. “Majorca has always been a firm
Hays Travel Reward Staff After Sales Reach £3 Billion
HAYS Travel has announced that the group’s total transaction value (TTV) has reached £3billion for the first time in its history, one month ahead of the end of its financial year on 30 April 2025.
Dame Irene Hays shared in a video message that all employees will receive £100 for every year they have worked at Hays Travel, while personal travel consultants and Explorer franchisees will receive a shopping voucher for every year they have been a Hays Travel member, as a thank you for their loyalty and support.
Dame Irene Hays, owner and Chair of Hays Travel: “Since Hays Travel began trading 45 years ago, we have always remained true to our vision and values, and our strategic priorities: our people, our customers, and the communities where we operate. As I have said many times, our success is down to our people, which is why achieving this £3billion milestone is an opportunity to demonstrate just how much their excellent work and unwavering loyalty are appreciated.” Lenore Mason,
General Manager for Recruitment and People
Services said: “This is my 37th year with Hays Travel – I feel so fortunate to work alongside brilliant people, for a company that values me and has continued to grow in the region where I grew up. Although Hays Travel has seen many changes over the years it has always been totally committed to its values and people. Today’s news
is exciting for everyone and just shows how much we are appreciated!”
In the year ended 30 April 2024 Hays Travel’s TTV was £2.55bn – an increase of 17% on the same period in 2023 (£2.19bn), with group profit before tax (PBT) £73.4m. Hays Travel achieved £500m
TTV in 2012, £1billion in 2018, and £2billion in 2024.
Landmark Joint Venture Connects Northern Ireland to Africa, Middle East, and Asia
IN A significant development for travellers across Northern Ireland, the national airlines of the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have signed a landmark Joint Venture (JV) agreement. This strategic alliance is set to revolutionise connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, enhancing travel opportunities for passengers globally. Ethiopian Airlines uses Dublin Airport as a European hub, with flights transiting through Dublin to destinations in North America, and also offers flights from Dublin to various destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Ethiopian Airlines offers flights
from Dublin to a variety of destinations, including: Africa: Mogadishu, Lomé, Addis Ababa, Harare, Douala, Kinshasa, Entebbe, Lagos, Dar es Salaam, Enugu, Cape Town, Lusaka, Kigali,
Brazzaville, Accra, Abuja, Bujumbura, Garoe, Victoria Falls, Lubumbashi, Blantyre, Durban, Maputo, Beira, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisangani, Dakar, Pointe Noire. Asia: Riyadh, Medina, Nosy
Be, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Bangkok,
Jakarta, Manila,
Guangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo. Etihad Airways flies from Dublin
(DUB) to various destinations, including Bangkok, Kochi, Mumbai, Delhi, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, Bangalore, Tokyo and many more. The new partnership, formalised
at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa, includes a codeshare arrangement that will open up new travel routes. Ethiopian Airlines will begin flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport on July 15, while Etihad Airways will start
favourite amongst our passengers, and TUI’s range of affordable accommodation options and package holidays only enhances the appeal, giving travellers flexibility to tailor their trip whilst enjoying great value. “With the added benefit of our speedy security process and hassle- free departures, plus a short flight time coming in at less than three hours, Majorca is the ideal choice for those that want to explore Santa Ponsa, Pollença, Palma City, Palma Nova, Alcudia, and more from the heart of Belfast.” Craig Morgan, Head of Ireland for TUI,
said: “We are delighted to operate once again from Belfast City Airport to the largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca. “The island is a firm favourite with
local Northern Ireland holidaymakers due to its short flight time, wide range of resorts offering quality hotels and apartments and attractions to suit the whole family.”
Turkish Airlines Open Returns to Antalya
TURKISH Airlines has renewed its title sponsorship of the Turkish Airlines Open alongside the Turkish Golf Federation. After a six years, the tournament will once again be part of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai. The tournament will be held at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya between May 8-11, 2025. “As Turkish Airlines, we remain committed to connecting people and cultures around the globe through the pursuit of excellence
in sports.” Said Turkisuh Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi, whilst speaking on the agreement. “In line with this commitment, we are glad to take another step in supporting sports and athletes through Turkish Airlines Open.”
Having been the title sponsor
of Turkish Airlines Open since 2013, Turkish Airlines hosted some of the world’s most renowned professional golfers, including Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer,
Justin
Rose, and Rory McIlroy in Antalya until 2019.
daily services to Addis Ababa on October 1. For Northern Ireland travellers,
this JV offers expanded travel options and smoother journeys for passengers travelling between key African destinations and major cities in the UAE and Asia, including Etihad destinations in Pakistan and Southeast Asia. Ethiopian Airlines will utilise its modern fleet, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000, to operate the new route, ensuring a comfortable travel experience. Addis Ababa, known for attractions like the National Museum of Ethiopia and the bustling Merkato market, offers travellers a rich cultural experience. This partnership marks a significant
step forward in connecting Northern Ireland with the broader global travel network, providing new opportunities for both business and leisure travel.
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