Conde Nast Traveler Readers Again Name Viking The #1 River Cruise Line

Viking has again been voted the Best River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication's 2020 Readers' Choice Awards. With the #1 winning score, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Viking higher than any other river cruise line. Also, after five years of operating ocean cruises, Viking was again named one of the Best Ocean Cruise Lines.
More than 715,000 readers submitted ratings and tens of thousands of comments as part of the 33rd annual Readers' Choice Awards survey. Viking will also be featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions; the full results of the awards can be found at www.cntraveler.com/rca.

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Vietjet announces five new travel routes, speeding up international expansion

PR Newswire | October 04, 2023

Vietjet, Vietnam's largest private airline, has just announced the launch of five new international services from Vietnam to Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, further expanding its global network. This comes as exciting news for travellers throughout the Asia Pacific region, including Singapore, as they are set to fly at more affordable fares. Vietjet continues to fortify its Vietnam – Australia flight network by adding two new services from Ho Chi Minh City to Perth and Adelaide with five weekly flights, starting 21 November 2023. The new routes make Vietjet the first airline from Vietnam connecting to Australia's five largest cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The Hanoi – Hong Kong route will commence on 22 December 2023, with a daily frequency, departing from Hanoi at 08:55 and arriving in Hong Kong at 11:50. The return flight from Hong Kong to Hanoi will take off at 12:50 and land at 13:50 (local times). Travellers from Hong Kong can easily fly directly to all gateways of Vietnam's North – Central and South, to Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc. Phu Quoc, the emerging star of Vietnamese tourism will also welcome two new Vietjet's services to Korea and Taiwan. Accordingly, Vietjet will operate the daily Phu Quoc – Busan route, starting from 10 December 2023. The flights depart from Phu Quoc at 01:15 and land in Busan at 08:05. The return flight will depart Busan at 08:55 and land in Phu Quoc at 12:40 (local times). The Phu Quoc – Taipei direct service will operate from 17 January 2024, with a frequency of four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The departure from Phu Quoc will be at 08:25 and the arrival in Taipei will be at 13:00. The return flights take off from Taipei at 14:00 and touch down in Phu Quoc at 16:50 (local times). Super Ticket Promotion to Celebrate New Services To mark the intensive new route introduction, Vietjet is offering an extraordinary promotion with ticket fares from just SGD80/one-way (inclusive of tax and fees) for all international services, including three routes between Singapore – Hanoi/Da Nang/ Ho Chi Minh City and other routes connecting via Vietnam. Booking for promotional tickets is available from now to 10 October 2023, with travel time up to one year until 31 October 2024 (Exclusive of public holidays, peak seasons). Discover the exciting new routes on Vietjet's new and eco-friendly aircraft, served by dedicated and professional cabin crew. Indulge in delectable diversity of hot and fresh meals, prepared for your satisfaction. Vietjet also goes the extra mile with the complimentary Sky Care insurance, ensuring your worry-free journey, and the exclusive Sky Joy loyalty program. Let's enjoy flying with Vietjet! About Vietjet The new-age carrier Vietjet has not only revolutionized the aviation industry in Vietnam but also been a pioneering airline across the region and around the world. With a focus on cost management ability, effective operations, and performance, applying the latest technology to all activities and leading the trend, Vietjet offers flying opportunities with cost-saving and flexible fares as well as diversified services to meet customers' demands. Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. As Vietnam's largest private carrier, the airline has been awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars by the world's only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the world's 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in many consecutive years. The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, Airline Ratings, and many others.

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Travel Technology

AmTrav Pitching Gather Guest & Meetings Business Travel Tool at BTN Innovation Faceoff

PR Newswire | September 29, 2023

AmTrav, the one connected platform for business travel, today announced that it will be participating in the Innovation Faceoff at Business Travel News (BTN) Innovate on Monday, Oct. 2. The Innovation Faceoff is a competition featuring 13 cutting-edge business travel products, technologies and services developed by suppliers to address industry challenges and support managed business travel and travelers. AmTrav will be pitching Gather, the online booking and travel management tool that extends the benefits of corporate travel management to meeting and event attendees, job candidates, consultants, temporary workers and relocating employees. "Corporate travel management is all about making things easier for the company and the traveler, but all that goes out the window as soon as it involves corporate guests and meetings attendees," said Elliott McNamee, Product Marketing Director for AmTrav who will be pitching Gather in the competition. "I'm looking forward to sharing how Gather makes corporate travel simple and seamless, even when guests or meetings are involved." Typically, arranging travel for non-employees and meeting travelers requires close coordination and multiple interactions between travelers, planners and travel agents. The Gather tool allows coordinators and meeting planners to set policies and parameters for guest and meeting trips then invite travelers to book in two minutes or less. From there, travelers can pick their own itineraries, apply their personal loyalty numbers, and take advantage of the lowest NDC and company rates. What's more, guests get guaranteed 24x7 service from AmTrav Travel Advisors if their plans are disrupted - or can use AmTrav's latest Change Trips functionality to easily change their whole trip at once online. "Even in 2023 companies are stuck using antiquated, agent-dependent processes because their travel software doesn't let guest travelers and meeting attendees book their own travel," said McNamee. "Gather saves travelers, coordinators and planners a lot of time, headache and money." During the Business Travel Innovation Faceoff, each of the 13 teams will be given seven minutes to pitch their product, technology or service. Presenters will then field questions from a panel of expert judges for four minutes and from the audience for two minutes. At the end of the competition, two trophies will be awarded; one for the winner as selected by the judges, the other being a People's Choice Award Winner. About AmTrav AmTrav is an award-winning, modern technology and service platform designed to make business travel personal and productive. Companies of all sizes use AmTrav to book trips, find savings, set travel policies, manage payments and expenses, and keep their travelers safe. Travelers and companies love AmTrav's powerful platform that provides a seamless travel management experience supported by our experts who are always ready to help 24x7. More than 1000 businesses trust AmTrav to go places, meet people, and go further.

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Hospitality Management

Inspirato and Thomas James Homes Partners to Offer Luxury Vacations

Inspirato | October 12, 2023

Inspirato Incorporated, an innovative luxury travel subscription brand and Thomas James Homes (TJH), one of the largest replacement homebuilders, currently managing over 500 homes in various stages of production and serving diverse regions, including Southern California, Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and Arizona, has entered into a strategic partnership. In this strategic collaboration, Inspirato is set to offer TJH clients an exclusive 12-month complimentary Inspirato Travel Membership, granting them access to Inspirato's handpicked selection of over 750 luxury vacation options across 100+ global destinations, all at privileged, members-only pricing, ensuring an unmatched travel experience. As TJH clients eagerly await the completion of their new homes, they have the remarkable opportunity to embark on global adventures, luxuriating in Inspirato's opulent residences across preferred destinations such as the serene coastal vistas of Los Cabos, the alpine splendor of Vail, Colorado, or the timeless charm of Tuscany, Italy. This exceptional partnership not only grants access to picturesque locales but also ensures that clients receive the impeccable first-class service that characterizes Inspirato's offerings, including personalized pre-trip planning, daily housekeeping, and the assistance of on-site concierges. Furthermore, TJH introduced the Private Client Group, a dedicated sales team committed to supporting the company's innovative BUILD by TJH solution, which aspires to unlock the potential of existing homes by replacing them with new, more functional ones, all backed by TJH's price and on-time delivery guarantees. This innovative approach simplifies the traditional custom-building model, integrating architectural design, permitting, and construction management, ensuring prompt, on-time delivery and eliminating costly overruns and delays. Complementing its BUILD program, TJH's BUY offerings extend clients can access to an array of design-driven pre-construction and move-in-ready homes throughout sought-after locales spanning Southern California, Northern California, Arizona, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. TJH is poised to deliver an impressive inventory of 275 to 300 spec homes across high-demand neighborhoods in the coming year. These homes, thoughtfully crafted by a team of eminent architects and designers, epitomize the essence of modern living. Infused with the latest advancements in smart home technology, they exude contemporary design trends and offer versatile living spaces, aligning perfectly with homeowners' ever-evolving lifestyles and preferences. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, the company continues to shape the landscape of residential living by providing quality and choice to its valued customers. About Inspirato Inspirato is a luxury travel subscription enterprise distinguished by its unique approach to granting exclusive access to a meticulously curated collection of premium vacation opportunities. Founded on the principles of unwavering service quality, reliability, and customer value, the company's innovative model is dedicated to meeting the discerning expectations of its clientele. The Inspirato portfolio encompasses an array of opulent vacation residences, lodging options at prestigious five-star hotels and resort collaborators, and tailor-made travel experiences, all harmoniously designed to cater to the most refined travel tastes.

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Hospitality Management

Context Travel Introduces Audio Guides for Immersive Travel Adventures

Context Travel | September 22, 2023

Context Travel, a leader in travel experiences, is set to revolutionize how globetrotters connect with culturally diverse destinations across the globe. The company is excited to introduce its innovative line of Audio Guides, designed to offer an enriched and interactive travel encounter. Several distinguishing characteristics of Context Travel's Audio Guides set them apart in travel. Firstly, these guides are GPS-enabled, ensuring that audio tours automatically play based on the traveler's location, even offline. This functionality allows travelers to fully engage with their surroundings while immersing themselves in the local culture. Secondly, the self-paced nature of these guides empowers travelers to explore destinations at their convenience without feeling rushed. The engaging commentary adds insight and context to their journey, enhancing their overall experience. Lastly, their foundation in expertise sets Context Travel's Audio Guides apart. Drawing from the vast network of seasoned guides, these audio companions offer an insider's perspective and captivating narratives, providing travelers with a unique and insightful way to connect with their chosen destination. Context Travel is ushering in a new era of immersive travel exploration with these features. Context Travel is offering a promotion for early adopters to commemorate the launch of Audio Guides. Travelers can receive 50% off their first audio guide purchase with the promo code CONTEXT50. Context Travel's dedication to delivering exceptional and educational travel experiences is exemplified through its storied legacy of expert-led tours. These journeys have allowed travelers to gain profound insights into the realms of history, art, archaeology, gastronomy, and culture, all under the guidance of distinguished scholars in their respective fields. With the launch of its innovative Audio Guides, Context Travel takes a significant stride forward in expanding its mission. By making these enriching experiences more accessible to a broader audience, the company solidifies its position as a trailblazer in immersive and insightful travel. This evolution underscores their unwavering commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the world's cultural treasures for future generations. About Context Travel Context Travel is an expert-led digital and travel experiences platform dedicated to enriching global understanding of cultural heritage. The company pairs explorers with enthusiastic experts who offer insights that surpass the conventional. Holding B Corporation certification since 2011, it underscores its commitment to extraordinary and sustainable tourism. Travelers have various options, including private or small group walking tours, pre-trip lectures, or engaging audio guides, all aimed at advancing Context Travel's mission to ignite a passion for cultural exploration.

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