​​​Recommended Article and Business

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UK Tourism Market Report- Q4 2024​

 

The UK tourism industry in Q4 2024 demonstrates a dynamic environment shaped by technological advancements, economic pressures, and evolving consumer preferences.

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Key market segments such as cultural tourism, digital transformation in travel services, and sustainability initiatives play pivotal roles in driving the sector's growth. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current trends and strategic developments influencing the tourism landscape in the UK during this period.​

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Trends in Cultural and Domestic Tourism

In Q4 2024, domestic tourism has seen a notable rise, bolstered by cultural attractions and regional campaigns. Scotland and Wales are key beneficiaries, witnessing increased visitor numbers due to their rich cultural offerings and scenic beauty. The domestic tourism sector's resilience is vital in offsetting potential downturns in international visitor numbers, emphasizing the importance of cultural tourism as a growth driver.

 

Business and Luxury Travel Resurgence

The business and luxury tourism segments are experiencing robust recovery, with business travel spending projected to reach $84.1 billion. The easing of travel restrictions and increased corporate budgets are key factors driving this growth. Similarly, the luxury segment is thriving as demand for exclusive travel experiences rises, despite potential economic challenges like increased air passenger duties.

 

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Initiatives

Sustainability is gaining traction within the UK tourism sector, with eco-friendly initiatives becoming integral to business strategies. Hotels and resorts are adopting green practices, while travel agencies offer sustainable packages. This focus not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the UK's reputation in the eco-tourism market.

 

Competitive Landscape and Key Players

The competitive landscape of the UK tourism sector is characterized by the varied performance of major players like TUI Group, Thomas Cook Group, Booking Holdings Inc., Expedia Group Inc., and Airbnb, Inc. These companies are responding to market dynamics through strategic expansions, partnerships, and technological innovations to enhance their offerings and market positions.

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Source: ReportLinker - click here to join and read more

Publication date: Mar 10th 2025 - yourstoexperience.com 29aug25

 

A World For Travel

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THE AWFT 2025 AGENDA IS ANCHORED IN 12 PRESSING CHALLENGES & TRANSITIONS THAT SHAPE THE SECTOR

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• Redefining Human Capital and Finance: Empowering talent, funding the sustainable transition 

• Accelerating the Energy Shift: Breaking free from fossil fuel dependency

• Harnessing AI and Digital Tools: Building a smarter, more ethical travel economy 

• Leading Through Crisis: Embodying agile and courageous leadership 

• Championing Diversity and Inclusion: Making sustainability truly universal 

• Greening Major Events: Turning global gatherings into models of responsibility 

• Rethinking Profitability: Navigating inflation and structural transitions 

• Driving the Sustainable Transport Revolution: Rail, resilience, and rising demand 

• Luxury and Legacy: Can excellence drive sustainability?

• Adapting Destinations to Climate Reality: Facing the frontlines 

• Communicating with the Conscious Traveler: Engaging with purpose and integrity 

• Empowering Generation Z: Educating tomorrow’s architects of transformation 

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The travel industry has a proven track record of resilience, having rebounded from crises ranging from terrorism and economic recessions to pandemics. But today it faces a new wave of challenges

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Decisions-makers and influent leaders will meet in the intellectual heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Hôtel de l’Industrie — a landmark that once hosted figures like Pasteur, Curie, Eiffel, and the Lumière brothers.

 

Click here to find out more - 08aug25 

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Article

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The think tank warns that failing to reverse the post-Covid surge in school absence risks producing an additional 2,000 young violent criminals

 

Analysis from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) reveals that soaring rates of school absence risks creating 9,000 extra young offenders by 2027 if left unresolved.

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The think tank warns that failing to reverse the post-Covid surge in school absence risks producing an additional 2,000 young violent criminals – including those convicted of violent offences against the person or possession of a weapon – creating misery for communities already blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour.

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The analysis, based on official studies, lays bare the risks of a “tidal wave of youth crime” with thousands more at risk of trouble with the law as a result of the failure to get school absence back to pre-pandemic levels. The cost to the taxpayer could be as much as £100 million a year, the research reveals. Rates of absence have soared since schools were first shut down in 2020, with the numbers of persistently absent pupils – those missing more than 10 per cent of school time – rising to 32 per cent in 2022 among Year 11 pupils, up from 16 per cent just before the pandemic. The number of persistently absent pupils rose by over 800,000 since 2019 to 1.7 million in Autumn 2022.

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Department for Education and Ministry of Justice research analysed by the CSJ finds persistently absent pupils to be more than three times as likely to commit an offence by aged 17 than pupils fully attending school.

​The CSJ’s analysis focused on the pupils projected to leave school in Year 11 in 2025, a cohort dubbed the “lost generation” 

​The think tank estimates that there could be over 200,000 pupils in this group who would be persistently absent in their final year of school if the rate remains at the current level of 32 per cent. This means there could be an additional 9,000 offenders including 2,000 more violent offenders in this cohort by aged 17 – that is, by 2027 – compared to the pre-pandemic absence rate of 16 per cent.

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Click here to read the full article dated July 26, 2023

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Source: www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/newsroom/school-absence-risks-tidal-wave-of-youth-crime-csj-analysis-reveals

02aug25

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Business

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Recognizing Manipulative Tactics: How to Identify and Address Workplace Manipulation for a Healthy Professional Environment

 

​ Navigating the complex dynamics of workplace interactions can sometimes feel like treading through a minefield, with manipulative tactics lurking around corners. In today’s professional landscape, recognizing and addressing manipulation is crucial for fostering a healthy, productive environment. From subtle guilt-tripping to outright gaslighting, identifying these tactics is the first step in mitigating their impact.

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By shedding light on the covert strategies employed by manipulators, we aim to empower you to establish boundaries, foster transparency, and uphold a positive professional ecosystem where authenticity and integrity thrive. Let’s embark on this journey to unravel the complexities of workplace manipulation and cultivate a culture of trust and respect.

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Understanding workplace manipulation

Workplace manipulation is a pervasive issue that can manifest in various forms, often leaving victims feeling confused, anxious, and disempowered. It encompasses a range of behaviors aimed at exerting control, influence, or power over others for personal gain. This could include manipulation through deceit, intimidation, or emotional coercion. Understanding the nuances of manipulative tactics is crucial for safeguarding the well-being and productivity of individuals within an organization.

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Manipulative tactics in the workplace can take on diverse forms, often camouflaged within seemingly innocuous interactions. Some common tactics include gaslighting, where the manipulator seeks to distort the victim’s perception of reality, leaving them doubting their own thoughts and experiences. Another prevalent tactic is guilt-tripping, wherein individuals are coerced into certain actions or behaviors through the imposition of guilt or obligation. Additionally, manipulators may engage in selective information sharing, withholding crucial details to shape a narrative that serves their interests. By understanding these tactics and their potential ramifications, individuals can develop a heightened awareness of manipulative behaviors and their impact on professional dynamics.

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The impact of workplace manipulation on employees and the organization

The impact of workplace manipulation extends beyond individual experiences, permeating the fabric of the organization and influencing overall morale, productivity, and employee retention. Employees subjected to manipulation may experience heightened stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth, leading to decreased job satisfaction and performance. Moreover, the pervasive nature of manipulation can erode trust and collaboration within teams, hindering the organization’s ability to achieve its goals effectively. By recognizing the far-reaching consequences of workplace manipulation, organizations can prioritize the implementation of strategies to mitigate its effects and foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.

 

Strategies for addressing workplace manipulation

Addressing workplace manipulation requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses both individual and organizational levels. Encouraging open dialogue and creating channels for reporting and addressing manipulative behaviors is essential for empowering employees to assert their boundaries and seek support when needed. Additionally, organizations can implement training programs and resources that equip managers and leaders with the tools to identify, address, and prevent manipulation within their teams. By fostering a culture that values transparency, accountability, and mutual respect, organizations can proactively combat the insidious effects of workplace manipulation.

 

Creating a healthy professional environment

Cultivating a healthy professional environment necessitates a concerted effort to cultivate a culture of trust, empathy, and open communication. Organizations can achieve this by promoting inclusivity, actively addressing power differentials, and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. Moreover, transparent policies and procedures that uphold ethical conduct and discourage manipulative behaviors can serve as a bulwark against the encroachment of toxic dynamics. By prioritizing the well-being and autonomy of employees, organizations can create an environment where manipulation finds no fertile ground to take root.

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Click here to read the article from strat to finish

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Source:Recognizing Manipulative Tactics: How To Identify And Address Workplace Manipulation For A Healthy Professional Environment | Growthex​

 15jul25  

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Revealed: the UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025​

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"Welcome to the 17th edition of the Times and Sunday Times Best Beaches Guide, bringing you surf, sand and sunshine since 2008. This year I went clockwise, visiting 756 beaches and 51 resorts over the course of a 4,858-mile circumnavigation of British and Northern Irish shores.

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Memorable moments include the sun emerging from the Irish Sea on the Antrim coast; cooking my breakfast above the exquisite, and empty, Achininver beach in the Highlands; the mesmerising blue of the Atlantic at Pedn Vounder in Cornwall; the moon risingthrough the mists over Pevensey marshes; and a walk after closing time back to my van along the starlit sands of Embleton Bay".​

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Bude is not only blessed with good looks but the people who live here have a genuine love for their three local beaches. With its newly refurbished tidal pool, beach huts, fishing, surfing, castle heritage centre and harbourside dining, Summerleaze beach is the star attraction but do check out Crooklets, north of the cricket club, for the rock pools, and Northcott Mouth, home of gourmet café and gig venue Sip + Sea at the charming Rustic Tea Garden.
Water quality: excellent | Lifeguards, loos, accessible, dog-friendly, café

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Click here to read and find out more - Source: Revealed: the UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025

11jul25

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Calls for views on possible Cornwall 'tourism tax'​

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Business owners in Cornwall have been asked to give their opinions on whether there should be a tax or a levy on tourists.

Tourism body Visit Cornwall has started a survey which will run until the end of the month which it said was about presenting a "unified industry response".

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A tourism tax or levy is extra money generated from tourists or the tourism industry, such as added charges on overnight accommodation for visitors.

Jon Hyatt, who chairs Visit Cornwall, said he was "against any charge that might put visitors off".

Although Cornwall Council said in 2024 it would not press the government for devolved powers to introduce such a levy, external, Visit Cornwall said there were "growing suggestions" again for its introduction.

Mr Hyatt added he did not want tourists to receive "wrong messaging" which might lead people to think they would be "better off going elsewhere".

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"Tourism tax and visitor levies do work in other locations, but that is particularly mainland Europe and cities where the visitor demographic and local economy is different," he added.

He said any proposal should meet the "principles of fairness and transparency, industry involvement and reinvestment in Cornish tourism".

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In St Ives, mayor and town councillor Johnnie Wells said he had called for a voluntary community charge.

The proposal was for a voluntary scheme run through accommodation providers which would not require any legislation.

"Any money collected in St Ives should stay in St Ives," he said.

"We have 11,500 people who live here paying for services that hundreds of thousands of visitors use a year. One pound a night would seem to be a fair price compared to Europe.

"It would need to be affordable, transparent and spent on things that offset the impact of tourism - like recycling or training for local young people."

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The Visit Cornwall survey is running until 31 July.

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If you wish to read the full article click here

Source: Calls for views on possible future Cornwall 'tourism tax' - BBC News

09jul25

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World-class Universal Theme Park and Resort Planned for the UK

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Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever Universal branded theme park and resort in the United Kingdom, located in Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.

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The proposals include an entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.

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The development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy; it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs. At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

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The project will also help deliver several long sought after transportation upgrades including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements.

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Universal Destinations & Experiences has five branded theme parks and resorts across the globe, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore. Each of these world-class resorts feature thrilling, immersive attractions, exceptional hotel and resort options, unique merchandise and culinary experiences as well as live and virtual entertainment.

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Read the full article by clicking here

Source: universalukproject.co.uk 26jun25

 

What is the Salt Path?​

 

The South West Coast Path has long been a favourite amongst hikers, but since Raynor Winn’s memoir, 'The Salt Path', captivated readers, it has gained even more recognition. We delve into the story’s appeal and the stunning locations that inspired readers and walkers to explore the Cornish coastline.

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Published in 2018, The Salt Path tells the true story of Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth. After Moth’s terminal diagnosis and the devastating loss of their home, the couple embarks on a 630-mile walking journey along the South West Coast Path. With just £115 and a tent, they journey through heartbreak and healing, discovering the redemptive power of nature and human resilience.

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Enjoy walking through rolling green farmland, along towering cliffs and soft sandy beaches, where the land meets the azure waters of the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean.

Standing at the water’s edge you can almost see people breathe a sigh of relief and see the tension leave their shoulders. 

 

 

Find out more by clicking here - source  visitcornwall.com 25jun25

 

 

 

 

 

Recommended Article and Business​

​​​Why work in Travel

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Emma Kallipet
Student and former marketing intern, Newmarket Holidays

“There are endless opportunities in the travel industry, and I loved being able to use my creativity while interning in Newmarket Holidays’ marketing team. I even got to go on a trip to Lapland. It was a truly magical experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” 

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Vaishali Patel

Tour guide in west London and graduate of Women in Travel CIC’s tour guiding training academy

“I love getting to meet new people every day and learning about different cultures and places. Designing my own tours allows me to express my creativity and people skills, and I also get to connect with local businesses and communities which is really rewarding.”

 

Find out where to start your journey in travel with our guide to different routes into the industry, from further education to on-the-job training

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College courses are a bridge between school and the workplace, with Level 3 travel and tourism programmes providing students with a solid foundation in the field that brings together classroom lessons with hands-on experience through industry connections and internships.

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These qualifications are undergoing change, following government plans to scrap funding for Level 3 courses in England. The Tourism Education and Skills Working Group has therefore introduced Technical Occupational Qualifications (TOQs), primarily aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds, which are set to replace existing provision from September 2026.

 TOQs will be equivalent to three A-levels or the new T Level, with the same number of Ucas points, and have been developed in consultation with the travel industry.

David Rowley, product manager at national awarding organisation NCFE, says: “The aim is to bring more focus to skills, but to keep as much breadth as possible.”

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The qualifications will have more emphasis on sustainability and understanding social media and artificial intelligence, plus a renewed focus on the aviation industry’s specific needs.

“A bespoke course will provide training for students interested in becoming ground or cabin crew, but also contain content appealing to aspiring pilots, including flight operations.

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ISABELLA RANWELL ZANCHETTIN completed a Level 3 extended diploma in travel and tourism from Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) this year and works as a golf retail shop assistant at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield.

“After trying the sixth form route, I realised it wasn’t the right path for me. I checked out a few colleges in my area and Sutton Coldfield College [part of BMet] seemed like the right fit.

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During my course, I got to visit Manchester airport and the Black Country Living Museum, and won a Global Travel & Tourism Partnership competition trip to Dubai. I also created and hosted a ‘Travelicious’ food-tasting event, alongside my classmates.

 

During the two-year course, I believed that the travel and tourism industry was for me, but wasn’t sure what specific route to take.

In March 2024, we did work experience at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, which our lecturer organised for us as part of the course.

From that, I got a position in the golf retail shop. I am also looking to do a management course within The Belfry, with the hope of getting into events, conferences and wedding planning in future. I love working at The Belfry as I meet so many new people from different countries every day.”

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Find out more by clicking here

 

Source: www.takeoffintravel.co.uk/first-steps/ - found by yourstoexperience 16june25

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Recommended Article and Business

Who owns Monster Energy: Shareholder Insights

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Monster Energy is one of the world’s most recognized  energy drink brands. With its claw-mark logo and edgy branding, it has gained global popularity. But many wonder, who owns Monster and controls this powerful beverage empire? In this article, we explore the history, ownership, and companies tied to Monster Beverage Corporation. 

Who Owns Monster Energy: Largest Shareholders.

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​Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ: MNST) is a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among various shareholders, including institutional investors, private entities, and individual stakeholders. As of 2025, the ownership structure is diverse, with significant holdings by major investment firms and corporations.

 

Monster Energy was founded and launched in 2002 by Hansen Natural Corporation, which later rebranded as Monster Beverage Corporation.

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Monster Energy was originally developed by Hansen Natural Company. Hansen started as a juice company in the 1930s, focusing on natural sodas and juices. The company changed direction in 2002 when it launched the Monster  Energy drink. The brand was an instant hit in the energy drink market, competing directly with Red Bull.

Due to the massive success of the Monster product line, Hansen Natural rebranded itself as Monster Beverage Corporation in 2012. Since then, it has expanded its portfolio, entered international markets, and partnered with major corporations to strengthen its distribution and presence.

 

Read the full article by clicking here - source: Who Owns Monster Energy: Shareholder Insights – Brands Owned By

6jun25

 

 

Ex-Jetline and Forever Cruises directors to head new cruise brand

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Ex-Jetline Travel director Andrew Todd and former Forever Cruises director Manish Suchde are to lead a new cruise and holidays brand for Hertfordshire-based Skylord Travel.

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Skylord Cruise and Holidays is due to launch this month and plans to sell packages direct to customers and via travel agents.

Former Jetline head of cruise Martin Tanner will also join the project to head product development and creation as part of a seven-strong team formed of ex-Jetline staff.

 

The roles are the first for the staff since Jetline Travel entered administration on April 9.

“This isn’t just a new product line, it’s a major evolution in the product that Skylord will offer. I am looking forward to working with the new team and growing our business together. The sub-agents I have spoken to are really excited to see what we have to offer and we can’t wait to drive more cruise-related flight business to our airline partners.”

 

Click here  to find out more - source: travel weekly by Lucy Huxley 3jun25

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How Investments in Airports of the Future Fuel Customer Experience Excellence​

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Looking ahead to the next five years, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport intends to invest 6Bn Euro by 2029. 

India projects to invest 170Bn by 2030. And in the US, we are all trying to figure out how to leverage the historical bipartisan decision to provide 15Bn in transportation investment. As a result, money is flowing to airports!

Those who plan, design, and build the future global airport network are poised to decide how we all will travel in the next 50+ years.

A customer experience checklist. And a call to action for those who hold the money (and power) to design our airports of the future.

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Source: Airports of the future, trends and innovations by Liliana Petrova ​posted on linked in dec24 - added to yourstoexperience.com - travel related news in may25

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Rise Up - Resistance, Revolution, Abolition

21 February - 1 June 2025

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Discover the multifaceted history of the fight to end transatlantic slavery through the stories of the people, communities and anti-slavery movements who campaigned for abolition in the face of oppression and opposition.

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Bringing together historic artworks and objects in conversation with works by contemporary artists, Rise Up explores the battle to abolish the British slave trade and end enslavement between 1750 and 1850, as well as the aftermath, its legacies and the ongoing struggle for equality and social justice today.

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Focusing on the individuals whose contributions were vital to the British abolition story, our latest exhibition shines a light on the often-forgotten Black Georgians and Victorians, and commemorates the resistance leaders and revolutionaries across the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas; from Jamaican freedom fighter, Nanny of the Maroons to Nigerian-born, British-based writer and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano.

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Source: The Fitzwilliam Museum - Rise Up

​13apr25

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The staycation trend looks here to stay

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Staycations may have peaked during Covid travel restriction, but data suggests the desire to holiday at home is still not going anywhere - by Kelly Rose Bradford - Great British Staycations 2025.

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In it's annual report, Visit England states that the local value for domestic tourism in Great Britain for 2023 stood at £81.7 billion.

The duration of the staycation also increased rising from an average of three days to five.

A 2024 study by Barclays found Britons spend an average of £3,322 per adult on their summer experiences, with some £615 of that being spent on staycations. 

The Barclays study also found that the travel sector absorbs a significant share of the £178 billion spent in the country between June and September, this would see an estimated £134 billion going into the local economies from businesses that provide consumers with activities such as staycations and entertainment.

 

Source: Great British Staycations 2025​ - 28feb25

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St Pancras plans for direct trains from UK to Germany​

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New direct train routes from London to Germany, Switzerland and France could open as part of plans to boost passenger numbers at St Pancras station.

London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns the station and operates the track to the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone, has already set out proposals to increase capacity for international train travel from 1,800 passengers per hour to almost 5,000.

 

It now wants to attract different train operators to offer a range of services in Europe.

Eurostar currently holds a monopoly on the trains through the Channel Tunnel with routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

 

 

Read more by clicking here

Source: www.bbc.co.uk/news 21feb25

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A celebration of 100 years of scheduled coach services

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Marking the 100th anniversary this month of the first scheduled long-distance coach service with en-route stops, we look at the history of the mode of travel and what the future might hold.

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Television had not yet been invented, Winston Churchill was preparing his first Budget speech as Chancellor, and a pint of milk cost three old pence. It’s February 1925 and the commencement of “the longest bus service in England” is being advertised.

It is commonly held that that Greyhound Motors’ service between Bristol and London was the first known long-distance motorcoach passenger operation with scheduled intermittent stops.

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Beginning on 11 February and operating seven days a week, the journey took eight hours and stopped at Bath, Chippenham, Calne, Marlborough, Hungerford, Newbury, Reading, Maidenhead and Slough. A return ticket for the full-length journey on what were described as “luxurious motor saloon coaches” cost £1.

 

Of course, coach itself goes back many centuries earlier and the replacement of the horse with the engine had already led to a boom for the industry in the 1920s.

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According to coach and bus historian Colin Billington, the first scheduled motor coach service was a Royal Blue between Bournemouth and London in 1919, but this did not have stops en route. Like many charabanc services around that time, it capitalised on the public’s desire to reach the coast for leisure purposes.

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Although services were paused between 1942 and 1946 as coaches were sequestered by the military, the 1950s heralded another boom, led by the increase of holiday tourism.

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If you wish to read the full article please click here

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Source: A celebration of 100 years of scheduled coach services - routeone 21feb25

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A Gatsby-inspired adventure in New York State

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Indulge in adventures straight out of The Great Gatsby with a twirl around the palaces and parklands of New York state, writes Kris Griffith.

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As the steep gabled roofs of a fairytale castle loom ahead of us and gravel crunches beneath the car wheels, I get a taste of how The Great Gatsby narrator Nick Carraway felt when approaching Jay Gatsby’s Long Island manor for the first time – awestruck at how the other half live.

With the centenary of F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel this year sparking renewed interest in the Roaring Twenties, I’ve come to New York state with a group of US specialist operators to explore the places and experiences at the heart of Gatsby’s world.

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Oheka Castle, the colossal estate where we’ve just arrived, was reportedly Fitzgerald’s primary inspiration for the Gatsby estate and the lavish functions thrown there. 

At the time of its construction in 1919, the 127-room Oheka (a portmanteau name created by its owner, the financier Otto Hermann Kahn) was – and remains – the second-largest private residence ever built in America.

 

In the ensuing decade, it hosted the hottest-ticket parties in the region, attracting a who’s who of Hollywood stars, political luminaries and European royalty.

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Read more by clicking here

 

Source: travel weekly 20thfeb25

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These Are the Biggest Travel Trends of 2025, According to Expedia

 

 

Expedia is back with its travel predictions, combining a vast trove of first-party booking data across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo with consumer responses from 25,000 consumers.​ 

 

“I’ve been tracking travel trends for eight years and this year, more than ever before, is about experiences as much as places," Melanie Fish, chief trend tracker for Expedia Brands, told Travel + Leisure.

 

Getting Away For the 'Goods'

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Popular TikTok videos have influenced travelers for years, but now, the trend is spreading even further. Expedia coins it “Goods Getaways.”

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The company says travelers are making extra space in their carry-ons, and even creating entire vacations around getting goods, like a viral chocolate bar from Dubai or skincare from South Korea.

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“Social media has also inspired travelers to visit local grocery stores when they’re traveling, like Erewhon in LA for their celeb-approved smoothies,” Fish noted. Global Expedia Group survey data revealed that 39 percent of travelers visit grocery stores or supermarkets when vacationing while 44 percent shop for local goods they can’t get at home.

 

A Hotel Restaurant Renaissance

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Hotels are investing even more into ensuring restaurants are a destination in their own right. That includes involving world-renowned chefs and ensuring menus rotate regularly to attract guests.

 

Instead of 'Dupes,' Think 'Detour'

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For 2025, Expedia is declaring travelers won’t skip tried-and-true destinations. Instead, they’ll add on another locale as a day trip detour. In a survey, 63 percent of consumers said they are likely to visit a “detour destination” on their next vacation.

Expedia compiled the 10 trending detour destinations for 2025, based on increases in searches:

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• Reims, France (detour from Paris)

• Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan)

• Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancun)

• Santa Barbara, California, USA (detour from Los Angeles)

• Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland)

• Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona)

• Fukuoka, Japan (detour from Tokyo)

• Abu Dhabi, UAE (detour from Dubai)

• Krabi, Thailand (detour from Phuket)

• Canmore, Alberta, Canada (detour from Calgary)

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The 'Phenomena-List'

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With 2024’s total solar eclipse sparking mass travel along the path of totality, Expedia believes that travel for natural phenomena will continue to be hot. Vrbo selected several natural events where travelers will want a seat in 2025:

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• International Dark Sky Park - Arches National Park, Utah

• Synchronous firefly season - Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN

• Penguin parade - Phillip Island near Melbourne, Australia

• Bioluminescent plankton - Vero Beach, Florida

• “Black Sun” starlings’ migration - Wadden Sea National Park, Denmark

• Ballet of Japanese cranes - Hokkaido, Japan

• Highest tides in the world, walk on the ocean floor – Bay of Fundy, Canada

• Starling murmurations - Somerset, United Kingdom

• Volcanoes, lava fields, and black sand beaches - Reykjavík, Iceland

• Northern Lights - Lapland region, Finland

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Click here to read the article and discover more.

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Source: travelandleisure.com 19thfeb25

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Host and global music line-up announced for F1 75 Live launch event​

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Formula 1 is excited to reveal F1 75 Live's headline performers, with the historic launch event taking place on

Tuesday, February 18.

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F1 75 Live will celebrate the drama and spectacle of Formula 1, with each team unveiling their 2025 livery in their own dedicated performance, and fans can also expect appearances from legends of the sport and global talent as stars from the track, stage, and screen descend on London to celebrate the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

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For fans at home, Formula 1 broadcasters from around the globe will televise the event live, and it will be streamed for free on F1’s social media channels, including YouTube.

 

There is just a day to go until F1 75 Live, the unprecedented season launch event taking place at London’s The O2 on February 18 – and details have been revealed on how fans can watch the event live.

For the first time ever, all 10 teams, their drivers and respective team principals will come together with fans to unveil their 2025 liveries and mark the start of the sport’s 75th anniversary year.

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Click here to find out more.

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Source: F1 - The Official Home of Formula 1® Racing ​17thFeb25

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Roman Colosseum Opens For Gladiator Combat Thanks To Airbnb Icons​

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Train in the art of gladiator combat as you face off against fellow warriors in this exclusive nighttime experience where you will have the famed arena all to yourself.

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A few lucky individuals will soon get the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime Gladiator experience at the legendary Roman Colosseum. For centuries, the Roman Colosseum has been the stage for epic battles and legendary gladiators. The latest offering from Airbnb Icons is the chance to discover if you have what it takes to conquer the arena inside the newly renovated Colosseum and emerge victorious.

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For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, and in celebration of Paramount Pictures’ Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II epic, the Colosseum returns to its original purpose as a venue for performances, inviting warrior recruits to step foot inside the arena to forge their own paths and shape their destinies.

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"Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination—until now," said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. "As life becomes increasingly digital, we're focused on bringing more magic into the real world. With Icons, we've created the most extraordinary experiences on Earth."

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Click here to read the full article and find out more.

 

Source: https://www.forbes.com 05thFeb25​​​​​​​

 

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America’s answer to Concorde prepares for first supersonic flight

 

In what could be a landmark moment for the return of supersonic travel, Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator aircraft is set to break the sound barrier for the first time on January 28.

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                            Decades of waiting

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When the XB-1 takes off from the Mojave Air and Space Port it will be in the same historic airspace where legendary pilot Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier for the first time in 1947.

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It’s now almost 55 years since the 002 prototype for Concorde first flew at Mach 1 on March 25, 1970, and more than 21 years since commercial supersonic travel ended with the Anglo-French airliner’s final flight in November 2023.

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Click here to read more

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Source: CNN travel 28thJan25​

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Travel Village Group staff help National Trust’s ‘Plant a Tree’ project

 

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Travel Village Group staff have taken part in the first of many volunteer days in support of the National Trust’s Plant A Tree initiative.

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Five employees used their charity day allowance to help plant new trees and create and restore hedgerows to provide a habitat for wildlife and combat climate change at High Peak in the Peak District. The initiative involves planting 1,400 new trees in total.

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“As someone who spends a lot of their time behind a screen, it was incredibly refreshing to get outdoors and contribute hands-on to such an important cause. Growing up, I spent weekends visiting National Trust sites, so being able to preserve these spaces for future generations was incredibly rewarding.”

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Ormerwood added: “Looking back to see all the trees and hedges we had planted throughout the day—it’s not very often you can say you’ve planted a chestnut tree that will be there for 150 years to come!”

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You can find out more by clicking here.

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Source: travel weekly 24thJan25

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Travel and tourism firms in ‘critical’ financial stress up by a third, report suggests

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A “worrying surge” in the number of businesses entering critical financial distress in the final quarter of 2024 has been disclosed by insolvency experts Begbies Traynor.

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The number of travel and tourism businesses in this category rose quarter-on-quarter by 36.7%.

Overall ‘critical’ financial distress rose by 50.2% to 46,853 companies, underscoring a deteriorating outlook, the ‘red flag alert’ report said.

The total number of UK businesses considered to be in ‘significant’ financial distress increased by 3.5% on the quarter to 654,765.

However, ‘significant’financial distress among travel and tourism businesses fell quarter-on-quarter by 3.8%.

The report covers 22 sectors and found that all but one saw a “noticeable increase” in the number of businesses in critical financial distress. 

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The growth in distress was “particularly concerning” in consumer facing sectors with hotels and accommodation up 83.63% and general retailers by 47.6%.

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Across nearly every sector, there has been a unprecedented level of growth in the number of firms who are at serious risk of entering insolvency in the next 12 months.

“The fact that the distress is being felt across almost every corner of the economy highlights how difficult the outlook is for UK businesses right now.

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“With many such businesses already operating on thin margins, I fear the current situation will undoubtedly push some over the edge.

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“Indeed, at a time when consumer confidence is so volatile and borrowing costs look likely to be structurally higher for the foreseeable future, the situation feels very precarious.

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Click here to read the full article.

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Source: travelweekly.co.uk/news/tourism/travel-and-tourism 24thJan25

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Fighting LA's fires from the sky

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For more than a week, the skies above Los Angeles have buzzed with helicopters, aeroplanes, and drones battling the most devastating fires in southern California history.

Helicopters in particular - able to drop vast volumes of water precisely and fly at night - have helped turn the tide against the wind-fuelled infernos that have killed at least 27 people and devoured thousands of buildings.

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For the pilots and helicopter teams - dropping water, refuelling, and working tirelessly to avoid crashes and burnout - the past 11 days have been career-defining and physically gruelling.

Taking part in one of the most ambitious aerial assaults on a wildfire ever seen, Cal Fire’s team have pioneered new tactics and learned lessons they hope will help others fighting the increasing numbers of wildfires globally.

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Click here to read their story and find out more, thank you.

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Source: BBC news 19thJan25

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Balance money and meaning. Value and purpose important

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1. Enrichment - Experience growth - up is not the only way, better work-life-balance

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2. Exploratory - explore and try. Tailor a role to to fit based on skills and interests. Network with other departments, cross training, special assignments/projects, webinars

 

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3. Lateral - different views by moving to another function or department.

Flexible and cross trained, equip for a better position for the future. Positive aspects and better work life balance. Building new skills. Disengaged employees become reinvested in their work. Don't accept a position you don't want

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4. Realignment - dropping back from a position or role. Opportunity to reflect on what you really want - re focus.

A realignment experience can rejuvenate a career that has become dreary or monotonous

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5. Vertical - promotion - meaningful work. Work that is significant

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6. Relocation - leaving organisations can be exciting, Move to a different part of the country or world 

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Don't forget the boomerang theory...

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"Talent stays when the future is hopeful, when it's not talent walks"

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