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March 11, 2025

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March 11, 2025

Deutsche Bahn presents new offers for travel agency sales

Belinda Borg March 11, 2025 14:01

At the International Tourism Exchange (ITB), Deutsche Bahn (DB) presented new measures to strengthen sales through travel agencies. The innovations include the introduction of the "My Bahncard 100" for young travelers up to 27 years of age, which will be available in DB agencies from April. From July, the "Super Sparpreis Young" will follow, which will also be offered through the classic sales channel. DB wants to further expand its portfolio in travel agency sales and make the same offers available to customers as on the online platforms. In addition to these products, the "Bahn Easy" booking tool is also being expanded. With the new "Graphical Seat Display" function, travel agents can now select seats even more precisely. In addition, the system will enable the sale of Bahncards and group trips in the future, and a new mid-office tool will simplify order management. Deutsche Bahn also wants to further boost ticket sales with a saver fare campaign. This runs until the end of the month. Another important part of the sales strategy is the cooperation with more than 2.000 tourism partners, including 1.800 agencies, 200 tour operators, airlines and online platforms. In an interview with "touristik aktuell", Stefanie Berk, Head of Sales and Marketing at DB Fernverkehr, explained that the group wants to cooperate more closely with the tourism industry in order to make rail travel even more attractive for holidaymakers.

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AirAsia shifts flights from Subang to Kuala Lumpur International

Stephen Steiner March 11, 2025 13:49

Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia has announced that it will relocate all its flights from the recently renovated Kuala Lumpur Subang Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from April 7, 2025. This decision is intended to help increase operational efficiency and improve service. According to a statement from AirAsia released on March 6, 2025, the airline has carefully assessed passenger flows and operational requirements. KLIA's Terminal T2 offers the best conditions to better handle the growing traffic. AirAsia currently operates twice-daily flights from Subang to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Both routes are recording 16% year-on-year passenger growth. The relocation of flights to KLIA is intended to enable the airline to meet the increasing passenger volumes. Subang, Kuala Lumpur's original civilian airport, is currently undergoing an expansion with an investment of MYR 2,7 billion (around US$612 million). By 2030, the renovated terminal in Subang is expected to be able to handle eight million passengers annually. With AirAsia leaving, only a few airlines will fly to Subang. The remaining operators include Batik Air Malaysia, Berjaya Air and Firefly, which mainly serve regional destinations in Malaysia as well as international connections to Singapore.

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Jan Gruber March 11, 2025 13:35

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) set a new passenger record in 2024. For the first time, more than 511 million passengers used the company's buses and trains, a significant increase compared to the 494 million passengers in 2023. These figures are not only evidence of the population's trust in public transport, but also an indicator of the ongoing trend towards increased use of trains and buses. In the wake of this development, ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä announced that more than 2030 billion euros will be invested in the expansion and modernization of rail transport by 6,1. The company plans to put a total of around 330 new trains on the rails to meet the increased demand. Growth in local and regional transport: 10 percent more passengers A particularly significant increase was recorded in local and regional transport. With a total of 254 million passengers, demand in this segment rose by around 10 percent compared to the previous year. ÖBB attributes this increase to several factors that played a role last year. On the one hand, the use of buses and trains increased after the trend towards home office declined. This meant that more and more commuters were again increasingly dependent on public transport. On the other hand, demand increased due to the increasing interest in excursions and leisure activities, for which travellers often prefer public transport. ÖBB was thus able to attract not only commuters but also tourist travellers to local transport. ÖBB is convinced that this positive trend will continue. A well-developed

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First Airbus A320neo delivered to Centrum Air

Stephen Steiner March 11, 2025 13:01

The leasing company BOC Aviation has handed over the first of two Airbus A320neo to the Uzbek airline Centrum Air. Both aircraft are equipped with the modern CFM Leap-1A engines. The second aircraft is expected to follow in the first half of 2024. Centrum Air plans to integrate the A320neo into its existing route network in order to expand capacity for medium-haul flights. The introduction of the A320neo represents an important step in the strategic direction of the airline, which wants to establish Uzbekistan as a central transport hub between East and West. The A320neo is considered a particularly efficient aircraft that helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions thanks to improved engines and optimized aerodynamics. By adding this aircraft type to its fleet, Centrum Air aims to further expand the range and efficiency of its air traffic and become more competitive on international routes. The delivery of the first A320neo is a significant milestone for the young airline, which is looking to position itself increasingly on the international market. By using modern and environmentally friendly aircraft, the airline aims to optimise its services on medium-haul flights and strengthen its market position.

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Latam Airlines expands long-haul service from Europe to Brazil – focus on Spain and Portugal

Belinda Borg March 11, 2025 12:47

The South American airline Latam Airlines announced a significant expansion of its long-haul offering during the ITB (International Tourism Exchange) 2025. In summer 2025, the airline will significantly increase its flight frequencies to Brazil, one of its most important destinations in Europe. In particular, connections from Spain and Portugal will be significantly expanded, which means a 36 percent increase in flight capacity on the market for flights to Brazil. From July to October, additional flights will be offered to meet the high demand. But the planned expansions also affect other European markets and reflect the growing importance of Brazilian metropolises in international air traffic. Expansion of routes from Spain and Portugal Latam Airlines will increase flight connections from Madrid to São Paulo between July and October. The flight frequency will increase from eleven to 14 flights per week. The Brazilian metropolis will also be served more frequently from Barcelona. Instead of four times a week, the route will now be offered six times a week. This shows how important the Spanish market has become for Latam. The airline is relying on modern aircraft, in particular the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is offered in a three-class configuration (Business, Premium Economy and Economy), and the Boeing 777, which has a Premium Business Class and Economy Plus seats. The choice of these aircraft types is not accidental: both models offer high efficiency and comfort for long-haul flights, which guarantees passengers a pleasant travel experience. In addition, Latam will also offer a new seasonal route from Portugal to Fortaleza. This will operate between April and October and

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Camping continues to boom: record numbers again in 2024

Amely Mizzi March 11, 2025 12:41

The camping segment in Germany has once again recorded a record year in 2024. With 42,9 million overnight stays, the number of overnight stays at campsites grew by 1,4 percent compared to the previous year. Statistically, this means that one in eleven overnight stays in German tourism takes place at a campsite. Bavaria was particularly popular, recording the most overnight stays. The continuously rising figures show that camping has long since established itself as an established form of vacation and is no longer just a niche trend. The number of overnight stays has been rising steadily for ten years, and compared to the pre-Corona year of 2019, there was an increase of almost 20 percent. A notable trend in 2024 is the increasing popularity of winter camping. The number of overnight stays rose significantly in the months of November and December in particular - by 22,2 percent in November and 12,4 percent in December. This indicates that camping is increasingly being used as a form of vacation for the whole year, not just during the summer months. In terms of regional differences, Bavaria leads the ranking of the most popular camping regions with 8,35 million overnight stays. This is followed by Lower Saxony with 6,03 million and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 5,53 million overnight stays. Bremen, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt recorded particularly high increases. Despite strong domestic mobility, camping remains popular with international guests, especially holidaymakers from the Netherlands and Switzerland. One of the outstanding campsites is Campingpark Kühlungsborn in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which was named the best campsite in Europe. Rosenfelder Strand Ostsee Camping in Schleswig-Holstein and Campingplatz Ecktannen in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are also among the best campsites in Europe.

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New tourist tax regulation on Mallorca: Measures against mass tourism

Belinda Borg March 11, 2025 12:06

As part of a comprehensive package of measures to combat the negative effects of mass tourism, the Balearic government has presented a reform of the tourist tax. The new regulation, which provides for both an increase in the tax in high season and an adjustment of the fee in low season, is intended to encourage tourism in the less busy months. The Balearic government under Minister Jaume Bauzà and government spokesman Antoni Costa aims to implement the changes as quickly as possible, although there is still uncertainty about the approval of the right-wing party Vox. From next year, the tax model will be expanded from the previous two-tier system to a four-tier system. In the months of June, July and August, the peak travel season, the tax will rise from 1 to 4 euros to 2,50 to 6 euros per night, depending on the accommodation. Cruise ship passengers will now have to pay 6 euros per night, instead of the current 2 euros. In the winter months, from November to February, the fee will be waived entirely in order to increase tourist demand during the low season. For the rest of the year, the tax will remain unchanged, varying between 25 cents and 4 euros per night depending on the accommodation and the period. Another aspect of the reform affects Mallorca residents. They will still have to pay the tourist tax, but can request a refund of up to 250 euros as part of their income tax return. In addition, a new tax will be introduced on vehicles registered abroad or on the mainland. This tax is aimed at holidaymakers and car rental companies and varies depending on the length of stay and the vehicle's emissions. With these measures, the government hopes

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ECJ: Boarding pass is sufficient as proof of confirmed flight booking

Jan Gruber March 11, 2025 12:05

In a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), it was decided that a boarding pass is sufficient proof of a confirmed flight booking. The case concerns two passengers flying from Tenerife to Warsaw on a package holiday who demanded compensation due to a significant delay of more than 22 hours. However, the airline refused to pay compensation as it considered that the copy of the boarding passes was not sufficient as valid proof of a confirmed booking. The Polish court referred the case to the ECJ, which did not share this view. The ECJ ruled that passengers who presented themselves for check-in and boarded the flight with a boarding pass can generally assume a confirmed booking. The ECJ clarified that it is the airline that must provide evidence when the flight was offered either free of charge or at a reduced price, and that such a discount is not automatically excluded by booking through a tour operator. In the event of a significant delay, European air passenger rights provide for compensation of up to 600 euros, depending on the flight route. The ruling strengthens the rights of passengers and makes it clear that boarding passes are sufficient proof of a confirmed booking, regardless of whether the flight was booked at a reduced fare or not.

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Stift Lilienfeld opens Stiftstaverne with new menu

Amely Mizzi March 11, 2025 11:48

Lilienfeld Abbey, one of the most important cultural destinations in Lower Austria, has reopened the doors of its abbey tavern after the winter break. From now on, visitors can enjoy monastic hospitality and a newly designed menu on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. Abbot Pius Maurer emphasizes that Lilienfeld Abbey has been a place of contemplation and hospitality for centuries, and that this tradition is continued with a modern and regionally influenced cuisine. The menu, developed by head chef Priska Gravogl, offers a mixture of traditional and modern dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients from the region. The abbey tavern should remain a place of encounter and enjoyment. Business Director Michael Renz is pleased about the start of the new season and invites all guests to discover the special ambience and the new culinary offerings.

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New scanner to combat drug smuggling: Belgium relies on innovative technology

Stephen Steiner March 11, 2025 11:44

The fight against drug smuggling is entering a new phase: as of today, Belgian customs authorities have access to a state-of-the-art body scanner that enables a revolutionary method of detecting drug smugglers at Brussels Airport. The new scanner, which indicates the rapid detection of drugs transported internally by so-called "swallowers" or "pushers", was ceremoniously unveiled this morning by Finance Minister Jan Jambon. The step represents a further development of previous procedures and demonstrates the country's efforts to combat international drug trafficking in a targeted and efficient manner. In 2024, a total of 21 drug smugglers were detected at Brussels Airport transporting drugs in the form of capsules or other packaging in their bodies. These "swallowers" or "pushers" are a common occurrence in the international drug trade, as they try to smuggle drugs such as cocaine, heroin or other substances, often in pure form, through international borders without customs officials noticing. But with the introduction of the body scanner, this could change – the scanner enables the authorities to check more quickly and precisely whether a person has drugs in their body. The new scanner: focus on speed and safety Previously, suspected travelers who may have swallowed drugs or introduced drugs into their body first had to take a urine test. If this test was positive, the person was transported to a hospital where a physical examination and an X-ray were carried out. The entire process could take several hours. With the new technology, this process is significantly shortened. "Thanks to the body scanner, we can now check for a positive drug test directly at the airport.

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