The Irish Travel Agents Association said the latest in a string of French air traffic control strikes will put holidaymakers off from visiting France. ITAA President John Spollen said: “Our members are disappointed by the announcement of the 24-hour strike by French Air Traffic Control which will pose major disruptions to Irish holidaymakers. This action […]

A record 90 beaches and marinas have achieved Blue Flag status, up from 88 last year. And the county with the most is Kerry; 13 beaches and one marina. Blue Flag began in Ireland in 1988 with 19 beaches and two marinas, with 81 beaches and seven marinas in the scheme last year. Ardmore in Waterford has […]

Irish passengers have been warned to check the status of their flights to France, with a strike in operation from 17.00 hours on Monday, May 21, and all day on May 22 until 05.00 on May 23. Airlines expect “severe” travel disruption due to a strike by French air traffic controllers and other public sector […]

Ryanair profit rose 10pc to €1.45bn Will fall this year to €1.25bn Strikes likely after union recognition Average fares down 3pc to €39, Passenger numbers up 9pc to 130m Load factor world record 95pc.  Michael O’Leary says Ryanair will review its luggage policy again if passengers continue to hand large numbers of bags at the gate. Ryanair […]

HEADLINES – AVIATION – AFLOAT – DEALWATCH – FOOD & WINE – HOTELS – INTERNATIONAL – IRELAND – STRANGE WORLD – TRAVEL TRADE   Things to know about travel this week Irish-American Joanna Hegarty becomes the most powerful woman in US aviation. Kenny and Bobby tell the world’s airheads to own their own distribution channel Agents […]

  A Cubana Boeing 737 – MSN 24900 – XA-UZK flying CU972 HAV-HOG was lost after take off at Havana Jose Marti airport. The aircraft was on lease from Mexican airline Global. It commenced flying in 1991 and previously flew with China Southern, Aerolineas Argentinas, Sudamericana de Aviacion, LAC Linea Aerea Cuencana and Easysky. Seating was in […]

Sad news: Jose Ramos has died. He was director of the Portuguese Tourist Board in Dublin 2005-13 and a great friend of the Irish travel trade. Related posts: Clodagh Connolly & Grogan’s Travel win Worldchoice awards Looking for a summer J-1 in the States? Get cracking now, US Embassy warns students ITAA statement: “Strong concern’ […]

15 deck Independence to be based in Southampton 3.858 capacity Features from Symphony of the Seas included after refurb Independence of the Seas, a veteran of cruise calls to Cóbh, has arrived in Southampton to homeport there for the summer after a multi-million euro makeover. Royal Caribbean says the family market will be a focus […]

HEADLINES – AVIATION – AFLOAT – DEALWATCH – FOOD & WINE – HOTELS – INTERNATIONAL – IRELAND – STRANGE WORLD – TRAVEL TRADE   Things to know about travel this week Terrible beauty is born: WB Yeats delay costs Irish Ferries owner €2.5m South Africa to make family visits easier with visa change Icelandair to […]