In Travel News for February 10th, 2023 we talk about Japanese Cherry Blossom Tours, Abercrombie & Kent’s 2024-2025 Cruise itineraries, and Frankfurt airport is implementing full biometric processing.
Abercrombie & Kent Previews 2024-2025 Luxury Expedition Cruises
Abercrombie & Kent, a leading Luxury Travel company, has just previewed its 2024-2025 Luxury Expedition Cruises portfolio, featuring 17 cruises on all seven continents. From the North Pole to the South Pacific, A&K is offering its guests the opportunity to explore some of the most remote and least-visited destinations in the world. With the focus on luxury and comfort, guests can expect to embark on a journey unlike any other with the help of A&K's award-winning Expedition Team.
In 2024, A&K will embark on its first ever expedition to the North Pole, exclusively chartering the innovative luxury icebreaker ‘Le Commandant Charcot.’ In the fall of the same year, the company will explore the crossroads of ancient civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean, from Greece to Saudi Arabia, and the pristine reefs and beaches of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
In addition to these new voyages, Abercrombie & Kent is also offering a range of guest-favorite expeditions, including cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic, adventures in Asia and Africa, and culture-rich explorations in Europe. With a variety of cruises to choose from, guests can pick and choose their favorite destinations and combine them into longer, more comprehensive voyages.
From the tropical paradise of the Seychelles to the ancient ruins of Greece, the scenic coastlines of the British Isles to the stunning beauty of Antarctica, Abercrombie & Kent has something to offer everyone. With its commitment to luxury, comfort, and safety, A&K is the perfect choice for anyone looking to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with Abercrombie & Kent!
Frankfurt Airport Goes Biometric
Frankfurt airport is all set to take the travel experience to a whole new level by introducing a fully biometric processing system this year, in a joint partnership with aviation IT provider Sita and technology giant NEC.
Starting from this spring, the biometric system, which is based on face scanning, will be implemented at all Frankfurt airport terminals, from check-in to boarding gates. Passengers can enroll at a kiosk or counter and then proceed through automated security and boarding gates with biometric touchpoints scanning their faces.
The system utilises NEC's face recognition technology and digital identity management platform, integrated with Sita’s 'Smart Path' passenger processing system, offering a seamless and convenient travel experience. The platform will be available to all airlines operating at Frankfurt airport who wish to adopt the technology.
Lufthansa passengers enrolled in the Star Alliance Biometrics system will have their biometric identities automatically uploaded to the platform, eliminating the need for them to enroll again. Passengers who prefer not to use the biometric system can check-in and proceed through the airport as per usual.
In a statement, Sita said that the project breaks new ground in digital travel by providing a common-use biometric platform at all Frankfurt airport terminals, combining day-of-travel enrolment, Star Alliance Biometrics, and additional biometric hubs under the umbrella of the Sita Smart Path platform.
The Star Alliance group of 26 airlines is planning to roll out biometric passenger processing across its global network, making the travel experience faster, convenient and hassle-free. Fraport's executive director for aviation and infrastructure, Pierre Dominique Prümm, said that they are excited to transform the travel experience for passengers across all terminals and carriers with one simple solution.
Sita's President for Europe, Sergio Colella, stated that the implementation at Frankfurt airport is leading the industry in responding to passenger demands for greater autonomy and convenience while maximizing operational efficiencies. NEC's Vice President for Advanced Recognition Systems, Jason Van Sice, added that they are proud to combine their technical know-how with Sita's understanding of the air transport industry, in support of Star Alliance's initiative to bring these benefits to its broader network.
The biometric processing system is set to revolutionize the travel experience for passengers traveling through Frankfurt airport, offering a future-proof infrastructure that can grow and adapt to changing industry demands and travel patterns.
Japan's Cherry Blossom Season Tours: Get Your Travel Plans in Bloom for 2024
Japan is once again open for travel and visitors can now start planning their dream trip to experience the stunning beauty of the Cherry Blossom Season in 2024. InsideJapan Tours, a specialist in travel to Japan, has released its tour dates for the cherry blossom season in response to the high demand for travel to the country this year.
Peak Cherry Blossom Season in Japan is from late March to early April and while new inquiries for travel prior to April 12th have been put on hold, travelers are encouraged to consider visiting in May or during another season. John McMillan, Trade Marketing Manager at InsideJapan Tours, says, "It's great to see Japan firmly established on travel wish lists after a successful 2019 and we're thrilled to be picking up where we left off as people want to travel to Japan again."
InsideJapan Tours offers several different tours during the Cherry Blossom Season with three travel styles to choose from: Classic, Essential and All-Inclusive. From the bustling city of Tokyo to ancient temples, travelers can immerse themselves in the best of Japan while also admiring the cherry blossom season in all its splendor.
Don't miss out on the chance to witness one of nature's most beautiful events in the land of the rising sun. Book your cherry blossom tour with InsideJapan Tours today and get ready for an unforgettable travel experience.