Ryanair has called upon eDreams CEO Dana Dunne to clarify false statements made in the Spanish media. These claims assert that eDreams “offers more competitive prices than Ryanair,” despite Ryanair’s monthly evidence indicating that eDreams and eDreams Prime are actually overcharging consumers.

During a call on 28th February, Dana Dunne, the CEO of eDreams, mentioned to investors that eDreams is “one of the largest flight retailers in the world” and hinted at having numerous options due to their scale and size, when asked about becoming an “Approved OTA” partner with Ryanair. However, just a month later, eDreams misrepresented facts to the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), falsely asserting an immediate risk to its survival if it couldn’t continue overcharging for Ryanair flights. This contradiction between eDreams’ statements to investors and to the AGCM suggests dishonesty towards one or both parties, now extended to the Spanish media.

Ryanair has established “Approved OTA” agreements with various OTAs, such as El Corte Inglés, Loveholidays, Kiwi, TUI, On the Beach, and eSky. These partnerships ensure transparent pricing for consumers, complying with EU law. This stands in stark contrast to eDreams and others using an OTA Pirate model, involving illegal digital piracy (screenscraping) of Ryanair.com and inflating prices with hidden charges or invented “fees,” significantly harming Spanish consumers, as highlighted in Ryanair’s recent OTA Pirate survey.

Ryanair is persistently advocating for consumer protection against overcharging online travel agency (OTA) entities like eDreams. They recently filed a complaint with the Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister, Pablo Bustinduy, on April 29th. In their complaint, they urged him to ban the eDreams “Prime” scheme, which deceives and overcharges unsuspecting Spanish consumers.

eDreams “Prime” lures customers with promises of “Discounts on 100% of your flights, accommodations, and car rentals.” However, it accomplishes this through concealed mark-ups and fictitious discounts on Ryanair airfares. This tactic tricks consumers into paying a yearly subscription fee of €64.99, yet they end up paying inflated prices due to eDreams’ hidden mark-ups. Consequently, subscribers gain no real benefits despite their €65 investment in the “Prime” subscription.

eDreams “Prime” epitomizes an anti-consumer scam, and Minister Bustinduy is urged to take action and outlaw this practice.

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary said:

“Ryanair calls on eDreams CEO, Dana Dunne, to explain why he is not only telling lies to regulators or his own shareholders with their contradictory claims. He should also explain eDreams false claims to the Spanish media too that eDreams ‘offer more competitive prices than Ryanair’, when eDreams continues to dupe and scam Spanish consumers with unjustified overcharges, hidden mark-ups and completely fabricated ‘fees’. Mr. Dunne should also explain why he’s unlawfully screenscraping Ryanair’s website and then using Ryanair’s very low fares to lure unsuspecting customers to his “eDreams Prime” subscription scam, which automatically renews in the second year at an increased price without delivering any real value to consumers, because eDreams still overcharges Prime subscribers for inflated Ryanair air fares and ancillary services.

“eDreams “Prime” has been baiting, scamming, and overcharging Spanish consumers for too long. We call on Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy to take immediate action to outlaw eDreams’ false marketing practices and put a stop to its fake discounts, its hidden mark-ups, its bogus “cancellation” fee for non-cancellable Ryanair flights, and its Prime subscription model which lacks transparency, but leads to automatic renewals and fee hikes without the consumer’s consent.”

Explore Ranthambore’s eco-friendly retreat, The Earth, offering exclusive spiritual and adventure activities this summer.

The Earth at Ranthambore in Rajasthan, under the Earthian Hotel brand, champions sustainability as a core ethos and is presenting its specially designed collection of exclusive spiritual and adventure experiences for the upcoming summer months of May and June 2024.

Situated beyond the well-known Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, the district of Sawai Madhopur offers numerous attractions, including the Pali Ghat Crocodile and Alligator Safari, the ancient Sawai Madhopur Fort with the Trinetra Ganesh Temple, and the sacred Amreshwar Mahadev Temple.

A standout activity in May and June is the Pali Ghat Crocodile Safari along the Chambal River, where visitors can witness the emergence of alligator and crocodile hatchlings. The region is also celebrated for its historic temples and the majestic 944 AD Sawai Madhopur Fort, which is adorned with temples, reservoirs, large gates, and expansive walls.

Visitors staying at The Earth at Ranthambore can partake in daily activities such as viewing wildlife documentaries, engaging in pottery wheel sessions, enjoying Rajasthani cultural shows, participating in magic performances during high tea, and savoring gourmet dishes.

An exceptional feature of the eco-friendly rammed mud and wooden cottages at the resort is their natural insulation. This design ensures a comfortable stay without the need for artificial cooling. The use of non-irritating construction materials means guests can avoid allergies and immerse themselves in a rejuvenating natural environment.

Qatar Airways revolutionizes the airline industry by integrating AI-driven experiences and virtual reality through QVerse, enhancing customer interactions and setting new standards in air travel.

In an era where digital transformation is inevitable, Qatar Airways is not just keeping up but setting the pace for the future of air travel. With the launch of QVerse, a sophisticated virtual reality platform, the airline aims to transcend traditional boundaries and offer a pioneering, immersive experience that not only prepares passengers for their travels but also revolutionizes the concept of customer service through the use of artificial intelligence and virtual environments.

QVerse: A Gateway to Revolutionary Air Travel

Qatar Airways has taken a bold step into the metaverse with the introduction of QVerse, allowing passengers to explore its range of services in a virtual setting before even setting foot on an aircraft. This innovative approach is not merely about showcasing the airline’s premium offerings—it’s about enhancing customer understanding and satisfaction, providing a preview that ensures passengers know exactly what to expect from their travel experience.

At the heart of QVerse is Sama, the industry’s first-ever MetaHuman cabin crew member. Sama guides users through various premium services, from the comfort of navigating through the first-class check-in to exploring the luxurious Qsuite. This AI-driven assistant is not just a digital entity but a representation of Qatar Airways’ dedication to top-tier customer service and technological advancement.

During the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, one of the most significant travel and tourism events globally, Qatar Airways stole the spotlight with an impressive demonstration of Sama, their pioneering MetaHuman cabin crew. This event, renowned for highlighting the latest trends and technologies in the tourism sector, provided the perfect platform for Qatar Airways to illustrate how it’s harnessing cutting-edge technology to redefine passenger experiences.

Enhancing User Experience with AI and VR

The creation of Sama and the immersive environment of QVerse are supported by cutting-edge technology from Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, which renders high-fidelity 3D virtual humans and environments. This level of detail and realism in the virtual world is crucial as it helps bridge the gap between digital exploration and real-world expectations.

Qatar Airways’ investment in such technology signifies a shift in how airlines view the role of digital interaction. Virtual reality in QVerse offers a “try before you buy” experience that not only delights customers but also empowers them to make informed decisions about their travel options, potentially leading to higher satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Strategic Redefinition of Airline Customer Service

By implementing AI and VR, Qatar Airways is redefining the scope of airline customer service. The traditional approach of face-to-face interaction is being enhanced with virtual assistance that can provide 24/7 service, offering help and solving problems in ways that were previously unimaginable in the airline industry. This is a game-changer, especially for an industry where timing and quick access to information are crucial.

The potential of AI in this domain extends beyond customer service. Qatar Airways envisions AI-driven tools that could personalize travel recommendations, optimize booking processes, and even predict and solve potential issues before they affect passengers. This proactive approach in customer service could significantly enhance operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

Challenges and Opportunities in VR Integration

While the integration of VR and AI presents numerous opportunities, it also comes with challenges. The primary challenge for Qatar Airways is delivering a VR experience that accurately represents the real-world service quality. This is critical as any disparity between virtual promises and actual service can lead to customer dissatisfaction.

Furthermore, the development of VR content requires significant investment in technology and expertise. Qatar Airways addresses this by utilizing the Unreal Engine for creating immersive experiences that are not only realistic but also scalable, allowing for future enhancements and features.

The Future of Airline Travel with AI and VR

As the technology evolves, so too will QVerse. Future developments may include integration with VR headsets for more realistic experiences, customizable avatars for a personal touch, and possibly even NFT boarding passes, adding a layer of exclusivity and innovation to the travel experience.

The potential for VR and AI in airline travel is vast and extends beyond customer service. These technologies could revolutionize training programs, maintenance procedures, and even in-flight entertainment, making them more effective and engaging.

Conclusion: Setting the Trend for Tomorrow

Qatar Airways is not just following trends but creating them. By integrating AI and VR into their service offerings, they are not only enhancing customer experience but also building a foundation for future technological integrations. As consumer expectations evolve and technology advances, Qatar Airways’ early adoption of these technologies places it in a prime position to lead the industry.

With QVerse, Qatar Airways is demonstrating that the future of airline travel is here, characterized by innovation, enhanced customer interaction, and an unwavering commitment to improving every aspect of air travel.

Tourism Seychelles is currently active at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from May 6th to May 9th, 2024, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE.

Recognized as a premier gathering in the travel sector, the Arabian Travel Market attracts over 28,000 influential buyers and travel professionals, solidifying its status as a pivotal event in the global travel industry for more than thirty years.

Heading the Tourism Seychelles delegation is Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, accompanied by Mrs. Sherin Francis, the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing, and Mr. Ahmed Fathallah, Tourism Seychelles’ representative for the Middle East. Ambassador Gervais Moumou, Seychelles’ resident Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, also graced the occasion.

The delegation is further augmented by representatives from local businesses, including 7 South, Berjaya Resorts Seychelles, Eden Bleu Hotel, Luxe Voyage Holidays, Luxury Travel, Masons Travel, Ocean Blue Travel, Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa/ Corall Strand Smart Choice Hotel, and Summer Rain Tours.

Looking ahead to Tourism Seychelles’ objectives for the event, Mrs. Willemin, the Director General for Destination Marketing, commented, “We anticipate an enriching experience in the days ahead. The ATM offers a distinctive platform for networking and staying abreast of the latest travel trends driving the Arabian Travel Market. Our focus will be on fortifying our presence in the Middle Eastern Market, ensuring Seychelles retains its status as a highly coveted holiday destination.”

Tourism Seychelles is primed to interact with industry leaders during the event, spotlighting the irresistible charm of the island destination. The United Arab Emirates remains among Seychelles’ top ten markets, with 5,302 visitors recorded as of April 28th, 2024, since the beginning of the year.

Air India has appointed SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) as its strategic partner for the development of Air India’s Base Maintenance facilities at Bengaluru.

As part of the partnership, Air India will work closely with SIAEC on the planning, construction, development and operationalization of Air India’s Base Maintenance facilities in Bengaluru, India. Projected to be ready in 2026, the facilities will comprise both widebody and narrowbody hangars, including associated repair shops, to support the growing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) needs of the aircraft fleet in Air India Group.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The collaboration with SIA Engineering Company will not only help Air India become more self-reliant for the maintenance of its own fleet but it also reiterates our commitment to strengthen India’s aviation infrastructure by boosting the growth of the country’s MRO industry.”

Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer, SIAEC, said: “We are delighted to be able to play a small part in Air India’s amazing transformation journey and look forward to working closely with the Air India team to ensure the success of this project. This appointment marks another significant milestone in the development of the partnership between Air India and SIAEC. Going forward, we hope to have even more opportunities to collaborate with Air India in the MRO space in India.”

Air India had earlier announced setting up a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (operated by Bangalore International Airport Ltd) starting with Airframe Maintenance through the development of widebody and narrowbody aircraft hangars for all checks.

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