EasyJet’s Lyon Route Resumes to Budapest!

Hold onto your seatbelts, Budapest, because easyJet is flying back into town with its twice-weekly flights between Budapest and Lyon! After a pandemic hiatus that had us all wondering if our travel plans were just a dream, this route is making a grand comeback. So, dust off your berets and pack your ski poles—your French adventure is ready to take off!

Lyon Meets Budapest: A Match Made in Jetstream Heaven

In a delightful twist of fate, easyJet’s relaunch of this route is set to offer over 2,500 seats each month, and guess what? It’s flying solo—no direct competition in sight! With Budapest Airport’s management team at VINCI Airports celebrating this return like it’s the revival of disco, it’s clear this route is as hot as a fresh croissant out of the oven.

And let’s not forget the tourism boom: 193,000 French tourists visited Budapest in 2023, up by 7% from before the pandemic. That’s a lot of berets and baguettes finding their way to Hungarian hot springs and thermal baths! Máté Ritter, Head of Airline Development at Budapest Airport, is practically doing a happy dance over the figures. Last year, 22,000 adventurous souls traveled indirectly between Lyon and Budapest—proving that this route isn’t just popular, it’s practically legendary.

From French Alps to Hungarian Heat: Ski or Sip, Your Call

With Lyon’s proximity to the French Alps, expect a flurry of Hungarian skiers and snow enthusiasts joining the fun. Or if you’re more into sipping coffee and people-watching, Budapest has that covered too. Either way, easyJet has got your back!

Lyon is now easyJet’s fourth destination from Budapest, joining the ranks of London Gatwick, Basel, and Geneva. And as if that’s not enough, easyJet is also gearing up to resume its Budapest to Paris Charles de Gaulle route this October, offering four flights a week.

EasyJet’s Lyon Route Resumes to Budapest

So, if you’ve been dreaming of a French escape or just want to experience a bit of Budapestian magic, now’s your chance. Buckle up, because easyJet is making travel dreams come true, one flight at a time!

Contact our DMC in Budapest to plan your next trip or alternatively if you fancy France as your next group trip check out our DMC in France. 

Direct Belgrade-Nice Flights Return 2024

Looking to jet off to the French Riviera without breaking the bank? Good news! Air Serbia is bringing back its direct flights between Belgrade and Nice, starting 19 September 2024. Imagine this: you can sip your morning coffee in Belgrade, and by lunchtime, you'll be basking in the Mediterranean sun in Nice. Operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, this service isn’t just about getting you from point A to point B—it’s about getting you to a glass of rosé on the Promenade des Anglais faster than you can say "bonjour."

Belgrade-Nice route was first launched as a seasonal service in 2019, meeting summer travel demands. However, due to its popularity and growing demand for travelling between these two vibrant cities, Air Serbia has decided to renew it as a year-round, scheduled service. This strategic decision reflects the high demand for travel to Nice among various people that are served by Air Serbia through more flexible journeys within reach.

Those flying from Belgrade to Nice can easily connect with their final destinations across the vast network of Air Serbia via Nikola Tesla Airport. Be it Athens with all its historical landmarks, Vienna that is full of cultural hubbub or Istanbul with the hectic markets; short stopovers are all they need for an easy journey.

Direct Belgrade-Nice Flights Return 2024

Nice is considered one of the best tourist destinations along the French Riviera because of its stunning Mediterranean beaches, lively cultural life combined with historic sites as well as modern attractions. From Promenade des Anglais overlooking scenic views to noisy local markets selling French food specialties like no other city does, Nice represents an interesting mixture of calmness and entertainment which is ideal both for vacationers or businessmen alike.

This route’s reinstation would also boost business ties between France and Serbia allowing more opportunities for trade and commerce hence promoting tourism. Moreover this route helps in fulfilling the increasing desires by European travelers who want new cultures different from theirs so enhancing Air Serbia’s role in regional/international aviation industry.

By resuming services between Belgrade and Nice, Air Serbia demonstrates such dedication towards expanding operations as well as responding to customers’ needs. 

Key Highlights Direct Belgrade-Nice Flights Return 2024:

• Resumption Date: 19 September 2024.
• Flight Frequency: Two times per week on Thursdays and Sundays.
• Route History: Over time, it has changed from being a seasonal flight plan (2019) to a nonstop one that operates throughout the year.
• Connectivity: Athens, Vienna and Istanbul are some of Air Serbia’s other destinations across Europe and beyond that have direct connections with Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.
• Destination Appeal: The city of Nice boasts charms like those found in typical Mediterranean settings, coupled with busy cultural life mixed with ancient sites alongside post-modern attractions.
• Economic Impact: It is anticipated that it will enhance Serbian-French commercial relationship boosting trade, tourism and cultural exchange activities between these two countries.
• Air Serbia’s Commitment: These expanding activities continue to show how much this company cares about its clients while improving service quality.

Looking for help planning your next group trip to Belgrade? Contact our excellent DMC in Serbia 

Weather in Belgrade

Bogotá-Paris route Launched after 20 years - 

The renowned Latin American airline, Avianca has announced its return to Paris via a newly opened direct route from Bogotá after 20 years of break. Starting with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircrafts having Avianca’s premium Insignia experience in Business Class, the first flight flew out of Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Highlights of the Bogota-Paris Route:

• Enhanced Connectivity: Initially, Avianca will operate up to five flights per week and then add five more starting from July 15th, 2024 strengthening connections between Latin America and Europe.
• Exclusive Business Class Experience: Gourmet meals are prepared by chef Álvaro Clavijo for people traveling in business class as well as amenity kits containing products made by indigenous Gunadule community.
• Cargo Capacity: Avianca Cargo offers more than 1,000 tons of weekly capacity for transporting perishables, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals and general cargo from Latin America to Europe.

Bogotá-Paris route Launched after 20 years

As much as this strategic move expands Avianca’s network across over 25 countries and reaches up to 75 destinations in total; it also underlines its status as the official airline for Colombian Olympic Committee (COC), Ecuadorian Olympic Committee (COE), and Salvadoran National Olympic Committee (CONS). Therefore this partnership aids regional athletes going for Paris Olympics and stimulates tourism and economic growth not only within Colombia but beyond its borders.

Avianca's initiative further solidifies El Dorado Airport’s position as an international travel hub thereby enhancing tourist visits and business deals between Colombia and Europe. This matches government goals on economic development while supporting global links building through Avianca around the world too.

For travellers seeking seamless journeys between Bogota and Paris coupled with an excellent service delivery rendered by none other than Avianca that comes with luxurious blendings among others.

Interested in either of these fantastic destinations? Check out our DMC in France here and our DMC in Colombia here

New Airline Routes Launching Worldwide July 2024 - 

As summer travel season begina, airlines are announcing numerous new routes globally in July 2024 that present travellers with more destination options and improve worldwide connections. Here’s a glimpse at some of the most significant additions:

New Connections in Americas

Starting July 6, Aerolineas Argentinas will launch weekly flights from Buenos Aires Aeroparque J. Newbery (AEP) to Porto Seguro (BPS) . This will open up the famous Brazilian coastal city to Argentine tourists who would love to spend their summer vacations there.

From the 1st of July, Aeromexico will introduce an everyday service from Mexico City Juarez (MEX) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU) thus enhancing connectivity between Mexico and the southeastern United States.

Beginning on July 1, United Airlines will operate daily flights between San Francisco (SFO) and Montreal (YUL)  hence improving air transport accessibility between these two major cities.

Also starting on July 3, LATAM Airlines Group is commencing daily flights on Bogota (colombia) (BOG)-Madrid (MAD)-787-8 route for enhanced transatlantic availability.

Alaska Airlines is extending its global footprint by introducing nonstop services from Los Angeles (LAX) to La Paz (Bolivia) (LAP) and Monterrey (Mexico) (MTY) exclusive only beginning February 2025-thus becoming the sole US airline operating a direct flight service into these vibrant Mexican destinations.

Delta Air Lines is set to operate 14 weekly flights between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) starting July 8th as a move towards improving domestic connectivity.

Expansions in Europe

Once a week Air France willconnect Paris Charles de Gaulle with Kalamata Greece  starting from July 6th thus availing this Greek city to tourists seeking something different.

Effective July 1st,Austrian Airlines will begin six weekly fights from Vienna (VIE) to Boston Logan (BOS) in order to increase the number of transatlantic services.

Eurowings will connect Berlin Brandenburg to Casablanca (Morocco) once a week from July 21st expanding its North Africa destinations list.

By July 4, Ryanair has plans of having twice weekly flights from Bristol (BRS) to Prague (PRG) thus extending its European network.

New Routes in Asia

From the end of July, Air China is starting three weekly trips between Chengdu (TFU)-Milan Malpensa(MXP) so as to increase accessibilities from China into Italy.

China Airlines will start conducting five flights per week from Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan(TPE)/Seattle-Tacoma(SEA) beginning July 14th hence providing more pacific rim connections.

From the first of July, Thai AirAsia will introduce daily services plying Bangkok Don Mueang(DMK)-Beijing Daxing(PKX)-A320neo thus increasing traveling by Thai people to china.

Starting on the 18th of July, Jin Air will launch daily flights Seoul Incheon(ICN)/Panglao(TAG) thus making it easy for tourists wishing to visit the Philippines have access places they want with ease.

Expanding Travel in Africa and Middle-East

Starting on July 23rd, Egyptair begins flying twice every week between Cairo(CAI)/Lisbon(LIS) which adds to European connections.

On the 1st of July, Gulf Air is launching four weekly flights from Bahrain (BAH)/Munich(MUC) thus enhancing air connections between the Middle East and Europe.

A four times a week service from Mombasa (MBA) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) will be commenced by Jambojet on July 1st  as a move to enhance regional connectivity in East Africa.

Long Haul Flights from Australia

Qantas Airways is launching the route between Perth (PER) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which will operate four times weekly,  starting July 12th. This will offer Australian travellers another way of flying long distances to Europe.

These New Airline Routes Launching Worldwide July 2024 are an indication of their determination to spread out their networks and give customers more travel choices. Starting this July, people can now explore numerous fresh places for either business or leisure purposes.

New Direct Flights to Las Vegas -

Easy Connections to major cities

Aer Lingus operates with ease allowing passengers from different European cities including Manchester, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam and Dusseldorf. These New Direct Flights to Las Vegas just made travelling much easier. 

Aer Lingus will celebrate the launch of their first ever flight from Dublin to fun-filled Las Vegas by flying on the 25th of October, 2024. It is suggested that you book in advance so as not to miss out on a winter break in the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.

From just before this year’s mid-term, Aer Lingus will be serving its customers three days per week i.e. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday up-to April 29th, 2025 which includes Easter midterm break. The operator for this route would be Airbus A330-300 known for its spaciousness thus providing comfortable travel experience to passengers.

Why Choose Las Vegas?

Popularly known as Sin City, Las Vegas has gained an international reputation as an ultimate winter sun and leisure destination with dazzling shows, electrifying concerts, thrilling sports events like the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix and magnificent natural attractions like the Grand Canyon. If you love sports or entertainment or nature itself then you must visit Las Vegas.

More Than Just Entertainment

The variety of options for entertainment is infinite ranging from live performances by legends like Garth Brooks and Adele and shows by popular groups such as Cirque du Soleil and Jersey Boys. In addition to its vibrant nightlife, world-class food joints plus iconic casinos make this city a top-rated tourist destination.

Flight Details

• Flight Schedule:  3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
• Departure from Dublin (DUB) at 15:20 hrs and arrival in Las Vegas (LAS) at 17:50 hrs.
• Departure from Las Vegas (LAS) at 19:35 hrs and arrival in Dublin (DUB) at 13:10+1
• Flight Time: Approximately 10 hours

Why not let our fabulous DMC in Las Vegas help plan your next trip to 'Sin City'? 

Source

Olympic Games 2024 with So French DMC

Are you ready for the most exciting 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! It will take place from the 26th of July till the 11th of August. During these days, Paris will be filled with world-class athletes, breathtaking events and unforgettable emotions. And you know what? Your top destination management company in France So French DMC won’t let you miss a thing.

Imagine seeing athletes sprinting down Champs-Élysées, gymnasts doing flips at Grand Palais or maybe epic beach volleyball matches with Eiffel Tower as a background… This is like a dream coming true – and it can come true!

So French DMC is your must-have golden ticket to the best Olympics ever. We know Paris like the backside of our hands, so we are here to get you front seats, backstage tours access (not literally), and even try to help you run into some Olympians. Just kidding but who knows!

But wait, there’s more! Paris will be a whirlwind of fun beyond the stadiums. We're talking cultural events, lively festivals, and celebrations that’ll have you dancing in the streets. Let So French be your guide through this vibrant city. From world-class museums to gourmet dining that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, theyve got the insider scoop on all things Parisian.

Olympic Games 2024 with So French DMC

Need a break from the excitement? They’ve got the best accomodations in town lined up for you. Imagine unwinding with a glass of wine on a private terrace, overlooking the Seine, while the city sparkles around you. Sounds dreamy, right? With So French DMC, it’s reality.

So, come join So French DMC for the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris! We promise it’ll be a trip filled with magic, excitement, and a touch of Parisian je ne sais quoi.

Book with So French DMC today, and get ready for an adventure that’s as epic as the Games themselves. Vive les Jeux Olympiques et vive Paris!

Olympic Games schedule

Brussels Airport Announces 9 New Destinations

Spring may be late but as anticipated on 31st March, the summer season at Brussels airport will open again with a number of classic sunny destinations and new routes. For this summer, travellers from Brussels will have direct flights to 178 destinations in 64 countries through the 64 airlines operating there. The other eight are Singapore, China’s Shanghai, Kenya’s Nairobi, Norway’s Bergen, Poland’s Krakow; Italy’s Bari; Romania’s Bacau and Turkey’s Gazipasa. Additionally, Brive-la-Gaillarde Vallée de la Dordogne Valley is also expected to touch down at Brussels Airport for the first time.

Like last year's three-month break millions of Europeans can opt for distant trip or stay near their homes using city trip or spending family holidays by the sea or visiting friends abroad: 178 direct connections all over the world with air carriers (among which six are new ones) offer something to everyone.

Useful information:

Summer season has brought 178 direct routes from Belgium served by 64 air companies. They have added another 8 new destinations including Singapore, Shanghai, Nairobi,Bergen,Krakow,Bari,Bacau,Gazipasa. Also they’ve got Juneyao Airlines,Hainan Airlines and Singapore Airlines among six additions this year.

Brussels Airlines will introduce two new services this summer: Nairobi and Krakow. In addition they plan on buying one A330-300 aircraft and three A320neos thereby enabling them to operate on a total of 88 destinations. This includes their presence in Sub-Saharan Africa that consists of eighteen cities and two North American centres. Moreover Transavia will park its third aircraft at Brussels Airport for the period.

United Airlines is planning a second daily flight to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) therefore making four flights per day only from there. Air Canada has decided to serve more flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) while Air Transat is putting on more services between Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and YYZ.

Air Arabia Maroc has enriched its Moroccan network with two new routes: Tetouan (TTU) and Rabat-Sale (RBA). Therefore, the total of them within Morocco is seven.

This summer Brussels Airport has a strong schedule that satisfies customers’ various needs both for Europe and even beyond!

Tunisia's Soaring Connectivity to Europe: A Record-Breaking Summer

Tunisia has more capacity to Europe than any other African country, after Morocco and Egypt, . It will offer a record 3.54 million departing seats between April and October, according to Cirium data, a 14.6% rise over 2019. In the past two decades, this is only the fourth time that Tunisian capacity has exceeded three million seats — showing strong recovery from the  global pandemic among other things.

Highlights of Tunisia's Soaring Connectivity to Europe:

• Record Capacity: Highest ever for Tunisia with 3.54 million departing seats.
• Strong Growth: Up by 14.6% on 2019.
• Resilient Recovery: Overcoming the impacts of theglobal pandemic etc.

However, development has been held back by delays to an eagerly anticipated EU open skies agreement – much like Morocco, increased foreign (Ultra)LCC presence would benefit Tunisia to stimulate tourism and VFR traffic. Nevertheless, significant growth has been recorded by Nouvelair – a leisure operator based in Tunisia.

A Record Summer with Many New European Routes:

Over 30 new routes have been launched this summer – all are brand-new or not operated within the last decade by stated carriers; All are 2-weekly, except those with an *, which are weekly, and **, which are 3-weekly:

• 14 March: Nouvelair, Tunis-Basel (Switzerland)
• 27 March: easyJet, Bristol-Enfidha
• 31 May: Eurowings, Stuttgart-Monastir*
• 31 May: TUI fly Deutschland, Stuttgart-Djerba*
• 3 April: Nouvelair, Tunis-Berlin
• 5 April: Eurowings, Dusseldorf-Monastir
• 7 April: Nouvelair, Tunis-Bordeaux
• 19 April: Nouvelair, Sfax-Paris CDG
• 3 May: Eurowings Discover, Frankfurt-Monastir
• 6 May: Bulgaria Air, Sofia-Djerba*
• 26 May: Nouvelair, Tunis-Munich
• 1 June: Nouvelair, Djerba-Poznan*
• 1 June: Nouvelair, Sfax-Istanbul IST
• 12 June: Neos, Milan MXP-Djerba
• 12 June: Neos, Verona-Djerba*
• 12 June: Nouvelair, Monastir-Lublin/Katowice*
• 19 June: Neos, Bologna-Djerba/Monastir*
• 19 June: Neos, Rome FCO-Djerba/Monastir*
• 28 June: Nouvelair, Monastir-Bratislava*
• 19 June: Nouvelair, Tunis-Stockholm ARN*
• 2 July: Brussels Airlines, Brussels-Monastir
• 4 July: Eurowings, Hamburg-Tunis*
• 7 July: Nouvelair, Monastir-Banja Luka*
• 17 July: Nouvelair, Tunis-Milan MXP
• 10 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-Frankfurt**
• 11 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-Copenhagen*
• 14 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-St Petersburg
• 17 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-Bologna
• 29 October: easyJet, Basel-Enfidha
• 30 October: easyJet, London LTN-Enfidha**
• 30 October: Transavia France, Paris ORY-Tozeur

This year has seen a tremendous increase in the number of flights between Tunisia and Europe, with new routes being added at an unprecedented rate. Six airports in Tunisia now have direct flights from European cities, including Tozeur which will receive its first European flight since Tunisair stopped flying there last year when Transavia France starts serving Paris Orly on 30 October.

These developments demonstrate that Tunisia is serious about growing its tourism industry and aviation sector – an exciting future awaits for travellers and the country’s economy.

Tunisia has never been so easy to get to. Why not let our fantastic DMC in Tunisia help plan your next trip? Contact Barclay's Group Travel and get planning the trip of a lifetime!

200 weekly flights and 17 new routes announced by Ryanair

June 8, 2023 -  Ryanair has announced a significant expansion for its Winter '23 schedule, including 200 weekly flights and the introduction of 17 new routes to and from Albania. This expansion marks Albania as the 37th country within Ryanair's extensive network. It will offer immediate access to vital inbound tourism markets, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and the UK. Additionally, this initiative will bring competitive fares and improved connectivity for Albanians who wish to travel to their homeland or visit friends and family abroad.

These exciting new Winter routes will help Albania in achieving substantial growth in the tourism industry. It is well-established that countries benefit greatly from the presence of major airlines like Ryanair, which can contribute to capacity growth. Ryanair has consistently and successfully demonstrated its role in supporting European economies heavily reliant on tourism, such as Spain, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, and Malta.

Source: https://ryanair.com