Author: marine

Is ChatGPT or a travel agent better at planning trips? Here’s our pick

Planning a holiday can be stressful — that’s where travel agents come in.

But now, travelers have another option: chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard AI and Microsoft Bing. Simply input a prompt and watch the travel recommendations pour in. The best parts? It’s instantaneous and, for the most part, free.

But which is better when it comes to planning vacations?

Intrepid Travel, a small group travel agency, accepted CNBC Travel’s request to find out.

CNBC asked both sides to plan a two-day trip for four friends, all in their mid-20s, to Melbourne, Australia.

Here’s how they fared.

Where to stay in

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Travel agent who chartered flight to Seville for Rangers fans accused of pocketing thousands for trips that don’t exist

A TRAVEL agent blasted by Seville-bound Rangers fans is being probed by a watchdog over a string of complaints about luxury holidays that allegedly came to nothing.

Conor Campbell, 25, faces claims he arranged dream trips for clients who were allegedly left in the lurch after paying thousands to his firm Travel Inspired Ltd.

Conor Campbell's travel firm is being investigated by an industry watchdog

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Conor Campbell’s travel firm is being investigated by an industry watchdog
Customers claim Campbell took cash for holiday bookings that didn't exist

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Customers claim Campbell took cash for holiday bookings that didn’t exist
It's scared Campbell is living it up on holiday while customers try to get their money back

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It’s scared Campbell is living it up on holiday while customers try to get their money back

It’s now emerged holiday

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Travel agents warn against increase in scams as tourism industry continues to fall victim to fraudsters

Johannesburg – Spring is in the air and many South Africans are already planning their end-of-year holidays or at least thinking about it. In recent weeks, the travel industry has unexpectedly found itself in the spotlight, and not always for the right reasons. Fraud exists in all industries and sectors and the travel world isn’t immune.

CEO of the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (Asata), Otto de Vries, says knowing where to place trust can significantly mitigate risks.

“Asata members, representing more than 90% of the travel sector, are thoroughly vetted, ensuring travelers that they’re partnering with true professionals.

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Etihad to add A380 on routes to Paris

Etihad Airways will introduce its super-jumbo A380 aircraft on routes from Abu Dhabi to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport from 1 November, 2024.

The French capital will be the third major city served by the carrier’s A380 aircraft, following its reintroduction on routes to London Heathrow and its launch earlier this week on services to New York.

The carrier’s double-decker aircraft features The Residence, a private apartment that includes a living room, private bedroom and ensuite bathroom with a shower, and three cabin classes – nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios and 405 Economy Seats. There’s also a serviced lounge

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Sleep tourism wakes up – from pillow sprays to €15,000 hotel mattresses

Temperature-controlled beds, muscle massagers and professional sleep coaches – sleep tourism is on the rise

It’s not surprising then, that efforts are being made to promote sleep.

In fact, the sleep tourism market is estimated to grow by almost 8pc and more than $400 billion between now and 2028, according to US market research.

All over the world, hotels are looking to provide, and market, a better night’s rest.

The Beaumont hotel in London has ROOM, for example – a room in a sculpture designed by artist Antony Gormley. It’s a dark cave without any form of distraction: no television,

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Airport Infrastructure and Baggage Screening Must Change To Improve Inbound Travel Experience, Says US Travel Association

Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
 Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Thu May 9, 2024

Inbound travel to this country is plagued by a variety of challenges that can make the experience much more taxing then it needs to be.

At the annual IPW travel industry convention that wrapped up earlier this week, the US Travel Association held a press conference at which it attempted to shine a light on these challenges.

The revelation that got perhaps the most significant amount of immediate attention among the gathered press members was that visa wait times continued to be an inferior roadblock for international visitors.

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Potential travel chaos in Eurotunnel & Port of Dover ahead of Easter break

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Holidaymakers warned of potential travel chaos in Eurotunnel and Port of Dover ahead of Easter break

British holidaymakers who are planning to set off on their journey to Europe via Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover this weekend have been warned of potential travel chaos ahead of the Easter holiday. Kent County Council said Operation Brock is now in place on the M20 to manage the flow of traffic.

This time, the council advised visitors to plan ahead, by making sure they have checked

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Airlines and Airports Making Progress on Reducing Baggage Mishandling

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said real progress is being made by airlines and airports on reducing baggage mishandling and implementing baggage tracking capabilities.

At its baggage handling conference, in Reykjavik, IATA surveyed the industry on its update of IATA Resolution 753 – which requires tracking baggage at receipt, loading, transfer and arrival.

The survey of 155 airlines and 94 airports showed that 44% of airlines had fully implemented Resolution 753 and a further 41% were in progress.

Additionally, 75% of airports surveyed have the capability for Resolution 753 baggage tracking.

Monika Mejstrikova, IATA Director Ground Operations, said:

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