LEON serves ‘fast food but good food’, with a menu including wraps, rice boxes and burgers, inspired by Mediterannean cuisine. This opening marks the brand’s debut in Italy.

YO! will offer travellers ‘fresh, flavoursome, authentic Japenese food’, bringing their famous hand-rolled sushi, classic hot bowls, street food & innovative fusion dishes to Rome.

Italian casual dining concept, Granaio will serve classic Italian dishes with premium seating options for sit-down dining.

Meanwhile, for guests seeking healthy, gourmet dishes made with fresh and seasonal produce, EXKi will offer high quality and sustainable choices, freshly prepared each day. The menu includes hot dishes, soups and sandwiches based on seasonal ingredients.

All four outlets will begin operating in October 2023.

Jeremy Fennell, CEO of Continental Europe & Nordics at SSP, said; “We’re delighted to announce our entry into the Italian market and are certain that LEON, YO!, Granaio and EXKi will prove highly popular with travelers at Rome Termini Station. At SSP, we have a strong track record in bringing great brands to travel locations and making them relevant to the local market. We’re certain this is the start of a very fruitful business venture as we take our first steps in this important European market. A huge thank you to all the teams who worked to bring this project to life and we’re so pleased to be welcoming our Italian colleagues to the SSP family.”

Sebastien De Rose, Chief Operating Officer of Grandi Stazioni Retail said; “The arrival of SSP in Italy at Rome Termini Station demonstrates the attractiveness and the value of our stations for big international brands. For our visitors, moreover, it is a chance to know the new trends of foreign cuisine”.

The article SSP Group to enter 37th market with launch at Rome Termini Station, Italy first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Why hiring truck dispatch services is a must 
Companies providing dispatch services aren’t just administrators because the scope of their duties is much greater. They constantly keep in touch with clients and drivers. They must have a good knowledge of the vehicle fleet, all the routes of travel, and the specifics of running a trucking business.

Companies which provide high-quality dispatch services:

• know everything about their clients and the services they offer;
• are familiar with the basic patterns of behavior in emergencies on the roads or at customs control;
• know the nuances of the organization of multimodal transportation;
• have an accurate picture of the company’s pricing policy for the services provided;
• know the fleet of vehicles well and can select vehicles for different types of cargo transportation.

These companies are always aware of what is happening during the trip, what route the vehicle takes, and whether it meets the deadlines for cargo delivery. What’s more, they first receive all the information about problems that occurred during the trip, including various traffic accidents, vehicle malfunctions, road closures for repairs, and so on.

What truck dispatch services included 
Companies which offer truck dispatch services perform many functions, including:

• forming and processing incoming requests;
• forming a database of clients and carriers;
• analyzing the current state of the market;
• monitoring the implementation of shipments;
• working with documents and maintaining reports;
• developing routes;
• arranging transportation financing, etc.

At the same time, depending on the specifics of work, the specific place of work, and the requirements of the client, companies can offer some extra services.

How to select the best dispatching service
It’s vital to choose a trustworthy truck dispatch service company to work with. All dispatch services provide similar functions, but all of them are different. Their staff’s skills determine the quality of services they offer. The perfect option is to select a dispatch company that offers the services that a company needs.

If a business operates in a certain area, it should seek a dispatch company that specializes in that field.

The prices of dispatch services don’t differ a lot. This factor helps businesses choose third parties with a higher reputation.

Saving more time
Whether a company is seeking to hire truck drivers or it’s already using third-party services to handle its freight dispatching requirements, truck dispatch services will simplify everything. Time savings manifests itself in two ways: improved customer services and more time available to concentrate on other business aspects. In any case, it’s something to think about while determining whether to try using truck dispatch services.

Negotiations with brokers
A trucking business must spend hours haggling with brokers to get high-quality cargo regularly. Companies which provide dispatch services are in charge of broker negotiations to find regular loads at high rates for their customers.

Keeping track of drivers 
Real-time driver location tracking improves transparency, leading to more efficient route management. Modern fleet dispatch software allows customers to receive real-time information from the field for each driver, truck, and order as a result.

In this case, GPS tracking helps choose the best routes and provides drivers with the best driving instructions. Driver productivity increases, and dispatchers are better prepared to handle last-minute modifications to deliveries. As a result, it’s possible to take immediate corrective action to salvage the situation before the exceptions cause the customer undue hardship.

Increasing efficiency and meeting deadlines
When using truck dispatch services, companies will see considerable gains in meeting deadlines. Business owners may concentrate on other elements of their company while benefiting from improved accountability, transparency, and ease. And, by delegating work to professionals, they can be confident that deliveries will be handled swiftly and properly, and that any delays or difficulties will be resolved before they damage that business.

Maintaining a steady flow of high-paying cargoes 
It’s well-known that the high-quality dispatching business can provide businesses with continuous lucrative loads to help them increase their earnings. Hiring professional dispatch services allows companies to concentrate on other elements of their business without worrying about obtaining loads.

Improving transportation 
Businesses that have in-house transportation staff frequently manage these obligations themselves, but others decide to employ a third-party company to assist. Hiring helps trucking firms delegate daily responsibilities, allowing internal staff to focus on what matters most: providing great customer support. Due to these services, it will be possible to boost the company’s flexibility and efficiency. It brings benefits to both parties.

Looking after clients
Professionals who provide high-quality dispatch services must be excellent communicators.

The finest dispatchers solve any problems in the best possible way. They can peacefully chat with drivers to assist them with a pickup or delivery while receiving and responding to emails from clients. This skill gets even more significant when they have to answer customer inquiries when a planned delivery is late or they don’t present for freight pickup.

By being sympathetic listeners, the best dispatcher helps resolve potentially angry client interactions.

Keeping customers and drivers satisfied
Because everything is linked, when one phase operates smoothly, the following procedure follows effortlessly. When orders are submitted and information is supplied to the driver at the right moment, this information is also sent to the customer, so false shipments are avoided. This guarantees that clients and drivers are satisfied in the long term.

Flexibility
When necessary, the truck dispatch business should be able to scale up to meet the carrier’s demand. Furthermore, it should be able to provide constant customer support daily to guarantee that any concerns are handled and resolved to satisfy all parties.

All in all, only real professionals in this field can save the driver’s time and optimize the company’s costs. They must see to the dispatch and delivery of cargo to the destination with no accidents and force majeure situations on the road.

The article Why truck dispatch services are important for your trucking business first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The launch marks the culmination of a complex project initiated by the company’s co-founders Elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman. Others in the rail sector told them that it would be extremely difficult. Nevertheless, Elmer and Chris showed huge determination, and the service is now there.

Above all, European Sleeper demonstrates that demand for long-distance cross-border passenger rail, including night trains, is growing fast, and that such services can be operated in a commercially viable Open Access manner.

Not only that: it shows that – in the Single European Rail Area (SERA) – operators no longer need to partner up with national incumbents when crossing an internal EU border.

In this case, one single operator is able to operate across the border to Germany on its own whereas inexplicably many multi-billion euro companies such as the Italian state-owned rail incumbent FS Trenitalia still seem to think that they cannot operate to Germany unless they collaborate with Deutsche Bahn (DB).

Of course, it is understandable if EU Member States want to help new cross-border long-distance trains financially, but this should be done in a non-discriminatory manner for all operators, not just for one operator.

For example, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Georges Gilkinet announced at the launch that Belgium passed a law under which all night train operators will pay nothing in Belgium for track access fees and energy over the next two years.

Salim Benkirane, Policy Officer at ALLRAIL, says: “Belgium’s approach to encouraging night trains is very welcome – and it should be emulated across Europe”.

The article The first ever independent scheduled long-distance passenger rail service departs from Belgium first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

• There will be a reduced service between London Waterloo and Chessington South; Dorking; Hampton Court; London Waterloo via Hounslow; London Waterloo via Kingston; Reading; Shepperton; Twickenham; Weybridge; and Windsor & Eton Riverside
• A shuttle service will operate between Basingstoke and Exeter St Davids, with customers travelling between Exeter St Davids and London Waterloo required to change at Basingstoke
• A reduced service will operate in the Romsey area
• There will be no service on the Island Line
• Customers are advised to check their journeys before they travel. Journey planners for Wednesday 31 May will be up to date on Saturday 27 May.

• London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside via Hounslow (2tph)London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside via Twickenham (2tph)
• London Waterloo to Woking (4tph)
• London Waterloo to Southampton Central (2tph)
• London Waterloo to Basingstoke (2tph)
• Salisbury to Basingstoke (1tph)
• Guildford to Woking (1tph)

• There will be a reduced service between London Waterloo and Chessington South; Dorking; Hampton Court; London Waterloo via Hounslow; London Waterloo via Kingston; Reading; Shepperton; Twickenham; Weybridge; and Windsor & Eton Riverside
• A shuttle service will operate between Basingstoke and Yeovil Junction, with customers travelling between Yeovil Junction and London Waterloo required to change at Basingstoke
• A reduced service will operate in the Romsey area
• There will be no service on the Island Line

The article South Western Railway outlines strike day services in May and June first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

What is an airport parking service
Airport parking services have seen an increase in use in recent years. Like most other things, the price for parking your vehicle at an airport, especially for an extended period of time, has increased. There are companies in existence who will allow you to park your vehicle on designated property and shuttle you over to the airport, all at a reasonable cost. Today we will show you how to navigate Charlotte Douglas International Airport Parking options and find the perfect spot.

On air parking
On Air Parking is a premier parking service that partners with five-star parking facilities near airports and helps travelers find the best possible airport parking at an incredible price. Serving the major airports across the country, you’ll be able to find a parking space no matter where you’re leaving from. The process is simple. Visit the On Air Parking website and enter your travel city and dates into the search field. You’ll be shown the available parking rates in that area. Once you choose one and checkout, you’ll receive an email including all of the details you’ll need, including the address of the parking facility you’ve been matched with.

On the day of your departure, you’ll arrive at the parking facility and check-in to park your vehicle. Once your vehicle is parked, a shuttle will take you to the airport. All lots are secured and monitored so you can be sure your vehicle is safe while you’re away. When you return, you’ll hop on the shuttle at the airport to be brought back to the parking facility. Once there, you’ll simply get into your car and head home. If you’re looking for cheap and easy airport parking options, On Air Parking is the way to go.

On top of the already amazing savings, On Air Parking customers who sign up for a yearly membership have the chance to save even more. A membership waives the online reservation fee, bringing your already low price even lower. Members also get special perks such as exclusive access to events and new products and services. Members also receive VIP access to customer service representatives.

Charlotte Douglas international airport parking options
While planning parking at the airport for your trip can be overwhelming and confusing, we’re here to make that a bit easier. Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers several options for parking if you’re considering parking your vehicle at the airport during your trip.

Cell phone lot
The Cell Phone Lot is a complimentary parking area designed for people who are dropping off or picking up passengers. Rather than circling the airport waiting for your party to de-plane and claim their baggage, visitors can wait in this lot. When your party is ready to be picked up, they’ll call you and you’ll head over to pick them up at the curb located in front of the terminals.

Valet parking
Charlotte Douglas International Airport also offers Valet parking. If you’d rather not search around the parking areas for a space, you can opt to have an attendant park your vehicle for you. You’ll save some money by booking the service ahead online, but the $35 per day price tag is much more expensive than using the On Air Parking parking service. With On Air Parking you’ll get the same VIP treatment at a fraction of the cost.

Express deck preferred
Similar to Valet service, the Express Deck Preferred experience is also available at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. With this service an attendant will also park your vehicle for you. Once you’ve given the attendant your keys, you’ll be shuttled over to the terminals to catch your flight. Upon your return, your vehicle will be waiting for you at the deck. Priced at $16 per day, this service still doesn’t beat On Air Parking’s exceptional low parking rates.

Express deck self-park
If you prefer to park your own vehicle, travelers can also take advantage of the Express Deck Self-Park option at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This service can only be accessed by booking online in advance. The pricing for this service can vary, but generally does not exceed $16 per day. The cost could potentially be lower the further in advance you book. No matter when you book your parking, the cost of this lot still does not beat On Air Parking’s incredible deals.

Conclusion
The verdict is in: no matter how you slice it, On Air Parking’s parking rates beat traditional airport parking options every time. If you want to park your vehicle in a safe and secured location while you’re away, without paying high prices, On Air Parking is the answer. With On Air Parking you get a simple and seamless parking experience at the lowest cost possible. Don’t fall victim to outrageous traditional airport parking. Take it easy on your wallet and choose On Air Parking for your travel needs.

The article Navigating CLT’s parking options: The ultimate guide to finding the perfect spot first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

As it stands, coach tourism drivers are subject to the same driving and rest time provisions as truck drivers who transport goods. However, their work differs significantly from other modes of transport in terms of operational and driving patterns, as they are significantly influenced by the schedules and expectations of their passengers.

IRU Director of EU Advocacy Raluca Marian said, “We are happy to see that almost three years after the adoption of the Mobility Package 1 provisions, the European Commission has finally acknowledged that the current rules are not suited to the occasional passenger transport sector and has made good proposals to rectify the situation.”

“Targeted and specific driving and rest time provisions for coach tourism will allow drivers to better react to situations during their trips while also significantly reducing the stress generated by rules unfit for tourism,” she added.

Coach tourism drivers tailor their journeys according to the pace of their passengers. This means more breaks and stops along the way, and a combination of longer trips (at the start and end of long-distance tours) and shorter trips (during tours), with an average driving time of around 4.5 to 5 hours per day.

The proposal of the European Commission is certainly a step in the right direction as rules specific to tourism can only enhance safety and customer satisfaction. The share of group tourism by coach is expected to increase given its positive impact on both employment and the environment. When it comes to decarbonising road transport, collective passenger transport by road is a low-hanging fruit.

“We now call on policymakers to unequivocally support the proposal and bring about an impactful change for the coach tourism sector, especially for drivers,” stressed Raluca Marian.

“The Commission’s proposal will improve working conditions by aligning the schedule of drivers with the expectations of passengers. It’s a breath of fresh air for a sector that was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic,” concluded Raluca Marian.

The article EU finally proposes driving and rest time rules apt for coach tourism first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Operating profit (EBIT) of the first quarter amounted to 17.6m euros against 13.4m euros in 2022, recording an increase of 30.6%. The profit before taxes (EBT) of the Group for the first weak seasonal quarter of 2023, amounted to 10.3m euros against 10.1m euros the corresponding period last year, showing an increase of 2.1%, correspondingly, the earnings after tax amounted to 7.4m. euros. It is noted that in terms of earnings before tax, Portugal, which only has short-term rentals, burdens the result with 2.8m euros losses due to seasonality. The comparable earnings before tax increased, reaching 12.9m euros compared to 10.1m euros in first quarter of 2022.

Group’s turnover from Rentals activity in Greece increased in the first quarter of 2023 by 18.2% compared to 2022 and reached 49m. euros. The activity was significantly supported by the resale of used fleet cars and also by the gradual deliveries of cars for long-term leases that were ordered in the previous year.

The turnover of the activity of the foreign subsidiaries Rentals, includes the incorporation of HR Aluguer de Automóveis S.A. and reached a total of 30.3m euros from 12.5m euros in 2022 (20% organic growth without Portugal). As with a delay in relation to Greece, countries such as Cyprus and Croatia rebound in 2023 to the levels of tourism arrivals of 2019. It is important to note that, in relation to the dynamics of the coming summer, the greatest dynamic growth in international arrivals at EU level in relation to 2022 is presented for the first 4 months of the year in the markets of Croatia and Portugal, where Autohellas is also active.

The activity of auto trade in Greece also showed a significant increase, as at the level of Import / Distribution, the companies of the Group contributed a total of 142.3m euros in the Group’s turnover, showing an increase of 56.7%, also contributing significantly and increasingly to the overall operating result. The activity’s turnover is supported by the significant backlog of customer orders from the period of 2022 that could not be covered by the production restrictions, applied to the second half of 2021 and all of 2022.

Given that most of the Group’s annual profitability is generated during the second and third quarters, meaning the summer tourist season, it is important to note that since April, a strong dynamic in arrivals and short-term rentals has already been formed, which is also shown by a strong base of accommodation reservations that will continue in the coming months and will positively affect demand in the short-term rentals. At the same time, it should be noted that the existence of larger car fleets may negatively affect the price levels in relation to 2022. The acquisition of FCA Greece (FIAT, JEEP, ALFA ROMEO) by Autohellas and Samelet, which was completed and announced on 03/05/2023, has no effect on results of the first quarter of 2023 and will affect the results of the second quarter of 2023 for the first time.

The article Autohellas Group’s 1st Quarter 2023 results: Positive Dynamics due to organic growth and expansion in activities first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Based in Athens, the company offers customized meet & greet pickups and drop-offs at airports, hotels, train stations, ports, private residences and any other destination, as well as private tours in and around Athens and across Greece.

Co-Founder Andrew Veniopoulos stated, “Whether customers simply need to get to a meeting across town in comfort and style, want to take the children to the village to see where Yia-Yia grew up or desire a curated experience to a leading cultural site, Dynamis Transportation Hellas will exceed all expectations. We are seasoned and spoiled travelers ourselves and know exactly what customers expect.”

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Aggelos Thodos added, “With our fleet of new luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles, our passengers will enjoy Wi-Fi, phone chargers, an iPad in every vehicle featuring information about Greece and its many treasures, and a host of other amenities, including Avaton bottled water from Mt. Athos. Our easy and personalized online reservation system provides customers with a quick and easy booking process with no surprises.”

Co-Founder Michael Printzos mentioned, “The love and belief in Greece that George and Andrew possess mirror the sentiments of Aggelos and I about our homeland. We all love this country and know that with the right partners, a trustworthy and dedicated team of employees, along with honest hard work and vision, anything is possible.”

On the water, Dynamis Transportation has partnered with Lions Bay Yachting to meet our customers’ water transportation and touring needs. With access to luxury yachts and a fleet of RIB boats, Dynamis Transportation can comfortably and safely take passengers to and from some of the world’s most beautiful and scenic islands, beaches, and harbors. Maria Nikolaou of Lions Bay Yachting commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Dynamis Transportation in providing everlasting memories and fun adventures to everyone traveling to Greece this summer”.

Finally, Co-Founder George Gigicos said, “I have spent a career handling transportation and logistics for Presidents, politicians, religious figures and other leaders all over the world. I am delighted to finally be able to use my experience in this arena with Dynamis Transportation. Greece is a special place with special people. We look forward to extending the Greek Philoxenia to all who visit, be it on vacation or business. The team and I are very happy that we were able to create well-paying jobs; and with the purchase of our fleet locally, contribute to the Greek economy. We look forward to making the lives of our employees, our customers and the communities in which we serve a little better. We all know, there is nothing better than being taken care of. This is the Dynamis Way!”

The article Dynamis Transportation Hellas launches in Athens first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Drive South Africa also welcome travellers to add their own road trips to the Explorer, to continue inspiring new and exciting alternative road trips

Planning an inspiring road trip can be a laborious task, with a number of factors to consider in order to ensure it’s a success. Which is why leading African car rental company, Drive South Africa have created the Road Trip Explorer; a brand new tool which has over 50 African road trip entries taken by travellers and includes the full itineraries, maps and images.

The tool is free to use, and provides detailed information about each destination, including reviews from other travellers, so users can make informed decisions about where to go and what to do. It offers travellers an unparalleled level of flexibility and customisation, allowing them to plan their dream road trip itinerary at their own pace.

Explorer Overview

With the Road Trip Explorer, travellers can easily plan their dream road trip by selecting their preferred route and duration of travel. The tool then suggests popular destinations, activities, and accommodation options along the way that have been experienced by other travellers, making it easy to create a personalised itinerary that fits their interests and budget.

Users can also see a map view of the road trip, as well as images taken by the drivers on their African adventures. Each route is also available via a download or can be printed by users for future use.

Andre Van Kets, director and co-founder of Drive South Africa commented on the launch of the tool: “We are thrilled to introduce the Road Trip Explorer Tool to travellers around the world. We believe that travelling should be about discovering new places and having unforgettable experiences, and this tool will help road trippers do just that.

“We know that planning a road trip can be overwhelming, especially for those who are unfamiliar with Africa. That’s why we developed this tool – to simplify the planning process, help travellers make the most of their time on the road and to be inspired by the experiences of other drivers – we believe the journey should be part of the adventure.”

The article New Road Trip Explorer tool allows you to plan the ultimate African road trip using routes from real travellers first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The rail operator has confirmed that there will be no major changes to its services when the next timetable is introduced from Sunday 21 May, but some minor timing amendments may result in changes to train times for some customers.

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We are planning to make some minor changes to our current timetable next month and are encouraging customers to check their journeys taking place from 21 May onwards.”

The new timetables are now available to view on TPE’s website.

Kathryn added: “Our number one focus is providing the most reliable and punctual service possible for customers, and we continue to prioritise this following the recent disruption which has impacted some of those using our trains.

“Our priority is delivering a train service people can depend on whether it’s getting them to work, school or an important appointment.”

Customers should check their journeys using National Rail Enquiries or via the TPE website.

The article TransPennine Express: Rail customers advised to check their journeys ahead of upcoming timetable change first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.