Holiday & Travel

Birmingham Airport joins UK Airports Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester airports by implementing BlipTrack queue management technology from BLIP Systems. The sensor-based solution helps the airport to improve resource planning and to ease travelers minds with accurate line wait times.

With more than 11 million passengers in 2016, the busiest year in the airports history, Birmingham Airport realised that they needed a solution to accurately measure queues and predict wait times. After reviewing several systems, the airport enlisted the expertise of software specialists Gentrack to implement the sensor-agnostic BlipTrack solution.

“Birmingham Airport engaged with BLIP Systems, following a competitive tender process. During the evaluation of technological solutions, we met with a number of existing BLIP Systems´ customers, who had implemented BlipTrack in similar successful projects”, says Chris Wilson, Head of Terminal Operations at Birmingham.

Operationally, the airport uses, among other things, the data to monitor line density in real-time, which allows management to respond promptly and effectively to irregular operations and disruptions, such as opening additional lines. It enables the airport to comply with service-level agreements, and to evaluate and challenge key performance indicators with great accuracy. In addition, the live wait time information is shared with passengers on screens, to improve the travel experience, with hopefully more satisfied and recurring passengers as a result.

“The solution is used at the north immigration hall to measure and predict the wait time at the UK Border. The data really helps to understand the actual wait time for the border, and helps discussion with the UKBF (United Kingdom Border Force) planning team and resourcing plans for the future. By sharing the information on screens, we help reduce passenger frustration by creating realistic wait time expectations. It makes the passengers feel more relaxed and helps them to better plan the final elements of their journey as well as onward travel,” continues Chris Wilson.

“Today, many airports display wait times to their passengers. Typically, this is done by measuring dwell times of people leaving the line. However, these “historic” times may not be accurate for those entering the line, especially if the number of people suddenly changes or more lines open up. BlipTrack combines and analyses both the number of people in line and the average throughput of the area. With these two measurements, accurate wait times can be displayed,” explains Christian Bugislaus Carstens, Marketing Manager at BLIP Systems.

The solution works by placing dedicated Bluetooth/WiFi sensors. The sensors detect mobiles devices, such as smartphones and tablets. By identifying the devices at multiple sensors, specific and accurate statistical information, such as travel times, dwell times and movement patterns become available, without interaction from the travellers.

“It´s been an excellent project with great support from the design, installation and technical team. The BLIP Systems´ team are a credit to the organisation and have helped the airport immensely, with data analysis and reporting. Moving forward, we have plans to continue the project to incorporate other areas, such as the southbound security and immigration,” ends Chris Wilson.

Internationally, more than 25 international airports use the technology, including Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, JFK Airport in New York, Copenhagen, Dublin, Oslo, Geneva, Brussels, Cincinnati and Auckland. BlipTrack is also implemented in optimization efforts in road traffic in Portsmouth, Bangkok, Zürich and Stockholm. In recent years, the solution has been rolled out in train stations, ports, ski resorts, amusement parks, and at events all over the world.

With the warmer weather on its way, now is the time to start thinking about a weekend trip in spring. The Tarn is a relatively undiscovered department in south-west France with an average spring temperature of 16°c – a perfect temperature for exploring the countryside. The area is home to a dramatic and varied landscape including expansive vineyards, rolling sunflower fields, beautiful hilltop villages, the winding Tarn River and the Aveyron gorges.

In the wake of the Tunisia attack inquest, there are calls from within the travel industry for major changes in tourist safety information, including the introduction of a new security 'kitemark' system for hotels, airports and venues all over the world. It comes on the day a new academic report on travel safety is published by global travel deals publisher Travelzoo. The white paper called “State of Play: The Impact of Geopolitical Events on International Tourism in 2017' was written in collaboration with Yeganeh Morakabati, Associate Professor at the UK's Bournemouth University and included research in nine countries.

Bahamian Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources V. Alfred Gray has said that the pigs recently found dead on the cay were found to have died from ingesting sand. Minister Gray said a report from the chief veterinary officer in his ministry concluded that some of the pigs had “a good amount of sand” in their stomachs. The Minister concluded that in conjunction with the appropriate agencies, protocols will be put in place to govern the industry and protect the animals.

Japan – one of Asia's most enthralling countries - is proving to be this year's hot destination with Joanna Lumley contributing to inspiring travellers to a country full of captivating contrasts. The Easter period is at the heart of 'sakura' or more commonly known as cherry blossom season, where locals and tourists alike gather to view and celebrate the magical scenery around them. Usually sold out a year in advance, Wendy Wu Tours added extra 2017 dates in January, which have almost sold out. Whilst there is limited availability for 2017 travel, now is the perfect time to book for 2018. 

As well as being the world's largest raised atoll, Aldabra is also one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles. After many years of being declared off limits by the FCO due to Somali pirates, Aldabra has recently been declared safe to sail to again. Yet apart from occasional brief visits by cruise liners, Aldabra can only be visited aboard the M/V Maya's Dugong.    

Amara, Oceanco’s newly designed and engineered 120-meter private yacht concept, designed in collaboration with Sam Sorgiovanni Designs was unveiled by His Excellency Saeed Harib, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Vice President and Chairman of Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi, and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show.

As winter comes to an end, spring beckons! It's the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to explore the great outdoors. In La Gomera, you'll find the perfect terrain to tread upon, with a pristine coastline, lush forests, colourful villages, towering peaks and spectacular sights to behold around every corner. But before you lace up your hiking boots, find out all you need to know about walking in the Canary Islands' unspoilt wonderland.

Villa Kalimaya is named after a fabled river of gems, and this collection of four stunning villas truly sparkles. The collection of four immaculately appointed villas is set within its own quiet lane a stone's throw from the beach and Bali's world-class restaurants, bars and shopping in central Seminyak.

In its 70th year of Independence and during the UK-India Year of Culture, India is enjoying a boom in appearances on the small and silver screens, introducing viewers to the country's landscapes, heritage and culture. India has some of the best trips that travellers can take to explore the destinations featured in The Real Marigold Hotel, The Viceroy's House and Lion.  

It's no secret that the long awaited live action release of Walt Disney's classic love story Beauty and The Beast will be hitting theatres on March the 17th. At Unique Home Stays it's not the talking candelabras and teacups, nor the enchanted, fading rose that captures attention, it is that wondrous castle in all its majesty that makes this particular romance an unforgettable tale, as old as time.

The combination of almost record snowfall and the new Delta Airlines non-stop flight from London Heathrow to Salt Lake City has been the catalyst to a massive increase in British skiers visiting Park City. In the last week alone another 42 inches/ 106 cm of fresh snow has fallen for skiers of all disciplines to enjoy. The Delta non-stop flight, which operates four days every week during the winter ski season, has helped see visitors from the UK more than double in number since last season.

Elite Island Resorts is  welcoming back one of the UK's top Puffin books illustrators for an adults Sketch Club on Palm Island Grenandines this September. Sketch Palm Island will take place September 5-9 inclusive and is free of charge  for guests.  One of the 15 places can be reserved when booking a Palm Island holiday with a tour operator or, if places remain, upon check in.

Guided by the Chinese 'Yin and Yang' principle that opposing forces are interconnected, complementary and inseparable in our lives, Villa Yang is the vacation retreat to rejuvenate body and soul. Hidden in Phuket's 'Millionaires' Mile', Villa Yang allures people with its splendid Thai architecture, Andaman sea views from every corner, walls of designer paintings, crystal chandeliers and cool dark granite floors. This four-bedroom pool villa is simply stunning.

VisitBritain is gearing up to host its largest ever global tourism trade event to promote destination Britain to the world. Now in its third year ‘ExploreGB’ is heading south to Brighton. More than 400 international buyers from 40 countries will do business with 430 travel industry suppliers from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at the event being held from Thursday 2 March to Friday 3 March at the Brighton Centre.