Iss Gmt News

ISS GMT Manila has issued clarification in respect of a change to the procedure for the collection of the International Passenger Service Charge which was introduced earlier this month. Following updated advice from the Manila authorities, ISS GMT can confirm that the tax of Philippine Peso 550 (US$12) applied on passengers departing the Philippines does not apply to “locally-recognized” marine and offshore workers. This means that for tickets purchased outside of the Philippines from February 1, 2015, where the tax must be included, it can be reclaimed on presentation of a certificate at the airport on departure. However, if the ticket is issued inside of the Philippines, the charge is automatically not included.

Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), the world’s leading maritime services provider, has this month celebrated the 25th anniversary of its operations in Greece by hosting its annual senior management conference in Athens, close to the company’s Greek head office in the Port of Piraeus. Over 170 ISS employees, including the entire senior management team, congregated to enjoy three days of strategic development activity, events, networking and customer engagement. The packed three day agenda featured a number of highlights including the announcement of the ISS Employee of the Year 2014, presented by ISS’ Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr John Coghlan, to Richard Reyes of ISS GMT, Manila.

ISS GMT  is responding to industry demand for greater digital control over bookings with new online tools and resources for the processing of airline travel, hotel accommodation, ground transfers, visa and passport assistance for marine industry customers. The new service, available at www.flyissgmt.com is designed to meet the time pressures of customers as they travel the world, and their wish to interact digitally, especially through mobile devices. Additional new features include web booking templates, online reservation look-up and check-in, as well as links to weather, travel advisors, time, currency and metric conversion tools. Customers can also one-click to be immediately connected to live support with an ISS GMT agent.

New team offers diverse range of experience from cruise and marine industries. In Fort Lauderdale FL, on September 20, 2011, ISS GMT President Tim Davey announced the promotion of Chris Podolsky to the position of General Manager of North America. Cruise industry air/sea veteran Podolsky previously held the position of General Manager of Operation for North America at ISS GMT and now adds the full financial responsibility and accountability for the continued growth of the North American office to his portfolio.

Inchcape Shipping Services is to acquire Global Marine Travel, effective 31 May 2010. Global Marine Travel is a specialist travel agency and related service provider to the marine, offshore and yachting industries providing a global travel solution to its customers from its head office in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and from offices in Vancouver and the Philippines. The business will be re-branded as ISS GMT and will continue to operate from North America and Manila.