Latest news with #Europcar
Times of Oman
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Europcar Oman & Bahrain Launches Cross-Functional Internship Program, Building on the Success of Oman Internship Fair 2025
Muscat: Europcar Oman & Bahrain is proud to announce the launch of its latest cross-functional internship program, welcoming three outstanding students to its Muscat headquarters for a dynamic two-month professional experience. The interns—Raghad Al Shidhany and Mahdi Mirza from GUtech, and Saleh Al Ghassani from Arab Open University—will rotate across departments such as Sales, Marketing, Leasing, Rentals, Finance, International Pricing, Artificial Intelligence, and Partner Relations. This internship initiative reflects Europcar's commitment to developing young talent and preparing the next generation of Omani leaders through real-world learning and exposure to the fast-evolving mobility industry. Key Features of the Program Include: • A warm onboarding experience with welcome kits and a special leadership lunch on Day 1 • Continuous access to Europcar's Gaming Lounge and Wellness Lounge for a balanced work experience • A final presentation in Week 8, where interns will share their insights and propose innovations across areas such as sales, marketing, customer experience, cost optimization, and AI applications • A celebratory graduation ceremony with certificates, team engagement, and festive activities 'This internship is about real-world learning,' said Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain. 'These young talents will gain holistic exposure to the business and contribute actionable ideas to improve operations across multiple verticals.' The internship program builds upon the success of the Oman Internship Fair 2025, a major initiative presented by Europcar and powered by the Oman American Business Center (OABC), in partnership with the Diplomatic Club, and with strategic support from the British Business Forum ( BBF), Indo Gulf Chamber of Commerce(INMECC), and Crowe. The fair engaged over 350 students and 60 companies, resulting in the placement of 85 interns across leading organizations. Participating universities included GUtech, Arab Open University, and Mazan University. • A new dedicated website • Smarter student–company matching algorithms • Expanded partnerships with higher education institutions
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Travel + Leisure
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Car Rental Companies of 2025
Securing a rental car is often one of the final steps in planning a trip—but it can have a lasting impact on the travel experience. A smooth pickup, a dependable vehicle, and clear, upfront pricing can make the difference between a stress-free journey and a vacation gone sideways. That's why feedback from fellow travelers is invaluable when choosing a rental car company. In Travel + Leisure 's 2025 World's Best Awards survey, readers shared the rental car companies they return to time and again—those that consistently deliver on service, reliability, transparency, and value, no matter the destination. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Car-rental companies were specifically rated on the criteria below: Vehicle selection Vehicle availability Car-rental location Service Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. Of the top five rental car companies, three are headquartered in the United States—including the No. 1 pick. There were two European car rental companies in the ranking: Europcar (No. 5), a French company that started in Paris in 1949, and Sixt (No. 2), which was started in Germany and is headquartered near Munich (but has a North American headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida). One reader called Sixt a 'bright spot in the industry,' while another called the company their 'favorite rental agency. Customer service is the best in the business, their fleet is new, and car selection is far superior.' The top four car rental companies in 2025 were also the top four in 2024. Europcar was the only new arrival on the list, replacing Hertz. National Car Rental A customer at a National car rental location. National Car Rental was rated the No. 1 car rental company by T+L readers, a designation the company must be used to by now—they were rated No. 1 in the survey in 2024 as well as in 2023. Readers had a lot to say about National Car Rental's Emerald Club, which offers benefits like choosing your own car from the 'Emerald Aisle' (and not paying an upgrade fee) and free rental days. 'The Emerald Club selection of any car within a category is still a game changer … outstanding!' said one reader, while another added that National is 'hands-down my favorite rental car agency. Their Emerald Club has a ton of perks. Great vehicle selection. Typically always brand-new vehicles. Pricing is excellent.' National, which is headquartered in St. Louis, has more than 1,500 rental locations around the world, including 300-plus in the United States. 1. National Car Rental WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 86.75 2. Sixt Reader Score: 79.84 3. Enterprise Rent-A-Car WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 79.39 4. Alamo WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 77.11 5. Europcar Reader Score: 77.07
Irish Times
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
GoCar reduces rental service in Limerick following ‘constant significant damage' to vehicles
One of the State's leading car-sharing operators says it has been forced to reduce its services in Limerick after months of anti-social behaviour targeting its vehicles in the city. GoCar, which is owned by French car rental group Europcar, allows users to rent cars for short periods of time, with fees starting from €9 an hour. It has proved popular with Irish motorists over recent years with many using it and similar car-sharing services as an alternative to owning a car. The company has invested heavily in its service over the last decade and has expanded its nationwide fleet to more than 1,000 since it first arrived in Ireland in 2008. READ MORE It expanded into Limerick in 2017 and has widened its service there in recent years, with 10 stations dotted around the city at one point. However, in a statement sent to its members this week, the company said it had been left with no option but to curtail service in the city, As of Wednesday afternoon, there were only four GoCar locations around the city offering short-term rental cars. The company said it was 'proud to be a part of the Limerick community' and said it valued the support of people who use the service in the city. 'We've worked hard to continue providing a reliable service, because we know how important it is to your daily life,' the company said. 'Unfortunately, months of persistent incidents of antisocial behaviour have caused constant significant damage to our vehicles and placed an unsustainable strain on our operations.' The statement added that 'as a result, we've had to make the very difficult decision to temporarily reduce the number of GoCars available in Limerick.' GoCar said it was aware the move would cause disruption to those that use its cars correctly and it apologised to those who would be impacted by the curtailment. 'Please rest assured that this is not a decision we've taken lightly,' the statement continued, adding that the company was 'working closely with local authorities and An Garda Siochana to address the issues and are doing everything we can to restore full service as soon as possible.'
Times of Oman
24-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Europcar secures prime counter location at Muscat International Airport, cementing market leadership
Muscat: Europcar Oman is proud to announce a significant milestone in its growth journey: the company has been awarded the premier counter location at Muscat International Airport's arrivals area, following a highly competitive bidding process involving both international and local car rental providers. With only 10 counters available, Europcar has secured the #1 front-most position, giving the brand unmatched visibility and access to arriving passengers. This prominent placement underscores Europcar's proven track record in customer service, operational excellence, and trust within the global mobility sector. In addition to this strategic win, Europcar has once again been recognized as a 'Customer Favourite' by both and marking three consecutive years of this prestigious distinction. These accolades reflect Europcar's unwavering commitment to delivering a superior rental experience. 'This achievement marks a new chapter in our journey, reflecting our leadership in the market and dedication to providing world-class service,' said Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain. 'Our dual presence at the arrivals counter and vehicle check-in/out area gives us a unique edge—offering speed, accessibility, and convenience that few others can match.' Strategic Advantages at Muscat International Airport: ▪ Prime Arrivals Counter: Europcar's flagship counter is now the first point of contact for visitors entering Oman, offering immediate access and faster service. ▪ Exclusive Parking & Check-In Zone: Europcar retains the only exclusive location at the vehicle check-in/check-out area and holds the maximum number of dedicated parking bays among all rental brands at the airport. ▪ Digital Innovation: The new airport presence is enhanced with advanced digital technologies designed to streamline the entire rental journey—ensuring faster, smoother, and more intuitive service. This dual-location presence positions Europcar as the most accessible and efficient rental provider at Oman's primary international gateway. It supports Europcar's mission to deliver premium, hassle-free mobility solutions for leisure and business travellers alike.
The Age
20-06-2025
- The Age
I abhor tipping while overseas. Here's a much better way to do it
Lee Tulloch's column on mistaken suitcases at the carousel (Traveller, June 7) reminded me of an incident many years ago. I was travelling for many months and decided to purchase a purple suitcase instead of the ubiquitous black and navy ones, which were then the usual colours. I never saw another purple case in my entire time. Arriving home about midnight I was greeted by a call from the airport. I had the wrong suitcase. Back we went to return one case and retrieve mine. In fact, there were another three purple cases waiting there, mine with its ribbons still intact. I had just assumed that they had come loose. Such embarrassment. Marie Nash, Balwyn, Vic Case not dismissed I bought, what I thought, was the ugliest pair of suitcases I could find – bright pink flowers against a black background – so that not only could I spot them easily, but so no-one would want to steal such an awful creation. They did deliver in visibility, but I was stunned to receive at least two compliments on their 'artwork' during my 11-week trip. The best part, though, was that I've never seen anything like them anywhere else. Randi Svensen, Wyong, NSW Flex appeal Thank you, Terry Durack, for such enlightening, sage travel advice contained in your story on travelling for food (Traveller, June 6). I'm starting on my lunges immediately. Susie Holt, South Yarra, Vic Meals on wheels Regarding railway station food, as per Terry Durack's story, we were lucky to be waiting for a train in Catania, Sicily, at about 11am when we saw hot trays of food being brought from the kitchen. With a long trip ahead of us, we loaded up. It turned out to be some of the best food we ate in six weeks of wonderful eating in Italy. Scott Lowe, St Kilda West, Vic Not fine at all We recently booked a car from Europcar at Heathrow, as our experience with the staff there two years ago had been good. This time it was the opposite. We had booked a small saloon car but with what was available, we were given an MG SUV, at seemingly no extra cost. My husband signed the handwritten contract with only a cursory look, and didn't notice that the seemingly helpful staff member had charged us for the 'upgrade' at twice the cost of the original requested vehicle. As soon as we realised the error, only a few hours later, we rang Europcar and we're told the problem could only be solved 'on return'. When we did return the vehicle, the Europcar staff member refused to believe us, with a senior official asserting that we had been offered and agreed to an upgrade, with the implication being we were lying. My belief is that this is a subterfuge in the hope that jet-lagged people won't read the fine print. Erica Smith, Newington, Vic Lecco not lacking On our recent trip to Italy, my husband became ill and needed hospital care. Not only were the staff at the hospital in Lecco, Lombardy, caring and professional, so too were their counterparts at the inhouse cafe, which was a real bonus. I found Lecco itself to be a beautiful lakeside gem of a small city, surrounded by a magnificent mountain range which towers over the city. This interruption to our holiday refocused an appreciation of the wonderful world of travel. Put Lecco on your list as a must for real travellers. Lyn Cobb, Coogee, NSW States aside Thank you for your recent pieces on US destinations. They save us having to go there. What about some articles on Canada? Some of us still want to visit North America without leaving the civilised world. Michael Challinger, Nunawading, Vic Editor's note: You'll find a major feature article about Canada here, which we published in March. But stayed tuned for another extensive look at the country coming soon. Tip of the week: Let's do lunch If you are visiting Niagara Falls by train from Toronto, Canada, conclude your excursion by lunching at the Hi-Lite Restaurant in Queen Street. It's in downtown Niagara Falls near the railway station and shuttle bus terminus. Clearly popular with locals, it offers up a more authentic North American dining experience than might be found elsewhere on the tourist strip. Booths, counter stools, cheery, efficient, no fuss waitstaff and mid-20th century ambience complement the 'Old timer's special' comprising bacon, fried potatoes, eggs (over easy medium, thanks) pancakes and maple syrup with coffee. And, apart from us, not a tourist in sight. Bliss. Mark Carter, Roseville, NSW Playing AirTag After a recent KLM flight from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, I experienced a sinking feeling when my bag failed to appear at the luggage carousel in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the next few stressful days, KLM unhelpfully claimed my bag had, in fact, arrived in the Danish capital. However, I could see that this wasn't the case, as the Apple AirTag in my bag clearly showed that it was still at Amsterdam airport. KLM weren't convinced until I managed to share the AirTag tracking link with them, after which they found my bag and promised to send it on. I was eventually reunited with my bag a week later, although I had to go to Melbourne Airport to collect it. While I'm not an Apple advocate, this demonstrated the value of Apple AirTags to enable you track your luggage yourself. Paul Heneberry, Mooroolbark, Vic Czech account I'm writing from Prague in the Czech Republic where I'm spending a wonderful few days at the start of their tourist season. The days when this city, and most of Eastern Europe, were considered cheap holiday destinations have long gone. If you want to experience various restaurants, including those on the famous old square, payment is still preferred in cash, in the local Czech koruna currency with fortunately plenty of ATMs available from which to access it. Mastercard and Visa are accepted but, for various reasons, American Express is not accepted in most stores, cafes and restaurants. Peter Menton, Bankstown, NSW Bear witness Brian Johnston's story on the underrated parts of France (Traveller, June 8) prompted memories of discovering a cave system in Dordogne where tours are only conducted 'en français' (audios available in other languages) which gets a thumbs up from us. Grotte de Rouffignac channels its visitors into the delicate underground world by electric train, often in complete darkness, limiting light exposure and visitor impact, to witness hundreds of artworks, 16,000 years old. Engraved or painted mammoths decorate the 8 kilometres of cave walls, but the sight of dozens of rounded hollows where prehistoric bears had nestled into the limestone floor to hibernate, was something we didn't expect to see. Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic Wait. There's more Over the past 15 years I've enjoyed visiting a number of those places mentioned in Brian Johnston's France story and there are many other places, particularly closer to the Spanish border, that I could add, such as Minerve, throughout the Minervois area and Aude Valley, the Canal du Midi, the Montagne Noir and the Pyrenees, with largely unknown medieval towns, ruined Cathar castles and deserted museums. But I will be happy if others can't find them so they stay less touristed. However, I do have to point out that the Camargue, as shown on the accompanying map to the story, is on the Mediterranean Sea, south of Avignon and Nimes. Also, while correctly placed on the map in the article, Chambery is not in the south-west, as stated in the sidebar article, but in the south-east of France. Gavin Kempin, Northcote, Vic EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to our reader for pointing out these errors, which Traveller regrets. Corrections have been made to the online version.
