G Adventures offers two tours on Trans Bhutan Trail

Due to open to tourists for the first time in 60 years in April!

The adventure specialist operator has two itineraries; an 11-day Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail trip, which features camping and homestays and a 12-day Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail itinerary with accommodation in homestays, locally-owned guest houses and hotels.

The trail will be officially inaugurated by the King of Bhutan, whose vision it was to restore the ancient route for tourism, adventure and connection.
The Trans Bhutan Trail’s origins go back thousands of years to when it was part of the ancient Silk Road. “Trails have historically connected remote communities and helped distribute much-needed income to local people as travellers move across the landscape,”
“In today’s world, the pandemic has encouraged people to spend more time in nature and now they are looking for similar experiences when they travel.“

As well as providing income opportunities for local people, especially youth, in rural communities, the restoration of the trail is a community-based project designed to preserve an ancient cultural icon and provide a sustainable experience for travellers.

“Economic benefit will flow directly into the local communities as a result of community tourism, whether via homestays, the purchase of supplies locally for multi-day trips or the employment of local guides."

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 17Dec21

EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic strike ‘worldwide’ partnership

“We know there is huge pent-up demand for people wanting to get away on holiday whether to the Caribbean for a relaxing sunny break or Stateside to explore their favourite cities. Thanks to this new partnership with Worldwide by easyJet, customers from across the UK and Europe can now seamlessly connect onto Virgin Atlantic destinations including New York, Barbados, and Orlando.”

Click here to read all about it - source: travel weekly 15Dec21

“People want something to look forward to more than ever before...”

Jet2 has put summer city break packages on sales from five UK airports for summer 2023.

The city break options for Athens, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Pisa are on sale through Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks and follow the early release of the operator’s summer sun programme.

The programme is initially available from Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle, with further bases to be unveiled.

Find out more here source: travel weekly 14Dec21

“We look forward to working together towards our vision of becoming the most loved travel company and becoming sustainably profitable, serving our customers with Virgin flair.”

Virgin Atlantic’s owners are investing £400 million into the airline to strengthen its financial position as it emerges from the pandemic.

The investment has been funded by Virgin Group and joint venture partner Delta Air Lines, which have invested £204 million and £196 million respectively and retain their 51% and 49% stakes.

Virgin Atlantic expects to return to “sustainable profitability” from 2023.

“Our story has been well-documented during the pandemic. Together with our people, we have proven that we have what it takes to emerge a stronger airline.

“We look forward to working together towards our vision of becoming the most loved travel company and becoming sustainably profitable, serving our customers with Virgin flair.”

Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said: “Virgin Atlantic’s business has transformed, allowing them to emerge from the pandemic a stronger airline.

“Their distinct and vibrant brand will be reconnecting and delighting its customers for years to come.”

Read all about it by clicking here - source: travel weekly:13Dec21

Virgin Voyages signs up 15,000 UK travel agents

Around 15,000 UK agents have engaged with Virgin Voyages and signed up to its ‘Seacademy’ learning platform since its launch, according to the line’s UK boss.

The line’s only vessel to have launched so far, Scarlet Lady, was based in Portsmouth last summer rather than Miami as a result of the pandemic, giving the trade a chance to experience the ship first-hand. Scarlet Lady will be joined by Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady next year. Valiant Lady has already been delivered to the line and will launch early next year with a series of sailings out of Portsmouth from March to May.

Resilient Lady – the line’s third ship – will offer Greek Island sailings from August to October next year.

Looking back at 2021, Lewis-Riley said: “We recovered the year well. We never expected 2021 to be the year that it’s turned out to be.

“In the first half of the year, we thought ‘what on earth are we going to get out of it’ but we managed to have an amazing year.”

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly:10Dec21

Jet2.com puts ski flights on sale for winter 2022-23

Jet2.com has launched its biggest ever ski flights programme, with services to the French, Swiss, Austrian and Italian Alps, as well as the Pyrenees, for winter 2022-23.

Ski services will operate from 10 UK airports to Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin, Lyon and Barcelona, for Andorra.

New for 2022-23 will be an Edinburgh airport service “Customers have been telling us how much they want to book their place on the slopes for next winter, so we have responded to that demand by putting a brilliant ski programme on sale for winter 2022-2023.

“The eight ski destinations available through Jet2.com give skiers and snowboarders access to some of the very best ski resorts in the world, never mind Europe.”

Click here to find out more exciting news - source: travel weekly:07Dec21

US ‘travel goddess’ to the stars rejoins TAG

Self-styled US ‘travel goddess’ Nik Morales is rejoining travel and event management company TAG in her home country.

Morales runs The Travel Agency, which has bases in Los Angeles and New York, with clients ranging from celebrities to musicians.
She began her career organising tours with TAG – previously known as Travel Appointment Group – more than a decade ago, working with the likes of Rihanna, Foo Fighters and Sia, before establishing her own specialist touring and entertainment agency in 2012.
Her portfolio will compliment TAG’s list of clients across music, film and TV. “To come back to TAG and see all that has happened in the past ten years is phenomenal.

“We’ve both been on a journey and have grown so much in that time. We share the same core vision and now felt like the right time to be part of that again. Some chapters are worth re-writing.

Click here and read all about it - source: travel weekly:23Nov21

Summer 2023 put on sale by easyJet holidays

Packages for travel until the end of October 2023 have been put on sale by easyJet holidays.

Travel agents will have access to a trade exclusive promo code which will give their customers up to £200 off summer 2023 holidays with a minimum spend of £2,000.

More than one million return seats will be available exclusively to the tour operator, with flights from eight UK airports.

The programme covers more than 50 destinations and 900 hotels, with seven-night packages starting at £345 per person, three-night city breaks at £249 and deposits of £60.

We know that so many people have missed out on summer holidays over the last two years, and as we get further into winter people want sunshine to look forward to,

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly:19Nov21

New York allows revellers at New Year's Eve celebrations

Revellers will be allowed to attend this year's New Year's Eve celebrations in New York's Times Square, the city's mayor has confirmed.

The event was closed to spectators last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
People wanting to see the ball drop this year will have to show proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test if exempt.
The ball drop signifies the start of the New Year with hundreds of thousands of people usually turning up to watch.
"We can finally get back together again. It's going to be amazing, it's going to be a joy for this city," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

People have been celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square since 1904.

Find out more here - source: bbcnews 17Nov21

Ex-airline cabin crew launch travel agency

A group of former airline cabin crew have launched a travel agency after fearing for their jobs during the Covid pandemic.

Doors2Manual has joined the Hays Travel Independence Group consortium and will serve customers over the phone, or over video link or email.

It is to utilise the vast travel experience and customer service skills of the former crew members “to become a very unique type of travel agent”.The agency is already taking bookings, and two more crew are due to join within the next few weeks with “several more” to follow ahead of 2022. By the end of the first quarter of 2022, Doors2Manual hopes to have a team of 20.

Crew have experience of travelling worldwide. “The crew’s passion and love for travel resonates strongly and it’s fantastic we keep this talent and knowledge in the industry, rather than lose them as a casualty of Covid.

Read all about it by clicking here - source:travel weekly 15Nov21

BA and Virgin Atlantic’s dual take-off to New York

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic put aside their long-standing rivalry today to stage a dual take-off from Heathrow to celebrate the reopening of the US border.

British Airways flight BA001, a flight number previously reserved for Concorde, and Virgin Atlantic flight VS3, departed Heathrow for New York JFK at 08.30.

The carriers said their first-ever synchronised take-off recognised their joint campaigning efforts on the restart of UK-US travel after more than 600 days.

Read all about it here - source:travel weekly 08Nov21

Travel Foundation makes Cop26 climate commitments

Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative to support climate action has become the flagship programme of the Travel Foundation.

The Travel Foundation will use the Cop26 Climate Summit to also unveil its role in providing ongoing support for a newly-launched Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, working in collaboration with the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Both announcements place the tourism NGO at the forefront of efforts to ensure tourism businesses and destinations can rapidly decarbonise, adapt to climate change and support ecosystem regeneration. “We know we must collaborate and scale-up like never before, connecting both ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ approaches by galvanising community action and creating levers for change across governments and corporations.

“Tourism’s transition to climate positive is also about tourism’s transformation more generally, shifting to a more equitable model that balances the needs of residents and businesses while managing and reducing its burden on destinations.”

Read all about it here - source:travel weekly 02Nov21

First commercial Australia-UK flight since lockdown takes off

The first commercial flight from Australia to the UK in nearly 600 days took off today, with Qantas’ service from Sydney to Heathrow, via Darwin, departing.

QF1 was one of the first commercial international flights from Australia, aside from its Trans-Tasman bubble with New Zealand, since the Covid outbreak. It departed Sydney at 6:30pm local time on November 1.“This day has been a long time coming for our people and our customers. It’s wonderful to see Australians able to reunite with loved ones after such a long time apart."

“It’s been very challenging time for our international crew, with many of them stood down since March 2020. We are in the process of standing up our Australian-based team members who are excited to get back to doing what they love. Sydney airport chief executive Geoff Culbert added: “Today some of the magic returned to our arrival halls; grandparents meeting grandkids for the first time, families reuniting, all of the scenes that have been absent for far too long. Additionally, Australians who have been waiting to reconnect with friends, families and loved ones overseas can now go freely, without needing an exemption."

Travel still ‘highly complex’ despite countries coming off red list

“The removal of the final seven countries from the red list is welcome news and will be another boost for the industry, business travel and the visiting friends and family market.

“The current positivity rates among travellers returning home to the UK (including those unvaccinated) stands at 0.3%, far less than at home, and with no variants of concern from any red list destination the continuation of the red list carried no foundation.”

Click here to find out more - travel weekly 29Oct21

The creation of a new band for longer haul flying makes no sense...

Industry leaders slam new ‘ultra’ long-haul APD rate

Industry leaders slammed the increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) on ‘ultra’ long-haul flights unveiled in the Chancellor’s Budget today while welcoming the halving of the APD rate on domestic flights.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed a 50% cut in APD on domestic flights together with a new ‘long distance’ rate on flights of more than 5,500 miles from April 2023.

Dale Keller, chief executive of the UK Board of Airline Representatives (BAR UK) denounced the long-haul increase as “political posturing” ahead of the COP26 summit.

Iata director general Willie Walsh also accused the Chancellor of “political hypocrisy” by announcing a “cash grab masquerading as a green tax the week before COP26”.

Walsh noted Iata member airlines recently committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and insisted: “A tax hike does not help. None of the billions of pounds collected will be directed to green investments.”

He also suggested the hike in APD “makes a mockery” of the government’s ambition to create a ‘Global Britain’, saying: “It is astounding that the UK Chancellor thinks now is the time to raise the cost of flying.”

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Now is not the time to be announcing future tax rises on the sector".

Gary Lewis, chief executive of The Travel Network Group, said reducing air passenger duty on domestic flights while increasing it on long haul flights “feels like a kick in the teeth for the international tourism industry” because domestic journeys “could be taken via other means”.

He said the government is “effectively putting more obstacles in place for people who are looking to resume overseas travel and support tourist destinations which are starting to open up after almost two years of closure”, adding: “Our industry will not recover until people are able to travel as freely and as confidently as they did before 2020.

“Between now and when that time comes, we urge the government to extend relief to the travel industry.”

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 28Oct21

Virgin will deploy its newest, largest aircraft, the Airbus A350-100 from November 8-14 on...

its Heathrow-Orlando route.

Virgin Atlantic is to resume its transatlantic flights to Orlando and Las Vegas from Heathrow on November 8.

Flights from Manchester to Orlando and New York will resume on the same day and the carrier says the move is in response to a “surge” in customer demand.

It comes after the White House confirmed last week that the US would reopen to fully-vaccinated international travellers from the same date.

Services to Orlando will depart daily from both Heathrow and Manchester. The route is currently the most booked across Virgin Atlantic’s global portfolio, which the carrier said “reaffirms the pent-up demand for families and thrill seekers to enjoy the magic of Florida’s top destination”.

“Our customers are ready to begin their US adventures, whether it’s to enjoy the magic of Orlando or to party the night away in Las Vegas, therefore it’s only right that we offer them the opportunity to fly as soon as we can".

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 21Oct21

The Airport operators demand ‘recovery plan’ from government

The Airport Operators Association (AOA) called on the government today for “a clear recovery plan” for aviation, insisting “the job is not done” despite the recent easing of restrictions on travel.

AOA chief executive Karen Dee told the AOA annual conference: “Despite the recent welcome changes we still have a complicated system.
“The government has some way to go to set out a pathway to getting back to international travel with no restrictions.”
She noted: “Other countries took a more pragmatic view and have seen passenger numbers recover more quickly. That has meant airlines moving fleets to where they can make more use of them.
“Europe’s restart has largely been driven by a more pragmatic approach to intra-European travel. Double vaccinated passengers no longer need to do any testing.
“Despite great progress on vaccines in the UK we didn’t see the kind of recovery we were hoping for.
“We’re seeing some boost in demand for the autumn and removal of the day two PCR test will instill more confidence. But we do not see this as job done.”

Dee insisted: “The government can’t ignore the fact that we’ve had 20 months with no income. Furlough was welcome and we’ve had business rates support, but both have come to an end and we’re in the loss-making season.

Read more here- source: travel weekly 19Oct21

The First-Ever Warner Bros. Hotel To Open in November

The Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, the only hotel by Warner Brothers in the world, is set to officially open on Yas Island on November 11, 2021.

Located next to the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park, the WB Abu Dhabi will offer 257 rooms featuring artwork from some of the company’s most beloved productions. The storytelling continues with its five different dining options...

“Opening the doors to the first ever Warner Bros. branded hotel is a moment that we have long dreamed of, and it’s truly magnificent. The Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment team and our incredible partners at Miral and Hilton, designed this with fans in mind and have curated an outstanding hospitality experience that gives guests from around the world a unique way to further connect with the iconic Warner Bros. brands, franchises, and characters they love,”

You can click here to find out more- source: travelpulse.com 18Oct21

The World's Highest Infinity Pool Is Coming to Dubai — With 360-degree Views of the City

The newest attraction in the UAE soars 50 floors above the ground.

Dubai has no shortage of mind-blowing attractions that are unique to the ever-luxe destination. From its human-made islands and lavish theme parks to its famous skyscrapers and five-star hotels, the city has plenty of over-the-top sights and activities to keep visitors entertained. But the latest addition to its long list of must-visit sights is impressive even by Dubai standards.

Enter: Aura Skypool, the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool and lounge.Located on the 50th floor of the luxury Palm Tower hotel and residential complex, the stunning 8,340-square-foot infinity pool is suspended 656 feet in the air.

The unique pool deck is where the AURA SkyPool Lounge experience truly comes to life.

RED LIST SLASHED TO JUST SEVEN COUNTRIES

South Africa has been removed from the red list and the category has been slashed from 54 countries to just seven, the Department for Transport has confirmed.

“Restoring people’s confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country. With less restrictions and more people traveling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery.”

Read here to find out more - source: TTG 07Oct2021

Walt Disney World Resort unveils 50th anniversary celebrations

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will start an 18-month celebration of the attraction’s 50th anniversary on October 1, with new attractions and shows.

Called ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration" the theme park complex will feature golden décor on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction, and fresh night-time spectaculars and entertainment.

Epcot from October 1 will see a new night-time show called Harmonious, celebrating the songs of Disney, along with pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and massive LED panels.

Another new night-time show will be Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park, featuring fireworks, music and immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.Fifty “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” golden sculptures will be seen across the four Walt Disney World theme parks,A new acrobatic show called Drawn to Life – presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney –makes its premiere on November 18.

A new song has been written for the anniversary, The Magic Is Calling, which will be heard in a variety of ways during the 18-month celebration.

Eight famous characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – will be known as the “EARidescent 8” as they will wear sparkling new outfits for the anniversary.

Read the full magical article here - source: travel weekly 30Sep21

Kenya lifts quarantine restrictions on UK travellers

Travellers from the UK are now able to visit Kenya without quarantining on arrival into the country.

Kenya Tourism Board chief executive Betty Radier said: “As one of our key markets, we are thrilled to be able to welcome back visitors from the UK to experience everything that magical Kenya has to offer.

“With restrictions now removed, we look forward to having even more visitors from the UK explore our beautiful country again.”

Find out more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 27Sep21

Covid: US opens up to fully vaccinated travellers

The US is easing its coronavirus travel restrictions, re-opening to passengers from the UK, EU and other nations.

From November, foreign travellers will be allowed to fly into the US if they are fully vaccinated, and undergo testing and contact tracing.

The US has had tough restrictions on travel in place since early last year.

The move answers a major demand from European allies, and means that families separated by the restrictions can be reunited.

White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zients announced the new rules on Monday, saying: "This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it's a stronger system."

"Most importantly, foreign nationals flying to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated," he said.

Click here to find out more - source: bbc news 20Sep21

Pandemic ‘catalyst for switch to tourism sustainability’

A guide explaining how tourism organisations in Europe can build sustainable practices into their everyday operations has been published by the European Travel Commission.

Click here to download handbook.

The body representing 33 national tourism organisations has issued the handbook “Destinations have a crucial role to play in strengthening Europe’s position and leading the transformation to a post-pandemic world.
“To this end, ETC expects this handbook will foster knowledge sharing and act as a vehicle to make destinations more sustainable and resilient in the long-term.
“This handbook will provide a platform for sharing evidence-based case studies and actions that could potentially be implemented by destinations to encourage both the tourism supply and demand sides to act responsibly.

“We believe that this handbook will support European destinations in their efforts to build a tourism sector that is more respectful of the environment and that will equally benefit local economies and communities in the years to come.”
The handbook is available to download free from ETC’s website.

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 15Sep21

Baldwins Travel acquired by business investors Inc & Co

Investment group Inc & Co has acquired Baldwins Travel in a bid to help the 126-year-old agency “navigate its way out” of the Covid crisis.
The multimillion-pound takeover of the eight-branch travel agency, established in 1895.

“Going into the pandemic, we were a strong and successful business, but many industries and businesses have been upturned by Covid, and none more so than the travel industry. We were the first to be impacted and look to be the last to be able to recover".

Find out more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 14Sep21

Five-point plan for sustainable travel industry to be outlined

Tourism ministers and travel leaders are to set out a five-point commitment on the future sustainability of the industry at an event in Portugal this week.

The Evora Forum – A World for Travel will begin on Thursday and will be attended by more than two dozen ministers and government officials from a number of destinations in addition to academic leaders and speakers from the industry.

Organisers said the five commitments “will focus on sustainability from all perspectives including social, environmental, and economic” and would be reviewed at the next Evora Forum in 2022.

The industry’s current position on sustainability has been assessed based on 35 “position papers” from around the world and a report from consultancy firm Oliver Wyman.

Christian Delom, secretary general of A World for Travel, said: “We are just one week away from the first think-tank about sustainability in travel. We know important topics will be discussed and commitments generated that will have true impact.

“Our goal is that the development and announcement of five commitments will be adopted and implemented by tourism businesses and organisations around the world to ensure a more sustainable future for travel, while making changes to the impact of tourism.”

Please click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 13Sep21

EasyJet discounts one million seats

More than one million seats feature as part of an autumn flights sale by easyJet.

The budget airline is cutting prices by 20% for bookings made by September 14.

The promotion covers 72,709 flights to and from the UK between next month and September 2022.“Our autumn sale will offer our customers in the UK more opportunities to reunite with friends and family across Europe.”

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 10Sep21

Travel Counsellors’ welfare fund has helped 200 business owners

A support package for the homeworking group’s small business owners was created to help those in financial stress due to the impact of Covid. It was an extension of Travel Counsellors’ existing benevolent fund,

Travel Counsellors chief executive Steve Byrne said the fund would remain in place for “as long as needed”.“Our Financial Welfare Fund has helped over 200 people – directly with money or in some cases, by providing IT equipment for their children into their own homes.

“We’ve also put mental health services in place. We had that before, but we’ve extended it and lots of people have drawn on that.

“Lots of people have also drawn on support from each other. It’s been a huge test of emotional resilience and there’s nothing wrong with, for a period of time, needing support.

“We’ve just encouraged people to shout if they need that help. The things we put in place are continuing. They will be there for as long as they’re needed, which may be forever.

To find out more click here - source: travel weekly 09Sep21

Travel agency leaders fear Covid talent drain

Agency bosses fear the end of furlough and continued travel restrictions could drain talent from the trade as it struggles to attract newcomers to the industry.“Lateral thinking is required from the industry for future recruitment drives.”how we can really convey the message of just why a career in travel is so rewarding” and called on the industry at large to “get creative” in order to “change perceptions about working in travel” which is “essential for the entire industry’s recovery”.

“While we’re still at the very early outset of travel recovery, it is imperative that we look further into the future now,” said Dobson. “If travel does continue to unlock over the next six months, our industry will face an influx of the pent-up demand. Not a bad problem, but travel businesses will need to be sufficiently staffed and well-trained.”

“We welcome engagement from other businesses in the sector on how we work together to attract new and future talent to fuel our industry.”

Consortia reported members focusing on retaining talent.“We have lost valuable staff going outside of travel because they were fed up waiting to get back to work and were worried, despite what we have been telling them, about what would happen after furlough finishes and they wanted a proper salary and regular, normal work.

They will never return to travel. Huge loss and decades of experience in many cases.

“This isn’t new; we have been struggling for years on recruitment, well before Covid.”

“I’m really worried our industry will lose a lot of talent.But looking forward, he said:

“Despite the government doing their upmost to wreck our industry, we are a resilient bunch and will rise again.”

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 09Sep21

Traffic light system 'expected to be scrapped'

TRAVEL experts have predicted that the traffic light system could be "scrapped by October 1".

“It’s about whether you are vaccinated or not, rather than the country you are travelling to.

“What it means is that green and amber disappear and only vaccination status will count for where you travel.

Travel expert Paul Charles said he, along with other industry insiders, were already "aware" of plans to change the current rules.

He said: "The traffic light system is expected to be scrapped by October 1 - at last.

"Airlines and some of us in the sector are aware of plans to create a simpler system, where countries are either red or not. This would be the US model in effect, which I’ve been calling for.

"Scrapping of traffic light system would be a relief to pretty well everyone and herald a 'living with an endemic' approach rather than blanket country measures."

Find out more about this exciting news by clicking here - source: Express travel news 08Sep21

Tree planting sustainability drive unveiled by Globus

Globus Group is entering a new partnership with Trees4Travel as part of sustainability efforts.
Avalon Waterways will offset the carbon footprint of every passenger’s cruise in 2022 by donating tens of thousands of trees.
The development is part of the company’s LightHouse Project, an initiative created in April to help reduce its carbon footprint.Giles Hawke, chief executive of Cosmos, Globus and Avalon Waterways UK, said: “Our goal with the Lighthouse Project is to illuminate a path for a better tomorrow. Our new partnership with Trees4Travel certainly does that.

“Working towards the globe’s greater good, we’re shining a light on the need – and opportunity – to offset travel’s carbon emissions by donating trees to be planted on behalf of every Avalon Waterways’ guest in 2022. We’re also inviting all of our guests to get involved.”“This is just the beginning. We’re aiming to have the first, fully electric river cruise vessel by 2027.”
According to Trees4Travel, the first ten years of each tree’s life will supplement travel while the next 140 years of the lifespan of each tree will simply benefit the earth.

Founder Nico Nicholas said: “It’s important for us to explore and experience our amazing world through travel with a thoughtful approach.“It’s a simple, yet powerful act, that will help reverse climate change, creating a safe, sustainable planet for future generations.”

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 07Sep21

TRAVEL INDUSTRY TAKES ON THE CYBER TROLLS

Travel.Radio is backing a ‘Beat the Bullies’ campaign following a sustained attack by online trolls who are targetting travel agents across the country.

The digital radio station for the travel industry and people who love travelling, has itself been the victim of online abuse with a prolonged and personal social media and email campaign aimed at the station and some of its presenters.
Now Travel.Radio has joined the travel industry ‘taskforce’ to share online bullying experiences and work with the Police to record the incidents.

Once the culprits are caught and charged, the radio station has pledged to name and shame them and is calling on industry partners to implement a life-long travel ban on anyone found guilty of cyber bullying. “But even more worrying are the false and damaging claims they make to our partners and advertisers via email. They are completely groundless and contentious allegations, clearly designed to cause as much commercial damage as possible. It’s beyond me why people are so spiteful and spineless when everyone is just trying to go to work and help global travel recover after the pandemic”.

Find out more by clicking here - source: Travel.Radio 21

Let’s ensure compassion shown in crisis continues

Kindness and humanity is still needed and would be great as we edge back to normality, says Cosmos and Avalon chief executive Giles Hawke.

The past 18 months have been horrendous for the travel industry, on any measure you might care to come up with.
Thousands of people have lost their livelihoods, companies have lost millions of pounds, business models have been turned upside down, the life work of many entrepreneurs has been destroyed and our mental health has suffered greatly with the constant ‘crisis mode’ under which we are all operating. Coupled with this, we haven’t been able to freely see friends and family or live the lives we would normally enjoy.

Against this backdrop, you could be forgiven for feeling a little bit down about things.
But throughout the pandemic there have been amazing stories of hope, persistence, perseverance and basic human kindness.

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 03Sep21

Virgin Atlantic adds ‘The Booth’ to A350 aircraft

Virgin Atlantic’s A350 aircraft will offer a new ‘social space’ called The Booth, for Upper Class passengers on leisure services.

Travellers on the Heathrow-Orlando route will be the first to see the new space.

There will be one booth per aircraft, offering lounge-style seating for two, plus two 27-inch touch-screen monitors, with content tailored to the route and time of day.

Initially, the content will include a digital art gallery and a tail and belly-cam of the aircraft. The first aircraft in the airline’s A350 leisure fleet will be G-VEVE, named Fearless Lady, after Eve Branson, late mother of Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson.

Lady Emmeline (G-VLIB), which is inspired by the leader of the women’s suffrage movement Emmeline Pankhurst, will follow in April.

The A350 is designed to be 30% more fuel and carbon efficient than the Boeing 747s it replaced.

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 02Sep21

Are Experiential Dining Options on Cruise Ships the Next Trend?

From the Disney Wish’s latest Avengers-themed restaurant to the Celebrity’s Le Petit Chef dining experience, more cruise lines than ever before are investing in fun, experiential and unique dining experiences to draw more travelers to their specific cruise line or cruise ship.

Could the future of cruise travel have a more focused eye on culinary experiences?

Celebrity Cruises has created a dining experience exclusively for Celebrity ships: Le Petit Chef. This experience turns the average dinner table into a theater, using 3D laser projection displays to entertain and delight as the main character, Le Petit Chef, prepares your dinner. The Celebrity Apex will feature the newest animation, Le Petit Chef & Family.

Disney Cruise Line has been helping families experience, not just taste, their meals since its first ships launched.

Its newest ship, the Disney Wish, is set to offer plenty of family-friendly and Disney movie-inspired dining experiences, but on a whole new level.

Click here to find out more - source: travel pulse 02Sep21

Jet2 orders 36 new Airbus aircraft

Jet2 has signed a multibillion-dollar deal to buy 36 new Airbus A321 neo aircraft.

The airline said the deal means it can “meet the future anticipated growth of its leisure travel business and to refresh its existing aircraft fleet”.

It has also agreed flexibility to extend the order up to 60 aircraft.“We are delighted to have placed this order with Airbus and are proud to operate this aircraft which has more seats, provides additional operating benefits through lower fuel consumption and is, in our opinion, the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft in its class today.

“It will ensure our customers have a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us for their well-deserved holidays and can enjoy holidays that are increasingly more environmentally sustainable for many years to come.”

To find out more click here - source: travel weekly 31Aug21

Tui Care Foundation wins state backing for tourism recovery project

A six-month tourism recovery initiative involving the Tui Care Foundation will involve mentoring, business development support and financial assistance from the German government.

The mentoring programme, which will take place between November and next January, will provide tailored guidance through individual sessions with experts from across the global tourism industry.

The 315 participating enterprises include a Kenya community-owned safari operator, an Egyptian firm creating virtual reality tourism experiences and a Cape Town-based tour firm working with a township community centre to sell local crafts.

German economic co-operation and development divisional head for private sector co-operation Lucia De Carlo, said: “The promotion of sustainable development through tourism is more urgent than ever.

“The whole tourism value chain has been hit hard over the past year, due to the pandemic. Jobs have been lost, livelihoods endangered, biodiversity threatened, and especially vulnerable groups have suffered the most."

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 31Aug21

Lata boss blasts government after region overlooked in update

The boss of the Latin American Travel Association has launched a blistering attack on the government after no countries in the region were included in its latest traffic light update.

“As usual, no positive news for Latin America in the changes to the traffic light gradings. Again, we have no clarity on how decisions are made – the government repeatedly talks about ‘following the data’, but that is not borne out by their actions.

“If we look at the actual data from the last 14 days, nowhere in mainland Latin America has case rates anywhere close to the UK’s. Remember when Brazil was the supposed epicentre of the world’s Covid problems? Well, their cases are running at only 30% of ours, whereas the USA is on a par with the UK.

“Maybe it’s to do with vaccination rates? But Chile is ahead of the UK on that, but still on the red list. And streets ahead of India, which made the amber list last time and has had its FCDO advice downgraded.

“Perhaps it’s to do with genomic sequencing? But latest figures show that the UK is sequencing a negligible amount of positive cases, so that’s clearly not important.”

“The most telling evidence that the grading is a complete farce is how the announcements are made. [Transport secretary] Grant Shapps is not what you would call camera shy, yet for some reason announcements about travel, which impact thousands of lives and livelihoods, are made late in the day by Twitter".

"The Maldives astonished me with natural beauty above and below the waves."

Simon Reeve

"Whenever I chat or spend time with people who work for Kuoni, I know I'm with like-minded souls; they love travel and the experience it brings. They feel lucky to share their passion with other people and give their customers new experiences they'll remember for the rest of their lives.

Kuoni's been around for almost a hundred years, and I think that heritage matters.

It feeds through every element of the company, giving people absolute confidence when they travel. Customers feel protected, advised, and reassured that they're not only getting the best possible experience when they go away, but that Kuoni is there for them if things get tricky. It's a wonderful company that I'm happy, and actually proud, to be associated with."

Watch videos and find out more here - source: Kuoni 26Aug21

Manchester Airports Group seeks to appeal traffic light ruling

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has sought leave to appeal against a High Court ruling that the government acted lawfully in categorising countries under the traffic light system for international travel.

London’s High Court rejected the attempt to force the government to publish the data behind decisions on destinations’ status last month.

But a MAG spokesman confirmed: “We have applied for leave to appeal and are awaiting a judge’s verdict on that.”

The grounds for the appeal have not been disclosed. The spokesman said: “Only once we have [the judge’s verdict] can we decide on next steps.”

However, Travel Weekly understands MAG’s lawyers intend to argue thegovernment had a legal duty to be transparent about how it made decisions and had created expectations this would be the case.

UKinbound awarded silver Green Tourism recognition

UKinbound has been awarded Green Tourism’s silver accreditation in recognition of its sustainability practices.

The certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable.

UKinbound’s performance was assessed as a sustainable tourism operation across 15 areas including communications, health and wellbeing, equality, travel, energy consumption and waste management.

UKinbound has introduced sustainability initiatives and green best practises in the past 12 months, including a commitment to utilising sustainable transport, promoting accessibility and inclusion, and implementing a green action plan.

A May survey found that two in three of the association’s members have put sustainability in their reopening/recovery/long-term business plans. It also suggested businesses have an appetite for sustainability content, including news, case studies, resources and advice.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 24Aug21

Charity offers pilots pandemic mental health support

A text-based crisis service has been launched for pilots struggling to cope with mental health pressures due to airline industry disruption caused by Covid-19.

The initiative has been introduced by UK charity PilotsTogether.

Pilots, regardless of employment status, can text #WePilots to 85258 and they will be put in touch with a trained volunteer by text who will provide support and guidance.

The anonymous support covers a range of wellbeing issues that are often taboo or stigmatised in the profession, according to the charity.

These include anxiety, depression, loneliness, and abuse – issues that many are facing during throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Find out more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 23Aug21

https://giveusashout.org/volunteer-shout/

Travel leaders urged to ‘become environmentalists’ to plot sustainable future

Senior leaders in travel have been encouraged to “become environmentalists” as the industry strives to play its part in combating the growing threat of climate change.

“We need more people from the industry to be environmentalists themselves, because that’s the way we can all understand each other,” said Dr Rifai.. “I think people should continue to travel because it has so many advantages. If it’s up to the consumer they will still want to travel, and I would encourage that.

“Travel brings people and leaders together, it creates the basis for world peace and allows us to take care of our local communities. Travel in itself is not a crime, actually it’s good, because people meet, and when they meet they make change happen.”

Dr Rifai accused governments around the world of historically not taking travel and tourism seriously enough, and deciding tourism ministerial appointees on the basis of appeasing those who are a political threat.

But he said Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of the sector both for jobs and livelihoods as well as economies and has underlined the need for multilateral multinational agreements rather than countries working individually.

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 20Aug21

Approach of insurers “unjustified”

The trade has condemned insurance companies which deduct furlough payments from successful business interruption insurance claims.

Abta said insurance companies were now “routinely deducting furlough payments” from claim pay-outs despite calls by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for insurers to treat businesses fairly on a case-by-case basis following the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of small firms.

It called the approach of insurers “unjustified” while one tour operator affected called the decision to deduct furlough payments a “rip-off” and “immoral”.

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly 19Aug21

A 'Little Mermaid'-themed Cocktail Experience Is Now Open in NYC

New Yorkers can now dive into a new cocktail experience that will take them "under the sea."
The Little Mermaid Experience, a theatrical cocktail experience that combines performance art and craft cocktails, is now open in New York City

Read the full article by clicking here - source:travelandleisure.com 17Aug21

Wildlife specialist tour operator ceases trading

Wildlife specialist Bird Holidays has ceased trading, the Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed.

The Leeds-based firm stopped operations on August 10, the CAA said. It had been in business for 30 years.

Bird Holidays’ director Paul Willoughby wrote a message to customers on the operator’s website.

It said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that Bird Holidays has stopped trading.

“Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020 it has been impossible for us to safely operate a single tour and it has been heartbreaking to watch a thriving business, popular with customers and guides alike, deteriorate to the extent that it has.

“From humble beginnings Bird Holidays grew into something to be very proud of and I take heart in the huge amounts of positive feedback we received over the years.

I am so grateful to everyone who put their trust in me and the other leaders to deliver some truly memorable holidays."

“It has been a fantastic 30 years for me, full of excitement and wonder at the natural world, and so on behalf of myself and all the other leaders, thank you to all our lovely customers for making it possible.”

Find out more here - source: travel weekly 12Aug21

Hotel quarantine facing legal challenge

The UK’s quarantine hotel policy for arrivals from red list countries is being challenged with a call for a judicial review.

London-based law firm PGMBM has started legal proceedings.

Passengers must spend 11 nights in quarantine hotels on returning from red list countries, despite being fully vaccinated and testing negative for Covid.

More than 60 locations including Turkey, Mexico, Kenya and many other countries in Africa are currently on the red list.

The cost of isolating in a quarantine hotel has risen from £1,750 to £2,285.

PGMBM argues that this is an “unlawful deprivation of liberty”.

The law firm is also seeking refunds of the cost of the quarantine hotel stays in addition to compensation for the breach in human rights.

Read all about it by clicking here - source: travel weekly 12Aug21

Historic 130-Year-Old Railway Reopens in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

A one-of-a-kind train system that’s transported visitors to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado for 130 years has just gotten a new lease on life.

Following a three-year closure and a $100 million, full-scale renovation—which involved replacing the trains themselves, re-laying the track...

Recognized as the world’s highest cog railway (it’s actually only one of two such railways in the entire U.S.), its mechanisms are uniquely designed to handle its winding route through the majestic Rocky Mountains with grades as steep as 25 percent.

Known as “America’s Mountain”, Pikes Peak boasts breathtaking panoramic views over the forested landscapes that are said to have inspired the song “America the Beautiful”, and the hour-long journey to the top is equally filled with awe-inspiring sights..

"The experience of going to the summit of a 14,000-foot mountain by rail has not changed. Yes, the cars are new. The track is new. But that awe-inspiring experience, it's all the same,"

Read all about it by clicking here - source: travelpulse.com 10Aug21

Intrepid Travel launches global vaccine equity campaign

Intrepid Travel has launched a fundraising and advocacy campaign aimed at supporting “fair and equal access to vaccinations” around the world.

Fewer than 1% of Covid-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to low-income countries, so the adventure operator believes “vaccine equity is essential” to restarting the global travel industry.

Via its non-profit The Intrepid Foundation, Intrepid has committed to raising AUD $100,000 for Unicef Australia to support universal access to Covid-19 vaccines.

And its teams around the world are working to provide easier access to vaccines for tourism workers and their families in remote communities and educating staff to help resolve vaccine hesitancy.

“Intrepid was founded on ideals of inclusivity and equality and we’re very concerned about the unequal access to vaccines around the world.

“Ending the pandemic is not only about you and your vaccine".

“We believe that for travel to return, we need global vaccine equity. Our campaign aims to support fair and equal access to vaccinations, in every country around the world.”

At the start of July 2021, none of the porters that Intrepid contracts on treks had been vaccinated. By the end of July, 80% had received at least one dose.s

In Sri Lanka, to help address vaccine hesitancy, the company hosted an information and Q&A session.

“We cannot leave any community or country behind in this history-making mission."

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly 5Aug21

"Which" the BULLIES...

Consumer group Which? has been slated for using “bully-boy” tactics by tour operators that feel they have been unfairly ‘red-listed’ for not responding to a refunds survey.

Twenty companies were added to the Which? red list – but the group confirmed to Travel Weekly that only seven of those had responded to its “repeated requests” for information on refund policies.

Aito, the Specialist Travel Association, led the criticism of Which?, which has been critical of the travel industry over refund practices since the start of the pandemic.

It said the “so-called consumer champion” uses “bully-boy tactics” in its latest report, used to launch a ‘holiday checker’ tool on its website.

Aito demanded Which? “scraps” its upcoming issue, which it understands is currently being despatched to subscribers, along with its press release which has been sent to various news desks.

The association, which represents 200 small and medium-sized companies, urged Which? to “withdraw in full all its misleading and incorrect statements.”

“In a pandemic, when travel companies have been unable to trade for 17 months and all have had to dig deep into their own pockets to refund customers as quickly as they could (in the absence of refunds from many airlines and accommodation providers), one expects better of our so-called consumer champion, Which?”

“Some of these companies aren’t even trading at present – their destinations are closed, and so are they. They have nowhere to send clients. How bonkers this is; but it is also seriously commercially damaging to those companies listed, who plan to re-open if possible in due course.”

Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady Sets Sail in the UK

After much anticipation, Virgin Voyages will debut its first ship, Scarlet Lady in the United Kingdom this week.

Introducing the Summer Soiree Series, Scarlet Lady will be berthed in Portsmouth for her six U.K. sailings around the English Channel this summer starting Friday, August 6.

Highlights will include more than 20 eateries from Michelin-starred chefs, a Redemption Spa inspired by an underwater cave and similarly relaxing enclaves like The Perch hosting events such as complimentary group workout classes, yoga and nightlife.
Guests can also look forward to what Virgin is calling the world's only Korean BBQ at sea and a secret Virgin Voyages Champagne button on the Virgin Voyages Sailor App that will deliver a bottle anywhere on board.

Read all about it here - source: travelpulse.comAug21

Covid-19: Amber watchlist travel idea scrapped

A proposal to create an "amber watchlist" of countries at risk of moving to red in the travel traffic light system has been abandoned, a government source has told the BBC.

It comes after the Prime Minister said he wanted a "simple" and "balanced approach" to pandemic travel.

Government sources said no new categories would now be added. "We also have to recognise that people want, badly, to go on their summer holidays, we need to get the travel industry moving again, we need to get our city centres open again and so we want an approach that is as simple as we can possibly make it."

Read the full article by clicking here - source: bbc news 03Aug21

Travel bosses call for more green list countries and relaxation of testing burden

Travel industry leaders have urged the addition of more countries to the green list for quarantine-free travel and a change in testing requirements for the remainder of the summer peak season.

The plea from the bosses of airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Ryanair, and operators Tui and Jet2 came as chancellor Rishi Sunak was widely reported over the weekend to have pressed for a relaxation of Covid travel restrictions.
His intervention came ahead of Thursday’s updating of the traffic light list for international travel amid fears that a new ‘amber watchlist’ category could be created, which would see countries switched to red with little notice, requiring ten days’ hotel quarantine on return to the UK.

Sunak wrote to prime minister warning that the current curbs were harming the economy and tourism.

Read more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 02Aug21

First people arriving into UK after rules relaxed for fully jabbed

The first passengers have been arriving in the UK after rules changed to allow people fully vaccinated in the US and EU to avoid quarantine.

The UK government said the change would help to reunite family and friends whose loved ones live abroad.
Airline bosses have welcomed the move but are calling for more countries to be added to the UK's green travel list.
One man who was among the first arrivals from the US said it was "amazing" to be able to finally come back from Washington DC to see friends and family without having to isolate.
"It gives us an opportunity to spend time with family - people we haven't seen for quite some time," he said.
"As soon as we got off the plane we got so excited, even the little ones were shouting 'London, London'. It's just absolutely marvellous to be back.""

"So grateful" at getting the opportunity to come home, I probably won't want to leave in eight days but I'm hoping this is the beginning of the travel opportunity - for mum and dad to come and see the kids in America."

Read more by clicking here - source: bbc news 02Aug21

Summer holidays ‘key to improving mental health’

Half of people in the UK say that the role of their summer holiday this year is key to improving their mental health and wellbeing after dealing with the pandemic and multiple lockdowns.

Specifically, 34% said a break was needed for escapism after months of lockdown. London was the region where people were most likely to say they needed a holiday to tackle their mental health and wellbeing (61%), with more than a fifth (22%) of people in the capital saying they needed a holiday to de-stress from work. “After the last 16-months of dealing with the pandemic, overseas holidays are far more important to the British public than ever before."

“The extended lockdowns have been linked to poor mental health and wellbeing across the country and an overseas break is far from being irresponsible or linked to partying and pampering – but instead they are now essential to help people deal with anxiety, loneliness and stress.”

“Covid has exacerbated the challenges that people felt long before the pandemic hit; loneliness for the older generation has been a serious struggle, along with the repetition of life at home. Taking a safe and responsible holiday to combatthese challenges will be key to lifting the nation’s spirits.”

Hurtigruten Expeditions signs deal with environment charity

Hurtigruten Expeditions will take 10 teenagers away on an Antarctica cruise after partnering with a charity to encourage younger generations to care about the environment.

As part of the agreement with the #WeTwo Foundation, a group of “nominated underprivileged” children will sail on the line’s Fridtjof Nansen ship in February 2022. All the children on the ship within the #WeTwo group, set up by two adventurers, will have to commit to green initiatives – including rewilding projects, river and beach clean-ups, and removing plastics from trees – before joining the sailing.

On board, the group will track whales and leopard seals as well as study phytoplankton to understand how they respond to changes in water temperature.

“We look forward to taking the next generation of ambassadors to Antarctica to educate them on the importance of protecting the environment both overseas and at home, to help protect the world for future generations.”

When I was on my knees, Abta LifeLine was there for me

In a special National Travel Agent Day webcast, Sam Robinson outlines how the charity supported him and his daughter after the death of his wife.

A former employee of the Monarch Travel Group and Funway Holidays has spoken of how support from Abta LifeLine helped him in his darkest hour. the charity had helped “take away the pressures” and “lighten his load” when he was at rock bottom.
He shared his story to encourage others in the travel industry to ask for help if they need it – and to help raise awareness and funds to ensure Abta LifeLine can continue doing its “vital” work. Robinson told Travel Weekly: “About 20 months ago, my wife was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer, which had spread from primary breast cancer into her bones.

“I reached out to Abta LifeLine about a month before she eventually passed away, as I’d just been made redundant and the demands of my wife’s needs meant that I couldn’t be in a senior marketing role in the travel industry for a while. I needed to be there for her treatment and to look after our three-year-old daughter, Molly.

"I set up a marketing consultancy called ‘Whole of the Moon Marketing Ltd’...

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 25Jul21

Putting Dragoman in a box.

The decision to hibernate Dragoman until longhaul travel is feasible again was ultimately a “pretty easy decision”, according to the overland touring specialist’s boss.

Director Charlie Hopkinson said the Aito operator is mothballing operations indefinitely and refunding all future bookings. Its 27 trucks will be parked up around the world and its offices will shut until it is able to restart business.

The firm’s hibernation was confirmed earlier this month, and will remain in place until long-haul travel is feasible again.

Speaking at Aito’s general meeting, Hopkinson said: “We have uncertainty. We need certainty to restart. We need to reserve our funds and so it was a pretty easy decision.”

Hopkinson revealed a key reason for the decision was the cost of insurance, including the amount now required up front to insure its overland trucks.

“Insurance is our biggest Achille’s Heel. That industry has made it hard for us to restart in every area of the world,” he said.

He admitted it was “a lot of work” to refund all clients, adding the company was not giving a date for its return until it had further information on international travel restarting despite the hardships.

Read the full article by clicking here- source: travel weekly 23 Jul21

The Empowering Resilience of Ghana's Female Artisans Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Despite the hardships, these creatives looking forward with smiles on their faces.

The coronavirus outbreak resulted in the destruction of livelihoods of local communities and cultural institutions globally. Countries like Ghana, where local artisans make up a significant part of the informal sector, have had their entire industry affected. Reduction in tourism led to a disruption in trade and export channels, contributing to an overall downturn in the artisan economy in Ghana.

While artisans across all developing countries have been hit in one way or another, Ghana's economy reflects a resilient approach to a troublesome period. The artisan economy, made up predominantly of women, has seen a sharp decline in services and production due to lockdown. Artisans have been forced to innovate to survive. Godwin Agbeko, director of aid for Artisans Ghana said, "We are being forced to be innovative as an industry." Many Artisans are venturing into other trades to sustain their livelihoods. Others are using social media and other e-shops to maximize their market.

Grau shared that social media has been essential to connect with clients, stating, "Engagement via social media has proved helpful in amplifying our work and stories"

Click here to find out more - source: travelandleisure.com Jul21

High Court backs government after MAG traffic light case

The High Court has backed the government after it faced an industry legal challenge led by Manchester Airports Group arguing for the government to publish the data behind decisions on the traffic light status of destinations.

Judges ruled that the interested parties, including Ryanair, BA parent IAG, Virgin Atlantic, Tui UK, easyJet and industry entrepreneur Clive Jacobs on behalf of SMEs, had grounds for a judicial review.

But the ruling rejected a series of challenges outlined by the claimants based on a duty to give reasons and transparency behind decisions, “legitimate expectation” and “Convention rights”.

Following the ruling, Charlie Cornish, chief executive of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Michael O’Leary, Ryanair Group chief executive, Luis Gallego, chief executive of IAG, easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren, Andrew Flintham, managing director, Tui UK & Ireland and Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic issued a statement.

It said: “British businesses and consumers deserve to understand how the government takes decisions on the traffic light system so that they can book their travel with confidence whether for business, visiting friends and family or simply taking a holiday.

“The way decisions have been taken to date has not been transparent and has created huge confusion and uncertainty for the British public". In a recent poll 80% of UK consumers agreed.

Access the ruling and full article here- source: travel weekly 20Jul21

This Website's New Feature Is Making It Easier for Travelers With Disabilities to See the World

Custom profiles will help match individuals with travel experiences accessible to their needs.

The challenges of navigating the world for people with disabilities have long been a barrier, but Wheel the World's new website hopes to open up the possibilities of accessible travel further.

While the company has become a leading resource to empower seniors and those with disabilities to see the world since its founding in 2018, the site's new accessibility mapping system (AMS) aims to take that a major step forward.

Now, users can customize their own personal accessibility profiles, and the site will match them up with compatible trips - including places to stay, things to do, and multiday tours — that cater to their specific needs in more than 50 destinations.

Those details can include wheelchair accessibility, specific transcription requirements, braille signage, adaptive equipment availability, building entry specifics, bed heights, and special room needs.

Click here to check out the website.

EasyJet urges UK to extend green list as it increases flights to 60% of pre-Covid levels

The easyJet boss has called on the UK government to add “many more” European countries to its “green” quarantine-free travel list, as the airline announced that it was ramping up the number of flights it operates to 60% of pre-pandemic levels during the summer holiday season.

The airline will operate up to 1,400 flights a day between July and September. On Monday, it ran 1,000 flights.

Read all about it here - source: The Guardian 20July21

Agent tells PM and key ministers of ‘heart-breaking’ trade plight

The agent who runs the Travel Agent Rants and Raves closed Facebook group has sent the prime minister and other key politicians a snapshot of the “heart-breaking” comments posted on the group during a single day.

Jackson, of Luxury Travel Gurus, said: “Every day members post about how they are feeling and it is heart-breaking, with so many of us at breaking point.
“I can no longer sit back and watch agents pouring their hearts out day after day and felt it was time to act."
Her letter to the politicians said: “You have no idea the damage and heartbreak hundreds of thousands of us are going through.
“We are being held to ransom by our government, which is slowly destroying the UK travel industry.”

"Please spare a thought for the person having to deal with the hundreds of enquiries daily, asking the same questions over and over. We are tired, we are broke and we are broken."

“I’m sorry for the negative post but I feel desperate today. I’m really struggling to stay positive and upbeat. Mentally and financially I feel like I’ve reached rock bottom and have lost any fight I had. I’m so tired and all I want is to go to sleep and wake up when this is over. When do I give up? I feel like the government have washed their hands of us, I can’t see a way forward. Please someone shake me out of this.”

“I’ve felt like this so many times in the past three months, I had a period where I actually took three weeks out of working because I just couldn’t do it anymore. I contemplated quitting but then I realised we have survived so long now and fought every single day for the past 17 months, so why quit now and all that stress and upset be for nothing.”

“I have felt like this for some time, still clinging on by skin of teeth but it’s almost depression symptoms.”

“I took the last couple of months off and have not actively tried to make any bookings for the fear of having to go over them all again to get them changed/cancelled…again. With recent positive news, I decided to try again and the rules are changed again! It is so disheartening and of course our customers and the government, don’t realise we lose out financially each time a booking is cancelled.”

“The whole situation is affecting my sleep patterns and mood, I’ve been getting a lot of headaches and it’s all down to the stress of all of this. When will we get a break? But we’re all doing a bloody good job in terrible circumstances and we’re in it together.”

“After 40 years in travel I can’t imagine not doing it anymore, there’s inner strength in us all to get through this together and be united. Hang in there better days will come.”

Read the full article here - source: travel weekly 20July21

Penguin paradise: Boulders Beach named one of world’s best beaches

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, known for its colony of African penguins, landed the 12th spot in Big 7 Travel's top 50 beaches in the world.

In June the beach and its colony of African penguins were featured in an eight-part series on Netflix following the real lives of the African penguins as they search for mates, food and shelter for breeding.

Now, the beach has been ranked 12th in Big 7 Travel’s list of the “Top 50 Best Beaches in the World”.
According to Good Things Guy, 1.5 million people from 60 countries take surveys and vote for the best travel accolades around the world and Big 7 Media shares several lists in order to promote global travel.
Big 7 Travel used aggregated scores from previous media results, official Blue Flag locations and contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team to put the list together. “Boulders Beach has something you won’t find anywhere else in the world – you can get close to African Penguins, who nest by the beach. Summer is prime time to visit Boulders, and it’s when you’ll see the most penguin action. The cool, clear False Bay water and rock pools are an added bonus,”

Find out more here- source: thesouthafrican.com July 21

WTTC guidelines tackle ‘corrupt and shameful’ illegal wildlife trade

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled new guidelines to help the travel and tourism sector to tackle the illegal wildlife trade (IWT).

The guidelines have been drawn up with support from Animondial, a key advisor to the global travel industry on animal welfare in tourism.

The guidelines show how travellers often participate – albeit unwittingly – in the illicit movement of animals, plants and products made from them.

Virginia Messina, WTTC senior vice-president, said: “The WTTC and its members are determined to help in the fight to eradicate the scourge of illegal trade in wildlife.

“As a sector, travel and tourism has a responsibility to tackle this appalling activity which causes misery to countless animals, putting entire species and ecosystems at risk. “We believe these new guidelines will help businesses around the world in their fight against this corrupt and shameful practice.”

“It is fantastic that the travel and tourism sector has joined the global fight against illegal wildlife trade, recognising how it can both protect wildlife at its source and help curb demand.”

The WTTC said there has been a “significant decrease” in funding for conservation efforts and an increase in poaching activities during the pandemic.

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly 16th July 21

Ireland to reopen to international travellers

Ireland is opening up to fully vaccinated British travellers from Monday.

The relaxation of Covid travel restrictions will coincide with ‘Freedom Day’ in the UK.

Tourism Ireland said there will be no need to for double jabbed travellers to quarantine in either direction.

It will be the first European country to enable such access due to the Common Travel Area.

Tourism Ireland is launching a co-operative pilot programme aimed at supporting Irish industry’s overseas tourism recovery.

The initiative is aimed at supporting industry to undertake sales and marketing activities in core international markets to increase inbound visitor numbers.

A spokesperson said: “The recent announcement about the re-opening of international travel to Ireland on 19 July is excellent news for everyone working in the tourism and hospitality sector here.

Harry Potter New York Is Debuting New Virtual Reality Experiences

Step into the Wizarding World and see the Harry Potter universe like never before in Harry Potter New York's new virtual reality experiences opening today, July 15.

Two unique adventures give visitors the chance to live out their witch and wizard dreams thanks to these interactive experiences located inside the newly opened Harry Potter flagship store in New York City.

Two virtual reality experiences — "Chaos at Hogwarts" and "Wizards Take Flight" — take guests on immersive adventures through iconic settings from the movies and books.

Find out more here - source: travelandleisure.com 15th July 21

JG Travel Group offers new Polar Express breaks

The JG Travel Group is to offer Polar Express breaks on the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway for the first time this Christmas – making it available to agents in the south of England to sell.

The Polar Express, inspired by the children’s book and film, includes a reading of The Polar Express book on board, where children are encouraged to wear their pyjamas and dressing gowns.

As well as receiving hot chocolate and cookies, there is a chance to meet the conductor, see a troop of singing chefs come through the carriage, meet Father Christmas himself and enjoy Christmas carols during the train ride.

The new breaks also include a trip to London to look around the shops and see the Christmas lights and landmarks.

Work is something we do, not somewhere we go...

"We have listened to our employees in order to define a clear framework that ensures ultimate flexibility, whilst creating positive experiences that enable all colleagues to feel like they belong and are valued."

Tui introduces permanent flexible working policy.

Tui’s office-based UK staff will move to permanent flexible working, following 16 months of homeworking due to the pandemic.
Most of the travel company’s office-based employees in the UK have worked from home since the start of the pandemic in March last year, and found that almost all office-based roles could be done remotely.
Research was carried out about working patterns, with many employees citing benefits such as a better work-life balance, and saying that they would like to continue once the pandemic is over.

As part of the new policy, employees will only be required to attend the office once a month to attend face-to-face team meetings or collaboration events, enabling individuals to choose how often they would like to work in an office environment.

Read all about it here- source: travel weekly 14 Jul 21

Hang in there Peru!
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Thank you

Female Leaders in Travel Come Together

The Female Leaders in Travel Conclave works to empower women within the travel industry to reach new heights, and this year its third meeting held a new meaning for the women involved. Fifty-eight women attended the meeting at Secrets The Vine in Cancun.

The mission of this event is for "women to come together and feel supported, valued and encouraged so that they can rise within their company,” said Doncsecz. “Leveling up on leadership skills is at the heart of the event; however, the real takeaway is that these women form strong bonds with each other which creates a unique tribe.

Over the past 18 months, the ladies that attended the previous conclaves helped each other get through the aftermath COVID-19 had on the travel industry. We shared strategies, tactics and provided advice to each other...This year it was about leaning from the lessons that COVID-19 taught us so that we can be stronger!”

It leads with vulnerability, choosing instead not to begin with the stereotypical ice-breakers but asking the question, “What discomfort or hardship did you learn from this last year?” Through sharing personal stories of hardship, real friends are made.

Lori Speers, Owner of Levarté Travel, says she found her “tribe” at this year’s event: “I made a tough decision to go into business for myself. I left a very well-paid position running a host agency and refused a very lucrative offer from another company to run their host agency to venture off and do this for myself. I’m 58 years old and was a great employee. But now I needed to be an owner, a better leader, and I was battling my fears every day! I feel that attending the Female Leaders in Travel Conclave has made me a better person and a better leader. I have sharpened and gained new skills.

The World Travel and Tourism Council’s newest research found that women make up 54 percent of the world’s travel and tourism industry, yet only a fraction of that number is found in key leadership positions.

Read the full article here - source: travelpulse.com Jul 21

Step Into Monet's Most Famous Paintings With This New Immersive Experience...

This new immersive exhibit is coming to San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, and more. "Monet by the Water" pays homage to legendary French painter Claude Monet, widely considered one of the founders of Impressionism. The exhibit is set to debut in San Francisco in December, before making its way east, with stops in cities like Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Miami.

The experience is designed to envelop visitors in several of Monet's best-known paintings through 26-foot multi-screen projections, powerful original music, and the strategic use of sound effects. It's a chance to literally step inside more than 250 pieces by Monet, appreciating the kind of details that are easy to overlook from behind the velvet ropes of a museum...

"We see Monet as a pioneer of immersion, completely surrounding people with the beauty and precision of his colours," said Ricardo Dotta, cofounder of the Museum of Immersive Roaming Arts, a traveling digital arts museum making its debut with this Monet experience.

Find out more here - source: travelandleisure.com 08 Jul 21

Virgin Atlantic boosts Caribbean capacity after green list ‘surge’

Virgin Atlantic has increased its Caribbean programme and brought forward the relaunch of routes after reporting a surge in demand following the addition of Antigua, Barbados and Grenada to the government’s green list.

The airline said the increase equated to “nearly 300%” as it upped departures from Heathrow and Manchester and said “numerous Caribbean flights which were previously scheduled to recommence in August will now take off from July”.

From July 15, flights to Antigua will increase to three times a week, while a daily Barbados service will be available from July 25. Twice-weekly flights will resume to Grenada from July 16.

The newest and largest aircraft in the fleet, the Airbus 350, will fly five times weekly to Barbados from the beginning of August, while other Caribbean services will operate on Boeing 787s.

Virgin will return to Manchester from August 7 and will operate Barbados flights three times a week on a Boeing 787.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer, said: “There’s long been pent-up demand to travel so we’re excited that we can finally whisk our customers away for a much-needed sunny break, with even more available flight options, allowing them to enjoy the stunning beaches, warm climate and welcoming hospitality that the Caribbean has buckets of.

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly 08 Jul 21

Iata chief demands action to reopen borders

Recovery in international airline traffic continues to be stymied by extensive government travel restrictions, according to Iata.

“The northern hemisphere summer travel season is now fully arrived. And it is disappointing that more governments are not moving more rapidly to use data to drive border opening strategies that would help revive tourism jobs and reunite families.”

Research from leading medical organisations around the globe confirms that vaccinated travellers pose very little risk to the local population while data show that pre-departure testing largely removes the risk of unvaccinated travellers importing Covid-19.

“It is long past time for governments to start responding to this information with more nuanced data-driven risk-based strategies.

“These will minimise the chance of importing Covid-19 while allowing the world to reopen to travel and all the opportunities it brings to reconnect with loved ones, to realise business opportunities, to explore the world or take a well-deserved vacation.”

New sustainable travel forum to take place in September

A new travel industry forum focused on the topic of sustainable travel will take place in-person for the first time in Portugal on September 16-17.
More than 140 speakers have been confirmed for a series of workshops and presentations.

The conference has been created to bring together the public and private sectors to develop a more sustainable and responsible travel and tourism industry.

Specialist speakers will include experts in economics, the environment, city planning, cultural heritage, climatology, food development, aviation and cruise. “These models matter as much as the environmental policies in order to sustain a universal quality of life. Sustainability is not only about conservation or preservation. The challenge is one of innovation and management, both are intrinsic to moving forward, to progress with purpose, and grow in a truly sustainable way.”

“This event will lead the revolution for the mandatory transformation of the industry for the good of humanity.”

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly 07 Jul 21

A WORLD FOR TRAVEL - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Operator Pura Aventura to ‘carbon label’ all trips

Sustainable holidays specialist operator Pura Aventura is to ‘carbon label’ all of its trips including international flights.

The company, which runs trips to Latin America, Spain and Portugal, claims to be the first operator in the UK to take the initiative.

Co-funder and chief executive Thomas Power said: “Measuring and publishing the carbon produced on all holidays is crucial in helping us all understand the environmental impact of our travels."

“With this information, consumers can demand to see what action is being taken, empowering them to make more considered choices about their travels.”

Pura Aventura carbon balances its operations in partnership with a rural development project in Nicaragua.

The scheme creates new local employment opportunities, restores depleted ecosystems and helps mitigate climate change.

To find out more click here - source: travel weekly 06Jul21

Speak Up for Travel coalition writes open letter to Secretary of State to support the safe return to international travel

ABTA – The Travel Association and the leaders of the Speak Up for Travel coalition have written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, to call on him to support a risk-managed approach to the safe return to international travel in time for the peak summer period.

The letter highlights the value of tourism to the UK economy and the risks of lack of action.

Dear Secretary of State,

The urgent need for a risk-based return of international travel...

This summer season is the most important ever for the UK travel industry.
A safe and meaningful restart to international travel is possible, but it is vital that decisions are taken quickly.

As you may know, the Speak Up for Travel campaign is a travel industry coalition representing all parts of the UK’s travel and tourism industries, with members including ABTA, Airlines UK, the Airport Operators Association, BAR UK, UKinbound, the Business Travel Association, IATA, Advantage Travel Partnership, The Travel Network Group and the wider industry under the umbrella Save Future Travel Coalition, alongside unions GMB, Unite, BALPA and Prospect.

Before the pandemic hit, our industry and those who worked in it were a cornerstone of the UK economy. As the third most internationally connected country in the world, we enabled tens of millions of UK residents to travel overseas, whether on business, for holidays, or to see families and friends,

To read more click here - source: abta 05Jul21

Get a 'Backstage' Peek at the Colosseum As Underground Levels Open to Tourists for the First Time

Centuries ago, the underground areas of Rome's Colosseum were not a place you'd want to find yourself in — it's where they kept the gladiators and wild animals before they went to battle with each other.

Thankfully, times have changed and the arena is now a place that attracts millions of visitors every year (under normal circumstances, of course). And now, both travelers and history buffs will have even more reason to flock to the popular site as the underground areas — sometimes described as the "backstage" of the Colosseum — have been restored and opened to visitors for the first time ever.

To find out more click here - source:www.travelandleisure.com02Jul21

More than 200 new jobs have been created with roles including flight deck and cabin crew, engineers, and ground operations staff

Jet2 takes off from Bristol airport...

Today marks the delayed start of operations by Jet2 and Jet2holidays from Bristol airport.

The start of operations from the west country airport sees flights depart to Majorca and Menorca as the Balearic islands were added to the government’s green watchlist for overseas travel this week.

The UK’s second largest holiday group hopes to attract customers from the south west of England and Wales.

The company has a total of 40 sun, city and ski destinations on sale across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and continental Europe from Bristol.

To read more click here - source: travel weekly 02Jul21

We are an experience...introducing the spaceballoon...

A futuristic dream made real, eager explorers will soon be able to travel to space and back, reimagining the “final frontier” of travel with Space Perspective.

Space Perspective was created by couple Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, space travel experts and entrepreneurs. Their goal for Space Perspective was to make space travel more accessible to people who aren’t astronauts. By 2024, its goal will finally be realized, offering guests a seat in a luxurious, state-of-the-art spaceballoon for $125,000. The spaceballoon will lift up to eight passengers into space, high enough to see the curvature of the Earth and the sun as it dawns on parts of the world.

The entire experience, including launch and descent, takes around six hours to complete and is less physically taxing and safer than a regular spaceflight because it doesn’t use propulsion or space fuel. Because of that, spaceballoons are also carbon neutral.

The capsules are reused for flights, but the spaceballoons are single-use and are recycled afterward.

Right now our focus is completely on creating the most incredible experience for customers possible. The Space Perspective experience is fulfilling a lifelong dream to go to space for many people. It’s a bucket list item.

Read the full article by clicking here - source:travelpulse.com Jun21

Travel Day of Action media coverage ‘reaches 12m people’

The unprecedented national Travel Day of Action lobby reached more than 12 million people via traditional and social media.

The travel trade gatherings at Westminster, Holyrood in Edinburgh, Stormont in Belfast and a virtual lobby in Wales last week generated more than 1,300 media mentions, according to Aito.

More than 13,000 mentions on Twitter reached over 12 million people.

“There was great engagement from the 50 MPs attending to here what we need – financial support for a safe return of international travel,” the independent travel association tweeted.

Attraction World offers summer student internships

Attraction World is to run a new internship scheme for students this summer.

The initiative has been developed with University College Birmingham.

Internships will be offered across a range of sectors, including sales, marketing, graphic design and social media management.

Students hope to develop a variety of soft skills during the work experience, including communication skills, personal effectiveness, presentation skills, creative problem solving and influencing skills.

“We know how important it is for students to gain industry experience as they enter the graduate jobs market.

“By working with the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, we develop opportunities such as this and embed industry exposure in our teaching."

To find out more click here - source: travel weekly 29Jun21

Timothy Short loves flying and has dreamt of being a pilot since he was a child.

Timothy Short had to give up being a pilot and become a train driver.

It's seen by many as being a glamorous and exciting job, flying to beautiful locations with a big salary.

But like many other qualified pilots, he is no longer in the aviation industry, which is now facing a very different reality after the devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Pilots have been made redundant or had schedules reduced, while there are few new opportunities.

What's more, the training costs a lot of money - and newly qualified pilots have been telling BBC Radio 4's You and Yours programme they are now in significant debt, with no jobs to go into. According to a survey conducted in January this year, by aviation publisher FlightGlobal and Goose recruitment, only 43% of the world's pilots are still flying for a living.

Things have got so bad that the industry is advising would-be pilots to consider another profession.

"Most First Officers earn less than £40,000 a year. For Flybe, I was earning less then £30,000 when I started and a maximum of £45,000 a year," he says.

There's also a myth that pilots have their training paid for by the airlines. In fact, many pilots pay for training themselves, with loans and help from families...

Click here to read the full article - source: bbc news 27Jun21

Travel Is Back and It’s Better Than Ever!

CIE Tours is getting back on the road!

On June 22, two coaches of elated travelers began an unforgettable tour of Iceland. This departure marks CIE Tours’ first time welcoming guests in more than 15 months, and additional departures to Ireland and Italy are set for as early as August 2021.

“All of us at CIE Tours are excited to get back on the road to help guests discover the treasures of Ireland, Britain, and beyond.”

To inspire vacation dreams, the company has today launched its all-new 2022 e-brochure, www.cietours.com.

CIE Tours is ready to rekindle travelers’ CIE Tours is introducing four new tours to Britain - celebrating the people, culture, and history that put the island at the top of many travel bucket lists.

* Eight-day Gems of Southern England - Journey through the palaces, castles, cathedrals and gardens of England's historic south.

* Nine-day Gems of Northern England - Discover the romantic Lake District, the scholar's life in Oxford and Cambridge and York's medieval charms.

* 14-day English Odyssey - See the England of your dreams on a sweeping tourincluding scholarly Oxford and Cambridge, and Bath’s Georgian splendour.

* 14-day Highlights of Britain - Discover Devon and Cornwall in England, the medieval heritage of Wales, plus Scotland's delights.

“We’re proud of what we do, and we look forward to many more wonderful years ahead.”

Click here to find out more - source: travelpulse.com Jun21

FAA grants Virgin Galactic licence to carry passengers

America’s Federal Aviation Administration has granted Virgin Galactic a licence to carry passengers on future flights to space.

The company confirmed the licence had been granted on Friday, moving it a step closer to offering commercial space flights.

The FAA had previously issued a licence to cover Virgin Galactic’s ongoing test flights and has now extended it to cover passengers.

“The flight performed flawlessly, and the results demonstrate the safety and elegance of our flight system.

Today’s approval by the FAA of our full commercial launch licence, in conjunction with the success of our 22 May test flight, give us confidence as we proceed toward our first fully crewed test flight this summer.”

Click here to read full article - source: travel weekly 25Jun21

Global $30m New York City tourism recovery plan unveiled

An “unprecedented” $30 million global tourism recovery campaign has been unveiled to promote New York City.

‘It’s Time for New York City’ is claimed by destination marketing firm NYC & Company as the largest-ever, multi-phased global tourism marketing and advertising campaign to promote the five boroughs in the wake of the pandemic.

The promotion is being introduced out as Covid restrictions are lifted, more people are vaccinated and travel resumes in the US and beyond.

Travellers in 23 markets across the US will be targeted first, followed by Mexico, Canada and Latin America, with plans to expand farther internationally as other key markets reopen for leisure and business travel.

“The summer of NYC is here – and now it’s time to tell the whole world about how this city is building a recovery for all of us.

“Tourism impacts hundreds of thousands of jobs across the five boroughs, and its return will fuel our recovery even more.

“The greatest travel destination in the world is ready to welcome back visitorsfrom around the region, country and globe, and we can’t wait to greet them.”

NYC & Company president and chief executive Fred Dixon said: “New York City is open for business and we invite visitors to experience everything ..."

Find out more here - source: travel weekly 25Jun21

Flight Centre Travel Group unveils staff retention scheme

The Flight Centre Travel Group has launched a share-based retention scheme, called the Global Recovery Rights (GPR) programme.

Staff across the globe – excluding board members and senior executives – will be granted share rights if they continue their careers with the company through to December 31, 2022. The scheme comes as a response to Covid-19 and its ongoing effects on the company’s staff. Most participants will receive one-off GPR grant of 250 share rights, which will vest in February 2023, when the company will release its December 2022 half-yearly results.

Steve Norris, UK managing director at Flight Centre Travel Group, said the GPR programme was designed to invest in and retain people “who would be integral to the company’s recovery post Covid-19”.

It will also help to preserve cash “while governments continue to impose heavy travel restrictions that were severely impacting demand for travel”.

He said: “The GPR programme underlines our people’s importance and recognises their efforts and loyalty since the pandemic began

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 25Jun21

Singapore Airlines unveils carbon offset scheme

Singapore Airlines customers will be able to offset their carbon emissions via a dedicated microsite under a programme launched on Friday. The programme will be accessible to both passenger and cargo customers, with SIA and sister airline Scoot matching any offsets for the next six months.

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group said the offsets will be offered via the BlueHalo product developed by Australia-based Tasman Environmental Markets, and would fund projects including forest protection in Indonesia, solar energy in India and clean air cooking facilities in Nepal.

Find out more here - source: travel weekly 25Jun21

Golden Horizon sails into UK ahead of revised debut sailings

Tradewind Voyages sailing ship Golden Horizon has arrived in the UK ahead of a revised schedule of coastal voyages.

The 272-passenger vessel arrived into Portland in Dorset on Thursday.

The world’s largest tall ship will sail with a limited capacity of 136 due to government restrictions.

Golden Horizon will spend three days in Portland before being anchored in Weymouth Bay for three days and returning back into Portland on June 30.

The ship will embark on a six-night ‘dress rehearsal’ sailing on July 1 to Falmouth, Fowey, Dartmouth and Poole followed by a second identical itinerary departing on July 7.

Five voyages have been confirmed from July 15 with lead-in prices of £849.

Find out more here - source: travel weekly 25Jun21

EasyJet adds 50,000 seats to destinations on green list

EasyJet has put more than 50,000 extra seats on sale to new European green list destinations this summer.

The budget carrier expects to have around one million seats available to European green list destinations this summer from the UK.

New routes from Bristol to Malta will start on July 9 and from Luton on July 11, while the island will see more capacity on existing routes from Gatwick and Manchester.

Thousands of additional seats will also be available from the UK to the Balearic islands this summer.

The airline plans to serve Palma up to 82 times a week from ten UK airports – Gatwick, Luton, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Liverpool.

Ibiza will see 40 flights a week from Gatwick, Bristol, Belfast, London Luton, Manchester.

Menorca will have up to 25 flights a week this summer from Bristol, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester...

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 25Jun21

GREEN for GO...

UK updates green list for overseas travel

UK government publishes an update to its green list for countries where returning travellers will not need to quarantine.

The list includes Spain's Balearic islands, Barbados, Bermuda, Madeira and Malta.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#green-list

Thank you

Industry readies for Travel Day of Action - speak up for TRAVEL...

More than a thousand representatives from across the travel industry are due to descend on a series of coordinated lobbies today through the sector’s Travel Day of Action.

In Westminster, 800 people are due to attend a lobby event at College Green, with two sessions limited to 400 people each due to begin from 12:30pm.A further 200 are expected to attend a lobby at Holyrood in Edinburgh and 100 are due to be gathering in Belfast.
In addition to the three lobbies, the Day of Action will include a virtual lobby in Cardiff and activities at a number of UK airports. Others who are unable to attend have been encouraged to support the events online or speak to their MPs locally. Travel Weekly will be reporting live from Westminster.
The travel industry is collectively calling on government to safely reopen travel and provide financial support to help the sector get through the crisis.
Travel agents, pilots, tour operators, aviation workers and cabin crew are among the thousands of people who will ‘speak up for travel’ to put pressure on the government.

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 23Jun21

Sabre and Virgin Australia renew agreement as pent up demand builds

Sabre Corporation and Virgin Australia have renewed their distribution agreement.

The deal means Sabre will continue to distribute Virgin Australia flights and services to retail partners through the its GDS marketplace.
David Orszaczky, general manager digital and distribution at Virgin Australia, said: “Although international borders remain largely closed at the moment, there is a lot of pent-up demand and positivity in the domestic market.

“We’re committed to creating an ecosystem that delivers great-value for customers and ensuring our agency partners can help deliver the many travel experiences we offer in their preferred channel.”

Click here to read more - source: travolution.com 22Jun21

ABTA CEO Mark Tanzer's speech at Travel Matters conference - 22 June 2021

Today, ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer gave the opening address to over 600 people at ABTA’s annual Travel Matters conference, held virtually this year.

Travel Matters is the travel industry's leading forum for discussing the biggest political and policy issues facing the sector. The event comes at a critical time for the industry, with Government providing an update on the traffic light list within the week, and a review of travel restrictions is expected on 28th June. In addition, despite international travel still heavily restricted, with businesses unable to generate much income, at the end of June, companies face an increase in furlough contributions and business rate payments.

In his speech, he highlighted the devastating impact that the pandemic has had on the outbound travel sector, the industry’s latest calls to Government which are at the heart of tomorrow’s Travel Day of Action and the key learnings from the past 15 months - including the need for a designated Minister for outbound tourism.

Click here to read more - source: abta.com 22Jun21

I’m super-excited not only for my own trip but for travel’s future

We need a clear and unambiguous message from government about how international travel will be opened up, says Cosmos and Avalon Waterways chief executive Giles Hawke.

As you read this, I’ll be packing my bags to go on a five-day Cosmos coach tour. I’m super‑excited just writing this column – we will be taking UK customers on holiday for the first time in 15 months and have three tours to different places, all heading out on the same day.

This is a big boost for our whole business and all our people here in the UK, as well as all those travel agents who have helped us sell these holidays.

During the last year, there have been a few times when many will have wondered whether we would ever make it to this point – people actually taking holidays and (most) businesses still being around.

In some ways what makes this feeling of relief and excitement even more palpable is the fact that, despite extremely challenging conditions, we are here and the future looks brighter...

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 17 Jun21

Firework Spectaculars Return to Disney Parks This Summer

Beginning in July, guests to Disney World and Disneyland theme parks will be able to enjoy the return of fireworks shows, just in time for Independence Day.

What’s more magical than celebrating the nation’s birth in the happiest place on Earth?
Beginning July 1, guests to Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT at Walt Disney World will be able to enjoy all the fireworks they want. Cinderella Castle will feature projections and pyrotechnics with its “Happily Ever After” fireworks performance, while EPCOT will offer music and fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon with its “EPCOT Forever” performance.

To find out more click here- source: www.travelpulse.com Jun21

Financial pledges pour in for Clive Jacobs’ legal challenge to government

Financial support has been pouring in to fund a legal challenge to the government over its block on the sector’s recovery and failure to provide aid.

More than £20,000 was pledged in the first 24 hours after travel industry entrepreneur Clive Jacobs urged support from the trade.

Financial pledges have come from across the sector, including Barrhead Travel, a series of travel industry entrepreneurs and individuals.

Jacobs, the chairman of Jacobs Media Group which owns Travel Weekly, is seeking legal advice on action on behalf of the industry after hopes of a partial summer restart were choked off by the government’s removal of Portugal from the green list of destinations and refusal even to add Malta.

His crowd-funding appeal is to support a group action aimed at forcing transparency on the methodology and data behind decisions on the traffic light system and claiming compensation for industry losses.

Covid aviation charity raises £50,000 in first year

The Aviation Action charity created to support the aviation industry is marking one year since its founding in the wake of the pandemic hitting the UK. Aviation Action has provided personal backing, such as one to one mental health support, coaching, training, and webinars, to more than 1,000 people.

It has introduced professional peer support volunteer training and trained more than 100 people in mental health first aid and suicide awareness.

The charity has generated industry support from over 30 businesses, created a strong community on social media and raised more than £50,000 through national fundraising events such as a campaign where supporters from across the country ran the lengths of 31 UK runways each day in December.

Founder Chris Wild said: “As the aviation industry continues to battle through the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, we can today celebrate the success of Aviation Action.

“Over the last year we have helped hundreds of industry colleagues deal with the impacts of the pandemic by providing personalised mental health and well-being support.”

Find out more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 10 Jun21

US eases travel rules for 61 countries - but not UK

The US has eased travel restrictions for many countries as the roll-out of coronavirus vaccines continues. Countries such as France, Spain and Italy are now Level 3, which means fully-vaccinated passengers may go to these areas.

Other countries that saw their ratings lowered include:

Ecuador, Philippines, South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Switzerland, Jordan, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine, Honduras, Hungary

Read the full article by clicking here - source: bbc news 09 Jun21

Sandals highlights conservation efforts on World Oceans Day

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has highlighted the marine conservation work of its not-for-profit arm as part of its commitment to World Oceans Day.

Through the Sandals Foundation, guests at Sandals and Beaches resorts throughout the Caribbean can help hatch turtles, learn to rebuild dying reefs and curtail invasive marine species.

“As guests return to enjoy our beautiful Caribbean, World Oceans Day is a reminder that its beauty and health is our responsibility.

Over the next ten years, we [The Sandals Foundation] have promised to develop and implement conservation efforts, engaging more than 100,000 people in educational efforts, planting 30,000 coral fragments andseeing thousands of turtle hatchlings to the sea.”

Once hatched, guests can help vulnerable baby turtles make their way to the sea...

Find out more here - source: travel weekly 08 Jun21

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Reopens With Expansion

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (WBSTH) will welcome guests back starting on June 26, 2021. When visitors return, they will find a new, expanded experience—and they will notice the changes from the moment they enter the new Welcome Center, the gateway to movie-making magic.

The studio tour in Los Angeles now includes the “Storytelling Showcase” and a new interactive grand finale, “Action and Magic Made Here.”

The experience’s grand finale is the “Action and Magic Made Here” experience where they’ll see the universe of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains come to life and step behind the scenes of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts through new interactive experiences, props, costumes and memorable photo opportunities.

United Airlines plans supersonic future with Boom

United Airlines has announced a commercial agreement with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic to add aircraft to its global fleet. If realised, this could be a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation.

Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 Overture airliners, once the aircraft meets demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements.

There is also an option for an additional 35 aircraft. Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimised to run on 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel.
It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029.
“Boom’s vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry’s most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travellers access to a stellar flight experience,” United chief executive, Scott Kirby, said.

Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 – twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners – Overture can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time.

Among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours.

Find out more here - source: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com 03 Jun21

This Trip on the Four Seasons Jet Goes to Antarctica, Machu Picchu, the Bahamas, and More...

the trip to end all trips...

In May, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced the all-new Uncharted Discovery Private Jet itinerary for 2022, which will take guests around the globe to explore everything from Antarctica, Machu Picchu, Bogota to Buenos Aires and everything in between. "Now, more than ever, guests are planning bucket-list trips to far corners of the world to make up for lost time.

"To meet this demand, we've introduced two additional opportunities to explore new and remote destinations with legendary Four Seasons service in the sky."

EXPERIENCE in the sky.

Here's what guests can expect on the global adventure.

Uncharted Discovery: Nov. 28 to Dec. 18, 2022. The trip begins in New Orleans, where guests will stay and enjoy the new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, located on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Next, they'll hop aboard a flight to Costa Rica to see the beauty that is Peninsula Papagayo's lush jungle. They'll even have a chance to take a zip line tour and play a round on the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course before laying their heads down at night at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.

Guests will fly to Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru before setting out to visit Machu Picchu...

Nobu's New London Hotel Has a Gin Garden and the Brand's First-ever Pilates Studio

With a Japanese gin bar, restaurant, and first-of-its-kind wellness center, the new Nobu London Portman Square is the place to find your balance.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is finally able to welcome guests once again, and it has a few new tricks up its sleeve.
Its signature Nobu Restaurant will continue to be the main draw,
The hotel's Roku Gin Bar, a Japanese-style gin garden, opened at the end of April, where cocktails are served among lush greenery and pink lanterns meant to evoke images of Sakura flowers. Nobu's signature dishes can be ordered there...

Read the full article here - source: travelandleisure.com 25 May 2021

Environmentally-focused companies recruit ‘the best’

A travel company that has a strong environmental track record will not only retain its staff but also recruit the “best of the best” to its ranks, The Travel Corporation (TTC) has said.

After outlining the 40-brand company’s carbon neutrality plans during a Travel Weekly webcast, TTC chief executive Brett Tollman said he was aware of travel brands outside the company claiming that they had struggled to recruit during the pandemic.
But he highlighted how “everybody” support environmentally conscious action and that such a mindset would actually help recruitment drives.

It is one of the most powerful things we are seeing in recruitment.

Read the full article here - source: travel weekly 20 May 2021

When we travel again - click here to watch a short video.

" We are keenly aware that we are entering a new era in travel. This past year has made us all the more conscious and appreciative of what a tremendous gift travel is, and all the more determined to make our travels meaningful."

Source: https://ttc.com/thoughts-from-our-ceo/

Greece has reopened to travellers from dozens of countries, including the United States, just in time for summer.

As of May 14, quarantine-free entry is permitted to visitors from the following places: EU and Schengen Area countries, United States, U.K., Israel, Serbia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore, Russia, North Macedonia, Canada, Belarus, Bahrain, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.

Beaches, dining venues, shops and attractions such as zoos, museums and cultural sites throughout the country have reopened with capacity limits, curfews and other restrictions in some cases.

What's more, airlines will ramp up service to Greece this summer, with cruise lines setting sail from the country as well. Delta Air Lines is scheduled to resume direct daily service between New York City via John F. Kennedy International Airportand Athens on May 28 while American Airlines, United Airlines and Emirates will launch service from NYC in early June.

Summer travellers will also have options from Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Find out more by clicking here - source:travelpulse.com18 May 21

Vaccine certificates set for EU approval as bosses urge faster relaxation of travel curbs

“What is the point in me having my passport any more?”

The EU is expected to approve the use of ‘vaccine passports’ to enable entry into Europe.
The UK is set to be included on an expanded green list allowing holiday travel from non-EU countries with Covid infection rates below 100 cases per 100,000 of the population rather than the current 25 per 100,000.

The EU-wide move is designed to kick-start the summer holiday season for the whole continent and agree a united position.
A European Commission proposal calling for travel restrictions on non-EU countries with high vaccination rates to be lifted is due to be debated by EU ambassadors tomorrow (Wednesday).

Many holidaymakers defied government warnings that they should not travel to amber countries such as Greece and Spain as the foreign travel ban was lifted. Their demand came as health secretary Matt Hancock reiterated that holidaymakers should avoid amber nations otherthan for “exceptional reasons”, even though it is legal to do so under the traffic light system. But Commons transport committee chairman Huw Merriman MP accused him of “effectively turning the ‘amber list’ into the ‘red list'” and added: “What is the point in me having my passport any more?”

Doyle said he was “surprised” by Hancock’s “excessive” warning, while easyJet chief executiveJohan Lundgren said the latest data suggested most of Europe “could actually, right now, go on to that‘green list’ of categories”.

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 18 May 21

First 2021 package holidays depart

The first flights taking Britons on package holidays to Europe this summer have taken off.

It follows the government’s announcement earlier this month of the removal of the ban on international leisure travel from May 17.

Travel Weekly is on board Tui’s 6:30am departure from Gatwick to Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira to report on the resumption from the green list destination.

The operator is also flying from Gatwick to Porto Santo, Madeira, and to Funchal from Birmingham and Manchester airports. There is a departure to the Greek island of Corfu from Gatwick this morning, and services to Corfu, as well as Tenerife and Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands, from Manchester. Because these destinations are on the amber list, holidaymakers are required to self-isolate at home on return to the UK.

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 17 May 21.

The MAGIC of MADEIRA.

Madeira is approximately 3 hours 30 mins flying time from the UK and is located 150 miles North West of the Canary Islands.

Nickname of "The Island of Eternal Springtime" and is of course famous for the wine that bears the Islands name. Funchal has a single runway 05/23 and is well known for it’s spectacular curved approach to Runway 05 (similar to the 13 Approach at the former Kai Tak airport in Hong Kong).

Being built on the side of a cliff, it was once known as “one of the worlds most dangerous” due to the short length of the Runway and shear drop at the end of it!

It's still a Captain only take off and landing, requiring special training and a qualification to operate into the airport.

Click here to read more!

The man who took the world on an adventure

"Do you want to come on an adventure with me?"

Click here to watch Ben's adventures.

Throughout the pandemic many people have been unable to travel and explore the world as they would like.
One TikTok user, Ben Kielesinski, has been taking his followers on adventures around his home city of Vancouver, BC, and has amassed millions of likes along the way.
His father gave him a love of the outdoors as a child,which left him as a teenager. However since Covid-19 swept the globe, Ben has rediscovered his love and respect for nature and is passing that on to his followers.

You can find out more here - source: bbc news 16 May 21

UK flights to US forecast to relaunch by end of June

A UK-US corridor will lead the way in re-opening travel between Europe and North America with a restart as soon as June or July, the head of European air traffic management organisation Eurocontrol has forecast.“The US and UK have a similar vaccination level so a corridor will most certainly open between the US and UK.

“I see that being the first one in Europe toward the end of June or July. You might see the UK place the US on the green list and it not be immediately reciprocated by the US. It might take a little time.”

But he argued: “Long haul traffic to the US will probably resume with the UK in June. The rest of Europe might lag a little behind.”

Brennan suggested vaccination rates would “be the driving factor” of the restart across Europe and said: “North America is running about six months ahead ofEurope [in vaccination rates], excluding the UK.”.

Daniel Roeska, managing director and senior analyst at Bernstein Research, said: “The US is a matter of weeks rather than months away. We’re expecting a strong recovery into the US.”

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 14 May 21

Planeterra Launches ‘Around The World’ Fundraiser

Planeterra, the world’s foremost supporter of community tourism initiatives, has launched the Around the World Challenge to raise money for community tourism enterprises that have been hit hard during the pandemic.

Participants can walk, run or bike around six miles each day between May 17-26 to raise money for community tourism. Altogether, the participants will be able to collectively travel the entire globe, or 24,909 miles. Registration is $25 per person.

Planeterra is the leading non-profit using community tourism to change lives.

Tourism is an $8 trillion global industry, but many local businesses and communities do not benefit from it.

There are some forms of tourism where $0 reaches the hands of local people.

By working with community tourism enterprises that are led by women, youth, Indigenous and rural communities, we ensure the ripple effects of tourism are endless.

Find out more by clicking here - source: travelpulse.com May 21

Look what we found...

Click here to find out more!

"STAY FABULOUS" - Resorts World Las Vegas presents...

SEE four of the world’s biggest musical superstars, in one place, performing separately on multiple nights, over the course of about 14 weeks or so?

Intrigued?

You should be, because the new Resorts World Las Vegas today announced its exclusive, founding headliner acts that will perform starting in November – Celine Dion, in her triumphant return to Las Vegas; Carrie Underwood; Luke Bryan; and Katy Perry.

Click here to watch the film!

All will appear at the 5,000-seat The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, the first new hotel built on the Vegas Strip in a decade.

“Resorts World Las Vegas is redefining the Las Vegas hospitality experience through our world-class entertainment, food and beverage and service,” Scott Sibella, President of Resorts World Las Vegas, said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud to welcome this incredible roster of superstar entertainment partners to their new home at The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas and look forward to the exciting performances to come.”

Read the full article here - source: travelpulse.com

Former Circus Elephants Find Refuge at North Florida Animal Sanctuary

White Oak Conservation, located just north of Jacksonville, Florida, will soon be home to dozens of Asian elephants that were once a part of circus attractions.

A group of Asian elephants that were once a part of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus have started relocating to their retirement home in north Florida.

On Monday, 12 female elephants, ranging in age from 8 to 38, arrived at their new forest habitat at White Oak Conservation, a refuge for rare species located north of Jacksonville and just south of the Florida-Georgia line, according to a press release.

At least 20 more former circus elephants are expected to arrive at the refuge. "We are thrilled to give these elephants a place to wander and explore," said philanthropists and White Oak founders Mark and Kimbra Walter. "We are working to protect wild animals in their native habitats. But for these elephants that can't be released, we are pleased to give them a place where they can live comfortably for the rest of their lives."

Nick Newby, who has led the team caring for these elephants for years, called the animals' arrival at their new habitat "an incredible moment."

"I was so happy to see them come out together and reassure and comfort each other, just like wild elephants do, and then head out to explore their new environment," said Newby. "Seeing the elephants swim for the first time was amazing."

Read the full article here - source: travelandleisure.com

Titan launches cruise and tour collection

Titan Travel has created a new style of escorted touring holiday, combining a land-based trip with an ocean cruise.

Eight Cruise & Tour holidays have been unveiled, with a second wave of tours to be released later this year.

“There is such a strong desire to travel again; they want to see the world and we take all the stress out of the planning and logistics,”.

The first departures are in May 2022 in Europe, and trips to long-haul destinations such as Antarctica and South America will start in 2023.

Read the full article here - source: travel weekly 10 May 21

Government reveals green list destinations...

We're off to the Falkland Islands..."A visit to the unique, starkly beautiful Falkland Islands is a rich, rewarding experience"
"An abundance of wildlife and very few humans, one of the few remaining locations on earth where nature is in charge, you can sit amongst it and observe these creatures as they should be experienced in the wild, in this unspoilt natural environment" source: https://www.falklandislandsholidays.com/about/reasons-to-visit/

View the gallery and video here.

The UK government’s green list countries for ‘safe’ overseas travel have been revealed as the traffic light system for the resumption of international travel was confirmed.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed international travel can resume from May 17 in a Downing Street briefing this evening – meaning international travel for leisure is no longer illegal.

The 12 destinations and territories making the green list for travel after May 17 are: Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira); Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Brunei; Iceland; Faroe Islands; Gibraltar; Falkland Islands; Israel (and Jerusalem); South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands; and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

In case you're wondering...South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are:
A British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean. It is a remote and inhospitable collection of islands, consisting of South Georgia and a chain of smaller islands. Click here to watch a short video on South Sandwich Islands.

Tristan da Cunha, colloquially Tristan, is a remote group of volcanic islands in the south Atlantic Ocean. It is the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. Click here to watch a short video.

Click here to find out more about this exciting news -- source: travel weekly 07 May 21

For further information on the Falkland Islands you may click here.

Fully-vaccinated St Helena reopens to tourism

On completion of the island-wide vaccination programme, St Helena has opened its doors once more to overseas visitors.

The second most remote inhabited island in the world, guests will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes, outstanding marine life, historic heritage and the warm and friendly local community spirit typical of the British Overseas Territory.

St Helena Island, in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, has remained to date Covid-19 free with no reported cases since the global pandemic took hold last year.

This week the island announced over 95 per cent of its adult population is now fully vaccinated against Covid-19; with 98 per cent having received the first dose completing the vaccination programme ahead of most of the world.

Click here to read more -- source: www.breakingtravelnews.com 06 May 21

Jeff Bezos sets date for space sightseeing flight

The US entrepreneur's Blue Origin company says it will launch a crew aboard its New Shepard rocket and capsule system on 20 July.

The astronauts are likely to include company personnel, but one seat is being auctioned online.

New Shepard's flights are sub-orbital. They're designed to take passengers on a straight up-and-down trip that briefly goes above 100km (62 miles).

This is the so-called Kármán Line, which has been designated by broad international agreement as the starting point of space.

Blue Origin is hoping the New Shepard experience will prove a big draw. Passengers will experience about three minutes of weightlessness at the top of the climb. They'll also get to see the blackness of space and Earth's curved horizon.

Read the full article by clicking here - source: bbc news 05 May 21

New York Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions on Broadway Theaters, Live Venues

Broadway's doors closed back in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Broadway's curtains will finally get to open this spring.

On Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the reopening of Broadway productions on May 19, and said most coronavirus-related state capacity restrictions in New York and New Jersey will be lifted that same day.

In the press briefing, Cuomo said many businesses like Broadway "may make their own economic decisions" about when to reopen, and acknowledged the unique schedule the theater industry has that will influence their reopening.

"They have to produce a play before they can sell the play, but from capacity point of view they can all reopen on May 19," Cuomo said.

The state's lift on restrictions comes as COVID-19 vaccination rates increase, with one third of New Yorkers already fully vaccinated and the state's positive cases reaching a new 6-month low.

Click here to read more - source: www.travelandleisure.com 05 May 21

Las Vegas Announces Return of Cirque du Soleil, 100% Capacity on Casinos Floors

Signs of recovery are on the horizon.

"This is the moment we have all been waiting for," Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, said in a statement. "Almost 400 days have passed since we had to take a temporary hiatus, and we have been anxiously awaiting our return to the stage. I am so proud of the resilience of our artists and employees who persevered during the most challenging times with stages dark around the world for so long. I just can't wait to see the lights go back on.""Mystere" will reopen at Treasure Island on June 28 and "O" at the Bellagio will reopen on July 1...

Please click here to find out more - source: www.travelandleisure.com 04 May 21

Foreign Office drops advice against travel to some destinations

The Foreign Office (FCDO) is no longer advising against non-essential travel to the Canary Islands, five Greek islands, most of Portugal, Malta and Israel.

Recent updates to the government department’s country-specific travel advice say the exemptions are “based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks.”

The Canary Islands include Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

Greek islands with exemptions to the do not travel warning are Rhodes, Kos, Zakynthos, Corfu and Crete.

You may click here to find out more source: travel weekly 04 May 21

Come and experience a magical place in Portugal

Introducing the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge

516 Arouca bridge is the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world and is located in Arouca, in the Aveiro district, Portugal. With a length of 516 meters and an elevation of 175 meters, it connects the banks of the river Paiva. Crossing the bridge, you will have an impressive view of Garganta do Paiva and Cascata das Aguieiras, both geosites of the territory of the Arouca de la UNESCO Geopark.516 Arouca bridge is located in Arouca, next to the famous Pava Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva).

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

Tickets may be booked direct with the company here. (We hold no responsibility, this is an advert only.)

US and UK urged to reopen ‘vital’ transatlantic market

Travel industry groups, airlines and airports on both sides of the Atlantic have written to both leaders urging a full resumption of the US-UK air travel sector.

If travel restrictions are lifted by June, the market is expected to start to recover and approach 70% of 2019 levels by the end of the year “buoyed primarily by summer season traffic”.
“The trend for both countries is to have all adults who want a vaccination to have at least their first dose by the end of July,” it says. “It is this success that now marks a significant opportunity for the UK and US to lead the world by demonstrating how to re-open this crucial air corridor safely.”
The industry organisations, including Airlines UK, Business Travel Association, UKinbound and Virgin Atlantic, describe safely reopening borders between the US and UK as “essential for both countries’ economic recovery from Covid-19”.
The letter adds: “Air travel is a critical enabler of trade between our countries that was worth $273 billion or £196 billion in 2019 and which included the transport of 900,000 tons of air cargo.

“The priority in any re-opening of air travel is public health. Since the onset of the pandemic, the travel and tourism sector has partnered closely with both governments to protect the health and safety of passengers and employees, working tirelessly to implement new travel restrictions and meet testing requirements.

“In 2019, over 22 million passengers travelled between the US and UK with approximately four million of those travellers visiting friends and family.”

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly 04 May 21

Disney Celebrates New Cruise Ship By Donating $1 Million to Make-A-Wish

During the unveiling of Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Wish ship, the Walt Disney Company announced a $1 million donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

The Make-A-Wish foundation will accept the Disney donation and apply the funds to children with critical illnesses from all backgrounds, supporting the company’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Knowing that Disney's next cruise ship will be the Disney Wish, I can't help but think of the countless children who have experienced the power of a wish come true to help them overcome so many challenges,” Make-A-Wish president Richard Davis said. “Make-A-Wish gives families hope when it matters most, and that hope is needed now more than ever..."

Find out more here - source: www.travelpulse.com Apr 21

Puerto Rico Attraction Sets Guinness World Record

Puerto Rico’s TOROVERDE Adventure Park, located in Orocovis, has become the official Guinness World Records holder for the longest bicycle zip wire, called the ToroBike.

The ToroBike circuit measures 1,057 feet and 3 inches (322.25 meters) long. With four tree-shaped platforms, the circuit allows for four bicyclists to ride the bikes together above the trees, taking in the views of the coast and the region's beautiful mountains.

The ride opened on April 28...

ToroVerde is the largest adventure park in the Caribbean and Americas where you can enjoy beautiful landscapes that will leave you breathless, with a spectacular view of the mountains of Orocovis...

Click here to read more - source: www.travelpulse.com Apr 21

Qatar Airways supports India Covid relief efforts

Qatar Airways has committed to fly medical aid and equipment to India free of charge from global suppliers in support of international efforts to tackle the second Covid-19 surge.

The airline plans to transport 300 tonnes of aid from across its global network to Doha where it will be flown in a three-flight cargo aircraft convoy to destinations across India where it is most needed.

The shipment will include PPE equipment, oxygen canisters and other essential medical items, and consists of donations by individuals and companies around the world in addition to existing cargo orders.

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 30 Apr 21

EXPERIENCE the ULTIMATE flying ride

EXPERIENCE LAS VEGAS LIKE NEVER BEFORE

FlyOver lets you experience the magical feeling of flight through immersive, state-of-the-art technology while guests soar, dip, and dive across awe-inspiring landscapes—all without leaving The Strip. Special effects including wind, mist, and scents combined with the ride’s motion create an unforgettable experience.

Find out more here- source: travel weekly 29 Apr 21

Grant Shapps confirms NHS app to become travel health certificate

The transport secretary has confirmed that an NHS app will be used as a health certificate for international travel.

Speaking on Sky News this morning, Grant Shapps said he was working with other countries across the world on universal recognition of the certification and chairing a G7 meeting on the matter next week.

“I’m working internationally with partners across the world to make sure that systems can be internationally recognised, as that's the way forward. "

He said the certification could take “a variety of different formats”, adding: Of course we always look to digital solution but make sure there’s a version available for people who don’t have access to smart phones.”

Shapps talked up the chances of international travel resuming at the earliest possible start date of May 17.

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly 28 Apr 21

Princess Diana’s Wedding Gown to be displayed at Kensington Palace THIS SUMMER!

Royal fashion fans have a treat in store!

This summer, Princess Diana's iconic wedding dress will be displayed at the palace she once called home, Historic Royal Palaces curators announced on Monday.

Prince William and Prince Harry have permitted the dress to be unveiled for royal fans as the centerpiece for a new exhibit at Kensington Palace.

The famous gown, designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, and its 25-foot train — which unfurled on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral behind the then Lady Diana Spencer at her wedding to Prince Charles on July 29, 1981 — will be part of the temporary exhibition, Royal Style in the Making, set in the historic Orangery beginning on June 3.

As museums and places of interest in London open up following pandemicrestrictions, Historic Royal Palaces have started taking online bookings to view the dress and other items.

Read all about it here - source: www.travelandleisure.com Apr 21

India’s rich and famous flee country’s COVID-19 outbreak on private jets

The wealthy are paying tens of thousands of dollars to fly out of India in a mass exodus as the virus crisis worsens and countries ban flights.

Wealthy people in India have been escaping the country on private jets and commercial airfares are skyrocketing as the country’s COVID-19 crisis worsens and international borders snap shut.

Indian tycoons and rich families have reportedly fled India for boltholes across Europe, the Middle East and Indian Ocean destinations such as the Maldives, which will ban flights from India on Tuesday, sparking a last-minute rush.

Read all about it here - source: www.news.com.au 27 Apr 21

Foreign Office ‘may refuse’ travel to green list countries

Concerns that the Foreign Office may refuse to approve travel to some countries placed on the government’s ‘green’ list have cast a shadow on summer holidays abroad.

Destinations on the green or amber list for reopening foreign travel being prepared for May 17 could be rendered off-limits because the Foreign Office publishes its own travel advice, independently of the government’s planned traffic-light system, The Times reported on Saturday.

This is based on factors such as the risk of individuals getting trapped by Covid-19 restrictions or the capacity and quality of the country’s health services. Most operators will refuse to run holidays in countries to which the Foreign Office does not advise travel. Ignoring the travel advice also invalidates most travel insurance policies.

“We need to see alignment between the Foreign Office advice and the traffic light system to provide clarity and transparency to consumers and operators.”

To find out more click here - source: travel weekly 26 Apr 21

WHO restates opposition to travel vaccination requirement

The International Health Regulations (IHR) emergency committee of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has renewed its recommendation “that proof of vaccination should not be a requirement for international travel”.

It came as part of updated guidance from the WHO on reducing travel-related Covid-19 transmission, taking account of “Covid-19 vaccination roll out, immunity conferred by past infection, risk settings, movements of migrants, temporary workers and purpose of travel”.

The committee resolved to “continue to coordinate with stakeholders” including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and airline association Iata on “travel-related risk reduction measures”.

It warned of “the potential for requirements of proof of vaccination to deepen inequities and promote differential freedom of movement”.

Iata welcomed the recommendations and urged states to comply.

The airline association highlighted the guidance against requiring proof of vaccination saying: “Freedom to travel across borders should not be limited to those able to be vaccinated.”

Repeated previous recommendation for air crew and seafarers to be among those given priority for vaccination...

Holiday islands set for travel green list as ’20-30 countries open up’

Travel to popular holiday islands in Spain, Greece and Portugal could be given the green light as early as next month, according to reports.

As many as 30 countries may make the green list for UK holidaymakers from May 17, with Boris Johnson expected to give the go-ahead for overseas travel to resume a week earlier.

Israel, Barbados, Morocco, Maldives, Seychelles, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and a number of British Overseas Territories such as Bermuda and Turks & Caicos are among the nations thought likely to be opened up for quarantine-free travel.

A blog by Paul Charles, chief executive of the travel consultancy PC Agency, cited “high-level sources” that had given a list of mainly island destinations with high vaccination rates and low Covid-19 infections.

He suggested that it is “highly likely” that 20-30 countries could be on the green list from the outset.

Charles said: “I understand the government will reveal which countries are in thenew traffic light colours of red, amber and green on either 6th or 7th May.“ As global data is updated on a Thursday each week, this enables the government to take stock of the latest data on 6th May and then publish its thoughts on how countries will be rated.

“It doesn’t want to reveal the country ratings before then and be held responsible for making the wrong call.

“I still understand from my high-level sources, and believe, that all of Europe, and countries such as Turkey, will be either amber or green in the first coloured-in a traffic light map.”

Charles suggested that the US will also go on the green list as part of a reciprocal deal before July 4th...

New Crystal expedition ship to host whale researchers

Scientists will join Crystal’s new expedition yacht to collect data on whale behaviour.

The luxury line has forged a partnership with marine research organisation the California Ocean Alliance in the initiative.

Ocean research will take place as the 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor embarks on a series of five remote cruises in the Antarctic.

The voyages of between 11 to 19 nights in duration will run from Ushuaia in Argentina between December 2021 and February next year.

Wildlife experts from marine conservation group ORCA will also join the vessel...

Crystal Destination Experiences director Walter Barinaga said: “It is a privilege to join with the California Ocean Alliance in its critical research to inform and promote conservation and management of our oceans and the health and survival of marine mammals.

“Crystal guests have a thirst for exploration and a passion for the oceans and the destinations and wildlife they experience on our voyages.

NCL Donates Over $2 Million to Global Nonprofit Organizations

Throughout this year and last Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has donated more than $2 million to global nonprofit organizations to support people and places impacted by the pandemic, the company said.

Most recently, NCL delivered 10 pallets of responsibly packaged, plant-based cartons of JUST Water for the Southeast Alaska Food Bank during April’s Global Volunteer Month.

Find out more here - source: travelpulse.com Apr 21

France Becomes First Country in Europe to Launch Digital Health Pass for Travel

France started testing a digital health pass this week, making it the first European country to trial the much-talked-about concept aimed at restarting international travel.

To start, the health pass is being trialed on flights to Corsica, a French territory in the Mediterranean...

The pass comes as French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to ease travel restrictions on international travel in time for the summer, including for vaccinated Americans.

Read the full article here - source: travelandleisure.com 21 Apr 21

Intrepid Travel to decarbonise tours

Intrepid Travel is to decarbonise its tours by amending itineraries with lower carbon outputs.

The decarbonisation plan, unveiled to coincide with Earth Day...

The company is trialling electric vehicles for transfers in several destinations such as Jordan and Iran.

More than 40 low-carbon alternative tours have been introduced in the past year, including new close to home adventures walking and cycling trips in the US, UK and Australia.

Chief executive James Thornton said: “While reducing our carbon footprint has been a priority of our company for years, decarbonisation is becoming increasingly central in our product design now.

“As an industry, we must look beyond offsetting, advocacy and administrative green practices to focus on where we can have the most positive impact – our trips.

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve been passionately talking about the need for the travel industry to rebuild itself more responsibly. Now, we’re taking action.”

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 22Apr 21

Kuoni trio join presenting line-up for Travel.Radio

Travel.Radio has welcomed three well-known names from travel company Kuoni to its schedules.

Derek Jones, chief executive of Kuoni’s parent company DER Touristik UK, will be joined by director of communications Rachel O’Reilly and marketing director Dean Harvey to present the new Friday Feel Good Show.

“We plan to take listeners into every weekend with a spring in their step and a smile on their face, with good news, positivity and well-being at the heart of the show, and of course the very best feel-good music.”

Uneven vaccine roll-out to ‘restrict recovery in Europe’, says Iata

Iata has revised its forecast for the recovery of global air traffic and now expects passenger traffic to reach 43% of the 2019 level over the course of this year.

However, Iata predicts domestic demand in the largest markets, the US and China, will drive the recovery and international traffic reach little more than one third (34%) of the 2019 level.

It estimates carriers will lose an additional $48 billion worldwide this year as a consequence, on top of more than $126 billion lost last year.

Iata director general Willie Walsh said: “This crisis is longer and deeper than anyone could have expected".

Iata also warned an “uneven vaccination roll-out” will “restrict the recovery within Europe and the North Atlantic” this summer although “vaccination progress in the US and Europe, [will] enable a return of some international travel at scale in the second half of the year”.

The Iata chief demanded “an end to extortionate costs for Covid-19 testing, with governments taking their cut on top in taxes”, and slammed the cost of PCR tests as “unacceptable”.

He also hit out at “monopoly suppliers” – major airports and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) – which he accused of “gouging [airline] customers to recoup losses through higher charges”.

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 21Apr 21

Save Future Travel Coalition keeps up the pressure on Government over travel restart

The Save Future Travel Coalition has written to the Chancellor, Foreign Office, and the Chair of the House of Commons Transport Committee, Huw Merriman MP, on the restart of international travel and the need to support the travel industry throughout the recovery.

The Coalition is made up of 15 leading travel associations and trade groups. The latest coordinated activity follows the publication of the Global Travel Taskforce report.

In its letter to the Foreign Office the group stressed the need for:

urgent clarity on the approach to Foreign Office travel advice around the restart of international travel and how it will work with the new country traffic light system;

confirmation that advice against all but essential travel will be used only where the risk to UK nationals related to COVID-19 is unacceptably high;

clarity that FCDO advice is only used to manage the risk to the individual in the country not as part of prevention and control measures of the virus in the UK;

clear and transparent criteria behind the travel advice decisions in relation to COVID-19 to be shared with the sector.

Click here to read the full article - source: www.abta.com 21Apr 21

‘New SAA’ plans to restart operations

South African Airways’ new interim chief executive Thomas Kgokolo says that the embattled national carrier has begun official discussions to resume operations.

In a SABC interview on Monday (19 April), Kgokolo said that the airline will soon start the process of retraining its pilots and ensuring that compliance requirements are met.

.The carrier has been lying dormant since March 2020, when the fleet was grounded due to travel bans to contain the Covid-19 coronavirus.

However, Kgokolo said that the business rescue process has now ‘come through’

“We will also be looking at the type of aircraft we use going forward to ensure that they are fuel-efficient. We will also (launch) a decent marketing campaign to ensure that as we come back online our loyal customers can use us again.

Read all about it and click here - source: travelnews.africa 21Apr 21

New Gatwick car park Covid testing site opens

Pre-departures PCR tests costing £99 are being offered at a new drive-through site at Gatwick.

The lowest price is £40 for a pre-departure anti-body test.

The Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) facility 12 minutes from the airport has been established with testing provider Collinson.

Tests for travellers include PCR, LAMP, Antigen and anti-body.

All tests are administered by medical professionals on-site with most results available within 45–120 minutes, depending on the test taken.

Read all about by clicking here - source: travel weekly 2021

Abta wants PCR tests for green destinations "abolished"

“At the current costs, even low-risk green destinations look likely to make travelling for a well-deserved holiday or the chance to see family out of reach for many and the preserve of the rich. This is unfair.”

The requirement for travellers to ‘green’ category countries to take costly PCR tests on their return should be “abolished”, according to Abta chief Mark Tanzer. Speaking on a Travel Weekly webcast, Tanzer described PCR tests as “an overly secure measure” and said: “PCR test prices [in the UK] seem to be twice what they are on the Continent.”He explained: “We would like the green category requirement for a PCR test abolished and replaced with a cheaper lateral flow test.

“Ideally, we’d like to go to a position where we have unrestricted travel, where you don’t need tests. But in the meantime, trying to get lateral flow tests in for greencountries is part of our focus.”

A survey of 2,000 people, issued by the airline, found that 55% would “not be able to go on holiday this summer” if expensive PCR tests were demanded for travel from low-risk “green” countries.

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 20 Apr 21

Electric Vehicles Are Changing Safaris in Kenya

If you've ever seen a cheetah stalk its prey, you know that even for the fastest animal on the plain, the hunt is an exercise in patience and silence. And if you're lucky enough to be the one stalking a big cat while on safari, you know that pursuit demands the same quiet stamina — until the noiselessness of the prowl is punctured by the diesel roar of your open-air Land Cruiser.

Enter the electric safari vehicle, a green innovation that could upend the Kenya safari experience — and help preserve the delicate ecosystems that draw some two million tourists to the country every year.

Electric safari cars are the newest offering at a small handful of camps across Kenya, and they promise to both protect the environment and enhance the experience by driving in near-total silence...

"Sustainability-wise, it's huge."

It's also just a better way to safari.

To continue our cat theme, if a typical safari vehicle roars and an Italian sports car purrs, then an electric safari car glides. As the 4x4 rolls across the MaasaiMara's open expanses, all you hear is the wish-swish of grass against the vehicle's metal sides while you slither in silence up to a cheetah ripping intoan antelope carcass. The car is so quiet that the cat doesn't even flinch.

"It's super cool, going closer to game, with no noise, no emissions — it's just amazing,"

Alaska Will Give Tourists Free COVID-19 Vaccines This Summer

Alaska will offer free COVID-19 vaccines to tourists this summer, in an effort to boost a beleaguered tourism industry hit hard by cruise bans and general travel warnings.

"What we want to do is make sure that our fantastic tourist industry — including the cruise ships, including our hospitality in our ancillary businesses — have an opportunity to get back to where they were," Dunleavy said, adding, "The idea is if we have excess vaccines, why not use them? So what we're saying to our tourists is… if you come to Alaska, you get a free vaccination if you want one." Alaska's decision to offer the jab to visitors comes days after the minister of tourism for the Maldives said the island nation would look to do the same. The Maldives has received vaccines from India, China, and the World Health Organization's Covax program, and has ordered more doses from Singapore.

Read the full article by clicking here - source: www.travelandleisure.com 19 Apr 21

Air passenger duty could provide a climate-friendly, post-pandemic fund for travel...

Turn APD into a recovery fund, Prime Minister!

Geoffrey Lipman wrote to the Prime Minister this week calling for air passenger duty (APD) to be used to combat Climate Change.

I suggested Boris Johnson put our money where his mouth is by making APD a post-pandemic Climate Friendly Travel Recovery Fund in time for COP 26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference due in Glasgow in November.

The letter said the following:

Dear Prime Minister

I write this letter to alert you to a golden opportunity to show real global leadership as you run up to COP 26 in November.

Take that most hated and extreme of all travel taxes – the deceptively named Airport Passenger Duty, a unilaterally imposed treasury tax on outbound travellers from the UK – and convert it into a dedicated fund to help small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) to recover in the post-pandemic era.

Since its hasty imposition in 1994, APD has brought billions of pounds into the UK Treasury despite massive opposition from the entire travel and tourism community within and outside the UK...

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 16 Apr 21

Abta calls for ‘early statement’ on ‘green’ and ‘amber’ countries

Abta has called for “an early statement” from the government on the countries on the green list for restarting travel under the new traffic light system.

And Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer has warned restrictions on arrivals from amber category countries are so severe they could make people hesitate to book destinations on a ‘green watch list’.
Tanzer told Travel Weekly: “We’ve said to ministers ‘Waiting until the day before May 17 before telling us means travel won’t restart on May 17.”Tanzer described the lack of detail in the government’s Global Travel Taskforce report as just “one of the frustrations”. “We’ve been saying to the government that having gone right through the Easter period with international travel still illegal, the summer season is even more important than ever. A day lost is crucial let alone a week.

“So we’re keeping up the pressure, we and other industry bodies, to get an early statement on which countries are going to be open.”
Tanzer described the amber category as “very severe”...

Read all about it here- source: travel weekly 16 Apr 21

Reborn Flybe plans summer 2021 restart

The rebirth of Flybe came a step nearer today with the sale of the collapsed carrier’s assets and business.

A new company affiliated with investment adviser Cyrus Capital has made the acquisition and aims to relaunch flights this summer. Flybe carried around eight million passengers a year between 81 airports across the UK and the rest of Europe prior to being placed in administration following Covid-19 industry disruption.

“The launch of a new Flybe will enhance regional connectivity across the UK and create new job opportunities within the airline industry.

“Flybe stands to make an important contribution to local economies as they rebuild after the pandemic and as restrictions ease to allow an increase in air travel.”

A Flybe Limited spokesperson added: “We are extremely excited to announce the conclusion of almost six months of dedicated hard work by the great team at Flybe, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the European Commission, and the many others who made this announcement possible.

“Today’s news represents a critical first step in our mission to accomplish the first-ever rescue of an insolvent British airline".

Find out more here - source: travel weekly 14 Apr 21

The most exciting industry in the world...

There are still many questions to answer, but the industry is on track for recovery and should focus on the positives, says RB Collection director Oliver Broad.

I woke last Friday at 5.30am to my own traffic light system following the Global Travel Taskforce report, published overnight ready for a frantic Friday!

First, I saw green – amazing! The report is out early – how exciting. Then amber – hang on, erm… how will this work? Finally came red – ‘I’m a Travel Agent, Get me Out of Here!’ A new colour came to mind. ‘Natural Optimism’ according to the Pantone colour chart, is a lovely shade of light blue. Pantone states: “Anyone can see Natural Optimism over the next few months, just by simply going outside and enjoying the sights of nature.” As red started to creep back into my mind, ‘Natural Optimism’ started to turn purple.

While there are still many answers to come and details to be ironed out, we are such a resilient, talented and resourceful industry that I’m confident we can do this. Our industry can finally restart, and clients can enjoy summer holidays at last.

We also work in one of the most exciting industries in the world. Despite being the most affected by the pandemic according to the ONS, there is still plenty to be excited about that can help lift our spirits, focus our mind, relieve stress and boost our confidence...

I’m probably most excited for the opportunity to take a deep, clear relaxing breath knowing it’s going to be ok. You may not be there yet, but I hope you can be excited for the future, when the time is right for you of course. After all, don’t we work in the most exciting industry in the world?

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 14 Apr 21

More travel jobs created as vacancies rise

The highest level of new travel job vacancies in 12 months was recorded in March, according to new data.

The number of new travel jobs being created more than doubled in the month – a year on from the first Covid-19 lockdown.

More candidates were placed in new travel jobs last month than at any point since the start of the pandemic. The total topped the previous high from last October and nearly trebled the number from February. “The short-term outlook for the UK’s travel industry remains unclear.

However, we have now had five consecutive months of increasing travel vacancies which indicates that things are gradually picking up, forward bookings are being made, and travel companies are now looking to take on new talent to cope with the increased demand.

Nepal rhino numbers rise in 'exciting' milestone

The number of one-horned rhinos in Nepal's wildlife sanctuaries has increased by more than a hundred, marking a positive milestone in the Himalayan nation's conservation efforts.

According to the results of the latest census, Nepal's rhino population has risen to 752, from 645 in 2015.

Nepal is among only a few countries where greater one-horned rhinos are found. The animal was close to extinction in the last century, and its revival in Nepal and India is regarded as one of the greatest conservation success stories in Asia.

Of the total number of rhinos, more than 90% live in the Chitwan National Park. Following the population increase in recent decades, the rhino's status has improved from endangered to vulnerable, which is also home to tigers, elephants, leopards...

As rhino numbers increased, tourism also picked up - creating valuable income. The authorities said they had invested up to 40% of the revenue from the park in development projects in nearby villages.

The increase in the rhino and tiger populations is a phenomenal achievement for a poor country like Nepal, but experts say pro-active management is required to maintain its conservation success.

Rhino biologist Mr Subedi suggests that more compensation and crop insurance could be offered to villagers living near the parks.

Read the full article here- source: bbc news 13 Apr 21

New Attraction ‘The Oasis’ Set To Open in Miami

A new, vibrant 35,000-square foot outdoor space is set to open as Miami’s newest attraction for tourists and locals alike next month.

‘The Oasis’ is a sprawling outdoor courtyard in the city’s Wynwood neighborhood on North Miami Ave. It features a mix of six premier dining destinations, a “Tower Bar” and a stage for live performances. In addition, the Oasis is home to Huacachina, an indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge offering guests a large indoor bar, private dining room and its own unique programming and vibe.
The space will feature an outdoor food and beverage experience, offering a diverse blend of dining options,

The official opening is May 8.

Find out more here source: www.travelpulse.com Apr 21

The Luna Drive In Cinema - GOODWOOD MOTOR CIRCUIT

OPEN FROM 17TH APRIL, 2021

THE EXPERIENCE...

Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!

The Luna Drive In Cinema is back and better than ever for 2021!

Merging incredible state of the art technology with the old school glamour of the classic drive in format, and all set to come to the country’s most stunning backdrops. This is quite simply the ultimate big-screen experience that you can enjoy in a safe, socially distanced way from the comfort of your car. With in-car speaker boxes (bye-bye flat batteries!), giant high-definition screens showing a line up of classic, feel-good movies, and utterly delicious food available on site, it’s time to get out of the house and have your first big night out in a very, very long time – we can’t wait to see you there!

Find out more here - source: www.lunadriveincinema.com/goodwood-motor-circuit Apr 21

Fastjet introduces daily Johannesburg/Victoria Falls flights

Fastjet Zimbabwe will increase its current schedule to daily services between Victoria Falls International Airport and Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport, effective May 30.

“The flight arrival times in Victoria Falls have been adjusted, offering customers the opportunity to minimise the time spent at the airport with a likely faster airport exit and more time at hand to enjoy some of the afternoon activities that Victoria Falls is renowned for...

The airline says the departure from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg offers travellers a leisurely morning in Victoria Falls to include any last-minute activities, like curio and art shopping.

Click here to find out more- source: www.travelnews.co.za 12 Apr 21

Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, which provides habitat for several unique species of plants and animals. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is considered to be one of the world's largest waterfalls.

Discounted London hotels offered in travel kick-start

Discounted rates and value-added packages will be available as 35 London hotels collaborate to kick-start business after lockdown.

Bookings are available from today (Monday) for Hotel Week London which runs from May 28 to June 6.

The aim is to entice Londoners and British travellers to explore the capital once again.

The packages have been tailor-made for the campaign but many will be extended until the end of June.

Participating luxury properties include Dukes London, Hyatt Regency London, The Churchill, Corinthia and The Dorchester.

Others include The Tower Hotel, The Standard, Ruby Lucy Hotel and Mama Shelter London Shoreditch.

A spokesperson for the promotion said: “The last 12 months have been an incredibly tough time for the UK tourism industry and in particular the London hotel sector.

“By joining forces and working together as a collective, Hotel Week London sends out a stronger message that the city is back, open for business and ready to welcome back British visitors.”

India announces travel bubble with Sri Lanka

India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry of India said. With this, India now has such pacts with 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, the Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, the UK and the USA

Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international passenger flights can be operated by their airlines into each other’s territories under restrictive conditions.

Find out more here - source: www.traveldailymedia.com 12 Apr 21

Tahiti To Reopen To International Travel in May

Tahiti will reopen to international visitors on May 1, French Polynesian president Edouard Fritch announced during a press conference on Wednesday.
The popular South Pacific destination reopened amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic last summer but temporarily closed to tourists in February to slow the spread of the virus.

"We are going to put in place a protocol at the entry of our borders using virological testing, serological testing, vaccine and ETIS (Electronic Travel Information System)," said Fritch. "We will explain this protocol in detail with the High Commissioner in the coming days."
This week's news comes on the heels of French Polynesia being certified as a Safe Travels destination by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

You may read more by clicking here - source: www.travelpulse.com Apr 21

‘It’s taken courage and loyalty not to have walked away in the past year’

I was asked the other day: “If this time last year, someone had said that in a year’s time you’ll still be working from home and unsure of what’s coming your way, would you have been tempted to walk away?”

Thinking back to those awful first few days of lockdown 2020, and the loss of control that is so important for us to do our jobs properly, I have to admit I would have been very tempted.

The idea of going through a whole year of uncertainty, of feeling that my professionalism would be challenged every single day, would have been unthinkable. What would have happened to my team? Who would be there to support them? What would happen to my customers? Where would it leave them if I wasn’t around when they really needed help? And what would the future hold for Hays Travel without staff staying loyal when the chips were down?

So, partly through conscience, partly through loyalty and a sense of duty – but mainly because it was clearly the right thing to do – here I am, a whole year later, still doing my best and hoping for positive news that lasts longer than a week.

Find out more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 10 Apr 21

Brace yourself for an epic climbing experience...

This Gorgeous Utah Resort Just Opened a Steel Stairway That's Suspended 400 Feet Above the Desert

If you think Amangiri's Camp Sarika is gorgeous, just wait until you see the view from the Utah retreat's epic new Cave Peak stairway.

The Cave Peak stairway features a mere 120 steps, but it's set a whopping 400 feet above the rugged Utah desert. The steel suspension bridge sits at the end of Amangiri's via ferrata, an iron climbing path designed to traverse difficult mountain landscapes.

Travelers willing to brave both will earn a one-of-a-kind desert vista.

The stairway, believed to be the longest climb of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere, is more than 200 feet long and provides a rare opportunity to soar above a magnificent remote landscape.

Amangiri is a luxury resort that spans 600 acres in Canyon Point, Utah. It's situated just north of the Arizona border and tucked into a valley that offers sweeping views and easy access to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Read all about it here - source: www.travelandleisure.com 9 Apr 21

People can start thinking about foreign travel - Shapps

People in England can start thinking about booking foreign holidays again this summer, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said.
But he said the cost of the Covid tests required needed to be driven down, amid criticism from the travel industry.
Mr Shapps has also given more detail on the traffic light system which will see countries graded on their risk.
Passengers will have to take the tests before leaving and on returning - even from low-risk "green" countries.
There will be a watch list for countries that could go from green to amber.

Announcing the findings of the Global Travel Taskforce set up by the government to examine how leisure travel could be reopened safely after lockdown, Mr Shapps said foreign holidays would resume on 17 May at the earliest.

He said for the first time in months he was not advising against booking foreign trips.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "This is the first time I'm able to come on and say I'm not advising against booking foreign holidays.
"Yes, you'll want to check what the situation is in two or three weeks' time when that list - the green, amber, red, is produced - you'll want to know that you've got good holiday insurance and flexible flights and the rest of it.
"But for the first time I think there is light at the end of the tunnel and we'll be able to restart international travel, including cruises by the way, in a safe and secure way, knowing about the vaccinations, everything we know about the disease this year, and of course that abundance of caution - having the tests in place."

Read the full article here - source: bbc news 9 Apr 21

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to Reopen to Visitors This Summer

Buckingham Palace is about to be back in business.

The Royal Collection Trust announced its plans to reopen Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the public this summer. Even better, visitors will also get to explore the garden at Buckingham Palace on a self-guided tour for the first time ever.

Some portions of the garden will remain off-limits outside of guided tours. Still, independent guests will be welcome to unpack a blanket and enjoy a palace picnic on the lush green lawns — an experience the Trust describes as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The 39-acre garden dates back to the 1820s and is home to more than 1,000 trees and 320 different wildflowers and grasses.

G Adventures Celebrates Operating Its 100th Trip Since September

G Adventures is celebrating a milestone, announcing that its operated 100 tours since September.
The 100th trip departed April 2, 2021, in Costa Rica, which is one of 11 countries in which the tour operator is offering small group journeys.

After the pandemic shutdown global operations, G Adventures started offering tours in September of 2020. The company introduced its ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy and ensures the most up-to-date health and safety measures are implemented on every tour to protect travelers, staff and people in local communities.

“Traveling during the pandemic is a personal choice, and we have gone to great lengths to ensure that travelers who have the desire and ability to explore can do so safely and responsibly,” said Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures. “We’re delighted to have been able to deliver life-changing experiences for both travelers and locals during this challenging time, and are confident we will continue to lead the way as the world opens up again. At G Adventures we’ve always maintained that travel done right could be the world’s biggest form of wealth distribution and the fact community tourism is leading the way out of this pandemic reinforces this belief.”

Read more here - source: www.travelpulse.com Apr 21

Experience what it’s like to sail the Virgin way...

Virgin Voyages will make its long delayed debut along the English coast instead of the Caribbean.

The adults-only cruise brand has opted to sail from Portsmouth.

Six short UK cruises in August have been confirmed by the new line’s first ship Scarlet Lady – which was originally due to make its debut more than a year ago before the Covid pandemic shut down all global cruises.

Prices start at £499 for three nights and £599 for four nights on the ship with no ports of call.

The itineraries start on August 6 with the first of three long weekend departures, while four-night weekday trips start on August 9.

The final UK cruise runs during the week of August 23-27, prior to the bank holiday weekend.

The sailings along the south coast of England will be restricted to UK residents aged 18 or over who have been vaccinated against Covid-19.The ‘summer soiree series’ of sailings go on sale on April 13.

Entertainment will feature local British talent as the brand runs a “homecoming tour” before repositioning Scarlet Lady to its Miami base.

Find out more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 08 Apr 21

California Looks To Fully Reopen, Lifting Most COVID-19 Restrictions on June 15

California’s Governor today made the announcement that the Golden State plans on reopening its economy by June 15, provided that hospitalization levels remain stable and there’s a sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccines for every Californian that wants them.
The proclamation comes more than a year after Newsom declared a state of emergency and California’s economy was sent into lockdown amid the escalating health crisis.

“With more than 20 million vaccines administered across the state, it is time to turn the page on our tier system and begin looking to fully reopen California’s economy,” Newsom said. “We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic. We will need to remain vigilant, and continue the practices that got us here—wearing masks and getting vaccinated—but the light at the end of this tunnel has never been brighter.”

You may click here to read the full article - source: www.travelpulse.com Apr 21

Time passes quickly – make the most of every opportunity...

As you may already have read in Travel Weekly, Silver Travel Advisor is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a change of ownership.
The exciting news is that current Gold Medal managing director Lisa McAuley will be taking over the helm later this year, bringing her many years of experience of working with the travel trade to the mature market.

Tempus fugit – time flies – indeed. It’s hard to believe that more than a decade has passed since I first sat around the kitchen table with a colleague, trying to describe a concept for a travel reviews, advice and inspiration website dedicated to older travellers. And it was thanks to my father and his friends who had inspired the idea: they seemed to spend most of their retired life going on holiday, and yet there was no dedicated travel resource created exclusively by and for people just like them.
A few months later the website was tentatively launched, and ‘silver traveller’ was coined.

Future is bright!

So what does the next decade hold for older travellers? A whole new generation are approaching their 50th birthday...

To read the full article please click here - source: travel weekly 07 Apr 21

New Zealand opens up ‘travel bubble’ with Australia

Quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand will be allowed later this month.

A ‘Trans-Tasman bubble’ has been enabled by New Zealand’s successful management of Covid-19.

Residents from either country will be able to move between the two nations from April 19.

“One sacrifice that has been particularly hard for many to bear over the past year has been the separation from friends and family who live in Australia, so today’s announcement will be a great relief for many.

“The bubble will give our economic recovery a boost and represents a world leading arrangement of safely opening up international travel while continuing to pursue a strategy of elimination and keeping the virus out.

“We have worked hard to ensure travel is safe and that the necessary public health measures are in place.”

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 06 Apr 21

Virgin Galactic Debuts New Spaceship Designed for Space Tourism

The spaceplane is designed to take tourists to the stars.

Virgin Galactic, one of the major players in the space tourism game, has just revealed the newest addition to its fleet, the sleek and shiny SpaceShip III.

Like the SpaceShipOne and SpaceShipTwo models before it, this vehicle is a spaceplane, which is essentially a rocket-powered winged craft designed to take passengers to space on suborbital flights, providing them with a few minutes of weightlessness as they look out at the stars and curvature of the Earth. While SpaceShip III is very similar to SpaceShipTwo in form and function, it has a whole new look — namely, a reflective, mirror-like exterior that's the stuff of sci-fi writers' dreams.

Find out morehere - source: www.travelandleisure.com 02Apr 21 BY STEFANIE WALDEK

Vaccinated Americans Can Travel Freely Without Having to Quarantine or Test for COVID-19, CDC Confirms

Vaccinated travelers can now travel both domestically and internationally.

Fully-vaccinated Americans can now travel freely without having to quarantine or test for COVID-19, according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Specifically, Americans who are two weeks out from their final vaccine shot can travel both domestically and internationally and do not need to quarantine when they arrive home unless required by their local jurisdiction, the CDC announced Friday.

International travelers, however, are still required to get tested within three days of boarding a flight to the U.S., regardless of their vaccination status, and should still get re-tested upon returning home. Additionally, all travelers are required to wear face masks when on public transportation, including on a plane and in an airport.

Find out more by clicking here- source: www.travelandleisure.com Apr 21 BY ALISON FOX

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Unveils Unique Rooftop Pool Experiences

Pool season is in full swing in Las Vegas...

The famed Pool District at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas once again comes to life this spring with luxurious rooftop experiences featuring craft summer cocktails, distinctive poolside entertainment and unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. Guests can take in the sights and sun at the Boulevard Pool, Overlook Grill, The Chelsea Pool and The Pool Marquee.

The safety and security of guests and employees remains a top priority to the resort. To ensure guests can comfortably and safely enjoy pool season, social distancing, reduced occupancies and additional safety measures are strictly enforced throughout the resort, and guests are required to wear face coverings unless eating, drinking or lounging in the pool.

Dive In Movies: The Cosmopolitan will once again transform the resort’s 65-foot digital marquee overlooking Boulevard Pool into a hi-definition cinema screen for Dive In Movies. Boasting the Strip’s only poolside movie experience, Dive In Movies will present an array of cinematic fan-favorites, from the classics to new age blockbusters.

Cocktails Menu Highlights: Sip back and relax with refreshing hand-crafted cocktails with a menu designed to keep guests cool this summer.

—Dole Whip 2020 with Mt. Gay Black Barrel Rum, pink guava and pineapple juices

Click here to read more - source: www.travelpulse.com Apr 21

Lata Foundation campaign to support Peruvian porters

"Congratulations"

"Look forward to visiting in the future - stay positive"

If you would like to help please visit www.latafoundation.org/25for25.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 01 Mar

Iata travel pass set to be available for Apple users in mid-April

Iata, the international airlines organisation, has said its digital travel pass for Covid-19 test results and vaccine certificates will be launched on the Apple platform in mid-April.

Currently in the testing phase, the Travel Pass had been planned to be launched by the end of March. More than 20 airlines have signed up to test the pass including Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways.

The month-long Virgin Atlantic trial of the smartphone app will start on the airline’s Heathrow-Barbados flights from April 16.

Virgin Atlantic will be first UK airline to do a live trial of the Iata Travel Pass.

The latest carrier to sign up for a trial of the pass is Hong Kong Airlines.

Iata says the pass will “help to conveniently manage health credentials, while protecting against fraud”.

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly - By Samantha Mayling 01st April 2021

Disney Announces Start Date for 2021 International Food & Wine Festival

Walt Disney World has recently announced its annual return of EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival will be from July 15th through November 20, 2021.

Walt Disney World has also included on their website their hope to return Extra Magic Hours (which seems to be rebranded to ‘Early Theme Park Entry’) as part of the 50th celebration. This coupled with the return of park hopping earlier this year and the increase to capacity at the end of last year show that Walt Disney World is taking steps to return to its pre-pandemic state while keeping guest and cast member safety at the forefront of their concerns.

The return of a full-blown Disney festival is definitely exciting news.

Read the full article by clicking here - source: - www.travelpulse.com BLAUREN BOWMAN 31 Mar 21

Malta opens up to British holidaymakers from June

Malta will be available to British holidaymakers vaccinated against Covid-19 from June 1.
Malta Tourism Authority UK and Ireland director Tolene Van Der Merwe said: “Malta is a very popular destination for British holidaymakers and is a key contributor to Malta’s economy, so we are excited to welcome back fully vaccinated travellers from the United Kingdom from 1 June 2021.

“The people of Malta are looking forward to tourists returning who have loved our sunshine, culture, food and warm spirit year in year out."
“Malta has implemented its ‘Sunny and Safe’ Covid protocols, so visitors can be reassured that all restaurants, accommodation and service providers must comply with the highest levels of cleanliness and safety.”
Malta’s tourism and consumer protection minister Clayton Bartolo said: “The health and safety of Maltese citizens and tourists will always be our top priority, and with the continued rollout of the vaccine here in Malta, this focused reopening plan is designed to slowly and safely reopen tourism to fully vaccinated Britons.”

To find out more click here - source: travel weekly - By Phil Davies 31 Mar 21

BA invests in zero emissions aircraft developer

British Airways is backing a firm planning to develop 50-plus seat aircraft capable of running on zero emissions hydrogen-electric power.

The airline is one of a series of investors pumping in $24.3 million into the ZeroAvia initiative in a bid to speed up plans to decarbonise commercial aviation.

The funding will enable ZeroAvia to launch a new programme to further demonstrate the credibility of its technology and accelerate the development of a larger hydrogen-electric engine, capable of flying further and using larger aircraft as soon as 2026.

ZeroAvia could achieve commercialisation for its hydrogen-electric power as early as 2024, with flights of up to 500-miles in up to 20-seater aircraft.

The firm expects to have 50-plus seat commercial aircraft in operation in five years’ time with the help of the investment.

It also accelerates the company’s vision of powering a 100-seat single-aisle aircraft by 2030.

To find out more click here - source: travel weekly - By Phil Davies 31 Mar 21

Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Reopening Date

After being closed for more than a year, Universal Studios Hollywood announced it would reopen to the public on April 16.

According to FOX26 News, tickets go on sale exclusively to California residents on April 8 through Universal Hollywood’s official website. Annual and Season Pass Members will be the first allowed to visit, with the park revealing a series of complimentary Bonus Days.

When Universal Hollywood reopens, guests will experience a new ride, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. The attraction is based on the 2016 movie and replaced the Globe Theatre, a venue used for corporate and media events.

Guests will also have the chance to meet Indominus Rex, the newest dinosaur addition to Jurassic World—The Ride.

To find out more click here - source: www.travelpulse.com BY DONALD WOOD Mar 21

Take a Trip Through Mind-bending Dimensions at This Immersive Art Exhibit in NYC

Escape reality for a minute...

A new art exhibit in New York City is sure to bend your mind in all the best ways.
ARTECHOUSE, a digital art center with locations in Washington, DC, New York City, and Miami Beach, opened its 2021 season in New York City with an imaginative and immersive audiovisual art installation on March 1.

Created by Dutch visual artist Julius Horsthuis, "Geometric Properties" intersects the worlds of art, science, and technology by immersing visitors into a hypnotic journal of fractals and geometric patterns. "In a time where disease and division characterize our daily reality, I want to show a different existence. An eternal reality of healing and harmony. Not in some new-age kind of way, or with another utopic vision detached from humanity, but just by being in awe of endless iterations and multiple dimensions," said Horsthuis in a statement.
"This might be the perfect time for us to be in awe — to quiet our self-interest and make us realize we're part of a larger whole."

Click here to read more - source: www.travelandleisure.com BY ANDREA ROMANO 30 Mar 21

This Company Is Hosting the First-ever All-women Trek to Machu Picchu

For the first time ever, an all-women group of porters, tour leaders, and clients will trek together to Machu Picchu.

The Evolution Treks team is setting off on their journey TODAY, 30th March 2021, just in time to end Women's History Month on a high note.

"I'm excited because a pure women's group means things are changing".

The porters — most of whom are indigenous Quechua women who live in small towns along the Inca Trail — will carry 33-pound packs of camping and cooking equipment for the entire trip. According to Lonely Planet, the group originally planned to hike for four days along the Inca Trail, but recent government restrictions mean they'll have to take a different route. Instead, they'll start on the Inca Trail at KM102 and then transition to the Salkantay Trail.

Vaccinated Travelers Looking for a Beach Getaway Can Head to Phuket in July

Travelers who have been fully vaccinated will not have to undergo a quarantine.

The popular Thai island of Phuket will start welcoming vaccinated travelers in July, according to reports, months earlier than initially expected.

Travelers who have been fully vaccinated will not have to undergo a quarantine to visit the beach destination after the country's coronavirus task force on Friday gave them the all-clear to start welcoming tourists this summer. Phuket will serve as a pilot program for other tourist destinations like Koh Samui...

Click here to read the full article - source: www.travelandleisure.com BY ALISON FOX 29 MAR 21

Lata Foundation campaign to support Peruvian porters - latest update below... 01st April

"Nearly There..."

If you would like to help please visit www.latafoundation.org/25for25.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 01 Mar

Iceland opens up to Delta US flights

Iceland has emerged as the first European destination to open up to vaccinated US travellers.

Delta Air Lines will resume flights from New York JFK on May 1 and Minneapolis/St Paul from May 27.

A new daily service from Boston to Reykjavik is scheduled to start on May 20.

A 193-seat Boeing 757-200 will be deployed on the service from Boston.

Passengers flying to Iceland will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or recovery of Covid-19, according to the carrier.

Travellers returning to the US will still require a negative Covid test.

The Iceland services will operated in conjunction with Delta partners Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic.

The airline’s network planning senior vice president Joe Esposito said: “We know our customers are eager to safely get back out into the world, including exploring one of the globe’s most beautiful outdoor destinations.

“As confidence in travel rises, we hope more countries continue reopening to vaccinated travellers, which mean more opportunities to reconnect customers to the people and places that matter most.”

Source: travel weekly -By Phil Davies 29 Mar 21

Multi-billion cost of ‘lost summer’ of international travel highlighted

“The priority now is clear; ensuring a durable framework for a risk-based approach to reopening air travel from 17 May”.

The “catastrophic impact” that only a limited reopening of travel from May is outlined in a new report commissioned by the UK aviation sector.

It highlights the cost of a ‘lost summer’ of international travel – £55.7 billion in lost trade and £3 billion in tourism GDP if reopening delayed until September – putting around 574,000 jobs at risk including 73,000 within UK tourism.

Being unable to re-open to the EU would cause the most damage, followed by the US, with no transatlantic air links until September costing the UK £2.4 billion, or £23 million a day, putting 51,600 jobs at risk.

The aviation industry says it is critical that ministers build a “safe, robust and workable” framework so travel can stand the test of time throughout the summer and beyond, “ensuring that a stop/start approach is never seen again” as the sector looks to rebuild confidence.

Enabling a safe and sustainable resumption of international travel from May 17 for the whole of the remainder of 2021 would generate a GDP injection of £47.6 billion and help secure more than a million jobs otherwise under threat – worth some £200 million a day to the economy, according to the 133-page analysis by consultants York Aviation.

The report compiled for trade body Airlines UK builds on earlier work that demonstrated that the loss of air connectivity to the US cost the UK some £30 million a day in 2020.

Overall, an estimated 5,164 UK aviation and related jobs have been lost every month since February 2020, according to the Unite union.

It suggests that international travel can safely resume on May 17, through a tiered system based on risk, with government having the opportunity to set a framework to re-establish international travel for others to follow.

Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “For many of us, aviation is associated with a holiday or much needed break.

“However, this new report demonstrates just how vital the UK’s air links are to our economic prosperity, be it for British exporters, the hospitality sector or companies with an international footprint."

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly -By Phil Davies 29 Mar 21

UN leaders urge priority vaccination for maritime and air workers

The leaders of five United Nations organisations have urged member states to prioritise maritime and air transport workers for Covid-19 vaccination.

The call was made in a joint statement based on workers in the two sectors’ role in “supporting global trade and mobility, which is essential for a sustainable socio-economic recovery”.

The statement has been signed by the secretaries-general of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the directors-general of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The organisations’ heads said: “For shipping and air transport to continue to operate safely, the safe cross-border movement of seafarers and aircrew must be facilitated.

“We reiterate our call upon countries that have not done so to designate seafarers and aircrew as key workers.”

They added: “Seafarers and aircrew need to be protected through vaccination as soon as possible, to facilitate their safe movement across borders.

A Tiny Piece of the Wright Brothers’ First Plane Will Soon Fly Around Mars

The "Wright brothers' moment" takes place April 8.

The first plane in flight is also the first plane in space.

According to the Associated Press (AP), a small piece of the Wright brothers' 1903 Wright Flyer, which was the first "heavier-than-air powered aircraft" in flight, is part of NASA's Martian helicopter, Ingenuity. A small swatch of fabric from the plane hitched a ride on the helicopter, which reached Mars aboard the Perseverance rover last month.

"Wilbur and Orville Wright would be pleased to know that a little piece of their 1903 Wright Flyer I, the machine that launched the Space Age by barely one quarter of a mile, is going to soar into history again on Mars!" said Amanda Wright Lane and Stephen Wright in a statement, shared by the Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio to the AP.

The aviation and aerospace industries, while being separate entities that deal with different kinds of aircraft, have always been linked. Bobby Braun, director for planetary science at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, noted to the AP that Ingenuity's first flight will also be a "Wright brothers' moment."

Read the full article by clicking here - source: www.travelandleisure.com - BYANDREA ROMANO - Mar 21

This Caribbean Island Is Offering a New Extended-stay Visa so Remote Workers Can Enjoy Its Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and Hot Springs

From workcations to resort bubbles, the pandemic has spurred some unique travel trends as the industry found creative ways to stay afloat. This includes the increased popularity of long-term digital nomad visas. Once an anomaly only offered by a few countries, several places across the globe are now making it easier for remote workers to become temporary residents.

The latest destination to hop on that trend is Dominica.

The island nation is inviting digital nomads and remote workers to bring their work-from-home setup to the Caribbean.

With the recently launched Work in Nature (WIN) extended-stay visa, visitors can relocate to Dominica for up to 18 months.

On this English-speaking island located between Martinique and Guadeloupe, visitors will find rain forests, volcanoes, waterfalls, natural hot springs, and, of course, sandy beaches, as well as the Caribbean's first long-distance hiking trail.

Read the full article by clicking here - source: www.travelandleisure.com - by JESSICA POITEVIEN - Mar 21

“We want people to be excited about planning their holidays again, with the knowledge that they can change their mind, move the dates or easily get their money back up to ten days before they are due to go.”

Kuoni relaunches flexible booking pledge amid travel uncertainty

A “sea of uncertainty” over holiday bookings has prompted Kuoni to re-launch its flexible peace of mind pledge.

Flex+ allows holidays to be cancelled or changed up to ten days before long-haul travel and 21 days for European trips for any reason.

Many people who want to book a trip overseas are being put off, worried about losing their money or the hassle of making changes, ahead of the government’s Travel Task Force delivering its report on the way ahead for international travel next month, according to the operator.

The new version of Kuoni’s Flex+ promise is available across a range of holidays for travel any time up until December 15. It is available on new bookings made until May 17.

The offer is on selected holidays throughout the Indian Ocean, Far East and Europe with handpicked airlines

Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, the Caribbean, Italy and Greece, but there’s still a hesitancy to commit to booking.

“They need reassurance that if circumstances change they can amend or cancel without penalty.

Something positive to look forward to.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly - by Phil Davies 24 Mar 21

Bermuda cruises added by Royal Caribbean International

Sailings from Bermuda are being introduced as a second Caribbean restart option by Royal Caribbean International this summer.

The ship Vision of the Seas will run seven-night cruises from the island.

The Bermuda sailings include an overnight in the island and a day at the line’s Bahamas private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Bookings on March 29 for the departures which start on June 26.

All passengers will need to be vaccinated.

“Travellers are eager to venture out gradually and start cruising again.

“By adding a second unique option to sail the Caribbean from a destination as rich and vibrant as Bermuda, we’re offering guests choice in how they can enjoy their well-deserved vacations this summer.”

Silversea’s 2023 World Cruise sells out on first day

Silversea Cruises has “shattered” its bookings records with its 2023 World Cruise.

General sales for the arts-inspired circumnavigation, named ‘South Side Story – All the World’s a Stage’, opened on March 17.

The luxury line, said the 139-day voyage on Silver Shadow, calling in 66 destinations in 34 countries across five continents, fully sold out on the first day.

Silversea said this followed the “most successful pre-sale in the cruise line’s history”.

Silver Shadow is due to depart Sydney on January 10, 2023, and arrive in Fort Lauderdale on May 28. The itinerary includes Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Réunion Island, and Cape Verde; 20 overnight calls; 10 days in Tasmania and New Zealand; three days in Myanmar; a week in South Africa; and sailing on the Amazon river.

“We believe holidays this summer will be possible, taking into account our outstanding vaccination programme and the use of testing where required.”

Big two tour operators still planning for May 17 restart

The UK’s two largest tour operators confirmed they are still planning to resume holidays on May 17 as they await confirmation on travel’s restart.

Both Tui and Jet2holidays responded to reports suggesting international travel may not resume before July, and pointed out that legislation being drafted that will see fines of up to £5,000 handed out to people who try to travel without a valid exemption does not supersede the report from the UK government’s Global Travel Taskforce, due on April 12.

Tui, the UK’s largest tour operator, insisted “holidays this summer will be possible” but accepts entry requirements will “vary from country to country”.

"One thing remains abundantly clear – our customers very much want to get away on their holidays this summer and beyond".

“As the summer approaches, customers are looking forward to clarity about how they can get away on their much-needed holidays, which they have waited a long time for".

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly By Ben Ireland 23 Mar 21

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Unveils $100 Million Renovation

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is showcasing the results of its $100 million renovation, which includes a considerable number of new amenities and experiences.

All guestrooms and suites have been revamped with new fittings and furnishings, and in June the property’s three most luxurious suites will be remodeled with second stories, indoor-outdoor living space and private plunge pools. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai also unveiled the new Kumu Kai Marine Center, where marine biologists will provide a curriculum focused on ocean preservation and marine life.

The marine center is equipped with a touch tank and digital displays, and offers such experiences as private eagle ray feedings and tidal pool tours.

A Culinary Academy is debuting at the ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge, interactive culinary experiences and a weekend Chef In Residence series, featuring cooking classes and special menus.

Other new interactive offerings include Only at Hualalai Experiences. As an example, the Iliahi Spa and Farm experience will enable guests to learn about the iliahi plant’s anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties; tour a local iliahi farm; enjoy a picnic lunch; and more.

Click here to find out more - source: www.travelpulse.com BY CLAUDETTE COVEY March 21

Lata Foundation campaign to support Peruvian porters - latest update below... 29th March 2021

Stay Positive...

If you would like to help please visit www.latafoundation.org/25for25.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 01 Mar

US travel trade urges Biden to commit to reopening international travel

“We are ready to welcome back travellers and keep them safe. And the time to plan for and chart a defined roadmap to reopen international travel is now.”

President Biden must set a May 1 deadline to commit to a plan for reopening the US to inbound international travel.

The call came from 26 US travel and aviation industry organisations in a letter urging the White House “to partner with us to develop a risk-based, data-driven roadmap to rescind inbound international travel restrictions”.

The May timeline for an international reopening plan is supported by the president’s priority to make every American eligible for a vaccination by May 1.

International arrivals to the US fell 81% from overseas markets last year while number were down 62% from neighbouring Mexico and 77% from Canada for a total loss to the US economy of $146 billion.

Travel’s total economic output in the US declined by more than a trillion dollars in 2020, with 5.6 million travel-supported jobs lost – 65% of all jobs lost in the country last year.

The letter emphasises that controlling the pandemic must remain a top priority.

“To be clear, at this time, we do not support removal or easing of core public health protections, such as the universal mask mandate, inbound international testing requirement, physical distancing or other measures that have made travel safer and reduced transmission of the virus,” the letter says.

Read the full article here - source travel weekly 23 Mar 21

Royal Caribbean reveals Bahamas restart

Royal Caribbean International is to resume sailings in the Caribbean in June.

The ship Adventure of the Seas will run seven-night cruises from Nassau in The Bahamas, including two days at its Perfect Day and CocoCay private island and Cozumel in Mexico.

Clickhereto find out more - source travel weekly 22 Mar 21

Covid: Summer holidays abroad 'unlikely', warns government adviser.
Read more by clicking here!

"We have politely requested time and time again, for your messaging to be thoughtful and fair, to consider the consequences of your actions on our industry and, most importantly, our customers.
You continue to highlight you do not understand the travel & tourism/aviation/cruise/technology sector consequently, the profound impact you have on all of us that serve - CEO's to travel adviser's, pilot's to porter's, handling agent's to IT developer's, contractor's etc etc...

Summer takes us to the end of October! (British Travel.)

TRAVEL, is also about friends and families meeting again and/or travelling home. Not, just leisure travel, during British school holidays!
A year of toil by key workers, nurses, teachers, who just want to go home and see family or have a well deserved break to fill themselves up, recover and have TIME AWAY."

"Please stop using our industry as leverage in your game."

SAVE OUR SUMMER!
You may still book a flight or holiday for later on in the year or, perhaps 2022... Something to look forward to...

Vaccinated Travelers Can Now Visit Ecuador, Including the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador is now welcoming vaccinated travelers, El Universo, one of the country's largest newspapers, recently reported.

According to the outlet, tourists with the COVID-19 vaccine can enter the country and travel to one of its most popular island destinations: the Galapagos Islands. Unvaccinated travelers are also allowed to visit Ecuador and its famous island archipelago with proof of a negative antigen test taken within 72 hours of departure, or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19.

Visitors are required to comply with social distancing regulations and wear face masks throughout their stay.

There are still some unique ways to experience this region and its legendary wildlife, especially if budget isn't an issue. Ecoventura, for example, is offering buyouts of its 20-passenger boats for $169,000 a week. The vessels are considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly ways to explore the Galapagos Islands.

To read more click here - source: www.travelandleisure.com BY MEENA THIRUVENGADAM 19 Mar 2021

Iata director general Alexandre de Juniac described the past 12 months as “nothing less than catastrophic” for airlines

He reported passenger demand had fallen to the level of 1998 and revenue to the level of 1993.

De Juniac said: “Demand fell through the floor. Before the crisis we had almost 30,000 unique international routes between airports. Now we have about 12,000 and the density of those connections has become much thinner.

“Before the crisis the average route was served by about 43 flights per month. Now it’s around 20 flights per month – not even daily.”

“Governments realise that and have provided direct cash infusions and measures such as tax relief and loan guarantees to preserve the sector. In total, this is valued at over $225 billion.

“We would have seen huge bankruptcies had governments not stepped up with relief.”

But he argued: “This crisis is not over. We need continued relief measures, particularly those that do not increase the debt burden”.

He also called for stimulus measures from governments, saying: “We have seen some plans by governments to subsidise tickets, routes, domestic journeys. I urge governments to consider [more] stimulus measures.”

De Juniac will stand down as Iata director general at the end of March, to be replaced by Willie Walsh, former chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG).

Please note: Under Willie Walsh, who became CEO in 2005, British Airways faced a price-fixing scandal, moved its primary hub to Heathrow Terminal 5, and experienced threats of industrial action, leading to a strike in March 2010.

Please also note: Lee Strongitharm "the bully" worked at British Airways with Willie Walsh and is guilty of Gross Misconduct and sabotagingwww.a2btravelextras.com (2015) (By Donna - witness - head of www.a2btravelextras.com & signature brand to www.a2btransfers.com ).

Disney Cruise Line Just Announced New Sailings for Summer 2022

Guests can book their summer 2022 cruises this month.

Disney Cruise Line just announced new destinations and itineraries in Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska for summer 2022.

For the first time, the cruise line will offer summer sailings from Miami to Disney's Castaway Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, as well as stop at new ports in Greece, Portugal, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and Dominica. Plus, the new, highly anticipated Disney Wish is scheduled to set off on its maiden voyage, although Disney Cruise Line has not yet announced the ship's itineraries.

Summer 2022 highlights include eight-, nine-, and 12-night cruises from Rome to Greece, with stops on famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos, as well as sailings from Barcelona along the Mediterranean, with stops in Rome, Cannes, and more. In northern Europe, new ports include Riga, Latvia, Nynashamn, Sweden, and Maloy, Norway.

Airbnb and Florida Team Up To Help Tourism’s Recovery

Airbnb and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, have partnered to launch a campaign boosting the recovery of the state’s tourism industry.

The partnership will feature a landing page with curated activities and stays for potential travelers to visit. It will also include social media ads and emails for Florida residents, as well as residents of its neighboring states.

In 2019, Florida received over 131 million visitors;, in 2020, that number went down to 86.7 million.

“We hope this campaign inspires and encourages people to rediscover the amazing places and people throughout the state, and we look forward to continuing to work with VISIT FLORIDA to find innovative ways to support the tourism industry.”

Read the full article here- source: www.travelpulse.comby 1 LACEY PFALZ 18 Mar 2021

Reddit investors adopt 3,500 gorillas in six days

Around 3,500 gorillas have been adopted by Reddit's WallStreetBets (WSB) community in six days.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, a charity for the protection of endangered mountain gorillas, has also received more than $350,000 (£252,000) in donations.

Its president Dr Tara Stoinski has thanked the Reddit community for the adoptions.

She said: "They've truly made a difference for our world."

Railbookers releases luxury and UK brochures

Railbookers has brought out new luxury and UK rail holiday brochures to capitalise on growing demand for bucket list breaks and closer-to-home trips.

It offers customisable rail experiences including the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Excellence Class on the Glacier Express, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and Belmond’s Royal Scotsman and features additional destinations and excursions such as five-star accommodation, dining experiences and river cruise extensions.

Sales and marketing manager Anna Davies said: "To date in 2021, Railbookers has been witnessing an incredible surge in higher-ticket holidays."

It offers customisable rail experiences including the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Excellence Class on the Glacier Express,

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and Belmond’s Royal Scotsman and features additional destinations and excursions such as five-star accommodation, dining experiences and river cruise extensions. The eight-day Rome and Florence to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express costs from £3,349.

Find out more here - source: travel weekly by Juliet Dennis 17 Mar 2021

European Commission lays out health certificate proposals

The European Commission has laid out proposals to create a Digital Green Certificate to facilitate “safe free movement” within the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Digital Green Certificate will act as proof a person has been vaccinated against Covid-19, received a negative test result or recovered from having had the virus.

It will record if a person has received a Covid-19 vaccine, and their results of PCR, NAAT and antigen tests. The EC said it was “non-discriminatory” because it was available both to those who are vaccinated and those who are not.
It will be available free, and in English, in digital or paper format and include a QR code to authenticate the certificate. It will be valid in all EU member states and open for Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as non-EU citizens living in the bloc.
The EC insisted the measure was temporary and will be suspended once the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of the COVID-19 international health emergency.

“no personal data” will pass through or be held by member states.

“The Digital Green Certificate will not be a pre-condition to free movement and it will not discriminate in any way.
“A common EU-approach will not only help us to gradually restore free movement within the EU and avoid fragmentation. It is also a chance to influence global standards and lead by example based on our European values like data protection.”
President and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “This would provide a significant and much needed boost to
economies
and save millions of jobs and livelihoods".

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly by Ben Ireland 17 Mar 2021

One off experience - Experts say a nap gone wrong led to a very rare sighting.

This Walrus Fell Asleep on an Iceberg and Woke Up in Ireland.

Earlier this month, a walrus was spotted on the western shore of Ireland, a very rare sight. So, how did it get there? According to experts, the animal likely fell asleep on an iceberg somewhere in the Arctic and floated to Ireland during its nap.

"I'd say what happened is he fell asleep on an iceberg and drifted off and then he was gone too far, out into the mid-Atlantic or somewhere like that down off Greenland possibly," Kevin Flannery, director of Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle, Co. Kerry, told the Irish Independent. "That is usually what happens... they fall asleep on an iceberg and get carried off from the Arctic."

According to the Independent, the animal was first spotted by a local man named Alan Houlihan and his five-year-old daughter, Muireann, as it was breaching out of the water along Glanleam Beach.
"I thought it was a seal at first and then we saw the tusks. He kind of jumped up on the rocks. He was massive...

Click here to read more - source: www.travelandleisure.com by STACEY LEASCA 16 Mar 2021

Jet2holidays’ bookings to Turkey double

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have seen bookings for Turkey double since the country’s tourism minister said UK holidaymakers would be welcome this summer without the need for vaccine certificates yesterday.

The UK’s second largest operator has put more than 100 additional flights to Turkey on sale in response to the surge in demand.

Extra capacity has been added to Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman with additional flights operating from late-June to late-October, with a focus on the late-summer season.

“Turkey has continued to be a popular choice, and the welcome news that UK holidaymakers can enjoy the Turkish sunshine this summer has translated into an immediate rush of bookings.“We know our customers want to get away and we know that our destinations are keen to welcome them.

“The UK government has shown that there is a clear ambition to reopen international travel in the coming months and we look forward to more detail in due course. As soon as travel reopens, we will be ready to take our customers on their well-deserved holidays.”

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly by Ben Ireland 16 Mar 2021

This Malibu Tour Takes You to Gorgeous Beaches and Vineyards in a Vintage Volkswagen Van

If sipping wine in Malibu sounds like the perfect way to spend your California vacation, we have a dream experience for you.

California Adventure, a tour company with lots of unique experiences in the Golden State, is offering a package that lets you tour the most beautiful coastlines in California in a 1972 Volkswagen camper van that has some very strong hippie vibes, wine tasting included.

The trip picks up guests in either the Venice or Santa Monica areas and heads up to Malibu to learn a bit about the local wine culture and history...

After the wine tasting, guests tour the gorgeous California coastline, including the breathtaking views of cliffs at Point Dume and the Santa Monica Mountains, as well as the famous Malibu Pier.

Turkey to open up to British holidaymakers without need for vaccine certificates

Turkey is prepared to accept UK travellers this summer as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic permits international travel from Britain.

No vaccine certificate will be requiredTurkey, which attracted 2.5 million British tourists a year before the pandemic is taking necessary steps to ensure it continues to be safe.

A priority vaccination programme for staff at hotels and other tourist facilities is set for the upcoming summer season.

Culture and tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said: “We are looking forward to welcoming British tourists with open arms, as we did safely last summer..."

“We have world-class border processes in place for ensuring travel will be low-risk throughout Turkey.

“We are working with the British authorities to ensure these necessary processes are world-class and as up-to-date as possible.

“The Aegean region is a rich, cultural hot spot with a treasure trove of sites unmatched almost anywhere in the world.”

Virgin Atlantic poised to land £160m in additional funds

Virgin Atlantic is poised to land £160 million in additional funding in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The new financing was confirmed by the carrier after reports emerged over the weekend.

The £160 million package comprises loans from existing shareholders and deferrals of around £100 million from airline founder Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group.

A spokeswoman said: “We continue to bolster our balance sheet in anticipation of the lifting of international travel restrictions during the second quarter of 2021.

Meanwhile, the airline’s chief executive Shai Weiss predicted that holidays to Florida will return this summer.

“We will have significant capacity available on US routes when restrictions are lifted in the UK on May 17, and Florida holidays will be back on for the summer.”

Weiss also called on the government to acknowledge that aviation is part of the UK’s national infrastructure, contributing £62 billion a year to the economy and supporting 1.6 million jobs.

“We’re a world leader in terms of innovation, sustainability and customer service, but Amsterdam and Frankfurt want what we have, so we need ongoing government support to maintain that lead,” he added.

Read all of the details by clicking here - source: travel weekly Phil Davies 15 March 2021

Virgin Atlantic in discussions about £160m injection as travel ban forces fresh creditor talks

The airline will receive a £100m loan from Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group as travel restrictions hit hard, Sky News learns.

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Airways is in talks with shareholders and creditors about a further £160m support package just six months after securing a £1.2bn rescue deal.

Sky News has learnt that the billionaire tycoon's flagship company is this weekend close to finalising the new funding, which will include a £100m loan from his Virgin Group, the airline's majority owner. The deal, which is expected to be wrapped up in the coming days, will underline the parlous state of the British aviation sector after the government ruled out a return to international travel in time for the crucial Easter holiday period.

Sources close to the Virgin Atlantic talks said its creditors had been supportive of the proposal, which will provide additional headroom in the event of further delays to the resumption of flights. "We remain confident that Virgin Atlantic will emerge a sustainably profitable airline and would like to thank our creditors and shareholders, Virgin Group and Delta, for their ongoing support and unwavering belief in our future."

The pandemic has been brutal for Virgin Atlantic, along with the rest of Britain's aviation industry.

Read the full article here - source: sky news Mark Kleinman Saturday 13 March 2021 13:59, UK

Hawaiian Airlines introduces Long Beach-Maui nonstop flights

Hawaiian Airlines kicked off its news nonstop route between Long Beach, California and Kahului, Maui on March 10.

The new route marks the company's second daily nonstop flight out of the Southern California airport. Hawaiian first began flying out of Long Beach to Honolulu in 2018.

"Long Beach has been an incredibly popular gateway for our visitors and Hawaii residents traveling to Southern California, and we are pleased to make it even more convenient for our guests to travel between Long Beach and Maui with our new daily, nonstop service.

Hawaiian Airlines is also offering a Covid-19 testing service for its passengers in order to comply with the state's Safe Travels program that enables arriving travelers to bypass a 10-day quarantine with proof of a negative result on an approved test. In partnership with Long Beach-based Worksite Labs, Hawaiian Airlines passengers can schedule a Covid-19 test with results within 36 hours for $90. Guests who receive a negative test result then receive a "preclear wristband" during boarding that enables them to bypass airport screening in Hawaii.

Click here to read the full article - source: www.travelweekly.com by Tovin Lapan 12 Mar 21

Lata Foundation campaign to support Peruvian porters - latest update below... 22nd March 2021

Keep going - we're behind you...

If you would like to help please visit www.latafoundation.org/25for25.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 01 Mar

International travel to rebound swiftly, forecasts IPK

Outbound travel will rebound quickly from the slump of the past year with almost two-thirds of ‘travellers’ intent on going abroad in 2021, according to travel market analyst IPK International.

IPK’s latest World Travel Monitor, based on a survey in January and released at ITB Berlin, suggests 62% of ‘international travellers’ intend to travel abroad this year.

IPK reported “above-average interest in visiting friends and family” and noted: “Interest in business travel is higher among Americans and Asians than among Europeans.
”The survey found sun and beach holidays remain most popular worldwide, city breaks rank second and nature holidays third.

Read more here - source: travel weekly - by Ian Taylor 12 Mar 2021

Bookings rise for summer peak as confidence grows

Booking volumes for the peak summer holiday period are starting to pick up as destinations prepare to welcome back British tourists.

Agents and operators reported the start of a shift to peak summer sales, although the majority of bookings are still for later in the year or 2022.

Leisure director Kelly Cookes said: “We are seeing volumes for the summer starting to increase.”

She attributed increased demand to “announcements from various destinations wanting to welcome British travellers back this summer, combined with the UK’s vaccination rollout and the plan for lockdown restrictions to ease”.

Designer Travel managing director Amanda Matthews reported a shift in sales to July and August from later this year and 2022. She said: “We think now kids are back in school, the family market will start booking for this summer.”

Olympic Holidays said agents had been booking late May and June but reported “much stronger demand from July onwards”.

Click here to read the full article - source travel weekly 12 Mar 2021

Belize to Welcome Vaccinated Travelers — No COVID Testing Required

YES PLEASE BELIZE :-)

Belize has become the first country in the Caribbean to allow vaccinated travelers to visit without a COVID-19 test.

Vaccinated travelers now need only to present a vaccination record card, with full inoculation completed at least two weeks before their arrival into Belize. They must also download the Belize Health App and input the required health information within 72 hours prior to landing in Belize.

Playa and Hilton Announce New Boutique All-Inclusive Resort

Playa Hotels & Resorts and Hilton will operate a new boutique all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which was formerly Live Aqua Playa del Carmen.

The adults-only resort will be the second Playa-managed Hilton all-inclusive property in Playa del Carmen with the other being the Hilton Playa del Carmen. Now, guests will have expanded offerings at both properties.

The property will open in May 2021 with 60 guestrooms, a restaurant, a sushi bar, a rooftop pool and bar, a spa and a fitness center. It is located close to Playa del Carmen’s charming Fifth Avenue. "At Playa, our competitive edge combines trusted legendary hospitality brands, such as Hilton, with our unmatched all-inclusive resort expertise and experience.

The results, both in guest experience and ownership returns, are unrivaled in the all-inclusive sector."

Click here to read the full article - source: www.travelpulse.com Mar 21

Mauritius Will Provide Free COVID-19 Vaccines to Long-term Visitors

The program is part of an effort to fully reopen the country's borders and entice long-term visitors.

Mauritius, which offers visitors free renewable long-term visas, is adding another perk for those wanting to settle into paradise for a while: free COVID-19 vaccinations.

The program is part of an effort to fully reopen the country's borders. Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa, is one of the world's smallest countries by size. It boasts nearly 100 miles of white, sandy beaches, one of the world's largest coral reefs, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and warm water.

Like many idyllic beach destinations around the world, Mauritius relies heavily on tourism to keep its economy afloat. And like many countries, Mauritius is also courting digital nomads and retirees.

By clicking here you can read the full article - source: www.travelandleisure.com Mar 21

The “Little Chef” is cooking up quite the experience at EPCOT...

where Disney’s latest attraction will be revealed on October 1, 2021.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is set to debut this fall, and details are coming out on what the special experience will look like.

Guests will “shrink” to Remy’s size and scurry around Gusteau’s famous restaurant on a wild adventure based on the Academy Award-winning Pixar film “Ratatouille.”

The ride is found in EPCOT’s recently enhanced France Pavilion which will also open on the same day. Here guests will find a fanciful version of Paris complete with sweet treats from La Crêperie de Paris...

Click here to read the full article- source: www.travelpulse.com09 Mar 21

Greece hopes to welcome UK tourists from mid-May

Greece will open to tourists from May 14, providing they have received a Covid-19 vaccine, have antibodies or supply a negative test result.

Greece joins a list of other countries that have declared they are ready to welcome UK tourists as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Others to have already appealed to the UK market include Cyprus and the Canary Islands.

Click here to read the full article- source: travel weekly 09 Mar 21

Masks litter Philippine reefs

Masks and other protective equipment are washing up on coral reefs close to the Philippine capital, Manila.

According to an estimate by the Asian Development Bank, the city has generated an extra 280 tonnes of medical waste per day since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Watch the video below - source: bbc news 09 Mar 21

Virgin Voyages’ third ship to be called Resilient Lady

Virgin Voyages’ third ship will be called Resilient Lady and will sail two Mediterranean itineraries in 2022 from its homeport in Athens, the line has announced.

Resilient Lady is scheduled for completion on July 1, 2022, and will join two other “Lady Ships”, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, in the fleet.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, said: “Sailing in the Med is such an extraordinary experience, and we’re so excited to bring the adventure of a Virgin Voyage to this beautiful place.

“I’m so proud of the incredible work the team has accomplished to introduce Resilient Lady.”

“The introduction of Resilient Lady arrives on the heels of International Women’s Day, which is symbolic of the spirit of our Lady Ships and is in celebration of women and their achievements, strength, leadership and resilience.”

“To all the tour operators and travel agents in the UK, we look forward to welcoming your customers back to the Canary Islands very soon.”

The Canary Islands’ minister of tourism says the archipelago is ‘ready’ for a return of British tourists as she unveiled a new sustainable tourism strategy.

Over the next three years, the Canary Islands hopes to “redefine” its tourism offering for a post-Covid world.

The public-private initiative aims to “build a new ecosystem” and deliver a “digital transformation” of tourism in the Canaries.

Plans include “the consumption of local supply” and utilising an ‘internet of things’ on the islands to make them more self-sufficient, reduce its carbon footprint and build towards a circular economy.

Pennyhill Park Reopening

Pennyhill Park in Surrey, England is delighted to share they will be reopening the hotel on the

17th May and bookings are now available online. The Spa will also be open for spa days from 12th April.

Pennyhill Park is a luxury hotel and spa set in 123 acres of Surrey countryside with a host of individual experiences.

For further information click here

California to open outdoor attractions in April

Disneyland and other theme parks and stadiums in the US state of California can accept visitors next month under plans to relax some Covid restrictions.

Outdoor sports and entertainment facilities will be permitted to reopen with limited attendance from 1 April, health officials said on Friday.
Under the new rules, bookings will be restricted to local area residents and there will be a ban on indoor dining.

The theme park was looking forward to receiving guests "with responsible Disney safety protocols already implemented around the world".
Along with Disneyland, other attractions permitted to admit visitors include Magic Mountain and Universal Studios.

Capacity will be limited to between 15% and 35%, depending on each county's tier system for restrictions, health officials said.

To read more please click here - source: bbc news 06 Mar

Cyprus to welcome vaccinated UK tourists from May

Cyprus has said it will open its borders to vaccinated Britons from the start of May - but UK government travel restrictions will still be in force.

The Cypriot government said those who had both Covid jabs could travel there without restrictions from 1 May.

But this is more than two weeks before the earliest date those in England will be able to go abroad for holidays.

Cyprus has not yet said how British tourists will be required to prove they have had both vaccine doses.

Portugal's Madeira Will Waive COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Travelers

The local government is describing its decision to waive COVID-19 testing requirements as a "vote of confidence in this new phase the world is going through."

Madeira, an idyllic Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, is waiving COVID-19 testing requirements for vaccinated travelers.

Foreign visitors to the gorgeous island paradise will need to show an official certificate that includes vaccination dates and details, the Spanish publication Euro Weekly News reported.

Madeira, which is courting digital nomads, is also exempting anyone who can prove they've recovered from COVID-19, and is working to ensure its own residents receive vaccinations.

Madeira — closer to the African coast than it is to Portugal — said it has already vaccinated more than 22,000 local residents and expects to have immunized 60 to 70% of its population by the end of the year.

Read the full article here - source: www.travelandleisure.com 4 Mar 2021

The Seychelles to open to tourists from March 25

The Seychelles hopes to open up to international visitors from March 25, 2021.

The Indian Ocean destination requires visitors to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure, but will have no quarantine requirements in place or restrictions on movement.

Minimum stay in establishments upon arrival will no longer be applicable, but visitors will still be required to adhere to public health measures such as wearing of face masks, social distancing and regular sanitisation or washing of hands.

The new measures also give visitors access to all communal areas within the hotel premises inclusive of bars, swimming pools, spas and kids’ clubs – which were previously off limits.

Find out more by clicking here- source: travel weekly 4 Mar 2021

Disney Rolls Out New 'Harmonious' Centerpiece at EPCOT

Visitors to Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT were greeted with a new stunning display on the World Showcase Lagoon recently.

Standing six stories tall, the centerpiece to the park’s new nighttime show, "Harmonious" moved into place.

This central ring located on a floating barge in the middle of the lagoon will feature a waterfall, pyrotechnics and more, showcasing the ingenuity of Disney Imagineers.

With a total of five floating stages, this nighttime spectacular will be one of the biggest shows

Walt Disney World Resort has made.

Princess Cruises reveals South America and Antarctica sailings

Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2022-23 South America and Antarctica programme, featuring six itineraries on Sapphire Princess.

The 10-departure programme, due to go on sale on Wednesday (March 10), includes a 16-day Antarctica & Cape Horn sailing, departing December 19, 2022, and January 20, 2023. There is a reverse itinerary sailing on January 4, 2023.

The Andes & South America sailing, lasting either 17 or 18 nights, includes an overnight in Lima, Peru, and an optional land tour to Inca citadel Machu Picchu.

Princess has also included two longer itineraries in the programme, featuring overnights in Lima and Buenos Aires. The 32-night Andes & Cape Horn Grand Adventure departs on March 5, 2023, and the 33-night Antarctica, Andes & Cape Horn Grand Adventure starts on December 2, 2022.

A pair of pre and post-cruise land tours are also available in South America: Iguazu Falls Adventure takes in Rio de Janeiro as well as the waterfalls on the border of Brazil and Argentina; and Machu Picchu Explorer includes the Peruvian city of Cusco as well as the famous Inca site.

To read more please click here - source: travel weekly 03 Mar 2021

Qantas launches 'mystery flights' to boost tourism

Qantas is launching "mystery flights" in a effort to boost domestic tourism across Australia and spark nostalgia.

The day-trips, where passengers don't know the destination when boarding, were popular in the 1990s.

Qantas was one of the first airlines to offer flights to nowhere, which take off and land at the same airport after low-level fly-bys of iconic Australian landmarks.

The mystery flights are the Australian airline's latest tactic to woo more passengers into flying.

Flights will be on one of three Qantas Boeing 737 planes from Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney with economy fares beginning at A$737 (£413, US$577).

The all-day package includes activities that range from wine-making and gourmet lunches, to snorkelling on tropical islands.

To read the full article click here - source: bbc news 03 Mar 2021

Lata Foundation launches campaign to support Peruvian porters

The Lata Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to support the Peruvian porters of Machu Picchu who have been unable to work during the pandemic.

The charity said the famous archaeological site has been closed for most of 2020 and remains shut, along with most of the surrounding tourist sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Called ‘Peru 25 for 25’, the fundraiser asks supporters to take on a 25-mile challenge – the length of the Inca trail – to help porters and their families.

Participants can cover 25 miles with “a run, swim, walk or whatever format they prefer” during March.

Each £25 raised will cover an essential food parcel for one porter and their family for one month.

The foundation is urging the social media community to back this campaign using the hash tag #Peru25for25 and tagging @LataFoundation.

For details visit www.latafoundation.org/25for25.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 01 Mar

VisitBritain announced on 26 February that tourism businesses in the UK registered to the
‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard scheme can now be automatically issued with the international ‘Safe Travels’ stamp...

VisitBritain made the announcement yesterday.

The We’re Good To Go scheme, launched last year by VisitEngland in partnership with the tourism boards of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, has been recognised by the WTTC as meeting its international global standardised health and hygiene protocols and for its role in supporting the recovery of the UK tourism sector.

“Our priority is to support the industry through crisis to recovery and beyond and this is a timely boost for businesses as well as for future inbound visitors, reassuring them that they can plan their trips to the UK with confidence, once we can travel again, and have a great experience when they get here.”

We’re Good To Go registered businesses in the UK can now log into their online account to download the Safe Travels stamp.

Click here to find out more: source - www.timesandstar.co.uk By Ted Peskett 27 Feb 2021

WTTC- Download the press release here

250 Destinations Receive Safe Travels Stamp by WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced it has awarded the Safe Travels stamp to 250 destinations around the world.
Initially launched in May 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Safe Travels stamp was developed to help restore confidence in tourists and revive the global Travel & Tourism sector devastated by COVID-19.

The WTTC reached the 250-destination milestone with the recent additions of Honduras, Belize and Malawi to the list.
“We are delighted to see our Safe Travels Stamp is still growing at a rapid rate and is being adopted by destinations from all corners of the world.”
“The success of the stamp shows the importance of global coordination to help rebuild and revive the international Travel & Tourism sector,”

The globally recognized stamp also received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and over 200 CEO’s in the industry.

Click here to read the full article: source - www.travelpulse.com DONALD WOOD FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Virgin Atlantic extends Flying Club renewal window

Members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club have been given an additional three months to maintain their tier status and use rewards.
The extension is in recognition of the impact of Covid on customers’ ability to travel, and is in addition to the two six-month extensions the airline offered Gold and Silver members to maintain their status in 2020.
Members need 1,000 points to maintain Gold status, and 400 points for silver.
Rewards include Companion, Upgrade or Clubhouse vouchers.

“Following the prime minister’s update, which has given clarity on the UK’s roadmap out of restrictions, we’re pleased to offer a further three month validity to our Flying Club members for extra peace of mind.
“We’re looking forward to working with the government’s Global Travel Taskforce to reopen the skies safely. Until then, our latest status update provides increased flexibility and reassurance, in anticipation of welcoming our customers on board again soon.”

Click here to find out more: source - travel weekly 26 Feb

There’s light at the end of the tunnel...

The spike in demand over the last couple of days has been “encouraging and given the whole industry a lift, but there’s still room for caution”
“The last 24 hours has been fantastic – we’ve seen bookings increase and hopefully it’s given everyone in the industry a lift, but there’s still room for caution.”

"’It's good that we’ve got something to aim for now.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel and I’m very happy on behalf of the whole industry, but just remember, there’s still a long, long way to go.”

Click here to read more: source - travel weekly 25 Feb

Qatar Airways ‘invites former pilots to rejoin’

Qatar Airways has reportedly asked some pilots it made redundant during the pandemic to apply to rejoin the airline as it looks to recover.

Sky News reports that the carrier has written to “former crew colleagues” as it is “now looking to restart recruitment activities to adequately resource our Boeing operations”.

The broadcaster commented: “It’s a rare sign of positivity in an industry hard hit by the pandemic which, despite the successful rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in countries like the UK, faces severe restrictions for many months to come.

Click here to read more: source travel weekly 23 Feb

Agents, operators and airlines see bookings take off...

Airlines, agents and operators reported increased sales and inquiries in the wake of the government announcement on Monday.

Domestic breaks in self-contained accommodation can resume from April 12 and May 17 is the earliest date from which overseas holidays can start again. Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: “The prime minister’s address has provided a much-needed boost in confidence for so many of our customers in the UK with demand for flights up 337% and holidays up 630% already compared to last week and beach destinations proving most popular for this summer.”

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays saw a “dramatic” spike as bookings increased by 600% after the announcement.

Popular destinations include Spain and its islands, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey and there was a notable increase in bookings from July, which continues through the rest of the school holidays and summer 2021.

Click here to read more: source travel weekly 23 Feb

Immersive art experience

Epic Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Is Headed to Chicago and Staying Through the Summer!

A sold-out immersive art experience is extending its Chicago stay to give more people a chance to walk through iconic Vincent van Gogh paintings, including "Irises" and "Starry Night."
"Immersive Van Gogh" opened its doors in Chicago on Feb. 11 at the Lighthouse ArtSpace, a new venue meant to host immersive art presentations like the Van Gogh exhibit.

Click here to read more: source: www.travelandleisure.com BY MEENA THIRUVENGADAM

Volunteers Rescue Over 4,000 Sea Turtles During Record-breaking Winter Storm in Texas

Sea turtle rescuers in South Padre Island, Texas, are dealing with a crisis of unprecedented proportions amid a record-breaking winter storm.

A representative for Sea Turtle, Inc. told CBS News that they have rescued more than 4,000 cold-stunned sea turtles on South Padre Island, as freezing temperatures continue to wreak havoc across the region.

Volunteers have spent days transporting the comatose turtles to the town's convention center, where conservationists are working to save their lives by gradually increasing their body temperatures — no easy feat without power.

Sea turtles are especially susceptible to cold stunning if water temperatures fall below 50 degrees. Frigid temperatures cause a turtle's heart rate to lower and its flippers to become paralyzed.

Las Vegas Casinos and Resorts Will Be Open 24 Hours Again Starting in March

Beginning March 3, MGM Resorts in Las Vegas — including the Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and The Mirage resorts — will resume 24/7 hotel operations.

"As we begin to see positive signs around the public's sentiment about traveling, coupled with important progress on the vaccination front and decreasing COVID-19 case numbers, bringing Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and The Mirage back to full-week operations is an important step for us."

We remain optimistic about Las Vegas' recovery and our ability to bring employees back to work as business volumes allow us to do so."

Click here to find out more - source: www.travelandleisure.com 18th Feb BY CAILEY RIZZO

New 2022 Vacation Packages Now Available for Walt Disney World

COVID-19 turned travel upside down for the past year, and even though travel is starting to bounce back with lots of pent-up demand, it may not look the same as it did before.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great trip. In fact, a trip to Walt Disney World might just be the extra magical vacation you and your family need to bounce back.

Special 2022 Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages are now available to book.

"It is our intention to see travel restarted for the summer and let’s sit down to see what we can do."

UK airline leaders united today in urging the government to include aviation in its road-map for re-opening the economy on Monday,

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss said: "the framework should be in place by Easter."
EasyJet chief executive John Lundgren said: “We’re not saying lift all travel restrictions from tomorrow. We’re saying there is a way to lift restrictions safely as the vaccination programme is rolled out and hospitalisations fall.”
He said: “It’s hard for the government to set out dates. There is too much uncertainty at this moment for setting specific dates.
"But we need a clear statement from the Prime Minister for re-opening international travel.
Airlines can’t just fully restart overnight."
“The government has suggested every other sector will be in the roadmap. International travel must be included.”
A risk-based framework should be developed, eventually to remove restrictions all together.
"The industry has got to be part of the message on Monday."

"We’re ready to work with an industry taskforce. We’ll work with government experts to develop it."

Read more by clicking here - source: travel weekly 18th Feb

Debuting in 2022, Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a new immersive experience...

A New Immersive 'Harry Potter' Exhibit Will Tour the World in 2022.

The exhibit will connect all aspects of the Wizarding World, from the Harry Potter films and plays to Fantastic Beasts and more.

Years have gone by since Harry Potter cast his last spell, defeating He Who Must Not Be Named, but fans remain enchanted with Harry and all of the other unique characters from the Wizarding World. Harry Potter enthusiasts itching for more magical encounters will soon have their wish granted with Harry Potter:

The Exhibition will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most iconic moments from the Harry Potter films and stories, Fantastic Beasts, and the Wizarding World. And with a fan base that spans the entire world, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will tour several regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

Clickhereto find out more. source www.travelandleisure.com 16th Feb BY JESSICA POITEVIEN

More than 300 travel firms back Save Our Summer...

Three hundred travel companies have now signed-up to the Save Our Summer campaign, launched this week calling for a return of international travel by May 1.

The number of firms behind the campaign has more than doubled from the 110 that had backed it at launch on Monday morning
(February 15).

Save Our Summer members are urging consumers to ignore government ministers’ “don’t book” travel advice and guarantee that anyone booking through them will be entitled to either a refund or a change of date if travel is cancelled or not possible due to government Covid-19 restrictions*.

We are delighted to see such a strong response from travel firms demonstrating their leadership in the sector, and their desire to ensure travel opens up after May 1 in a safe and responsible way.

“We also thank the hundreds of individuals who have signed up today to join the campaign to Save Our Summer. There is impressive momentum and we will be pressing home the message to the Prime Minister that so many jobs are at risk without a roadmap to opening.”
Travel firms and individuals can register to join Save Our Summer by visiting sostravel.uk.

Click here to read the full article source: travel weekly 16th Feb

Pilots urge PM for flight plan out of crisis - read more here!

Save Our Summer...

A new alliance of 120+ UK travel companies – called Save Our Summer – is urging the government to allow overseas holidays to
restart on May 1.

Without a target date for the re-opening of overseas travel, the group fears consumers will delay booking due to lack of confidence. They point to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which suggests up to 2.4 million travel and tourism jobs in the UK could be lost as a result.

“The travel industry stands on the edge of a precipice today. A minister’s job is to protect our industry, not destroy it.
“There must now be a clear roadmap set out from May 1 onwards specifically for travel, in order to reinstate consumer confidence and protect millions of jobs which hang in the balance.”

Save Our Summer is also calling for quarantine measures to be lifted by May 1 and replaced with a more extensive testing programme.

Click here to read the full article source: travel weekly 15th Feb

Virgin Atlantic introduces unlimited date and flight changes

Virgin Atlantic has introduced unlimited date and flight changes for new bookings as part of changes to its terms offering more flexibility.

Aimed at helping customers make future travel plans, changes also include an extension of the rebooking horizon for all customers to April 30, 2023.

The updated commercial policy enables Virgin Atlantic customers making a new booking for travel up to April 30, 2022, or those with a cancelled flight up until August 31, 2021, to make as many free-of-charge changes as necessary to their travel dates, origin or destination until April 30, 2023, and one free name change.

Changes also apply to customers who already have an open ticket with credit due to flight disruption.

The cost of fare difference will be waived if the new travel date takes place on or before May 31, 2021 – a two-month extension on the previous policy.“By further increasing flexibility, customers making new travel plans will enjoy unlimited opportunities to make free changes, all the way until April 30, 2023, offering greater peace of mind and enabling them to book future travel with confidence.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers back on board and when the time is right, flying them safely to their favourite destinations.”

Click here to read the full article source: travel weekly 11th Feb

Jet2 raises £422m to cope with Covid turbulence

Jet2 has raised £422 million from shareholders and new investors to help it ride out the Covid-19 crisis.

Philip Meeson, executive chairman of the group, said: “The board is grateful to both existing shareholders and new investors for their significant support of this equity issue.

“Based on the indicative scenario planning undertaken by management, the board believes that the proceeds will provide sufficient liquidity on an extended and likely unpredictable shutdown basis to deal with this continually challenging trading environment. “The board remains of the belief that once able to do so, our customers will be determined to enjoy the wonderful experience of a well-deserved Jet2 holiday and that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will continue to have a thriving future...

Click here to read the full article source: travel weekly

Britain is looking forward to a brighter summer.

Holiday bookings jump despite confusion over rules.

UK holiday providers are still seeing strong demand for summer getaways amid "confusing" warnings that it may be too soon to book because of Covid.

Sarah and Steve Jarvis, who run the Independent Cottages website, say inquiries in the first week of February were nearly 100% up on last year.

They said they had seen "no difference" to the level of interest since the warnings from government ministers.

People were showing a "healthy appetite" for holidays, Sarah said. "Measures such as contactless key collections, enhanced cleaning and independent cottage units mean that booking a cottage should remain one of the safest ways to enjoy a holiday this year."

Holiday booking platform Airbnb has also seen a surge in interest in UK holidays. Domestic searches for British destinations for this summer more than tripled towards the end of last week compared with the first few weeks of January, it said.

An Airbnb spokesperson said: "Britain is looking forward to a brighter summer. Travel is taking on more meaning as we pursue experiences closer to home and look forward to reconnecting with family and loved ones.

"We have seen an uptick in searches to the great British countryside, to both the traditional favourites and lesser travelled gems, which is great news for hosts in these communities that wouldn't normally benefit."

Click here to read the full article source: bbc news 11th Feb

US airline set to buy flying electric taxis for airport runs

United Airlines plans to buy 200 flying electric taxis that it hopes will fly passengers to the airport within the next five years.

The US airline is one of the first major carriers to commit to the purchase of flying taxis.
United Airlines will also invest in flying taxi firm Archer as part of a $1.1bn (£800m) deal to develop the aircraft.
The aircraft need regulatory approval before the purchase can go ahead.
United Airlines will team up with US regional carrier Mesa Airlines to buy Archer's electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as part of a $1bn order.

United and Mesa said they predict using the taxis to fly passengers over congested highways to hub airports.
California-based Archer says the taxis will be capable of flying a distance of 60 miles (95km) at 150 miles an hour (240km/h) and could nearly halve carbon dioxide emissions for passengers travelling to the airport.

Read more here - source: bbc news 11th Feb

Private jet operator reports spike in agent bookings

VistaJet has reported a significant increase in bookings through agents, as the private aviation sector continues to show marked growth during the pandemic.

The operator said a growing number of high-net-worth travellers have required heightened levels of privacy and safety during the crisis, causing the private jet market to expand for the first time in 20 years.

Matteo Atti, executive vice-president of marketing and innovation, said: “The private aviation market has pretty much been stable for the past 20 years in terms of numbers of users. You would see it growing at the level of growth of the ultra-high-net worth individual base, which was about 2-3% a year.

“What we’re seeing now is that the market is growing for the first time in 20 years. The market is expanding and people are considering flying private. ”Private World partners include hotels such as Mandarin Oriental New York and Nobu Ibiza Bay, private islands like Necker Island and Velaa Private Island and concierge services such as Quintessentially Travel.

“What is a partnership but a simplification for customers?” Atti said.

“It’s about finding the smaller friction points, removing them and being more direct, so the less people you have to involve.”

He added: “We’re looking at building partnerships for the next 20 years. What will that look like? It will look more integrated, more immediate, more personal and more flexible for the people who can afford it.”

Click here to read more. source: travel weekly 10th Feb

Recruitment firm specialising in former cabin crew strikes Frasers Group deal

A recruitment firm that specialises in finding roles for cabin crew in alternative industries has struck a deal with retailer Frasers Group to recruit staff for new stores in the east Midlands.

The level of transferable skills they have makes them incredibly attractive to potential employers with customer-focused vacancies.

“The customer care, flexibility, discretion and discipline which are core aspects of cabin crew roles make them ideal candidates for many positions.”

Click here to read more. source: travel weekly 09th Feb

“The minute I can go anywhere, just book it.”

Customers “just want sun” and will travel abroad as soon as restrictions are lifted, say travel agents who report “rocketing” prices for domestic breaks.

Agents speaking on a Travel Weekly webcast agreed customers wanted to get away overseas to seek warmer climes and better value for money.

The Travel Snob’s David Walker said he had Barbados, Antigua and Tenerife bookings that had been cancelled but the customers kept the money with him.

He said he had been instructed: “The minute I can go anywhere, just book it.”

“They just want to go away,” he said. “They just want sun”.

Walker added that customers who are retired typically book longer-duration holidays and “don’t care about quarantine” on return because they are not working. “They just want sunshine,” he reiterated. Walker noted it is in the interests of both him and the supplier to get a rebook, and explained that, from a customer point of view: “Knowing they could have a refund makes them feel better about a rebook. If you only give them that one option, that’s when you get the questions.”

He said he booked 88 passengers using a Virgin Atlantic Upper Class deal last November, and while some may not be able to travel this April or May, most have said they will pay the balance and rebook if travel is still restricted.

“Some of my friends and clients have now had the vaccine,” she said, adding that “that’s making a difference to people’s positiveness”.

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 09th Feb

The World's Tallest Swing Ride Makes Its Debut in Dubai

The Bollywood-themed park used the COVID-19 shutdown's downtime to upgrade and install nine new rides.

Theme park thrill seekers can now soar to new heights on the world's tallest swing ride, which debuted at Bollywood Parks Dubai last month. The Bollywood SkyFlyer opened on Jan. 21, rising 460 feet in the air and knocking the previous record holder, the 450-foot-tall Orlando Starflyer, out of the top position, CNN reported.

The thrilling ride incorporates both the experiences of hang-gliding and swinging, along with the sensations of lifting, dropping, and rotating at different paces, the amusement park's site describes.

The ride has 12 sets of double seats that move around a mammoth tower, so that guests are treated to sprawling park views while in motion. "It is a unique attraction.

Read the full article by clicking here- source www.travelandleisure.com05th Feb

"We provided guarantees for loans through UK export finance of £3.4 billion to airlines – £1.4 billion to easyJet and £2 billion for British Airways. These are large numbers.”

What about Virgin Atlantic?

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has defended the government’s record on providing aid to the aviation and travel sectors, insisting £7.2 billion has so far been made available to aviation alone.

Appearing before the Transport Select Committee of MPs, Shapps acknowledged: “Aviation has been the hardest-hit sector.

“A lot of people in aviation will sadly have lost their jobs. There is no doubt unemployment has risen. It’s only through furlough it has not gone higher.”

But he insisted: “Up to know, we provided £7.2 billion to the aviation sector. That figure has not been mentioned before.

Read the full article by travel weekly here - 05th Feb

Travel has become the “forgotten sector”...

as many as one in six jobs lost or put at risk due to the Covid crisis.

The dire picture is painted in a renewed plea by a coalition of travel organisations urging the chancellor to deliver tailored financial support in next month’s budget.
They argue that the travel industry cannot wait for a full rollout of the vaccine before people start travelling again.
Not only would another summer season lost to the pandemic be a “seismic blow” to the sector – it would also threaten the industry’s and UK’s recovery.

Twelve travel organisations that make up the Save Future Travel Coalition argue that the need for support is becoming even more critical as businesses head towards a year of lost income, and deadlines for government-backed loans and the end of furlough looming in April.
The coalition, including Abta, Aito, Advantage Travel Partnership, the Travel Network Group, the Scottish Passenger Agents Association and Clia, agrees that public health is the priority and understands the government needs to take the steps it feels necessary to stop the spread of the virus and new variants entering the country.
But comments from senior ministers about not booking summer holidays are “misjudged” as it is “too early to make such predictions which only serve to further erode consumer confidence”.

There was just a three-week window between March 2020 and January 2021 when people could travel to the whole of Spain, the UK’s favourite foreign holiday destination.

“The government must work with the industry to put in a place a roadmap to recovery, which ensures stability for travellers and travel companies, and crucially, which uses existing mitigation measures to ensure travel can resume in a risk-controlled manner,” the industry adds in normal times travel contributes £80 billion to the UK economy and generates more than £11.5 billion for the exchequer.“
If we are to be a global Britain, business travel must commence at the earliest safe date and there needs to be an industry to support this vital economic contributor. Without targeted support, many businesses will rapidly collapse and thousands of jobs will be lost.”

“The UK government needs to show they value the UK’s world-class travel and tourism industry.”

Read the full article by travel weekly here - 04th Feb

“We need the vaccine rolled out worldwide as quickly as possible.”

A summer restart is “probably the best” the industry can now hope for, according to Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer.

The prospect of overseas travel at Easter has receded and Tanzer told Travel Weekly: “The government is non-committal about when lockdown is going to end and when travel restrictions are going to stop.”

He described the government as “in a very conservative phase in terms of risk” and said: “Opening up by the beginning of April would be welcome but a bit of a surprise.”

“I would like to think we could get moving [by Easter] but, hand on heart, getting in shape for a summer restart is probably the best thing we can focus on.”

He argued clarity on whether those who have been vaccinated could still spread the virus would be vital.

Tanzer pointed out: “If you’ve been vaccinated and you are immune, then the level of infection in the place you’re going to shouldn’t really matter. That is the nub of how quickly vaccination will feed into international travel.

“If you’ve been vaccinated, does that make the receiving country sufficiently comfortable that you can come without any kind of pre-departure test?

For further information you may click here! source: travel weekly 02nd Feb

New York City Restaurants Permitted to Reopen Indoor Dining at 25% Capacity

Starting Feb. 14th...

Reopening represents a major milestone for the city, but 25% capacity is still lower than other parts of the state.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has given New Yorkers the go-ahead to dine out on Valentine's Day, but lovebirds who are feeling comfortable enough to eat indoors may have trouble scoring a seat on what is already one of the busiest nights of the year:

When New York City restaurants are allowed to reopen on Feb. 14, they'll have to limit themselves to just 25% capacity.

Click here to read more - source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/ 01st Feb

Sporting Experience - Australian Open to allow up to 30,000 fans to attend per day

A daily crowd capacity of 30,000 will be permitted for the first eight days of the tournament, split equally between day and night sessions.

It will then be reduced to 25,000 from the quarter-finals - half the average attendance of previous years.

The Australian Open runs from 8-21 February in Melbourne.

"Over the 14 days, it means we will have up to 390,000 people here at Melbourne Park, about 50% of the average over the past few years, ""Rod Laver Arena will have incredible atmosphere, not that different to the atmosphere we've seen at all the Opens in the years past.

"It will not be the same … but it will be the most significant international event with crowds that the world has seen in many, many months."

Click here to read more - source: bbc news 30th Jan

The pilots forced to change career completely

As airlines around the world remain grounded due to the coronavirus pandemic, we speak to three pilots who have had to leave the industry and take up completely different jobs.

After two decades as a pilot for travel firm Thomas Cook, Christopher Bailey was left unemployed when the company collapsed in September 2019.

However, he wasn't out of work for long, as a month later Emirates employed him as a pilot of its giant Airbus A380 planes, with a start date of January 2020.

Mr Bailey and his family had to quickly relocate from the UK to Dubai.

"We sold everything, the house, the cars, everything - we started a new life out there. It was very exciting and we were loving every minute of it," says Mr Bailey, 44. But six weeks into his new job, coronavirus wreaked havoc on the aviation industry, with entire fleets of planes grounded by the lockdowns.

"Before we knew it, I was made redundant for a second time," says Mr Bailey. "But this time it was obviously more serious because there were no other jobs available.

"We had to return to the UK, but we had nowhere to go. It was a stressful situation."

Mr Bailey was let go by Emirates in May last year. He and his wife had to find their daughter a secondary school back in the UK, and then look for a house nearby.

"We bought a house over the phone from Dubai - we had no other options. We flew back to the UK, and put stuff back in a shipping container in Dubai," he says.

Mr Bailey applied for jobs as a warehouse operative and delivery driver, but didn't hear back from any of the companies.

He suggests that it is difficult for a former pilot to get on the bottom rung of the ladder in a different industry, as employers think he or she is overqualified. And he adds that it is equally tough to get a job higher up the ladder because firms are wary that pilots are not interested in doing the job long term.

It could be a brilliant summer for domestic tourism

UK holiday boom: Bookings coming in thick and fast

After the news that British residents arriving in England from Covid hotspots will have to quarantine in hotels, many would-be holidaymakers are thinking of opting for UK destinations this summer.

But there may be a shortage of the kind of UK accommodation they are looking for, say providers of holiday lets.

From cottages to campsites, demand is on the increase. Even the UK's luxury hotels are expecting the move to give them a boost.

"Anything that makes international travel more difficult will clearly add to the appeal of a holiday taken within one's own country this year."

Read the full article by clicking here - source: bbc news 28th Jan

Nine industry bodies representing more than 7,000 companies...

aim to strengthen collective government lobbying by forming the Travel Industry Alliance (TIA).

Associations representing travel, tourism and aviation sectors, both inbound and outbound, leisure and business are involved.

The TIA has two initial and immediate objectives focused on travel safely restarting. It will seek to collaborate with government departments to:

Encourage the Foreign Office to pull back from issuing advisories due to Covid-19 and become a “purely informational” source

Enable travellers to access the UK without any quarantine at the earliest opportunity, whether through pre-departure testing, test and release, or some other measure that helps restart travel.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 27th Jan

‘I’ve got my vaccine and now I want to pack my bags and go somewhere, anywhere’...

Older holidaymakers are booking ‘revenge tourism’ holidays such as safaris and cruises – as well as closer-to-home options,

National newspapers and TV channels reported last week how firms catering to the over-50s are seeing a surge in bookings thanks to the deployment of vaccines.

And the Aito Agents conference earlier this month heard how consumers are booking high-value holidays to “take revenge” on coronavirus.

“There are four million people vaccinated, that is really what is driving it,

” pent-up demand out there is unbelievable, everything we hear from customers is they are desperate to book.”

Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 26th Jan

Ski Weekends back in business after administration

Ski operator Ski Weekends has been bought out of administration by its owners and is trading again.

Parent company Harris Holidays went into administration in August after 30 years, and 13 under managing director Dan Fox.

But Fox has now brought the company back, having funded the deal by taking on debt.

He said the operator will aim to return slowly, and start by selling direct only. It had previously sold about a third of its business through the trade, but Fox said he was “not expecting” the same levels of third-party sales in the initial resumption.

“We still believe in the business, but it will be smaller,” he said. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring it back.”

You may read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 26th Jan

Sri Lanka says it has opened its doors to the world once again...

after welcoming its first contingent of international tourists at the weekend under the country’s strict new Covid protocols – but has stressed it won’t yet be making any exemptions for vaccinated travellers.

The visit from a German wellness tourism delegation marked the official reopening of the country’s main international airport, Bandaranaike, in capital Colombo to international tourist arrivals.

It follows a month-long pilot project with Ukraine which ended on Sunday (25 January) and saw nearly 2,000 tourists travel to Sri Lanka under the new protocols.

Sri Lanka is expected to open up to another key market, Russia, next month. Travel from the UK, though, will remain suspended owing to the UK’s ongoing Covid epidemic.

Read the full article by clicking here - source: ttg 25th Jan

Failing to protect our “world-class aviation, travel and tourism industries are unthinkable...

and will be felt across communities throughout the UK.

A group of more than 80 politicians has signed a letter to the prime minister, calling for an aviation, travel and tourism “recovery package” following the closure of all travel corridors earlier this week.

The letter has been written by MP Henry Smith, who chairs the Future of Aviation parliamentary group that campaigns for the UK’s aviation sector, and has also been signed by 85 other parliamentarians.

Smith, whose Crawley constituency includes Gatwick Airport, calls for a “comprehensive” package of support for the aviation, travel and tourism sectors which are “so important” as Covid-19 restrictions continue.

“These have been amongst the hardest hit of our economy and have suffered unprecedented losses, with passenger numbers at historically low levels even during the peak summer season,”

Read the full article by clicking here - source: ttg 22nd Jan

HOW ONE TIGRESS IN BHUTAN IS GIVING HOPE FOR CONSERVATION

Camera traps have revealed a tigress with three healthy cubs in a wildlife corridor in Bhutan. It has been 7 years since the tigress was last seen which was during the national tiger survey in 2014.
The remarkable images of the tigress and her cubs were retrieved from camera traps installed as part of a rapid CA|TS assessment of tiger, prey and habitat status in the corridor.
CA|TS is a conservation tool that sets best practice and standards to manage target species, such as tigers, and encourages assessments to benchmark progress.
Bhutan already has two CA|TS Approved sites - Royal Manas National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

You may read the full article here. source: WWF 21st Jan

Elephants counted from space for conservation

The breakthrough could allow up to 5,000 sq km of elephant habitat to be surveyed on a single cloud-free day.

And all the laborious elephant counting is done via machine learning - a computer algorithm trained to identify elephants in a variety of backdrops.

"We just present examples to the algorithm and tell it, 'This is an elephant, this is not an elephant,'"Dr Olga Isupova, from the University of Bath, said.

"By doing this, we can train the machine to recognise small details that we wouldn't be able to pick up with the naked eye."The scientists say it could also be used in anti-poaching work.

"And of course, [because you can capture these images from space,] you don't need anyone on the ground, which is particularly helpful during these times of coronavirus," Dr Duporge said.

"In zoology, technology can move quite slowly.

"So being able to use the cutting-edge techniques for animal conservation is just really nice."

Click here to read the full article - source: Victoria Gill, bbc news 21st Jan

THE BEST BEACH CLUBS IN THE WORLD FOR SUMMER 2021

The most stylishly mellow toes-in-the-sand beach clubs to spend your summer in 2021

We’re dreaming of long, lost afternoons at some of the world’s very best beach bars. Read about the spots around the globe that have caught our eye – from the Greek islands to Tulum.

YAMBA, LISBON, PORTUGAL
Even though it’s only a 20-minute drive across Lisbon’s Golden Gate-like bridge to its dusky dunes and soft surf breaks, Caparica beach has remained something of a secret. Until now. Parisian-run Yamba, which means ‘to begin’ in Malawi’s tribal tongue, sparked a shift when it opened last summer, providing an unofficial members’ club for the city’s eclectic tribe of residents to escape the often over-run city. While it’s not the first beach club to shake up Caparica’s sleepy scene, it’s by far the most fun. If the wooden bungalow, framed between ochre cliffs and Atlantic rollers, feels rough around the edges, it’s supposed to; inspired by the Japanese ethos of wabi sabi – the acceptance of imperfection – chunky tables and sunset platforms are upcycled from train-track sleepers, and there is a distinctly millennial approach to proceedings. Roll from morning yoga to communal feasts of fire-roasted sea-bass and squid-ink arancini before inevitable snoozes in the sun. Later on, the custom-built Audio Factory speakers crank up and physalis-flower Whiskey Sours are poured. Wild whoops and barefoot table-dancing follow; there’s a celebratory vibe where first-timers are welcomed like extended family and cult Berlin DJs play back-to-back with Carioca Carnival bands and African drummers. This is a moreish shot of what makes Lisbon’s cultural melting pot so entrancing. Lauren Holmes

By clicking here you can find out further information - source: https://www.cntraveller.com/ 19th Jan

"Covid has been an assault on people’s most basic freedom, the freedom to travel...

and we expect to see an emphatic holiday boom this summer as the vaccine helps us to turn the tide on this terrible pandemic.”

Bookings for this summer with easyJet holidays are up 250% on last year, despite tougher lockdown rules and tougher travel restrictions.

May is proving to be the most popular month for holidays, the budget airline’s chief executive revealed.

“We know that people want to go on holiday as soon as they can,”

“We know there is pent-up demand – we have seen that every time restrictions have been relaxed, and so we know that people want to go on holiday as soon as they can.

“We have been pleased to see that some customers are making plans for their summer holidays now, with easyJet holidays bookings for summer ‘21 up 250%, compared to the same time last year, and with May currently proving to be the most popular month for holiday bookings at the moment.”

Read the full article here - source: travel weekly 19th Jan

Emirates Group starts to vaccinate UAE-based staff

The Emirates Group has launched a vaccination programme for its UAE-based workforce, in coordination with the Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Frontline aviation staff, including cabin crew, flight deck and other operational roles, are being prioritised.

The airline and sister company dnata are among the first transport and air services organisations in the world to offer employees the option of being vaccinated against Covid-19.

The programme is offering two vaccines which have been approved by the UAE health authorities: the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm vaccines.

Inoculation appointments will run 12 hours a day, for seven days a week, to ensure as many essential aviation workers as possible can get the vaccine.

Catch up by clicking here - source: travel weekly 18th Jan

Small firms win lockdown insurance test case...

Travel agents could be among thousands of small businesses set to receive insurance payouts covering losses in the first national lockdown, following a Supreme Court ruling today.

The court found in favour of small firms receiving payments from business interruption insurance policies.

It could provide a lifeline for many, allowing them to trade beyond the Covid crisis.

The ruling could cost the insurance sector hundreds of millions of pounds, the BBC reported.

In the lockdown of last spring, many small businesses made claims through business interruption insurance policies for loss of earnings when they had to close.

But many insurers refused to pay, arguing only the most-specialist policies had cover for such unprecedented restrictions.

Read the full article here. source: travel weekly 15th Jan

700 more flights have been added by Jet2.com and Jet2holidays for summer 2022 in response to demand.

Destinations include the Canary and Balearic islands, Portugal and Turkey.

Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Paris, Rome, Krakow, Nice and Prague are among the new city breaks.

We know there is a lot of pent-up demand, and since putting our summer ‘22 programme on sale we have been very encouraged by the number of bookings coming through from customers and independent travel agents.

“Customers clearly want their all-important holidays to look forward to.

The response to our summer ‘22 programme shows how much customers want to get away with an award-winning airline and tour operator to the sunshine".

For further information you can click here. source: travel weekly 14th Jan

Kuoni launches Covid Travel Advice Hub

Kuoni has launched a ‘one-stop advice hub’ detailing requirements and restrictions that are in place for travel.

The company’s Covid Travel Advice Hub is available online for anyone to use, designed with the view of making it easier for viewers to plan holidays for the year ahead.

Kuoni calls the hub “the definitive guide to travel corridors, quarantine and testing.

It shows which destinations are welcoming visitors, travel corridor information, current Foreign Office (FCDO) advice, Covid testing requirements and quarantine rules on entering a country or returning to the UK.

“We want to encourage people to travel again but complexity around travel will continue for some time, so it’s essential that we give people the information they need and the confidence to travel safely and smoothly. That way we can get travel up and running again this year and help people have a much-needed break and give everyone something to look forward to.”

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 13th Jan 2021

Confident that Virgin Atlantic will emerge from the Covid-19 crisis a sustainably profitable airline, with a healthy balance sheet

Virgin Atlantic is poised to secure a $230 million cash injection through the sale and leaseback of two Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

A leasing company owned by US private equity giant Bain Capital will provide the funding.

The money will be raised through the sale and leaseback of two Dreamliners to Bain subsidiary Griffin Global Asset Management.

Bain acquired sister carrier Virgin Australia after it collapsed last year and is a co-investor in Virgin Voyages.

“We continue to explore financing opportunities to strengthen our balance sheet, as already provided for in the recapitalisation.

“In partnership with Griffin Global Asset Management, on closing, this financing opportunity regarding two of our 787s will allow us to pay down debt and further improve our cash position going into 2021.

“With the implementation of testing regimes, a reduction in UK quarantine policy and the mass roll out of vaccines on the horizon, customer demand for travel in 2021 has been gradually returning.

“Meanwhile, on the back of a record 2020, Virgin Atlantic Cargo continues to keep global supply chains running.

“We are confident that Virgin Atlantic will emerge from the Covid-19 crisis a sustainably profitable airline, with a healthy balance sheet.”

You may read the details here. source: travel weekly 11th Jan 2021

Greener planes of the future... or just pretty plans?

At an undisclosed location Airbus has spent months testing a radical looking plane. At 10ft (3m) wide, it is only small, but it could be the start of something very big in the aerospace industry.

It looks like a flying wedge - known in the trade as a blended-wing design.

Airbus calls the remote-controlled aircraft Maveric and is keen to emphasise that, at the moment, it is only exploring how the configuration works. But it says the design has "great potential".

One day it could be scaled up to the size of a regular passenger jet.

In traditional aircraft the fuselage is basically dead weight and needs big wings to keep it in the sky.

Under a blended-wing design, the whole airframe provides lift, so it can be lighter and smaller than current designs, but can potentially carry the same payload.

Maveric is one of several initiatives from Airbus, and there are many by other aerospace firms, to meet an industry target to halve emissions from air travel by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.

Building frozen castles at China's Harbin Ice Festival

The 37th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China has opened to visitors, featuring frozen towers, palaces and castles.

The festival in Harbin, a city in China's north-east Heilongjiang province, is one of the biggest of its kind.

It features towering ice and snow structures, and will host activities like sledging, ice hockey, ice football, speed skating and Alpine skiing competitions.

With entry to China restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic, domestic tourists are expected to make up the majority of visitors.

The festival began in 1963 and was interrupted during China's Cultural Revolution, resuming again in 1985.

Click here to read the full article - source: BBC news 08th Jan 2021

Pre-departure testing will protect travel...

The government will require all international arrivals, including UK citizens, to have proof of a negative, pre-departure Covid test from next week.

Aviation leaders have broadly welcomed the move but insist it must be an emergency measure only, arguing the roll-out of vaccines should trigger the removal of quarantine.

Pre departure testing will protect travel and will provide an additional layer of safety from imported cases of coronavirus on top of the mandatory 10 day self-isolation for arrivals, helping identify people who may currently be infectious and preventing them from travelling to England,” the Department for Transport said.

“A negative pre-departure test reduces the risk of someone travelling whilst infectious, acting as another safeguard to prevent imported infections.”

Prior to departure passengers will need to present proof of a negative Covid test result to carriers, as well as their passenger locator form.

The UK Border Force will conduct spot checks on arrival into England to ensure that passengers are fully compliant.

For travel to recover we also need a common international standard of testing, and we ask ministers to work towards this. Inbound tourism will be vital to the UK’s economic recovery, but today businesses in this industry are struggling to survive as they continue to be excluded from key support measures.

Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 08th Jan 2021

Top holiday destinations Britons are booking for 2021 despite new lockdowns

With holidays cancelled and the chill of winter making our daily park walks ever less appealing, the idea of a sunny getaway is on the minds of many as the UK faces up to weeks of lockdown across all four nations.
New research reveals that exotic countries will reign supreme in 2021 as the global COVID-19 pandemic caused ever-changing travel restrictions to usual hotspots.
The top destination where people are most keen on visiting this year is the Maldives, the study by travel company Club Med showed.
Travel agents believe people who have saved up over the course of multiple lockdowns may now have more disposable income, meaning a usually expensive trip to the Maldives is now on the cards.
Mexico and Thailand came in second and third on the list as holidaymakers seem to be looking to travel far and wide following the lack of flying freedom in 2020.

Top holiday destinations for 2021:

1. Maldives
2. Mexico
3. Thailand
4. Turkey
5. Spain
6. USA
7. Malta
8. Portugal
9. Mauritius
10. South Africa

Click here to read more - source: sky news

More eco-friendly properties and experiences...

Consumers are set to spend more on holidays in 2021 as the Covid vaccine roll-out boosts confidence levels, according to Elegant Resorts.

Outlining latest travel trends, the luxury operator reported strong demand for easy-to-reach beach destinations, where clients will feel safe and able to relax.

Budgets appear to remain unaffected, with bookings having increased in duration by two days on average.

People are also ready to spend more to have unforgettable holidays, with increased interest in private jets, luxury villas and tailor-made experiences, making luxury holidays feel safe and extra special.

With the ongoing uncertainty around travel corridors and lockdowns, many people are booking their holidays at the last minute.

The majority of Elegant Resorts’ latest bookings are for departures up to Easter, influenced by government announcements and national news.

By clicking here you may read the full article - source: travel weekly 06th Jan 2021 (3rd lockdown in England)

Third lockdown prompts plea for urgent government support

Urgent industry support is required to combat the impact of the third national lockdown as travel firms scrambled to protect the impact on bookings in what would normally be the peak new year period for holiday sales.

Abta repeated a plea to ministers for specific sector aid amid fresh fears of widening company failures and job losses.
“For ten months now, many travel businesses have been unable to generate income – putting jobs and businesses at risk – and the latest government measures mean this is unlikely to change soon.
“Yet, unlike other sectors such as hospitality, there hasn’t been any tailored financial support from the UK government to get travel businesses through the crisis.

“Other countries, including France and Italy, have established targeted schemes in recognition of the unique challenges facing travel. Similar recognition and support is long overdue from Westminster, and we urge ministers to address this gap urgently.”

You can read more by clicking here - source: travel weekly - 05th Jan 2021

Happy New Year 2021

2025... Getting back up after several trip ups Regulation, Law and Order, the right to a private life

Fairness Yours To Experience (c) 2016 Worldwide Experiences Q: What does Travel & Tourism look like? 14th March '24

EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic strike ‘worldwide’ partnership

Click here to read all about it - source: travel weekly 15Dec21

“People want something to look forward to more than ever before...”

Jet2 has put summer city break packages on sales from five UK airports for summer 2023.

The city break options for Athens, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Pisa are on sale through Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks and follow the early release of the operator’s summer sun programme.

The programme is initially available from Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle, with further bases to be unveiled.

Find out more here source: travel weekly 14Dec21

“We look forward to working together towards our vision of becoming the most loved travel company and becoming sustainably profitable, serving our customers with Virgin flair.”

Virgin Atlantic’s owners are investing £400 million into the airline to strengthen its financial position as it emerges from the pandemic.

The investment has been funded by Virgin Group and joint venture partner Delta Air Lines, which have invested £204 million and £196 million respectively and retain their 51% and 49% stakes.

Virgin Atlantic expects to return to “sustainable profitability” from 2023.

“Our story has been well-documented during the pandemic. Together with our people, we have proven that we have what it takes to emerge a stronger airline.

“We look forward to working together towards our vision of becoming the most loved travel company and becoming sustainably profitable, serving our customers with Virgin flair.”

Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said: “Virgin Atlantic’s business has transformed, allowing them to emerge from the pandemic a stronger airline.

“Their distinct and vibrant brand will be reconnecting and delighting its customers for years to come.”

Read all about it by clicking here - source: travel weekly:13Dec21

Virgin Voyages signs up 15,000 UK travel agents

Around 15,000 UK agents have engaged with Virgin Voyages and signed up to its ‘Seacademy’ learning platform since its launch, according to the line’s UK boss.

Resilient Lady – the line’s third ship – will offer Greek Island sailings from August to October next year.

Looking back at 2021, Lewis-Riley said: “We recovered the year well. We never expected 2021 to be the year that it’s turned out to be.

“In the first half of the year, we thought ‘what on earth are we going to get out of it’ but we managed to have an amazing year.”

Read all about it here - source: travel weekly:10Dec21

Jet2.com puts ski flights on sale for winter 2022-23

Jet2.com has launched its biggest ever ski flights programme, with services to the French, Swiss, Austrian and Italian Alps, as well as the Pyrenees, for winter 2022-23.

Ski services will operate from 10 UK airports to Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin, Lyon and Barcelona, for Andorra.

New for 2022-23 will be an Edinburgh airport service “Customers have been telling us how much they want to book their place on the slopes for next winter, so we have responded to that demand by putting a brilliant ski programme on sale for winter 2022-2023.

“The eight ski destinations available through Jet2.com give skiers and snowboarders access to some of the very best ski resorts in the world, never mind Europe.”

Click here to find out more exciting news - source: travel weekly:07Dec21

Summer 2023 put on sale by easyJet holidays

Packages for travel until the end of October 2023 have been put on sale by easyJet holidays.

Travel agents will have access to a trade exclusive promo code which will give their customers up to £200 off summer 2023 holidays with a minimum spend of £2,000.

More than one million return seats will be available exclusively to the tour operator, with flights from eight UK airports.

The programme covers more than 50 destinations and 900 hotels, with seven-night packages starting at £345 per person, three-night city breaks at £249 and deposits of £60.

We know that so many people have missed out on summer holidays over the last two years, and as we get further into winter people want sunshine to look forward to,

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly:19Nov21

Ex-airline cabin crew launch travel agency

A group of former airline cabin crew have launched a travel agency after fearing for their jobs during the Covid pandemic.

Doors2Manual has joined the Hays Travel Independence Group consortium and will serve customers over the phone, or over video link or email.

Crew have experience of travelling worldwide. “The crew’s passion and love for travel resonates strongly and it’s fantastic we keep this talent and knowledge in the industry, rather than lose them as a casualty of Covid.

Read all about it by clicking here - source:travel weekly 15Nov21

BA and Virgin Atlantic’s dual take-off to New York

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic put aside their long-standing rivalry today to stage a dual take-off from Heathrow to celebrate the reopening of the US border.

British Airways flight BA001, a flight number previously reserved for Concorde, and Virgin Atlantic flight VS3, departed Heathrow for New York JFK at 08.30.

The carriers said their first-ever synchronised take-off recognised their joint campaigning efforts on the restart of UK-US travel after more than 600 days.

Read all about it here - source:travel weekly 08Nov21

Travel Foundation makes Cop26 climate commitments

Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative to support climate action has become the flagship programme of the Travel Foundation.

The Travel Foundation will use the Cop26 Climate Summit to also unveil its role in providing ongoing support for a newly-launched Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, working in collaboration with the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

“Tourism’s transition to climate positive is also about tourism’s transformation more generally, shifting to a more equitable model that balances the needs of residents and businesses while managing and reducing its burden on destinations.”

Read all about it here - source:travel weekly 02Nov21

First commercial Australia-UK flight since lockdown takes off

The first commercial flight from Australia to the UK in nearly 600 days took off today, with Qantas’ service from Sydney to Heathrow, via Darwin, departing.

Read more by clicking here - source:travel weekly 01stNov21

Travel still ‘highly complex’ despite countries coming off red list

“The removal of the final seven countries from the red list is welcome news and will be another boost for the industry, business travel and the visiting friends and family market.

“The current positivity rates among travellers returning home to the UK (including those unvaccinated) stands at 0.3%, far less than at home, and with no variants of concern from any red list destination the continuation of the red list carried no foundation.”

Click here to find out more - travel weekly 29Oct21

The creation of a new band for longer haul flying makes no sense...

Industry leaders slam new ‘ultra’ long-haul APD rate

Industry leaders slammed the increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) on ‘ultra’ long-haul flights unveiled in the Chancellor’s Budget today while welcoming the halving of the APD rate on domestic flights.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed a 50% cut in APD on domestic flights together with a new ‘long distance’ rate on flights of more than 5,500 miles from April 2023.

Dale Keller, chief executive of the UK Board of Airline Representatives (BAR UK) denounced the long-haul increase as “political posturing” ahead of the COP26 summit.

Iata director general Willie Walsh also accused the Chancellor of “political hypocrisy” by announcing a “cash grab masquerading as a green tax the week before COP26”.

Walsh noted Iata member airlines recently committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and insisted: “A tax hike does not help. None of the billions of pounds collected will be directed to green investments.”

He also suggested the hike in APD “makes a mockery” of the government’s ambition to create a ‘Global Britain’, saying: “It is astounding that the UK Chancellor thinks now is the time to raise the cost of flying.”

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Now is not the time to be announcing future tax rises on the sector".

Gary Lewis, chief executive of The Travel Network Group, said reducing air passenger duty on domestic flights while increasing it on long haul flights “feels like a kick in the teeth for the international tourism industry” because domestic journeys “could be taken via other means”.

“Between now and when that time comes, we urge the government to extend relief to the travel industry.”

​Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 28Oct21

Virgin will deploy its newest, largest aircraft, the Airbus A350-100 from November 8-14 on...

its Heathrow-Orlando route.

Virgin Atlantic is to resume its transatlantic flights to Orlando and Las Vegas from Heathrow on November 8.

Flights from Manchester to Orlando and New York will resume on the same day and the carrier says the move is in response to a “surge” in customer demand.

It comes after the White House confirmed last week that the US would reopen to fully-vaccinated international travellers from the same date.

Services to Orlando will depart daily from both Heathrow and Manchester. The route is currently the most booked across Virgin Atlantic’s global portfolio, which the carrier said “reaffirms the pent-up demand for families and thrill seekers to enjoy the magic of Florida’s top destination”.

“Our customers are ready to begin their US adventures, whether it’s to enjoy the magic of Orlando or to party the night away in Las Vegas, therefore it’s only right that we offer them the opportunity to fly as soon as we can".

​Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 21Oct21

The First-Ever Warner Bros. Hotel To Open in November

2025...
Getting back up after several trip ups
Regulation, Law and Order, the right to a private life

Fairness

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Q: What does Travel & Tourism look like? 14th March '24

Read the full article by clicking here - source: travel weekly 28Oct21

Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 21Oct21