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Virgin Atlantic confirms transatlantic pre-departure Covid testing


New pre-departure Covid-19 testing for Virgin Atlantic passengers flying from London to the US will be introduced from Christmas Eve.


Travellers will be required to present evidence of a negative Lamp or PCR test, taken up to 72 hours prior to departure, including on-site at Heathrow...


A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “Throughout the crisis, Virgin Atlantic has been championing a robust pre-departure passenger testing regime in order to reopen the skies at scale and safely replace border restrictions.

“In August we were the first UK airline to implement on-site rapid testing for our crew and with our partner Collinson, we already offer pre-departure rapid testing for customers on several routes including Hong Kong and Barbados.


“This is the latest addition to a range of rigorous, multi-layered health and safety measures to ensure that all customers fly safe and well.

“We will work closely with our transatlantic partner Delta Air Lines on an aligned customer offering.


Click here to find out more.  source: travel weekly - 22nd December

  

Tourism Australia sends UK ‘We Will Meet Again’ message in sand


A ‘We Will Meet Again’ Christmas message to the UK has been carved in sand on an Australian beach at a time when Covid restrictions prevent travel between the two countries.

Enigmatic sand artist known only as Edward created the 70×40 metre-long artwork on Raafs beach near Geelong, Victoria in collaboration with Tourism Australia.


There were 118,500 visitors to Australia from the UK last December, attracted by the southern hemisphere summer, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison praised the piece as an example of finding new ways to reconnect while travel has been on hold this year.


She said: “Edward’s artwork beautifully captures what all Australians are feeling right now – that so many of us miss our families and friends in the UK and all around the world.

“But like the message in the sand, our separation is only temporary, and we are very much looking forward to the moment when we can welcome our extended family and friends in the UK to Australia once again in the future.”


Click here to read full article - source: travel weekly 

  

British Airways launches its January sale early


British Airways has today launched its January sale, with discounts on flights and holidays to more than 100 destinations.

Travel dates are available throughout 2021 and customers must book by February 2.

Andrew Brem, BA’s chief commercial officer, said: “To mark the end of this unprecedented year, and look forward with optimism to 2021, we have launched our January sale.


“We have some very special prices and we hope travellers take advantage of these great offers, along with our flexible booking policies, and put that well-earned 2021 getaway in the diary.”


Click here to find out more - source: travel weekly 

  

Drive-through Covid testing site opens at Heathrow


A 24-lane private Covid testing site has opened at Heathrow.


Pre-departures tests cost £80 for passengers or £99 for the general public. Heathrow staff are charged £60.

It will initially offer ‘gold standard’ PCR tests, which could be used by departing passengers looking to satisfy international travel requirements.


When fully launched, the drive-through facility will have two on-site labs, with the capacity to process more than 5,000 tests a day, with results typically received by email or text the next day.


“Since setting up ExpressTest, our ambition has been to provide people with the peace of mind they need to go about their 

daily lives, whether that’s travelling or simply visiting friends and family safely.”

Testing sites have already been established at a number of UK airports, including Gatwick, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool and thr MAG-owned airports of Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands.


Click here to read more - source: travel weekly 18th December

  

EasyJet unveils Gatwick services to Scotland, Spain and Sardinia


Seats have gone on sale today (December 17) for three new easyJet routes from Gatwick which start in May.

The new links will serve Aberdeen in Scotland, Bilbao in Spain and the Sardinian capital of Cagliari.


EasyJet said it expects “a rapid return to flying once restrictions are eased” so it will base four more aircraft at the airport, taking its fleet up to a record 71 aircraft by next summer. “In anticipation that demand for travel will return – and having recently seen signs of growing confidence by our customers in making plans for travel next spring and summer – we continue to strengthen our network at Gatwick, providing more key direct domestic connections from London and more opportunity for customers to book a trip to look forward to.


Click here to read the full article - source: travel weekly 17th December

  

South Koreas Lantern Festival has won the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage status.


It's an annual festival that dates back centuries and it marks the birthday of Buddha. All across the country you'll find colourful lanterns decorating temples, houses and streets and there also are large parades with elaborate floats.


Unesco said the spring festival was "a time of joy" which "in times of difficulties, plays an important role in...helping people overcome the troubles of the day."


Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage status aims to protect traditions, knowledge and skills which are often inherited through generations, so they are not lost or forgotten as time moves on.


Click here to find out more - source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-55328267

  

Planeterra, the non-profit partner of G Adventures, has completed 'Project 100'...


its initiative to partner with 100 community tourism projects around the world.

As well as operating as standalone enterprises, the projects will be available to visit on G Adventures’ tours in 2021 and beyond.

Communities around the world that rely on tourism have had almost a year without income, so the money raised can help with training and support as the projects prepare to welcome travellers back in 2021.


“Most travellers know what an incredible experience it is to eat at a community-run restaurant, to buy souvenirs directly from an artisan, or to empower a women’s business in the travel industry.”


All 100 projects in 57 countries can be viewed on Planeterra’s website, where donations can also be made to assist all community tourism partners. 


You may find out more by clicking here- source: travel weekly 16th December

  

Goodbye to Virgin Atlantic’s B747-400s (for now...)


At the end of what has been for most of us a pretty awful year, it was good to have something to celebrate, even if it was a sort of commemoration as well.

As we have reported on the site, in common with many airlines, the Covid crisis has hastened the departure of the Boeing B747-400s from many aircraft fleet. Virgin is no exception.


Before we get all teary-eyed (that happens a bit further down) we should say that retiring these aircraft is the right move. There are far more economical, efficient and advanced aircraft available – and Virgin has both the B787 and A350s already in its fleet with new seating on board many of them – you can read a review of thenew Upper Class Suite.


Some of the B747s being retired will stop flying altogether, although the aircraft on which the pop-up dining experience had been organized (called Pretty Woman, aircraft registration G-VROY) is, in fact, going to continue flying as a freighter (so any benefit to the environment from its retirement is going to have to wait).


Still, getting back to the point of the day, most of us will have happy memories flying on the B747-400, and for Virgin flyers – and there are many millions, there will always be a place in their heart for the jumbo jet.


Continue reading here - source: Business Traveller 12th Decemember - by Tom Otley

  

Jobs are going at an alarming rate and businesses are struggling to survive. 

This hokey cokey approach is not fit for purpose and will continue to damage consumer confidence and the whole travel industry...


The government’s effective stifling of the only mainstream winter sun destination left by removing travel corridors to the Canary Islands has led to widespread industry condemnation.

Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said described the measure as “absolutely devastating” for agents and operators.

Which? Travel editor Rory Boland warned that removing the Canary Islands travel corridor this close to the winter sun season “is going to send some holiday companies bankrupt”.

“The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the travel industry, and urgent help is needed to keep it afloat during the winter months.

“We are urging the government to introduce a travel guarantee fund to ensure travel companies who are ordinarily in good financial health can meet their obligations to customers.”

The Department for Transport said: “Ministers’ decision to remove the Canary Islands from the list of travel corridors has been based on a sharp increase in test positivity, currently at 7.1% for the Canaries collectively and 8.8% for the island of Tenerife.”


Read more here: source - travel weekly 



  Travel Cares


ABTA LifeLine and Travel Weekly have teamed up to launch a new appeal, TravelCares. 

It has never been more important for our industry to come together and support travel colleagues struggling because of Covid-19.


Travel Weekly and Abta LifeLine have teamed up to launch a charity appeal to support those in the travel industry whose lives have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.


The TravelCares campaign will raise essential funds to allow Abta LifeLine to help those who have lost their jobs or are facing other hardships as a result of the pandemic.


Please support ABTA LifeLine's and Travel Weekly's TravelCares appeal. Together we really can can make a difference.


Click here to read more or donate. source - travel weekly 


Charity Registration No. 295819



  Explore reveals new animal protection policy
 
Adventure operator Explore has issued a new animal protection policy.
The company pledged to “never knowingly” compromise the welfare of any animal either in captivity or in the wild.
The operator has used time when operations have been paused to work with specialist animal welfare organisations to create a “robust” policy, including Born Free, Animodial and Four Paws.
 
A traffic light system for all animal interactions has been introduced as part of the policy.
“We have given interactions with all free-roaming animals the green light and assumed these to be ethical,” the operator said.
 
“We have a strict policy around any experience which may harm or threaten an animal; those are given the red light and never acceptable on our holidays.
“All those in between will be annually audited for quality assurance, either by ourselves for working animals or independently for all captive animals.”
 
Read the full article here! source:travel weekly 10th December
 

  ABTA - trends for 2021 
 
We identify two distinct types of traveller - those who are eager to return to destinations they know and love and those who want to take a "once in a lifetime" experience.
While many are keen to go to tried and tested destinations next year, others are planning to indulge their pent-up wanderlust with a bucket list trip in 2021. Having had plenty of time to research and dream big about their next chance to travel, we expect to see these holidaymakers booking adventures of a lifetime and big-ticket luxury escapes. 
 
Recent trends certainly point to a rise in popularity for trips that deliver unforgettable experiences and a sense of achievement for the traveller. It is the younger generation in particular who are keen to start making their way through their bucket list. 
 
As travellers have become increasingly conscious of the impact their holiday has on the places they visit and the people who live there, consumer demand for responsible tourism has been steadily rising over the past decade, and has been consolidated during the pandemic. In 2011, only a fifth (19%) of travellers said they were more likely to choose one company over another based on better environmental record, compared to twice that (38%) in 2020. 
AND those agreeing that travel companies should ensure that their holidays support the local community and economy has risen just over half (51%) to almost two-thirds (62%). 
 
Click here  source: ABTA 07th December
 

 Covid-19 testing facilities are being introduced at Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports.
 
A full range of tests – RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, rapid antigen and antibody – will be available to all passengers in one location.
They will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson – joint provider of testing for the virus at Heathrow.
The airports’ owner MAG will be the first to give passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots stores.
MAG passengers will be able to access a 5% discount, which customers can access through the airport’s website.
Airport testing prices through Collinson start at £40 for antibody tests, £50 for antigen tests, £79 for RT-LAMP tests and £99 for RT-PCR tests.
 
Travellers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten quarantine on return under the government’s ‘test to release’ scheme from December 15.
 
Having a full range of tests available at the airport will let passengers choose whichever process they need to meet the pre-departure testing requirements of many of MAG’s most popular markets, such as Spain and Italy, as well as some long-haul destinations.
 
Click here  and find out more! source: travel weekly 03rd December

  
Nintendo zone to open at Universal Studios Japan
 
A Mario Kart ride will be among attractions at a Super Nintendo World to open at Universal Studios Japan in the new year.
The world’s first theme park area dedicated to the video game’s characters in Osaka will start accepting fans from February 4.
Super Nintendo World will feature Mario Kart- and Yoshi-themed rides and attractions such as a castle, as well as restaurants, shops and other experiences.

The expansion comes despite Universal Studios Japan operating at restricted capacity due to Covid-19.“Universal Creative has partnered with Nintendo to bring a real-life racing adventure to Universal Studios Japan with Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge!
“Guests will put on their headset which takes them through the Mario Kart universe to experience never-ending excitement and thrills.”
 
Read more here! source: travel weekly 01st December


 G Adventures offers tours in mainstream European destinations


G Adventures is launching a programme of active tours to mainstream European destinations that British travellers traditionally associate with beach holidays.


Europe, Middle East & Africa managing director, Brian Young, said the new collection would “challenge the stereotypes” of some of Europe’s biggest mass market holiday destinations.

Young urged agents to “rethink what’s on offer” and how it might meet changing demands of consumers post-Covid.

The destinations featured are summer sun staples Ibiza, Corfu, Crete, The Azores, Sicily and Southern Spain, in addition to Greenland, with the first departures due in March 2021.


The tours will cater to a variety of fitness levels with hikes ranging from average to challenging. Each trip will incorporate time with local communities and food experiences, ranging from visits to remote fishing villages in Greenland to time with a local cheese maker in Corfu, and Tsikoudia tasting in Crete.


“Our surveys and recent bookings show that there’s real demand among UK and European travellers to get away in early 2021, to escape the cities, reconnect with the great outdoors and be active,” said Young. “These trips have been specifically designed for shoulder seasons to cater to that demand, while offering lower tourist numbers and the best temperatures for hiking. The familiarity that comes with these well-known, closer to home destinations, along with the advice and support provided by a travel professional will help to provide travellers with the reassurance they need to lock in their next holiday.


“We’ve seen people’s travel habits start to shift away from the traditional bucket and spade holiday, as travellers look for more immersive, local experiences, which has driven the growth of the adventure travel sector in recent years. 

These new tours offer the best of both worlds – the opportunity to visit a familiar destination, while seeing what’s on offer beyond the tourist hotspots and celebrating local people, food and landscapes.”


You can find out more here! source: travel weekly 01st December


 
Portugal sets out sustainability plan for next three years
 
Portugal has set out a plan for the next three years as part of its long-term goal to become one of the most sustainable destinations worldwide by 2027.
 
National Tourism Board of Portugal president Luis Araujo said the Covid-19 pandemic had acted as a catalyst with regards to sustainability, speeding up the tourist board’s plans after the issue was forced higher up the global agenda.
Portugal’s new sustainable tourism plan, up to 2023, is due to take effect from January 26, 2021, focusing on four key areas.
It will look at how the country can structure its destination in a more sustainable way, through investment in tourist establishments and training on sustainability; increase awareness in the tourism sector of the importance of sustainability; promote Portugal as a sustainable destination, and put clear metrics in place to show what the country is doing and its plans to do to improve its tourist areas.
 
Read the full article here. source: travel weekly 30th November 
 

 

Virgin to trial pre-departure Covid testing on Barbados flights


Rapid free pre-departure Covid tests will be offered by Virgin Atlantic on flights to Barbados in a six-week trial.

The lateral flow antigen tests will be available at Heathrow from December 9th as part of an airline-led scheme to gather data on the logistics and effectiveness of pre-departure testing.

The carrier is calling for the introduction of a robust pre-departure regime to swiftly replace the new UK ‘test and release’ scheme starting on December 15th.


Virgin Atlantic’s initiative aims to further demonstrate how a pre-departure testing regime can be delivered at scale, offering “real-world data” for the popular Caribbean route as UK travel restrictions for non-essential travel ease on December 3rd.


Chief executive Shai Weiss said: "The new UK test to release scheme is a vital first step in re-opening the skies, but we must now move rapidly towards a single test pre-departure regime in order to ensure the survival of UK aviation and protect 500,000 jobs reliant on the sector".

“We call on the government to follow the evidence, support industry trials, and lead the way in allowing free movement of people and goods to resume.”


Collinson joint chief executive David Evans added: “Airport testing is critical to getting the travel ecosystem moving again, which is why we opened the first and second UK pre-departure testing centres earlier this year.

“We’re excited to partner with Virgin Atlantic on these lateral flow antigen test trials as we continue to lead in this space.

“As well as giving travellers and arrival destinations some much-needed confidence that all passengers have received a negative result prior to departure, the data from these trials will provide further evidence on the effectiveness of airport testing.

“With the results, the industry can fine-tune testing models to get the best systems in place for broader travel recovery – and we’ll continue to work with our partners across the sector to ensure travel thrives once more.”


Barbados chief medical officer Dr Anton Best said: “The government of Barbados has worked assiduously over the past nine months to effectively manage the pandemic here, and through comprehensive, dynamic and evidence-informed public health protocols, we have continued to ensure the safety of our community.

“This has made us attractive to discerning travellers who are seeking to safely work or vacation in our island paradise during this challenging time.

“We therefore support this initiative which underscores the importance of safe and responsible travel, and thank Virgin Atlantic for their continued partnership.”


Read the full article by clicking here. source: travel weekly 27th November 


 

EasyJet claims 200% jump in flight and holiday searches


A 200% surge in searches for flights and holidays for the first day of Black Friday deals has been claimed by easyJet and easyJet holidays.

The response to offers released on Wednesday highlights pent-up consumer demand “to book something to look forward to”.


It follows news of the government’s ‘test to release’ scheme offering the option to reduce the required number of quarantine days from 14 to five when returning to the UK from some destinations. EasyJet released its Black Friday offer early with 350,000 seats on sale for travel between December 10 and June 30. 

The offers are available until December 2.

EasyJet holidays secured “unprecedented” deals and discounts with hotels to pass on to customers with a £100 discount on holidays over £1,000 for departures until October 2021.


“The response from our customers in just the first day goes to show how much people want to get away and have something to look forward to.”


Click here to continue reading this article - source: travel weekly 26th November

 

 Government announces day five testing regime for travellers


The government says quarantine will be reduced by “up to two thirds” as it confirmed a testing strategy for travellers arriving into England is to be introduced from December 15.

Arrivals from countries not on the UK’s travel corridor list will have the option to take a test after five days of self-isolation, with a negative result meaning they no longer need to isolate.


Shapps also revealed that he wanted to scrap quarantine entirely by replacing it with daily coronavirus tests.

He told The Telegraph he wanted to move to a rapid-testing regime in the new year, which would mean travellers arriving in the UK would no longer have to self-isolate.

He said that he believed this could be achieved through daily “lateral flow” tests that are being used in mass testing pilot schemes in Liverpool and other cities and which provide results within 30 minutes.

Shapps told the newspaper: “It’s a third of the time, so I think the travel industry will benefit massively.

A lot of people I have spoken to want to travel but can’t afford to self-isolate for two weeks. That changes when it is five or six days or even seven days. So I think this will open the door to people looking to travel.


“Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see loved ones and drive international business. By giving people the choice to test on day five, we are also supporting the travel industry as it continues to rebuild out of the pandemic.”


“The aviation industry is vital to our economy – creating jobs and driving growth- which is why we have supported them throughout this crisis through the job retention scheme, loans and tax deferrals.

“This new package of support for airports, alongside a new testing regime for international arrivals, will help the sector take off once again as we build back better from the pandemic.”


Click here to continue reading this article - source: travel weekly 24th November

 

 Virgin Atlantic issues Black Friday flight deals​
 
A Black Friday sale by Virgin Atlanticsees long-haul return flights to New York and Tel Aviv on offer for under £300.
The deals cover travel until the end of June 2021 and cover departures mainly from Heathrow and Manchester, plus Belfast and Glasgow to Orlando.
Offer rates start at £239 return to Tel Aviv from London and New York and Boston from £292.
 
More than 25 routes feature from Heathrow, including a new service to St Vincent and The Grenadines which goes on sale on Tuesday for twice-weekly flights starting on June 23, 2021. Economy fares on the route start at £349 on the Black Friday promotion.
 
Eight routes are included from Manchester, including New York, Los Angeles, Barbados and Delhi.
Customers can change their travel dates up to two times as well as change names once, with the associated fees waived.
 
Chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said: “This year has been incredibly tough on everyone and at Virgin Atlantic, we’ve really missed seeing our customers on board.
“With England’s second lockdown coming to an end, it is the perfect time for Brits to plan their next holiday.
“This year’s Black Friday sale is our most generous ever, with Upper Class return flights from just £999, Premium from £599 and Economy light from £239.
“And for our loyal Flying Club members, we’re offering 50% off reward flight bookings, with return flights starting from just 9,000 Virgin Points.”
 
Click here to book your flight with the WORLDS favourite airline Virgin Atlantic. 
 
Source: travel weekly 23rd November 
 

 EPCOT set for Walt Disney World revamp


EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will be unified with four themed ‘neighbourhoods’ in the biggest transformation of any Disney theme park in history.

The revamp will take place over “several years” at an undisclosed cost with a plethora of new attractions and experiences.


The four zones called World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature​ and World Discovery will feature new experiences “rooted in authenticity and innovation”.


Additional attractions, dining options and films are planned together with a planetarium-like exhibition and night-time spectaculars.

“More information on other previously announced experiences coming to EPCOT will be provided at a later date,” Disney said.


Source: travel weekly 20th November 


 Virgin Atlantic reveals ‘quarantine free’ Caribbean holidays


Holidaymakers to the Caribbean this winter are being told they can avoid UK quarantine restrictions under a new initiative revealed by Virgin Atlantic Holidays.

Under the Escape Pass scheme, customers will be notified of their destination and holiday details two weeks before departure.


Travellers can opt for a full refund or a travel voucher if the operator is unable to fulfil the holiday.

Countries on offer include Barbados, Antigua, Grenada and Tobago with plans to include Jamaica and further Caribbean islands as they are added to the government’s ‘safe’ travel corridor list.

Holidaymakers choose the length of stay, hotel rating, board basis and aircraft cabin.

They then receive an Atol-protected Escape Pass which “guarantees” a Caribbean holiday without quarantining on return to the UK, according to the company.


Click here to read the full article - Source: travel weekly 19th October 


 Foxhills treats all keyworkers this festive season


20% discount on festive afternoon tea & festive lunches for key workers

This is just a small gesture from Foxhills to express our gratitude for everything the country's key workers have done over the last few months.


December is a time to celebrate with friends and families, and we understand that this valuable time has been hard to come by in 2020, particularly for key workers who have spent most of the year helping others, with very little time for themselves.


We would like to invite you all to Foxhills with an exclusive 20% discount, where you can forget about the stresses of this year, rejuvenate and enjoy some well-deserved family or social time.

Join us for some of the finest afternoon tea in Surrey, with a festive twist. Available Wednesday to Sunday throughout December, ending on the 24th.

Or why not visit for a delicious festive lunch? Available Wednesday to Saturday in December, ending on the 24th.


We look forward to welcoming you to Foxhills for some well-needed celebrations following lockdown.


To book, call 01932 704484

or email events@foxhills.co.uk


  “The old world has gone, we are coming back into a new world.”


Travel brands that have looked after their customers during the pandemic will thrive in the recovery phase of the crisis, according to cruise, ski and airline bosses.

A virtual World Travel Market session about reputations heard from senior leaders at Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Atlantic and Ski Solutions parent Active Travel Group.

Asked if airlines would use incentives and added extras to drive seat sales when travel resumes, Lee Haslett, vice president, global sales, at Virgin Atlantic, said customers would choose who they fly with based on the airline’s reputation.

Noting Virgin “will continue to be competitive” on price, he said customers’ choices will be based on “what brands deliver in order to look after their customers” as companies “rebuild trust”.


Celebrity’s efforts in promoting gender equality and diversity said the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement this year had brought these issues into focus even more.


Read the full article here. Source: travel weekly 11th November


  What sort of airline industry will we have as we come out of this? What sort of hospitality sector will there be? How many small independent shops will be left?
 
The government has been condemned for failing to provide sector support for the aviation sector as England enters a second period of lockdown.
 
The British Airline Pilots Association accused ministers of being “determined to destroy” the industry.
The pilots’ union argued that airlines, airports, handling companies and others who provide services to the sector are struggling to survive and are “desperate” for state support.
 
Merriman, one of 24 Tory MPs who voted against the national lockdown legislation, said: “I understand that the prime minister will soon receive from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Transport a recommendation that will enable quarantine periods to be cut for air passengers who have tested Covid-negative.
“When is a decision likely to be made, and will he look favourably on this proposal, which will allow the aviation industry in this country to get back to its rightful place?”
 
“This country has the third biggest aviation industry in the world. It is currently having a terrible, terrible time..."
 
Read the full article here. Source: travel weekly 05th November

 

Virgin Atlantic to launch Heathrow-St Vincent flights


Virgin Atlantic will operate the first flights from Europe to St Vincent next summer, with a service to the Caribbean island launching from Heathrow in June 2021.


The twice-weekly service will operate with the airline’s A330-300 aircraft, which has 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as the Caribbean region as a whole, represent an extremely exciting opportunity for us.

“With many islands implementing rigorous Covid-19 protocols including testing before arrival and a short quarantine period for visitors, the islands are open for tourism and are a haven for travellers in search of sun.


“We’re currently flying to Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica and Grenada and expect to restart Tobago in the upcoming months.”


Find out more by clicking here. Source: travel weekly 03rd November

 

WTM 2020

Recover. Rebuild. Innovate.


After 40 years of you coming to us, WTM LONDON 2020 is coming to YOU!


WTM are facilitating a completely virtual event which is taking place on 9-11 November. The main aim is to help recover and rebuild and shape the travel industry at a time when it needs it the most. The virtual event will focus on restoring and developing business connections, growing networks, brands and learning how to make a comeback!


Find out more here! Source: WTM 31st October 

 

Hope rise for return of UK tourists to Dubai and South Africa


Talks are taking place to pave the way for air travel corridors from the UK to Dubai and South Africa, say reports.

Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, told Bloomberg TV that a plan to open up reciprocal air travel between Dubai and London is ready and could be implemented once approved by the respective governments.

He said testing and quarantine requirements have been agreed by hubs and airlines, and the decision about implementation lies “in the hands of politicians”.


Meanwhile, South Africa’s tourism minister said she hopes the country’s borders will be opened to all countries before the Christmas holidays.

Eyewitness News reports that Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said that the government assesses its high-risk list each fortnight and she hopes the bans will be lifted to help boost South Africa’s economy.

The UK, along with several other European nations, is on the high-risk list because of its rate of Covid-19 infections.


You may find out more here! Source: travel weekly 28th October 

 

In times of crisis, particularly when the crisis is on a global scale...


like the current pandemic, it is not uncommon for sectors within a wider industry to group together for support.

In travel, we have witnessed it before: business, leisure and meetings and events uniting when a global issue threatens the very existence of our industry.


Information-sharing, alternative perspectives, access to different stats and trends are all factors that have benefited businesses within the UK Internova Travel Group family, from being able to access broad industry insights.

Coalitions and taskforces have sprung into action to encourage cross-sector alliances. Weekly Zoom calls and regular newsletters have kept industry leaders abreast of sector-specific challenges and critical updates.

Despite variations in clients, policies and product, our collective over-arching objectives remain united: to safely open the world for travel and preserve the future of our industry. 


Overcoming challenges such as quarantine, changing government advice and testing at the airports are conducive to our industry starting to move again and it has made sense to work together to ensure our voices are heard.


Now, more than ever, I would argue travel is travel no matter why you are travelling. We are all trying to achieve the same goal: to help our clients travel safely and ensure we are able to provide them with exceptional experiences. 


Continue reading this article here. Source: travel weekly 26th October 

 
Little Green Shoots...
 
Boots introduces high street Covid testing for travel!
 
An in-store Covid-19 testing service is being introduced by Boots UK at a cost of £120.
The service, with results provided in 12 minutes, is being made available as a private pre-flight test for customers who require a test before travelling abroad.
The tests will initially be made available in ten stores in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow for people travelling to the UAE.
 
Read more here! - Source: travel weekly 26th October 

 

London-New York ‘health passport’ trial hailed a ‘success’


The trial of CommonPass, a new Covid-19 ‘health passport’, on a flight from Heathrow to New York today was hailed “a success”

Passengers on the United Airlines flight to Newark took a Covid-19 test up to 72 hours before departure and logged the results on a CommonPass app on their phones.

The app generates a QR code which was then scanned by airline and border staff at Heathrow and on arrival at Newark.

The organisers hailed the trail as confirmation passengers could share their Covid-19 test status across borders using a trust framework.

It is hoped the creation of a standard test-result format and certification system will hasten cross-border coordination on testing.


Dr Bradley Perkins, chief medical officer of the Commons Project, said: “Without the ability to trust Covid-19 tests across international borders, many countries will feel compelled to retain full travel bans and mandatory quarantines for as long as the pandemic persists.

“[But] with trusted individual health data, countries can implement more nuanced health screening requirements for entry.”

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) president and chief executive Gloria Guevera said: “We are encouraged by the successful trial of CommonPass.


“CommonPass, along with a standardised international testing protocol, is key to reviving the ailing travel and tourism sector.


Click here to read more! - Source: travel weekly 21st October 

 

New charitable fund to help global communities reliant on tourism


A charitable fund is being launched to support communities worldwide that are reliant on tourism and desperately in need of financial aid.

The Charitable Travel Fund, which will be administered through registered charity The Charitable Travel Foundation, goes live on November 1 with a team of trustees from the industry who have more than 175 years of travel experience behind them. 

Funds will be raised through close engagement with the travel industry, with businesses encouraged to support and get involved with the charity, as well as through donations from the travelling public. 

The first is in Siem Reap in Cambodia where like-minded hotels have joined forces as ‘Hotels Joining Hands’ supported by Tourism Cares and other groups to provide 400 meals a day to people most affected by the current economic crisis. The country has seen a 99% downturn in international arrivals because of Covid-19 and many businesses have been forced to close.

The project has already delivered more than 50,000 hot meals to communities dependent on tourism. 

A donation of £1 per day feeds someone in need in food aid.


To raise money for these projects, the fund will ask businesses in the travel industry to pledge a minimum of £1 per booked passenger.

“We owe these communities so much for enriching our lives and now we seek to help those people in these communities who need our help, when they need our help.”


“We want to help when tourism is impacted by events outside of their control.”


Read the full article by clicking here!


Source: travel weekly 19th October 

 
Covid ‘health passport’ set for Heathrow-New York flight trial
 
The trial of app-based Covid-19 ‘health passport’ CommonPass is due to go ahead at Heathrow this week, following an initial test on a Hong Kong-Singapore flight.
Volunteers among the passengers on a United Airlines flight from Heathrow to New York Newark will take a Covid-19 test up to 72 hours before travelling and log the results on the CommonPass app on their phones.
The app generates a QR code which can be scanned by airline and border staff.
 
CommonPass was developed by Swiss-based, non-profit organisation the Commons Project and is backed by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
 
Click here to find out more.
 
Source: travel weekly 19th October 

 

New jets promise to revive supersonic travel...


"People have always wanted to travel fast, ever since the first person galloped across the plains on horseback," says Mike Bannister.

And he should know. Mr Bannister flew Concorde with British Airways for 22 years. As the airline's senior Concorde captain he piloted the final commercial flight over London in October 2003 and subsequently the very last flight delivering a Concorde to a Bristol museum.


Nearly two decades later the world is edging closer to again having passenger jets that can fly faster than the speed of sound.

This month, Boom Supersonic rolled out its XB-1 supersonic test plane. It's the first civilian supersonic aircraft since the Soviet Union's Tupolev TU-144 in 1968.

The skinny, sharply-pointed machine will allow Boom to confirm aspects of the design of its proposed Overture, a much more elegant delta-winged project that echoes Concorde.

Overture is intended to carry between 65 and 88 passengers across oceanic routes, sparing human populations the supersonic boom generated by its Mach 2.2 speed.


Then there's Aerion, claiming its AS2 design will offer civil supersonic flight by the end of the decade. 

But with just 8-10 passengers the AS2 is aimed at an entirely new market, built for supersonic business travel.


Continue reading this article here!

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-5441669619th October 

 

Peru opens Machu Picchu for single tourist stranded by Covid...


Peru has opened the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for a single Japanese tourist who had waited almost seven months to visit the world heritage site.


Jesse Katayama was due to visit Machu Picchu in March but it closed because of coronavirus.

Culture Minister Alejandro Neyra said Mr Katayama was granted access after submitting a special request.

The ancient Inca citadel - Peru's top tourist attraction - is expected to re-open at reduced capacity next month. 

Jesse planned to spend only a few days in Peru, but became stranded in the town of Aguas Calientes, near Machu Picchu, in mid-March because of coronavirus travel regulations.


He had come to Peru with the dream of being able to enter Machu Picchu.


You can read more about this positive story here. 

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-54518628 13th October 

 

Soul Destroying...


The travel industry has been seen as “expendable” by a government that has let the coronavirus crisis destroy businesses, Aito claims.

The umbrella group representing 120 specialist operators and 100 agents says the sector has been forgotten amid the Covid-19 pandemic.


European countries have offered the travel industry – airlines, tour operators and travel agents alike – a decent level of government support during the pandemic; just look at the massive €3 billion handed out to industry giant TUI by the German government.

The UK government policy has destroyed our businesses, making it impossible for us to trade.

UK PLC has closed a virtual door in our faces by setting up quarantine rules at short notice while failing to take the simple, common sense step of enforcing testing at airports, despite many requests by airport authorities.

 

The travel industry needs a minister with understanding of the travel industry to represent it rather than reporting to four major ministerial departments – Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Department for Transport, Civil Aviation Authority and Foreign Office – which seem to have little-to-no idea of how travel and tourism works and which fail singularly to consult with us.


You can click here to find out more. Source: travel weekly 12th October 

 

“We firmly believe in the power travel has to reinvigorate one’s mind and passion for life.”

"EVEN WITHOUT COVID OUR CUSTOMERS ARE AFRAID TO LEAVE THE HOUSE BECAUSE OF THEIR DISABILITY'


For Limitless Travel’s customers social isolation is a reality, with or without the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Lockdown doesn’t mean much different to many of our clients,” says Angus Drummond, the company’s founder.

“Even without Covid many of our customers are afraid to leave the house because of their disability, and due to Covid many have been told they’re the most vulnerable.”


The sense of isolation for disabled clients makes it even more important for them to get away, believes Drummond.

The company recently recommenced some of its tours for the first time since the pandemic hit, with six clients recently returning from a trip to Blackpool, and tours of the Lake District and Cotswolds in the pipeline.

“We knew we had to make the experience as amazing as possible, even more so than the typical Limitless experience, to get people travelling again. We did that by giving them as much confidence and reassurance as we possibly could,” explains Drummond.

Safety measures were introduced on the trips, with the number of of carers attending ramped up from the usual ratio...


Limitless Travel, whose trips are “open to everyone”, now specialises in group travel, offering UK coach trips as well as European holidays and tours to long-haul destinations such as South Africa and Costa Rica.


To continue reading this article you can click here! Source: TTG 07th October 

 
Virgin Atlantic to introduce Covid-19 pre-flight testing for cabin crew and pilots
 
Virgin Atlantic claims to have become the first UK airline to introduce Covid-19 pre-flight testing for cabin crew and pilots at its Heathrow base.
 
Initially available for in-flight staff working on flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong, the carrier plans to extend the trial to Barbados and select services later this month, before a wider plan to test every operating crew member at least once a month.
After a swab is taken on site, results are processed and delivered on an app within 30 minutes.
The carrier said it will ensure that the testing programme complements NHS lab-based testing and does not compete for nor divert health service testing resources.
 
Virgin Atlantic has also introduced free Covid-19 global insurance cover via Allianz Assistance for all bookings which applies to travel until March 31, 2021.
 
Find out more by clicking here! Source: travel weekly 05th October 

 

The Taj Mahal has reopened its doors to visitors after six months


The 17th-Century marble mausoleum was closed when India went into a stringent lockdown, having previously welcomed as many as 70,000 people every day. It will now allow only 5,000 visitors daily and enforce Covid-19 safety measures. The country has the second-highest confirmed case count in the world, but the government is opening up - workplaces, public transport, eateries, gyms - to try to repair the battered economy.


Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54173817 21st September

 

South Africa to reopen to tourists in October


South African Tourism says the announcement that the country will reopen to international travel from October 1st sends a “positive message” to the UK market.

“This is an extremely positive step in the right direction for tourism in South Africa. Whilst there is more detail to come in the next few days, this progress sends a really positive message to the world, that South Africa is on the road to tourism recovery.


“The UK is our number one international travel market – many of these are repeat visitors, who have an emotional connection to South Africa and we look forward to welcoming them back to experience our beautiful country once again, as well as first time travellers who have always had South Africa on their bucket list and who we hope will seize the opportunity to visit after a difficult year.


“With the announcement yesterday that Virgin Atlantic plans to resume flights to the country from October 18th, it demonstrates that consumer confidence is returning. We’re home to incredible natural landscapes, diverse vibrant culture, wide open spaces, an abundance of nature and wildlife, and warm, welcoming people who cannot wait to welcome visitors to South Africa once again.”


Click here to find out more. source: travel weekly 18th September

 

Thai national park mails trash back to tourists


Authorities in the popular Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok will start sending rubbish back to litterers, Thailand's environment minister said.

Offenders will also be registered with the police.

Visitors to the park have to register with their addresses, making it easy for rangers to track them down if they leave rubbish behind.


Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa posted pictures of trash collected in cardboard parcels ready to be shipped on his Facebook account.

"Your trash - we'll send it back to you" the post warns, reminding people that littering in a national park is an offence and punishable with up to five years in prison and hefty fines.

Along with empty plastic bottles, cans and chips wrappings, the box in the Facebook post contains a polite note saying: "You forgot these things at Khao Yai National Park".

Park authorities say the trash left behind can be particularly dangerous for animals who may try to eat it.


Khao Yai National Park which is north-east of the Thai capital Bangkok stretches across more than 2,000 sq km (770 sq miles) and is very popular with hikers.

It's the oldest national park in Thailand and known for its waterfalls, animals and scenery.


Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-54200833 - 18th September 

 

Australian scenic flight sells out in 'record-breaking time'

 

While flying around the country is second nature to many Australians - the closure of both international and state borders has put a stop to a lot of that.

But it seems some people here are desperate to get in the air - even if the destination is, well, exactly where they took off.


National carrier Qantas today released tickets for a seven-hour scenic flight from Sydney that promises spectacular views of Uluru in Northern Territory, and the Whitsunday Islands and Gold Coast in Queensland - before cruising above the Harbour Bridge and Opera House on its return to Sydney.

Because the plane does not land, those travel restrictions and quarantine rules do not apply. And the airline sold all 150 seats in just 10 minutes making it - the airline reckons - its fastest selling flight ever.


The airline said the flight would be carbon offset - and that it would not generate any profits for Qantas. 


Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-54187391 - 17th September 

 

Covid has created a way of thinking about doing business differently and there’s definitely opportunities.


It’s proven that diverse companies are generally more successful and have a higher turnover because they’re appealing to a wider base of people.

“In light of Covid, perhaps some reinvention of business is needed. The more diverse your workforce is, the more ideas you have, the more creativity you have, and the better positioned you are to come out of Covid in a stronger position."

“Any company that is ignoring diversity inclusion right now is ignoring that potential for the future.”


“It’s great to see these young people coming through and bringing that energy into the company and seeing what they deliver in terms of their ideas."

 

The growing demographic of Millennial and GenZ consumers expect the companies they spend their money with and work for to be socially responsible.


Find out more by clicking here. Source: travel weekly - 17th September 

 

VIRGIN ATLANTIC REVEALS WINTER SUN SCHEDULE


Virgin Atlantic will shift its focus to the Caribbean and South Africa over the coming weeks after revealing its truncated winter sun schedule. Virgin’s current weekly Heathrow-Barbados service will increase to three-times-weekly from 12 October and four-times-weekly from 26 October.

It will then increase to daily from 14 December when Virgin deploys its new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on the route.

From Manchester, Virgin will fly three-times-week to Barbados starting 26 October, before increasing frequency to five-times-weekly from 21 December.


Meanwhile, Virgin will operate three Heathrow flights a week to Jamaican holiday hotspot Montego Bay from 2 October, increasing to five-times-weekly from 21 December.

Other options from Heathrow include Johannesburg, with flights starting on 18 October; Havana, Antigua, Grenada and Tobago (26 October); and Cape Town (10 December).


Source: TTG - 16th September 2020 By James Chapple

 
VIRGIN ATLANTIC: 'NEW YORK-UK TRAVEL CORRIDOR IS FEASIBLE'
 
A travel corridor between New York and the UK is feasible and that pressure was building on government to introduce testing as a means to cut down quarantine time for passengers from certain countries.
Koster said Virgin had been lobbying “lots of MPs” on the issue and had been hearing “a growing voice” within Westminster for the introduction of testing.
“We think there is an ear listening and we hope that ear will get to action soon because we can’t really waste months on this,” he said.
 
“Our industry was the first impacted by Covid and it will be one of the last to recover. We believe testing is absolutely essential and so is the opening of further travel corridors when safe to do so, getting people moving and the UK government could give further support to the aviation industry as a whole.
 
“Furlough has been tremendously important to aviation and so many other sectors in the UK, we are very grateful but,  we would like to hope that sector-specific support will be considered."
Koster said that among Virgin’s hopes of help from government was the implementation of regional travel corridors – with a prime choice being a link between the UK and New York’s JFK.
 
You can read more here. Source: TTG - 15th September 2020 By Tom Parry

 
Charities join together to help redundant airline crews...
 
A charity formed to support the aviation industry during the pandemic has joined forces with a pilot training company to help get them back to work. Aviation Action is now working with AirlinePrep, which has made a number of airline interview and assessment preparation workshops available free.
 
Aviation Action chair Chris Wild said: “Aviation has been hit the hardest by the lack of travel caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We are doing everything we can to get the industry moving again and working with partners like AirlinePrep allows us to provide direct support to pilots that have lost incomes in recent months.”
 
You can read more here. Source: TTG - 15th September 2020 By Gary Noakes

 
Test on arrival...
 
The industry needs a laser focus on testing on arrival. We find ourselves at a critical moment in the Covid-19 crisis. Furlough is due to end in less than two months, and there is a groundswell of support to end quarantine restrictions and move to a test-on-arrival programme.
 
If we could move away from a quarantine-on-arrival to test-on-arrival model, with the requirement to isolate only for the 12 hours or so it takes to get the results, assuming a negative result of course, tourism could make a restart.
 
With absolute clarity for travellers, both inbound and outbound, confidence to book will return, saving many of those jobs that are being risked by the industry currently having no view on a restart date. 
 
Danny Callaghane had the pleasure of being able to discuss Covid testing with Collinson, one of the partners involved in creating the testing facility at Heathrow, a facility that is ready to go as soon as the green light is given. They are proposing to use PCR testing, the scientifically-accepted ‘gold standard’ test for detection as a reliable solution to abolishing the quarantine requirement and keep the UK safe from importing further cases of Covid-19.
 
You can find out more here. Source: travel weekly - 14th September 2020

 
Fury over Kenya tourist camp blocking wildebeests...
 
Several people on Twitter have expressed their anger at a video shared by Kenya's Tourism Minister Najib Balala, showing wildebeests blocked from their annual migration by a tourist camp built on the other side of the Mara river.
One called it "disgusting" and another said that it reflected "total destruction of our heritage".
Mr Balala tweeted that he had spoken to the local governor and wanted the camp in the famous Maasai Mara to be "removed" to clear the path for the animals"
 
I have also insisted that we need a Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan, that will not only enhance biodiversity, but also protect our wildlife migratory corridors, from greed!," Mr Balala tweeted.
 
It is one of the top tourist features in Kenya.
 
You can find out more here. Source: bbc news - 09th September 2020

 

Zimbabwe bans coal mining in Hwange and other game parks


Zimbabwe has banned mining in all its national parks, reversing a decision to let Chinese firms explore for coal at its famous Hwange game park.


The move came after campaigners took the government to court to prevent "ecological degradation" in parks.

Two firms had been given a licence to explore for coal in Hwange, Zimbabwe's biggest national park.


It is home to more than 40,000 elephants and numerous other species, including the endangered black rhino.


Read more here. Source: bbc news - 09th September 2020

 
Aviation industry sees airport testing as a way for passengers to leave quarantine early, and also help the travel industry get back on its feet after lockdown.
 
Leading figures in UK aviation have expressed frustration that the government has still not given backing for Covid-19 testing at airports.
The head of Southampton, Aberdeen and Glasgow airports accused ministers of "overseeing the demise of UK aviation".
And the bosses of Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow Airport said "leadership" was needed on the testing issue, warning of the huge number of jobs at stake.
 
The Department for Transport said it had given huge support to the sector. With the list of countries on the UK's quarantine list changing every week, the boss of Heathrow said travellers to and from Britain were facing "quarantine roulette".
Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports, which runs Southampton, Aberdeen and Glasgow, said the sector was seeing more job losses than the demise of the coal industry in the 1980s.
"That's surely not an accolade any government would like to have," he said.
 
Read more here. Source: bbc news - 03rd September 2020

 
Suggestions that the TRAVEL industry will reduce by 50% ring truer than ever...
 
BTA chief executive Clive Wratten issues a call to the Chancellor:
The collapse of STA Travel, a long-established and respected travel brand, has left me feeling more nervous than ever about the future of the travel management industry.
While STA was famous for its student travel services, it also had an active and professional business travel arm that has also ceased trading.
 
The combined pressures of months of very low revenue and needing to deal with the unwinding of furlough provided the final mortal blows. Many Business Travel Association (BTA) members are facing similar challenges.
 
Suggestions that the industry will reduce by 50% ring truer than ever.
Initial fears that demand might not return until 2021 now seem outrageously optimistic. Yet the business travel sector, worth more than £230 billion a year, is worth fighting for tooth and nail.
 
Read more here. Source: travel weekly - 01st September 2020

 

Portugal return to quarantine list would cause 'chaos and hardship'


Holidaymakers will face "chaos and hardship" if coronavirus quarantine measures are reintroduced for those arriving to the UK from Portugal, a travel industry leader has warned.

It was only on 22 August that Portugal was added to the list of countries that are exempt from UK rules requiring travellers to self-isolate for two weeks, prompting a rise in searches for flights by British holidaymakers.


The UK provides the largest number of overseas tourists to Portugal, with more than two million tourists visiting every year.

The Algarve coast is the most popular destination, with 1.2 million visitors from the UK last year.


You can read the full article here! Source: bbc news - 01st September 2020


 

Strong leadership and unprecedented international collaboration to rescue the travel  & tourism sector and millions of jobs.


The World Travel & Tourism Council is urging the prime minister and the UK government to work with other countries to “save the struggling travel and tourism sector”.


A joint letter from the industry leaders has been sent to Johnson and nine other heads of state of the G7 group of countries – Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the US – as well as Australia, South Korea and Spain, the world’s major source markets.


“Critical action is urgently needed. The priority to date has been domestic matters, any measures taken in silos moving forward will only worsen the plight of millions of talented individuals.

“From cabin crew to hotel staff, travel agents to call centre agents, waiters to housekeepers, and many more who are the unsung heroes, the faces of the company that meet and speak with our customers every day and, without them the business would not exist …we all have a role to play and, voices must be heard".


"The Purpose Of Life Is A Life Of Purpose".


Click here to read the full article  - Source: Travel Weekly - 12th August 2020

 
Mauritius oil spill
 
The MV Wakashio, believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil, ran aground on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on 25 July.
Despite bad weather, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said 500 tonnes had been safely pumped out on Monday.
But he warned the country was preparing for the "worst-case scenario". Large cracks have reportedly appeared in the hull of a cargo ship leaking oil in Mauritius, it may "break in two".
 
Fears for the environment
 
Environmentalists are concerned about the impact on the country's ecosystem.
The MV Wakashio ran aground at Pointe d'Esny, a known sanctuary for rare wildlife. The area also contains wetlands designated as a site of international importance by the Ramsar convention on wetlands.
Happy Khamule from Greenpeace Africa warned that "thousands" of animal species were "at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius' economy, food security and health".
 
Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs, and tourism is a crucial part of its economy.
 
Read more here!  Source: bbc news 10th August 2020

 

Nationwide airport protests to demand support for ‘devastated’ aviation sector 


Nationwide airport protests are planned to demand chancellor Rishi Sunak prevents the UK’s aviation industry from being “devastated” by the fallout from the Covid-19 crisis.

The Unite union plans to mobilise members on Saturday at Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh and East Midlands airports, followed on Monday at Stansted, Heathrow and Bristol.


The demonstrations are to be staged as British Airways staff, including cabin crew, engineers, ground crew and office staff, are poised to discover whether or not they are being made redundant as part of widespread cost cuts.

Many who remain will have their pay reduced and face changes to their employment terms and conditions.

Unite estimates that around 60,000 redundancies – equivalent to the population of Tunbridge Wells – at airlines, airports and other aviation-related businesses have already been announced.


But the government is yet to implement a plan to secure the sector’s recovery.


Read more here. Source: Travel Weekly - 07th July 2020

 

UK facing ‘worst case scenario’ as 3m travel and tourism jobs at risk


Thejobs and livelihoods of millions of people who work throughout the sector are disappearing by the day, despite our warning this could happen.


“While we acknowledge the UK government’s efforts to support travel and tourism during this crisis, the UK alone looks set to lose three million jobs in the sector, creating an economic black hole of $186 billion in the country’s finances".


“We strongly believe that by working as one we can beat Covid-19 and return to safe travels with world-class standards of hygiene to travellers and regenerate the jobs and livelihoods of the 300 million people who worked in the sector before Covid-19".


Read more here - Source: Travel Weekly - 04th July 2020

 

New York in two hours and Sydney in five - Virgin gives first look at supersonic jet project...


Virgin Galactic has revealed designs for a supersonic passenger plane capable of flying three times the speed of sound.


With a top speed of around 2,300mph (3,700kmh), it could fly from London to Sydney in just five hours - or to New York in less than two.


Virgin has teamed up with engine-maker Rolls-Royce to work on the concept, which is still in the early stages.

The delta-wing jet would cruise at above 60,000ft (18,300m), far higher than current passenger planes, but would only have room for nine to 19 passengers.


Excited? Read more here! Source: sky news - Tuesday 4 August 2020

 

UK attractions unite to thank healthcare workers


UK attractions and venues have united in a campaign to offer free and discounted tickets to NHS staff

Called Britain Unites to thank the NHS, the campaign aims to help NHS workers to “enjoy some well-earned relaxation, reunite with loved ones and experience everything that the nation they kept safe has to offer”.


NHS staff can visit www.britainunites.co.uk to find details of ticket giveaways and offers available to them.

Attractions taking part include Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Royal Museums Greenwich, St Paul’s Cathedral and British Airways i360.


Find out more by clicking here.

 

“We need to build back – but we need to build back better"


Prince Harry delivered the opening speech at a virtual global summit for his sustainable tourism project Travalyst today.

Appearing via video link from Los Angeles, he called on the travel industry to “build back better” after Covid-19 saying it has a “responsibility” to reshape the way people travel.


“Businesses are hurting significantly, and I’ve heard from some of you who are currently struggling to put food on your family’s tables and make ends meet because there are no tourists and therefore no income.

“We need to build back – but we need to build back better. And that means there’s a responsibility, a responsibility we cannot avoid or dismiss, for us to reshape this industry in a way that benefits everyone and everything for decades to come.”


Find out more here!


Travalyst Global Summit click here!

 
The sudden, no-warning decision on UK travel to Spain will cause a further shredding of consumer confidence and a further economic blow. Why is the FCO advice and quarantine not just for outbreak areas?
 
The government faces a growing chorus of travel industry condemnation after altering advice for the second time in 48 hours to curb all but essential travel to all of Spain.
 
Mounting criticism came as Downing Street warned that “no travel is risk free” as the Balearic and Canary islands were included on Monday in quarantine rules after the policy was changed with just hours notice on Saturday.
 
A petition calling on the Spanish islands to be removed from UK quarantine rules had attracted more than 65,000 signatures at the time of writing.
 
"Why on earth isn’t Portugal on the list for no-quarantine air corridors? Its government has produced a convincing, carefully researched paper that outlines the many steps they have taken to safeguard both the Portuguese people and visitors to Portugal".
 
“Why the initial posturing about whether Greece would, or would not, be confirmed as a quarantine-free air corridor destination?"
 
Read more here - Source: Travel Weekly - 28th July 2020

 

 Holidaymakers have been told they will have to self-isolate for two weeks when they return home from Spain...


Spain is calling for the UK to exempt travellers to the Balearic and Canary Islandsfrom a newly announced two-week quarantine when they return home.


Tourism minister Reyes Maroto insisted it was safe for holidaymakers to visit the popular destinations.

She said: "We've been talking all weekend. What we'd like is for quarantines to be lifted on the islands as early as possible and we hope it will be today rather than tomorrow."


Spain's tourism association - known as CEHAT - has offered to pay for tourists to take coronavirus tests and called the quarantine decision "illogical" and "unfair".


To read more you can click here. Source: Sky News - Monday 27 July 2020 15:21, UK


Jul 18th 2020 - Transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the government would underwrite the protection of refund credit notes in a statement issued at midnight saying the move would “boost consumer trust in the aviation and travel sector”.


Shapps said: “We want to send a clear message to passengers that they can book their summer holidays with confidence, which is why we’re stepping in to protect refund credit notes issued as a result of Covid-19 cancellations.

“This is not only good news for anyone looking to get away for a break in the sun, but also for the aviation and travel sector which has been hit hard by the pandemic.”


Millions of holidays have been cancelled since the lock-down in travel due to Covid-19 began in March, placing huge financial stress on travel firms to refund consumers.


In a statement, the Department for Transport (DfT) said: “Passengers who accept refund credit notes for cancelled holidays as a result of Covid-19 will be protected by the Atol scheme – even if the company they have booked with later collapses.”


To read more please click here.


Jul 14th 2020, 12:42 - Virgin Atlantic secures £1.2bn bail-out
 
Virgin Atlantic confirmed it had secured refinancing package worth £1.2 billion and declared the recapitalisation “a big step forward” in securing the airline’s future. 
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss said: “Few could have predicted the scale of the Covid-19 crisis. The last six months have been the toughest we have faced in our 36-year history.
“Once our plan is approved, we will continue to focus on providing our customers with the service they have come to expect.
“Despite the incredible efforts of our teams, through cancelled flights and delayed refunds we have not lived up to the high standards we set ourselves, but we will do everything in our power to earn back their trust.”
 
Click here to find out more!
 
September 02nd 2020: update - English High Court approves £1.2bn Virgin Atlantic rescue deal
 
English High Court approves Virgin Atlantic rescue deal.
Virgin Atlantic’s £1.2 billion restructuring plan was sanctioned by the English High Court on Wednesday. “Achieving this significant milestone puts Virgin Atlantic in a position to rebuild its balance sheet, restore customer confidence and welcome passengers back to the skies, safely, as soon as they are ready to travel.”
 
Read more here.

 

Barbados to offer year-long stays to remote workers...


Prime Minister Mia Mottley is considering introducing a "Barbados Welcome Stamp" which would allow international arrivals to live on the island while working remotely for up to a year. The move would allow those who took up the offer to immerse themselves in the island's Bajan culture and lifestyle in a way that holidaymakers are unable to. 


Find out more here.

 
Ten Covid-19 learnings for the travel sector...
 
Ten points, all aimed at making things stronger in our sector in future. As we hopefully emerge from the worst slump in our sector’s history, let’s focus on creating a world-class industry backed by government and loved by consumers.
To read more click here.
 
 
Report of the Global
Travel Taskforce
 
Presented to the Prime Minister by the Secretaries of State for
Transport and for Health and Social Care - November 2020 - click here to read full report!

 
July 3rd 2020 - Government announces ‘safe’ travel destinations
 
The government has announced the countries on its list of ‘safe’ destinations for UK citizens to travel to without quarantine restrictions on their return. The government’s full list of ‘safe’ quarantine-free destinations includes:
 
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bonaire, 
Sint Eustatius and Saba, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, 
Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Mauritius, 
Monaco, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Réunion, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, 
South Korea, Spain, St Barthélemy, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Vatican City, Vietnam
 
Click here for further information.

 

Like everything of value in life, it’s about achieving the right balance...


Over tourism is bad but so is no tourism, givenso many millions of lives and livelihoods depend on it.


We need to move from measuring things purely in terms of arrivals, receipts, growth and jobs. These are all important indicators, but so are levels of air pollution, water scarcity, carbon emissions and biodiversity.

The secret lies in defining sustainability and managing businesses and destinations to achieve this sensitive balance.


To find out more click here.


28 June 2020 - Travel firms report record Saturday sales as holidaymakers book trips abroad
 
Confidence grows amongst British sunseekers.
 
The Foreign Office is set to change its advice against "all but essential travel" to allow holidays to low or medium-risk destinations, meaning trips to France, Greece and Spain look like they could be an option.
Click here to find out more.


26 June 2020 - Virgin Australia to fly again with new US owner Bain Capital...


Virgin Australia has been bought by US private equity group Bain Capital after falling into administration due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Australia's second biggest carrier had unsuccessfully asked for government loans before its collapse in April. 

A statement said Bain supports the airline's current management team and its turnaround plan for the business. 

It has also committed to retain thousands of jobs. To read more you can click here.


The world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel...


The five-masted tall ship Golden Horizon will carry up to 272 passengers and will sail an initial nine northern European voyages from Harwich and Glasgow in 2021, before transferring to Asia in the autumn.


The ship, which has a polar class classification, is then expected to feature destinations including Australia, the Indian Ocean, Japan, Alaska, the Americas and the Pacific Islands in late 2021 and 2022. To find out more you can click here.


Jun 22nd 2020, 13:46 - Virgin Atlantic announces restart to 17 destinations...
 
Virgin Atlantic plans to restart flights to Miami, San Francisco, Barbados, Tel Aviv and 13 other destinations from August.
However, Virgin Atlantic said the resumption of services would depend on travel restrictions being lifted around the world. Find out more here.


German tourists arrive on first flight to Spain for 'safe corridor' trial...
 
The pilot programme is the first so-called "safe travel corridor" to Spain. Hundreds of mask-clad tourists from Germany landed in Mallorca for the first time since Spain closed its borders in March to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 10,000 German holidaymakers will be welcomed to the Balearic Islands, which also include Ibiza and Menorca, as part of a "travel corridor" to help balance the needs of Spain's vital travel industry with new regulations to curb the country's coronavirus outbreak. 
To find out more click here!
Source: Sky News - Monday 15 June 2020  

 
Six leading sustainable tourism organisations have joined forces to form a Future of Tourism Coalition with...
 
the aim of placing destinations at the centre of post-coronavirus recovery.
The Future of Tourism Coalition comprises six non-governmental groups (NGOs) – the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), Destination Stewardship Center, Green Destinations, Sustainable Travel International, Tourism Cares and the Travel Foundation – and will act under the guidance of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
 
"Building a healthier tourism industry while protecting the places and people on which it depends”.
Find out more by clicking here.   


It’s time to tip the balance in favour of life...by Rachel O’Reilly 


Long ago, when I was working in a coffee bar in Sydney on a gap year, I remember asking someone who I thought was quite grown up at the time what they did. They replied that they surfed, cooked and enjoyed yoga.

I thought they must have misunderstood me, so tried again. I don’t mean what do you enjoy doing, I meant what do you do? The penny dropped. Ah, they replied, how do I earn money to do the things I enjoy? I work in an ad agency.


To read more you can click here!  


An updated animal welfare policy is being introduced by the not-for-profit...  

arm of The Travel Corporation Treadright to mark World Environment Day. The Treadright Foundation measures provide greater detail for assisting teams to vet and assess sanctuaries, private reserves and animal experiences around the world. 


“Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is a thrilling and life-changing experience that travellers seek out".


To read more you can click here.



Coronavirus: Mr & Mrs Smith launches Crowd funder campaign to reward NHS staff with hotel stays.


More than 45 hotels have signed up to support the initiative which offers room nights to NHS staff for just £50 each. The campaign hopes to raise at least £50,000 on Crowd funder to give 1,000 key workers a night off.


To find out more you can click here.



 New Abta animal welfare guidelines give elephants greater protection.

For further information click here.

Megatrends Shaping the Future of Travel 

2019 Edition - CAROLINE BREMNER

Experiences paramount


"Consumers increasingly value experiences such as travel, and the travel industry is capitalising from this change, as a staggering 43% of global consumers say that they prioritise experiences over things, while 78% value real world experiences in 2019.

Apart from value for money, consumers also want authentic, local and unique experiences."



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