WTTC calls on EU to ease travel rules
WTTC has called the European Union Tourism Ministers to remove the remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions and to keep the economy open
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Despite pandemic and Ukraine crisis, pent-up demand for travel is growing
Despite uncertainties of pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine, there remains a keen demand for holidays over the coming months
Confidence slowly returning to UK travel sector
As the Covid-19 travel requirements come to an end, new research from ABTA reveals how people are planning to capitalise on their new-found freedoms
Cvent joins hands with AIME
Cvent, a market-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, is partnering with Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) to support their first ever hybrid event
Middle East UNWTO office sets new travel goals
UNWTO and Saudi Arabia have agreed on steps they will jointly take to turn tourism into a driver of growth, opportunity and development across the Middle East.
Middle East tourism revenues expected to reach $246 billion this year
As per new research from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector’s revenue is expected to reach $246 billion this year, which is only 8.9%…
AIME 2022 updates! Countdown begins with more stellar exhibitors unveiled
Nine Japanese exhibitors are preparing to showcase their finest at AIME, including representatives from Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Chiba, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Kitakyushu, Kobe,…
WTTC bats for dropping intra-EU travel restrictions
World Travel & Tourism Council fully supports the call from IATA and ACI Europe to end all remaining restrictions applying to intra-EU and Schengen area travel
Registration opens for ATM 2022
Registration is now live and free to attend the Arabian Travel Mart due to take place 9 to 12 May 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre
Global tourism expected to achieve 80% of pre-pandemic turnover in 2022
The global tourism industry is expected to achieve 80 per cent of the pre-pandemic turnover this year
ILTM Asia Pacific set to head to Singapore in September
ILTM Asia Pacific has announced that the event which was earlier supposed to take place in June will now take place in September.
PATA announces new dates for Ras Al Khaimah summit
PATA Annual Summit, which was scheduled to take place live and in-person in March, will now be held from October 25-27 in Ras Al Khaimah
Call for Scottish tourism industry to ‘Care to Make a Difference’
Green Tourism, the world leading sustainability accreditation and support programme, has launched the ‘Care to Make a Difference’ campaign
Global air traffic to exceed pre-Covid levels in 2024, predicts IATA
IATA expects overall traveller numbers to reach 4.0 billion in 2024 (counting multi-sector connecting trips as one passenger), exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels (103% of the 2019 total)
Employment in tourism across Europe will recover this year, says WTTC
New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows employment in tourism across Europe will recover with the region’s travel and tourism sector approaching pre-pandemic…
UNWTO and UEFA join hands to promote sports and tourism
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have agreed to jointly promote the benefits of sports and sports tourism for development and…
ABTA launches new sustainability advice to members
ABTA has launched new guidance to help travel agents incorporate sustainability into their business practices
WTM London launches new brand identity for travel tech event
World Travel Market - London has redesigned and renamed its co-located travel hospitality technology show as the previously called Travel Forward event will become WTM Travel Tech
UNWTO announces maiden Global Youth Tourism Summit
Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili has joined the Minister of Tourism of Italy Massimo Garavaglia to officially launch the first Global Youth…
Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre inaugurated in Jordan
Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) referred to as the Taleb Rifai Centre has been launched in Jordan
Domestic tourism to drive European recovery
The most recent edition of the European Tourism Trends & Prospects quarterly report from ETC continues to monitor the Covid-19 impact on the sector, examining how travel activity is…
Welcome To Another Side! VisitBritain unveils global campaign to drive inbound travel in 2022
VisitBritain has launched a new multi-million pound global campaign to drive back inbound tourism, as Britain gears up for a landmark year of events
UK’s travel sector to hit £192 billion in 2022 if government keeps borders open: WTTC
New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector is recovering, with the country’s GDP predicted to rise to £192 billion, just 19% below…
AIME 2022 confirms 300 hosted buyers
AIME 2022 has confirmed 300 hosted buyers and a rush of new exhibitors have come in as national and international borders open and confidence fast returns
US tourism will come back strongly this year: WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has predicted the United States tourism sector will strongly rebound this year
Corporate travel spend in Middle East to rise 32% in 2022
Business travel expenditure in the Middle East is forecast to rise by 32% this year, following a predicted 49% increase during 2021
Singapore sets stage for inaugural IBTM event
Global meetings and trade show organiser IBTM has selected Singapore as the site for the inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific
Digital transformation can drive faster recovery for travel industry: PATA report
The travel industry can accelerate travel recovery and become more resilient by adopting technology solutions according to a new report released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)…
Kerala Travel Mart will now be held from May 5-8 in Kochi
The 11th edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) will now be held from May 5-8, 2022 in Kochi while earlier it was scheduled from March 24-27
Antigua and Barbuda becomes UNWTO’s 160th Member State
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda for the first time since the country became UNWTO’s 160th Member State
The EU Wants To Make Pandemic Travel Easier
The European Union is trying to make travel between its member states during the pandemic less chaotic by focusing on whether a traveller has received a vaccination or is infected rather…
Russia becomes second largest tourism source for Dubai in 2021
Russia has grown to become the second-largest source market for Dubai’s travel and tourism sector in 2021, climbing from eighth place in last year’s rankings, according to data released…
IWTA speaks with Sumi Soorian – Phuket Hotels Association
Sumi is a great example of how careers can grow and develop over time. She has a business management background and has worked in education before joining the Phuket Hotels Association…
PATA UK & Ireland ropes in new members in committee for 2022
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland has announced three new Committee Members for 2022, including its first ever travel agent - bringing a new voice to the organisation
IATA’s new appointment to boost efficient global connectivity
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Frederic Leger as the association’s senior vice president for commercial products and services
UKinbound calls for day two testing to be scrapped
UKinbound has written to the department for transport asking for day two testing for vaccinated international arrivals to be scrapped at the next travel review due at the end of the month
How Visit Inverness Loch Ness has become first carbon neutral business improvement district in UK
Tourism Improvement District Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) has become the first carbon neutral Business Improvement District (BID) in the UK
UNWTO unveils tourism investment guide
UNWTO has launched the first in a series of tourism investment guidelines focused on a specific country, representing a comprehensive tool for parties interested in foreign direct investment…
WTTC announces new dates for Global Summit in Manila
WTTC has announced its highly anticipated 21st Global Summit will now take place in Manila, Philippines, from 20-22 April 2022
UK set for tourism recovery with Britain and Ireland Marketplace on 28 January
The Britain and Ireland Marketplace (BIM), which takes place on 28 January at the O2 Intercontinental and online on 1 February is posting record numbers of attendees
Tourism picks up 4% in 2021 but remains far below pre-pandemic levels: UNWTO
Global tourism experienced a four per cent upturn in 2021 when compared to the prior year, with a total of 415 million international trips made
CAPA World Aviation Summit heads to Gibraltar this year
Gibraltar has been confirmed as host of the CAPA World Aviation Summit in December for a two-day summit
To fall in line with UAE’s new working week, ATM shifts 2022 dates
To fall in line with the UAE’s new working week, this year’s four-day Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will open on May 9 and close on May 12, Reed Exhibitions (RX), the organiser of ATM, has…
Singapore Airlines launches new aviation lab to boost digital transformation
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) launched a new digital aviation corporate laboratory, which will co-create innovative technologies and solutions that…
Hospitality hopes torpedoed as Scottish biz continue to pay heavy price for restrictions
The First Minister of Scotland has announced restrictions currently in place for indoor hospitality would continue
Passenger traffic up in November 2021, Omicron likely to affect recovery ahead
International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the recovery in air travel continued in November 2021, prior to the emergence of Omicron
UNWTO chooses to headquarter its America’s office in Brazil
UNWTO has elected to locate the headquarters of its Americas office in Brazil and the decision was made at the UNWTO’s 24th General Assembly held last month
Meetings Africa 2022 gears up to reignite Africa’s business events industry
Following the announcement by South African Tourism (SAT) last year that the trade show will be staged in a physical format after an absence in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
How to travel safely in 2022
International SOS has warned travellers to be careful and consider the risks involved when travelling as the highly contagious Omicron variant emerges as a significant threat disrupting…
UK scraps mandatory pre-departure Covid-19 tests to enter England
Boris Johnson has confirmed that pre-departure travel Covid-19 tests to enter England from overseas will be scrapped from 7 January
Eat clean and travel! Vegan tourism picks up steam in 2022
The Vegan Travel Association (VTA) has announced the 2022 Travelling in a New Vegan World Summit (NVW22) from January 15- 31
SeaYouTomorrow! How this hotel is helping fight climate crisis in Thailand
S Hotels and Resorts has joined forces with the Environmental Education Centre (EEC) Thailand to host an important event called SeaYouTomorrow aimed at raising awareness about the major…
EU to unveil new entry rule for UK and other third-country citizens under visa-free regime
European Commission is expected to introduce a new entry requirement for all third-country nationals who can travel to the EU Member states under the visa-free regime
Ireland tourism sector loses €17m a day due to Covid
Ireland’s tourism sector has suffered about €400 million financial loss in December and has experienced a “staggeringly difficult 21 months” losing about €17 million per day
UK tourism sector sees massive job shortfall of over 200K this year: WTTC
A new analysis of staff shortages by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed 205,000 travel jobs across the UK predicted to remain unfilled by the end of this year
UNWTO and ADB launch report on big data and tourism recovery
UNWTO and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have launched a joint report on the use of big data for better tourism planning and management.
ABTA’s refreshed Travel with Confidence campaign is here
The latest Travel with Confidence national advertising campaign from ABTA will launch with social media advertising on Boxing Day
Airline fees negatively impact consumer and travel businesses – AFTA
Fee changes, which predominantly relate to airline commissions, will have a detrimental impact on choices for Australian consumers, according to the Australian Federation of Travel Agents…
UK unveils £1billion support for hospitality sector
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £1 billion fund designed to support the UK hospitality sector as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 disrupts the festive season
Tackling plastics pollution, the UNWTO way
The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has welcomed a further 21 signatories, bringing the total of organisations that have committed to implement circular economy of plastics in the tourism…
Phuket Hotels Association ropes in new leadership team
The Phuket Hotels Association, a non-profit organisation with 72 member properties, has embarked on an exciting new era with the appointment of a new senior leadership team
Go Give One! Virgin Atlantic, Collinson and PATA join hands to tackle COVID-19 vaccine inequity
Virgin Atlantic has joined travel services specialist Collinson and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as part of the Global Travel Sector Vaccine Coalition
THAI and key travel agencies join hands to promote Thailand tourism
Thai Airways organised a networking conference under the theme “THAI Networking: Discover Brand New Sky” attended by key local and overseas travel agencies
Accommodation Association welcomes Australia’s gradual reopening
Accommodation Association welcomed the gradual reopening of Australia including West Australia on 5 February but warned the skills shortage would continue to impact most accommodation…
WTTC chooses Manila for 2022 global summit
WTTC has confirmed next global summit will take place in Manila on March 14-16 in partnership with the Philippine department of tourism
Kochi announces 11th edition of Kerala Travel Mart in March 2022
Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), the country’s largest congregation of tourism industry, will be holding its eleventh edition in Kochi in March 2022
Zurab Pololikashvili re-elected Secretary General for UNWTO
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has re-elected Zurab Pololikashvili to the role of general secretary of the organisation
No Christmas rebound for tourism sector in the UK
UKinbound has released stark new figures indicating that its members expect international visitors to be down 75 per cent in November and December, compared to 2019
New Zealand lays out tourism recovery roadmap
New forecasts for New Zealand tourist recovery suggest it would take until 2024 for the industry to return to its "new normal."
Global tourism sees uptick but recovery fragile
While international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 58% in July-September compared to the same period of 2020, they remained 64% below 2019 levels, said the UN World Trade…
Traveltech for Scotland unveils free course to boost travel industry
Traveltech for Scotland has launched a free online course to help tourism and hospitality businesses find and use the right digital technologies
ITB China ropes in Saudi as culture travel partner
ITB China, the marketplace for China’s travel industry, has announced Saudi as the Official Culture Travel Partner of ITB China Virtual 2021
Holidaymakers now 30% more likely to use travel professional than before pandemic: ABTA
ABTA’s new report Travel in 2022 predicts holiday trends for the next year, with insights revealed at the association’s Travel Trends Conference
Biggest-ever Dubai Airshow reflects recovery of international aerospace sector
Dubai Airshow 2021 was officially the biggest edition of the event since it first began in 1989, with an incredible USD 78 billion worth of deals announced during the week
Border change announcement helps but greater support is needed, says Accommodation Association
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, applauds the Federal Government’s announcement of additional changes to international border arrangements from 1 December.
Smart Tourism and Global Challenges! Sharjah looks ahead to SITTF 2021
HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) about what’s on tap and why delegates this time are in for a treat at SITTF 2021
IWTA speaks with M. Laksasubha Kridakon, Owner Laksasubha Hua Hin
We are delighted to introduce you to M. Laksasubha Kridakon, Owner Laksasubha Hua Hin in our latest interview in the series from TDs Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (TDIWTA).
PATA to hold Virtual PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2021 from 24 November
Virtual PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2021 will gather the top minds in destination marketing and management for inspiring and insightful discussions on some of the major issues in…
Dribble dribble! Abu Dhabi to host first NBA games in the UAE
The preseason NBA games in Abu Dhabi beginning in 2022 will mark the first games between two NBA teams in the Arabian Gulf.
Global business travel pricing set to increase in 2022
Global travel pricing across air, ground, and hotels, is expected to increase in the next two years, primarily driven by increasing demand, capacity constraints, and travelers’…
Going green! ABTA and Deloitte unveil climate change project
Over the next year ABTA and Deloitte will be collaborating on a range of activities that will help ABTA Members understand climate change, what decarbonisation looks like across the industry
Pre-pandemic levels of European travel will not be achieved until 2024
Although European travel demand is poised for a major recovery due to the high vaccination rates in Europe, volumes are still far from the pre-pandemic days which are not expected to be…
WTTC unveils net zero roadmap for tourism
As world leaders discuss concrete actions to solve the climate crises at COP26 in Glasgow, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched an ambitious and groundbreaking net zero…
Sydney Airport to sell for USD 17 billion
Sydney Airport said it had agreed to USD 17.5 billion takeover bid by an Australian investor consortium, just days after reopening to international travel
US second most popular destination for holiday plans over next 12 months
New data from ABTA reveal almost 1 in 5 (18%) of people who plan to holiday abroad hope to travel to the US over the next year – making it the second most popular destination UK…
ITB China 2021 kicks off with who’s who of Chinese travel industry on board
The Marketplace for China’s travel industry is once again attracting a diverse exhibitor representation, quality buyers and sees a strong line-up of partners this year
Japan to reduce quarantine for business travellers from 8 November
The government is considering reducing the quarantine time for vaccinated foreign nationals that arrive in Japan for short business trips, study abroad and technical training to three days…
Future of Tourism World Summit debuts in Barcelona
UNWTO joined the Advanced Leadership Foundation and the Incyde Foundation of the Chambers of Commerce of Spain for the opening day of the Future of Tourism World Summit
WTM updates: All roads lead to London as 30 tourism ministers and exhibitors of 100 countries meet
Thousands of travel industry professionals from more than 140 countries have gathered at WTM London today for the largest industry gathering since the pandemic began
WTTC chooses Saudi Arabia for 22nd Global Summit
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global travel and tourism sector, has announced its 22nd Global Summit will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the end of…
Global hotel values fall due to pandemic, recovery anticipated by 2025
Hotel values are not expected to make a full return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023-25 with some regions across the globe showing faster recovery than others
WTM London and Travel Forward to run COVID test facility at event venue
WTM London and Travel Forward 2021 will have a COVID testing facility inside ExCeL so visitors who need to take a test before flying home can do so without having to leave the venue
Following ethical tourism brands will become major trend: Arabian Travel Market
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has revealed that 2022 could witness a resurgence in brand conscious travellers, following commentary it received from delegates attending its 2021 in-person and…
AIME partners with CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park to host 2022 event
AIME, the leading meetings and conventions event in the Asia Pacific region, has announced CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park as the official venue to host its 2022 Welcome Event, to be held on…
Thailand approves USD2.8 billion more economic support
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a further THB 92 billion (USD 2.76 billion) of relief measures to help boost its flagging economy as the Southeast Asian country deals with its biggest…
ITB China announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner 2021 for Shanghai event in November
In 2021 Maldives will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from…
Routes Asia 2022 goes to Da Nang as it debuts in Vietnam
Routes Asia will take place in Vietnam for the first time in 2022, with Da Nang People’s Committee, Da Nang Department of Tourism and IPP Travel Retail being selected as the hosts
Pacific and Mekong ink tourism deal to foster sustainable travel
Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) and Destination Mekong have inked a pact to foster a collaborative partnership that will benefit both organisations and their stakeholders
Neom and UNWTO join hands to boost Saudi tourism
UNWTO and Neom have partnered for new initiative focused on the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia with the Tourism Experiences of the Future challenge
Long-haul travellers cautious about planning trips to Europe
Intentions to travel to Europe between September and December 2021 remain weak in key overseas markets
News alert: India set to reopen for foreign travellers from 15 October
India will reopen to tourism from October 15, the government said, after more than a year of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic
Green shoots of tourism recovery this summer: UNWTO
International tourism enjoyed signs of rebound in June and July as some destinations eased travel restrictions and the global vaccination rollout advanced in many parts of the world
WTM London and Travel Forward platform goes live
WTM London and Travel Forward platform called Connect Me is now open to ensure registered delegates make the most of their time and get back to business
How Phuket hoteliers joined hands to remove 3 tonnes of rubbish from the island’s beaches
Over 500 volunteers from hotels, resorts and communities across Phuket came together this month to remove a staggering 3 tonnes of rubbish from island’s coastline
New Zealand, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Oman adopt WTTC Safe Travels stamp
More than 400 destinations around the world now hold the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, with New Zealand, Switzerland, and Oman among the latest major…
WTTC unveils net zero roadmap for tourism at virtual ‘Climate Week’ event
WTTC has announced the launch of a Net Zero Roadmap for the tourism sector to support the industry in combatting climate change during its virtual climate week event
How UNWTO prepared Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action ahead of COP26
In preparation for COP26, two information sessions were held on the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
Deal-making activity in tourism sector declined by 17% during August 2021: GlobalData
A total of 57 deals comprising mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing were announced in the global travel and tourism sector during August 2021, which is a…
ABTA unveils latest list of confirmed speakers for this year’s travel convention
ABTA has unveiled the latest line-up of expert speakers for this year’s Travel Convention, who will be offering valuable insight into how they’ve responded to the challenges posed by the…
Philip Goh to lead IATA in Asia Pacific as regional vice president
International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the appointment of Philip Goh as its regional vice president for Asia-Pacific with effect from now
ABTA urges UK govt to end widespread use of PCR testing for travel requirements
ABTA is calling for a significant overhaul of the government’s traffic light system, including ending the widespread use of PCR testing
12 weeks to showtime! Countdown to ILTM Cannes begins
ILTM is counting down to its return on the Côte D’Azur, with just 12 weeks until the international luxury travel industry meets in Cannes for the first time since 2019
Saudi plans first sustainable tourism project in Al Baha
Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and Seera Group signed a financing agreement to establish and operate the Raghadan Tourist Resort, the first sustainable tourism project in the Al Baha region
International Tourism Group launches across European markets
Tourism experts from across Europe have joined forces to launch International Tourism Group (ITG), a new multi-national agency that sets a new standard through a data-led methodology applied…
Andrew J Wood to lead Skal International Asia as president for 2021-23
With the successful completion of Skål International Asia’s 50th Asian Area Annual General Assembly, Andrew J Wood was elected President 2021-2023 at the virtual meeting
Portugal sets stage for 5th UNWTO global conference on wine tourism
UNWTO, Visit Portugal and the city of Reguengos de Monsaraz in the Alentejo region is holding the 5th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism, in collaboration with the Government of…
Portugal to host maiden edition of sustainable travel conference this September
Organisers of the ‘A World for Travel – Évora Forum’, the new annual sustainable travel industry event, have confirmed dates for 16-17 September of this year
Here’s what you need to know as Abu Dhabi lifts quarantine rules for fully vaccinated travellers
Abu Dhabi will remove the need to quarantine for all vaccinated travellers arriving from international destinations starting 5 September
Recommendations to help accelerate travel recovery in Asia Pacific
ATTIA is launching a Recommendation Paper around “The Building Blocks of Digital Health Passes” as a part of its 2021 Travel Recovery Thought Leadership Series
Geneva International Motor Show and Qatar Tourism join hands to create new event
Qatar Tourism and The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) have announced a partnership to develop and host the newly designed Qatar Geneva International Motor Show in Doha during 2023
UK needs to ditch discredited travel traffic light system, says WTTC
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called upon the UK government to finally bring an end to the widely discredited travel traffic light system
Over 185 airlines to rebuild global air connectivity at World Routes this October
In less than eight weeks, the global aviation community will reunite at World Routes in Milan from 10-12 October
València becomes first city in world to measure water footprint of tourist activity
València has reached a new milestone in its commitment to the development of sustainable tourism by becoming the first city in the world to measure the water footprint of tourist activity
Opening soon, not yet! Pattaya reopening on 1 Sept might be postponed
Thailand’s tourist hotspot Pattaya may delay its planned reopening to vaccinated travellers on 1 September, as the city is dealing with insufficient inoculations among locals and a spike in…
UAE grants tourist visa to Indians. Here’s what you need to know
Indian passport holders, who have not been to the country in the last 14 days, can get tourist visas to the UAE
IATA welcomes Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of IATA Travel Pass
IATA welcomed the decision of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to accept IATA Travel Pass to confirm pre-departure COVID-19 test results for…
Ready for Restart! Latin American Travel Association reveals Expo 2021 theme
Latin American Travel Association (LATA) announced in July that the B2B trade show will be going ahead in virtual form and has now announced a theme for the event: ‘Ready for Restart'
PATA announces return of in-person live events with ‘Taste of PATA London’
Pacific Asia Travel Association UK & Ireland has announced its return to in-person live events
UK government should pay for expensive PCR tests, says WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has argued the government should bear the cost of “hugely expensive” and unnecessary PCR tests for fully jabbed citizens
Europe becomes Strategic Partner of ITB China 2021
Many Chinese are looking forward to travelling abroad according to recent data collected by the European Travel Commission (ETC), who is strengthening ties with ITB China as a Strategic…
Give the World a Shot! Expedia announces global vaccine partnership with UNICEF
Starting today, each purchase made via Expedia Group’s mobile apps will result in a donation to help UNICEF’s global COVID-19 response
2020 was worst year for aviation, IATA confirms
New figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have confirmed last year was the worst on record for the aviation sector
European Commission inches closer to Schengen visa rollout
European Commission has outlined new rules for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
ABTA launches new scheme to simplify industry payments
ABTA will launch a replacement version of its Single Payment System to members later this year to allow fast online payments
IndiGo becomes first domestic carrier to launch IATA Travel Pass on 20 August
Budget carrier IndiGo has announced it has partnered with IATA to become the first airline in the country to launch a pilot for the latter’s digital passport initiative called Travel Pass
Event Alert! PATA announces dates for Virtual PATA Travel Mart in September
PATA announced that Virtual PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2021 will take place from 2-5 September and Leshan, China will once again be the featured destination for the event
EU warns Google to improve hotel and flight search results in two months
Google has two months to improve the way it presents internet search results for flights and hotels and explain how it ranks these or face possible sanctions
Lack of inbound travel hampers UK economic revival while flights to amber list countries take off
The economic revival of the UK is being hampered by the lack of inbound travel while flights to amber list countries take off, says the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
Etihad’s IATA Travel Pass extends to seven new cities
Etihad Airways has expanded IATA Travel Pass on flights between Abu Dhabi and seven destinations across its network following successful trials
WTM London unveils new China partnership
WTM London has announced that China Travel Online is the show’s newest buyer partner and media partner in China
ABTA announces Travel Convention dates for 2021
This year’s Travel Convention will take place on 13 October 2021 and will be the first-ever blended Travel Convention - offering ABTA’s Members and the wider travel industry the option to…
Slight uptick in tourism recovery: UNWTO
Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85 per cent below 2019 levels (or a 65 per cent drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows
Guidelines for tourism businesses to advance prevention of illegal wildlife trade
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released major new guidelines outlining how the global travel and tourism sector can work together to tackle illegal wildlife trade (IWT)
WHO advises against Covid-19 vaccination proof for travel
WHO Emergency Committee has maintained its stance that proof of vaccination against coronavirus should not be required for international travel, amid a growing debate into blocking the entry…
Tourism stakeholders takes action on plastic waste and pollution
Aimed at reducing waste and pollution across the sector, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) is welcoming 32 new signatories
UNWTO launches digital tools to revitalise tourism
UNWTO has partnered with MUST Travel & Tech to place a digital tool at the service of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of travel
Recovery of European tourism in sight this summer
European travel activity is set to build some momentum moving into the peak summer months due to the gradual easing of restrictions, the ramp-up in vaccinations, and the EU’s recent…
IATA to set up regional hub in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said it has reached an agreement with IATA to set up the aviation body’s headquarters for the MEA region
Another lost summer for the Brits with no European breaks in sight: WTTC
WTTC has warned UK families could face yet another ‘lost summer’ thanks to the controversial traffic light system, quarantines, costly COVID-19 tests and confusing travel rules and…
Biggest tourism campaign unveiled to bring the world ‘Back to Bali’
BALI’S major tourism stakeholders have pulled together to create the biggest tourism campaign in the history of the island - ‘Back to Bali’.
CWT rejoins GBTA to boost sustainable post-pandemic business travel
CWT will work with GBTA to further augment its customer and supplier needs, as the industry recalibrates for safe and sustainable post-pandemic business travel
WTTC welcomes launch of EU Digital COVID Certificate
EU Digital COVID Certificate will boost consumer confidence and the wider travel and tourism sector across Europe
Andrew J Wood – to Run for Skål Asia President
A conversation with Skål Asia Presidential candidate Andrew J. Wood and Dr Scott Michael Smith, Assumption University’s Course Coordinator from the Department of Hospitality & Tourism…
Global economy could lose over USD 4 trillion due to COVID-19 impact on tourism
The crash in international tourism due to the coronavirus pandemic could cause a loss of more than USD 4 trillion to the global GDP for the years 2020 and 2021
ITB China set to take place as physical event in Shanghai in November
With travel and tourism within China bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels, ITB China, the largest B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, is set as in-person event at the Shanghai World…
UNWTO sets stage for 1st Global Youth Tourism Summit in Italy
1st Global Youth Tourism Summit from 23-25 August 2021 in Sorrento in Italy will be the first of this kind at the global level aiming to promote youth engagement in the tourism sector and…
‘Tourism 365’ launched to support the growth of Abu Dhabi as a tourism destination
Abu Dhabi's ADNEC has launched ‘Tourism 365’ to create experiential travel opportunities for tourists coming to Abu Dhabi and enhance the emirate’s regional and global positioning in the…
ABTA – Travel Matters and Day of Action
On 28 June, government will review both the traffic-light list and the requirements, measures and systems in place for international travel. This could be one of the most crucial weeks in…
UNWTO launches ‘Jobs Factory’ to kickstart tourism jobs recovery
UNWTO has launched Jobs Factory, powered by Hosco, the global hospitality network to connect talent with employers across the sector
EU adds US to safe travel list
European Union governments in a meeting in Brussels have agreed to add the United States to their list of countries from which they will allow non-essential travel
SKAL International Thailand unveils new webinar series
Skål International Thailand (SIT), the governing body for the country’s six Skål Clubs, launched its new webinar series Skål Talks Thailand - ‘Recovery Strategies 2021’
Travellers prefer booking directly and not via OTA: GlobalData
A recent GlobalData poll has revealed a shift in consumer preference towards booking holidays directly, instead of going through an online travel agency (OTA)
Bon vivant rejoice! 6th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism unveils new dates
Held under the theme ‘Gastronomy Tourism: Promoting Rural Tourism and Regional Development’, the Forum will take place 31 October – 2 November 2021 in Bruges, Belgium
Business aviation’s thriving industry to be showcased at Dubai Airshow 2021
Dubai Airshow is set to highlight the growth in business aviation and provide a platform for industry experts to shape the future of the industry with the deployment of ground-breaking…
Oyo, Airbnb, EaseMyTrip and Yatra come together to launch CHATT
Leading players of the OTA industry in India have come together to back and enable an industry association - Confederation of Hospitality, Technology and Tourism Industry (CHATT)
Long-haul travellers still cautious about planning trips to Europe as EU finalises reopening for summer
As the EU looks set to open its borders to more countries and vaccinated holidaymakers this summer, coordinated rules on international travel will be crucial to instil confidence in tourists…
Reunite: New WTTC campaign shows importance of international travel to people
A new campaign has been launched by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) calling on governments around the world to restart international travel and enable the world to ‘Reunite’…
European tourism leaders meet in Athens to restart travel
European members of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have met in Athens to advance the safe and sustainable restart of tourism across the region
Here’s how Etihad and UN will work to strengthen volunteering globally
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has become the first airline to sign an agreement with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme aiming to strengthen volunteering…
UK risks increasing isolation if it continues to keep doors closed to international travel: WTTC
The UK risks becoming increasingly isolated if it continues to keep the doors closed to significant international travel, says the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
UNWTO makes history with opening of first regional office in the Middle East in Riyadh
UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has opened its first regional office for the Middle East in Riyadh, bringing the United Nations specialized agency closer to its members and advancing…
EU to unveil Covid-19 passport in July
The Covid 19 passport which will be in use by 1 July, will be available in digital and paper format, contain a QR code and be issued free of charge
Innovation and digital at centre of tourism recovery as UNWTO logs into Google
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Google have signed a new agreement to work together and lead global tourism’s recovery through innovation, education, and market intelligence
Virtual ATM 2021 begins today as industry convenes to show support for travel recovery
Middle East region’s largest travel and tourism showcase, Arabian Travel Market continues this week from 24 May to 26 May with the highly anticipated ATM Virtual event
EU to open doors to vaccinated foreigners
European Union (EU) countries has agreed to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions on non-EU visitors ahead of the summer tourist season
Dubai Sustainable Tourism launches green initiative
Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST), part of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) to further Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism…
HBAA relaunches ‘Meet Safe, Meet Smart’ campaign
HBAA has relaunched its ‘Meet Safe, Meet Smart’ (#MSMS) campaign with a supporting member action group to install consumer confidence to kick-start the meetings and events sector
Thailand, Barbados and Cyprus join over 275 destinations to adopt WTTC Safe Travels stamp
The hotspots of Thailand, Barbados, Cyprus, Abu Dhabi, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, among the latest to join WTTC’s ever-growing list
UK slips down list of biggest tourism markets after suffering 62.5% fall in GDP contribution
Latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows the UK fell out of the top five biggest travel and tourism markets in 2020, after suffering a punishing GDP fall of…
Julia Simpson becomes CEO and president in WTTC
WTTC announces the departure of current CEO Gloria Guevara and appointment of IAG executive committee member, Julia Simpson, as its president and CEO, effective 15 August
G20 ministers welcome UNWTO guidelines for green transformation of tourism
UNWTO has served as tourism’s global voice as the Tourism Ministers of the G20 nations met to devise a way forward for an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery for the sector
G20 Tourism Ministerial meet: Clear rules and consistent protocol for mobility needed, says WTTC
WTTC said the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on the travel and tourism and that clear rules and a protocol to restart international mobility will be crucial to…
ITB Asia announces dates for physical event in October
Asia’s leading travel trade show, ITB Asia, will be happening as scheduled in Singapore from 27-29 October, implementing the current COVID-19 hygiene and safety protocols
WTTC announces the Philippines as next global summit host
World’s leading private and public sector tourism leaders took a united stand to safely restart international travel at the closure of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global…
ATM 2021 to host over 60 countries despite Covid travel restrictions
A total of 62 countries will be represented on the exhibition floor this year at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021, which takes place in-person at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
New appointment: PATA gets first Asian American woman head
Liz Ortiguera will now become next chief executive officer effective 17 May 2021 for PATA succeeding Dr. Mario Hardy who will finish his term at the end of May
Worldline and IATA partner to help airlines back on runway to recovery
Worldline, the European leader in the payments and transactional services industry and number 4 worldwide, today announced it has partnered with the International Air Transport Association…
WTTC applauds private sector’s united approach to building travel recovery
World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit has opened up as the first post-pandemic physical event in Mexico this week
Tourism for a brighter future! Key industry figures to address in-person ATM event
Prominent tourism figures will be participating in-person at the opening session of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Global Stage 2021 – ‘Tourism for a brighter future’
Etihad begins IATA Pass trial on Abu Dhabi-North America flights
Guests travelling with Etihad Airways before 31 May will be among the first to trial the IATA Travel Pass app to manage their travel health credentials
It’s ‘now or never’ for Single European Sky, warns IATA
IATA warned the Single European Sky project to reform Europe’s air traffic management system faces collapse if European states do not support the European Commission's proposals to reboot…
UNWTO logs in to Facebook to restart travel
UNWTO and Facebook have partnered to help global destinations make use of the power of digital marketing as they look to welcome tourists back safely
Maiden edition of ITB India opens today
The first edition of ITB India and South Asia, an all-virtual event, is opening today, and over the next three days, it will present a virtual business-to-business travel and tourism trade…
Walsh takes charge as IATA head to steer global growth
IATA has announced that Willie Walsh has officially taken on the role of director general of the organisation after Alexandre de Juniac
Tourist arrivals fall 87% in January 2021
The devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global tourism has carried on into 2021, with new data showing an 87% fall in international tourist arrivals in January as compared to 2020
Global community should support small island developing states, says UNWTO
UNWTO) is calling for the international community to show solidarity with ‘small island developing states’ (SIDS) by ensuring they have access to Covid-19 vaccinations
Holidaymakers prefer booking package holiday with travel professional now more than before pandemic
New research from travel association ABTA shows a growing trend for holidaymakers seeking the security and reassurance of booking a package holiday with a travel professional this year
Tourism sector suffers USD 4.5 trillion for 2020, says WTTC
An economic impact report (EIR) from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the full impact of Covid-19 on global tourism
Middle East spend on leisure travel to exceed pre-COVID levels by 10% in 2024
the amount of money that Middle East travellers spend on international leisure travel, will begin to exceed 2019 pre-COVID levels, in as little as three years
IATA Travel Pass successfully trials on first international flight in London’s Heathrow Airport
IATA announced the arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport of the first traveller using the IATA Travel Pass app to manage their travel health credentials
