ABTA: The UK Government continues to drag its feet
Influential body, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), has published further guidance today for Members and customers on holiday amendments and refunds, as the industry continues…
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USTOA showcases international music videos
The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is inviting the travel community to virtually #ComeTogetherWithUSTOA this month by tuning into its social channels for international…
‘Stay Home, Travel Later’, says PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland chapter has launched a new campaign - ‘Stay Home, Travel Later'.
It aims at inviting the PATA members and the tourism…
Travel sector key to economic recovery in Americas, says WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a new report detailing the critical role the industry will have in the economic recovery in the Americas once the Covid-19…
GBTA moves convention to November
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has moved its annual to 7-11 November from its earlier date of 25-29 July. The association’s annual event brings together over 7,000…
Benin the newest country to confirm voluntary participation in ICAO CORSIA
The West African state of Benin has become the newest country to confirm its voluntary participation in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and…
Tourism minister unveils fund for local tourism organisations in England
The UK's tourism minister, Nigel Huddleston, has announced an emergency fund, worth GBP 1.3 million (USD 1.61 million), to support tourism organisations across England during the…
Traveller Made pioneers virtual global luxury travel show
Traveller Made, an international network of luxury travel designers, hosted a virtual Essence of Luxury Travel 2020 Show at the end of March. It was the first-ever global luxury travel…
“Economic pain” to be shared by up to 25 million aviation dependent workers
IATA (International Air Transport Association) has published new data showing that up to 25 million jobs are at risk of disappearing due to the sudden and severe drop in demand for air…
76th IATA AGM And World Air Transport Summit postponed
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has postponed the 76th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. The event had been scheduled to take place on 22-23…
PATA launches crisis resource centre and tourism recovery monitor
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the launch of the PATA Crisis Resource Centre and Tourism Recovery Monitor, a unified platform that provides reliable and…
WTTC says only ‘exceptional flexibility’ by UK government will save a million tourism jobs
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged the UK government and EU authorities to implement exceptional flexibility around consumer refunds to alleviate the unbearable…
Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association seeks rescue package from government
The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) is calling on governments in over 45 countries across the region to support 320,000 local and front-line employees in the region by…
PATA extends CEO contract
The Covid-19 crisis has handed Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) CEO, Mario Hardy, a six-month extension of his work contract to 31 May 2021. He was due to step down on 31…
Submissions for 2020 PATA Gold Awards now open
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has opened its 2020 PATA Gold Awards for submissions with several new categories. Submissions must be filed with the association on or before…
UNWTO launches call for action for tourism’s COVID-19 mitigation and recovery
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has released a set of recommendations calling for urgent and strong support to help the global tourism sector not only recover from the…
WTTC implores G20 leaders to save tourism sector
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged the G20 leaders to execute crucial measures to save the travel and tourism sector following COVID-19, in a virtual meeting hosted by…
STAA to waive fees for two months for smaller corporate and new members
UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), the trade body representing short-term rentals sector, has announced that it will waive its membership fees, for the next two months, for…
UNWTO: Covid-19 could push tourism back to 2013 levels
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has released an updated assessment of the likely impact of the Covid-19 on international tourism. Considering the unparalleled introduction of…
PATA assembles crisis resource centre
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is opening a crisis resource centre to support members with data and research to help them rebuild business once Covid-19 peaks.
Noting that…
AFTA approves measures to support agents
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is implementing a number of measures to support ATAS accredited travel agents and the wider sector.
It includes measures such as…
Healing Solutions: UNWTO calls on innovators and entrepreneurs to accelerate tourism recovery
In the face of an unprecedented challenge, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO), calls on innovators and entrepreneurs to…
ICAO urges more “coordination” between airlines and governments
The ICAO has called on governments across the world to improve the level of coordination with airlines on the current air services updates and flight restrictions currently in action
The…
HBAA launches mental health webinars in response to COVID-19
Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) will host the first of a series of webinars to help event and hospitality professionals protect their mental health and wellbeing during the…
CII proposes slew of action points seeking government support for reviving tourism
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has proposed action points that would allow the travel and tourism industry to revive and let the government adhere to its fiscal commitments.…
One million travel jobs lost every day: WTTC
A staggering one million jobs are being lost every day in the travel and tourism sector due to the sweeping effect of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the World Travel &…
New dates for ISE and ISA announced as SITE launches member communications campaign
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) announced re-scheduled dates for Incentive Summit Europe (ISE) and Incentive Summit Americas (ISA) following the postponement of both…
Prepare for delayed recovery: PATA
In the latest ‘letter from the CEO’, Mario Hardy, president and CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) calls for calm suggesting even if we cannot see it there is a light at the…
Airport retail industry needs urgent government help
The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the trade association representing airports and travel retailers, has called on the government to urgently step in to support the UK aviation and…
PHD Chamber organises 9th International Heritage Tourism Conclave
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) recently organised the 9th International Heritage Tourism Conclave with the theme ‘Achieving SDG 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and…
European Tourism Manifesto alliance demands urgent measures
The European Tourism Manifesto alliance has issued a statement demanding some urgent measures to limit the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on the sector.
The statement read: “The effects…
Associations Round Table at AIME 2020 reimagines model through creativity
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) – the leading meetings and incentives event in the region – has revealed insights off the back of an industry-first Associations Round…
PATA to conduct three roadshows in UK this year
Pacific Asia Travel Association UK & Ireland (PATA) is conducting three UK roadshows this year, including South Pacific Roadshow in London on 23 June, Indochina Roadshow in…
COVID-19 statement from UNWTO
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) observes that full or partial travel restrictions have been – and continue to be – introduced across the…
World Travel Market Africa cancelled
Reed Exhibitions Africa has confirmed that Africa Travel Week, which comprises of World Travel Market Africa and International Luxury Travel Market Africa, will now be postponed.
The…
WTTC warns 50 million tourism jobs could go in coronavirus outbreak
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has argued up to 50 million jobs in the tourism sector are at risk due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Gloria Guevara, president of WTTC…
IATA welcomes EU suspension of slot use rules
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the announcement by the European Commission (EC) granting the temporary suspension until June 2020 of the 80-20 ‘use it or…
US travel ban will have detrimental implications on European and American tourism
The European Travel Commission (ETC), European Tourism Association (ETOA), United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations…
ASTA responds to Coronavirus cruise advisory
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), has issued a statement in response to the state department advisory that US citizens, particularly those…
Travel bans ineffective in Covid-19 battle, says Asia airline group
Governments should roll back or refrain from using travel restrictions as the COVID-19 coronavirus is mainly being spread through local transmission rather than imported cases, a trade…
Sustainability drive means EU must act on ghost planes: GlobalData
EU Commission (EC) president Ursula van der Leyen’s recently announced the EC is looking to introduce temporary measures to curb the use of ghost planes.
Welcoming the announcement,…
CLIA conference 2020 postponed
In light of the current situation with COVID-19, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced that the CLIA Conference 2020 has been postponed.
The…
WTTC postpones 20th Global Summit until Autumn 2020
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, and the government of Quintana Roo in Mexico, have announced that the 20th…
Events and exhibition industry calls for government to dispel fears about public events
The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) says there is no reason to cancel or postpone events such as exhibitions, conferences and other business meetings and the…
Diane Waldron re-elected as ICCA UK & Ireland head
The International Congress and Convention Association’s UK & Ireland chapter has re-elected Diane Waldron, as chapter chair for a second term and appointed Suzanne Singleton as…
IGLTA cancels global convention for May 2020
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) announced the postponement of its annual global convention due to the current threat with the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The…
COVID-19 sets back economic sustainability and connectivity of Asia-Pacific airports
Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific warns the prolonged duration of the COVID-19 outbreak will significantly set back the region’s airports from previously forecasted…
US to witness biggest drop in inbound travel
The Leading Travel Index (LTI), the predictive component of the US Travel Association’s Travel Trends Index (TTI), has predicted international inbound travel to the US will fall 6% over…
ICCA strengthens footprint in China with Chengdu centre
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has signed an agreement with Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Exposition (CCPIT Chengdu), MeetingsChina and Chengdu University on a…
Covid-19: UNWTO calls on tourism to be part of recovery plans
In an update on the sector’s response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) offers a first assessment pointing to a decrease in international…
PATA joins ‘Invisible Burden of Tourism’ partnership to address skill gaps in destination management
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced a new partnership with leading global charity The Travel Foundation, EplerWood International, and Cornell University’s Centre for…
Nominations open for 2nd diversity and inclusion awards: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that nominations have opened for second edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards which recognise and encourage…
China pumps investment to cultural tourism projects in virus-hit regions
China’s top economic planner has allocated CNY 5.7 billion (USD 814 million) to support project construction in the cultural tourism industry that has taken a hard hit by the novel…
Mekong Tourism Forum postponed
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) confirmed it was postponing the annual Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) dates to 25-26 August 2020.
Myanmar will host the forum this year in…
Specialist travel the new mantra, reveals AITO
As final Brexit negotiations start this week, British travellers aren’t holding off on their holiday plans with 80% claiming that leaving the EU has had no effect on them whatsoever.…
ICAO: “Assuring the evolution of new digital identity innovations”
The United Nations aviation agency ICAO has announced new steps to strengthen modern border security through the online issuance of a new “Master List” of e-passport authentication…
PATA Nepal chapter CEO is ‘Face of the Future’
Suresh Singh Budal, chief executive office of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, has been named as the 2020 PATA Face of the Future. This is the most prestigious…
International Hospitality Investment Forum postponed to May
On the back of ITB Berlin cancellation and the threat of the coronavirus spreading further in the country, Questex has confirmed it will postpone the International Hospitality Investment…
IHIF 2020: Sustainability Council to meet in Berlin
Hospitality groups, both large and small, have announced policies to address environmental concerns, and real estate investors are increasingly considering it in their decision making.…
Women-focused itineraries on USTOA’s mind
In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is highlighting women-focused itineraries offered by its tour operator…
Choking travel won’t stop the coronavirus spreading, warns WTTC
Closing borders, blanket travel bans and more extreme government policies will not stop the spread of coronavirus, argues the head of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).…
Singapore supports tourism with more funding
Singapore Tourism Board and leading trade associations have launched a raft of support measures for the tourism industry to mitigate the economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. Earlier…
High employment rates means UK travel industry faces a serious recruitment challenge
New research from ABTA, commissioned from the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr), shows that 13% of the travel and tourism industry workforce is made up of non-UK workers, with…
72% of Chinese travellers will hit the road after the outbreak ends
Chinese travellers and businesses have expressed confidence in the development of the country’s tourism industry, although it was hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. “China's tourism…
Empowering Independence: Advantage 2020 conference theme unveiled
Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest independent travel agent consortium, has revealed ‘Empowering Independence’ as the theme for its 2020 conference in Madeira, Portugal.…
Deutsche Messe inks pact with STB to set up new regional headquarters
Deutsche Messe, one of the world’s leading exhibition organisers, and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish its first Southeast Asian…
Save the date: National Camping and Caravanning Week
The date has been set for this year’s National Camping and Caravanning Week (NCCW), which will run from 25-31 May. NCCW is The Camping and Caravanning Club’s annual campaign to showcase…
Aviation to take USD 30 billion hit from coronavirus: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its initial assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 and finds that passenger demand for carriers in the Asia-Pacific…
After a decade, TUI rejoins SPAA
TUI UK & Ireland, part of TUI Group and one of the world’s leading travel companies, has returned to membership of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) after 10 years.…
UNWTO places tourism in European Parliament
Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) addressed the European Parliament in the context of several high-level meetings aimed at placing…
ITB China postponed as coronavirus battle continues
Organisers at ITB China have confirmed the event will be postponed as the country continues to battle a coronavirus outbreak. The event was scheduled to be held on 13-15 May at the…
Low-cost carriers to boost Middle East aviation market
Low-cost carriers are driving growth in the Middle East aviation market, recording a 9.3% increase in seat capacity in 2019, according to CAPA Centre for Aviation. Indeed, the share of…
Greece welcomes UNWTO support for sustainable tourism growth
Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) paid a high-level visit to Greece to meet with the Prime Minister and minister of tourism and offer…
Eurowings: Europe’s most punctual European airline
The German airline Eurowings has started punctually into the year 2020. With an on-time performance of 93% in January 2020, it was the most punctual airline in a comparison of European…
January woes: Travel reservations to China plummet 79%
The coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the world economy. The increase in cases throughout China and the uncertainty generated after the international alert declared by the World…
Most TMCs place high value on ABTA membership
New research, from Censuswide, released ahead of the Business Travel Show this month, finds over four in five (83%) managers say that membership of ABTA is very important or important when…
Iberia sponsors Spanish Olympic Committee
Alejandro Blanco, president of Spanish Olympic Committee and Luis Gallego, executive chairman of Iberia signed a new cooperation agreement focused on the upcoming summer Olympic Games in…
Barcelona hotel bookings drop after Mobile World Congress cancellation
Business on the books has dropped roughly 25% in select Barcelona hotels since the announced cancellation of the Mobile World Congress, according to preliminary data from Forward STAR,…
Getting ahead of the curve at PATA Adventure Travel Conference and Mart 2020
The PATA Adventure Travel Conference and Mart 2020 that began on 12 February in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia has attracted 368 delegates from 33 destinations in attendance for the…
Poland’s Lodz to host 2021 Routes Europe
The third largest city in Poland, Lodz, has been selected to host the 16th European Route Development Forum in 2021. As the main stage for Europe’s leading airline decision makers,…
Spear Travels to adopt caravan for Family Holiday Association
Spear Travels have pledged to raise GBP 10,000 (USD 12,892.50) throughout 2020 as part of its ‘Adopt a Caravan’ initiative, covering the costs of running one of caravans of Family…
Hua Hin Municipality, TAT and hotel operators team up for trust-building travellers initiative
The Municipality of Hua Hin, together with public and private sector partners, are gearing up for an initiative designed to strengthen the trust and confidence of its visitors.
Hua…
Don’t stigmatise Chinese and Asian tourists because of coronavirus, says WTTC
Individual tourists and groups from China and Asia must not be stigmatised because of the latest coronavirus outbreak, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The…
Snow and Mountain Tourism: Industry leaders to discuss links between travel, sustainability and innovation
The 11th edition of the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism will take place on 11-13 March 2020 in Andorra, under the theme ‘Tourism, Innovation and Sustainability’. The congress…
Final countdown begins for AIME 2020
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) – the leading meetings and incentives event in the region – will open its doors next week to showcase a bigger event in 2020 than seen…
UNWTO and Basque Culinary Centre launch 2nd gastronomy tourism start-up competition
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Basque Culinary Center have joined forces again for the second edition of the Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition. After the…
Look who’s speaking at WTTC’s 20th Global Summit
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled the first exciting news regarding its 20th Global Summit this year, in Cancun, Quintana Roo. The summit will feature the…
Juan Effect: Cebu Pacific extends sustainable tourism campaign to Bohol
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ largest carrier—and one of the largest in the region— has extended its ‘Juan Effect’ sustainable tourism programme. After roll-outs in Siargao and in…
Hospitality bucks national trend to deliver 15% apprenticeship growth
The UK’s hospitality sector is delivering continued apprenticeship growth, bucking the national trend in other sectors. Speaking at the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase in Parliament,…
Passenger traffic grows in APAC and Middle East
Passenger traffic was steady in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East during November 2019, compared to the same month of the previous year, at +2.4% and +6.6%, respectively. Airports Council…
Dominican Republic becomes partner country of OTDYKH Leisure Moscow Fair 2020
The OTDYKH International Russian Travel Market has announced the Dominican Republic will be the official partner country of its 26th edition. The country has chosen the show as its most…
LATAM to leave oneworld on 1 May
LATAM Airlines Group will end its membership in the oneworld alliance effective from 1 May 2020, following the group’s decision to leave the alliance.
oneworld benefits for LATAM…
Leisure Pass Group unveils ‘Go Bangkok’
Leisure Pass Group has launched its brand new ‘Go Bangkok’ pass. This flexible pass offers travellers savings of up to 63%, with free entry to 23 of the city’s most popular attractions…
TAT reassures tourists with heightened preventive measures against coronavirus
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released a statement to express its thanks for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have booked travel to Thailand over the next few…
Travel trends for boomers, Gen X, Y & Z in focus at ATM
Travellers from across the globe representing all generations now have a common interest in activities and experiences that are now influencing, indeed in many cases driving, their…
IT&CM China shifts dates to August
Organisers of IT&CM China 2020 and CTW China 2020 have shifted the event to 3-5 August in response to the on-going crisis caused by the novel coronavirus. Originally, scheduled from…
180 tourist sites identified for organising Swachhta Action Plan activities
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism in India, in order to create Swachhta Awareness amongst the tourists, students and stakeholders across the country, it has…
ABTA issues new member guidance on Brexit
Following the UK’s departure from the EU, Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has published new member guidance to explain the latest developments. Trade talks are set to start…
‘Destination’ is top reason for choosing any river cruise
A recent survey conducted by Fred.\ River Cruises has revealed that destination remains the primary reason why travellers choose one river cruise over another. 79% of the respondents…
Routes Americas 2020 brings together top CEOs in the region
Routes Americas 2020 launches today, promising to bring together a selection of the biggest airline CEOs and decision-makers in the region. The conference is set to be the catalyst for…
No slowdown for international travel in US
Americans want to travel more this year than they did in 2019. This was revealed by the 2020 Portrait of the American International Traveller Survey, a joint study conducted by the US…
IATA joins forces with UIC for intermodal travel
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Union of Railways (UIC), to strengthen their cooperation…
Budget 2020: Promoting India as hub for tourism
Presenting the Union Budget for 2020-21 in the Parliament, finance minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman stressed on the need for states to play a proactive role in development of…
CLIA Conference 2020 keynote speakers revealed
CLIA UK & Ireland has announced Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, and Steve Born, chief marketing officer of Group Voyagers as two of the keynote speakers at the…
Post Brexit: Doom and gloom or will “business will find a way”?
Hospitality trade association The HBAA, has gathered opinions from a cross-section of agency and venue members on how Brexit is impacting the events and hospitality industry.
Brexit’s…
Western Australia sees good summer but fears challenges ahead
The Western Australia (WA) tourism industry is experiencing its best summer season ever, with an industry survey revealing business activity has grown by 5%. The Tourism Pulse quarterly…
United Airlines wins accolades for LGBTQ+ workplace equality
United Airlines announced it has received a perfect score of 100% on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a premier benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices…
ABTA to turn 70 in style
Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is marking its 70th anniversary this year with a range of activities. These include industry events to recognise this significant milestone…
Building relationships in corporate travel
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) announced it has named Bruce Hanna as regional director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in ACTE. In this role, he will…
Iceland hosts first International Women In Travel & Tourism Forum
Travel industry chiefs and next-generation female professionals from 18 countries headed to Iceland and pledged to accelerate gender diversity, gender balance and inclusion within the…
Tibet shuts all tourist spots over virus concerns
Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region has temporarily suspended the operation of all its scenic attractions to tourists over concerns regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus.…
“Our competitors offer world class service and so should we”: UKinbound on the MAC report
Following the release of the Migration Advisory Committee's (MAC) report on the UK's immigration system yesterday -- which rejected the government's proposals for an Australian style…
Finalists for Asia Destination Film Awards announced
With close to 1,000 submissions and a total of 340 hours of playtime, the Asia Destination Film Awards received much attention from international filmmakers, tourism boards, travel…
Government to fund travel of citizens who visit 15 tourist spots
The Ministry of Tourism in India has launched ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ where citizens can pledge to travel to at least 15 locations across India by the year 2022. Bringing cheer to travel…
China’s travel ban hits Thai tourism industry hard
As the coronavirus outbreak reverberates through China, the Thai tourism sector has been badly hit. Thai hotels are preparing for another slump in bookings as the Chinese government’s…
UNIGLOBE Chairman’s Circle supports Ethiopia project
UNIGLOBE Travel International Chairman’s Circle members have donated USD 17,000 raised at their annual awards gala to Plan International UK's Safe Schools for Refugees in Ethiopia…
PATA Adventure Travel Conference and Mart 2020 announces final line-up of speakers
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has gathered a diverse line-up of international experts at the forefront of the adventure travel industry to explore the nuances, trends and…
MATTA goes all out to attract Indian travellers
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the national travel associations in India. The deal with the Travel Agents…
STAA welcomes three new members
The UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), the trade body representing the short-term rental sector, has announced that it has welcomed three new affiliate members to its ranks…
Another excellent reason for customers to book with an ABTA agent
ABTA has announced a new Primary Authority partnership with Kent County Council Trading Standards today.
The organisation entered into the new deal with the regional body with a view to…
ETOA sets stage for 12th Britain & Ireland Marketplace
The European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) will welcome nearly 90 new businesses to its first flagship event of 2020 – the twelfth Britain & Ireland Marketplace (BIM) - on 28…
Phuket to host TTM+ for the first time ever
Perennial tourist favourite Phuket has been selected by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as host destination of this year's TTM Plus.
The event dubbed, Thailand Travel Mart Plus…
2019 saw Dubai reach “unmatched acceleration” to becoming the most popular global city destination
Dubai’s tourism industry closed a successful decade at the end of 2019, welcoming an all-time high 16.73 million international overnight visitors, an impressive 5.1% increase in tourism…
Upping the travel insurance game in Singapore
Etiqa Insurance has been named as the NATAS official travel insurance partner by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) from 2020 to 2022. With a vision to be the…
Global Tourism Plastic Initiative unveiled
The Travel Foundation has announced its commitment to tackle plastic pollution as part of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, led by the UN Environment Programme and the World…
One billion international visitor arrivals into APAC on the horizon: PATA
Asia Pacific remains solidly on the path to welcome close to one billion international visitor arrivals (IVAs) over the next five years. This is one of the key predictions from the…
UNWTO records 1.5 billion tourism arrivals in 2019
About 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded globally by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 2019 – a new record. According to the first…
It’s Mongolia calling at Bangkok film fest
Mongolia, one of the main partners of this year’s Asia Destination Film Forum (DFF 2020), which will take place in Bangkok on 30 January 2020, is showcasing the natural beauty of their…
New agriculture bill to boost hospitality sector
UKHospitality has welcomed the publication of the government’s agriculture bill, along with the supply-chain security it will provide to hospitality businesses and the sustainability…
TAT’s announces Year of the Rat and 60th anniversary celebrations
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting all to join in its unique Chinese New Year (CNY) 2020 celebrations organised in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket to ring in the ‘Year of the…
ABTA on Brexit: “People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence”
ABTA has published its revised advice for travellers in the run up to Brexit on 31 January. This latest advice highlights that the UK is now on track to enter a transition period at the end…
FITUR 2020: Sustainability, innovation and accessibility to take centre stage
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) will place innovation and sustainability at the top of the agenda as it returns to the International Tourism Fair in Madrid (FITUR). At the 40th…
Thai PM to give keynote speech at the 2020 Global Summit of Women
Preparations are being finalised for the prestigious 2020 Global Summit of Women (2020 GSW) that is scheduled to take place at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld…
Italy’s Pejo 3000 becomes first plastic-free ski resort in Europe
Trentino, the region of Northern Italy that stretches from the northern shores of Lake Garda up into the Dolomites mountains, has become home to the world’s first-ever plastic-free ski…
Cruise industry gears up for bushfire recovery
Australia’s cruise industry continues to operate at full capacity and has united with other tourism sectors in planning for the recovery of communities impacted by fires. Cruise Lines…
ITB China ties up with CBEF to boost buyer attendance
ITB China, the largest B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, has announced a partnership with the China Business Exhibition Federation (CBEF) to strengthen the participation of…
Tourism start-ups focus on innovation and sustainability
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), in association with Globalia, a tourism group in Spain and Latin America, has selected the finalists of the 2nd Global Tourism Startup…
Chinese travellers willing to pay more for quality experience
China’s tourism industry is heading toward high-quality development amid diversifying and expanding market demand, said an industry report.
They are willing to pay more for cultural…
Scotch delights: ASVA makes history by appointing woman to top job
Susan Morrison, chief executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, has been appointed as the new chair of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), the body…
Transforming future of Saudi’s hotel market
The third annual edition of the Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC) will be held from 21-22 January 2020 at Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel in Riyadh. It will bring…
China sees 670 million cross-border trips in 2019
Border inspection agencies across China saw 670 million entry and exit trips in 2019, an increase of 3.8% from the previous year, figures from the National Immigration Administration…
Nordic tourism to GCC worth USD 810 million by 2024
Nordic tourists travelling to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland are expected to generate an estimated USD 810 million in travel and…
World’s most punctual airlines revealed
The results of OAG Punctuality League 2020 have revealed a comprehensive ranking of the world’s largest airlines and airports for on-time performance (OTP).
Garuda Indonesia takes the…
Film forum celebrates sustainable tourism in Asia
The 2nd Asia Destination Film Forum 2020 is calling for submissions for the Asia Destination Film Awards 2020 that will be hosted in Bangkok on 30 January.
The awards will follow the…
Maldives welcomes first visitor of 2020
With the beginning of a new decade, the Maldives welcomed the first visitor of 2020 at Velana International Airport. The lucky winner, Mohamed Alamer from Bahrain, arrived in Maldives…
India’s commercial airline fleet grew 29% in 2019
Despite Jet Airways, with its fleet of 123 aircraft, shutting down operations in 2019, the year saw India’s fleet of commercial aircraft growing by nearly 29%. From 520 in 2018, the…
Global Tourism Resilience Centre arrives in Nepal
Jamaica minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has welcomed the opening of the latest Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre outpost in Nepal.
The mission of the…
Visit Malaysia 2020 kicks off
Malaysia ushered in the New Year and celebration of the Visit Malaysia Year Campaign 2020 at the highest peak of Penang. The launch event was a collaboration between the Ministry of…
Enter the Dragon: Trip.com and World Tourism Alliance reveals China inbound tourism report
The number of tourists to China saw a steady growth this year and the number of inbound trips in the first three quarters this year stood at 108.76 million, up 4.7% from the same period…
Passenger traffic rise in APAC and Middle East
Passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East recorded growth in October at 1.1% and 5.2% respectively, according to Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific.
China’s…
Luxe experiences worth USD 1.5 trillion a year
Luxury travel and the growing emphasis on experiences over things has created an ecosystem worth USD 1.54 trillion a year, a size comparable to the gross domestic product (GDP) of one of…
Foreign tourist arrivals rise by 6% in Thailand
The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand has said in a statement that tourist arrivals in the country rose 5.92% in November from a year earlier, after increasing 12.51% in the…
New Year festival at The Kelpies to kickstart Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020
The Helix, home of The Kelpies, is preparing to welcome thousands of people to its new year festival Fire & Light: 2020 Visions on 1-2 January. Produced by Jaggy Events with support…
PATA Travel Mart 2020 heads to Leshan in Sichuan, China
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2020 in Leshan, Sichuan, China from 3-6 September. The event will be hosted by the Leshan Culture,…
Abu Dhabi and Beijing strengthen tourism ties
The Department of Culture and Tourism from Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) welcomed the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau to the UAE capital, where the bureau was hosting the ‘Abu…
Macao unfolds glittery journey with light festival
Organised by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-organised by Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau and Sports Bureau, 'Macao Light Festival 2019 – Explore the…
India-Swiss air service pact to be amended
The union cabinet in India chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the protocol to amend the agreement between the Swiss Federal Council and the government of…
TAT’s “Shade of Blue Ocean” clean up
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marked the 3rd year of its “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” clean-up effort with a “Shade of Blue Ocean” activity, held on 20-21 December, 2019, at…
Kylie: “I kind of feel like a walking tourism advert for Australia”
Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue has delivered a special musical Christmas Day message to the UK as part of Tourism Australia's latest campaign aimed at enticing more Brits down under.…
Azerbaijan joins PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has welcomed the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan as its newest government member. It is the executive authority carrying out and regulating…
Maldives welcomes 1.5 millionth tourist of 2019
The Maldives recently welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist of 2019. The event was held at Velana International Airport. The 1.5 millionth tourist Marina Kazakova arrived via Aeroflot…
STAA responds positively to European Court of Justice ruling on Airbnb
The UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) has welcomed the ruling by the European Court of Justice about clarifying Airbnb’s status as an Information Society Services (ISS)…
Airline insolvency: ABTA responds following Queen’s speech
During the second Queen’s speech in just three months, yesterday – an occasion which gives you a peek into the level disruption and division in the country these days – the monarch…
ABTA: The holiday season (in numbers)
This holiday season (from 18 December 2019 to 2 January 2020), ABTA estimates that five million UK passengers are heading abroad. Millions of people will be leaving the country through the…
Harry’s Game: An in-depth interview with the Greek Minister of Tourism
Following a busy and eventful WTM in London a few weeks ago, TD had the opportunity to catch up with Greece’s Minister of Tourism, Harry Theoharis, to discuss over-tourism, market…
ABTA launches second edition of ‘Animal Welfare Guidelines’
ABTA has launched the second edition of its Animal Welfare Guidelines, featuring new updates including revised basic welfare requirements and unacceptable behaviours.
ABTA: “Consumer confidence is essential to maintain healthy bookings”
ABTA has announced the launch of its annual 'Travel with Confidence' campaign to support the association's members’ businesses as they enter the most important booking period of the year.…
ABTA’s plans for sustainable travel and tourism: “A long-awaited solution is required”
In the run-up to the General Election ABTA is highlighting the importance of travel and tourism to the UK economy, and asking MPs to work with the industry to secure a sustainable future.…
‘What destination doesn´t want visitors who stay longer and spend more?’
Hotelbeds has today announced the global launch of its new B2B service for tourism boards and DMOs to boost incremental tourism arrivals.
The Spanish firm has already worked with more…
2020 vision: Public and private sectors come together in Phuket
Back at the beginning of November, the KataKaron Business Association made up of local hotel and resort owners organised an MOU signing afternoon to bring both public and private sectors…
“We speak the language and we love this country”: How one start-up cracked Thailand’s biggest tour guide association
Invited as a friend of the European run, Thai based global start-up iZZi guide, who were presenting their plans to evolve the world of destination management to the PGAT membership that…
ILTM Cannes: In search of ‘conscious luxury’
The world’s leading luxury travel event - International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) - will welcome more buyers and more exhibitors from across the world than ever before when the 18th…
Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions plans biggest conference to date in November
The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), which represents the interests of the visitor attractions sector in Scotland, will hold its annual two-day Autumn…
ATOL announces completion of renewals process following deadline extension
The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirms that of the 1,283 Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOLs) that originally expired on 30 September 2019, 1,182 have been granted. This announcement…
ITB China backs tourism forum
More than 3,000 delegates from 26 countries attended the 2019 World Culture and Tourism Forum in Chanba, Xi’an, China. The conference hosted by Xi’an Municipal People’s Government and…
WTTC And Aruba partner to expand biometric uses
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the government of Aruba have announced a new partnership to launch the world's first pilot programme that links aviation and…
ATM events focus on Saudi, India, China outbound
The upcoming Arabian Travel Market 2020 (ATM) in Dubai, UAE has launched a new series of buyer forums and networking events focused on India, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia’s growing…
ACI commends Australia’s productivity commission
Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific has commended Australia’s Productivity Commission for reaching the conclusion in its inquiry on the economic regulation of airports that…
American Express Global Business Travel reveals next-gen airline retailing advancements
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) announces that with the latest release of its proprietary online booking tool, Neo, it is the first travel management company (TMC) to…
US Virgin Islands hotel expansion gets boost with new law
The US Virgin Islands took another in a series of strategic moves to encourage economic development under the leadership of governor Albert Bryan, Jr. The expanded Hotel Development Bill…
Belfast to host biggest VisitBritain travel trade show
VisitBritain’s largest annual travel trade event is to be held in Northern Ireland in 2020. Belfast will stage the ‘Explore Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland’ event on 18-20 May.…
TUI Airways to operate Goa flights
UK-based TUI Airways, that operates Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, has been awarded slots at Dabolim airport, giving a big relief to the tourism industry in Goa as the carrier brings…
Preferred Hotels announces first Independent Hotel Day
Preferred Hotels & Resorts declared 22 October as Independent Hotel Day to celebrate and raise awareness of authentic and unique hotels around the world. This global movement…
Make Holidays Greener initiative reaches new heights
Almost 4,000 tonnes of waste was been tackled as part of an Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)-backed Make Holidays Greener summer sustainability push. Food and plastic were…
GBTA announces new board members
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)—the voice of the global business travel industry, announced two new members have joined GBTA’s WINiT strategic advisory board - Alison…
TAT joins Expedia Group and UNESCO to unveil sustainable tourism pledge
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Expedia Group in conjunction with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), are joining forces in an…
Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu wins accolade
Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu has been crowned by World Luxury Hotel Awards 2019 as the continent winner for best scenic environment. The annual award ceremony was hosted for the thirteenth…
Cox & Kings no longer USTOA member, ceases US operations
Cox & Kings, The Americas including its affiliate East India Travel Company – is no longer a member of the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA), the USTOA reported. USTOA also…
“The South-East Asia market is a primary focus” Ctrip to partner with Thai tourism body
Ctrip Group CMO Sun Bo and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Yuthasak Supasorn, met today to discuss a potential partnership between the two organisations, to…
TAT: “Thailand is ready to host the 2020 Global Summit of Women”
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its support for the staging of the '2020 Global Summit of Women', in Bangkok, from 23-25 April, 2020.
TAT executives, led by…
Tel Aviv to host 2020 Global Wellness Summit
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the USD 4.5 trillion global wellness economy, closed its 2019 conference by announcing that next…
Dubai airport achieves carbon accreditation milestone
Dubai International and Dubai World Central have announced that they reached an important milestone on their journey towards neutrality by achieving Level 3 (Optimisation) of the…
Let’s talk sustainable river business, says CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland has revealed its speaker line up for this year’s River Cruise Conference, taking place in Amsterdam from 10-11 November.…
TAT: Thailand gets two more ASEAN Heritage Parks
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that two of Thailand’s national parks have been designated as ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) during the recent 15th ASEAN Ministerial…
MATTA strengthens role in Penang
Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has opened a new branch office in Penang to serve its 179 company members on the popular island. Datuk Tan Kok Liang, president of…
ETOA Brexit seminar for tourism sector
European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) is hosting a Brexit seminar on the day the UK is scheduled to leave the EU if no deal has been brokered on 31 October for the travel and…
EaseMyTrip joins hands with Malaysia Tourism
EaseMyTrip has joined hands with Malaysia Tourism Board to promote the destination amongst Indian tourists and offer customised tour packages for Malaysia at attractive rates.…
Over 500 hotels in Spain affected due to Thomas Cook fall
As many as 1.3 million holidaymakers will be unable to fly into Spanish destinations this autumn and winter due to the Thomas Cook collapse. This will result in at least 500 hotels being…
World’s most disruptive sports tourism start-ups meet in Macau
The growing sports tourism sector took centre stage at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, SAR with the first 'SPORTSTECH' edition of the UN World Tourism Organisation’s Tourism…
ITB China lands pioneering partnership with Meituan
Riding on the success of three years, ITB China, the largest B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, has announced its milestone partnership with China’s leading e-commerce platform…
