Tourism

Thailand Plans to Open Borders to International Tourists

Thailand’s plans to reopen to international tourists are gaining momentum as the country has successfully controlled the second wave of the virus. Last week, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha ordered officials to review the vaccine passports for international travel after signaling that the tourist-reliant country is prepared to scrap the two-week quarantine for vaccinated visitors. […]

Tourism

US Travel urges Paycheck Protection Program fixes

Leisure & Hospitality currently accounts for nearly 40% of all U.S. unemployment, and the industry’s recovery is projected to take as long as five years without decisive federal action US Travel is calling on Congress to prioritize enhancements to the PPP as a critical element of economic relief from the pandemic The PPP has proven […]

Tourism

Gulf Air steps up its retailing capabilities

Gulf Air achieves NDC Level 4 certification from the International Air Transport Association Gulf Air obtains IATA NDC Level 4 certification Gulf Air partners with Dubai based TPConnects to launch a full-fledged IATA NDC-enabled Distribution Gulf Air capitalizes on revenue opportunities, increases loyalty and improves overall customer experience Gulf Air, the national carrier of the […]

Tourism

US tourism industry to recover for years

US travel agencies and tour operators 2021 revenue to hit $63.5 billion, $530 million less than in 2019 Before the pandemic, the US travel agencies and tour operators market witnessed impressive growth, with revenues rising from $42.6 billion in 2012 to $64 billion in 2019 COVID-19 triggered the biggest travel and tourism market contraction in […]

Tourism

Airlines urged to provide refunds, extend voucher deadlines for pandemic-canceled flights

Millions of Americans who booked flights in good faith in 2020 were prevented from flying because of government lockdowns and safety concerns brought on by a once-in-a-century global pandemic Consumer Reports & PIRG urge airlines to provide full refunds for flights canceled during pandemic as voucher expiration dates approach Groups call for airlines to extend […]

Tourism

How the UN wants the World to reopen for tourism?

Tourism remains in lockdown, at least in 30% of all known tourism destinations. The UNWTO wants travel relaunched in a safe and responsible way One third of the world is closed when it comes to tourism Destinations are getting frustrated and are opening. Is this a wise move? UNWTO response to COVID is another report […]

Tourism

Czech Airlines Technics signs Base Maintenance Agreement with Air Corsica

The agreement with the French air carrier includes the performance of complex scheduled base maintenance checks and repairs based on the manufacturer and operator guidelines Czech Airlines Technics to provide Base Maintenance Services to Air Corsica aircraft Two Air Corsica Airbus A320 aircraft will undergo overhauls in the hangar located at Václav Havel Airport Prague […]

Tourism

Belize allowing vaccinated travelers to enter without testing

If passengers fail to present a negative PCR or antigen test, one will be performed at the airport at the traveler’s expense of US$50 Vaccinated travelers now can enter Belize without having to present a negative COVID-19 test Travelers must present COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card as proof that the vaccine has been administered at least […]

Tourism

China first country in the world to launch virus passport

China has launched a Green Virus Passport in the form of a health certificate program and is thought to be the world’s first known “Virus Passport.” The program includes an encrypted QR code allowing authorities of other countries to obtain health information of tourists from China. The United States and Great Britain are among countries […]

Tourism

LGBTQ+ tourism in Berlin and Milan

ITB 2021 maintained its implementation plan after the sudden cancellation last year because of the advance of COVID-19 which includes LGBTQ+ tourism. LGBTQ+ tourism will be represented in the form of an official partner of the Italian National Tourism Board (ENIT) at ITB Berlin this year. The IGLTA 2022 Global Convention in Milan is expected […]