ETOA News | April 2026

 

As we move through 2026, the latest ETOA Pulse Check highlights a tourism sector facing steady demand alongside a more complex operating environment. While appetite for travel remains resilient, businesses continue to encounter familiar challenges. Border and visa friction persists, taxes are rising and often unpredictable, and pressure on pricing and margins is growing. At the same time, constraints in connectivity, infrastructure and workforce availability are limiting growth.

IATA urges African governments to prioritise aviation for economic growth

 

ADDIS ABABA – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to prioritise aviation as a strategic enabler of economic and social development, highlighting its role in supporting long-term growth across the continent.

EU crisis aid framework offers support, but national implementation is key

 Brussels, 29 April 2026 IRU welcomes the European Commission’s new Temporary Crisis Framework targeting several sectors most affected by the energy crisis, particularly the explicit recognition of the exceptional pressures facing road transport operators. However, Member State action remains key to turning the opportunities created by the framework into real support for the sector.

Amadeus to acquire Idemia Public Security for 1.2 billion euros

 

MADRID – Amadeus announced its intention to acquire Idemia Public Security (IPS), a France-based biometrics and identity services provider, for €1.2 billion, following a competitive bidding process.

Korean Air secures Skytrax 5-star rating for sixth consecutive year

 (Seoul, April 30, 2026) — Korean Air has been recognized as a 5-star airline by Skytrax for the sixth consecutive year in the 2026 World Airline Star Rating.

Rising prices reshape Americans’ Summer travel plans

A survey by U.S. News found that 65% of Americans have altered their Summer travel plans due to rising prices, while 37% report changes linked to the political climate.

Direct LOT Polish Airlines’ flights connecting Gdansk with Brussels, Oslo and Bergen are available now

 

30 April 2026 LOT Polish Airlines has launched direct flights from Gdansk to Brussels, Oslo, and Bergen, improving connectivity in northern Poland and expanding its network of regional airports.

To go out in‘DIY Dubai’ - Emirates launches TV gameshow parody video to showcase groundbreaking retrofit programme and luxury inflight experience

 

Dubai, UAE, 30 April 2026: Emirates has launched a new video that takes a playful yet impressive look behind the scenes of its monumental retrofit programme - a $5 billion investment to completely refurbish the interiors of 219 aircraft.

Let’s connect at IMEX Frankfurt 2026

 

Heading to IMEX Frankfurt? Meet the VisitScotland Business Events team and our exhibiting partners at stand B420 from 19 – 21 May.

Newsin Brief

Walmart expands AI training program for entire workforce   (Bloomberg/Getty Images) Walmart will equip all 2.1 million of its employees with AI skills through role-specific certifications in partnership with Google Gemini and OpenAI. Integrating AI across Walmart's operations has yielded noticeable benefits, including streamlined employee workflows and enhanced customer experiences. The goal of the certification programs is to foster AI literacy across the workforce, enabling employees to integrate AI tools into their daily responsibilities and better serve customers, without causing job reductions. Full Story: CIO Dive (4/23)