TentBox research shows 40% are planning a staycation this year

 

TentBox – UK’s roof tent company – is preparing for what is likely to be a bumper year for camping and staycations. With hotels, B&Bs and even campsites experiencing surges in bookings this year the ability to drive up to a campsite with your own tent ready to go unlocks more choice and freedom.

Wizz Air to restart flights to three additional destinations from June 30

 

Wizz Air has decided to restart flights to three additional destinations from June 30 onwards, as the UK government expands the green list of countries people can travel to from England without having to quarantine. Flights will be added to Malta, Palma de Mallorca and Madeira.

Making up for lost time: Millennials and parents drive Summer travel boom

 

NEW YORK – More than a year and a half after the pandemic curtailed travel, the industry is seeing record-breaking numbers from a pent-up demand for travel. Cooped-up Americans are eager to return to travel with open arms and wallets, but who is fueling the summer travel boom? Young adults (ages 18-34) and parents with children under 18, according to a report from The Points Guy.

Qatar Airways and Alaska Airlines to Further Strengthen Partnership

 

Qatar Airways is proud to announce that it has signed a codeshare agreement with the newest member of oneworld, Alaska Airlines, further strengthening its position as the ideal choice for international passengers travelling to and from the United States. Qatar Airways will be Alaska Airlines only Middle East partner, providing seamless connectivity between the U.S. carrier’s hubs and the Gulf carrier’s global network of more than 140 destinations via the Best Airport in the Middle East, Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Israel appointed Yoel Razvozov as the new minister of Tourism

 

The Israel Ministry of Tourism announced the appointment of its new minister, Yoel Razvozov, Israeli politician and former judoka Olympian. As Minister of Tourism, Razvozov will work closely with the new government to create and execute a plan to bring both domestic and international tourism back in Israel following more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New decisions at ICAO Council's 223rd Session support aviation's recovery and development

 

Responding to a variety of recent and emerging aerospace and geopolitical developments throughout its 223rd session, which concluded yesterday, the ICAO Council realized important progress towards facilitating the aviation sector’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, towards enhancing the safety, security and sustainability of flight, and towards improving the governance of the UN’s specialized agency for civil aviation. 

The Luxury Collection debuts in Hungary with the opening of Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest

 

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, announced the opening of Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest. Owned by Özyer Group, this iconic opening marks The Luxury Collection’s debut in Hungary.

How to Identify the Toxic Diversity Orthodoxies in Your Hospitality Organization

 

Overturning these five common and deeply held beliefs about diversity at your company could make the difference between success and failure.

ITM PSD2 Taskforce publishes SCA Guidance for business travel managers

 

The Institute of Travel Management (ITM) has published a new resource ‘Preparing for PSD2’ to provide guidance for buyers on how to best to prepare their travellers and travel programmes for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) in readiness for when this component of the EU Payment Services Directive is enforced in March 2022.

Dubai Association Conference will return for its third edition on 21 February 2022

 

The Dubai Association Conference will return for its third edition on 21 February 2022, with a series of events in the lead up to maximise its impact and create platforms for associations as they explore the future of the sector. The conference will once again be hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

What are boutique hotels and why you should pick them on your travels

 

At the time of traveling, selecting the right hotel is already a core. Getting the right accommodation with the right price range and location is really crucial. The total experience of your trip depends on the hotel you are choosing.

MGM Resorts Launches 100MW Solar Array, Delivering up to 90% of Daytime Power to 13 Las Vegas Resorts

 

MGM Resorts’ Mega Solar Array is hospitality industry’s largest directly sourced renewable electricity project worldwide.

Carnival Cruise Line expands hub app

 

MIAMI – As Carnival Cruise Line guests return to cruising this summer, they will find expanded functionality of the award-winning HUB App, which will include enhanced food and beverage features, spa and shore excursion booking capabilities, virtual queuing for onboard venues, and updated health and safety information.

Bedsonline unveils latest upgrade to its market intelligence platform, The Compass

 

PALMA, SPAIN – Bedsonline, a leading global provider of online accommodation and ancillary products exclusively for travel agents, has launched the latest, upgraded version of The Compass, its award-winning market intelligence platform.

2022 Summer Schedule Announced For Rhapsody of the Seas

 Royal Caribbean International has announced the 2022 European schedule for its ship Rhapsody of the Seas. 

The vessel will set sail to the Mediterranean in May 2022 on a mix of itineraries departing Greece, Italy, Spain, and Israel.

ITB Asia 2021 to be held virtually on 25 – 29 October

 

Asia’s Largest Travel Trade Show, ITB Asia 2021, will be an all-virtual event with the physical show postponed to 2022. Messe Berlin (Singapore) announces the complete digitalisation of ITB Asia, set to go virtual from 25 – 29 October 2021. After close observations of international developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and extensive conversations with local authorities and partners, the show organisers made the difficult decision to move the show completely virtual. The decision is made as Singapore moves to Phase 3 (heightened alert)[1] where the current limit for MICE events is set at 250 attendees.

MSC Cruises Begins Construction on Most Eco-Friendly Ship Yet

 

Another MSC Cruises ship is now officially under construction.

On Monday, the cruise line marked the official start of construction for its second ship that will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) — one of the cleanest marine fuels.

US travel industry should address trust gaps in price transparency, COVID-19 safety

 

In the US, the two most important factors in building consumer trust in travel agencies and travel suppliers, such as airlines, are having ‘no hidden costs and ‘fully flexible or refundable products’.

Safely.com and OwnerRez partner to enable property owners and managers of any scale to promote safe stays

 

ATLANTA - Insurtech and guest screening solution for the vacation and short-term rental industry, Safely.com, has partnered with OwnerRez, the flexible vacation rental management platform, putting home protection at the forefront of the vacation rental management agenda. 

Cloud5 Communications delivers high-speed Internet services for Element Denver International Airport

CHICAGO - Cloud5 Communications, a leading provider of communications solutions for the world’s top hotel brands and management companies, recently completed the installation of their high-speed internet access (HSIA) solution at Marriott’s Element Denver International Airport by Westin in Colorado. The advanced HSIA network by Cloud5 ensures that the property provides the highest level of connectivity for guest satisfaction and meets Marriott’s latest Global Property Network Standards (GPNS) for Internet. 

Singapore reveals surprising plans to treat COVID like other endemic with zero transmission

 

Singapore has recently revealed a surprising plan a deal with COVID-19 like any other endemic diseases like flu and others. The country has been remarkable in its battle with the coronavirus pandemic so far and is currently planning to fundamentally change the ways of dealing with the same.

Skål Asia President: Meet candidate Andrew J. Wood

Skål Asia Vice President Andrew J. Wood announced he is to run for election for President in the 2021-2023 Skål Asia elections which takes place virtually on August 25, 2021.

Middle East executives: Leading an airline in 2021

 The Middle East has played an important role in aviation for a long time, but it has only been in recent decades that it has truly flourished. It is changing the way that people travel internationally, embracing the low-cost revolution, and adapting it to its own market needs.

Borrow A Boat buys specialist charter brokerage Helm

Britain’s leading boat hire and yacht charter marketplace, Borrow A Boat, has acquired high-end charter brokerage, Helm.

Making the most of the EU Digital COVID Certificates in aviation:Recommendations and guidance for Member States

A smooth rollout of the EU Digital COVID Certificates (DCC), notably in aviation, will be essential to restore free movement within the Union. As follows from the EU DCC Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2021/953 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2021 on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates (EU Digital COVID Certificate) to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Regulation (EU) 2021/954of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2021 on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates (EU Digital COVID Certificate) with regard to third-country nationals legally staying or residing in the territories of Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic.), verification of the EU DCC before, during or after travel is not required.

Global hotel demand uptick tussles with competing costs

 

With the global pandemic showing some signs of relent, the collective hotel industry is reaping the reward, as travelers get back on planes or hit the road for a well-needed break from work-from-home monotony and Netflix overload. The hotel industry is happy to welcome them back, but a continued revenue shortfall - the product of some segments still not returning with gusto, such as corporate and group - complemented by expense creep and an all-too-difficult labor market, are having consequences on the bottom line.

Garuda Indonesia certified with highest level 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating

 

Garuda Indonesia has been Certified with the highest level 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, becoming one of just eight airlines in the world to currently achieve this top recognition. The Skytrax COVID-19 Airline Safety assessment is now regarded as a worldwide benchmark for evaluating COVID-19 safe air travel.

AmaWaterways announces groundnreaking partnership with ancestry

 

Luxury river cruise innovator AmaWaterways announced a new partnership with the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, Ancestry. The groundbreaking collaboration provides a unique opportunity for guests to discover details pertaining to their specific family history while enjoying the incomparable river cruise experience that AmaWaterways is known for.

Norwegian trials Amadeus document verification technology to create a smoother passenger journey

 

As an increasing number of travellers return to the skies, verification of health records at departing, in-transit and arriving destinations will become a time-consuming part of the passenger experience. That’s why Norwegian has deepened its partnership with Amadeus to pilot Traveler ID's digital health verification capability. 

SWISS presents its new Premium Economy Class

 

SWISS yesterday unveiled its new Premium Economy Class, which will supplement its existing Economy, Business and First classes of travel from the fourth quarter of this year. SWISS Premium Economy Class travellers will enjoy greater privacy and enhanced inflight comfort, a major contributor to which will be the newly developed fixed-backshell seat.

Routes Americas officially handed over to San Antonio

 

As the only air service development event that unites airline decision-makers across the entire region, hosting the event will provide the city with a unique platform to increase connectivity to the destination and showcase the $1 billion capital improvements it has made to enhance its reputation as a premier meeting destination.

Saudi Arabia contemplating building an airport in Riyadh

 

Saudi Arabia is thinking of building an airport in Riyadh, to cater to its huge increase in tourist arrivals in recent times.

ACI: Industry partnership delivers support for airports in fighting wildlife trafficking

 

Airports Council International (ACI) World has today published guidance for airports in combatting the global illegal trade of protected species of wild animals and plants. 

BELLINI TO DEBUT AT THE BEATRICE

 

Paolino Properties has revealed the upcoming opening of The Beatrice—a new boutique hotel located in downtown Providence’s bustling historic district, scheduled to open in late summer.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre steers mega vaccination drive

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre demonstrates its worth as an infrastructure asset to the city and community of Kuala Lumpur, commencing as a mega vaccination centre from 7 June 2021 in line with the government’s National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) and has the capacity of vaccinating a maximum of 8000 vaccinees daily.

A throne far too small for three: The title race in the Portuguese League

 The Portuguese league is somewhat considered as a farmer's league, in the sense that it is a gateway to many players from the east or from the Americas to become accustomed to the European style of play and tactical nuances. The Top-3 teams, Futebol Clube do Porto, Sporting Clube de Portugal and Sport Lisboa e Benfica, are the sharks of this rather small pool and, at this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will get to wear the crown after the upcoming season.

Hilton Honors Serves Up Elite Daily Food & Beverage Credit Benefit in the U.S.

MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Honors, the guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands, will begin rolling out a Daily Food & Beverage (F&B) Credit in the United States in July, adding flexibility and choice to an evolved elite dining benefit for Gold and Diamond members. 

Celebrity Cruises and Park West Gallery Return to the Seas with the First Voyage of Celebrity Apex

The world's largest art dealer kicked off the return of its cruise ship art program with a luxurious VIP cruise of the Greek Islands

Through COVID-19 and beyond: STB, PCMA and UFI launch white paper to reimagine the future of business events

 

SINGAPORE – Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) have partnered to launch a white paper titled “Reimagining Business Events – Through COVID-19 and Beyond”.

Estonia removes quarantine for UK travellers only

 

Estonia published the movement restriction guidelines, which will enter in force from June 28.  According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the travellers should be aware that countries, regardless of being a country of transit or destination, may introduce restrictions at short notice in order to maintain the further spread of the new strains of Coronavirus.

Boris Johnson: No early relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in UK

 

UK has reported another 14,876 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,732,434.

Sports Tourism is back! The schedule of the Authentic Marathon Swim

 

ATHENS – The most historic swimming event in Greece, the Authentic Marathon Swim, which opened the road for the organization of safe sports tourism events last year, returns this year with all the necessary health & safety measures and will be held with utmost safety, on July 2-4, 2021, at Pefki Evia of the Municipality of Istiea- Edipsos.

2021 Best US Cities to Celebrate Fourth of July

 

People are more likely to gather together for the holiday this year, whereas social distancing was the norm last year.

48 million Americans will travel 50+ miles from home for the 4th of July.

Hotels given free innovative tool to optimize content distribution to online directories

 

LONDON, UK - Fornova, the hospitality intelligence solutions provider long recognized for its leading rate integrity and business intelligence management platform, has developed a free tool to help hotels tackle content disparity - where a hotel’s inconsistent listings across internet databases can result in reduced online visibility and damaged credibility.

Extremely high risk: Hong Kong bans all passenger flights from UK

As Hong Kong seeks to curb the spread of new variants of the COVID-19, SAR authorities classified the UK as “extremely high risk“.

First Dive Grand Bahama Event with sharks and shipwrecks set for July 19-23

 

Grand Bahama Island, known for its award-winning beaches, spectacular dives and amazing sea life, has just added the first-ever Dive Grand Bahama Event, which is slated for July 19-23, 2021, in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Switzerland eases entry restrictions from Third Countries and Schengen Area

 

The Swiss Federal Council recently approved a proposal to relax Switzerland’s entry requirements for tourists arriving from the Schengen Area and third countries. Therefore, travellers reaching Switzerland from any of the Schengen Area countries are no longer required to go through quarantine. Vaccinated travellers from these countries are also exempted from the requirement of producing negative COVID-19 test results.

Airport Dimensions and Swissport have completed a deal to acquire No1 Lounges business

 

Airport Dimensions, a global leader in travel and passenger experiences and market leaders in the US with its The Club brand, has reached an agreement with joint venture partner Swissport, owner of Aspire, a leading global lounge and global aviation services company, to acquire the No1 Lounges business through our joint venture SwissportALD.

Disneyland Paris reopens for visitors

 

One of the popular theme parks around the world, Disneyland Paris has reopened for visitors.  The theme park is welcoming visitors back again after being forced to close their doors due to Covid-19.

Lufthansa strengthens its premium hub in Munich

 

Munich Airport is Europe's only 5-star hub for years and is popular among Lufthansa passengers, globally, not only as of the gateway to Bavaria but as a leading, premium airport offering an inspiring travel journey.