Category: Latest Travel News

London, United Kingdom, January 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC is implacably opposed to quarantines as while protecting the public is paramount, there needs to be a balance struck between health and economic priorities.

“These latest government proposals, to impose a 10-day hotel quarantine on those UK inbound travellers originating from so-called ‘high-risk’ countries, will still cause enormous damage to the Travel & Tourism sector.

“We firmly believe testing on departure and arrival for all travellers is the only way to halt the spread of the virus in its tracks, while still allowing negative testing passengers to travel in safety and restore international mobility. We will continue to urge the government to abandon ineffective and highly destructive quarantines.

“The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and many other major international organisations do not recommend quarantines, as they are an ineffective public health measure. Community transmission poses a far greater peril than international travel.

“The government must be transparent about the metric used to label a country as ‘high risk’. It is also vital we have a clear exit strategy and more details on its testing on arrival policy, which was introduced just last week.

“Together, these will enable travellers, holidaymakers and businesses across the Travel & Tourism sector to be confident there is a clear road map for the return of international travel.”

Geneva, Switzerland, January 28, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / On a day where 61 senior business leaders announced their commitment to the Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics – a set of environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics and disclosures – world leaders called for greater collaboration and issued warnings of the perils awaiting if we do not.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called for a “Paris-style agreement for biodiversity”, laying out in stark terms the economic and social risks of failing to protect a high-functioning biodiverse ecosystem. She warned that issues – ranging from climate change and the pandemic to the lack of social media governance – pose a challenge to democracy, showing the “limitations of the old ways of working”.

According to von der Leyen, the global push to create a vaccine – something that was achieved in 10 months rather than over several years – reveals what happens with “pooled resources, shared expertise, manufacturers working together and government finance”. The European Commission president urged greater collaboration, arguing that we need to understand that “it is not weakness to reach and help each other, but strength.”

Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany, reflected on how the “pandemic has left deep imprints on economies and our societies,” and will “determine how we live and do business in the next few years.” She focused on multilateralism and collaboration, arguing that the pandemic has shown “how much we are interlinked, how globally interdependent,” warning that “trying to isolate yourself fails.” Reflecting this, the German chancellor announced that “this is the hour of multilateralism,” which for her means greater transparency in global relations, as well as better supporting developing nations. Merkel declared that “development cooperation is in our national interest.”

Like a number of the speakers, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, used the word “vulnerable” to describe the human condition. He argued that the pandemic has shown that the “capitalist model can no longer work” and suggested that “we can’t build anything without reaping the benefits and learning the lessons of COVID-19.” Macron placed humans at the centre of this, saying: “You cannot think ‘economy’ without thinking about human beings,” adding that it will only be possible to address the pandemic with an economy that fights inequality.

Considering the economy of tomorrow, the French president said that in addition to considering innovation and humanity, it would have to build competitiveness while also fighting climate change and reducing CO2 emissions. He urged companies to play a role in fighting inequality in society and to take responsibility for mitigating the effects of climate change, and stressed how French businesses are already working hard to establish clear ESG metrics.

In an early morning special address, Cyril M. Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, set the tone for the day, describing how the economic challenges presented by COVID-19 had sped up the process of restructuring his nation’s economy. “The issue of collaboration, of working cohesively, has underpinned the plan,” he said. He argued that people rather than COVID-19 have created the challenges now faced, perhaps exemplified in the over-ordering of vaccines by wealthier nations leaving poorer countries and their populations facing shortages. He was, however, positive about future collaboration among African countries, describing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as “a revolutionary, sea change initiative … possibly the most important initiative the African continent has undertaken.”

Ramaphosa used his address to call on countries that have bought up large supplies of vaccines for COVID-19 to release the excess. He said that a vaccine acquisition task force had been created, but that its work had so far only been marginally successful. Speaking in a related session, John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), warned of a second aggressive wave of COVID-19 in the region and, underlining the South African president’s comments, said: “We as a continent must recognize that vaccines will not be here when we want them so we must focus on the public health measures that we know work while we’re waiting.”

About The Davos Agenda
The Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilization of global leaders aimed at rebuilding trust to shape the principles, policies and partnerships needed in 2021. A full week of global programming is under way, dedicated to helping leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery over the next year. Heads of state, chief executives, civil society leaders and the global media are participating in almost 100 sessions spanning five themes.

Madrid, Spain, January 28, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping by 74% according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Destinations worldwide welcomed 1 billion fewer international arrivals in 2020 than in the previous year, due to an unprecedented fall in demand and widespread travel restrictions. This compares with the 4% decline recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis.

According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the collapse in international travel represents an estimated loss of USD 1.3 trillion in export revenues – more than 11 times the loss recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis. The crisis has put between 100 and 120 million direct tourism jobs at risk, many of them in small and medium-sized enterprises.

While much has been made in making safe international travel a possibility, we are aware that the crisis is far from over

Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, many countries are now reintroducing stricter travel restrictions. These include mandatory testing, quarantines and in some cases a complete closure of borders, all weighing on the resumption of international travel. At the same time, the gradual rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to help restore consumer confidence, contribute to the easing travel restrictions and slowly normalize travel during the year ahead.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “While much has been made in making safe international travel a possibility, we are aware that the crisis is far from over. The harmonization, coordination and digitalization of COVID-19 travel-related risk reduction measures, including testing, tracing and vaccination certificates, are essential foundations to promote safe travel and prepare for the recovery of tourism once conditions allow.”

Recovery outlook remains cautious

The latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey shows a mixed outlook for 2021. Almost half of respondents (45%) envisaged better prospects for 2021 compared to last year, while 25% expect a similar performance and 30% foresee a worsening of results in 2021.

The overall prospects of a rebound in 2021 seem to have worsened. 50% of respondents now expect a rebound to occur only in 2022 as compared to 21% in October 2020. The remaining half of respondents still see a potential rebound in 2021, though below the expectations shown in the October 2020 survey (79% expected recovery in 2021).  As and when tourism does restart, the UNWTO Panel of Experts foresee growing demand for open-air and nature-based tourism activities, with domestic tourism and ‘slow travel’ experiences gaining increasing interest.

Looking further ahead, most experts do not to see a return to pre-pandemic levels happening before 2023. In fact, 43% of respondents point to 2023, while 41% expect a return to 2019 levels will only happen in 2024 or later. UNWTO’s extended scenarios for 2021-2024 indicate that it could take two-and-a-half to four years for international tourism to return to 2019 levels.

All world regions affected

Asia and the Pacific (-84%) – the first region to suffer the impact of the pandemic and the one with the highest level of travel restrictions currently in place – recorded the largest decrease in arrivals in 2020 (300 million fewer). The Middle East and Africa both recorded a 75% decline.

Europe recorded a 70% decrease in arrivals, despite a small and short-lived revival in the summer of 2020. The region suffered the largest drop in absolute terms, with over 500 million fewer international tourists in 2020. The Americas saw a 69% decrease in international arrivals, following somewhat better results in the last quarter of the year.

Geneva, Switzerland, January 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / On 1 January 2021, the African Union launched the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s biggest free trade area and Africa’s most ambitious and recent effort to liberalize trade. The World Economic Forum’s Connecting Countries and Cities for Regional Value Chain Integration – Operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) released today analyses the impact that COVID-19 has had on Africa’s supply chains.

Developed by the World Economic Forum’s Regional Action Group for Africa in partnership with Deloitte, the report provides policy advice for accelerating the expansion of regional value chains in emerging manufacturing economies such as the automotive industry.
The paper is part of a series investigating five ways to drive economic recovery and build resilience in the context of the AfCFTA Agreement, namely:

• New financing models for rapid recovery
• Unlocking manufacturing to mitigate global supply chain risks
• Leveraging integration and regional value chains
• Revitalizing infrastructure and connectivity
• Scaling up digital transformation and inclusive innovation

“The African Continental Free Trade Area holds immense potential for the social and economic development of Africa. Renewing the rules of trading will facilitate better cooperation to boost growth, reduce poverty and broaden economic inclusion,” said Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum. “This timely report of the Regional Action Group for Africa presents detailed insights and recommendations on how to advance public-private collaboration on regional integration, with a view of deepening and strengthening regional value chains.”

“It is perhaps the most ambitious free trade project since the creation of the World Trade Organization itself. Actively promoting trade liberalization to encourage new areas of growth is a pragmatic response to the reduction in global trade due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will position Africa as an enhanced destination for investment from multinationals”, said Martyn Davies, Managing Director of Emerging Markets at Deloitte Africa. “Although the continent can do little to counter the global forces inclining towards deglobalization, it can embrace a self-supportive regionalism through enhanced intra-African trade.”

Insufficient and inert inter-linkages between African economies have exacerbated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continent’s supply chains. Yet, from local production of essential products to improving port and customs efficiencies – often flagged as a challenge in Africa – the response to the pandemic illustrated how meaningful impact is created through collaborative efforts. Successfully implemented, current efforts by the African Union will stimulate trade as well as deepen and create new regional value chains in Africa. Lessons learned should be applied to improving production capabilities in other industries so that economic and trade benefits can be realized.

The paper places emphasis on the automotive sector as a case study as advances in that industry have the potential to set the tone and pace for other sectors to mobilize and create stronger integrated regional value chains. The industry is on the cusp of an evolution, with advances in electric and autonomous vehicles and transformations in mobility, but as Africa builds its automotive industry, it should focus on development that promotes innovation and drives adoptions that will be sustainable for the growth and development of the sector.

About the Regional Action Group
In response to the existential crises posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Economic Forum launched the Regional Action Group for Africa (RAGA) in April 2020, with an objective of urgently tackling the unfolding health and socio-economic crisis in the region, and jointly chart and shape recovery efforts. RAGA includes 52 active community members.

About The Davos Agenda
The Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilization of global leaders aimed at rebuilding trust to shape the principles, policies and partnerships needed in 2021. It features a full week of global programming dedicated to helping leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery over the next year. Heads of state, chief executives, civil society leaders, and global media will actively participate in almost 100 sessions covering five themes.

About Deloitte
Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services. Our global network of member firms and related entities in more than 150 countries and territories (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”) serves four out of five Fortune Global 500® companies.

London, United Kingdom, January 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC urgently calls upon the UK government to extend the furlough scheme for those employed in the beleaguered Travel & Tourism sector.

“Without it and a comprehensive support package for businesses up and down the country which have been devastated by the pandemic,  the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector could be brought to its knees.

“International travel will all but wiped out and according to WTTC analysis, the UK economy could lose a staggering £380,000 every minute – or almost £548 million every day.

“The government has a duty to share its own economic impact assessment, so we fully understand the effect these measures will have on the sector and the wider economy.

“If the UK is to have any hope of reviving the economy after the pandemic, we have to protect a sector which will be instrumental in kick starting it.”

Malaga, Spain, January 29, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The 2021 Skal International Executive Board has met for the first time on a virtual meeting to kick start Y-2021 with a new set of goals. The Members of the Skal International Executive Board for 2021 are Bill Rheaume, World President from Skal Canada; Burcin Turkkan, Senior Vice President from Skal USA; Fiona Nicholl, Vice President from Skal Australia; Juan Ignacio Steta Gandara, Director from Skal Mexico; Marja Eela-Kaskinen, Director from Skal Finland; Denise Scrafton, ISC President from Skal Australia and Daniela Otero, CEO from Skal Spain.

The International Executive Board of Skal will prioritise and focus on supporting collective passion for Skal and tourism by furthering global partnerships, developing relationships, increasing awareness and influence through tourism industry events to increase Skal membership value.

“As I begin my term as Skal International World President, we still face the daunting task of keeping member engagement and interest high while the Tourism Industry slowly recovers from the devastating outcome of COVID and resulting lockdowns and travel restrictions. The Executive Board is committed to supporting that recovery in every way possible and promoting Skal membership values when the importance of community support is so necessary.’ said Bill Rheaume, World President, Skal International.

“Now, with vaccines available, there is finally some light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Our industry must be ready to support the travel companies, airlines, and hoteliers as they fight to survive this unexpected downturn,” he added.

In 2021 Skal international will continue to work closely with the UNWTO as Daniela Otero, CEO of Skal International, is an affiliate board member. The organization will also continue close collaboration with other partner associations such as WTTC, PATA, IIPT, The Code, ECPAT, ICTP, and Sustainable Travel Association.

“Governments, organisations, businesses, and ultimately all of us will need to invest the next few months in more training focused on recovery. Working together and collaborating has been, and will continue to be, vital,” said Daniela Otero, CEO of Skal International.

During 2020, Skal International, like every other association worldwide, conducted its meetings in various online platforms as virtual meetings or, in some cases, using the hybrid format. In 2021, this will continue to be the norm for the first 4-6 months. “Our goal in 2021 will be to maximise the visibility of Skal International globally while maintaining an effective and progressive communication internally. We will establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy, develop a brand voice, and maintain brand integrity across all platforms. We plan on using multiple social and digital media platforms to maximise our presence within the Travel and Tourism Industry”, said Burcin Turkkan, Senior VP responsible for PR/ Communications and Digital Media.

As the first International association adopting the Digital Transformation as of 2018, Skal International has technologically advanced platforms to allow its members to do business virtually using these platforms. “As we are at the second phase of the Digital Transformation, we are working on introducing more advanced technologies and innovative platforms to our global membership,” said Fiona Nicholl, Vice President of Skal International.

Skal International is planning on meeting in October 2021 with its global membership at the Annual Skal International World Congress in Quebec City, Canada. This event could be one of the first global travel and tourism industry meetings after the pandemic. The Congress has an extensive program including B2B events, workshops, guest speakers, welcoming members and non-members from the global travel and tourism Industry.

Skal International is the world’s largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business, and Friendship worldwide since 1934. Its members are Directors and Executives of the Tourism sector who relate to each other to address common interest issues, improving a business network, and promoting destinations.

Beijing, People Republic of China, January 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Chinese President Xi Jinping called for both greater global efforts in the fight against an unprecedented public health crisis and a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation, in a special address on Monday to business, government and civil society leaders taking part in the World Economic Forum’s virtual event, The Davos Agenda.

“The pandemic is far from over and the recent resurgence in COVID cases reminds us that we must carry on the fight,” Xi said. “There is no doubt that humanity will prevail over the virus and emerge even stronger from this disaster.”

“We should stay committed to keeping up with the times instead of rejecting change. Now is the time for major development and major transformation.”

Xi outlined several objectives required for a better future. They include the need to work together to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth, to close the gap between developing and developed countries as a prerequisite for global prosperity, and to strengthen global cooperation in addressing the big common challenges, namely COVID-19 and climate change.

On cooperation

“We hope these efforts will bring more cooperation opportunities to other countries and give further impetus to global economic recovery and growth,” he said.

“We have been shown time and again that to beggar thy neighbor, to go it alone, and to
slip into arrogant isolation will always fail. Let us all join hands and let multilateralism light our way toward a community with a shared future for mankind.”

“Zero sum game or winner takes all is not the philosophy of the Chinese people.”

“We should stay committed to international law and international rules, instead of seeking one’s own supremacy”

On climate

“We need to deliver on the Paris Agreement on climate change and promote green development,” he said. “We need to give continued priority to development, implement the Sustainable Development Goals, and make sure that all countries, especially developing ones, share in the fruits of global development.”

Xi reiterated China’s commitment to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promoting a green, low-carbon way of life and production, and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

“The earth is our one and only home. To scale up efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development, bears on the future of humanity.”

On the economy

“Despite the trillions of dollars in relief packages worldwide, global recovery is rather shaky and the outlook remains uncertain. We need to focus on current priorities, and balance COVID response and economic development. Macroeconomic policy support should be stepped up to bring the world economy out of the woods as early as possible.”

On COVID-19

Containing the coronavirus is another pressing task for the international community, he said, stressing that closer solidarity and cooperation, more information sharing and a stronger response are what is needed to defeat COVID-19. He said China is committed to sharing its experience with other countries and assisting those less prepared for the pandemic and work for greater accessibility to COVID vaccines in developing countries.

On globalization

He also said China will continue to promote economic globalization and advance technology and innovation, and is committed to following through on its policy of opening up and continuing to promote trade and investment liberalization.

On technology

“Science, technology and innovation is a key engine for human progress… China will create an open, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory scientific environment that is beneficial to all.”

Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum’s Founder and Executive Chairman, thanked China for taking an active part in global efforts to combat COVID-19 and to implement the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

“2021 will be the critical year to re-establish trust in our ability to shape our common future in collective and constructive ways,” Schwab said. “We must win the fight against the virus, we must reinvigorate global economic growth and make it more robust, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, and at the same time, we must accelerate the transition to a net zero economy.”

He added: “We must come together to ensure that we capture the moment and move into the age of collaboration to build a better world.”

About The Davos Agenda
The Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilization of global leaders aimed at rebuilding trust to shape the principles, policies and partnerships needed in 2021. It features a full week of global programming dedicated to helping leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery over the next year. Heads of state, chief executives, civil society leaders and the global media will actively participate in almost 100 sessions spanning five themes.

Fort Worth, Texas, United States, January 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The app is for all passengers flying on American’s international routes into the US. American Airlines has become the first US airline to roll out a “health passport” app for inbound international travelers from all destinations it serves, a move the airline believes will help it support international flying as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

“American is expanding access to the VeriFLY app in support of the US government’s requirement that all passengers two years of age and older traveling to the United States from any international location test negative for COVID-19 within three calendar days of departure,” the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)-based airline said in a statement.

American Airlines VP of customer experience Julie Rath added: “We’re expanding our work with VeriFLY to quickly evolve our usage of the app and make international travel easier for our customers.”

“We support the implementation of a global program to require COVID-19 testing for travelers to the United States, and we want to do everything we can to make travel a seamless experience for customers.”

VeriFLY was developed and is managed by the biometric authentication solutions provider Daon. After creating a secure profile on the VeriFLY app, Daon verifies that the customer’s data matches a country’s COVID-19 requirements and displays a pass or fail message. “This simple message streamlines the check-in and documentation verification process at the airport before departure,” American said. “The app also provides travelers with reminders when their travel window is coming to a close or once their credential has expired.”

American already uses the VeriFLY app for outbound passengers traveling from the US to several countries including Jamaica, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. “To date, thousands of American Airlines customers have traveled using the app,” American noted.

First published at RoutesOnline.com

London, United Kingdom, January 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO: “The latest expected announcement from the UK government, which will force UK arrivals to quarantine in a hotel for up to two weeks at their own cost, will be yet another crushing blow to the ailing UK Travel & Tourism sector.

“After months of forced quarantines post travel, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest it works. Even the government’s own figures show quarantines have not proved to be effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

“The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said forcing air travellers to quarantine is not recommended and is not an effective public health measure. Community transmission poses a far greater peril than international travel.

“The UK Government has put in place a risk avoidance strategy – at huge social and economic cost to the country – when it could and should be more effective by managing the risk instead.

“WTTC believes the only way to revive international travel is for the wholesale introduction of an internationally recognised testing scheme on departure and arrival. This would avoid exporting the virus and enable the free movement of travellers, while observing common sense hygiene protocols such as mask wearing and social distancing.

“No inbound British or international traveller would want to embark on a trip knowing they’d face this disruption and be forced to pay for an additional two weeks in a hotel upon arrival, just to satisfy an unnecessary and unhelpful quarantine, which will do nothing to curb COVID-19.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

“International arrivals spend was over £28bn in 2019. So, the longer we delay the restart of international travel, the more profound will its loss be upon the UK economy and further set back its recovery from this punishing pandemic.”

Geneva, Switzerland, January 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged all branches of the European Union to support an initiative from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to agree a common digital European COVID-19 vaccination certificate that would enable those who are vaccinated to travel freely within Europe without COVID-19 testing.

In an open letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and copied to key policy-makers across the EU, IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac called on EU States to coordinate a policy that would see Europe safely gain the economic and social benefits of renewed freedom of movement, beginning with those who are vaccinated.

”Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ initiative should be urgently adopted by the Commission and all member states. Vaccination is a fundamental key to safely reopening borders and stimulating economic recovery. A pan-European mutually recognized vaccination certificate would be an important step towards giving governments the confidence to safely open their borders, and passengers the confidence to fly without the barrier of quarantine,” said de Juniac.

The Greek proposal is for a harmonized vaccination certificate that could contribute “to the re-establishment of mobility on a global scale, which is the foundation for re-establishing economic activity to pre-crisis levels.” The requirement for a harmonized safe aviation restart is more urgent than ever in the face of renewed lockdowns and travel restrictions across the world.

As the virus comes eventually under control, testing capacities improve and the vaccinated population grows, de Juniac stressed the need for governments to prepare for re-establishing the freedom of movement with well-coordinated planning. That planning should use the most effective combination of vaccination and testing capabilities.

“We are in very dark days of this pandemic. But the tough measures taken combined with accelerating vaccination programs must give us hope that we can safely re-establish the freedom of movement. That will save jobs, ease mental anguish, re-connect families and revive the economy. To do this safely and efficiently, planning is key. Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s proposal for vaccine certificates will be a key enabler. Progress on eliminating or reducing quarantines can be made with testing protocols. But what we need now is for governments to start working together much more effectively. Unilateral government actions were able to quickly dismantle global connectivity. Re-building will need coordination,” said de Juniac.

The EU Heads of State meet on Thursday 21 January and Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ proposal will be on the agenda. It is hoped they will direct the Commission to take action and develop a common certification.