Category: Latest Travel News

Hua Hin, Thailand, October 23, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Thailand, the active lifestyle community in Hua Hin, has come together with a series of prestigious tourism and leisure partners in the local community to launch “We Love Hua Hin” – a collaborative destination marketing initiative that will make it even more rewarding for guests to take a domestic vacation on Thailand’s glittering gulf coast.

The campaign was officially unveiled at a launch event attended by key stakeholders and official dignitaries, including Mr. Panlop Singhaseni, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Ms. Soraya Homchuen, Director for Hua Hin and Cha Am with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Mr. Tjeert Kwant, CEO of Banyan Thailand.

“We Love Hua Hin” pulls together tourism and hospitality providers in Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan province to create a complete visitor experience that incorporates luxurious hospitality, health and wellness, dining, leisure attractions and sporting activities.

The theme, initiated by Banyan Thailand, builds further on the Banyan Privilege Club, that connects members, who are manly domestic consumers, and partners who include celebrated brands such as InterContinental, Centara, Anantara, Hyatt Regency, Chiva-Som, V Villas, True Arena, Holiday Inn, Vana Nava Waterpark, Banyan Golf Club and more, with exclusive offers and promotions to suit every type of traveller.

Local residents in Thailand can book a break at Banyan Village, an exclusive community nestled in scenic countryside just 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok, or at one of the world-class hotels and resorts of the Privilege partners. Attractive packages, such as “Stay and Play” which includes villa accommodation and golf at the award-winning Banyan Golf Club, or at one of the partners, are on offer for golf lovers or ones who would like to try their hand at the game. Banyan Village is an ideal destination for Thai nationals and expats seeking a “home-away-from-home” experience. Every guest is entitled to a free membership of the Banyan Privilege Club, offering a wealth of attractive offers in and around Hua Hin.

For example, sports enthusiasts can tee-off at Banyan Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course, or take professional lessons at The Golf Academy. For those who prefer tennis or water-sports, the Banyan Privilege Club has promotions with many partners. Wellness seekers can enjoy special half- or full-day treatment packages at the world-leading retreat Chiva-Som. Health-conscious visitors are also entitled to a special registration fee at the Be Well medical centre, Banyan Thailand’s onsite clinic.

Fun escapes can be found with 15 percent off day passes at the Vana Nava Water Park, along with promotions such as tennis at the True Arena. Moreover, social guests and gourmands can discover benefits at a wide range of restaurants and beach clubs, including many of Hua Hin’s leading hotels and resorts.

“We are delighted to launch the ‘We Love Hua Hin’ campaign, along with the TAT and our esteemed local partners. It has not been an easy year for the tourism industry, but it is heart-warming to see the community coming together and collaborating in support of our beautiful destination which offers so much of what makes Thailand a global leading tourist destination,” said Mr. Tjeert Kwant, CEO of Banyan Group.

“We all have our personal reasons to love Hua Hin and it is a pleasure to express them with our members, partners and other businesses – as well as of course the government and the TAT in the greater Hua Hin region. This sense of mutual co-operation will help us to grow stronger and speed our recovery. With so many activities and attractions to discover, all within a short 2.5-hour drive of Bangkok, we look forward to showcasing the very best of Thai tourism and hospitality to new and returning visitors alike.”

To show your love for Hua Hin, book a private villa in the Banyan Village for the promotional rate of just THB 25,000 per month. To book call 032 538 888.

About Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin
Stylish, spacious and sophisticated, Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin is a spectacular residential community development nestled between the mountains and the sea near Thailand’s glittering gulf coast. Just 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok and 10 minutes from Hua Hin, our private villas come fully equipped with the latest fixtures and facilities. Investors can own their unique private residence in this exclusive estate, guests can rent one of our spacious two-bedroom pool villas for an extended vacation, dine at exceptional restaurants and enjoy activities courtesy of our Banyan Privilege card or play at one of our world-renowned Banyan Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course created by Thailand’s number one golf course architect, Pirapon Namatra.

London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, October 23, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel industry executives met at London Heathrow Airport as part of a transatlantic trial of CommonPass, a digital health pass aimed at enabling safer travel and the reopening of international borders.

Officials from Internova Travel Group, the World Travel & Tourism Council, The Commons Project Foundation, and the World Economic Forum gathered today at Heathrow after the completion of the first phase of the transatlantic trial. Phase II will be complete when industry executives, who volunteered to test the medical registry, land at Newark Liberty International Airport and disembark from United Flight 15.

Volunteers used the CommonPass health pass on their mobile phone to document their certified COVID-19 status.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, observed Phase I of the trial. She said: “We are encouraged by the successful trial of the CommonPass, and I am excited to be able to be here at London Heathrow to witness such a historic event.

“CommonPass, along with other critical measures such as a standardised international testing protocol, is key to reviving the seriously ailing global Travel & Tourism sector.”

Internova Travel Group CEO J.D. O’Hara said: “The ability to verify health information in a secure, certified manner will allow countries and regions to open borders and restart the travel industry along with the economic activity that comes with it,” said O’Hara.

Pictured, left to right, at London Heathrow Airport are: Hermann Elger, President, Sharecare; Arif Kamal, Director Revenue Management, Global Travel Collection; Gloria Guevara, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO; J.D. O’Hara, CEO, Internova Travel Group; Peter Vlitas, SVP, Airline Relations, Internova Travel Group and Jason Oshiokpekhai, Managing Director, Global Travel Collection.

Fukuoka, Japan, October 22, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its portfolio in Japan with the launch of Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami — the brand’s inaugural hotel in Fukuoka, an attractive coastal city and the largest metropolis on the island of Kyushu.

Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami is a brand-new midscale hotel located in the heart of Tenjin, Fukuoka’s dynamic downtown district. Surrounded by stylish bars and restaurants, the hotel is close to cultural sites such as Maizuru Park, Kego Shrine and the Fukuoka Art Museum. It’s the perfect place to stay for visitors who want to experience the many charms of this seafront city.

The hotel is within a walking distance from Tenjin subway station, which offers connections to Fukuoka Airport, and to JR Hakata Station, the main terminal for the Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train network.

Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami is ideal for both business and leisure travelers alike. All 236 rooms feature comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, power showers, working spaces and complimentary Wi-Fi. The onsite restaurant serves breakfast, as well as local and international dishes throughout the day, while the lounge is a relaxing spot to unwind and catch up with friends and colleagues. Guests can make use of the 24-hour business center or work out round-the-clock at the gym.

“With its sub-tropical climate and outdoor café culture, Fukuoka is one of Japan’s most livable cities,” said Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, BWH Hotel Group. “Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami will provide local and overseas guests with international-standard accommodations and amenities in a premier destination. The launch of this new hotel marks the latest phase of our Japanese development strategy as we continue to introduce our world-class hospitality to destinations nationwide.”

Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami becomes the company’s first property in Fukuoka. Across the “Land of the Rising Sun,” the company now operates more than 20 properties in major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya and Sapporo. This makes it one of the largest international hotel groups in Japan.

Best Western Rewards members can earn and redeem points at every Best Western hotel in Japan, including Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami. Not a member yet? Sign up for free at www.bestwestern.com/rewards

For more information about Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami and Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.BestWesternAsia.com

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts:
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotels^TM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio^SM  franchises.**

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

Monrovia, Liberia, October 22, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / One of the main attractions of Liberia is its coastal tourism product. In recent years, several initiatives have been undertaken to develop and diversify Liberia’s tourism product, based on the country’s natural and cultural heritage. In particular, surf tourism has been identified as a niche market that has a high growth potential in the country, with the destination of Robertsport as a site with excellent geographical features for surf tourism development in West Africa.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) and UNWTO are collaborating in a project on developing the tourism sector in Liberia with a focus on surf tourism in the Robertsport destination. The project is funded with a contribution from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), and implemented by ITC as lead agency and UNWTO as associate partner, providing technical assistance for the project components on sustainable tourism governance and marketing and promotion.

One of the project components focuses on the marketing and promotion of surf and coastal tourism, including the development of a promotional video, a website, facebook page, and other (e-)marketing activities. In October 2020, the project will undertake a rapid assessment of the constraints and opportunities to market tourism in Liberia with a view to providing guidance on the planning and development of promotional activities for tourism in Liberia.

Project stakeholders understand that the development and promotion of tourism in Liberia can only be successfully achieved if there are proper governance and management mechanisms in place for the sustainable development of tourism in coastal areas of Liberia. UNWTO has developed a methodology to assess the level of sustainable tourism governance and management in coastal destinations and to make recommendations on how to strengthen governance and management mechanisms. Based on this methodology, in the past years UNWTO fielded advisory and capacity building missions to nine coastal destinations in Africa, and published a report, titled “Sustainable Tourism Governance and Management in Coastal Areas of Africa”, documenting the main findings and recommendations from the field missions. The methodology developed and the lessons learned from the missions will be used to help evaluate and direct sustainable tourism development in Liberia.  The report will also include advice to tourism stakeholders to strengthen governance and management mechanisms for a sustainable development of tourism in the Robertsport destination.

Preparations for the project in Liberia started before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the global tourism sector. To take into account the recent developments, the project activities will also provide guidance to tourism stakeholders in Liberia on mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and accelerating tourism recovery.

London, United Kingdom, October 21, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It is very encouraging to see the door beginning to open to allow airport testing on departure. We have been calling for a rapid and cost-effective testing on departure regime at airports around the world for several months now, so this is a step in the right direction.

“Latest WTTC research shows the positive effect airport testing will have to revive international air travel, bring back jobs and resuscitate the global economy. Almost 20 million jobs across Europe could be saved, including three million in Germany, 1.93 million in the UK, 1.91 million in Italy and more than 1.5 million in France.

“That is why we support the introduction of schemes at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris, Heathrow in London and the recent trial which took place between Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and Milan Linate. We hope this will inspire other countries to follow their lead and implement similar initiatives.

“However, to save the global Travel & Tourism sector, we need a standardised international testing protocol. Full cooperation and coordination are crucial to restore seamless travel and remove ineffective and costly quarantines.

“Removing or significantly reducing quarantine times, already introduced by some countries, could restore vital international business travel, first on short-haul flights and then between important financial hubs, such as Frankfurt, London and New York and other key transatlantic services.

“With the commercial aviation sector hanging in the balance, it is more important than ever that we explore every practical avenue to speed up airport testing through targeted pilots.”

Madrid, Spain, October 21, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Consistent and harmonized travel protocols, enhanced safety measures and the protection of jobs and livelihoods are the main ingredients needed for the restart of tourism. The Sixth meeting of the UNWTO Global Tourism Crisis Committee reminded participants of the need to work together as the only means of advancing the sustainable recovery of the sector. The meeting produced a commitment to create a new UNWTO Committee on Common Safety Protocols to increase confidence in international travel, as well as firm plans for enhanced consumer protection for consumers and measures to protect jobs.

Setting the tone for the meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili made clear that, with many millions of livelihoods at stake, inaction is not an option, and that the rapid and sustainable recovery of tourism is essential.

“Strong coordination is needed to accelerate the lifting of travel restrictions in a safe and timely manner, to increase investment in systems that support safe travel, including testing on departure, and to sustain and support businesses and jobs. If we fail to address these three priorities, we will fail to restart tourism, and so fail to save millions of livelihoods”, Mr. Pololikashvili said.

This call for coordination was echoed by a diverse range of voices from the top level of politics of all global regions, including  interventions from the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Spain, Reyes Maroto; Ahmed bin Aqil Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt;  Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia;  Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism of the Maldives; Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism for Portugal and Jose Luis Uriarte, Sub-Secretary of Tourism of Chile.

Common safety protocols

Strong coordination is needed to accelerate the lifting of travel restrictions in a safe and timely manner, to increase investment in systems that support safe travel, including testing on departure, and to sustain and support businesses and jobs

At a practical level, a proposal for a new set of common travel protocols was put forward by Harry Theoharis, Minister of Tourism of Greece, and welcomed by UNWTO’s leadership and other members of the Committee. Furthermore, illustrating how safe, international travel can return, Marco Troncone, CEO of Rome Fiumicino Airport highlighted the role robust hygiene protocols and innovation can play in boosting consumer confidence.

Along the same lines, ICC Secretary-General John Denton, explained plans for a comprehensive system of testing on departure to raise consumer confidence and take away the need for quarantine on arrival. Alongside them, Adam Goldstein, Global Chairman of CLIA, and a Luis Felipe Oliveira, Director General of Airports Council International made clear the proactive measures undertaken to cruise tourism and air travel safe for both passengers and workers.

Putting people first

Just as people are at the driving force of global tourism, so too has UNWTO stressed that recovery policies must recovery be people-focused. For starters, restoring consumer trust and coherent and standardized international protocols are mutually reinforcing and critical for the return of tourism. The Crisis Committee meeting saw UNWTO announce plans for a new International Code for the Protection of Tourists. This will be the first legal framework to protect tourists’ rights as consumers, harmonizing minimum standards across different countries and ensuring the fair distribution of responsibility to tourists affecting by the pandemic among stakeholders across the sector.

A technical committee for the creation of the Code is being set up and will meet before the end of the month. Alongside this, UNWTO is working to protect jobs and help workers affected by the pandemic find new opportunities. Addressing the Committee Kamal Ahluwaila of tech company Eightfold.ai outlined the new Jobs Factory portal, launched with UNTWO in order to unite jobseekers with employers.

Harmonized travel criteria

Reflecting UNWTOs high-level relations with European institutions, the European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders addressed the Committee to outline plans to introduce common criteria for restrictions on travel across the EU. UNWTO advocated for non-EU Members to be considered part of this movement towards standardisation, particularly the common colour-coded mapping system currently being rolled out for the safe relaunch of free moment.  And reflecting UNWTO’s status as part of the wider UN response to COVID-19, ICAO Secretary-General Fang Liu, was joined by representatives from IATA, ILO, IMO the WHO and  for the virtual meeting, in addition to representation from the OECD.

About the UNWTO Global Crisis Committee

Leveraging its unrivalled status as the global leader of tourism, UNWTO united leaders from across the sector. From its first meeting, the UNWTO Global Crisis Committee has provided a platform for governments, businesses and international bodies to express their concerns and share ideas for the restart of tourism. The Committee’s composition reflects not only UNWTO’s unique influence and status as a part of the United Nations but also tourism’s importance for every global region and the sector’s cross-cutting nature. Members are drawn from all parts of the world and include government Ministers, leaders and key representatives of International Organizations and UN agencies and from tourism’s private sector.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 20, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / mu Space revealed the space technology development plan after the press conference of MoU signing between TOT and muSpace for advancement of research and development in space industry

This time is considered to be the fourth launch of payload and experimental equipment that will be delivered into space with Blue Origin on the flight of New Shepard rocket under the New Shepard Mission (NS-13). mu Space, led by Mr. James Varayuth Yenbamroong, a space and satellite industry entrepreneur and engineer revealed another space technology development plan, confirming the project to create the HTS (High Throughput Satellite).

• Currently maybe for sale, the one and only global space domain name, madeinspace.com – enquire here…

More than 40% of the materials inside the satellites are manufactured by mu Space and by domestic manufacturers using Thai technology. This satellite is expected to launch by 2024, another ambitious goal of mu Space is to become Thailand’s first foreign satellite service provider, when an Open Skies policy occurs.

The arrival of the low-orbit earth satellite or LEO satellite will be extremely beneficial and important for future communications systems. And it is also regarded as upgrading Thailand’s communication technology to be effective in order to compete with other countries.

In order to support new technologies such as 5G, Cloud storage, Online transactions, as well as security in doing business to be more complete, which makes mu Space a new alternative for Thai people, which can develop a working model in new directions. Able to meet the needs of the group of customers thoroughly while helping to make signal transmission more efficient and accessible to various areas.

And the highlight of this launch is the plan to establish a spaceship or the first small space vehicle in Thailand. Behind this plan, there are various important goals to reach.

1) Aiming to build a Data Center outside the Earth’s atmosphere. This will eliminate the major problems of creating a data center infrastructure such as to control the temperature to be more stable and it must be appropriate for the operating of the system, it must be low temperature. This will be used up to 40% of total electricity (research of Power Consumption by Subsystems), bringing the data center out to a cooler environment of -270 ° C., making it possible to eliminate the obstacles of temperature.

2) This will be the utilizing of pure energy without relying on the world energy resources and this spaceship will orbit into space and be able to receive energy of solar radiation underside of the spacecraft all the time. Able to work independently without having to lean on the world energy resources. And this causes the next consequence.

3) Safety due to the spaceships that floated in the sky and connected in a network or constellation. Making it secure from natural disasters and accidents on Earth caused by fires and floods, as well as connecting in large groups covering the entire world. This will make the connection smooth and accessible to every corner of the world.

• Currently maybe for sale, the one and only global space domain name, madeinspace.com – enquire here…

For the part of development, mu Space has begun testing the materials which are suitable for constructing. In August, there was a material strength testing by simulating a special projectile with the speed equivalent compared to the speed of space debris. With the speed over 1,100 m / s and finally be able to pass the level 3 bullet protection standard in 2020. At the moment, mu Space is preparing to construct a medium-sized factory in order to start building spaceships in 2021.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 20, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the “Delightful Colours of the River, Loi Krathong Celebrations 2020” in Ayutthaya and five unique destinations – Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak, Samut Songkhram and Roi Et – in line with the new normal practice to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

The full moon night of the 12^th lunar month this year falls on 31 October, and TAT has planned special activities in Ayutthaya and five provincial locations.

Delightful Colours of the River, Loi Krathong Celebrations 2020, Ayutthaya

29-31 October, 2020, at Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya

The event features the traditional way of Loi Krathong reflecting the glorious of the Ayutthaya era. Highlights include rare cultural performances; traditional krathong procession and fireworks display; ‘Premium Craft’ market, and performances by leading Thai artists and bands. Visitors are encouraged to wear traditional Thai costumes or fabric, and must book their participation in advance with the QueQ mobile app.

Loi Krathong Sai Festival and a Thousand Floating Lanterns 2020, Tak

31 October – 1 November, 2020 at Lan Krathong Sai by the Ping Riverside, at the foot of the Somphot Krung Rattanakosin Song Roi Pi Bridge, Tak

Highlights: The ceremony to invite the nine Royal Inaugurated Krathongs and Lanterns, each from His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn and the other eight members of the Royal Family; the releasing of the nine Royal Inaugurated Krathongs and Lanterns; the releasing of the 1,000 floating Lanterns;  the ceremony to ask for the apology and wish for a blessing from “Phra Mae Khongka” (Goddess of River); krathong sai competition, and a fair selling local products.

 

As well as Ayutthaya and the five unique destinations, TAT is also supporting the hosting of Loi Krathong 2020 events in Bangkok, including the “Chao Phraya River of Eternal Prosperity at the River Park, ICONSIAM; and the Bangkok River Festival 2020 at nine locations along the Chao Phraya River; namely, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Prayun Wongsawat, Wat Kalayanamitr, Wat Rakhangkhositaram, Tha Maharaj Pier, Lhong 1919, Asiatique the Riverfront, and Yodpiman Riverwalk.

TAT expects some 300,000 Thai tourists will visit the six locations where it is hosting the Loi Krathong celebrations generating more than 580 billion Baht for the local economy.

Madrid, Spain, October 19, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will work alongside the Expedia Group to strengthen ties between the public and private sectors and drive tourism’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them collaborate on a range of topics, with the common goal of driving recovery and making the sector more resilient and sustainable.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with representatives of the Expedia Group in Brussels, on the back of successful talks with leaders of the European Institutions. Highlighting UNWTO’s commitment to strengthening ties with the private sector, this enhanced partnership will see the United Nations Specialized Agency work more closely with the Expedia Group. Joint actions will focus on market intelligence and innovation. UNWTO and Expedia will also work together to promote entrepreneurship and professional education, and in the field of consumer protection.

From the very start of this crisis, UNWTO has been a strong advocate of close cooperation between the public and private sectors

Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “From the very start of this crisis, UNWTO has been a strong advocate of close cooperation between the public and private sectors. This enhanced partnership will help improve our knowledge of global tourism trends, allowing us to respond to new challenges and guide tourism’s recovery. It will also help us place innovation and sustainability at the heart of this recovery, ensuring tourism emerges stronger than before.”

The partnership with between UNWTO and Expedia Group will see both parties share data on tourism trends and developments, both at the global and the local scale. This will help inform decision-making, producing data-based policies aimed a tourism’s sustainable recovery and future development.

London, United Kingdom, October 19, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council is to spearhead a major global drive to revive international travel with the public and private sector working together in partnership.

Last week, G20 Tourism Ministers hosted more than 45 CEOs and Members of WTTC, who at the request of Saudi Arabia, presented their Jobs Recovery Plan to save the besieged Travel & Tourism sector and 100m jobs globally.

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

The WTTC Jobs Recovery Plan could save 65 million jobs across all G20 countries, including Spain. Regionally, Asia Pacific could save the most, with 45.8 million jobs, followed by the Americas with 20.2 million and Europe with 19.9 million.

During the historic G20 Tourism Ministers session, WTTC and its Members presented their plan to save the embattled Travel & Tourism sector and explored key initiatives to deliver the prompt recovery of the sector and save millions of lost jobs.

Following its success, WTTC is continuing to lead the response to the devastating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the struggling Travel & Tourism sector.

Now it intends to establish a structure to deliver on these goals, led by a global Steering Committee, comprised of 12 WTTC Member CEOs and other business and institutional leaders to establish an international consensus to take action.

The priorities and recommendations made by the Steering Committee, will be passed onto functional working groups for action and delivery.

These specialised working groups will address how to open up travel by creating crucial ‘air corridors’ and a globally recognised standard for an airport test and trace regime, amongst others.

In addition, a Government Affairs Working Group, will liaise with individual governments to ensure they have all the relevant data and information needed to support our efforts.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC is uniquely positioned to provide a platform at the highest level where the private and public sector can work together to help revive international business and leisure travel and save 100 million jobs globally.

“What came out of the historic G20 meeting with international business leaders was a clear consensus that only cooperation at the highest level and engagement with the public and private sector will achieve action.

“It is vital that ‘air corridors’ be restored between the world’s leading financial hubs, such as the hugely important transatlantic route between London and New York.

“Restoring these routes for international business travellers must be coupled with the agreement and adoption of globally recognised standards for a rapid, cost effective airport test and trace regime. 

“Together these will help create a safe and hygienic environment to travel and aid the beleaguered Travel & Tourism sector which continues its fight for survival.

“This in turn will act as an engine to help kickstart the economic global recovery to benefit the whole Travel & Tourism sector and millions of jobs throughout the supply chain which are dependent upon international travel.

“The economic fallout from COVID-19 continues to relentlessly burn its way through the Travel & Tourism sector. However, our plan could save 100 million jobs through strong international cooperation, removing travel barriers and introducing an international testing protocol at airports to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

“While I am encouraged by the unity and strength of purpose shown by the private and public sector at the recent G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting, there is so much at stake that we must redouble our collective efforts to save the sector together.”

WTTC will continue working with major industry bodies and global organisations, such as International Air Transport Association (IATA, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airport Council International (ACI), World Economic Forum (WEF), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), to further take forward the positive steps which have already been achieved.

WTTC has been at the forefront of leading the private sector in the drive to rebuild international travel.

Its 2020 Economic Impact Report shows how critical the Travel & Tourism sector will be to the economic recovery. During 2019, the report detailed how Travel & Tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs (330 million in total), making a 10.3% contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs.