Category: Latest Travel News

Geneva, Switzerland, October 1, 2020 / AIRLINEHUB / Despite the current crisis facing the global aviation industry, its commitment to pursuing sustainability remains strong, particularly as the sector starts to recover. Speaking at the Global Sustainable Aviation Forum, industry leaders reiterated that long-term climate action should be a priority alongside economic recovery in the coming years.

Executive Director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group, Michael Gill said: “Air transport is in the midst of the deepest shock in its history. We expect a reduction of up to 4.8 million jobs in the sector by the end of the year and a massive hit to our ability to connect the world. However, as we plan for the recovery of air connectivity, we also must prioritise our environmental progress.

“Our sector has a long-term climate change goal to cut CO2 emissions in half by 2050. With the right help from governments, the energy sector and technologists, we expect that global aviation will be able to hit net zero emissions a decade or so later. Some parts of the world will be able to meet this point earlier and a number of individual companies have already set goals along these lines. To achieve this will require a transition in our energy source from fossil fuel to sustainable aviation fuel, the acceleration of research and development of electric, hybrid and potentially hydrogen aircraft. It will also require a commitment to collaboration going even beyond our current levels. We have the next decade to set the scene for sustainable global connectivity for the next 30-40 years.”

Speaking about the need to focus on sustainability as part of the industry’s long-term recovery from Covid-19, the Director General of Airports Council International, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, said: “The recovery of the aviation industry will be a key driver of the global economic recovery. To ensure that aviation can continue to provide the economic and social benefits, it is crucial that we pursue a green recovery and lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable industry for the long term. Airports are central to the interconnected and interdependent aviation ecosystem. Airports and their partners in the aviation industry need the support of appropriate regulation and government policies to facilitate a green recovery and push for real change.”

Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation Director General Simon Hocquard said: “Meeting our ambitious sustainability goals continues to be of paramount importance and will only happen if everyone in the aviation system plays their part. From implementing new operational procedures to adopting the latest technologies, the ATM industry has an important role to play in improving the efficiency of aviation in the near term, before new electric aircraft technologies or zero carbon fuels come on stream.”

Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association, said: “COVID-19 has devastated the aviation industry. But we are working hard to re-connect the world safely and sustainably. We’re committed to pushing ourselves, our partners, and governments to achieve our carbon targets in a green recovery. But this is not the time for more environmental taxes that punish people for reconnecting with family or who contribute to economic recovery with business travel. For aviation, the keys to combatting climate change remain investments in carbon offsetting, sustainable fuels, and radical green technologies.”

Chair of the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations, Eric Fanning, said: “Manufacturers invest billions of dollars a year to make the next generation of airplanes even more fuel efficient, but disruption from COVID-19 will make it difficult to maintain this level of investment in research and development. Moving forward, government and industry leaders must find new ways to collaborate on funding and developing innovative technologies that will address climate change.”

Rome, Italy, October 1, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the two agencies work together to advance shared goals relating to the sustainable and responsible growth of rural tourism.

In leading the sector’s response to COVID-19 and now guiding the global restart of tourism, UNWTO has been working closely with fellow UN agencies from the start of the current crisis. This new MoU comes on the back of World Tourism Day 2020, which was celebrated worldwide around the special theme of Tourism and Rural Development. Under the agreement, UNWTO and FAO will build a framework for enhanced collaboration, including through the sharing of knowledge and resources.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This Memorandum of Understanding between UNWTO and the FAO emphasises the cross-cutting nature of tourism and the importance of cooperation at every level to ensure the sector works for everyone. Both tourism and agriculture are lifelines for communities around the world. The agreement is particularly timely as it comes as we recognize 2020 as the year of Tourism for Rural Development. This was also the theme of World Tourism Day, which we celebrated this week, highlighting the role tourism must play in providing opportunities for rural communities and driving social and economic recovery.”

Resilience, innovation and opportunity

This Memorandum of Understanding between UNWTO and the FAO emphasises the cross-cutting nature of tourism and the importance of cooperation at every level to ensure the sector works for everyone.

A central aim of the collaboration will be to increase the resilience of rural communities against social and economic shocks through growing tourism and making it both more sustainable and inclusive. Across the FAO’s GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) network of communities, tourism is a leading driver of equality, with the sector employing women and youth and giving them a stake in economic growth. Tourism is also a protector of the rich cultural heritage that characterizes many of the communities within the GIAHS network, for instance through keeping folklore and other traditions alive for future generations.

Moving forward, the new MoU states that UNWTO and FAO will work together to establish a plan for more specific areas of collaboration. Key priorities, as outlined in the agreement, include encouraging entrepreneurship within rural communities, particularly among youth and women, with the aim of providing them with access to both local and global markets for their products. Other priorities include fostering education and skills so as to provide communities with opportunities within the tourism sector.

London, United Kingdom, September 30, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / A major social media campaign has today been launched to raise awareness of  the wide-ranging social benefits of travel by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The new initiative asks travellers to think about the positive social impact that travel makes to people, places and communities dependent upon the Travel & Tourism sector for their livelihoods.

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

It also encourages people around the world to share stories of how tourism has made a difference and changed their lives.

The campaign strapline ‘Travel the world. Make a difference’, is inspired by the deeper positive socioeconomic and cultural benefits, which each and every trip can generate.

A specially made video to share the message will go online across social media platforms, asking travellers about their own journeys, which have had a profound impact on their lives and to share their stories using the hashtags #togetherintravel and #aworldofdifference.

It comes after WTTC’s drive to responsibly rekindle the wanderlust of travellers through its successful ‘Together in Travel‘ campaign earlier this year, despite the multiple global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travel gives us memories which last a lifetime and the most amazing experiences to share. But this is just half the story.

“Travel & Tourism has a hugely positive benefit upon the world, far beyond the immediate pleasure it brings to those who are able to explore and discover people, places and amazing experiences for themselves.

“As our latest campaign shows, the social impact of Travel & Tourism can transform lives of all of those who depend on this sector, alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, protect wildlife and preserve cultures and communities around the globe. It plays a vital part in achieving wider developmental goals. 

“We want to increase the awareness amongst travellers of the incredible extra benefits of travel, so they are more conscious that their actions and spending go further than they think, as well as how positive an impact every trip can have. Whilst we fully understand that many vulnerable people are unable to travel at this time, others can and will as soon as they are able to do so.

“With the immense pressures being faced by the global Travel & Tourism sector due to the current restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now more important than ever that we remind everyone, how travelling can make all the difference in – and to – the world.”

WTTC’s highly successful ‘Together in Travel‘ campaign, which was launched in April this year, just as countries had introduced widespread global travel restrictions. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world shared their stories, which generated more than 80 million impressions.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, WTTC has led the campaign to fight to save and protect the embattled Travel & Tourism sector, which will see 197 million jobs lost, if barriers to global travel, such as blanket, anti-travel advisories and quarantine measures remain in place.

According to WTTC’s latest research Travel & Tourism contributes to 10.3% of Global GDP, is directly responsible for generating one in ten of the world’s jobs and, for eight successive years, has outpaced the growth of the global economy.

Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s largest sectors, in which around 80 per cent of all businesses are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). As a powerful driver for socio-economic development and job creation, the sector plays an important role in driving prosperity, empowering women, youth and other societal groups.

It is also one of the most diverse sectors, employing people from all socio-economic backgrounds regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, and includes 53% women and 30% youth.

WTTC research shows that across the G20 group of countries, women account for nearly half of all Travel & Tourism employment and a high proportion of jobs for youths. It is highest in Canada, the US and UK where youths account for almost a third (30%) of the sector’s employment.

Revenues generated by Travel & Tourism helps improve education, housing, health and wellness for people. It also helps pay for vital infrastructure projects, such as road, rail and air links, as well as services which improve the quality of life for residents.

Get involved and share your stories using hashtags #togetherintravel and #aworldofdifference

The ‘Travel the world. Make a difference’ campaign will launch on World Tourism Day (27 Sept), and the video will be available on all social media channels including the WTTC YouTube channel.

Pattaya, Thailand, September 29, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The African gems mining-inspired resort announces its opening and reveals its introductory rates. The Gems Mining Pool Villas Pattaya sets its opening date on 14 November 2020 and reveals its introductory rates. The resort now opens for reservations through their direct channels including the hotel’s website, email, phone and social media as well as OTAs.

Situated in Pattaya, Chonburi, The Gems Mining Pool Villas Pattaya consists of 78 keys and categorized in five room types including Topaz Jacuzzi, Emerald One-Bedroom Pool Villa, Sapphire Two-Bedroom Pool Villa, Ruby Three-Bedroom Pool Villa and The Legacy Conceptual Residence with five bedrooms.

Club Amethyst Wellness Centre houses fitness centre, onsen, spa, steam, sauna and The Quartz exercise studio. Two food & beverage outlets include The Tram Restaurant Bar & Wine Cellar and The Pit Sundowner Bar offer Thai, Western and South African inspired menu. The Miner and The Explorer meeting rooms offer an event space for small to mid-sized events for up to 200 guests. The Gems Mining Pool Villas Pattaya is just 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok and a 15-minute drive from Pattaya Beach, with an easy access to Bangkok-Pattaya Motorway.

To celebrate the opening, the resort offers an Introductory Promotion with complimentary benefits including breakfast, cocktail/mocktail, The Gems Welcome Refreshment, discount at spa and restaurant, free access to Club Amethyst wellness centre with onsen, gym, steam and sauna etc, The nightly rates are priced at 3,178 Baht for Topaz Jacuzzi (93 sqm.), 4,943 Baht for Emerald One-Bedroom Pool Villa (100 sqm.), 10,005 Baht for Sapphire Two-Bedroom Pool Villa (140 sqm.) and 15,066 Baht for Ruby Three-Bedroom Pool Villa (207 sqm.) Prices are inclusive of service charge and VAT.

The additional benefits for booking 2 nights and more include complimentary lunch or dinner for Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby villas, while guests will receive a free upgrade to Emerald One-Bedroom Pool Villa when booking Topaz Jacuzzi for stays on weekdays.

The promotion is available for booking from now until 15 December 2020 and stays from 14 November 2020 until 28 February 2021. Plan your travel with a peace of mind as the promotion allows free cancellations and date change.

London, United Kingdom, September 30, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), today unveils a new report that explores the implications of the trends for each of four key Travel & Tourism stakeholders: travellers, businesses, workforce, and communities.

WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, worked closely with Oliver Wyman, a global management consulting firm, along with number of WTTC’s Members from key areas of the Travel & Tourism sector, to bring together this important body of work.

• Read all updates and latest WTTC News and Press Releases

The report emphasises the importance of taking a global coordinated approach to recovery: enhancing the current seamless travel experience, embracing the integration of new technologies and enacting global protocols for health and hygiene to ultimately rebuild the confidence of travellers.

Notably, it highlights the need for public and private sector to work together to recover the millions of jobs impacted, rebuild traveller confidence, and build the sector’s resilience.

The report stresses that, as we re-imagine the future of Travel & Tourism and explore policy recommendations, four macro-trends are expected to lead the way through recovery and beyond: demand evolution, health & hygiene, innovation & digitisation, and sustainability.

According to the report, 70% of North American leisure travellers say they would book during COVID-19 if changes were free.

Additionally, more than nine out of 10 (92%) of consumers trust personal recommendations with regards to health and hygiene, and 69% of travellers cite cleanliness as a critical component of a travel brand’s crisis response, and it is expected that travellers will continue to pay heightened attention to health and hygiene even after there is a COVID-19 vaccine.

This signifies a need for destination readiness, as consumers priorities evolve, along with the need to adopt new protocols for health and safety measures to keep up with the demand evolution we are seeing.

Digitisation has been paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the shift to remote working, as well as lockdowns around the world, there has been a rapid shift towards digitization, with people increasingly feeling comfortable with a touchless travel experience. The report reveals that it is here to stay with almost half (45%) of travellers saying they are ready to move from paper passports to a digital identity.

From widespread unemployment and anti-racism movements, to the restoration of natural habitats, the world has been reinvigorated to tackle social, environmental, and institutional sustainability. Furthermore, almost three quarters (73%) of consumers state they are taking note of brands that are making a difference during COVID-19, showing that growing attention is being paid to sustainability.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said: “This comprehensive research paves the road to recovery for the Travel & Tourism sector. While there is still work to be done, this gives us insight into how we can best approach recovery and offers a vision and hope to the sector. It is crucial that we continue to learn from previous crises and come together in a coordinated way to make a real difference in reducing both the economic and human impact.

“The economic pain and suffering caused to millions of households around the world, who are dependent upon Travel & Tourism for their livelihoods, is evident.

“We strongly believe that by working as and by taking a coordinated approach, we can beat COVID-19 and return to safe travels with world class standards of hygiene to travellers and regenerate the jobs and livelihoods of the 330 million people who worked in the sector before COVID-19.”

Matthieu De Clercq, Partner at Oliver Wyman, said “The Travel & Tourism sector already accounts already for one in 10 jobs globally, and will continue to be critical to the economic development of many economies. Creating inclusive opportunities for women, youth and minorities alike does not only make sense economically, but is also what tourists of the future want, especially post-COVID.

“It is imperative to move beyond the crisis and continue to support systemic change in the industry to enhance its resilience to future shocks and improve its positive socio-economic positive impact.”

The report offers recommendations on how the Travel & Tourism sector can ensure a more seamless recovery. These include:

• Border openings and repatriation: A harmonised approach to remove travel restrictions, with a previous risk assessment in place, as well as standardised contact testing and tracing requirements at departure
• Define common health and safety standards: The public and private sector should jointly agree on the implementation of health & safety standards across industries within Travel & Tourism.
• Strengthen worker support schemes: Provide payroll protection and wage subsidies as well as general consumer stimulus cheques and tax payment deferrals
• Incentivise travel: Introduction of consumer incentives for travel spending, starting with domestic travellers and expanding to regional and international as quickly as possible and appropriate
• Promote tourism starting with domestic and regional travel: To capitalise on the initial recovery, governments, tourism boards and organisations should direct their early marketing and promotional efforts to incentivise domestic and regional travel. Importantly, they should also prepare and provide early marketing and promotional incentives to stimulate the earliest possible regrowth and recovery of internal travel and tourism
• Extend digital infrastructure to rural destinations: Investment in digital infrastructure of emerging destinations and remote areas will be critical, as well as enhancing digital skills within local communities
• Integrate digital identities: Accelerating the adoption of digital identities and solutions will be key to maximise accuracy for health and safety protections, while reducing bias in border control and expediting the movement of passengers
• Rethink the workplace: The rapid shift to remote work will require the public and private sectors to come together to determine how to optimise the new working arrangements
• Stimulate sustainability practices: Develop and provide incentives to encourage the implementation of sustainability measures within the private sector.

WTTC has continually been at the forefront in leading the private sector in the efforts to rebuild global consumer confidence and encourage the return of Safe Travels.

According to WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, during 2019, 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.

To download the report in full please click here.

Madrid, Spain, September 30, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism’s many benefits must be felt outside of urban areas for the sector to fulfil its potential to provide opportunities for all: That was the key message of World Tourism Day 2020 as UNWTO united the global community around the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development”.

Around the world, tourism is a lifeline for rural communities, providing jobs, supporting rural businesses and protecting natural and cultural heritage. World Tourism Day 2020 emphasized the role the sector will play in helping rural areas recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and build for the future.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements

Messages promoting the day were shared by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, His Holiness Pope Francis, UNWTO’s network of Ambassadors, including Spanish football star Iker Casillas, heads of Government including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and UN agencies and international organizations, from UNESCO and ITC to the OECD and IATA.

‘A lifeline for rural communities’

Tourism has proven to be a lifeline for many rural communities, but its true force still needs to be fully deployed

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism has proven to be a lifeline for many rural communities, but its true force still needs to be fully deployed. This World Tourism Day highlighted our sector’s unique ability to reach those who would otherwise be left behind, providing opportunities for all, transforming lives and protecting the cultural heritage that makes us human.”

The celebration was hosted by the MERCOSUR nations (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile as associate member), the first time in the 40-year-history of history of the international day of observance that hosting duties have been shared.

Ministers show shared commitment

Germán Cardoso, Minister of Tourism for Uruguay, highlighted rural tourism’s importance for helping countries diversify their markets, noting it offers “sensitive and emotional experiences” for visitors alongside its benefits for the communities themselves. The Minister of Tourism for Argentina Matías Lammen noted that “tourism in South America is regional…whoever visits us usually visits more than one country”, making a joined-up approach to building a “greener future” essential. Marcelo Alvaro Antonio, Minister of Tourism for Brazil, singled out the importance of innovation and investment and the “power of ecotourism and adventure tourism”. For Paraguay, Minister Sofía Elizabeth Montiel de Afara, reaffirmed her government’s “commitment to the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, and its emphasis on working with local communities. The Under-Secretary of Tourism for Chile, José Luis Uriarte, similarly pledged to use tourism to “support rural communities suffering from the economic and social repercussions of this pandemic.”

Taking part in the round-table discussion that followed were Mario Alberto González Sanchez, Director of Mexican Secretariat of Tourism, and the Chilean chef and UNWTO Special Ambassador, Pilar Rodriguez. Joining them were Lisandro Menu-Marque, Director at Globalia, and Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Professional Adventure Travel Association and the Adventure Travel Fund of the USA.

UNWTO: Guiding recovery and rewarding innovation

UNWTO used the occasion of World Tourism Day to launch its new Recommendations on Tourism and Rural Development. The new publication outlines the key steps destinations can take to fully harness the potential of tourism to help drive social and economic recovery outside of urban areas.

Recognising the important role new ideas and technology will play in this, UNWTO also announced the winners of its Rural Tourism Innovation Competition. Organized with the Government of Spain, Google Spain and the Federation of Rural Women’s Associations (FADEMUR). The competition attracted more than 130 applications from across Spain. Almost half of applications (43%) were put forward by women. My Street Book won the prize in the Innovation category, and the winner of the prize for the start-up with the biggest social impact was Van Woow.

Yokohama, Japan, September 30, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has continued to expand its portfolio in Japan with the launch of Best Western Hotel Fino Shin-Yokohama in Yokohama, the vibrant seaport and Japan’s second largest city.

Best Western Hotel Fino Shin-Yokohama is nestled in the center of Yokohama, just five minutes’ walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station ¬¬– the main hub for Shinkansen bullet train services to Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. This newly-built midscale hotel offers 108 contemporary rooms, all equipped with sleep-inducing beds, bathrooms with power showers, working areas and complimentary Wi-Fi. Every stay will be enhanced by Best Western’s world-famous service standards.

Corporate travelers can take advantage of the 24-hour business center with professional services such as printing and photocopying. This makes Best Western Hotel Fino Shin-Yokohama the perfect choice for local or international travelers seeking comfortable, convenient and fully-connected stays in the heart of the city.

Visitors will have plenty of opportunities to head out and discover the wonders of Yokohama; the hotel’s downtown location puts the guests within reach of many local restaurants and bars, as well as attractions such as the Nissan Stadium, Yokohama Arena and Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. For those who want to explore further afield, the nearby Yokohama Subway network makes it easy to access the entire city and beyond.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to Best Western Hotel Fino Shin-Yokohama, as we continue to increase our footprint in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. This outstanding new property reflects our successful strategy of delivering intuitive international accommodation in Japan’s high-demand destinations. As one of the country’s biggest cities and part of the vast Greater Tokyo region, Yokohama holds a huge amount of potential for our brands,” commented Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, BWH Hotel Group.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts is one of the leading hospitality companies in Japan, with an extensive collection of hotels and resorts all across the country. Best Western Hotel Fino Shin-Yokohama joins a network of 20 properties nationwide, including locations in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka. It also becomes the group’s second hotel in Yokohama, joining the popular 185-key Best Western Yokohama.

Prior to the global pandemic, tourism in Japan was riding the crest of a wave. International visitor arrivals to the country reached 31.9 million in 2019, hitting a new record high for the seventh consecutive year. While the government’s target of 40 million visitors in 2020 was derailed by the global pandemic, Japan’s long-term future is bright – especially as the country remains hopeful of hosting the Olympic Games in 2021. Yokohama had been scheduled to host the baseball, softball and football events during Tokyo 2020.

With such a dazzling and diverse array of attractions, rich cultural heritage and global connectivity, Japan is a key strategic market for Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and will play an important role in the expansion of its Asian portfolio for many years to come.

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.BestWesternAsia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & 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, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay StudioSM 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.

Madrid, Spain, September 28, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Advancing digitalization will be key to adapting to the new tourism environment. The Covid-19 crisis has disproportionately affected tourism, a sector that accounts for millions of jobs around the globe. While no one can say with certainty when tourism will recover, people are starting to dream again of getaways whether closer to home or to remote destinations. As more and more people go online to search where and when they can travel, accelerating the digitalization of the tourism sector will be key to adapting to the new tourism reality.

• Updates and all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements

That is why the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Google have partnered for an online Acceleration Program for UNWTO Member States’ tourism ministers, top travel associations and tourism boards to further develop innovation and digital transformation skills.

Today, ahead of World Tourism Day, we hosted our first UNWTO & Google Tourism Acceleration Program focused on insights from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria. Tourism is the backbone of many economies around the world. As data from UNWTO shows, tourism represents 9% of global trade for Africa and 1 in 10 jobs directly and indirectly. Moreover, the sector drives inclusive growth, as women make 54% of the workforce.

“UNWTO is committed to helping Africa grow back stronger,” said Natalia Bayona, UNWTO Director of Innovation, Digital Transformation and Investments. “With the right policies, training and management in place, innovation and technology have the potential to foster new and better jobs and business opportunities for tourism in Africa while improving the overall wellbeing and prosperity of the region”.

Market intelligence and insights are more important than ever to understand consumers and drive recovery. In line with the ongoing UNWTO training programme on data and intelligence for Africa, this partnership with Google allows UNWTO to strengthen Africa’s data and digital skills” said Sandra Carvao, UNWTO Chief of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness

Africa is home to 30% of the world’s population, adding every year hundreds of millions of new online users. Google is a highly trusted partner in Africa to find relevant and reliable information, and Search is one of the places they go when researching and booking travel.

“We’re here to help the tourism sector rise up from this unprecedented crisis and emerge stronger. Our travel data insights and tools can help tourism authorities identify and understand the barriers and drivers to visit travel destinations for better tourism planning.” said Doron Avni, Google’s Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Emerging Market.

The session included the presentation of latest UNWTO impacts assessment and as well as the new UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, the most comprehensive insights dashboard on tourism indicators.

Kenya
The top three questions users asked Google globally related to Kenya and travel conducted in July comprised “When can we travel again,” “when will international travel resume,” and “when will it be safe to travel again.” while top questions in August were related to where and when we can travel “right now”. In fact, 45% of the top 100 questions related to travel focused on the impact of COVID-19, the need to travel as soon as possible and travel safety.

Nigeria
Since Nigeria announced the intention to reopen its borders to international travel on August 29th, search interest for travel has grown. This slowdown presents a unique opportunity to rethink tourism, innovate and further develop the digital transformation of the sector so it can build the foundations for future sustainable growth.

Valletta, Malta, September 28, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Earlier this month, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres issued a policy brief on the important role of Tourism, in a post COVID 19 socio-economic recovery and importantly he specifically called for “Climate Friendly Travel” from this sector, which drives some 10% of the world economy.

The Secretary General is right, the climate crisis is existential, and scientists tell us we have less than a decade to put our carbon emission house in order. As the world struggles through the coming months of  pain and hardship, it’s the time for tourism stakeholders, including travellers themselves to focus on what shape Climate Friendly Travel might take and then to put in place concrete actions to deliver it.

But what does this expression “Climate Friendly Travel mean in a world where young campaigners are pointing to contrails and calling for flight shaming or where many popular destinations are being criticised for “overtourism” – too many visitors, straining infrastructure and making residents lives intolerable.

At SUN^x Malta – a legacy program to honour the achievements of the late Maurice Strong, Climate and Sustainable Development leader for over half a century – we are working, with the support of the government of Malta, to make the Secretary General’s world of “Climate Friendly Travel” a positive reality.  And we are using the UN’s own Global Strategic Climate and Development Framework, as well as its agreed timelines, to do so.

The 17 SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals) with 169 targets and 200+ indicators, as well as a 2030 delivery – were introduced as a blueprint for “the future we want”. They allow countries, communities, companies, and consumers to select, prioritise and plan their own distinctive development patterns and timetables. We see this as the first pillar in the Climate Friendly Travel archway, leading to a Green future. The second pillar is the Paris Climate Agreement’s 1.5^o trajectory, with nationally determined contributions and a 2050 delivery timeline: this provides an equally unique Clean future. These are the Twin Pillars of Climate Friendly Travel – Green & Clean.

With the leadership of Malta’s Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia, Farrugia Portelli, we have introduced two important tools this year to support Travel & Tourism’s, Green/Clean transformation, in line with the UN framework.

In May we launched the world’s first online Climate Friendly Travel Diploma, with Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies to begin to train the next generation of leaders to help deliver the transformation to low carbon, SDG linked: Paris 1.5: Climate Friendly Travel at the local level. This program is designed to empower 100,000 young STRONG Climate Champions across all UN States by 2030.

Now, against the backdrop of this year’s UN General Assembly, we have launched the STRONG Climate Friendly Travel Registry an online tool for suppliers to record, review and revise their Climate Neutral and Sustainability Ambitions. It also enables consumers to easily check on their performance and make their travel choices accordingly.

Our plan is to work closely with the industry and destinations, most notably with the influential WTTC to help the sector deliver on Climate Friendly Travel and to fulfil the promise of green, clean tourism.

Madrid, Spain, September 27, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / For the past 40 years, World Tourism Day has highlighted the power of tourism to touch on almost every part of our societies. Right now, this message is more important than ever.

The theme of World Tourism Day 2020 – Tourism and Rural Development – is particularly relevant as we face up to an unprecedented crisis.