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    Successful Conclusion to IATA Wings of Change Americas 2023 in Mexico City

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) successfully hosted the 13th edition of Wings of Change Americas (WOCA 2023), bringing this keynote aviation conference to Mexico for the first time.“Fostering aviation in support of socioeconomic recovery” was the conference theme, which brought together more than 400 delegates to Mexico City on 27-28 June 2023. Participants engaged in dialogue between the airline industry, governments, the tourism sector, and other stakeholders in the air travel value chain, discussing the various aspects of harnessing the potential of aviation in driving economic resurgence and social progress across Latin America and the Caribbean.
    Key highlights and takeaways include:Collaboration for Success: One resounding message was the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Governments, airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies acknowledged that the potential of aviation and the wider travel & tourism sector across the region could best be maximized through joint efforts. IATA looks forward to working with the Mexican Government to create a joint agenda to further utilize aviation to create jobs and economic opportunities for the country and its people.
    Sustainable Aviation: Airlines are fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, the regulatory framework to support this goal is still lacking across Latin America and the Caribbean. Governments need to act quickly to create the right production incentives for the advancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
    Inclusive and Diverse Industry: Speakers highlighted the need for equal opportunities, gender balance, and diverse representation across all levels of the industry. By fostering an inclusive environment, aviation can harness the power of diverse perspectives, talent, and ideas, driving innovation and progress. IATA’s 25by2025 campaign was also showcased, with ANAC, Brazil’s Civil Aviation Agency, official signing up to the initiative during the event.
    Technology as an Enabler: The transformative power of technology in aviation was showcased. Speakers and innovators shared cutting-edge solutions, highlighting the important role of data analytics in enhancing safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience. It was evident that embracing personalization and digitalization is key to meeting today’s passengers’ expectations.ADVERTISEMENTIn his remarks, Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, highlighted the resilience of the aviation industry, which despite the pandemic and ongoing economic, political and social instabilities, had recovered to just shy of 2019 traffic levels across Latin America and the Caribbean. Given that more than 90% of tourists to the region arrive by air, he reminded all that supporting aviation directly sustains tourism and the well-being of the country. As air transport unites people, families, communities, cultures, creating business opportunities and dreams, and plays a key role in the value chain of important commodity exports, governments must address aviation as a state priority that transcends political change.
    The next Wings of Change Americas event is planned for April 2024 in Santiago de Chile.

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    IATA Releases Industry Net Zero Tracking Methodology

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    IATA Releases Industry Net Zero Tracking Methodology

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will publish an annual Track Zero report using IATA’s Net Zero Tracking Methodology to report industry-level progress towards aviation’s commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
    The Net Zero Tracking Methodology and related reporting process were developed with industry experts. IATA will aggregate and report annually inputs from IATA member airlines on an industry basis. After thorough validation, aggregate industry data from the previous calendar year will be reported annually in the fourth quarter of each year. The first report with airline-contributed data is planned for publication in Q4 2024. Non-IATA member airlines are also encouraged to contribute data and participate in the reporting.
    “Transparency is a critical element of aviation’s decarbonization. We will report our progress annually to ensure standardized, accurate and comprehensive reporting of aviation’s journey to net zero. Industry-level data in the Track Zero report will help airlines, governments, and investors with tools to improve decision-making to accelerate progress,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.
    Individual airlines may use the aggregate data of the Track Zero report to benchmark their own progress towards decarbonization. They may also choose to report their progress on decarbonization to key stakeholders including governments, investors and customers, using IATA’s Net Zero Tracking Methodology.
    “Decarbonization is an industry challenge, not a competitive issue. Nonetheless, the report and the methodology behind it can enable benchmarking that could intensify decarbonization efforts by spreading the success of best practices and sparking innovation,” said Owens Thomsen.ADVERTISEMENTKey features of the Net Zero Tracking Methodology include:
    Standardization: The methodology establishes a transparent framework for accurate reporting that can be used industry-wide by identifying the relevant emissions scope, sources, and processes for emissions tracking and measurement.
    Accuracy: The methodology includes best practices for data collection and validation with minimal administrative burden.
    Comprehensiveness:  The methodology accommodates reporting of all manner of decarbonization activities on a lifecycle basis, including usage of conventional and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon offsets/carbon capture, and future power sources (hybrid-electric, electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft).
    The decision to publish a Track Zero report follows the release by IATA of five roadmaps detailing critical actions for aviation to achieve net zero CO2 by 2050. They address aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, operations, finance, and policy. Together, they show a clear direction and will evolve with the insights of the Track Zero report, practical experience and emerging technologies to help aviation set interim milestones on the way to net zero.

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    UNWTO and Alpitour World Partner to Drive Innovation and Sustainability in Tourism

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    UNWTO and Alpitour World Partner to Drive Innovation and Sustainability in Tourism

    UNWTO will work with Alpitour World as a strategic partner to advance innovation, education and sustainability across every part of the tourism sector.Reflecting UNWTO’s focus on harnessing the power of public-private partnerships, the newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding with Alpitour World, will see the two organizations work together around shared strategic goals. In this context, the two organizations will particularly focus on supporting innovators and driving forward the digital transformation of the sector.
    Working together for a smarter tourism
    The partnership between UNWTO and Alpitour is aimed at strengthening the links between tourism’s public and private sectors. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Alpitour World President Gabriele Burgio. Among its key aims are to:
    Develop strategic collaborations in the field of tourism innovation, including through supporting the creation of a tourism startup ecosystem.Recognize and supporting the best new talent through the organization of Start-Up Competitions focused on advancing tourism’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.Advance tourism as a pillar of rural development, including through Alpitour World’s support of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative.Collaborate in training hospitality workers, including through joint education courses and other training materialsThis Memorandum of Understanding lays the foundations for future, specific joint initiatives, establishing Alpitour World as a key partner of UNWTO in innovation and sustainability.
    Alpitour World is a leading tourism operator, with its own airline, hotel chain and a global network of more than 2,400 travel agencies.As part of the partnership, UNWTO and Alpitour World will hold regular joint meetings and strategy sessions as they continue to advance their collaboration and adapt to the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing tourism.ADVERTISEMENT

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    CHTA leader issues appeal for homegrown tourism solutions

    The president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) appealed to Caribbean tourism leaders to craft their own fate in the vital travel and tourism sector and not be driven by the agendas of interests outside the region.Nicola Madden-Greig noted that although overall tourism activity in the Caribbean is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, with some destinations growing by “leaps and bounds”, others are lingering in recovery mode, largely because of an imbalance in the dispersal of flights and insufficient marketing resources.
    For the region’s tourism industry to recover fully and equitably, Madden-Greig said it was important for government leaders to frame policies and strategies to boost regular, predictable, inter-island connectivity.
    The head of the region’s leading private sector tourism organization pointed out that such a move would not only encourage tourists to visit more islands, but also would help to meet the needs of Caribbean residents who travel for family, business and leisure activities. “We must support those airlines which are stepping up to the plate to strengthen our aerial linkages, but we also should embrace this crisis in airlift as an opportunity for a homegrown solution within our region,” she commented.
    Madden-Greig echoed the advice of Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, who exhorted the region’s tourism leaders to shed post-colonial attitudes, take control of their tourism sectors, and be “shapers not takers”, while delivering the keynote address during CHTA’s successful Caribbean Travel Forum, which preceded the association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados in May.
    She also agreed with Prime Minister Mottley’s call for better use of regional capital, and urged policymakers to design new financial instruments that could be used for the region’s biggest earner, tourism, rather than left idling in low interest-bearing accounts.ADVERTISEMENTNotwithstanding its inherent volatility, Madden-Greig described tourism as “the world’s fastest growing and the most dynamic sector of the global economy,” adding that the Caribbean “should not be left helplessly tied to the fates of others alone. While international partnership has its value, regional collaboration is essential. The work is too important to not have independent regional solutions.”
    She commented: “We must continue to solidify links with our international partners, but we must also take a leaf from the pages of entrepreneurs like Adam Stewart and Kevin Hendrickson in Jamaica, Peter Odle in Barbados, the Lamontagne family in St. Lucia, and the Hopkin family in Grenada, to name a few, and become craftsmen of our own fate.” Tourism is the region’s economic driver but it can also be a vehicle for creation of generational wealth for Caribbean nationals, she asserted.
    Madden-Greig, who is Group Director of Marketing & Sales with The Courtleigh Hospitality Group in Jamaica, believes that as the tourism industry continues to grow there should be a serious effort aimed at implementation of tourism worker pension schemes across the region, especially given the volatility of the current labor market. Heralding successful efforts by the Jamaican government to implement such a system, she reasoned that the welfare of tourism workers, who have been the foundation of building the region’s greatest revenue driver, must be a priority. “Many of our workers are retiring with little to no safety net and it is time we took a more serious look at solving this problem,” she commented.

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    SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Atlanta

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    SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Atlanta

    SkyView Partners, the owner and operator of the SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel, is inviting the Atlanta community to celebrate the SkyView Wheel’s 10-year anniversary at a downtown birthday party. Birthday event activities, including entertainment, prizes, face painting, balloon artists, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, magicians, caricature and more, are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, on the Wheel property.
    To the delight of the Atlanta community and out-of-town visitors, the SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel took its first turn on July 16, 2013. For the past 10 years, millions of visitors have enjoyed the breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area.
    “SkyView Atlanta has been an iconic fixture in downtown Atlanta for the past 10 years, and we are pleased to be celebrating this important anniversary with the Atlanta community,” said Al Mers, managing partner of SkyView Partners. “Throughout the years, we have continuously felt the support and love from Atlantans and tourists alike, and we remain committed to providing a quality attraction for all to enjoy for many more years.”
    In honor of the 10-year anniversary, SkyView Partners has invested $1 million in SkyView Wheel improvements and upgrades to the surrounding property. A SkyView Atlanta entry sign now welcomes visitors along with new landscaping, lighting and furniture. Wheel enhancements include an updated light show, paint and new air conditioning systems in the gondolas. Other upgrades include security improvements with new camera systems and the hiring of off-duty police officers. Food vendor Philly G Steaks and the new SkyBar have been added to offer delicious food and drinks.
    A new, site-specific sculpture for the SkyView Atlanta property is being designed by Emily Baker, Assistant Professor of Sculpture at the Earnest G. Welch School of Art and Design at Georgia State University, along with students in the Edgewood Sculpture Forum at GSU. The design will include elements from the surrounding Atlanta community and will be installed later in 2023. ADVERTISEMENTTowering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park at 168 Luckie Street NW, the SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas. For a more enhanced experience, guests can enjoy the VIP gondola boasting Ferrari style seats, a glass floor and a longer flight time. Special event, group and field trip experiences are available as well as ticket discounts for adults over 65, the military and students. For more information, visit www.skyviewatlanta.com. 

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    Caribbean tourism stakeholders underscore importance of collaboration

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    Caribbean tourism stakeholders underscore importance of collaboration

    As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season got off to a busy start, key stakeholders in the Caribbean tourism sector convened a virtual forum last week, placing a spotlight on the pivotal role of effective, strategic crisis communications when responding to, and recovering from, natural and manmade disasters.
    During the forum, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the consensus was clear: collaboration across regional, national and community levels, paired with efficient, proactive communications, forms the backbone of successful crisis management and resilience in the tourism sector.
    Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the intergovernmental CTO, noted that just three weeks into the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season the region had already witnessed three tropical storms, which forecasters signaled was an early and aggressive start to the hurricane season.
    Walters told ministers, senior officials and private sector leaders participating in the webinar that, “Communication plays a vital role in managing crises, as it shapes perceptions, builds trust, and ensures that accurate and timely information reaches both internal and external audiences during times of crisis … (which) can mean the difference between chaos and order, despair and hope.” He further highlighted the importance of the CTO and CHTA collaboration, in working together to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, industry professionals, and local communities.
    Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic as “the world’s most devastating health crisis in over 100 years,” Nicola Madden-Greig, Director of marketing and sales for The Courtleigh Hospitality Group in Jamaica, and President of CHTA, which represents the private sector, asserted that partnership between the CTO and CHTA on disaster preparedness has been pivotal to navigate the various challenges that confront the Caribbean tourism sector. She noted the contributions of various partner organizations and surmised that maintaining the legacy of resilience and success as a region and destinations was tied to “working together at the regional, national and community levels.”ADVERTISEMENT“Effective collaboration must be accompanied by effective communications, and in the age of multiple channels of communications, and when any of us with a cell phone and internet access can quickly report, accurately or not, on the status of a crisis, it is essential that we continue to build and implement sound communication plans to ensure that what is actually happening on the ground is reported in the most accurate way,” said Madden-Greig.
    The virtual tourism forum, which focused on Crisis Communications and Best Practices for Hazards Response and Recovery, was the second in a series, jointly organized by the CTO and CHTA, as part of efforts to support disaster preparedness, sensitization and capacity building for the tourism sector.
    Bevan Springer, president of Marketplace Excellence (MPE) who moderated the session, noted that timely, accurate press releases and updates are necessary, but it is equally important to ensure the narrative is from a Caribbean perspective, thereby framing the destination’s future agenda. “Every crisis prepares us to deal with the next crisis, and learning from one crisis to another is something that is critically important,” he declared.
    Springer, who is also founder and president of the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), recommended developing post-crisis marketing plans to reboot and recover, such as the one MPE and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism instituted after the twin “Irmaria” storms in 2017 to help get the Territory back on the map and into the marketplace by partnering with airlines, travel advisors and other strategic partners.
    Similar sentiments were echoed by Trevor Moss, general manager of travel compliance for the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for The Bahamas. He outlined the integrated communication and cooperative system used by his country to deal with crises: “We work as one voice, one response with many moving parts, ensuring the safety of lives throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas by maintaining a structured method of response with clear communications prior (to), during, and after major incidents.”
    Speaking about public relations initiatives for recovery in the British Virgin Islands after 2017’s twin storms, Lauren Kaufman, senior vice president and director of operations at MMGY NJF, asserted there were two types of crises: dangerous situations such as hurricanes, and reputational crises, which tend to last for months beyond some of the disasters comprising dangerous situations. For both situations, she recommended a robust media relations program. She encouraged stakeholders to be proactive by quickly getting messages out and securing control of the narrative.
    Wrapping up the session, Lelei LeLaulu, a communications advisor to Marketplace Excellence, stressed the importance of first finding out what affected communities need to ensure delivery of appropriate aid in the aftermath of a disaster. He recommended a fundraising web page or portal and highlighted the need for regular updates on the status of recovery, as well as reporting to donors on how their resources were used.
    The forum was designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, lessons learnt and experiences, with the aim of fostering a culture of tourism sector resilience.

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    Learn How to Be a Biologist at the Newly Reopened Research Centre at Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka

    Gal Oya Lodge, the renowned eco-tourism lodge dedicated to animal conservation, is thrilled to announce the reopening of its research centre, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring biologists and naturalists.
    Located within the grounds of the lodge and on the edge of Gal Oya National Park, this lodge provides children and nature enthusiasts an immersive experience to explore the world of wildlife research and conservation.
    Founded by John Balmond, Sangjay Choegyal, and Tim Edwards, Gal Oya Lodge is committed to preserving the natural beauty of Gal Oya National Park while promoting sustainable tourism practices. The lodge stands as a tribute to Tim’s late father, Jim Edwards, whose lifelong dedication to animal conservation inspired the creation of this haven.
    The research centre serves as a hub for scientific exploration and wildlife documentation. Visitors, particularly children and nature lovers, are warmly invited to the centre, where they can engage with researchers and stay informed about the latest data collections, results, and discoveries. Moreover, they have a unique opportunity to accompany our dedicated team of naturalists to various camera trap sites, witnessing firsthand the meticulous process of data collection, preparation, and analysis. The animals that are regularly captured on the camera traps placed within or next to the lodge boundaries include:
    Fishing and jungle cats, Mouse deer, Pangolin Otters, Wild Boar,  Elephants (swimming in Sri Lankas largest lake),  Porcupines, Hares and Mongoose.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to the above the following animals are regularly captured on camera traps placed within the National Park (special permission is needed from the Warden for guests to accompany researchers inside the park) Leopard, Sloth bear, Sambar deer and Wild buffalo.
    For young and aspiring biologists and naturalists, Gal Oya Lodge offers an exceptional chance to delve deeper into their passion. As part of a more mature student program, serious nature enthusiasts with a keen interest in a specific species can stay at the lodge for free in exchange for documenting their findings. This immersive experience enables individuals to learn from experienced researchers, acquire valuable fieldwork skills, and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in Gal Oya National Park.
    For more information about Gal Oya Lodge and the research centre, please visit our website at https://www.galoyalodge.com/.

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    Country Imposes €36,000 Fine for Playing Music on Beach

    Portugal’s beachgoers have been warned they may face fines up to EUR36,000 if their music is too loud.
    The National Maritime Authority of the Philippines (AMN) has banned portable speakers that blast out loud music, which disturbs locals and tourists.The new restrictions come just as the peak tourist season in Portugal’s popular beach destinations is about to begin.
    What is the penalty for playing music at the beach in PortugalThe regulation prohibits the “use of sound equipment and noise-generating activities which, under the terms of the law, may cause discomfort”.
    Beachgoers who are experiencing noise disturbances can file a complaint with the local Maritime Police for the particular beach.
    Individual fines can range from EUR200 to EUR4,000, and for groups they could be between EUR2,000 and EUR36,000 The offending “accessory” – like a speaker for example – can also be confiscated.ADVERTISEMENTIn the AMN’s beach directive, there are a number of other activities prohibited on Portugal’s beaches. This includes playing ball games in areas that are not designated, camping outside campsites, and making fires.
    Europe is being targeted by disruptive touristsIt’s not the first time that antisocial behavior has been banned on Europe’s beach.
    Barcelona, Spain, banned smoking on its beaches last summer to protect beachgoers against second-hand smoke.
    Portugal, Croatia and other popular tourist destinations are introducing rules and restrictions to make them more liveable for the locals.
    Dubrovnik announced last month plans to install a luggage-drop-off system in the Old Town, which is paved with historic cobblestones. This will reduce the noise caused by suitcases on wheels.
    In an effort to control the crowds of tourists at Acropolis, Greece introduced a system of time slots for visitors. Meanwhile, Rome’s Pantheon has recently introduced an entrance fee.
    Portugal is one of many countries that tightens restrictions on short-term rental to combat the inflation in housing markets.

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