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    Blocked Airline Funds Threaten Connectivity

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that rapidly rising levels of blocked funds are a threat to airline connectivity in the affected markets. The industry’s blocked funds have increased by 47% to $2.27 billion in April 2023 from $1.55 billion in April 2022.  “Airlines cannot continue to offer services in markets where they are unable to repatriate the revenues arising from their commercial activities in those markets. Governments need to work with industry to resolve this situation so airlines can continue to provide the connectivity that is vital to driving economic activity and job creation,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
    The top five countries account for 68.0% of blocked funds. These comprise:
    Nigeria ($812.2 million)Bangladesh ($214.1 million)Algeria ($196.3 million)Pakistan ($188.2 million)Lebanon ($141.2 million)IATA urged governments to abide by international agreements and treaty obligations to enable airlines to repatriate these funds arising from the sale of tickets, cargo space, and other activities.

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    Hyatt’s Transformative Growth Continues: More Markets, More Segments, More Opportunities

    Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the completed acquisition of London-based Mr & Mrs Smith, a global travel platform that provides direct booking access to a carefully curated collection of more than 1,500 boutique and luxury properties. With this addition to the portfolio, World of Hyatt members will soon have even more rewarding stays and experiences to choose from, including more than 20 new countries for Hyatt such as Fiji, Croatia, Iceland and Anguilla. Hyatt acquired 100 percent of the asset-light Mr & Mrs Smith platform for an enterprise value of £53.0 million in cash consideration. The purchase price represents an attractive acquisition multiple in the high-single digits on projected stabilized earnings.
    Hyatt further continues its transformative growth journey on the heels of doubling the number of luxury rooms, tripling the number of resort rooms, and quadrupling the number of lifestyle rooms over the past five years. Hyatt is poised to build upon that momentum with expansive opportunities globally across its brand portfolio and immediate developer interest in Hyatt Studios, Hyatt’s new extended-stay brand entry into the upper-midscale segment in the Americas.

    “Our competitive advantage is that we have vast areas of white space for development and a rapidly growing World of Hyatt loyalty member base,” said Jim Chu, executive vice president & global growth officer. “We average four hotels in markets where we have hotels whereas our competition averages 14, meaning fertile territory for developers who don’t have to worry about intra-brand competition.”
    Loyal Members Drive High-Quality Revenue for OwnersADVERTISEMENTHyatt’s growth is fueled by the World of Hyatt loyalty program’s member base, which has grown 260% over the past five years. Data shows that World of Hyatt members are looking for more opportunities to stay with Hyatt – in more segments and more markets. By listening to guests who previously stayed at Hyatt but opted to stay with a competing brand, it was primarily for two reasons: there was no Hyatt hotel within five miles, or they opted to stay a lower chain scale. Hyatt Studios hotels will present a solution to both for guests.
    Data also shows that World of Hyatt members enjoy almost 50 percent more stays in a year than non-members and spend over 70 percent more per year with Hyatt than guests who are non-members. Since the launch of the Inclusive Collection, loyalty penetration across legacy Apple Leisure Group resorts in the Americas grew to 21 percent in just one year.
    “World of Hyatt members represent high-quality revenue for owners and operators,” said Mark Vondrasek, chief commercial officer, Hyatt. “Our members spend more, stay more and seek out Hyatt for different stay occasions, as evidenced by the significant increase in Brand Explorer awards, which reward guests every time they stay at five different Hyatt brands.”
    As part of Hyatt’s previously announced exclusive franchise agreements with Lindner Hotels & Resorts, more than 30 Lindner Hotels and me and all hotels will soon join the JdV by Hyatt brand and the World of Hyatt loyalty program, enabling members to earn and redeem points in 15 new destinations across Europe.
    Organic Growth Continues Across All of Hyatt’s Brand Collections
    Boundless Collection hotels deliver best-in-class offerings and compelling experiences designed to excite and inspire. Hotels slated to open in 2023 and beyond include:
    Expansion of the Alila brand with Alila Dongao Island in China and Alila Shanghai.The international expansion of the Caption by Hyatt brand with Caption by Hyatt Zhongshan Park Shanghai in China, Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka and Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo in Japan, and Caption by Hyatt Sydney in Australia.Growth of the Thompson Hotels brand in new markets including Thompson Palm Springs, Thompson Rome and Thompson Shanghai.International growth of the Andaz brand with the anticipated debut of the first city-center Andaz hotel in Thailand with Andaz Bangkok and the debut of the Andaz brand in Qatar, with the opening of Andaz Doha slated for late 2023.Continued growth of the Hyatt Centric brand in the Asia Pacific region with Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur as well as Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai and Hyatt Centric Xiamen Ocean Front and in Canada with Hyatt Centric Jarvis Street Toronto.Timeless Collection hotels deliver impeccable service and thoughtful amenities. With robust revenue growth in the group segment during the first quarter, Hyatt continues to strengthen its Timeless Collection brand footprint globally:
    Expansion of the Hyatt Regency brand on the heels of a strong business transient and group travel recovery with Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston and Hyatt Regency Conroe in Texas, Hyatt Regency Mexico City Insurgentes and Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí in Mexico, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro, Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort in Bulgaria, Hyatt Regency Changshu KunCheng Lake, Hyatt Regency Hangzhou International Airport and Hyatt Regency Xian Airport in China as well as Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars in the United Kingdom and Hyatt Regency Madinah in Saudi Arabia.The Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands continued global growth with the anticipated opening of Hyatt Place Asheville (Airport) North Carolina, Hyatt Place Boise/Meridian in Idaho, Hyatt House Mall of America/MSP Airport in Minnesota, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Mississauga – Airport Corporate Centre in Canada, and the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in Malaysia with Hyatt Place Johor Bahru, Vietnam with Hyatt Place Ha Long Bay, Bai Chay and Indonesia with Hyatt Place Makassar.
    Highly anticipated growth of the Park Hyatt brand with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Park Hyatt Changsha in China.The introduction of Grand Hyatt in new markets with planned openings such as the Grand Cayman and Kunming, China with the anticipated openings of Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman and Grand Hyatt Kunming, in addition to the Murcia region of Spain with the opening of Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, the brand’s debut in Spain.The debut of three Hyatt brands in Kenya by 2024, including Hyatt Regency Nairobi as well as the first dual-branded Hyatt project in Africa, Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands.Inclusive Collection represents the largest collection of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world and delivers immersive, elevated experiences where everything is seamlessly included. The Inclusive Collection is expected to debut six new resorts by the end of 2024, highlighted by:

    New and exciting brands that continue to elevate the all-inclusive experience, such as the recently announced Impression by Secrets brand with the opening of Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres.Continued expansion of the Secrets brand across the Americas with Secrets Tides Punta Cana, Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, and Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club.Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort in Mexico and Dream Madeira Resort Spa & Marina in Portugal.The anticipated debut of Zoëtry Halkidiki, marking the first Zoetry-branded property in Greece.Independent Collection hotels are all unique – from storied properties and vibrant neighborhood locales to immersive retreats. This collection offers travelers enriching experiences in distinct and exciting ways, spotlighted by planned openings that include:
    Continued expansion of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt with Hotel Toranomon Hills, the brand’s second property in Japan, and Kennedy 89, the brand’s first property in Frankfurt, Germany.The debut of the JdV by Hyatt brand in India with Ronil and the debut of the JdV by Hyatt brand in China with the FILA HOUSE in Shanghai and the Sonya Hello Kitty Hotel in Hainan.For more information about Hyatt hotels, please visit: www.hyatt.com.

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    The value of digitization

    Mehmet T. Nane, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Pegasus Airlines and Chair, IATA Board of Governors, believes technology benefits are wide ranging.
    From providing humanitarian flights and support from the very start of the February earthquake to the future digital strategy of the airline, Pegasus Airlines’ Chairperson of the Board of Directors Mehmet T. Nane says there are many challenges and opportunities ahead for Türkiye and Pegasus.
    Tell us how you helped following the devastating earthquake in February?
    We are experiencing challenging times as a country. The pain we felt in the aftermath of the earthquake catastrophe on February 6 is still fresh. I would like to again commemorate those who lost their lives—may they rest in peace—and wish a swift recovery to the injured. As a nation and as a company, we believe in the importance of solidarity to overcome these difficult days and to heal. Our primary task is to support those affected by the earthquake in the fastest and most effective way possible, and to sustain this support on a long-term basis.
    Pegasus Airlines worked diligently from day one of the earthquake. We operated domestic flights from Adana, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Elazığ, Gaziantep, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Şanlıurfa and Hatay free of charge between February 7-28, 2023 for those affected by the earthquake. We started flying to Hatay on February 12 after the runway was repaired. Between February 6-28, we evacuated 152,950 people from the earthquake zones with 785 free evacuation flights. During these flights, we carried 110 tonnes of aid materials free of charge. We carried 126,926 people and rescue teams on flights to the disaster zone. As well as continuing our transportation support, we also supported citizens affected by the earthquake with financial aid.ADVERTISEMENTDuring this period, we also took the decision to support the Federation of Women’s Associations of Türkiye Purple Campus project. The Purple Campus project aims to improve the conditions of women, children, and people in need of geriatric care and disabled individuals in the earthquake zone, creating safe spaces by providing their most basic needs. Pegasus will also contribute air transport. I sincerely believe that as contributions to the Purple Campus project increase, we will make a difference to the lives of those affected by the earthquake.
    What are the main challenges and opportunities for aviation in Türkiye?
    Türkiye has historically been a prominent travel destination for travelers from Europe and Central Asia, including travelers from the Middle East in the past decade.
    Large numbers of visitors travel for sun, sand, and sea tourism, but we are seeing high growth rates in the health, educational, and cultural tourism segments. Türkiye will continue to attract these various types of visitors as the country offers good value for money as well as its unique natural, cultural, gastronomic, and historic attractions, for example.
    There is also a large Turkish population living in Europe who frequently travel to Türkiye to visit relatives and friends, which brings a certain resilience to overall inbound travel demand. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Türkiye is at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering the best point for transit travelers who need to switch flights while travelling between the continents. So, opportunities are plentiful.
    The key challenge is the vulnerability of travel demand to such factors as a slowdown in economic activity, a decline in the disposable income levels of travelers, negative geopolitical developments, and any future pandemics.
    What advantages do you see in expanding so rapidly?
    Our operating region spans Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, and we see a significant growth potential both in the total market and in the demand for low-cost carriers.
    Our fleet and network investments are dedicated to stimulating diversified growth across these regions while focusing on contribution to the network value. We currently have the lowest unit cost in the world, and we have a sizeable fleet growth in the pipeline to over 120 aircraft in 2025 from 96 in 2022. When the deliveries are complete, we plan for our fleet to consist solely of next generation A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which will further support our efficiency. This will also contribute to our sustainability commitments and help us maintain our leading position in cost metrics.
    Has customer behavior changed since the pandemic or has the market simply picked up where we left off in 2020?
    The major difference we see post-pandemic is the booking window. The difference between booking and flight date has shortened since people are more likely to make last-minute bookings due to the ambiguity brought on by travel restrictions during pandemic. This previously periodic behavior has turned into a long-term shift. The business travel segment has been the slowest to recover.
    We’ve also seen a rapid shift to travelling with minimum contact. At Pegasus we’ve invested in unique innovations in this regard, and our guests can utilise our digital solutions for check-in, baggage drop and boarding processes with reduced contact. Turkish nationals on domestic flights can also check-in online before the flight and board without contact using their ID card with a chip at the gate.
    There’s also more emphasis on digital channels. One demographic that stands out when we talk about digital is, of course, Gen Z. This new generation of travelers looks for brands that offer tailored discounts and promotions, value for money products and services, and care about sustainability when making purchasing decisions. As such, as well as our overall digitalisation, we aim to tailor certain products for them such as our recent BolBol Youth, an extension of our loyalty program that targets 12-to-24-year-olds, offering them value-driven promotions and discounts.
    Can you tell us about your digitization strategy?
    At the start of 2022, we launched a new initiative to take our digitization journey to the next level. Our digital strategy for our guests is based on five pillars: improved digital experience, user experience, search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization, and personalized digital experience.
    For an improved digital experience, we invest in products and tools that make every stage of the journey easier, better, and seamless. User experience is focusing on web and app redesign, and an app-like mobile website.
    We are also focusing on a personalized SEM and dynamic data usage.
    It is important to focus on sustainable traffic to our web and app. To do this we are creating content in different local languages, such as German and French, including an English blog and an Arabic language website. We also focus on continuous optimization of our customer journey and personalized booking funnels, targeted banners, and content.
    What criteria do you use to evaluate new technology?
    We conduct a cost-benefit analysis. On the value side, we score parameters including revenue, savings, company image, and regulation. On the cost side, we add the projected cost for the investment.
    Technology investments may not always reduce operational costs and we consider other factors when investing for the long-term growth and sustainability of the business. It is important that the guest has an easy and seamless travel experience and that we can offer low fares.
    Moreover, technology is an important factor in driving the sustainability of our industry as part of our commitment to net zero by 2050, and this is also a vital part of our decision-making process. Some of our projects may be in research and development where the benefits are longer term.
    It is also important to offer an easy work experience for Pegasus employees. We will continue to invest in these areas to utilize all the possibilities of technology.
    How can an airline take better advantage of the data it is producing?
    Airlines have an e-commerce structure, and a wide range of operational units, from ground handling to technical teams, from flight crews to safety. To offer a good travel experience, the entire operation needs to work in harmony. It is crucial to use generated data to analyze and evaluate. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) offers many value-added possibilities, such as using AI to determine the catering that will be loaded onto the aircraft and reduce waste.
    We benefit from the data generated in all projects involving providing low fares for guests and enhancing the entire travel experience.
    Can the industry achieve net zero by 2050? What will be the biggest challenge?
    Yes, the industry can achieve net zero by 2050. But we need urgent action to achieve this target.
    The industry’s main emission source is jet fuel. Projects to replace this with alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen, will provide us with the longer-term solution. But until they become commercially viable for industry-wide use, the industry’s focus will remain on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
    The challenge is to get abundant SAF production that’s affordable. Today, there is simply not enough supply and the SAF available is several times more expensive than jet fuel. Governments should evaluate the value in the local production of SAF and create incentives for increased production and make it affordable for airlines. This will also boost domestic production and growth. Mandates and taxation alone—where the entire cost of aviation transformation is imposed on airlines and the proceeds of which are seldom used to support the industry’s net zero targets—are unlikely to help. 
    Does diversity make business sense?
    Promoting and fostering diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do no matter what, as it ensures equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and fosters a sense of belonging and respect for everyone. But it also does make business sense. It can lead to better decision-making, increased innovation, and improved financial performance for companies. Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are likely to have a competitive advantage.
    Diverse teams are more likely to be better at problem-solving, decision-making, and adapting to change. They can also help to improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
    Has the experience as IATA Chair been a good one? In what areas has progress been made?
    It has been an honor to serve as IATA’s Chair of the Board, especially at a time when the industry was emerging from its worst downturn. It has certainly been a busy year and as we have continued to rebuild global connectivity at great pace, we have been addressing such priorities as sustainability, diversity, regulation, operational challenges, and infrastructure costs.
    Diversity and broadening IATA membership has been a strong focus and 2022 was a particularly important year as we achieved the milestone of 50% of IATA members joining the 25by2025 voluntary initiative, driving a more diverse and inclusive aviation industry particularly regarding female representation.
    We are witnessing real change. Last year alone at least five female CEOs have been appointed. As of April 2023, we have 19 female CEOs among 25by2025 signatories and 24 female CEOs among all IATA members.
    Source https://airlines.iata.org/

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    UNWTO COMMISSION FOR EUROPE MEETS IN SOFIA

    European tourism leaders have met to advance shared plans for the sector’s future. The 68th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe (31 May – 2 June, Sofia, Bulgaria), assessed the current state of tourism in the region while also recognizing the vital importance of education, jobs and investments for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
    Bulgaria Leads High-Level Political Support for TourismAhead of the meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Rumen Radev and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Galab Donev, accompanied by Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria Ilin Dimitrov, to discuss shared priorities and areas of cooperation.
    Prime Minister Donev welcomed the latest UNWTO data which shows Bulgaria is among the fastest recovering of European destinations, with international arrivals in the first quarter of year 27% higher than in 2019.In recognition of their leadership, President Radev awarded UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili and the Director for Europe Alessandra Priante with the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 1st Class and 2nd Class respectively, at a special ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall.The two parties jointly recognized tourism’s importance for driving economic development and strengthening peace and understanding.The UNWTO delegation welcomed the Bulgarian Government’s work to diversify its tourism sector, with a focus on growing new areas including wellness, health and gastronomy tourism and supporting rural communities.
    UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “European tourism is recovering strongly and on track to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. This is exactly the time to step up our efforts to transform our sector, with a skilled workforce and proper investments vital for making it more resilient, sustainable and inclusive.”
    European Members Focus on Key PrioritiesHigh-level delegations representing 40 countries, a historic high participation, including Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Tourism, gathered for the Regional Commission. Member States were given an overview of UNWTO’s work, with a focus on:ADVERTISEMENTJobs: UNWTO continues to support the Institutions of the European Union in the context of the European Year of Skills, with the co-implementation phase of the EU Transition Pathway for Tourism now underway to re-skill the tourism workforce of the European Union.Education: Members were updated on the creation of a first Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management, in partnership with the Lucerne University of Applied Arts and Sciences, and to launch a toolkit designed to help make tourism a subject in high schools worldwide.Investments: Identified as a key priority for the sector, UNWTO set the stage for World Tourism Day 2023 (27 September) with its theme of ‘Green Investments’, and also looked ahead to the UNWTO Tourism Investment Forum (Yerevan, Armenia, September 2023).Sustainability: UNWTO continues to guide global tourism’s climate action efforts, key works include the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (49 signatories to date, with 17 from European countries), and the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism (800+ signatories to date, more than half from Europe).The UNWTO Regional Director outlined how European Members champion tourism as a driver of resilience and recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic and amid the fragile socio-political situation in the region, caused by the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
    Looking AheadAdhering to the Organization’s statutory obligations, Members agreed:
    Ukraine will serve as the Chair of the Commission for Europe for the period 2023 to 2025. Greece and Hungary will serve as the Vice Chairs.World Tourism Day 2024, to be held around the theme of “Tourism and Peace” will be officially hosted by Georgia.The Commission will meet in Uzbekistan this fall for its 69th meeting and in Albania in 2024 for its 70th meeting.On the eve of the meeting, UNWTO launched the Global Startup Competition for Mega Events and MICE Tourism, with the support of the Government of Uzbekistan and the participation of UEFA, the International Congress and Convention Association, and Mastercard. Finally, following an earlier announcement, UNWTO and Aviareps announced that Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Romania and Uzbekistan will be the first five countries to benefit from their collaboration.

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    Garden Exposition Unveils in N. China’s Cangzhou City

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    Garden Exposition Unveils in N. China’s Cangzhou City

    The 6th (Cangzhou) Garden Exposition of Hebei Province kicked off on May 26 in Cangzhou, China’s northern city that thrives on canal. A total 19 activities in five categories, including academic exchanges, gardening, skill competitions and cultural exhibitions will be presented until the end of August, according to Cangzhou municipal government.
    With the theme of “Thousand Miles of Thoroughfare, Grand Beauty of the Grand Canal”, the Exposition aims to showcase Cangzhou’s Grand Canal culture, display garden art and promote ecological civilization in an all-round way from site selection, planning, construction and various cultural activities planning.
    The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, a world cultural heritage, runs through the Exposition Park from north to south. Cangzhou has elaborately built a Grand Canal scenic belt—- a city exhibition park and a specialized plant exhibition on both banks.
    Last year, the Cangzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal navigated afresh, which connected this cultural beauty with the Exposition Park, providing an all-factor tourism for visitors. In recent years, while building the Exposition Park along the Grand Canal, Cangzhou recreated the historic buildings Nanchuan and Langyin on both sides.
    The China Grand Canal Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall is the most prominent exhibition place along the Grand Canal. The Hall displays the unique and diverse folk arts of Cangzhou, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of the Grand Canal while appreciating modern garden art.ADVERTISEMENTThe natural ecological scenery, the intangible cultural heritage is organically integrated with the Exposition Park’s courtyard architecture and landscape, and has become a dazzling pearl on the 216-kilometre Grand Canal scenic belt in the central area of Cangzhou.
    This year’s Garden Art Exhibition and Urban Planning and Design Competition will take place at Cangzhou Dahua Industrial Heritage Cultural Zone. Adjacent to the Garden Expo Park, the Zone is a virtual node for this year’s Garden Exposition as well, which was originally one of the 13 chemical fertilizer plants built in the early 1970s.
    It is reported that since 2017, Hebei Province’s provincial garden fairs and the five Garden Expositions have expanded the green park space by 13,050 mu (about 2150 acres)  for the host cities.
    Cangzhou is a city that thrives on canal. Stretching more than 200 kilometers, the water course of the Grand Canal is well preserved, and there are numerous historical relics along the canal.

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    UNWTO AND SAN MARINO TO HOST EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON ACCESSIBLE TOURISM

    The Republic of San Marino will host the second edition of the UNWTO European Conference on Accessible Tourism in November. Further advancing UNWTO’s commitment to making tourism open to all, the Conference will showcase innovation, public-private partnerships and inclusive policymaking.
    Accessible Tourism: A Priority for the SectorUNWTO is committed to guiding the global tourism sector towards greater accessibility and inclusivity.
    According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1.3 billion people worldwide experience significant disability, making participation in tourism challenging.Around one quarter of the EU population, 87 million people, already has some form of disability (EUROSTAT).Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities advocates for ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to cultural, sporting, recreational and tourism facilities, activities and services.UNWTO: Building a More Accessible TourismIn June 2021, the first comprehensive international standard on accessible tourism, ISO 21902 Accessible Tourism for All, was published by ISO. UNWTO and partners led the development of this new global guidance tool.
    The UNE-ISO 21902 standard establishes requirements and recommendations for accessible tourismIt addresses service providers and tourism operators as well as public administrations and tourism destinations.Towards the 2nd European Conference on Accessible TourismDuring the 68th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe held in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of San Marino, Federico Pedini Amati, formally announced the 2nd European Conference on Accessible Tourism: Tourism for All will take place in San Marino on 16-17 November 2023.
    UNWTO and San Marino will provide a platform for governments, destinations, the private sector and civil society to discuss the best ways to prioritize accessibility in any tourism policy or strategy.The Conference will make clear the many benefits of more accessible tourism, from creating jobs and boosting economies to allowing more people to travel and strengthening international solidarity and cooperation.The Conference will further discuss how the application of Universal Design principles and cutting-edge solutions to making natural and cultural environments more accessible, is a game-changer.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Aviation Leaders Assemble in Istanbul for IATA’s 79th AGM

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    Aviation Leaders Assemble in Istanbul for IATA’s 79th AGM

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA), announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering in Istanbul, Türkiye, for the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, with Pegasus Airlines as the host airline.
    The event (4-6 June) attracts the industry’s most senior leaders from among IATA’s more than 300 member airlines, as well as senior government officials, strategic partners, equipment suppliers, and media.
    “In a few days, Istanbul will become the aviation capital of the world. Airlines will meet to review the industry’s recovery from COVID-19, to plan the way forward to a more sustainable future, to discuss the opportunities for technology to drive efficiencies from modern retailing to improved facilitation, and to understand the common regulatory challenges they face. Aviation is important. Connecting the world even as geopolitical divides deepen is a vital mission that requires profitable, safe, efficient and sustainable airlines. The outcomes of this AGM must set the direction for even more effective global connectivity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
    Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Pegasus Airlines, and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors Mehmet T. Nane said: “We are enormously proud to be hosting our industry partners in the great city of Istanbul and look forward to welcoming everyone here for the IATA AGM, particularly as we look ahead to our 100th aircraft milestone on the 100th anniversary of Republic of Türkiye later this year. Aviation came together to assist the people of Türkiye to rebuild after the tragic earthquake in February. Now aviation comes together to debate vital issues concerning our pathway to net-zero CO2 in 2050, the diversity of our industry, our operational recovery from the depths of COVID, and many other topics.”
    World Air Transport SummitThe World Air Transport Summit immediately follows the AGM.ADVERTISEMENTThe ever-popular CEO Insights Panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest will feature Greg Foran (CEO, Air New Zealand), Yvonne Manzi Makolo (CEO, Rwandair), John W. Dietrich (President and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide) and Campbell Wilson (CEO and MD, Air India).
    In addition to the updated industry economic outlook, key topics to be addressed include:
    A ‘Big Picture’ view of challenges facing the industry with changing energy markets and shifting supply chainsAviation’s contribution to Türkiye’s earthquake recoveryAdvances in sustainabilityLearnings from the 2022 operational challengesA highlight will be the fourth edition of the Diversity and Inclusion Awards sponsored by Qatar Airways. These awards recognize organizations and individuals who are making a difference in helping to drive the industry’s 25by2025 initiative to make the aviation industry more gender balanced.
    See the full AGM program
    This will be the second time that the AGM is hosted in Istanbul, which last hosted in 2008. Türkiye is rebounding strongly from the pandemic shut down. In 2022 travel to/from Türkiye increased nearly 60% and it is now the 7th largest international passenger market in the world.
    “Since we were last in Istanbul, Türkiye has become an incredible global aviation powerhouse. Its carriers are leading the way in regional and international connectivity, and the magnificent new airport puts some other nations’ lack of airport investment to shame. There’s no doubt that Türkiye’s importance to global aviation will continue to grow significantly,” said Walsh.

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    Travel Demand Continues Strong in April; Domestic Traffic Fully Recovered

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced continued strong passenger traffic demand in April.Total traffic in April 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 45.8% compared to April 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 90.5% of pre-Covid levels. At 81.3%, industry load factor was only 1.8 percentage points below pre-pandemic level.
    Domestic traffic for April rose 42.6% compared to the year-ago period and has now fully recovered, posting a 2.9% increase over the April 2019 results.
    International traffic climbed 48.0% versus April 2022 with all markets recording healthy growth, with carriers in the Asia-Pacific region continuing to lead the recovery. International RPKs reached 83.6% of April 2019 levels.
    “April continued the strong traffic trend we saw in the 2023 first quarter. The easing of inflation and rising consumer confidence in most OECD countries combined with declining jet fuel prices, suggests sustained strong air travel demand and moderating cost pressures,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
    ADVERTISEMENTInternational Passenger Markets
    Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 192.7% increase in April 2023 traffic compared to April 2022. Capacity climbed 145.3% and the load factor increased by 13.2 percentage points to 81.6%.
    European carriers had a 22.6% traffic rise versus April 2022. Capacity rose 16.0%, and load factor climbed 4.5 percentage points to 83.3%, which was the second highest among the regions.
    Middle Eastern airlines posted a 38.0% traffic increase compared to April a year ago. Capacity climbed 27.8% and load factor rose 5.6 percentage points to 76.2%.
    North American carriers’ traffic climbed 34.8% in April 2023 versus the 2022 period. Capacity increased 26.5%, and load factor rose 5.2 percentage points to 83.8%, which was the highest among the regions. North American international traffic is now fully recovered, with RPKs 0.4% above April 2019 levels.
    Latin American airlines saw a 25.8% traffic increase compared to the same month in 2022. April capacity climbed 26.4% and load factor slipped 0.4 percentage points to 83.1%.
    African airlines’ traffic rose 53.5% in April 2023 versus a year ago, the second highest among the regions. April capacity was up 50.0% and load factor climbed 1.6 percentage points to 69.8%, lowest among the regions.

    The Bottom Line
    “Heading into the Northern Hemisphere peak travel season, aircraft and airports are full of people eager to make use of their travel freedoms. Airlines are working hard to accommodate them with a smooth travel experience despite continuing supply chain shortages and other operational challenges. Sadly, some governments appear more keen on punitive regulation than on doing their part to enable hassle-free travel.
    The Dutch Government’s high-handed effort to slash capacity at Schiphol airport is a prime example. And then we have a focus on EU-style passenger rights regulation that is spreading like a contagion. Proponents of this approach miss a key fact. EU 261 has not led to a reduction in delays. That’s because penalizing airlines raises airline costs but does not address delays caused by factors over which airlines have no control, such as inefficient air traffic management or staffing shortages at air navigation service providers. The single best thing that Europe could do to improve the travel experience is deliver the Single European Sky. As for other governments contemplating passenger rights regulations, avoiding a repeat of Europe’s mistake would be a helpful starting point.
    “In just a few days, leaders of the global aviation community will gather in Istanbul at the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. Regulation and other key issues, including the critical topic of sustainability, will be on the agenda,” said Walsh.

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