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    ABTA launches 2022/23 events programme

    ABTA has launched its events programme for autumn 2022-summer 2023 offering a host of high-quality, professional training events and conferences for businesses of all sizes, designed to keep the travel industry up-to-date on important, business critical issues.
    As the industry continues to rebuild from the pandemic and tackles new issues never faced before, ABTA is keen to provide a brand-new line up of events for this new era of travel.
    Taking on board the feedback from our Members, a significant part of the programme is focused on in-depth training events from high calibre specialists and industry experts.
    Attendees can expect advice and guidance in a diverse mix of areas including customer service, social media and marketing, finance, travel law and regulations. The training that is being introduced is suitable for new recruits as well as those returning to the sector and includes: 
    CRM and Data Management Strategies for Travel – 13 September 2022Introduction to Travel – 15 September 2022An Essential Guide to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for Travel – 5 October 2022Carbon Literacy for Travel – 3 October 2022Employment Law – 1 December 2022ADVERTISEMENTTo reflect the growth in new recruits entering the industry, ABTA is offering the option for businesses that wish to book multiple training sessions across the year to book discounted delegate packages that they can use at a time that suits them.
    ABTA will also be hosting its annual conferences, including:
    Travel Trends – 17 November 2022Travel Matters 2022 – 6 December 2022 (rescheduled from June 2022)Travel Finance Conference – 1-2 March 2023Delivering Sustainable Travel – 15 March 2023Travel Law Seminar – 10-11 May 2023Travel Marketing Conference – 17-18 May 2023Travel Matters 2023 – 21 June 2023
    In addition to the multiple training sessions discount, ABTA is offering a 10% discount on all event bookings made before 31 August using the code ABTASUMMER22*. The events are open to the whole travel industry with reduced rates available for ABTA Members and Partners.
    ABTA’s Head of Events, Eve Coburn, said:
    “Following high demand from our Members, we have focused our events programme to offer a wide range of training sessions and conferences as the industry moves forward in the aftermath of the pandemic. ABTA is offering our Members and travel professionals the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in our ever-changing industry.”
    All ABTA events can be found listed on the Breaking Travel News Travel Events Calendar – https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/events/

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    A&K Travel welcomes arrival of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity

    Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Co-Chairman of the A&K Travel Group, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, and executives from shipbuilder Fincantieri welcomed the arrival of the recently acquired ‘Crystal Symphony’ and ‘Crystal Serenity’ to Trieste, Italy, where the ships are being refurbished.
    Mr. Lefebvre took the opportunity to formally announce, on behalf of himself and Co-Chairman Geoffrey Kent, the appointments of Jack Anderson as President of Crystal Cruises and Bernie Leypold as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations.
    “Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre are icons and innovators in luxury travel,” Anderson said. “With their ownership, leadership and vision for these ships and the award-winning Crystal Cruises brand, we are embarking on a new and exciting chapter.  We and the entire Crystal Cruises family look forward to welcoming guests again soon.”
    “It is an honor to join the new Crystal Cruises with a commitment to not only recreate, but enhance the sophisticated luxury service, cuisine, entertainment, and shore experiences in collaboration with our sister company, Abercrombie & Kent,” Bernie Leypold added.
    “We welcome the return of members of our loyal and well-trained Crystal crew to our family and they will be given priority in the hiring process.” ADVERTISEMENT“There are extensive refurbishments planned for both ‘Crystal Symphony’ and ‘Crystal Serenity’ that will elevate the customer experience.  Some staterooms will be combined, creating more butler suites and reducing overall guest capacity,” explained Cristina Levis.  “This will bring a gracious new feeling of spaciousness to the restaurants and public areas.”
    The CrystalCruises.com website will soon provide further updates on appointments, ship enhancements, new itineraries and employment opportunities.

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    U.S. Travel launches Sustainable Travel Coalition

    The U.S. Travel Association has announced the launch of its new Sustainable Travel Coalition, which aims to align the travel, transportation and technology sectors in developing and advancing strategies to enable a more sustainable future for the U.S. travel industry.
    With nearly 60 member organisations at launch, the Sustainable Travel Coalition will serve as an advisory body to inform U.S. Travel on sustainability issues, opportunities and concerns within member organisations and destinations. A dedicated Policy Committee will help drive the broader coalition’s efforts to enable regular progress and collaboration.
    U.S. Travel has several long-term goals, which will inform the coalition’s near-term policy priorities. The long-term goals:
    Spotlight industry progress by showcasing innovative technologies and calling attention to the ongoing actions and leadership of travel professionals in the sustainability space.
    Amplify industry goals and commitments to conservation, best practices, waste and emission reductions and both long- and short-term investments.
    Highlight why sustainability matters and the importance of it as a core to travel’s future.
    Play offense by identifying and promoting proactive policies to help the industry achieve its goals.
    Defend against harmful policies that slow progress toward sustainability goals or penalise the industry without progress.
    “Seeing the world and saving the world should not be mutually exclusive,” said U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes. “As technology advances and consumers demand more sustainable travel options, the work of this coalition will ensure that the U.S. travel industry can meet the needs of an evolving market while also protecting our planet’s natural resources.”
    “This is clearly an issue that spans well beyond the travel industry itself to practically all other sectors of the U.S. economy,” added Barnes. “By bringing together stakeholders across related industries, we are aligning leaders in travel, transportation and technology on the critical issues that will affect their businesses for decades to come.”ADVERTISEMENTTRAVEL INDUSTRY LETTER TO CONGRESSTo accelerate investment in sustainable travel, more than 100 travel industry organisations—including groups within and outside the Sustainable Travel Coalition—called on the federal government to advance the following near-term priorities:
    A tax credit for the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), such as those proposed in the Sustainable Skies Act (H.R. 3440/S. 2263).
    An enhanced tax credit to increase the availability of electric vehicle charging stations.
    An enhanced tax deduction to increase energy efficiency upgrades to commercial buildings.
    Federal investments to protect and restore natural attractions, including recreational waterways, shorelines, and National Parks.
    Other clean energy incentives for investment in renewable energy deployment, green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, direct air capture and other innovative technologies to lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuels and the power grid.
    In addition to the priorities detailed in the letter, the coalition will identify and advocate for other priorities in the coming months.

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    States progress towards long term aspirational goal on aviation emissions

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed progress by states towards a long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero aviation carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement’s temperature objectives. This is noted in the summary of discussions for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) High Level Meeting held in preparation for the 41st ICAO Assembly later this year.
    “The ICAO High Level Meeting’s support of a long term goal for states that is in line with the aviation sector’s net-zero by 2050 commitment is a step in the right direction. A formal agreement at the 41st ICAO Assembly would underpin a common approach by states to decarbonize aviation. That’s critical for the aviation industry. Knowing that government policies will support the same goal and timeline globally will enable the sector, especially its suppliers, to make the needed investments to decarbonize,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
    In October 2021, IATA member airlines committed to net zero emissions by 2050. The path to achieve this will involve a combination of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), new propulsion technology, infrastructure and operational efficiencies, and carbon offsets/carbon capture to fill any gaps.
    “Net zero by 2050 will require a global transition for aviation to new fuels, technologies and operations. The significant investments to get there will need a solid policy foundation aligned with a global way forward. That is why it is so important for states to carry the momentum of the High Level Meeting through to a formal agreement at the 41st ICAO Assembly in a few weeks,” said Walsh.

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    Thailand Privilege Card membership programme extended for 2 years

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that the Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) is extending its Elite Flexible One membership programme for another two years, through until 31 December, 2024.
    The decision to continue the programme – which was scheduled to end in 2022 – is in response to the positive feedback received from foreign investors who have joined as Elite Flexible One members. As a member, foreigners are able to enjoy both membership privileges and favourable opportunities for property investment in Thailand.
    Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “The Elite Flexible One programme has proven a valuable tool in promoting property opportunities in Thailand to foreign markets and in generating much needed revenue in what has been a difficult period. We are happy to see the programme being extended.”
    Since the Elite Flexible One programme was introduced in March 2020, it has brought in over 100 million Baht from real estate investment by foreigners, including substantial revenue that was generated for the country during the COVID-19 situation.
    Ms. Ratchadawan Loetsilathong, TPC Acting President, said the extension of the Elite Flexible One membership programme for a further two years would help real estate operators drive their sales volume and thus stimulate the overall Thai economy. It would also draw more foreigners to Thailand, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic weakening and the kingdom having reopened its borders.ADVERTISEMENTThe number of property operators participating in the Elite Flexible One programme currently stands at 22, which between them are offering 77 development projects that members can invest in.
    To be eligible for Elite Flexible One membership, the applicant must purchase condominium-type real estate with a total value of not less than 10 million Baht and be a Thailand Elite cardholder.

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    ABTA: Travel must get in early with new leadership

    With the parliamentary term over and MPs back in their constituencies, we now know that either former chancellor Rishi Sunak or foreign secretary Liz Truss will soon be the UK’s next prime minister.
    The Conservative Party leadership election, brought about by the resignation of Boris Johnson on 7 July, is due to run throughout the summer – with national television debates and local party hustings taking place across the country. The contest could reach a sudden conclusion if one candidate decides to pull out, as occurred in the 2016 leadership election between Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom, but failing that eventuality, we expect the winner and new PM to be announced on 5 September.
    ABTA obviously doesn’t get a vote and will remain neutral, as is appropriate for a politically impartial organisation. But we will be putting forward the industry’s priorities to both candidates, making clear the issues the travel industry needs government to grasp. These include future resilience planning and recovery from Covid-19, managing cost of living impacts, the need to reconsider labour mobility arrangements between the UK and EU, and the importance of ensuring better coordination across government in relation to international travel policy.
    On the latter point, ABTA welcomed the recent formation of a new aviation council, which formed part of the government’s strategic framework to deliver for the sector over the next decade. The council is due to bring together representatives from leading travel businesses and their main trade bodies, including ABTA, with government ministers and officials right across Whitehall. Crucially, the council will include participation from Number 10 and HM Treasury, which is something that has been called for by the entire aviation and travel eco-system as a learning from the pandemic.
    With the change of administration taking place, we will be delivering our message that improving the quality of engagement between industry and government is critically important – and that this group has the potential to make a worthwhile contribution.ADVERTISEMENTWe are also continuing to call for a minister to be given specific responsibility for overseeing the cross-government approach to international travel policy, especially in times of crisis. Due to the disruption being seen at airports and with airlines, travel has been high on the media and political agenda in recent weeks. The impact on travellers has been covered frequently by media and referenced by several politicians in parliament, including during the business, energy and industrial strategy (Beis) committee evidence session held on 14 June.
    ABTA has been focused on ensuring accuracy and perspective in media coverage, making clear what consumers can expect in terms of their rights if they suffer delays or cancellations, but also seeking to remind audiences that most people are getting away successfully without significant issues.
    We’ve also sought to bring a similar balance in our political engagement. Following the Beis hearing, we followed up with the, chair Darren Jones MP, to ensure members understood the perspective of intermediaries, including travel agents, tour operators and TMCs, and the value travel experts bring in terms of offering consumer advice and reassurance.
    We’ve also held recent meetings with the tourism and aviation ministers, respectively, and continue to engage with the Future of Aviation all-party parliamentary group to spread similar messages to MPs and peers across parliament.
    Getting in earlyAlongside our political engagement, much of ABTA’s advocacy work on a day to day basis happens with officials as they seek to carry forward instructions given by ministers. For example, last week the Department for Transport published its Aviation Passenger Charter which ABTA, along with other industry representatives and consumer bodies, had been considering over recent weeks.
    Experts from ABTA attended several workshops as the content took shape, and this is an excellent example of the detailed engagement that is often under way behind the scenes. We are also engaging regularly with the teams responsible for Atol reform and the Package Travel Regulations to provide evidence around what is happening across the industry and to inform future policy development. This side of our work never stops and will continue throughout the summer.
    Over the weeks ahead, my team will also be busy refreshing our briefings for newly appointed ministers. ABTA will be seeking to get in early to ensure individuals given responsibility for the policies that matter to travel understand our views.
    Additionally, we have some new research due for publication in September on the value of our sector, and the prize that is on offer in terms of recovery and future growth. There will be more information on this, including how members and the wider sector can help us promote the importance of travel to your own MPs, in the autumn.
    Whoever emerges victorious from the race to be PM, ABTA will – to borrow the phrase used by one of the candidates – hit the ground running.
    Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs, ABTA

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    Destination Canada announces return of Innovate Canada

    Destination Canada is pleased to announce the return of Innovate Canada, a Destination Canada signature business event that highlights the groundbreaking work taking place across Canada’s leading innovation sectors to attract aligned international business events. Running from July 25-28 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Innovate Canada 2022 will give international delegates the opportunity to explore Canada’s blue economy and global leadership in ocean sciences, including the people and facilities behind some of the most transformative sustainable technologies and solutions for ocean restoration and marine health.
    “Bounded by three oceans and home to the largest coastline in the world, it should be no surprise that Canada has a rich history of innovation and global leadership in the ocean’s sciences sector,” says Virginie De Visscher, Senior Director of Business Development, Economic Sectors, Destination Canada Business Events. “After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to bring the Innovate Canada program to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The city has a global reputation as a centre of ocean excellence and is home to some of the most exclusive facilities, advanced post-secondary institutions and renowned ocean research and training centres. Combine this leadership with the warmth of Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality, and there’s little wonder why global organisations in ocean sciences continually choose to host their events in St. John’s.”
    In addition to educational site visits to disruptive startups and established businesses across St. John’s ocean science related industries, the Innovate Canada program will take delegates on curated tours of:
    The National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre for research being conducted in the Ice Tank, one of the globe’s largest facilities of its kind; the Offshore Engineering Basin, one of the most advanced indoor model ocean facilities in the world; and the Tow Tank, which simulates marine conditions to evaluate the performance of marine systems.The Marine Institute of Memorial University to experience the most advanced marine simulation technology, pilot underwater vehicles in the Underwater Exploration Lab, and discover the newest technologies being applied to the global fisheries industries in support of sustainable aquatic resources.“From ocean technology, aquaculture and fisheries, ocean defense, marine bio-products, marine renewable energy, shipbuilding, and marine transportation, St. John’s is changing the way business in the ocean economy is conducted,” says Cathy Hogan, Executive Director at OceansAdvance, Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology cluster organisation. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Destination Canada through the Innovate Canada program, to put local leading innovators, cutting edge innovations and world class oceans research facilities on the global stage and show delegates why St. John’s is an incredibly distinct and unique location to host ocean-related business events.”
    Aligned with Destination Canada’s national meeting strategy, Innovate Canada aims to drive regional economic growth and compel global organisations to host their business events in Canada.ADVERTISEMENT“When conference-goers meet in Canada’s innovation hubs, they can tap into the country’s brain trust, connect with some of the brightest minds and thought leaders, preview made-in-Canada solutions to the world’s greatest challenges and explore the Canadian innovations that are creating a more sustainable world,” adds Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada. “When this intellectual capital is combined with our vibrant urban centres and unique natural landscapes, it provides a thriving ecosystem for business events that foster creativity, collaboration and ultimately, leave a lasting impact. We can’t wait to provide a look at just that.”
    Innovate Canada rotates destinations and industry sectors each year and will return in May 2023 to share the brilliant minds and transformative work being done across Waterloo, Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector including automotive, aerospace, food processing, cutting-edge robotics and automation innovation. Aligned with Destination Canada’s new Canadian Business Events Sustainability Strategy, Innovate Canada 2023 will, for the first time, be carbon neutral.

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    WTTC: 412,000 travel & tourism jobs across the U.S. will remain unfilled

    A new analysis by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism business sector, estimates 412,000 Travel & Tourism jobs in the U.S. will remain unfilled this year, putting in serious jeopardy the recovery of the sector. 
    According to WTTC’s data, one in 18 jobs remained vacant during the first half of 2022, highlighting a talent crunch that has plagued the sector since early 2021. An estimated 321,000 Travel & Tourism positions went unfilled in the January – June 2022 timeframe (a 5.4% shortage), and worker shortages are expected to persist into 3Q, peaking at 412,000 sector job vacancies (a 7% shortfall).
    During 2020, employment in the sector dropped by 35.9% in the U.S. at its lowest point. As global Travel & Tourism began recovering in 2021, the U.S. saw a 12.4% hike in the number of jobs directly supported by the sector, adding a welcome 480,000 jobs back into the market.
    Despite the positive growth in 2021, sightseeing transportation, accommodation and recreation are experiencing the most serious labor shortage impact this year. Employers in the accommodation industry in particular could struggle to find suitable candidates for nearly one in seven hotel and resort job postings.
    “As the U.S. pushes full steam ahead toward a solid recovery for Travel & Tourism, a lack of qualified, available talent remains a major concern for the sector,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. “This is especially true given the sudden spike in international visitors following the removal of COVID tests for inbound travelers.”ADVERTISEMENTMEASURES TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT GROWTHAccording to WTTC, the outlook could be more positive later this year and into 2023 if government officials and the public sector work together to increase the availability of eligible workers while adapting sector career opportunities to better appeal to top talent.
    “There is huge potential to increase the number of available workers in the U.S. by fostering greater labor mobility within the U.S. and across its borders,” said Simpson. “Stringent visa allocations are affecting many industries which ultimately impacts the wealth and growth prospects for the US.  We urge officials to consider measures that make visas and work permits more easily accessible.”
    According to the report, the United States Census Bureau data indicates that between 2016 and 2020, international migration to the U.S. plunged from around 1.05 million people to just 477,000.
    Some of the key measures identified in the report for both governments and the private sector to address the talent gap are:
    •  Facilitate labor mobility across international borders, with more favorable visa policies •  Enable flexible and remote working where feasible – allowing part time or contractor-based opportunities, where possible•  Ensure decent work and competitive employee benefits and compensation packages•  Attract talent by improving the perception of jobs and promoting viable career paths with growth opportunities•  Develop and support a skilled workforce through comprehensive educational programs, as well as upskilling and reskilling current talent•  Adopt innovative technological and digital solutions to alleviate pressure on staff, improve daily operations and an enhanced customer experience
    By adopting the right measures to support Travel & Tourism employment growth, the sector can surpass pre-pandemic levels and successfully meet consumer demand across the industry.

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