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    Japan and Singapore top passport index amid geopolitical uncertainty

    Japan and Singapore continue to share number one spot on the Henley Passport Index — the ranking for the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa — with their passport holders able to access 192 destinations around the world visa-free, not taking temporary Covid restrictions into account.
    Germany and South Korea hold joint-2nd place, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 190, while Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain share 3rd place, with their passport holders able to access 189 destinations around the world without having to acquire a visa in advance. The UK, which recently dropped all remaining Covid-related restrictions, now sits in 5th place, with a score of 187, with the US just one place behind in 6th spot, with a score of 186. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index­ — which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) — with its nationals only able to access 26 destinations visa-free.
    Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, says the latest update provides a unique snapshot of a volatile and rapidly changing world. “The country you are born in dramatically impacts the quality and extent of opportunities you will have in your life as well as the challenges you might face along the way. Holding more than one citizenship, with the range of personal access rights each guarantees, is the ultimate asset in a time of crisis and volatility.”
    Commenting in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2022 Q2, released today along with the latest Henley Passport Index, Dr. Parag Khanna, bestselling author and Founder of FutureMap says creative solutions will be needed as mass migration becomes the norm. “When faced with war or climate disruptions our fight or flight instinct kicks in and the sensible response has been to move in search of more suitable conditions. We are becoming a migratory species again. In the coming decades climate disruptions threaten to make some regions of our planet uninhabitable, and millions, if not billions, of people will need to find new homes.”
    According to exclusive research by Henley & Partners and Deep Knowledge Analytics into the correlation between passport power, and climate change vulnerability and preparedness, wealthy and developed nations with the greatest visa-free access also score highly when it comes to their readiness to adapt to the climate crisis. Charles Phillips of the Oxford Business Group says, “We can see close correlations between climate adaptation performance and international travel freedom. It brings into stark reality the fact that your citizenship and passport really do matter when it comes to mitigating climate risk”.ADVERTISEMENTSebastian Mikosz, Vice President of Environment and Sustainability at IATA, says forecasts indicate demand for 10 billion passenger journeys by 2050 (up from around 4 billion pre-pandemic). “Much of this growth will come from passengers who have never had the opportunity to fly before: in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We owe it to this next generation of flyers to find sustainable solutions, so they can enjoy and benefit from air travel as we have done so far.”

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    ABTA confirms dates for 2022’s Travel Convention in Marrakech

    ABTA has announced the return of its annual overseas Travel Convention, the UK travel industry’s flagship event.
    Taking place in the imperial city of Marrakech from 10-12 October 2022, the three-day event will include two days of thought-provoking and high-level business sessions, as well as a wide range of supporting events that will provide valuable opportunities to network in both business and social settings.
    The Convention will also provide the chance for ABTA Members, travel journalists and the wider industry to experience the latest tourism developments in the Red City first hand.
    Registration will open on Tuesday 3 May.
    Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive at ABTA – The Travel Association said:ADVERTISEMENT“I’m very pleased that Marrakech will be hosting the 2022 Travel Convention this October and would like to thank the Moroccan National Tourism Office for making this possible. As ever, the event will provide a crucial opportunity for the industry to come together to discuss the future of travel and tourism and we’ll be releasing more details about the event content shortly.
    “It will also be a fantastic opportunity to show travel professionals what this vibrant destination has to offer – from its rich cultural heritage, spectacular scenery, and ornate architecture, to warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. Over the last couple of years, a number of new attractions have launched, meaning delegates will get the chance to take a fresh look at this popular destination.
    “I really encourage you to note the dates your diaries and look forward to welcoming you at what is sure to be a fantastic event.”
    More information will be available at www.thetravelconvention.com.

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    UNWTO invites applications for Best Tourism Villages 2022

    Launched in 2021, Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO promotes and enhances the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, knowledge systems, and local values and activities, including gastronomy. At the same time, the initiative also promotes transformative approaches to the development of tourism in rural destinations that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Member States invited to present candidates
    Following on from the success of pilot project in 2021, UNWTO has announced the return of Best Tourism Villages for 2022. In 2021 over 40 villages from more than 30 countries across the five world regions (from over 170 applications) were recognized as Best Tourism Villages and a further 20 villages were selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme. Now, UNWTO Members States are invited once again to present candidacies through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs) . Applications will be open until 28 June 2022 and the chosen villages will be announced at the end of the year.
    The initiative has three components:The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ recognizes outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle and have a clear committed to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental. The recognition is based on an evaluation of their resources and initiatives in nine areas covering the three pillars of sustainable development.
    The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme assists a select number of villages among those that do not fully meet the criteria to obtain the recognition. The villages receive support from UNWTO and Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.
    The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network provides a space for exchanging experiences and good practices. It includes representatives of the villages recognized as ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’ as well as those participating in the Upgrade Programme and it will benefit from the contributions of experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development. The Network also contributes to the work of UNWTO in identifying good practices, developing guidelines and policy recommendations as well as insights and knowledge.ADVERTISEMENTApplications will be evaluated by an external independent Advisory Board consisting of experts in the different fields based on the nine evaluation areas covering natural and cultural resources as well as initiatives in the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental.
    Tourism for rural developmentAnnouncing the launch of the second edition on the occasion of its 48th Commission meeting for the Middle East in Cairo, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism brings immense opportunities to communities around the world to build new businesses, promote and protect their culture. I look forward to seeing examples of villages working to realize tourism’s unique potential to foster sustainability and create opportunities for all.”
    In parallel to the announcement, the kick-off meeting of the BTV Network will be held online on 30 March 2022 with more than 60 current members to take part in shaping its identity, objectives and approach. The calendar of activities within the Network (training, webinars, masterclasses, etc.) will also be expanded from April to December 2022. The Network will be enlarged with new members of Best Tourism Villages 2022 and forthcoming editions with the aim of becoming the largest international network focusing on tourism for rural development.

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    Tourism Malaysia and GoPro start expedition in Sabah

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    Tourism Malaysia and GoPro start expedition in Sabah

    With the easing of travel restrictions and reopening of the Malaysian leisure and tourism industry, local residents have sought out to satiate their appetite for adventure and discovery by exploring the many wonderful holiday destinations this beautiful country has to offer. From exciting urban quests, to exotic beach escapades, to lofty mountaintop retreats – and everything in between – Malaysia certainly has it all, with so much just waiting to be seen and discovered.
    For 21 GoPro content creators, it was certainly an opportunity for adventure and discovery when they were recently whisked away on a 3-Day-2-Night lush tropical getaway to Sabah’s Bungaraya Island Resort. The retreat is a continuation of the Dream Malaysia campaign by GoPro and Tourism Malaysia to amplify the success of the campaign held last year which sought to celebrate the beauty of local lifestyle and travel through the production of videos.
    “With the reopening of travel and tourism, it will definitely be bigger and more exciting this time around. Beginning with this excursion with our creators to Gaya Island and other parts in Sabah, we will explore the length and breadth of East and West Malaysia from the most vantage and immersive angles that can only be shot using a GoPro,” said Rick Loughery, Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications at GoPro.
    “Dream Malaysia seeks to inspire and amaze through the production of videos of Malaysia’s awesome and incredibly diverse destinations, which simply has to be seen and experienced to be appreciated – and what better way to achieve this than using the immense capability of a GoPro? Naturally, we are thrilled to work with Tourism Malaysia and ECHO Resorts to strategically reinvigorate travel and tourism by placing Malaysia as one of the most must-visit destinations in the world,” he added.
    The content creators certainly received an unforgettable experience when ECHO Resorts closed out the entire tropical paradise of Bungaraya Island Resort, perched on the hillsides of Polish Bay on Gaya Island. They were feted to full board throughout the duration of the retreat, including accommodation, meals and a plethora of activities, which included diving, snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, and mangrove kayaking, among others.ADVERTISEMENTMeanwhile, the excursion also saw the GoPro team exploring other hidden wonders in Sabah, while engaging in activities which include river tubing at Tambatuon Eco-Village and visiting Tamu Kundasang, MOGGILAND Waterfall and Lasau Podi.
    “With the reopening of Malaysia’s borders, the continuation of Dream Malaysia campaign kicks off at a truly opportune time. We are confident that the amazing video content created using GoPro’s industry-leading technology will play an incredibly instrumental role in showcasing Sabah and other local destinations to the world, especially those with an insatiable appetite for adventure travel,” said Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia.
    “This collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and GoPro also bears testament to the tremendous potential for economic development that can be realized through Public-Private Partnerships, which can be strategic and instrumental tools to accomplish what neither can do alone. But together, the sum can truly be greater than its parts. We certainly look forward to working with GoPro to realizing the dream of what we hope to be a truly successful campaign in every right. As Malaysia welcomes international visitors, let the adventure begin!” he added.

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    World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes removal of the Travel Health Notice for cruises

    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “The decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to remove the Travel Health Notice for cruising is well-deserved recognition that the industry has been sailing millions of travelers for many months with highly effective protocols that make cruising among the world’s safest forms of socializing and travel.

    “The cruise industry has gained strong momentum in recent months, with many travellers anxious to again begin enjoying holidays with family and friends, and the CDC’s decision begins to help level the playing field between cruise and land-based vacation options.
    “This is also welcome news to the extensive network of suppliers, many of whom are small businesses, that depend on cruise for their success, which will continue to help provide significant positive impacts for economies and employment in countries and regions around the world.”

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    WTTC reports recovery in outbound UK tourism

    New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows flight bookings for UK outbound travel to some of the most popular summer sun destinations have bounced back.
    However, inbound has largely failed to take off.
    The data revealed a huge disparity between forward flight bookings for outbound and inbound UK travel was collated for the global tourism body by ForwardKeys.
    The pent-up desire to travel shows in forward flight booking data for UK holidaymakers who are flocking to family favourites, such as Turkey (up 53 per cent) and Greece (up 51 per cent) over the busy summer period, compared to pre-pandemic figures.
    Spain, a long-time summer favourite and the most popular destination overall for sun-seeking British travellers, is also performing well and ahead of pre-pandemic levels (up one per cent). ADVERTISEMENTMeanwhile, bookings during the same period to the US, which in 2019 was the fifth most popular destination for jet-setting Brits, remain ten per cent lower than before the pandemic.
    The data shows while inbound bookings for international arrivals are up by a staggering 1,453 per cent compared to 2021, when severe restrictions to travel were in place, bookings to date are still well below pre-pandemic levels – down 45 per cent versus 2019.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC chief executive, said: “The massive imbalance between outbound and inbound UK international flight bookings is a worrying sign for the recovering tourism sector and the UK economy.
    “As the pandemic recedes and international travel returns, it’s encouraging to see holidaymakers making the most of their new found freedom to travel safely.”
    In terms of inbound travellers to the UK, only Sweden has risen above pre-pandemic levels (up 15 per cent) while other key source markets have not recovered, indicating the UK still has a long way to go to encourage international travellers back to its shores.

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    Alabama to star in new Brand USA webinar

    The first in the new Brand USA UK & Ireland agent webinar series will take place on Wednesday, April 6th at 15:00 BST.
    The event will feature destination speakers who will share insight on Alabama and its offerings, plus the chance to win an amazing holiday to Alabama to celebrate the World Games. ADVERTISEMENTAgents will have the chance to top up their destination knowledge and discover why the state is the heart and soul of the south, with the extra benefit of being entered into a prize draw to win a bucket-list holiday to Birmingham, Alabama.
    The prize includes two tickets to the internationally renowned 11-day multi-sport event, the World Games, as well as access to selected attractions, two plane tickets and hotel accommodation for four nights, based on dates of travel between July 7-11.
    More Information
    Agents will need to register to join the webinar in advance here here and the webinar will take place on Brand USA Global Marketplace here. 
    Image: John Dersham

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    Tui Group to return €700m in emergency bailout cash

    Tui Group has said it is “well positioned” for the post-Covid-19 period and expects a stable business development for 2022, especially during the summer season.
    As such, the company said it was returning up to €700 million in credit lines provided during the height of the pandemic.
    The financial resources were made available by the German government and private banks as part of three stabilisation packages.
    A large part of the cash was offered in the form of a revolving credit facility from German bank KfW.
    This “rescue umbrella” was “important during the pandemic and the associated massive restrictions on our business,” Tui said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENTHowever, the company is now in a position to return the money.
    Fritz Joussen, chief executive of Tui UI Group: “Tui was a very healthy company before the pandemic.
    “The worldwide travel restrictions, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, almost completely deprived us of our business basis.
    “That is why temporary aid was important and right.
    “Thanks to the credit lines from the German federal government and from the private banks and the contribution of our shareholders, we have steered Tui safely through its most serious crisis.”
    He added: “People want to travel; we see the demand in bookings and expect a good summer 2022 at Tui.
    “The company is leaner, more digital and more efficient after the pandemic and transformation.
    “The pandemic aid from the state was mostly interest-bearing credit lines.
    “In recent weeks, we already stopped using the state credit lines.”
    The KfW credit line, which was still drawn at around €500 million at the beginning of February, could now be reduced to zero.
    As of March 28th, Tui had liquidity of €4.1 billion.

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