Eliana Willis

ABTA has argued new measures designed to slow the spread of Covid-19 could tip some companies over the edge, forcing them to close their doors for good.
In response, the organisation has called on the government to step up to provide financial support for the industry.
The association argued the latest changes come at a time when the industry is still reeling from the impact of travel measures, which have seen two summer and winter seasons lost to the pandemic, and that it is the smaller businesses who may find it the most difficult to get through this latest setback.
New data from ABTA lay bare the devastating impact the pandemic has had on travel prior to the latest changes:

Employment across the travel industry has halved since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
The volume of new bookings taken across summer and autumn 20212 is reported, on average, to be at 28 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.
Companies report their turnover for the financial year at just 22 per cent of pre-pandemic turnover levels on average.

It was only in recent weeks that the industry had started seeing the beginnings of a recovery following the relaxation of travel rules in October, ABTA said.
But the return of pre-departure tests and PCR tests on or before day two of arrival, means the industry is back to where it was in the summer.
Now a third winter season is under threat and once again there is weak consumer confidence in the run up to the peak booking period for next summer.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “Public health must come first but the government should be looking to soften the blow to travel companies by providing financial support in the shape of grants and the return of furlough for travel staff.ADVERTISEMENT“Ministers have previously explained to us that the government’s approach is to enable the travel industry to trade their way out of this crisis, instead of providing support.
“However, it is clear they have now abandoned this approach.”
He added: “We can’t go on like this with requirements changing but nothing to support those businesses worst affected.
“It is the smallest companies that are suffering the most – with travel bosses having already taken every step possible to keep their businesses going – including drastically cutting staff levels.
“Not only has there been an absence of any specific support for the sector, but many companies have either been excluded or refused access to the general grant funding – so it’s no wonder that many of our members feel totally abandoned by the government.”
ABTA recognises that the government will take the measures it feels are necessary to protect public health, but says that, as it is choosing to implement these measures, authorities have an obligation to bring forward measures of financial support for those worst affected.

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The Bahamas is running a major six-month advertising campaign across taxis and outdoor spaces in London as the tourism market reopens.ADVERTISEMENTAlso included are sites at 20 underground stations and at London Heathrow Airport.
The adverts depict iconic Bahamian imagery including the Islands’ crystal-clear waters, Junkanoo dancers in colourful attire, iconic swimming pigs and pink flamingos.
The out of home campaign aims to place the Bahamas as the number one winter sun holiday destination for British travellers as there are currently no Covid-19 restrictions from the UK to the islands of the Bahamas.
For further information about the Bahamas, visit the official website.

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has found that the recovery in air travel continued in October with broad-based improvements in both domestic and international markets.
The trade body also warned that the imposition of travel bans by governments, against the advice of the WHO, could threaten the sector’s recovery.
Total demand for air travel in October 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) was down 49 per cent when compared to October 2019.
This was improved over the 53 per cent fall recorded in September 2021, compared to two years earlier.
Domestic markets were down 22 per cent compared to October 2019, bettering the 24 per cent decline recorded in September versus September 2019.ADVERTISEMENTInternational passenger demand in October was 66 per cent below October 2019, compared to a 69 per cent decline for September versus the 2019 period, with all regions showing improvement.
“October’s traffic performance reinforces that people will travel when they are permitted to.
“Unfortunately, government responses to the emergence of the Omicron variant are putting at risk the global connectivity it has taken so long to rebuild,” said Willie Walsh, IATA director general.

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The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has re-elected Zurab Pololikashvili to the role of general secretary of the organisation.
He will serve a second four-year term, from 2022-2025.
Pololikashvili was nominated earlier this year and was endorsed during the annual general assembly of the organisation. ADVERTISEMENTMeeting in Madrid, UNWTO members have strongly aligned themselves behind his leadership and vision for the sector.
Meeting in person for the first time in two years, members from every global region approved a ‘Programme of Work’ for the organisation and endorsed key initiatives designed to build a more a resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism.
The general assembly has brought together more than 1,000 delegates from 135 countries, including 84 ministers of tourism, as well as business leaders, destinations and representatives of key international organisations.
Opening the event, Pololikashvili cited the spirit of solidarity and determination that has defined tourism’s response to an unprecedented crisis.
In presenting his report to members, he made clear how a focus on collaboration and harmonisation of protocols, political advocacy and securing financial support for tourism, have help the sector mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and laid the foundations for tourism’s restart in many parts of the country.
It will be a true honor to lead UNWTO for the next four years. I thank UNWTO’s Members for backing my nomination and vision for a sector that means so much to so many people – myself included. Let us now unite and #RestartTourism! pic.twitter.com/eqs8V891Rr— Zurab Pololikashvili (@pololikashvili) December 1, 2021
Pololikashvili said: “In every global region, the pandemic has made clear the importance of our sector – for economic growth, for jobs and trade, and for protecting natural and cultural heritage. We must make the most of this opportunity – to transform goodwill into concrete support.”
Emphasising the significance of the general assembly, United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, welcomed delegates and called for them to work together for a “green, inclusive, sustainable” future.
Guterres added: “I commend UNWTO and secretary general Pololikashvili and hope the decisions taken at the general assembly will help restore trust in travel and get the world moving safely do developing economies can reap the benefits of sustainable tourism.”
The 24 #UNWTOGA supports @UNWTO Secretary-General @pololikashvili for a second term for the period 2022-2025. pic.twitter.com/0nDWJr21q2— World Tourism Organization (@UNWTO) December 1, 2021
Alongside receiving an updated on UNWTO’s activities since the last general assembly two years ago, members also benefited from a comprehensive overview of the latest tourism trends, as indicated by UNWTO’s latest data, as well as an updated overview of restrictions on travel worldwide.
From the floor of the assembly, members from different global regions expressed their solidarity with countries impacted by the continued imposition of travel restrictions.
Pololikashvili is a Georgian politician and diplomat.
From 2005-2009, he was Georgian deputy foreign minister, and he served as ambassador to Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Andorra.
Image: UNWTO

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UKinbound has released stark new figures indicating that its members expect international visitors to be down 75 per cent in November and December, compared to 2019.
In 2019 inbound tourism during this period was worth £4.25 billion to the UK economy.
In a recent survey of its UK tour operators, accommodation providers and attraction members, undertaken prior to the latest Omicron restrictions, 89 per cent of respondents stated that November/December international arrivals/visitor numbers would be lower than 2019 figures.
Of these businesses, four in five stated they expect to be down over 75 per cent, indicating that although many restrictions at UK borders have been removed, the country is not expecting an influx of international visitors pre-Christmas.
The survey also asked, if international clients have cancelled a trip to the UK in November/December 2021, why? ADVERTISEMENTDeferring their visit to 2022 was the top reason given, however the Covid-19 case rates in the UK and testing requirements were also cited.
Additional analysis was undertaken to understand how the lifting of restrictions has affected inbound tour operators and destination management companies based here in the UK, who, along with other intermediaries, pre-pandemic brought in over 60 per cent of all international visitors.
On average, these businesses reported that they expect revenue for 2021 to be down 93 per cent compared to 2019.
Commenting on the results, chief executive of UKinbound Joss Croft, said: “Prior to the announcement of the latest Omicron restrictions, the inbound tourism industry was already facing a tough winter.
“With annual revenues down 93 per cent and international visitors expected to be down 75 per cent during a critical part of the year, Christmas, businesses are skating on thin ice.”
He added: “Additionally, the latest restrictions have sent shockwaves through our industry.
“We will need to see what the implications are on travel and health, but inevitably fragile consumer confidence will be dented.
“We were seeing green shoots and our members were reporting an increase in enquiries for 2022, however cancellations for December and early next year are already starting to come through.”
Image: Unsplash/Louis Hansel

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Tahiti Tourisme is encouraging agents to sign up to Tahiti Specialist Programme.
The programme is designed to aid the training and development of agents across a growing product base.
It delivers a complete suite of online training and engagement tools ensuring learners gain and retain knowledge in an enjoyable, engaging and more effective way.
Featuring ten interactive lessons, the programme will take users on a journey around the islands of Tahiti and leave them with a thorough understanding of the destination. ADVERTISEMENTContent for the modules includes a brief overview of the islands, experiences and cultural elements, as well practical information such as how to get there and local currency.
Each of the archipelagos will be introduced to give further knowledge of islands outside the well-known Society Islands, and highlight the diversity of experiences on offer.
Designed to excite and engage, the Tahiti Specialist Programme invites members of industry to participate in a rewards style programme that incentivises agents to not just sell the destination, but to immerse themselves in it.
Currently, the programme has a four-tier level system which finishes with the chance to become a Certified Tahiti Specialist.
Image: Tahiti Tourisme

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According to the newest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 58 per cent in July-September compared to the same period of 2020.
However, numbers remained 64 per cent below 2019 levels.
Europe recorded the best relative performance in the third quarter, with international arrivals 53 per cent down on the same three-month period of 2019.
In August and September arrivals were down 63 per cent compared to 2019, the best monthly results since the start of the pandemic.
UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “Data for the third quarter of 2021 is encouraging. ADVERTISEMENT“However, arrivals are still 76 per cent below pre-pandemic levels and results across the different global regions remain uneven.”
In light of the rising cases and the emergence of new variants, he added that “we cannot let our guard down and need to continue our efforts to ensure equal access to vaccinations,  coordinate travel procedures, make use of digital vaccination certificates to facilitate mobility and continue to support the sector”.
The uplift in demand was driven by increased traveller confidence amid rapid progress on vaccinations and the easing of entry restrictions in many destinations.
In Europe, the EU Digital Covid Certificate has helped facilitate free movement within the European Union, releasing large-pent up demand after many months of restricted travel.
Arrivals were only eight per cent below the same period of 2020 yet still 69 per cent below 2019.
The Americas recorded the strongest inbound results in January-September, with arrivals up one per cent compared to 2020 but still 65 per cent below 2019 levels.
The Caribbean recorded the strongest results by subregion with arrivals up 55 per cent compared to the same period in 2020, though still 38 per cent below 2019.

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