Eliana Willis

More stories

  • 50 Shares169 Views

    in organisations-operators

    PATA reorganises governance structure

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has made significant changes to the design of its organisational governance at the recent board meeting.
    Over the past three years, PATA has been reviewing leading organisational models and been in consultation with a wide range of experts to create a design that modifies and refines the association for more efficient outcomes and engaged participation.
    The major changes are a shift from an appointed board to an elected board by all members that is also substantially reduced in size, in addition to a reduced and fully elected executive board.
    A unique feature of the new design is a shift from an expansive array of committees to ‘expert task forces’ (ETFs), which draw upon the deep knowledge and experience within the PATA network to address issues of interest to the association and the industry.
    The ETFs are established to focus on a specific task within a specified time-frame and disband upon completion.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    New ETFs will be formed on new issues as they arise.
    The goal is to enable the active engagement of members in dynamic and meaningful activities that support PATA’s purpose of facilitating the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.
    As noted by immediate past chair, Chris Bottrill, who oversaw the governance redesign during his tenure as chair: “I believe the meetings last week were a pivotal moment for PATA.
    “Through the work of dedicated leaders and the input of members, we have committed to a new design that builds upon the legacy of PATA and sets us up for future growth, impact and success.
    “It is a proud moment for the PATA community to have embraced change with the goal of strengthening the association now and for the future.”
    Older
    New evidence bolsters case for Covid-19 testing on arrival

    Newer
    Princess hands over two ships to P&O Cruises Australia More

  • 100 Shares99 Views

    in organisations-operators

    UNWTO calls for global coordination to restart tourism

    Consistent and harmonised travel protocols, enhanced safety measures and the protection of jobs and livelihoods are the main ingredients needed for the restart of tourism.
    The sixth meeting of the UNWTO Global Tourism Crisis Committee reminded participants of the need to work together as the only means of advancing the sustainable recovery of the sector.
    The meeting produced a commitment to create a new UNWTO Committee on Common Safety Protocols to increase confidence in international travel, as well as firm plans for enhanced consumer protection for consumers and measures to protect jobs.
    Setting the tone for the meeting, UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, made clear that, with many millions of livelihoods at stake, inaction is not an option, and that the rapid and sustainable recovery of tourism is essential.
    “Strong coordination is needed to accelerate the lifting of travel restrictions in a safe and timely manner, to increase investment in systems that support safe travel, including testing on departure, and to sustain and support businesses and jobs.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “If we fail to address these three priorities, we will fail to restart tourism, and so fail to save millions of livelihoods,” Pololikashvili said.
    Just as people are at the driving force of global tourism, so too has UNWTO stressed that recovery policies must recovery be people-focused.
    For starters, restoring consumer trust and coherent and standardized international protocols are mutually reinforcing and critical for the return of tourism.
    The Crisis Committee meeting saw UNWTO announce plans for a new International Code for the Protection of Tourists.
    This will be the first legal framework to protect tourists’ rights as consumers, harmonizing minimum standards across different countries and ensuring the fair distribution of responsibility to tourists affecting by the pandemic among stakeholders across the sector.
    A technical committee for the creation of the code is being set up and will meet before the end of the month.
    Alongside this, UNWTO is working to protect jobs and help workers affected by the pandemic find new opportunities.
    Older
    Central America Virtual European Roadshow to launch next week

    Newer
    Radisson Individuals launches to independent hoteliers More

  • 100 Shares129 Views

    in organisations-operators

    British Museum holds on to tourism top spot

    The annual attractions survey, published today by VisitEngland, has revealed that gardens saw the highest percentage growth in visitor numbers during 2019.
    Visits to gardens across England increased by ten per cent in 2019 compared to the previous year.
    Farms and places of worship also saw strong growth in visitor numbers, up eight and seven per cent, respectively.
    historic houses/castles and wildlife attractions/zoos saw good growth in visits, both up by five per cent.
    Overall England’s visitor attractions saw a rise of three per cent in visitors in 2019, the highest year-on-year increase since 2014, and four per cent growth in revenue compared to the previous year.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    These trends are likely to have gone into sharp reverse this year, however, as the country battles the Covid-19 pandemic.
    VisitEngland chief executive, Sally Balcombe, said: “From world-renowned museums, galleries, castles and historic houses to rural, wildlife and outdoor experiences, England’s outstanding range of visitor attractions are a crucial and valuable part of our tourism offer, boosting local economies right across the country.
    “England’s attractions continued to provide a rich and varied canvas to capture the imagination of domestic and international visitors and our stunning gardens were a proven tourism draw, admired at home and across the world for their beauty and variety.
    “Millions of jobs and local economies rely on tourism and this annual survey is also a timely opportunity to highlight the dedication of visitor attractions across the country who have been working so hard to welcome visitors back safely, adapting and innovating to meet new ways of working and still providing a great experience.”
    Topping the list of free attractions was the British Museum with 6.2 million visitors followed by the Tate Modern with nearly 6.1 million and the National Gallery with six million.
    The Tower of London remained the most visited ‘paid for’ attraction in 2019 with almost three million visits followed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which saw a 25 per cent increase in visitors to 2.3 million and Chester Zoo with 2.1 million.
    The survey, which gathered information from 1,308 English attractions, also showed increases in international visitors overall in 2019, up two per cent, and more local day trips to attractions than in the previous year, also up two per cent.
    More Information
    To see the results of the VisitEngland annual survey of visits to visitor attractions, including regional data for attractions, head over to the official website.
    Older
    Technological solutions to Covid-19 to be examined at Future Hospitality Summit More

  • 113 Shares149 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Saga to launch new special interest tours next year

    Saga has launched a new range of special interest tours for guests looking to spend their holiday pursuing their passions or finding a new one altogether.
    Each holiday will allow guests to explore special interests including walking, birdwatching, wildlife appreciation and archaeology alongside likeminded travellers.
    Guests will be joined by an expert host, and talks, activities and excursions will be centred around the particular interest.
    For more intrepid adventures, the tours include cycling in Korcula and birdwatching in Costa Rica, while those looking to remain closer to home can enjoy wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull and walking the Peak District.
    All departures begin from February with further details available on the website.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    As with all Saga Holidays, guests also have access to a host of included extras when booking trips, including travel insurance on all overseas holidays, extended cancellation rights and VIP door-to-door travel service on all worldwide holidays and river cruises.
    Chris Simmonds, managing director of Saga Holidays, said: “We’re excited to announce this new range of special interest holidays for our guests for our 70th anniversary year in 2021.
    “Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or a history enthusiast, these tours included in our brand new Special Interest collection have something for everyone.
    “We’re looking forward to welcoming our first guests on the tours next year to enjoy their favourite hobbies in many new destinations for Saga.”
    Older
    Red Sea Development signs new Saudi partner

    Newer
    Darbandi to lead Caledonian Sleeper More

  • 100 Shares99 Views

    in organisations-operators

    UNWTO signs Expedia partnership to drive tourism recovery

    The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has signed a deal to work alongside the Expedia Group to strengthen ties between the public and private tourism sectors.
    It is hoped the deal will drive a recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them collaborate on a range of topics, with the common goal of driving recovery and making the sector more resilient and sustainable.
    UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, met with representatives of the Expedia Group in Brussels, on the back of successful talks with leaders of the European Institutions.
    Highlighting a commitment to strengthening ties with the private sector, this enhanced partnership will see the United Nations agency work more closely with the Expedia Group.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Joint actions will focus on market intelligence and innovation.
    UNWTO and Expedia will also work together to promote entrepreneurship and professional education, and in the field of consumer protection.
    Pololikashvili added: “From the very start of this crisis, UNWTO has been a strong advocate of close cooperation between the public and private sectors.
    “This enhanced partnership will help improve our knowledge of global tourism trends, allowing us to respond to new challenges and guide tourism’s recovery.
    “It will also help us place innovation and sustainability at the heart of this recovery, ensuring tourism emerges stronger than before.”
    The partnership with between UNWTO and Expedia Group will see both parties share data on tourism trends and developments, both at the global and the local scale.
    This will help inform decision-making, producing data-based policies aimed a tourism’s sustainable recovery and future development.
    Older
    Italy removed from UK quarantine-free list More

  • 63 Shares189 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Soon Hwa elected PATA chairperson

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the ratification of the new executive board.
    Soon-Hwa Wong has been formally endorsed as the chair of the body, and replaces Chris Bottrill who was elected chair in May 2018.
    The latter remains a member of the executive board as immediate past chair.
    On his appointment, Soon-Hwa said: “It is indeed an honour to be given the privilege to serve PATA members, especially in a time like this.
    “PATA will celebrate a significant milestone, our 70th Anniversary, next year.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “We are embarking on a comprehensive organisation redesign that will transform PATA into an association that will lead the tourism industry into the post-Covid future and beyond.
    “Together with our industry partners from both the public and private sector, we will commit to sustainable tourism development to benefit the economic well-being of the community at large.
    “Come join us in our journey to build a safer and better world.”
    Soon Hwa has some 40 years of extensive experience in the Asia Pacific tourism and hospitality industry.
    After a long and successful corporate career, he founded Asia Tourism to provide advisory and consulting services to commercial and not-for-profit enterprises.
    He recently set up AsiaChina, primarily focusing on the two-way tourism flow between China and the APAC region.
    As part of paying it forward, he is also providing pro-bono services in mentoring start-ups and university students in his alma mater in addition to serving in several social committees.
    Older
    Etihad reveals new Trip.com partnership

    Newer
    Sky Express places order for four A320neos with Airbus More

  • 100 Shares159 Views

    in organisations-operators

    WTTC finds huge demand to travel next year

    An overwhelming majority of US and Canadian travellers, as many as 99 per cent, are eager to travel again, with 70 per cent stating that they plan to take a holiday next year.
    That is according to a travel leaders group survey of nearly 3,000 frequent travellers.
    The survey was conducted in September in conjunction with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global tourism private sector.
    Results indicate that 45 per cent of respondents have already made plans or are starting to make finite plans for their next holiday, while 54 per cent say they are dreaming of when they can travel again.
    “These are really strong numbers.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “The fact that 99 percent of travellers surveyed said they are planning a trip or looking forward to the time they can travel again indicates that as concerns about Covid-19 are addressed, leisure travellers will lead the recovery,” said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group.
    In the survey, 23 per cent of respondents said they plan to travel by the end of 2020, 70 per cent said they will travel in 2021 with just 18 per cent saying they will resume traveling in 2022.
    “Consumer uncertainty about the risk of exposure or concerns about being quarantined is a core problem,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC president.
    “With rapid testing to replace quarantine requirements, enhanced contact tracing and industry-wide standards by sector that can be clearly communicated to the public, we can help alleviate many of those concerns.”
    Older
    ABTA argues sustainability must be part of tourism recovery

    Newer
    Rocco Forte to offer Covid-19 testing as Italy tightens entry criteria More

  • 113 Shares99 Views

    in organisations-operators

    ABTA argues sustainability must be part of tourism recovery

    Mark Tanzer has argued the travel sector has an opportunity to “build back better” following an extremely challenging year.
    Opening the annual Travel Convention, the ABTA chief executive said sustainability must be key to the sector moving forward, but that progress would not be easy.
    Addressing the conference this morning, he said: “We are very much still in the middle of this crisis, which started back in March with the closing of the UK borders.
    “We are currently in the middle of a second spike, here in the UK and across Europe.
    “This means travel corridors have closed down, causing real trouble for the travel industry.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “Customer confidence is impacted by this, by both the government advice and the blanked travel ban from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
    He added: “After a wash-out of a summer season, we are seeing weak demand for winter bookings.
    “This coincides with the end of the government furlough scheme, and we have seen 20 ABTA members fail so far this year – an indication of the financial pressure travel companies are under.”
    Turning his attention to what must be done to turn the fortunes of the sector around, he argued the government must act quickly.
    “Travel is a resilient industry, and we are used to digging ourselves out of trouble – but this is different.
    “The problems we face are directly linked to the government health policy.
    “The FCDO advice has to be changed, and we must move to a more regional approach.
    “We have seen the government is able to discriminate between different levels of risk, as we have seen with the newly introduced three tier system here at home.
    “This must be extended internationally.
    “There must also be a move toward testing, with the global travel taskforce reporting as quickly as possible.”
    He added: “There is no doubt this is the biggest crisis we have faced – but there are reasons for optimism.
    “People are booking for 2021 and may be looking to spend more, as they are unable to travel this year.”

    In terms of sustainability, ABTA has argued the travel industry has an opportunity to rebuild in a more sustainable way following the coronavirus crisis.
    The body has today published a new report which sets out how the devastating impact of the global pandemic has brought into relief the value of tourism to holidaymakers, the UK and destinations.
    Entitled ‘Tourism for Good – A Roadmap for Rebuilding Travel and Tourism,’ the document explains how it is imperative to purposefully rebuild a more responsible and resilient tourism industry that benefits all those involved.
    It also seeks to provide a framework for collaborative action to build better places to live in and better places to visit.
    Central to the report is the belief that travel is a powerful force for good; being both physically and mentally restorative for holidaymakers while also generating significant economic, employment and social benefits in the UK and around the world.
    It also acknowledges the challenges that the sector faces, including the need to accelerate decarbonisation and to ensure that tourism generates greater benefits for destinations and local communities.
    The report emphasises the huge value and contribution of UK outbound tourism, both domestically and internationally, in terms of job creation, livelihood opportunities, social benefits for local communities, support and funding for nature and wildlife conservation and cultural heritage protection.
    New research from CEBR shows that the aggregate global GVA (gross value added) of UK outbound tourism is estimated at $84 billion and supports 2.7 million jobs, while in the UK it generates £37 billion (1.8 per cent of GDP) in aggregate economic impact and 526,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
    For certain destinations – the Maldives, Jamaica, Cyprus, Malta, Mauritius, Greece, Spain and Portugal – which rely heavily on tourism already, UK holidaymakers alone make a marked contribution of more than one per cent of national GDP .
    Underpinned by a series of nine core principles, the report sets out a roadmap to guide a commitment from ABTA to working with its members, their suppliers, destination authorities, travellers and the wider travel industry.
    It also calls on the UK government to support tourism’s contribution to economic development and employment, deliver the necessary policies to encourage transport providers to transition to greener technologies, and to help consumers to transition to low-carbon transport.
    Tanzer concluded: “Tourism’s unexpected standstill has given us a unique opportunity to reflect on the type of industry we want to rebuild, fit for the challenges we face and a contributor to the global good.
    “I believe the future prosperity of the industry depends on putting sustainability at the heart of our recovery.”
    Find out more about the Tourism for Good roadmap below
    [embedded content]
    Older
    IATA joins with ACI for latest aviation appeal

    Newer
    WTTC finds huge demand to travel next year More