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      Japan to restart scaled-down domestic travel discount program

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      The Japan Tourism Agency will restart its domestic travel discount program on a smaller scale starting Tuesday after a suspension during the year-end and New Year holidays.The move is part of efforts to support the domestic tourism industry, which has been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
      The maximum discount to be awarded per tourist, per night will be lowered from ¥11,000 to ¥7,000, including shopping coupons that can be used at places such as restaurants.
      Users of the program will be required to show proof of having received a booster shot for COVID-19 or a negative test result.
      Each prefecture will decide when to terminate the program in light of financial funding provided by the central government. The resources will be available at least until the end of March, according to the agency.
      The discount rate for travel will be reduced from 40% to 20%, while the ceiling on the discount amount will be lowered from ¥8,000 to ¥5,000 a night per tourist for tour packages that include public transportation services and from ¥5,000 to ¥3,000 for hotel stays only and single-day trips.ADVERTISEMENTShopping coupons to be provided as part of the program will be issued in electronic form in principle. The amount issued in coupons will be cut from ¥3,000 to ¥2,000 for weekdays and remain at ¥1,000 for weekends and holidays.
      “Reviving tourism demand is very important to revitalize the economy,” tourism minister Tetsuo Saito told a news conference Friday. “We want people to travel in Japan while taking basic COVID-19 precautions.”
      Source: Japan Times

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      Over 150,000 Israeli tourists visit UAE in 10 months

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      Over 150,000 Israeli tourists visit UAE in 10 months

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      More than 150,000 Israeli tourists visited the UAE in the last 10 months of 2022, and this year also looks promising in terms of tourism growth between the UAE and Israel as the two countries hope to increase flight frequency.The two Middle Eastern countries opened their borders after the signing of the Abraham Accord in September 2020, resulting in people-to-people contact flourishing between the two nations.
      Starting March 1, 2022, Israel allowed all Covid-19 vaccinated foreigners to visit the country.
      Pini Shani, senior vice president, the Israel Ministry of Tourism, said around 1,600 Emirati nationals arrived in Israel from UAE in the last ten months of 2022.“Starting in March 2022, we lifted the travel restrictions, and more than 150,000 Israelis travelled to UAE during this period. Israeli tourists are great spenders as they love to spend money while travelling and exploring. UAE nationals and expats are spending $180 (Dh 661) per day, excluding flights. Business travellers spend even more but stay less days in Israel,” Shani told Khaleej Times in an interview after his recent visit to the UAE.
      During a visit to the UAE last month, the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s SVP met travel and tourism industry executives and explored business opportunities by offering tour operators the opportunity to collaborate with Israel in an incentive or joint marketing agreement.
      Israel Ministry of Tourism provides a 20 euros (Dh78) reward to a travel agency for each tourist arriving in Israel for at least four nights.ADVERTISEMENTShani added that Israel can provide perfect conditions for the UAE and GCC visitors, including Halal food restaurants, Arabic-speaking tour guides, Islamic tourism sites and family-oriented hotels and places.
      Tourism in 2023
      Pini Shani is confident that 2023 will be an excellent year for tourism after recovering from the pandemic.
      “During 2022, we’ve already bounced back with exceptional tourist entries from our primary source countries, USA, Germany, France, and Italy. The Abraham Accord is a fantastic opportunity for the UAE and Israel to build lasting relationships and historic cultural bonds. For the Israeli audience, UAE is a new destination, which intrigues them to fly and discover in large masses.
      “Nevertheless, UAE nationals and expats need more time to explore what Israel can offer them as a tourism destination. Therefore, the number of visitors from Israel will stay more or less the same. In addition, the number of visitors from the UAE will increase dramatically in the upcoming years,” he added.
      Currently, there is good connectivity between the UAE and Israel, with 70 weekly flights operated by Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad, EL-Al, and Israir.
      “We hope to increase flight frequency to boost tourism from the UAE and worldwide, especially from Southeast Asia, Oceania, and more,” added Shani.
      Visa challengeWhile highlighting challenges that hamper the tourism sector, Shani pointed out that there are two main obstacles to boosting tourism – Israeli visa and the need for more knowledge and awareness about Israel.
      “The Israeli visa process is necessary for visitors who are not UAE citizens but residents (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh). Issuing a visa takes time (around two weeks); unfortunately, it is a consideration for potential visitors when choosing their next destination for travel. We plan to give seminars and perform roadshows for the local travel industry with the cooperation of the Israeli travel trade to increase awareness of Israel as a tourist destination,” he said.
      In order to improve bilateral tourism, he said they’re focusing on training the UAE’s tourism industry and highlighting what Israel offers to potential tourists. “We want to display hospitality, co-existence, diverse communities, nature, local foods, culture, heritage, and history. In addition, we aim to build good relations with travel agencies, airplane companies, and the media,” he added.
      Source:www.khaleejtimes.com

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      Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Opens in the Icelandic Capital

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      VISIT FLORIDA Highlights Incredible Year for Florida Tourism

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      VISIT FLORIDA highlighted an amazing year for Florida’s tourism industry driven by the efforts of the state’s official tourism marketing corporation. Throughout 2022, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing initiatives – initiatives that are frequently done in collaborative partnership with local and regional tourism industry partners throughout Florida – have consistently yielded record-breaking visitation growth, and reinforced Florida’s position as one of the top vacation destinations in the world.
      “Florida tourism continues to reach new heights thanks to VISIT FLORIDA’s strategic marketing initiatives in tandem with the initiatives of our tourism partners throughout the state,” said VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Dana Young. “Quarter after quarter, our vacation message has clearly resonated with travelers far and wide, and delivered record-breaking results on behalf of all Floridians. We appreciate Governor Ron DeSantis’ support and leadership that have helped get us here today, and are looking forward to leading Florida’s No. 1 industry to even more success in 2023.”
      2022 Highlights:
      Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, VISIT FLORIDA launched a multi-million-dollar marketing plan in partnership with communities throughout Florida to promote tourism to the state to ensure a full recovery from the storm. The multi-phased campaign includes an initial effort showing that Florida is open for business, as well as a comprehensive recovery package for the areas of the state that were most severely impacted by the storm.Conducted the annual Winter Sunseekers Campaign to reinforce Florida’s position as a top winter vacation destination. The campaign delivered over 1 billion impressions and those exposed to its advertising were nearly 3 times more likely to travel to Florida.Hosted Florida Huddle (serving the international travel trade industry) and Florida Encounter (serving the meetings and events industry) simultaneously for the first time ever in Tampa, FL. Together, the events were attended by more than 600 registrants, representing 24 countries and over 7,500 appointments.Partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to help promote Florida’s Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAOs). Efforts included a two-module, in-person adventure training program for local tourism suppliers, and a new Unexplored Florida webpage on VISITFLORIDA.com.
      ADVERTISEMENTAwarded the distinction of International Destination Guest of Honor at the ANATO Tourist Showcase in Bogota, Colombia—the first state to ever receive this designation in the event’s history.Led multi-city mission trips to Mexico and Brazil to further foster Florida’s presence among Latin American travelers – which encompassed eight of Florida’s top 10 international origin markets in 2021.Executed the annual Families campaign to further solidify Florida as the top destination for family travelers. Targeting a variety of markets across the U.S., the campaign resulted in over 970 million impressions among potential travelers.Attended the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW (International Pow Wow) in Orlando, participating in nearly 400 trade appointments and media interviews over three days. VISIT FLORIDA collaborated with Visit Orlando on several events spotlighting Florida as the host state for the event, and conducted 6 post-show Group Familiarization Trips (FAMs.)Executed a total of 15 domestic and international campaigns with Expedia. The campaigns resulted in 2.2 million air tickets, 2.4 million room nights, 1.3 million vacation rental nights, 5.3 million passengers, and nearly $517 million in total gross bookings.Created a culinary hub on VISITFLORIDA.com and produced 22 “You’ve Got To Try This: Chef’s Edition” videos. Highlighting the unique restaurants, cuisines, and chefs across the state, the programming showcased the wide spectrum of Florida’s culinary offerings to potential travelers.

      Florida grew its market share of overseas visitors by 21 percent, surpassing New York as the #1 destination in America for the first time since 2001.Partnered with Michelin, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to announce the launch of the MICHELIN Guide in Florida.Hosted the 2022 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Boca Raton, FL. Over 800 tourism professionals and stakeholders attended the event, representing GC’s highest participation since 2016.From January through September, Florida welcomed 104.5 million travelers, an increase of 4.1 percent from the same period in 2019, and over 15.3 percent more than in 2021.

      Launched its 2022 Adventure Travel campaign to showcase Florida’s wealth of outdoor experiences and grow the state’s reputation as a leading adventure travel destination. Debuted its 2nd annual Gift of Florida campaign, inspiring people to choose Florida vacation experiences over their material items in their gift-giving this holiday season.

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      Angkor Archaeological Park Attracts 287,454 Foreign Tourists in 2022

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      Queen Mary 2 celebrates Liberty’s first store at sea with launch of limited-edition scarf.

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      A limited-edition Cunard x Liberty scarf has been launched to celebrate Liberty’s first store at sea.
      The store – which opened on Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 in October 2022 – features the brand’s best-selling items, including silk pyjama sets, purses and bags, as well as two colourways of the special Cunard x Liberty scarf.
      The Cunard x Liberty scarf is available on Queen Mary 2 and is priced at $350.Cunard’s association with Liberty dates back to 1968, when an original bespoke scarf, titled ‘Vacances’, was hand-painted by Liberty’s design director at the time, Bernard Nevill. The design was hugely successful and reimagined in 1988 for Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2. The artists in the Liberty design studio have re-drawn this classic design once more, giving it a modern twist by spotlighting the joyful holiday scenes from the original and springing them from the border, giving the scarf a delightful escapist feel.Lee Powell, Vice President of Brand & Product, Cunard, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the first ever Liberty store at sea aboard Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2, and are especially excited to showcase this beautiful scarf designed exclusively for Cunard by Liberty’s talented team.”
      The Liberty store will be operated by Harding+, Cunard’s long term cruise retail partner. Plans are underway for Liberty products to be available on Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria later in the year.

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      Norwegian had 1.3 million passengers in December – domestic Christmas travels on par with 2019

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      JetBlue Vacations and Uber Offer Free Vouchers for Rides to and From Select Airports

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      JetBlue Travel Products, a subsidiary of JetBlue Airways have announced a pilot program with Uber, which offers JetBlue Vacations customers who booked flight + hotel packages to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas a free $20 voucher from Uber for airport transfers.Vacations worked with Uber for Business, Uber’s enterprise arm, on this program to provide a comfortable and smooth experience for travelers. The new offer adds to JetBlue Vacations’ existing perks that come standard, including earlier boarding on flights, a free inflight alcoholic drink (21+), and access to 24/7 support.
      Over the last two years, JetBlue Vacations’ customer-friendly Insider Experience program, available in international destinations, has seen tremendous success by putting customers in the hands of local experts to assist them throughout their entire journey, including airport meet-and-greet, free airport transfers, concierge services, and more. To bring that same level of trust and convenience to customers traveling to domestic destinations, JetBlue Vacations and Uber have teamed up to offer jet-setters access to convenient rides between travelers’ homes or offices and the airport.

      “We are excited to give our customers even more opportunities to save on their next vacation with Uber,” said Andres Barry, President, JetBlue Travel Products. “Whether you’re soaking up the sun or heading to a theme park for your next vacation, your travel experience should be seamless. Our work with Uber reflects our goal to add even more value to the customer experience, and over the next couple of months, the hope is to expand the program to many more domestic destinations. We’re excited to work with Uber to ensure our customers have an easy door-to-door experience.”
      ADVERTISEMENT“At Uber for Business we help organizations like JetBlue Vacations treat every customer like a VIP, by providing elevated travel experiences and delighting adventurers at every step of their journey,” said Susan Anderson, Global Head of Uber for Business. “We know that even a fun vacation can come with stress and endless logistics—a ride to or from the airport should be the last of your worries. We look forward to bringing the magic of Uber to JetBlue Vacations customers in our pilot destinations and beyond.”

      Customers can take advantage of the $20 voucher when they book any JetBlue Vacations package to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale or Las Vegas by January 31, 2023 for travel anytime, by clicking ‘add extras’ before checkout. JetBlue Vacations customers will receive their voucher via email after booking their vacation package (approximately 24 hours before their flight). Customers can then add the voucher to a personal Uber account by clicking on the provided link. One $20 voucher—for pickup and drop-off at select airports—is issued per vacation booked. Voucher use is limited to a geographic radius near or around the airport and expire two weeks from the date they are sent. JetBlue Vacations & Uber Voucher terms and conditions apply and shall be provided upon distribution of the voucher.

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      WTTC reacts to the imposition of travel restrictions on Chinese travellers

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      WTTC reacts to the imposition of travel restrictions on Chinese travellers

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      Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “After nearly three years, it is great news that China is finally opening up. Chinese visitors around the world contributed U.S.$ 253 billion to the global economy in 2019, creating jobs and boosting regional economies. The recovery of the Chinese Travel & Tourism sector is very welcome. Introducing knee-jerk travel restrictions shows Governments have learned nothing about the behaviour of this virus and continue to ignore the World Health Organization’s advice that border restrictions do not stop the virus mutating or moving around the globe. The reintroduction of ineffective COVID testing to Chinese travellers is a step backwards for the global Travel & Tourism sector.”

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      DELTA INTRODUCES FAST, FREE ONBOARD WI-FI

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      JetBlue Vacations and Uber Offer Free Vouchers for Rides to and From Select Airports More

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      VIRGIN VOYAGES TAKES FUTURE SAILORS ON MUSICALLY GUIDED CINEMATIC JOURNEY AT SEA

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      Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s award-winning and 5- star rated cruise and travel brand, celebrates the start of an epic 2023 with the launch of a video inspired by a music video.“The Voyage ‘’ was crafted by visionary director Jonas Åkerlund to celebrate the exclusively adult experience and takes viewers on a cinematic journey through 24-hours at sea. The video is musically guided by a reimagining of Culture Club’s iconic, 1983 song, “Karma Chameleon,” featuring pop-artist Drew Love. Originally released by Virgin Records, the new Virgin Voyages-inspired tropical house tune is debuting during the 40th anniversary of the original song’s iteration, paying homage to its Virgin roots with the iconic tune as backdrop to exclusively-adult sailing experience.
      Starring real Virgin Voyages Crew members and Sailors, the video was inspired by their first-hand experiences on board. “The Voyage” was filmed on the brand’s first ship in the fleet, Scarlet Lady, and captures the essence of what it’s like to vacation with the brand, incorporating moments of relaxation such as sunset yoga and the serenity of vacationing at sea. At the helm is acclaimed Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund, whose work has been internationally awarded for feature films, documentaries, music videos, commercials and stage shows. Beyond these projects, Åkerlund has directed music videos for renowned artists from Madonna, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, to The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Maroon 5. Working together with the team at Virgin Voyages, Åkerlund’s melodic, visually-driven storytelling was the perfect creative match to bring to life the feeling of transformative sailing aboard a Virgin Lady Ship. Alongside this creative vision, the brand partnered with vocalist and songwriter, Drew Love – of the band THEY. – whose sound spans across genres including R&B, pop, dance and hip hop. Apart from THEY., Love pursues independent, solo projects and co-writes for other artists including G-Eazy, The Chainsmokers, SG Lewis, Louis the Child and John Legend.
      Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Brand Officer of Virgin Voyages said, “We have won the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of Sailors who have fallen in love with Virgin Voyages because we created an experience everybody could love. As we continue to showcase our ships to the world, we wanted to share what it’s like onboard based on what our sailors have told us and shared on social. It features real crew as well and is a celebration of travel and Voyaging. “The Voyage ‘’ music video shows this in such a unique and relatable way, from a quiet and restorative feeling, to a dreamy, curious and energetic state.”
      Jason Xenopoulos, Co-Chief Creative Officer for North America at VMLY&R said, “We believe that brands should create culture rather than interrupting it. “The Voyage” is an example of how music and entertainment can be used to tell a brand story while delivering an authentic entertainment experience to the audience. Virgin Voyages deserves more than an ad campaign, and we are delighted that we could create an entertainment experience instead – one that will live in culture where this brand belongs.”
      Delivered as a methodically-driven short film, Virgin Voyages tells its story through the lens of the Sailor experience, all firmly rooted in the musical DNA of Virgin. This new music video also coincides with the launch of the new brand campaign, “Now We’re Voyaging.” In 2018 Virgin Voyages invited travelers to “Stray the Course” and consider the possibilities and innovations in cruise travel. In 2021, Richard Branson’s new company invited travelers to “Set Sail the Virgin Way,” asking Sailors to expect the unexpected. Often called a disruptor in the travel sphere, Virgin Voyages is elevating the experience yet again. Now We’re Voyaging. The brand campaign exemplifies the duality of excitement and relaxation Sailors can expect aboard Virgin Voyages’ award-winning vessels.ADVERTISEMENTEven as the newest cruise brand to enter the industry, Virgin Voyages has been making waves since its first sailing in 2021. With more five-star ratings than any other cruise line on TripAdvisor and numerous industry awards and accolades, the brand welcomes 2023 as its most exciting year to-date. On the horizon, Virgin Voyages will take delivery of two additional ships – Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady – sailing to exciting new destinations including Greece and Australia.
      To enjoy the sounds of Virgin Voyages’ modern take on Karma Chameleon and dive into the world of “Now We’re Voyaging,” visit here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-bBQFk-L6Q
      For more information on Virgin Voyages and where the company sails, visit www.VirginVoyages.com or call your First Mate.

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      Cunard Announces ‘Treat Yourself, On Us’ Wave Season Offer on a Variety of 2023-2024 Sailings

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      UK Civil Aviation Authority Proposes Simplified Guidance for Airspace Changes

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      The UK Civil Aviation Authority has proposed to simplify the guidance for airspace change to help improve the process for airports, air navigation services and those affected by airspace change.Known as CAP1616, the regulator’s new proposals will make its guidance easier to understand and make the requirements of the stages, steps and gateways to request an airspace change clearer.
      The UK Civil Aviation Authority also wants to make the process more proportionate and tailored to each proposal put forward.
      First published in 2018, the regulator committed to review the CAP1616 process three years after its implementation.
      Jon Round, Head of Airspace, Air Traffic Management and Aerodromes, said:
      “Airspace change affects so many of us, and as an organisation we strive to keep learning and improving. Our proposals will go some way to making sure the airspace change process is easier to understand and that the requirements at each step are much clearer.ADVERTISEMENT“The engagement we have undertaken so far has been invaluable in understanding how the airspace change process can be improved, both for change sponsors and those affected by airspace change.
      “This gives us the opportunity to reflect on feedback and make further improvements to the guidance.”
      This review gives the Civil Aviation Authority the opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned following the implementation of CAP1616 and make further improvements to the airspace change process.
      The improvements have been proposed following engagement with industry. The UK Civil Aviation Authority is now seeking views on its consultation on what the updated airspace change guidance will look like.

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