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      Air cargo buoyed by easing of Omicron restrictions in China

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      The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released May 2022 data for global air cargo markets showing that the easing of Omicron restrictions in China helped to alleviate supply chain constraints and contributed to a performance improvement in May.
      Note: We returned to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted.
      Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was 8.3% below May 2021 levels (-8.1% for international operations). This was an improvement on the year-on-year decline of 9.1% seen in April.
      Capacity was 2.7% above May 2021 (+5.7% for international operations). This more than offset the 0.7% year-on-year drop in April. Capacity expanded in all regions with Asia-Pacific experiencing the largest growth.
      Air cargo performance is being impacted by several factors.
      Trade activity ramped up slightly in May as lockdowns in China due to Omicron were eased. Emerging regions also contributed to growth with stronger volumes.
      New export orders, a leading indicator of cargo demand and world trade, decreased in all markets, except China.
      The war in Ukraine continues to impair cargo capacity used to serve Europe as several airlines based in Russia and Ukraine were key cargo players.
      “May offered positive news for air cargo, most notably because of the easing of some Omicron restrictions in China. On a seasonally adjusted basis, we saw growth (0.3%) after two months of decline. The return of Asian production as COVID-19 measures eased, particularly in China, will support demand for air cargo. And the strong rebound in passenger traffic has increased belly capacity, although not always in the markets where the capacity crunch is most critical. But uncertainty in the overall economic situation will need to be carefully watched,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
      May Regional PerformanceADVERTISEMENTAsia-Pacific airlines saw their air cargo volumes decrease by 6.6% in May 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. This was a significant improvement over the 15.8% decline in April. Airlines in the region have been heavily impacted by lower trade and manufacturing activity due to Omicron-related lockdowns in China however this started to ease in May as restrictions were lifted. Available capacity in the region fell 7.4% compared to May 2021.
      North American carriers posted a 5.7% decrease in cargo volumes in May 2022 compared to May 2021. Demand in the Asia-North America market remained subdued, however, other key routes such as Europe – North America remain strong. Capacity was up 6.8% compared to May 2021. Several carriers in the region are set to receive delivery of freighters this year, which should help address pent-up demand on routes where it is needed if economic headwinds don’t persist.
      European carriers saw a 14.6% decrease in cargo volumes in May 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. This was the worst performance of all regions. This is attributable to the war in Ukraine. Labor shortages and lower manufacturing activity in Asia due to Omicron also affected volumes. Capacity increased 3.3% in May 2022 compared to May 2021. 
      Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 11.6% year-on-year decrease in cargo volumes in May. Significant benefits from traffic being redirected to avoid flying over Russia failed to materialize. This is likely due to persisting supply chain issues in Asia. Capacity was up 7.6% compared to May 2021.
      Latin American carriers reported an increase of 13.8% in cargo volumes in May 2022 compared to May 2021. This was the strongest performance of all regions. Airlines in this region have shown optimism by introducing new services and capacity, and in some cases investing in additional aircraft for air cargo in the coming months.  Capacity in May was up 33.3% compared to the same month in 2021.
      African airlines saw cargo volumes decrease by 1.5% in May 2022 compared to May 2021. This was significantly slower than the growth recorded the previous month (6.3%). Capacity was 3.0% above May 2021 levels.

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      Five out-of-this world things to do at Dubai’s Museum of the Future this Eid al-Adha

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      Five out-of-this world things to do at Dubai’s Museum of the Future this Eid al-Adha

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      With a four-day public holiday starting on 8 July, now is your perfect chance to explore Dubai’s newest wow factor.
      Hard to miss, the Museum of the Future is in the heart of Dubai’s Future District, offering entertainment, education and a glimpse into the future for you and your whole family.
      Here is a list of five things you can do at the Museum of the Future over Eid al-Adha.
      1. Take a ride to space
      What better Eid staycation than a trip to a space station? ADVERTISEMENTBlast off in the Falcon Space Capsule to the Orbital Space Station (OSS) Hope on an odyssey of exploration. Get a good feel of humanity’s home in outer space and become part of our community. Onboard OSS Hope, you can learn more about what life could like on a huge space station in the year 2071.
      The journey doesn’t stop there!
      Continue your voyage as you return back to Earth, where you can escape to a rainforest in the heart of Dubai.
      2. Reconnect with yourself
      Eid is a chance to pause and reflect on ourselves. The museum’s Al Waha experience is an opportunity for you to explore yourself and indulge in a world that simulates all your senses. You can embark on a journey centred around health and wellbeing. Al Waha features a new world of therapies. You can explore feeling therapy, connection therapy, and grounding therapy to refresh and restore the natural balance from within.
      If you’re looking to take a piece of the experience home with you, you can even create your own personal perfume, based on your unique personality.
      A scent from the future, that you’ll never forget.
      3. Make memories in the Future
      Described as the most beautiful building on earth, it’s no wonder that the Museum of the Future has become a favourite spot to snap selfies.
      Get up close and personal with Dubai’s most impressive architectural marvel on the museum’s observation deck.
      Another place you’re sure to remember is the Library, a spectacular DNA library of some 2,400 species on display from floor to ceiling.
      While at the museum, don’t forget to treat yourself to a coffee from the future, served by our robot barista. As well as making memories, you can take them away with you.
      You can buy mementos from the museum’s retail shop, which will take you back to the museum’s inspirational and immersive experiences anytime you like!.
      4. Get hands-on with tomorrow’s tech
      The Tomorrow Today exhibition is not to be missed. Get up close and personal with the products and prototypes set to shape the future of waste management, environment, food security, agriculture, and city planning. You can experience all this against the backdrop of the museum’s spectacular interior, where flying robots float and glide from up above.
      5. Edutainment for the family
      The museum’s Future Heroes zone is the ultimate learning experience for kids.
      Designed for children under the age of 10, Future Heroes encourages young minds to make new discoveries about themselves and the world around them. The floor includes a range of educational and fun activities centred on several future-proof skills including curiosity, creativity, confidence, communication, and collaboration.
      The activities encourage children to engage in critical thinking while allowing their imaginations to soar.
      Future Heroes offers a combination of open-ended play and focused challenges that require problem solving and collaboration. It borrows the best aspects of video games and applies them to a physical environment.

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      Third in series of #DubaiDestinations summer guides is released

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      The third in a series of interactive #DubaiDestinations summer guides titled ‘Staycations and Playcations’ has been issued. Developed by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, the guide lists the top-rated getaways in the emirate ranging from luxury hotels and beachfront resorts to recreation destinations and water parks.
      The guide forms part the latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, which invites local and international audiences to enjoy an epic summer in Dubai. The campaign encourages residents and travellers to discover the city’s diverse leisure, dining, adventure and family-friendly activities that make Dubai a one-of-a-kind summer destination.
      Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said: “The third in our series of interactive guides, which forms part of the latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, is designed to help families plan their leisure time during the summer. The “Staycations and Playcations’ guide lists destinations that residents, seeking to enjoy a break within the emirate, can visit during the Eid Al Adha holiday and the rest of the summer. The campaign is being implemented by Brand Dubai in cooperation with a range of stakeholders and the creative media community.”
      The guide lists some of Dubai’s exceptional luxury resorts as well as premium resorts with a range of attractions for children. Those seeking fun-filled waterworlds to enjoy with family and friends can visit the many waterparks listed in the guide. The guide also lists other major recreational destinations in the emirate.
      The start of the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign last week was marked by the release of the first two interactive #DubaiDestinations summer guides. The first guide lists 115 indoor destinations for children while the second guide features 40 exciting summer camps. Available in both English and Arabic, all the guides released so far can be accessed on Brand Dubai’s digital platforms including its website www.branddubai.ae and its Instagram account @branddubai.ADVERTISEMENTThe #DubaiDestinations campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences. Key partners in the #DubaiDestinations campaign include: the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; Dubai Municipality; the Roads and Transport Authority; the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Dubai Sports Council; Dubai Ladies Club; Emaar; Dubai Holding; Nakheel Properties; Majid Al Futtaim Group; and Merex Investment Office.

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      China poised for tourism jobs bonanza

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      The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the travel and tourism sector in China is expected to create more than 30 million jobs over the next decade, representing a quarter of all new jobs globally.
      The forecast from WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) shows the sector will reach more than 107 million employed within the sector by 2032.
      According to the global tourism body’s latest data, travel and tourism’s GDP is expected to grow at an average of 9.7% over the next 10 years, more than twice the 4.4% growth rate of the national overall economy, making it one of the fastest growing countries.
      This growth will boost the sector to reach more than ¥25.2 trillion (13.7% of the total economy) by 2032.
      The report shows the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to China’s economy could also surpass pre-pandemic levels next year, when it is projected to rise almost 10% above 2019 levels.ADVERTISEMENTBy the end of 2023, the sector’s contribution to the national economy could reach more than ¥ 13 trillion, with a year-on-year growth of more than 32%.
      Employment within the sector could also exceed pre-pandemic levels, creating more than 766,000 additional jobs, to reach more than 83 million by the end of 2023.
      WTTC warns that this will only be achieved if China continues to facilitate both international and domestic travel.
      Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Over the next decade, the outlook is incredibly positive.
      “But in the short term, while much of the rest of the world and indeed the region is now open to travellers, travel to China remains off limits for many international travellers.
      “Domestic travel has provided and will continue to provide some relief to China’s economy, but at the moment, international travel spending is very low and is critical for the Chinese overall economy.
      “Although cutting the quarantine time for international travellers is a step in the right direction, it’s not enough to have any real positive impact.”
      In 2019, when travel and tourism was at its peak, international visitor spending in China reached nearly ¥951 billion (14% of total internal spending). However last year, as China kept its borders closed, the total spend was less than ¥91 billion (3%), missing out on nearly ¥862 billion every year.
      Before the pandemic, China’s travel and tourism total contribution to GDP was 11.6% (more than ¥11.9 trillion) in 2019, falling just to 4.3% (nearly ¥4.5 trillion) in 2020, representing a staggering 62.5% loss.
      The sector also supported more than 82 million jobs, before a complete halt to international travel which resulted in a loss of more than 12 million (15.2%), to reach just over 69 million in 2020.

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      Hudini and Incode Technologies enter strategic partnership

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      Smart hospitality solutions provider, Hudini, and Incode Technologies, the industry-leader in identity verification and authentication for global enterprises, has announced their strategic partnership to transform hospitality guest experiences. The partnership with Incode will enable Hudini customers to deploy identity verification during the check-in and check-out processes through enhanced digital biometric technology. This association will automate these processes making it quick, seamless and at the convenience of the guest.
      The hospitality industry relies on its ability to connect people and the places they visit to create memorable experiences for its guests. In its revitalisation post-pandemic, the industry is realising the impact that technology can have on a guest’s stay, and the potential it holds to increase customer loyalty and create additional revenue. In fact, a recent study found that 76% of hotel executives are looking to introduce “a fully contactless experience” by 2025.
      Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO at Hudini said: “Hotel guests crave seamless experiences when they travel. Long check-in processes and complex payment procedures can ruin a guest’s stay. As a leader in biometric identity verification, Incode’s solution removes these challenges and helps to maximise the digital guest experience, without compromising on security or privacy. Through our partnership with Incode, we are excited to offer fully automated identity verification to our check-in and check-out features across our partner hotels.”
      Both organisations have realised the potential identity verification holds across the hospitality industry and share the ambition for its widespread adoption during hotel check-in and check-out. To further that vision, the partnership will include the following experiences:
      Transparent guest identification: In a matter of seconds, even before arrival, the industry’s only fully automated identity verification engine validates the identity of a guest. This allows guests to identify themselves at their convenience, triggering Hudini’s systems to match the profile and immediately introduce a magical, personalised experience upon arrival.ADVERTISEMENTAutomated digital ID creation: A digital profile of each guest is automatically created by Hudini from existing IDs and payment sources. This saves time and energy from filling out forms.
      Seamlessly integrated experience: Once onboarded, guests use their most unique attribute—their face —to fully manage their respective journey. From booking, accessing a digital key and ordering amenities and room service, the identity-centric journey translates into the industry’s most transparent experience; all while ensuring privacy and security.
      Contactless payments: Using biometrics, Hudini can enable guests to pay for any service across the property without the need for a physical payment card.
      “The hospitality industry is going through a period of modernisation, and it is important that hotels look to leverage best-in-class technology,” explained Ricardo Amper, CEO and Founder of Incode. “Together with Hudini’s proven track record of enabling digital transformation in the hospitality sector, we believe our solution can help brands to drastically enhance their guest experiences.”

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      Japan’s tourism to approach pre-pandemic levels next year

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      The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the travel and tourism sector in Japan will provide a significant boost to the nation’s economic recovery next year, with its GDP contribution set to reach near pre-pandemic levels.
      The forecast from WTTC’s Economic Impact Report (EIR) shows the sector’s contribution to Japan’s GDP could reach nearly ¥40 trillion by the end of 2023, just 2.2% below 2019 levels.
      The data also reveals employment will surpass pre-pandemic levels, recovering more than 23,000 jobs, to reach more than 5.8 million by the end of the year.
      Over the next decade, travel and tourism’s GDP is expected to grow at an average of 2.6% annually, more than three times the 0.7% growth rate for the country’s overall economy, to reach more than ¥46.7 trillion (7.8% of the total economy).
      The forecast also reveals the sector is expected to create nearly 683,000 jobs over the next decade, averaging more than 68,000 new jobs every year, to reach more than 6.2 million employed by the end of 2032.ADVERTISEMENTBy the end of this year, the report shows the sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow a staggering 60% to more than ¥36.2 trillion, amounting to 6.5% of the total economic GDP.
      While employment levels in the sector are expected to grow at a slower rate (1.9%), by the end of this year, more than 5.6 million will work in the sector.
      Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “After the pain suffered by Japan’s travel and tourism, the outlook for the future is much brighter.
      “Following two years of restrictions to mobility, which damaged the sector, there are reasons for optimism as the sector is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
      “But there is still work to be done. Removing testing and facilitating international travel will further boost the sector’s growth and fast-track the recovery.”
      Before the pandemic, Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP was 7.3% (¥40.8 trillion) in 2019, falling to just 3.5% (¥18.4 trillion) in 2020, which represented a shocking 54.8% loss.
      The sector also supported 5.8 million jobs in 2019, falling to just below 5.3 million in 2020, when the pandemic devastated the sector.
      The global tourism body’s latest EIR report also reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for Japan’s travel and tourism sector.
      Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 22.9% year on year, to reach ¥22.7 trillion.
      The sector also saw a recovery of more than 210,000 travel and tourism jobs, representing a positive rise of 4% to reach 5.5 million.
      The sector’s contribution to the economy and employment could have been higher if it weren’t for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating severe travel restrictions.

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      Record delegation of Middle East investors to visit Jamaica

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      Efforts by Jamaica and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate cooperation and investment in tourism and other key areas have hit high gear as Jamaica is set to welcome its largest delegation of potential investors from the Middle East this week. This follows months of negotiations driven by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and his colleague Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill.
      While providing an update on the initiative, Minister Bartlett disclosed that on Friday (July 8), a delegation of over 70 private sector players and government officials from Saudi Arabia will arrive in Jamaica, adding that the group will include investors in various areas such as “logistics, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure and real estate.”
      Mr. Bartlett explained that this will be the “largest and strongest group of investors to ever come to Jamaica from the Middle East” and he is “excited about the prospects of being able to show them the different investment options” in the corporate area, Montego Bay, and other parts of the island.
      He revealed also that Jamaica is working with the delegation to “establish the supplies logistics centre” in Jamaica, which will allow goods and services that are needed to drive tourism across the region to be produced by and exported from Jamaica.
      The visit is also expected to provide, among other things, well needed foreign direct investment (FDI) to help boost the Jamaican economy. He emphasised that investment will play a critical role in tourism’s recovery by providing the funds necessary to construct and upgrade projects essential to the development and growth of tourism capacity.ADVERTISEMENTMinister Bartlett outlined that the visit by the investors “follows a series of meetings which I had with the Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, during his visit to Jamaica last June. Also involved in those discussions, was my colleague Minister Aubyn Hill.”
      “Our visits to the Middle East in 2021 and earlier this year have allowed us to explore opportunities for FDI in our tourism sector as well as build on discussions initiated last June with Minister Al Khateeb,” he added.
      Meanwhile, the Tourism Minister also revealed that he will be leaving the island for the Dominican Republic today (July 5) to attend the “first ever Caribbean Saudi Arabia Summit.” Mr. Bartlett will meet with, among others, “the largest delegation of Saudi Arabian investors to ever visit the Caribbean.”
      The summit will facilitate dialogue on investment opportunities in the Caribbean and other areas of collaboration.
      The meeting comes amid efforts to finalise the implementation of a multi-destination tourism framework to encourage growth in the sector. Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Panama and Cuba have been key players in the negotiations.
      Once finalised this agreement will enable joint marketing arrangements between these countries, while also providing tourists with the option to enjoy multi-destination experiences during their vacations at attractive package prices. Mr. Bartlett said, “it will be a game changer in tourism diplomacy and economic convergences in the Caribbean region.”
      The Minister is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Thursday July 7, 2022.

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