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      World Committee on Tourism Ethics issues statement on Ukraine war

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      The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), an impartial body which reports directly to the UNWTO General Assembly, met under a new chair and with a new composition. After deliberations, the Committee agreed to issue the following statement:
      The World Committee on Tourism Ethics, welcoming the statement of UN Secretary-General that “Continuing the war in Ukraine is morally unacceptable, politically indefensible and militarily nonsensical”, in firm belief that tourism is a vital force for peace and a factor for friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples of the world, urges the Russian Federation to end its invasion against Ukraine which is putting millions of lives at risk, threatening their peace and security. Guided by Article 1 of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee calls on all efforts to be extended towards peace negotiations in accordance with the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.
      While the right to tourism is forcibly taken away during conflicts, tourism is always a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and sustainable development among countries.
      The WCTE functions are to interpret, apply, and evaluate the provisions of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, in addition to ensuring the promotion of its ethical principles and the monitoring of its practical implementation by governments and the private sector.

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      New Travelport+ self-service suite unlocks productivity

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      New Travelport+ self-service suite unlocks productivity

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      Travelport has debuted the latest product feature release for its next-generation travel retailing platform, Travelport+. The new self-servicing suite and automation tools, now available on Travelport+, help travelers, and the travel retailers that support them, to create an efficient, online shopping and servicing experience for travelers. Travelport has also recently expanded the availability of NDC content and NDC servicing capabilities for several of its airline partners.
      “This next phase of our Travelport+ evolution is all about making our next-generation travel marketplace work and feel more like the Internet, with more self-service and automation, so that our customers can activate their own modern digital retailing experiences,” said Jen Catto, Chief Marketing Officer at Travelport. “With so many customers upgrading to Travelport+, we’ve remained agile and focused on providing agents the ability to automate a task quickly and easily, so that agents get more time back in their day to serve and support their travelers. We’re also expanding on NDC capabilities with our partners, to go above and beyond the ability to just book NDC content by really improving how flights are shopped, sold, and serviced, with new add-ons, paid seats and bag opportunities.”
      Better Workflow Automation for Agents
      Travelport’s new self-service tool, Productivity Automator, is designed to help agents work more productively by reducing the amount of manual back-end tasks and calls to suppliers. ​The automation capabilities available with Productivity Automator through Travelport+ ultimately give agents more time to focus on advising their travelers and increased upsell opportunities for suppliers. Travelport+ customers using Productivity Automator have seen they can potentially generate a 14% time ​savings across their ​entire team every day.
      Lisa Henning, Managing Director at Inspire commented: “Productivity Automator has not only eliminated repetitive tasks by streamlining workflows, but it has also helped us to reduce the cost of trip servicing significantly, due to our improved efficiency.”ADVERTISEMENTGreater Self-Service Support for Developers and Agents
      The latest Travelport+ product release also introduces modernized self-service tools for agency customers and developers, including Travelport’s completely redesigned MyTravelport developer portal. The updated portal was designed with modern travel retailers in mind and now offers virtual agent support, a smarter knowledge base search, and an online community.​ These customer service and support updates both speed up and simplify the Travelport+ digital support journey for developers and agencies using Travelport.
      Expanded Content and More Choice for All
      Travelport has continued to evolve its content offering to help agency customers offer more choices with Travelport+, with new add-ons which include paid seats and baggage opportunities with more than 14 new airlines. ​The company has signed NDC deals with 19 airlines worldwide and is continually rolling out more NDC content, making it accessible to Travelport customers in each region. American Airlines NDC content is now available to Travelport+ customers in North America, and Travelport anticipates that NDC content from three additional airlines will go live in NORAM this quarter.
      “New Distribution Capability is a key component to transforming travel retailing,” said Neil Geurin, Managing Director of Digital and Distribution for American Airlines. “Travelport is making significant progress with NDC by providing travel agents with access to better, more relevant offers, which is invaluable to American and our customers.”
      Travelport customers also have fast, easy access to even more robust, enriched content with over 318 branded fare airlines now live in Travelport+, following the addition of 12 new airlines that recently joined Travelport rich content and branding.
      The self-service tools and automation functionalities in this latest Travelport+ release compliment agents’ ability to sell more, by freeing up their time, while also providing them an expanded menu of content.

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      Seoul Tourism Organization announces participation in IMEX

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      Seoul Tourism Organization announces participation in IMEX

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      The Seoul Tourism Organization has announced it participation in IMEX, the world’s largest MICE exhibition to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, for three days from May 29 to June 2 this year. In line with the full-scale resumption of international tourism and MICE, STO plans to come out strong with preemptive marketing activities to attract international MICE delegates attending IMEX Frankfurt 2022.
      IMEX, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is an exhibition specifically designed for MICE industry which draws 14,000 visitors from 170 countries and more than 70,000 business meetings. Expectations for this year are very high as attention is being paid to how different or similar international events, which have been canceled for the past two years due to the pandemic, will be this year comparing to the previous years.
      The Seoul Tourism Organization prepared joint marketing activities with the participating Seoul MICE Alliance members, including group presentation sessions to expand potential clientele to come to Seoul for their MICE events. Buyers can reserve a PSA meeting with eight SMA members- Channel K, Euras Tech, People & Value, Grand Hyatt Seoul, Lotte Hotels Seoul, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, VIAGEM, Communistar -beforehand through the official website or drop in during the event.
      Also, STO prepared fun and engaging events created from globally popular K-contents, such as drama series including Squid Game to attract the attention of MICE organisers: Dalgona carving time, chimaek (chicken + beer) networking time, writing Korean names on traditional Korean fans, and taking photos with K-pop stars who lead Hallyu culture worldwide.
      PARK Jin hyeok, director of the Seoul Convention Bureau said, “We expect our participation in this year’s IMEX exhibition will be a meaningful rebooting of Seoul’s standing as a complete MICE venue. With experienced and knowledgeable Seoul MICE Alliance members, we will continue our overseas marketing to enhance its position as the best MICE city in the world.”ADVERTISEMENT

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      IATA and ICP cooperate to enhance air cargo security in UAE More

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      IATA and ICP cooperate to enhance air cargo security in UAE

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      The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Federal Authorities for Identity, Citizen, Custom and Port Security (ICP) in United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to work together on the deployment of a Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) System in the UAE.
      UAE will be the first country outside of the US and the EU to implement a PLACI regime to create a more secure air cargo supply chain in the country.
      The submission of advance cargo information enables ICP to target and assess risks related to cargo shipments prior to the arrival of the shipment to the country of destination. This new layer of security to be applied before loading shipments bound to UAE complies with principles set jointly by the International Civil Aviation Organization and World Customs Organization. The cooperation between IATA and ICP will ensure that industry standards will be integrated in this PLACI regime.
      “IATA has a strong relationship with ICP and is proud to assist in the development of the UAE’s pre-loading electronic advance information program. The project will employ IATA messaging standards and existing business processes in one of the few pre-loading electronic advance information programs currently developed worldwide. The endorsement of IATA standards by a national administration is an important step towards harmonizing standards across the industry which is critical for the secure flow of trade.  We look forward to a successful implementation, setting an example for other countries,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East.
      “The cooperation between IATA and ICP regarding air freight security will contribute to achieving a higher level of security in this vital sector in light of harmonizing national regulations with international standards. This will facilitate the smooth flow of supply chain security and trade through a developed and coordinated approach, which will reinforce UAE’s position as an international center for trade and shipping. It’s worth noting that the ICP UAE is one of the pioneering institutions implementing the initiative which complies with International Civil Aviation Organization and World Customs Organization joint standards” said His Excellency Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaeeli ICP General Director.ADVERTISEMENT

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      Jubilee celebrations draw international visitors to the UK More

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      Jubilee celebrations draw international visitors to the UK

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      With exciting events planned across the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June, award-winning travel trade association UKinbound, whose 300 plus UK members service international visitors holidaying in the UK, shares its views on the upcoming festivities.
      Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This joyous event will provide a vital and welcoming boost to the UK’s tourism industry and businesses up and down the country. Many of my members are preparing to welcome international visitors from across the world, who are making a special visit to the UK during the Jubilee period.
      “We need to ensure that we take the successes of the Jubilee into the summer and autumn seasons, however the industry is facing a number of challenges to its recovery. We expect domestic tourism to reduce this year, with UK residents opting to take holidays abroad, however international visitors to the UK are only expected to return to 52% of 2019 numbers. 
      “Promoting Britain abroad and emphasising the amazing heritage, culture and experiences available across all four nations, and ensuring we provide visitors with a warm welcome, has never been more important. International tourism is a competitive business, and we need to work hard to convince the international community that the UK is a fantastic place to visit in 2022 and beyond.”
      Lana Bennett, CEO of Tours International, an inbound tour operator that specialises in bringing international visitors to the UK, added “The Platinum Jubilee has come at exactly the right time for UK tourism. It’s rejuvenated the industry – everyone can get involved and pull together to make it a truly outstanding celebration. The official events encompass all that is unique and welcoming about the UK and it’s fantastic to have good news back in the headlines. Tours International is running a luxury Platinum Jubilee tour for individuals which we’re very excited about and it’s sold out, which is wonderful.”ADVERTISEMENT

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      Eurostar launches new partnership with Trees4Travel More

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      Signature Aviation opens private aviation terminal at Birmingham Airport

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      Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal operator, has announced the opening of its newly constructed private aviation facility at Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the United Kingdom. The opening marks the full revival of Signature Birmingham following a flood affecting its previous 1930’s era terminal building.
      The greenfield construction represents Birmingham’s newest and best-appointed Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facility, featuring a 222 sq. m. building replete with traveler lounge space, refreshment area, and a passenger security screening checkpoint. The terminal also includes a dedicated pilots lounge, and an electric vehicle charging station. Furthermore, Signature Birmingham will continue to offer the consistent, expert line service for which it is renowned for visiting aircraft.
      “Signature rapidly mobilized to operate from a temporary facility immediately following the damage to our previous FBO; however, this opening solidifies our ongoing commitment to our customers and the Birmingham Airport as we look to the future,” said John-Angus Smith, Managing Director for Signature EMEA. “We’re thankful for the support of Birmingham Airport Ltd in helping to reestablish Signature’s presence at the airport.”
      “The newly built FBO in Birmingham reflects the resilience of our team and the importance of this location within our EMEA network” shared Daniel Myles, Area Director UK. “General aviation continues to be a commercial driver to both the airport and Birmingham city, and we look forward to greeting attendees of the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Women’s UEFA Football Championship this summer.”
      Construction of the new facility lasted 12 weeks, with interior fit and finishing taking an additional four weeks.ADVERTISEMENT

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      OurAfrica.Travel embraces virtual, creates thousands of connections

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      Qatar executive steals the limelight on the opening day of EBACE 2022 More

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      Malaysian Tourism Roadshow heads to Saudi Arabia

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      Tourism Malaysia is organising a series of roadshows in the Middle East to woo international tourists to Malaysia in conjunction with the country’s border reopening on 1 April 2022. This time around, the roadshow will kick off from 21 to 29 May 2022 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – the cities of Damman, Riyadh, and Jeddah.
      Headed by Dato’ Seri Ramlan Ibrahim, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, the delegation consists of travel agents, hoteliers, product owners, state tourism bodies, and medical tourism industry players. The mission is to attract more international tourists, newcomers and regulars alike, to further boost the economy for a strong rebound in the tourism industry.
      Saudi Arabia’s market contributes the highest per capita expenditure in terms of tourist spending reaching RM11,660 (USD 2,673) and the average length of stay (10.8 nights) before the COVID-19 pandemic.
      This roadshow provides the platform for networking with travel trade partners and the opportunity to develop new sales partnerships besides providing product updates on Malaysia, including the brand new Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, the world’s second tallest skyscraper Merdeka 118, and the Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur that just reopened after a once-in-a-generation transformation.
      Dato’ Seri Ramlan said: “We are thrilled to welcome more Arab tourists to Malaysia. Malaysia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has long been amicable. Hence, this roadshow aims to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind tourist destination for the West Asian market.ADVERTISEMENT“Not only Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are well connected with direct flights via Saudia and Malaysia Airlines, but Malaysia is also a safe and family-friendly holiday destination plus a shopping heaven and halal food paradise.”
      Starting 1 May 2022, fully-vaccinated inbound travellers are no longer required to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests, including children aged 12 and below as well as for those who have been infected with COVID-19 within six to 60 days before departure to Malaysia. Travel insurance is also not a prerequisite for foreigners entering the country.
      The wearing of masks outdoors is optional but still mandatory indoors, including in shopping malls, offices, public transportation and e-hailing rides.

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      Accor to add 6,000 rooms to Saudi Arabia portfolio by 2025

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      TAG Aviation Granted Cayman AOC More

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      IATA: Canadian government must act to reduce delays

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      The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has written to the Canadian Government urging the ministers in charge to take immediate action to reduce the massive delays at immigration and security which are presently occurring at the country’s main international airports.
      Over the past weeks, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport alone reported that passenger wait times at security screening doubled and, in some instances, even quadrupled. Meanwhile, passengers on nearly every second international arriving flight were subjected to immigration delays, which in some cases included waiting on the airplane for up to three hours before they were allowed to disembark. Over the past four weeks, the travel plans of around 100,000 passengers per week have been disrupted.
      Barring the option of the Government removing the current vaccination mandate for air travel, the use of ArriveCAN for capturing and submitting vaccination and health information, and the random on arrival testing, IATA is asking the relevant authorities to:
      Introduce dedicated immigration lanes for arriving international passengers who did not provide their required health and vaccination details in advance through ArriveCAN. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) data shows that the immigration process for passengers where the ArriveCAN details need to be collected on arrival takes 3-5 minutes as compared to 15-30 seconds in cases where the data has been supplied in advance. This would speed up the immigration for all passengers who completed their ArriveCAN before landing in Canada.
      Upgrade the mobile app version of ArriveCAN to include the immigration and customs related questions so arriving international passengers can submit their relevant information in advance of arrival (currently only available on the web based ArriveCAN in Toronto and Vancouver).
      Relocate on-arrival random testing facilities from the terminal / airport and/or offer a home testing option.
      Ensure that both CBSA and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) have the staffing required to offer an efficient immigration and passenger screening process.
      “Aviation, along with travel and tourism, were hit particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and even more so in Canada, due to the very strict border control measures implemented by the government. Following the easing of many of these restrictions, demand is coming back and it is clear that people want to travel. We can therefore ill afford to have passengers subjected to unacceptable wait times both on arrival in the country or on departure. The relevant authorities must urgently consider removing the last remaining travel related COVID-19 restrictions and work with the industry on policies and processes which will allow passengers to pass through airports with no undue delay,” said Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas.

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      Air France promotes La Première offer in Cannes

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      Inaugural Wellness Festival Singapore launched to promote wellbeing More