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      Flynn takes on global leadership role with Finn Partners

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      Finn Partners has named Debbie Flynn, formerly managing partner of Finn Travel Europe, as global travel practice leader.
      Flynn joined the firm from the Brighter Group, which she founded, led, and expanded into one of the most successful and respected travel PR boutiques in the UK before its acquisition by Finn in 2018.
      “Debbie is Finn’s first global practice leader based outside of the US, underscoring our international reach and commitment to travel across three continents,” said Peter Finn, founding partner, Finn.

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      “Debbie’s leadership, highly regarded position as a travel counsellor and advisor, and extensive international network, will be instrumental in helping travel and tourism brands build a successful and sustainable roadmap as we move out of Covid-19.”
      Building on her successful track record of increasing Finn Travel UK by 70 per cent in the last two years (pre-Covid-19), Flynn will spearhead new mar-comm and business development initiatives across the existing travel groups in the US, Asia and Europe.
      Flynn takes on the global role after a period serving as interim global travel lead beginning in late 2019, when she assumed this position from Gail Moaney, founding managing partner, who stepped down for health reasons in late 2019.
      Moaney built the Finn Travel practice since its inception almost ten years ago and was instrumental in countless client wins and strategic new hires over the past decade.
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      TUI secures further €1.2bn in government support

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      TUI Group has taken steps toward securing a further €1.2 billion bailout from the Germany government.
      With bondholders having waived certain rights at the start of the month September, the German Economic Stabilisation Fund (WSF) has now subscribed to a warrant bond with a volume of €150 million.
      Both conditions had to be fulfilled by September 30th to unlock further federal support.
      With the proceeds from the bond with warrants and the increase in the KfW credit line of €1.05 billion, TUI Group will have a further €1.2 billion at its disposal.
      Including this second stabilisation package, TUI will have financial resources of around €2 billion the company said it a statement.

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      Fritz Joussen, chief executive of the TUI Group, explained: “We continue to operate in a very volatile market environment.
      “Travel advice and travel disruptions in our markets and destinations are constantly changing.
      “There are still significant restrictions on worldwide travel through Covid-19 and on our business.
      “This makes planning more difficult and requires enormous flexibility from tour operators.”
      He added: “The increased stabilisation package with government loans will above all secure liquidity during the pandemic.
      “We have to bridge this period without any significant turnover and at the same time accelerate the restructuring for the post-Covid-19 period.
      TUI had previously warned that with the choice of destinations largely dependent on government policy on the coronavirus, the trading backdrop was likely to remain volatile “for the next few quarters”.
      The company said it was cutting 8,000 jobs as part of a €300 million cost-saving programme.
      In March, TUI received a commitment for an initial stabilisation package from the German federal government valued at €1.8 billion.
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      AHIC 2020: Ras al Khaimah outlines renewed investment strategy More

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      AHIC 2020: Ras al Khaimah outlines renewed investment strategy

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      Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has announced a long-term investment strategy designed to boost the growth and diversification of Jebel Jais – the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates.
      The announcement of continued investment underscores the resilience of the emirate and a desire to gather recovery momentum despite the challenges imposed this year by the Covid-19 pandemic. 
      The news was unveiled at AHIC on the Road, taking place this week in Dubai.
      This year, AHIC will bring together key industry leaders and stakeholders in a new format featuring a combination of physical and virtual sessions, which will be attended byRaki Philips, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, and Alison Grinnell, chief executive of RAK Hospitality Holding.
      According to the World Economic Forum Covid Action Platform, travel preferences and patterns have changed, leading to renewed interest in less crowded destinations.
      Within this context, a key trend that has emerged is nature tourism, since it offers travellers a combination of social distancing, discovery and connection with nature, all of which aligns seamlessly with the Jebel Jais experience.
      From a broader destination perspective, Ras Al Khaimah’s diversity in landscape and offering makes it an ideal for visitors looking for comfort and security in expansive settings and where social distancing is easier to practice in serene surroundings on the mountains, on the coast or in the desert.
      Various government sectors of Ras Al Khaimah, including RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry have worked together to identify a long-term investment strategy that will create ongoing funding for the development of nature-based tourism attractions on Jebel Jais.

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      All projects and builds will be developed in the most sustainable way possible in order not to disrupt the mountain eco-system but rather to enhance knowledge and understanding of conservation.
      The new phased investment strategy will focus primarily on developing Jebel Jais as a standalone destination by further diversifying its offering through several new nature-based projects including a pop-up hotel concept, scheduled to open in the second half of 2021, which will introduce unique cliff side accommodation with unrivalled picturesque mountain views.
      In addition, a mountain lodge, located adjacent to the renowned hiking trails will provide luxury accommodation when it opens in 2022. 
      Tourists will also get to experience the mountain from a completely different perspective by winding through gorgeous scenery with the Jais Coaster, a summer toboggan/bobsled concept inspired by the Alps, which will open in quarter two of 2021.
      Adding yet another first to its diverse offering, Jebel Jais will also be the home Sky High Meetings, the first-of-its-kind highest meeting room in the UAE ideal for business meetings and gatherings against the backdrop of the Hajar mountains, slated to open later this year.
      Raki Phillips, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Seeing the tourism and hospitality sectors unite during this period and pivoting in response to challenges imposed by the pandemic has been truly inspiring.
      “We are honoured to be part of this year’s Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) and look forward to sharing Ras Al Khaimah’s experience in navigating through these times with a focus on building a stronger destination, as a result.
      “Our road to recovery is still in its early phases, but we have already seen significant uplift in the tourism and hospitality sectors’ performance leading to Ras Al Khaimah having the strongest RevPAR performance in the GCC.”
      The emirate is also assigning considerable funds to enhance the infrastructure on Jebel Jais and facilitate easier access for visitors and improve their overall experience on the mountain.
      Some of the key areas of focus range from public camping spots, night hiking trails to a base jump platform, e-bikes and an electric car charging station.
      More Information
      Find out more about AHIC on the Road on the official website, or follow all of the Breaking Travel News coverage of the show here.
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      UNWTO launches new tourism recovery tracker

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      As growing numbers of countries around the world ease restrictions on travel, the World Tourism Organisation has launched a new tourism recovery tracker to support the sector.

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      This represents the latest concrete action undertaken by the United Nations specialised agency as it leads the response of global tourism and guides recovery.
      The most comprehensive tourism dashboard to date, the tracker is the result of a partnership between international organisations and the private sector.
      Available for free, it covers key tourism performance indicators by month, regions and subregions allowing for a real time comparison of the sector recovery across the world and industries.
      All key tourism data in one place
      The UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker compiles all the relevant data in one place, giving governments and the private businesses the ability to track the recovery of tourism at global and regional level, alongside information on the top destinations for international tourism.
      The tracker includes data on:
      International tourist arrivals
      Seat capacity in international and domestic air routes
      Air travel bookings
      Hotel searches and bookings
      Occupancy rates
      Demand for short term rentals
      The UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker is available for free and is a collaborative effort by a group of partners including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), ForwardKeys, STR, Sojern and Airdna.
      According to UNWTO latest World Tourism Barometer, the massive drop in international travel demand over the period January-June 2020 translates into a loss of 440 million international arrivals and about US$ 460 billion in export revenues from international tourism.
      This is around five times the loss in international tourism receipts recorded in 2009 amid the global economic and financial crisis.
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      IATA calls for universal testing to rebuild aviation confidence

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      The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for the deployment of rapid Covid-19 testing for all passengers.
      The trade body said accurate, affordable, easy-to-operate, scalable and systematic testing before departure was a preferable alternative to quarantine measures.
      Testing would allow airlines to re-establish global air connectivity, IATA said.
      Officials said they would work through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and with health authorities to implement this solution quickly.International travel is 92 per cent down on 2019 levels.
      Over half a year has passed since global connectivity was destroyed as countries closed their borders to fight Covid-19.
      Some governments have cautiously re-opened borders since then, but there has been limited uptake because either quarantine measures make travel impractical or the frequent changes in Covid-19 measures make planning impossible.

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      “The key to restoring the freedom of mobility across borders is systematic Covid-19 testing of all travellers before departure.
      “This will give governments the confidence to open their borders without complicated risk models that see constant changes in the rules imposed on travel.
      “Testing all passengers will give people back their freedom to travel with confidence.
      “And that will put millions of people back to work,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA director general.
      The economic cost of the breakdown in global connectivity makes investing in a border-opening testing solution a priority for governments.
      The human suffering and global economic pain of the crisis will be prolonged if the aviation industry – on which at least 65.5 million jobs depend – collapses before the pandemic ends.
      And the amount of government support needed to avert such a collapse is rising. Already lost revenues are expected to exceed $400 billion and the industry was set to post a record net loss of over $80 billion in 2020 under a more optimistic rebound scenario than has actually unfolded.
      “Safety is aviation’s top priority.
      “We are the safest form of transport because we work together as an industry with governments to implement global standards.
      “With the economic cost associated with border closures rising daily and a second-wave of infections taking hold, the aviation industry must call on this expertise to unite with governments and medical testing providers to find a rapid, accurate, affordable, easy-to-operate, and scalable testing solution that will enable the world to safely re-connect and recover,” concluded de Juniac.
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      New safety protocols adopted as cruise sector prepares for relaunch

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      New safety protocols adopted as cruise sector prepares for relaunch

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      Cruise Lines International Association has confirmed it will adopt a new set of health protocols as part of a phased-in, highly controlled resumption of operations in North America.
      The trade body said this was a critical next step, with sailing having begun effectively in Europe.
      The new regulations will see 100 per cent of passengers and crew tested for Covid-19 as they board, while mask wearing will be compulsory in all situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
      Air management and ventilation strategies have also been re-examined to increase fresh air onboard.
      Shore excursions will only be permit according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers.

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      Cruise lines could even deny re-boarding to any passengers that do not comply.
      CLIA president, Kelly Craighead, said: “We recognise the devastating impact that this pandemic, and the subsequent suspension of cruise operations, has had on economies throughout the world, including the nearly half a million members of the wider cruise community and small businesses in the Americas who depend on this vibrant industry for their livelihoods.
      “Based on what we are seeing in Europe, and following months of collaboration with leading public health experts, scientists, and governments, we are confident that these measures will provide a pathway for the return of limited sailings from the United States before the end of this year.”
      According to the most recent economic impact study from CLIA, cruise activity in the United States supported over 420,000 American jobs and generated $53 billion annually in economic activity throughout the country prior to the pandemic.
      Each day of the suspension of United States cruise operations results in a loss of up to $110 million in economic activity and 800 direct and indirect American jobs, the body said.
      In a statement, Carnival Corporation welcomed the move: “Across the industry, we are engaged with some of the world’s top medical experts and scientists, who are providing valuable insight to inform the ongoing and evolving development of new and enhanced protocols based on the latest scientific evidence and best practices for protection and mitigation.
      “The cruise industry will continue to share learnings and best practices while working together as one united industry focused on the well-being of guests, crew and the communities we visit.”
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      FCM research reveals slow recovery in business travel sector

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      Fifty per cent of organisations have begun travelling again, but with stipulations, according to the third phase of a combined multinational survey by global travel management company FCM Travel Solutions.
      The state of the market review was carried out for the company by consulting arm 4th Dimension and consisted of one-to-one in-depth interviews with 250 customers globally.
      The workshops examined a new path forward for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021, as corporate travel resumes amid new safety and hygiene requirements and protocols.
      While half of respondents said they have employees already travelling or booking reservations to travel in the near future, resuming travel will be different for everyone.
      The combined results of the research show that over 90 per cent of businesses indicated that they planned to travel domestically and short haul international flights, within three months of governments re-opening borders and lifting restrictions such as quarantine.
      Yet the number of trips taken will likely be lower, as only 26 per cent of businesses are planning to return to their pre-Covid-19 levels for domestic travel during 2021.
      The remaining 74 per cent of businesses predict reduced domestic travel for the immediate year ahead.
      Pre-Covid the average number of business trips per traveller was six-ti-eight per year; this number is likely to fall between three and four trips per person, per year until 2023.Clients still have long-haul travel plans on hold indefinitely, as they assess the balance between need and safety.

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      In particular, national businesses in USA, Australia, China and New Zealand were less likely to have long-haul international plans for 2021, indicating only domestic and short-haul international travel will be planned for next , year.
      Chris Galanty, global corporate chief executive of FCM-owner Flight Centre Travel Group, said: “Engaging with our customers on the impact Covid-19 via this three phase state of the market research project was vital in order to understand our customers sentiments and the best way we can support them during a period of rapid and continuing seismic change and uncertainty. 
      “Even now, as pockets of the industry turn towards recovery, the business travel landscape continues to shift and evolve. In preparation for a return to some normality, businesses and suppliers are reframing their priorities, processes and procedures.
      “It is clear that uncertainty will remain for some time, particularly while governments re-impose border restrictions or quarantine periods. 
      “However, understanding how companies are resuming business travel and what factors are having the biggest impact on their priorities, will enable us to provide the best possible support going forwards.”
      More Information
      FCM Travel Solutions has been recognised as the World’s Leading Travel Management Company by voters at the World Travel Awards for the past nine years.
      Find out more about the company on the official website.
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