Organisations & Operators,

After nine years as CEO of Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye has informed the Board of his intention to stand down as CEO during 2023.The Board would like to thank John for his exceptional leadership since 2014, building a strong management team, developing a consumer-focused culture, improving cost efficiency and putting Heathrow at the forefront of global aviation’s decarbonisation. The transformation of the airport during John’s time as CEO has been recognised as Heathrow won a number of significant awards including: Sunday Times top 30 employer; one of the top 10 airports in the world (voted by passengers); and edie’s Sustainable Business of the Year Award.
Three of the most significant successes of John’s tenure were the development of the plan for Heathrow expansion that secured overwhelming Parliamentary approval, successfully navigating the business through the COVID-19 crisis and the recovery in demand, and his leadership in putting aviation firmly on course for net zero by 2050.
The Chair of Heathrow Airport, Lord Deighton said:
“John has been an extraordinary leader of Heathrow. During the past nine years, he has worked tirelessly and collaboratively with shareholders, Ministers, airlines and other stakeholders to ensure the country can be proud of its ‘front door’. The Board would like to put on record our gratitude to John for his dedication and commitment to Heathrow throughout his tenure as CEO.”
The Board has now initiated a selection process for John’s replacement. In order to ensure a smooth handover, John will remain as CEO until his successor starts in post.ADVERTISEMENT

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Hamad International Airport Launches Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6

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Hamad International Airport (DOH) has announced the launch of the next generation Wi-Fi service, empowered by Cisco technologies, across its state-of-the-art terminal to further enhance the airport’s passenger experience.Through ubiquitous high-speed connectivity, passengers who are traveling via Qatar will be able to easily connect with family, friends, and business contacts.
High Performance Wi-Fi 6 Coverage
Meticulous design studies were undertaken to achieve seamless Wi-Fi coverage from the curbside of the terminal to the aircraft, and to provide adequate capacity and speed to meet and exceed our passenger’s needs. Special attention was paid to the terminal areas where a high number of passengers spend a significant amount of their time, such as boarding gates, shopping areas, and food courts.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) has deployed Cisco Wireless technologies, including indoor and outdoor WiFi6, to support the needs of an increased flow of passengers over the next years in Qatar.
Further to the high-performance wireless connectivity across the entirety of the airport, it will also lay foundation for enhanced operations with better insights providing amazing experience for passengers.ADVERTISEMENTTransforming Customer Experience with Optimized Connectivity
With this investment, Hamad International Airport (DOH) will be able to better understand how passengers move through the airport, including dwell times and traffic flows. This will help optimize retail opportunities and allow passengers to consistently have great experiences.
Millions of visitors from across the world travelling through Hamad International Airport can now connect using single-step authentication methods by simply sending a “WhatsApp” message or scanning their printed boarding pass. Usage statistics in the initial days have shown that over 60% of the visitors prefer the new frictionless connection options. During FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, more than 2 Million Passengers enjoyed the new Wi-Fi service by seamlessly consuming over 1 PB (Peta Byte) of content from the internet.
Enabling the Future of Digitized Airports
Thanks to technologies embedded into the new Wi-Fi system at the airport, Hamad International Airport’s mobile app ’HIA Qatar’ will deliver improved location-based services. These services include real-time wayfinding for areas like baggage claim, direction to boarding gates and food – as well as beverage and retail offers from Qatar Duty Free (QDF). To ensure that travelers benefit from the best deals, the ’HIA Qatar’ app alerts users when walking past outlets with ongoing sales and promotions. This capability will in future enable new operational uses such as efficient and timely allocation of resources, including wheelchairs, buggies and a variety of aviation equipment and tools.
In addition, improved connectivity is provided for various airport stakeholders and partners, who increasingly rely on wireless connectivity and operational mobile apps for their field staff to contribute to the world-class operations at Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Commenting on the announcement, Hamad International Airport’s Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation Suhail Kadri said: “As the world’s best airport, we are continually investing in innovative technologies and solutions to provide our millions of visitors from around the world with easy access and the most seamless of experiences.
The launch of next-gen Wi-fi services at Hamad International Airport not only fits well within our strategy of seamless travel but also strengthens our commitment to continue to be the leading global digital airport.”
Hasan Khan Managing Director of Cisco Qatar commented: “We are proud to support Hamad International Airport’s strategic business goals as it continues to grow and introduce new services to effectively transform the passenger experience. Cisco has a strong technological expertise providing secure, intelligent, and seamless connectivity for various airports across the world; and we’re happy to bring these capabilities to Qatar’s flagship airport.”

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Heathrow has today published its new Giving Back Programme, reasserting its commitment to the local community to make the area a great place to live and work.This is the first comprehensive community investment plan published by the airport, clarifying the various ways it already supports the local community as well as setting out a variety of new initiatives.
Following last year’s refreshed ‘Heathrow 2.0’ sustainability strategy, which set out clear ambitions for this decade, the new plan takes on board a wealth of feedback from local communities to determine what is most important to them. Crucially, the airport wanted to understand these priorities to ascertain how it can be a better neighbour and how it can ensure local communities are able to fully benefit from its role as a connector.
Heathrow will meet its one million people pledge through a range of initiatives, including expanding existing schemes – like doubling the number of schools it supports through its Local Schools Partnership; and launching an employability programme – Heathrow World of Work – to connect young people in the community with first-hand experiences of the workplace, helping them get their foot on the careers ladder. The airport will connect more than 10,000 local people to jobs, apprenticeships and early career opportunities, a unique ability given its position as the largest single-site employer in the UK.
By donating £1m per year to local groups, primarily via the Heathrow Community Trust, Heathrow and the grant-giving charity can continue to help grassroots organisations reach out to and support vulnerable and isolated members of the community. More than 200 community projects will receive funding through the Local Community Support Fund across issues that were identified in the consultation as being most important, including tackling the cost-of-living, restoring heritage sites and building a greener neighbourhood.
Engagement with local residents over the last year showed clearly how important green spaces are to the community. The Giving Back Programme illustrates how Heathrow will continue to preserve these spaces for current and future generations – from playgrounds for toddlers to local sports teams using parkland. The airport is expanding the reach of its Community Rangers, who are out and about in the community every day. They will continue to work closely with local groups, schools and councils to improve the environment through gardening and landscaping initiatives. Their new responsibilities under this programme will support delivery of Heathrow 2.0, which made new and improved commitments on biodiversity, noise and emissions.ADVERTISEMENTFurthermore, to firmly demonstrate that those who work at the airport are a part of the community, Heathrow is increasing the hours its employees devote to volunteering for community projects over the next two years.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye welcomed the new report, commenting: “Our Giving Back Programme is a clear reflection of what the local community has told us over the last year and our way of saying loudly and clearly that being a responsible neighbour will always be a priority. We’ve listened to the community’s views – some of it good, all of it completely honest, and often highlighting areas where we can improve our work. The overriding message was clear: Heathrow must become a connector in the community once more.
“That means connecting people with new employment opportunities, with nature and the local environment, and ensuring funding remains in place for vital local institutions. This programme is the first step of a long-term plan to inspire people to move here because of the airport, not in spite of it.”
Anne Marie Goodacre, CEO of Stanwell Events, said: “It’s really important for community groups across the local area to be able to work directly with Heathrow and see them put their time, effort and money to use where it matters. Heathrow has always lent a helping hand, connecting us to support where needed and maximising its impact as a good neighbour.
“One business can’t solve all the community’s problems, but I look forward to seeing Heathrow turn the Giving Back Programme’s promises into results and continuing to make a real difference to local people’s lives.”
Heathrow will offer regular opportunities for local residents to give their opinion on how the Giving Back Programme is progressing through its Annual Local Community Survey and ongoing Community Forums.
The report, Giving Back Programme, can be viewed in full at: https://www.heathrow.com/company/local-community/giving-something-back
More details of the Heathrow Community Forums can be found here: https://www.heathrow.com/company/local-community/community

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ABTA – The Travel Association has welcomed the CAA’s update on ATOL reform and request for information from the industry.ABTA says that it is right the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has provided its latest thinking, and that businesses will be invited to share views before firm proposals are developed, particularly as the first-stage consultation occurred at the height of COVID-related disruption within the industry.
ABTA will be responding to the CAA and has put in place plans to engage with members and the wider industry to inform its response.
As part of its process ABTA will be reconvening its focus groups on financial protection, which include representatives from the travel industry and the main financial services sectors, including banks, merchant acquirers, bond obligors and financial failure insurance providers.
The ABTA-led groups originally met in the summer to exchange views on current financial protection arrangements and the existing proposed options under the CAA’s ATOL Reform consultation. The groups also gave consideration to areas of duplication and/or overlap that could be removed or streamlined by changes to the ATOL scheme and/or longer-term revisions to the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs) which are currently under a separate review by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:ADVERTISEMENT“We’re pleased to see the CAA publish this update on ATOL reform. It has been much-anticipated and today’s development is the next step in reaching clarity about future regulations and requirements.
“We’ll be consulting with our members to get their insight, and also bringing together representatives from the wider financial protection landscape in February. We’d really encourage members to engage with our process so that we can provide an informed and constructive response to influence the CAA’s decisions.”

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L/R: Alden Zecha (son), Cathy Bakey (daughter-in-law, Alden’s wife), Jennifer Chun (PATA Hawaii Chapter Chair), Alison Zecha (daughter), Avery Zecha (grandson, Alison’s son), Blossom Hoffman (ex-wife)
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that Alwin Zecha, founder of the Pacific Leisure Group, has been inducted into the PATA Gallery of Legends. The Gallery of Legends Award is a special honor bestowed once every few years to recipients who were true pioneers in the travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. A ceremony was held today on Jan. 5, 2023 at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport where Zecha’s plaque was mounted joining the other honorees on the north side of the open-air walkway to the E Gates. Attendees included PATA Hawaii’s chair and board members and Zecha’s family. PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera’s remarks were delivered through PATA Hawaii Chair, Jennifer Chun.
Zecha was a pioneer who contributed greatly towards the growth of tourism in the Asia Pacific region. He was well respected by the industry for his extraordinary contributions and was unanimously voted by PATA’s Honors Committee to be included into the Gallery of Legends. Zecha was the founder and executive chairman of the Pacific Leisure Group, a leading destination management company with offices in 38 countries worldwide. During his illustrious career, he also served as a board member and Chairman for numerous other organizations.
He first joined PATA in 1961 and had been actively involved with the association through positions on the board and at the committee level. He was elected PATA president for two consecutive terms in 1985 and 1986 and played a major role in the decision to relocate PATA headquarters from San Francisco to Bangkok in 1998.
Founded in 1951, PATA is a nonprofit, membership-based association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.  The association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organizations, which include government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organizations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of Young Tourism Professional (YTP) members across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally.
ADVERTISEMENTThe PATA Hawaii Chapter conducts events featuring quality speakers and industry professionals providing relevant, actionable and timely information relating to Hawaii’s visitor industry. In addition, there are networking and educational opportunities for members to engage in relationships that could enhance jobs and careers. PATA Hawaii is also committed to supporting the future generation of Hawaii’s visitor industry leaders by sponsoring its annual Student Forum providing college students with opportunities to hear from and network with industry experts. For more information, visit patahawaii.org.

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Singapore’s tourism sector recovers strongly in 2022, visitor numbers expected to double in 2023

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As the experts in the over-50s market, Saga Holidays asked nearly 3,000 of its customers how they expected to travel in 2023.Fantastic experiences, solo escapes, multiple holidays a year, a huge range of destinations and some stark gender differences are set to feature. This group is also well insulated against the cost-of-living crisis and they plan to invest well in their holidays with trusted brands.
Most of those surveyed (66 per cent) said they were planning to take between two and four holidays in 2023. A huge 25 per cent also said they plan to take five or more trips in 2023. And they are forward planning with nearly six in ten (57 per cent) already having booked a trip for 2023 and a third (34 per cent) having secured more than one holiday.
Cost of living
The majority (55 per cent) of respondents said that the cost-of-living crisis has not affected their holiday plans. In fact, 14 per cent are planning to spend more than £5,000 per person on their main holiday for 2023.
They do expect real value for that money though, which is a focus for Saga Holidays as evidenced through its new ‘Tailor-Made Travel by Saga’ holidays, which enable travellers to build their perfect, personalised itinerary with the help of the expert in-house team. Saga and its sister company Titan Travel also offer touring holidays to hundreds of destinations with exciting experiences and flexible options included as standard; and Saga Cruises offers all-inclusive ocean and river itineraries in beautiful, boutique ships built especially for its customers.ADVERTISEMENTDestinations and activities
In a multiple-choice question, an average of 61 per cent said they’ll definitely take a UK holiday in 2023, while 31 per cent of over-50s are planning a touring holiday, and 30 per cent are looking forward to an ocean cruise.
In terms of when they travel, the over-50s take full advantage of off-peak periods with September, May and June featuring as the top three months to get away, while December, November and August are the least likely.
Beach holidays are most popular with 50-to-59-year-olds with 44 per cent planning a relaxing break in the sun. This group is also most likely to want to spend time holidaying with family, whereas 20 per cent of those aged 70 and above want to meet new people.
Top long-haul destinations for 2023 are the USA, Canada and Australia, and short-haul favourites will be France, Mainland Spain and Italy, but many are also keen to visit destinations such as Japan, South Africa, Costa Rica, India, the Galapagos, Mongolia, South Korea, the Antarctic, Namibia and Botswana.
When they get to their destination, 47 per cent said the opportunity to learn about local culture, see a natural phenomenon and visit places of historical and archaeological interest was important. But, within those stats, women are keener to explore than men (51 per cent versus 43 per cent). They are also significantly more likely to take a solo trip with 29 per cent saying they plan to travel alone as opposed to just 12 per cent of men.
Top considerations
Other key considerations for over-50s travelling include the ease of transfer and getting around the destination (46 per cent), as well as the climate (45 per cent). Activities such as wine tasting (23 per cent) and music events (22 per cent) proved more popular than intense physical endeavours, and 43 per cent want flexibility on holiday, saying they like to have a mix of things organised in advance, as well as some downtime to fill as they choose.
John Constable, CEO of Saga Travel Group, said:
“Our Saga 2023 travel trends research shows some real differences in how our experienced customers want to travel. And yet, people over 50 often get banded together as one group in a way society doesn’t do with any other ages. Recognising customers as individuals with different ambitions and travel plans means offering choice, flexibility and a host of incredible experiences, be that on a personalised safari of Botswana, a rail journey across the Rockies, a tour of the Golden Triangle, or a cruise around the Caribbean.”

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ABTA has announced its events schedule for the first half of 2023 with a range of varied and high-quality conferences and training days designed to keep the travel industry up to date and develop skills and knowledge within the sector.The programme will provide insights and advice from key specialists and leaders in their fields, helping travel businesses continue their recovery from the pandemic and respond to emerging changes and challenges. With recruitment and retention an ongoing challenge for the industry, ABTA’s training events are there to upskill new or existing staff and offer a great way for travel companies to show how they are investing in the development of their staff. 
ABTA events are open to the whole travel industry with reduced rates available for ABTA Members and Partners. ABTA is also offering a 10% discount on all event bookings made before 3 February 2023 – those wishing to attend can use the code JANUARY23 when booking to get the discount.*
The new programme includes a mix of in-depth conferences and training days that will take place in the first half of the year, including:
Conferences
Travel Finance Conference – 1 & 2 March Delivering Sustainable Travel Conference – 15 March Travel Law Seminar – 10 & 11 May Travel Marketing Conference – 17 & 18 May Travel Matters – 14 June ABTA is continuing to respond the feedback and needs of Members by offering more training and development courses within the new programme, including: ADVERTISEMENTA Beginners Guide to Travel Law – 8 February Accessible Travel and Tourism – 22 FebruaryAdvanced Digital Marketing Training – 9 MarchAn Essential Guide to the Package Travel Regulations (Manchester) – 20 AprilCarbon Literacy for Travel and Tourism – 26 AprilCelebrating its 25th year, ABTA’s annual flagship two-day Travel Law Seminar returns on 10 & 11 May, with a complete update on the changing landscape of travel regulations.
ABTA also offers a range of free events, training and resources including its monthly video conference call, where Members can put their questions to ABTA experts and leaders, and the regional business meetings. ABTA’s Knowledge Zone provides free e-learning across a range of topics and numerous guidance documents and resources can be found in ABTA’s Member Zone.
ABTA’s Head of Events, Eve Coburn, said:
“In the ever-changing landscape of travel, there has been a huge demand for learning and development as the industry continues to evolve and emerge from the pandemic. We have taken on board the feedback from Members, and this year, we have introduced a diverse schedule with a mix of events and training sessions designed to develop and upskill travel professionals in this new era of travel.”   
Further detail on the events, plus registration and rates can be found at abta.com/events.

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RAS AL KHAIMAH RECORDS ITS HIGHEST VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2022

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In 2022, 22.6 million passengers passed through Zurich Airport. Compared to last year, this corresponds to more than a doubling; in 2021, 10.2 million passengers were counted. Compared to 2019, passenger numbers are at 72%.After a first quarter that was still marked by the pandemic, passenger traffic at Zurich Airport recovered significantly over the course of the year. In the first half of the year, passenger numbers rose within as short period of time from 15,000 in some cases to up to 90,000 travelers on peak days. Although the total number of passengers is thus still below the figures for 2019, it exceeds the forecasts made at the beginning of the year.
The number of air traffic movements was 216,584 in 2022, an increase of 63% compared to 2021 and 79% compared to 2019. A total of 422,153 tons of cargo were handled at Zurich Airport in 2022. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of 7% and compared to 2019, a decrease of 7%.
Key traffic figures December 2022
In December 2022, 1,904,409 passengers passed through Zurich Airport, corresponding to an increase of 80% compared to last year. Passenger levels are 82% of those reached in December 2019.  The number of local passengers was 1,289,918. Transfer passengers amounted to 32%, equal to 609,554 passengers.
Year on year, air traffic movements increased by 26% to 17,581 take offs or landings. A monthly comparison shows that air traffic movements are at 87% of the 2019 level. The average passenger per movement figure increased to 126 (+34% vs. previous year). The average seat load factor was at 77% (+20 percentage points vs. previous year).A total of 34’087 tons of freight were transported at Zurich Airport during the month of December. This led to a decrease of 9% in freight volume compared to last year. Compared to December 2019, freight volume decreased by 11%.ADVERTISEMENT

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