Organisations & Operators,

Tahiti Tourisme is encouraging agents to sign up to Tahiti Specialist Programme.
The programme is designed to aid the training and development of agents across a growing product base.
It delivers a complete suite of online training and engagement tools ensuring learners gain and retain knowledge in an enjoyable, engaging and more effective way.
Featuring ten interactive lessons, the programme will take users on a journey around the islands of Tahiti and leave them with a thorough understanding of the destination. ADVERTISEMENTContent for the modules includes a brief overview of the islands, experiences and cultural elements, as well practical information such as how to get there and local currency.
Each of the archipelagos will be introduced to give further knowledge of islands outside the well-known Society Islands, and highlight the diversity of experiences on offer.
Designed to excite and engage, the Tahiti Specialist Programme invites members of industry to participate in a rewards style programme that incentivises agents to not just sell the destination, but to immerse themselves in it.
Currently, the programme has a four-tier level system which finishes with the chance to become a Certified Tahiti Specialist.
Image: Tahiti Tourisme

Older
UNWTO records incremental tourism recovery More

According to the newest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 58 per cent in July-September compared to the same period of 2020.
However, numbers remained 64 per cent below 2019 levels.
Europe recorded the best relative performance in the third quarter, with international arrivals 53 per cent down on the same three-month period of 2019.
In August and September arrivals were down 63 per cent compared to 2019, the best monthly results since the start of the pandemic.
UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “Data for the third quarter of 2021 is encouraging. ADVERTISEMENT“However, arrivals are still 76 per cent below pre-pandemic levels and results across the different global regions remain uneven.”
In light of the rising cases and the emergence of new variants, he added that “we cannot let our guard down and need to continue our efforts to ensure equal access to vaccinations,  coordinate travel procedures, make use of digital vaccination certificates to facilitate mobility and continue to support the sector”.
The uplift in demand was driven by increased traveller confidence amid rapid progress on vaccinations and the easing of entry restrictions in many destinations.
In Europe, the EU Digital Covid Certificate has helped facilitate free movement within the European Union, releasing large-pent up demand after many months of restricted travel.
Arrivals were only eight per cent below the same period of 2020 yet still 69 per cent below 2019.
The Americas recorded the strongest inbound results in January-September, with arrivals up one per cent compared to 2020 but still 65 per cent below 2019 levels.
The Caribbean recorded the strongest results by subregion with arrivals up 55 per cent compared to the same period in 2020, though still 38 per cent below 2019.

Older
Spain to require proof of vaccination from UK travellers

Newer
Tahiti Specialist Programme launches to agents More

More than 500 delegates from around the world are set to arrive in Madrid for the general assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
On hand will be ministers of tourism from UNWTO member states, international organisations and leaders from the private sector and civil society.ADVERTISEMENTThey will discuss the future of the sector after the pandemic, bearing in mind the commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable tourism.
In line with the core priorities, the general assembly will focus on building for the future through innovation, education and tourism for rural development.
UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, will present his report to the members, outlining how the organisation has led the global tourism response to the unprecedented crisis caused by Covid-19.
The report will also set out plans for a more inclusive and resilient future, including the revision of the UNWTO 2030 Agenda for Africa and the first International Code for the Protection of Tourists, also designed to restore confidence in travel.

Older
Jamaica to welcome Stockholm connection next winter

Newer
Israel to accept Covid-19 antigen tests for travel More

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced a multiyear partnership to host the first NBA games in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The pre-season NBA games in Abu Dhabi beginning in 2022 will mark the first games between two NBA teams in the region.
The partnership will see DCT Abu Dhabi, under “Visit Abu Dhabi,” the tourism promotion initiative of the capital city, serve as the official tourism destination partner of the NBA in China, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Abu Dhabi will host preseason NBA games beginning with two games in October 2022.
The participating teams and host venue will be announced at a later date.ADVERTISEMENTMohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This announcement further demonstrates the emirate’s position as a top-tier home for global sports and for attracting the very best talent.
“As Abu Dhabi is committed to further developing as a dynamic global destination, adding the NBA to our impressive year-round portfolio of sports and entertainment events, only reinforces the UAE capital’s standing as a centre of sporting excellence.”
During the 2021-22 NBA season, NBA games and programming will reach fans in 11 countries across the Middle East.

Older
Dubai Airshow: Akasa Air prepares for take-off with US$9bn Boeing order

Newer
Jet2 racks up losses but remains optimistic More

Intrepid Travel has announced a collection of 38 new trips in the United States that will begin departing in 2022.
The company calls the departures its “most robust offering” in the country since its launch over 30 years ago.
Each trip was designed to provide opportunities to forge meaningful connections between travellers and the people who make this diverse country so rich in culture.
“We’ve thought for a long time about the unique role Intrepid can play in the United States,” said James Thornton, chief executive of Intrepid Travel.
“We felt compelled to not only offer sustainable and unique travel experiences for both domestic and international travellers, but to also ensure we use the power of tourism as a force for good.” ADVERTISEMENTHe added: “We created these itineraries to showcase the United States through a more authentic and diverse lens.
“While they will offer travellers the chance to see the country’s most iconic sites and cities, they also celebrate the lesser-known places, communities and highlights that make up the rich fabric of America.”
The new trips will incorporate the must-see attractions while giving travellers more curated, in-depth offerings.
From enjoying local delicacies and going on human-powered active adventures, to spending time with First Nations tribes, each trip will provide a unique take on the destination.
The launch of these new trips brings Intrepid’s total portfolio in the United States to 57 tours, together covering 28 states and Washington D.C. and including a mix of walking, cycling, multi-active, culinary and general sightseeing adventures.
Image: Intrepid Travel

Older
Booster jabs to be added to NHS app for travel

Newer
Eva Air offers chance to buy part of a Boeing 747 More

Business travel giant CWT has gained approval for a financial overhaul first mooted in September.
Under the plans, the company will receive $350 million in fresh funding as it battles to overcome a slowdown in travel caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision comes after Minneapolis-based CWT filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to push through the restructuring.
The plan agreed by a court on Friday provides the company with the new equity to reinvest and enables all business partners and other providers of goods and services to CWT to be paid in full.
The recapitalisation, including halving its $1.6 billion of debt, was approved in what was described as an “expedited legal process” with the “overwhelming support” of financial stakeholders.ADVERTISEMENTMichelle McKinney Frymire, CWT chief executive, commented: “We are pleased to have received prompt court approval of the agreement we reached with CWT’s financial stakeholders, which positions the company for long-term success and provides significant financial resources to further grow and develop our business.
“As business travel continues to recover, we look forward to building on our momentum, continuing to advance our strategic priorities for the benefit of our customers, partners and other stakeholders, and delivering exceptional experiences for our customers, travellers and attendees.”
Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal adviser, Houlihan Lokey is serving as financial adviser, AlixPartners LLP is serving as restructuring adviser and Shearman & Sterling LLP is serving as corporate finance counsel to CWT in connection with the recapitalisation process.

Older
Silver Dawn joins Silversea fleet in Italy

Newer
Mauritius remains open to tourism despite growing Covid-19 cases More

The latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals the United States tourism sector could experience year-over-year growth of 36 per cent in 2021.
This is a significantly faster improvement than the overall global tourism recovery.
The outlook is even more rosy for 2022, with the travel sector in the United States expected to grow by another 28 per cent, reaching nearly $2 trillion of the United States economy for a contribution exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
By comparison, in 2019, the United States tourism sector’s contribution to GDP represented nearly $1.9 trillion.
“Our research shows that while the global tourism sector is slowly beginning to recover, the United States is recovering faster than many other regions,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC chief executive.ADVERTISEMENT“Last year, the pandemic decimated more than five million tourism jobs across the United States; however, due to a predicted rise in international and domestic spend this year and next, both jobs and GDP are on the rise.”
Simpson added: “The United States opening its borders and easing restrictions to major source markets such as the UK and the EU will provide a massive boost to economies on both sides of the Atlantic.
“However, the long-term recovery of the sector in the United States and around the world depends on the United States border remaining open to international visitors and making travel easier.”

Older
Carnival Jubilee to sail from Texas in 2023 More

Following the recent launch, Destination Sport Experiences has secured a partnership with RCS Sport to become an official premium tour operator for the 2022 Giro d’Italia and its associated events.
As part of the long-term agreement, the sport travel company will offer tours and hospitality experiences, together with the opportunity to ride on the roads of the events at Giro d’Italia, Strade Bianche, Milan San Remo, Il Lombardia and more.
Offering an amazing experience during the final Giro d’Italia stages, cycling enthusiasts will be under the guidance and hospitality of Giro d’Italia stage winner Andrea Ferrigato, who will share his unrivalled knowledge of this beautiful race with those coming along for the ride.
An example of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities on offer include the chance to travel in an official VIP race car, which will follow the race for a full day of driving on the stage and enjoying food and drinks along the way.
As a bookend to the experience, the day will finish in finish line hospitality, offering an incredible vantage point along the finishing straight, with non-stop catering and an open bar service. ADVERTISEMENTOn some stages, there will even be chance to add a short flight in a helicopter to see the race from above.
Destination Sport Experiences will also offer places in the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche and the Gran Fondo Il Lombardia, which gives cyclists the opportunity to ride the race the day after the pros ride it and very often have some of the pro cyclists riding alongside, too.
Stuart Wood from Destination Sport Experiences, commented: “We have been working tirelessly since the launch of Destination Sports Experiences to be able to bring these types of opportunities to cycling fans around the world, and this is an exciting step forward for us.
“I’m proud to be able to take our customers to this incredible event. It really is like seeing history being made in front of your eyes and being able to have the experience of a legend like Andrea Ferrigato is amazing. Bring on the Giro!”

Older
Minetto to lead the Woodward in Geneva

Newer
Bartlett discusses resilience at City Nation Place Global Conference More