Organisations & Operators,

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of the first official public profile for a tourism board on leading social media platform Snapchat.
The move gives potential travellers the chance to explore everything that the capital of the UAE has to offer in a new and immersive way. 
Public profiles give brands the ability to have an organic presence on Snapchat, housing all their unique content in one discoverable place.
Acting as a portal to unlock everything the region has to offer, the tool will provide subscribers with exclusive travel information for Abu Dhabi, showcasing the wide variety of things to do during a stay in the emirate.
Public profiles were launched by Snapchat in 2020 and have had great success in bringing a brand’s story to life. ADVERTISEMENTThe innovative format will allow the destination to share its story with the next generation of travellers, tapping into a new demographic awaiting to discover the beautiful landscape, culture, entertainment and adventure that comes with a trip to Abu Dhabi.
More Information
Take a look at the new public profile here.

Older
Aegean Airlines moves into new home at Manchester Airport

Newer
MSC Seashore delivered in Italy More

Jim Forward, chief commercial officer with Riviera Travel, will leave the business to become chief executive of Hoburne Group.
The latter is a holiday and property development company based in the south-west.
Phil Hullah, Riviera chief executive, commented: “I want to pay tribute to Jim.
“In his three years with Riviera, he has made a major contribution developing a highly-focussed and effective marketing and commercial approach.
“He has excellent business acumen and was a fine colleague. ADVERTISEMENT“I am sure that both he and Hoburne will thrive. Personally, I wish Jim and his family well as they move their focus to the south-west.”
With the search for a permanent replacement underway, ex-Saga Travel chief executive, Robin Shaw, has been drafted in to provide the Riviera team with additional business and commercial support.
Forward commented: “I am sorry to be leaving Riviera.
“Moving on to Hoburne Group will provide me with a new and different challenge, but I very much enjoyed my time at Riviera, the business has a very bright future, and I learned a great deal working with Phil and the team.”

Older
Jet2 boosts capacity to Madeira and Malta

Newer
Emirates launches new flight to Miami, Florida More

TUI UK has launched its earliest ever programme of winter holidays, available from November 1st next near, until April 2023.
The move comes as TUI aims to build on success of early summer launch responding to customer desire to book earlier.
Those who crave warmer climes during the coldest months can choose from 45 destinations, including winter classics such as the Canaries, Egypt and Mexico, as well as brand new Senegal, perfect for a new experience off the beaten track.
Located next to the Gambia in West Africa, with a lovely warm winter climate, TUI will be offering weekly direct flights from London Gatwick to Dakar on TUI Airways. ADVERTISEMENTCustomers can stay at the brand new 4T RIU Baobab in TUI’s platinum range offering 24 hours all-inclusive, swim up rooms and features unlimited a la carte restaurants.
It is positioned right on the beach in Pointe Sarene as the newest tourist resort in Senegal 100 kilometres south of Dakar, with great beaches and incredible options for exploring nature which include safari, as well as the local culture. 
Already on sale new for summer next year, the Sensatori Biomar will be available for customers to enjoy a later winter holiday in April 2023.
As the latest addition to the TUI Sensatori by Blue portfolio, its designed to appeal to the senses and allows guests to create their own unique, luxury holiday experience from the wide range of features Sensatori hotels are renowned for.
Richard Sofer, commercial and business development director at TUI, said: “We know there is pent up demand for holidays and the desire to have a holiday to look forward to is more evident now than ever before.
“Many of our customers, in particular families tied to school holidays and popular dates such as Easter, and weddings and larger groups want to book as far in advance as possible to secure their holiday of choice.
“We’re excited to launch Senegal as an exciting new winter sun destination and are confident it will appeal to customers seeking value for money, great all-inclusive resorts and guaranteed sunshine as well an experience that is a little bit different.”

Older
ABTA urges further opening ahead of government review

Newer
Government support sees American return to profit More

New research from ABTA reinforces an ongoing trend seen throughout the pandemic for people seeking the security and reassurance of booking a package holiday with a travel professional.
The research, conducted at the beginning of July, shows holidaymakers are 25 per cent more likely to book a holiday with a travel professional now than before the pandemic, with half citing the security of a package holiday as their main reason.
This was followed by trusting travel companies to look after them (48 per cent), and the travel professional’s up-to-date advice (42 per cent).
The findings also show that consumer confidence in and awareness of the ABTA brand remains consistent with pre-pandemic levels, with almost three-quarters of respondents associating the brand most strongly with reassuring (74 per cent), experts (74 per cent), confidence (73 per cent) and safe (73 per cent).
ABTA remains the most recognised travel association among those surveyed, with 77 per cent of people saying they had heard of the organisation.ADVERTISEMENTTo support the restart of international travel and encourage bookings with an ABTA member, ABTA is promoting its Book with Confidence tips on social media over the summer and continuing to help holidaymakers feel informed, reassured, confident and excited to book an overseas holiday this year via its ongoing #ReadySteadyTravel campaign.
Recent activities include videos inspiring people to book holidays to green and amber list countries, advice on testing for travel and blogs on travel to green and amber list countries.
ABTA is also regularly updating the essential information and guidance on travelling during the pandemic in the #ReadySteadyTravel hub here.
ABTA Members are encouraged to share the latest advice and travel inspiration content with their customers by downloading the campaign assets and suggested social media posts from the marketing toolkit in the MemberZone.
Shelly Beresford, head of brand and marketing at ABTA, said: “People continue to recognise the huge benefits that come with booking their holidays through an ABTA travel professional, with the ABTA brand remaining as highly regarded as ever.
“We know there is huge pent-up demand for overseas holidays after so many months of restrictions, but that there is also a lot of information that people to know and understand before they travel, so we’re making sure that the #ReadySteadyTravel campaign keeps holidaymakers informed about the changes that will affect their travel plans, reassured about the prospect of taking an overseas holiday and excited to book their well-deserved break with an ABTA member.”

Older
Hospitality sector calls for further government support

Newer
Croatia to require Covid-19 test for fully vaccinated Brits More

The biggest crisis in the history of tourism continues into a second year.
Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85 per cent below 2019 levels (or a 65 per cent drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows.
Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of Covid-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel.
Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to rebound in many parts of the world.
The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460 million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019.
However, the data does point to a relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82 per cent (versus May 2019), after falling by 86 per cent in April. ADVERTISEMENTThis slight upward trend emerged as some destinations started to ease restrictions and consumer confidence rose slightly.
“Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism,” argued UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili.
International tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery remains very fragile and uneven.
Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures.
In addition, the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the northern hemisphere’s summer season.
However, vaccination programmes around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.
In addition, domestic travel is driving the recovery in many destinations, especially those with large domestic markets.
Domestic air seat capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.

Older
Brittany Ferries to welcome two new LNG-electric ships

Newer
Hospitality sector calls for further government support More

The biggest crisis in the history of tourism continues into a second year.
Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85 per cent below 2019 levels (or a 65 per cent drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows.
Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of Covid-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel.
Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to rebound in many parts of the world.
The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460 million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019.
However, the data does point to a relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82 per cent (versus May 2019), after falling by 86 per cent in April. ADVERTISEMENTThis slight upward trend emerged as some destinations started to ease restrictions and consumer confidence rose slightly.
“Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism,” argued UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili.
International tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery remains very fragile and uneven.
Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures.
In addition, the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the northern hemisphere’s summer season.
However, vaccination programmes around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.
In addition, domestic travel is driving the recovery in many destinations, especially those with large domestic markets.
Domestic air seat capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.

Older
Brittany Ferries to welcome two new LNG-electric ships

Newer
Hospitality sector calls for further government support More

VisitEngland is stepping-up its UK-wide ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign to drive domestic day trips and overnight breaks as the summer holidays begin.
The campaign, first launched in September, highlights the quality destinations, visitor attractions and experiences on offer across the UK to build back demand for domestic breaks and boost consumer confidence as restrictions lift.
The summer campaign ‘Escape the Everyday – Enjoy the UK this Summer’ has a focus on cities and city attractions as well as regional gateways which have been hit particularly hard by the lack of international visitors and that rely on their spending.
Tourism minister, Nigel Huddleston, said: “There is so much to see and do in our vibrant towns, cities and villages across all corners of the United Kingdom and we want people to make the most of our tourism offer and rediscover summer safely. ADVERTISEMENT“It’s been a challenging period for our brilliant tourism and hospitality businesses but they’re ready to welcome us back and I encourage people to show their support for this important industry.”
The £5.4 million campaign kicks up a gear from this week with the launch of more than 1,200 digital billboard adverts showcasing activities and experiences in cities across the UK as well as advertising on radio, digital audio and podcast platforms.
A new short video and branded content across social media as well as ‘on demand’ television advertising will launch in August.
VisitEngland director, Andrew Stokes, said: “As we emerge from lockdown, reconnect with family and friends and with international visitors slower to return, now is the time to book a domestic city break and also support our local businesses, attractions and destinations as they start to rebuild.
“Whether it’s a day trip to a local attraction or an overnight stay, whether dining out in our vibrant cafés or exploring our world-class museums and galleries, we want people to rediscover and take a new look at what’s on their doorstep.”
The campaign also drives online traffic to a new website with ideas and links on city-focused experiences across the nations and regions, with advice also to support visitors on travelling responsibly.

Older
Hospitality business continues recovery in June

Newer
Airbus rolls out first A350 from Tianjin facility More

Hays Travel are offering coronavirus testing kits holidaymakers can pack in their suitcases in a bid to take the stress out of going abroad this summer.
Video appointments are provided alongside the kits meaning there is no need to interrupt the enjoyment of a holiday to search for a testing centre.
Strict rules currently require anyone entering the UK to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the three days before departure, regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated.
Hays Travel has teamed up with approved supplier Collinson Group, to provide the government approved tests, that can easily be packed in luggage.
Collinson help travellers take the test during the pre-booked video call appointment and the result comes through within an hour along with the appropriate fit to fly certificate by email. ADVERTISEMENTThe test kits were launched this week high street shops and are already in huge demand as holiday bookings continue to rise, with Spain and Greece favourites this summer.
“This test kit is ideal for anyone who will be travelling from a resort where the UK requires a test before coming home,” said Jonathon Woodall, Hays Travel chief operating officer. 
Hays Travel customers can get the test for a price of £33.60.

Older
Jet2.com relaunches flights to amber list countries

Newer
flyadeal welcomes first A320neo to fleet More