Organisations & Operators,

Alpine Elements has ceased trading, with ATOL publishing advice on the next steps for passengers booked to travel.
Around 1,000 trips are currently planned with the company, which is based in Wimbledon.
Also trading as Elements Services London, the company specialised in skiing and winter holiday tours to France, Greece and Austria.
However, following government guidance against foreign travel to some destinations and as a result of a number of flight cancellations, many consumers’ holidays were cancelled and, as a result, there are currently no consumers abroad on bookings with Alpine Elements.
In a statement, ATOL said: “We are aware of a number of consumers whose bookings have been cancelled by Alpine Elements as a result of government advice or flight cancellations.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Consumers that have accepted valid refund credit notes or are due refunds for the cancellation of their ATOL protected booking will be able to submit a claim to ATOL through our online portal.”
For ATOL protected consumers that are due to travel after December 8th, flight tickets may still be valid, but this must be confirmed with the airline.
If choosing to travel, consumers are advised they may be asked to pay again for replacement services of the original package holiday.
However, provided the services are covered by ATOL, they are entitled to submit a claim for a refund.
Replacement services may include accommodation, transfers or other services but consumers should confirm what was included in the package holiday on their ATOL certificate or booking documents.
If consumers choose not to travel or their flight tickets are not valid, they will be able to make a claim.
A spokesperson for ATOL said: “This is a particularly sad day for customers and employees of Alpine Elements, and we appreciate that those with bookings will be deeply concerned.
“However, the ATOL scheme exists for exactly this kind of situation and we are making arrangements so that all ATOL protected customers can make a claim, whether they are due to travel or accepted refund credit notes for cancelled bookings.”
Older
Emerald Azzurra floats out in Vietnam

Newer
American Airlines rolls out comprehensive domestic Covid-19 testing More

Discover Qatar has announced the launch of its very first expedition cruise series.
It will offer guests an experience travelling in luxury and comfort around the destination’s coastline.
The cruises, which are designed for seasoned and adventurous travellers, provide a unique opportunity to observe the largest gathering of the world’s largest living fish – the Whale Shark – in the Al Shaheen marine zone.
Whale Sharks, often referred to as ‘gentle giants’, are estimated to have existed for 60 million years.
They can live up to 100 years and grow up to 12 metres in length – about the size of a large school bus.

ADVERTISEMENT

Between the summer months of April and September, during their annual migration to the region, Whale Sharks are found feeding in groups of hundreds in the Al Shaheen marine zone within the Arabian Gulf, which lies 80 kilometres off the northern coast of Qatar.
The Discover Qatar expedition cruise will give passengers the privilege of accessing the Al Shaheen restricted marine zone – a diverse ecosystem of immense natural beauty – to witness the majesty of the Whale Shark gathering, as well as a unique coastal exploration adventure.
Discover Qatar is the destination management subsidiary of Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar is a unique setting for expedition cruises, and I am hugely excited to launch our first product in this area to show off our country’s beauty to the world.
“Qatar, with its abundance of rugged, untouched nature, surrounded by crystal waters and a unique biodiverse ecosystem, offers exciting adventures that allow visitors to connect with nature and visit areas of Qatar that are only accessible by the sea.
“Also, our guests will have the unparalleled opportunity to observe the biggest gathering of the world’s largest fish – the Whale Sharks.”
Older
Israel to exhibit at Arab Travel Market next spring

Newer
Travelport launches Safe Stay search to agents More

The number of destinations closed to international tourism has continued to fall.
According to the eighth edition of the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report, 70 per cent of all global destinations have eased restrictions on travel introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In comparison, just one in four destinations continue to keep their borders completely closed to international tourists.
Launched by the World Tourism Organisation at the start of the pandemic, the Travel Restrictions Report keeps track of measures being taken in 217 destinations worldwide, helping to support the mitigation and recovery efforts of the tourism sector.
For this latest edition, the methodology has been updated to offer insights into the tourism flows of destinations, as well as to explore the link between health and hygiene infrastructure, environmental performance and any potential connection to travel restrictions.

ADVERTISEMENT

The report shows that, as of November 1st, a total of 152 destinations have eased restrictions on international tourism, up from the 115 recorded on September 1st.
At the same time, 59 destinations have kept their borders closed to tourists, a decrease of 34 over the same two-month period.
UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “The lifting of travel restrictions is essential to drive our wider recovery from the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.
“Governments have an important part to play in giving data-led and responsible travel advice and in working together to lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Looking further into current Covid-19-related travel restrictions, the report sheds new light on the factors connecting those destinations which have eased restrictions and those where borders remain closed.
The study found that destinations with higher scores in health and hygiene indicators as well as on the environmental performance index are among those which have eased restrictions faster.
Moreover, these destinations are increasingly applying differentiated, risk-based approaches to implementing travel restrictions.
In comparison, destinations choosing to keep their borders closed tend to be within emerging economies with relatively low scores in health and hygiene indicators and environmental performance index.
The majority of these destinations are in Asia and the Pacific, with many belonging to the SIDS (small island developing states), LDCs (least developed countries) or LLDCs (landlocked developing countries).
As in previous editions, the new UNWTO Travel Restrictions report also breaks the destination analysis down by regions.
Europe continues to lead the way in lifting or easing travel restrictions followed by the Americas, Africa and then the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific continues to be the region with the fewest travel restrictions eased and more complete border closures in place for international tourism.
Older
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association declares climate emergency

Newer
Orzu Hospitality launches at the Pointe More

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has declared a climate emergency as a signatory of Tourism Declares.
The global tourism-specific initiative will bring together organisations and individuals from across the industry to take purposeful action and reduce carbon emissions.
TOTA has committed to developing and publishing a comprehensive climate emergency plan within the next 12 months, including transparent goals, measurable reductions and yearly progress updates.
“The climate crisis poses an immense threat.
“Throughout Covid-19 recovery efforts, we must stay one step ahead to not only mitigate environmental impacts, but work toward transforming tourism into a force for good,” said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA chief executive.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Becoming a signatory of Tourism Declares is reflective of our regional strategy, Embracing Our Potential, which has led to this commitment to take climate action towards long-term, measurable results.”
Like all signatories of Tourism Declares, TOTA has committed to five key actions, which includes accepting current advice of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stating the need to cut global carbon emissions to 55 per cent below 2017 levels by 2030, sharing a public commitment, and acting as an advocate for change and urgent action.
TOTA intends to support the regional as well as wider travel and tourism sector through continued leadership efforts, accelerating the transition to a low carbon tourism economy.
More Information
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected board of directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia ministry of tourism, arts, culture, and sport.
It is an Industry-led organisation that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
TOTA was recently recognised with North America’s Responsible Tourism Award at the World Travel Awards.
Breaking Travel News spoke to Glenn Mandziuk to find out how it felt to have won.
Take a look at his thoughts or find out more about the organisation, head over to the official website.
Image: Tom Ryan
Older
ABTA offers Brexit guidance on Tour Operator Margin Scheme

Newer
UNWTO report reveals further reduction in travel restrictions More

Following discussions with ABTA, HMRC has confirmed that once the transition period ceases on January 1st, the VAT charged on holidays through the Tour Operator Margin Scheme (TOMS) on travel outside of the UK will be zero rated.
This will remove an area of uncertainty on a crucial issue for many ABTA members and has been agreed by HMRC on the assumption of a possible no deal with the EU on TOMS.
In the event of a no deal being reached with the EU on TOMS, a new UK version will be introduced which will require payment of TOMS VAT only on UK holidays but not on package holidays within the EU.
A guidance note for ABTA Members has been agreed with HMRC, which provides further information and details in respect of transitional issues.
The information is available to ABTA members here.

ADVERTISEMENT

One area of uncertainty remains, that in the longer term there might be a requirement to register for VAT with individual EU states.
The note will be updated as and when there is more clarity in this area and members will be informed through ABTA Today and the trade press if there any other further developments.
Carolyn Watson, ABTA director of finance and operations, said: “The confirmation by HMRC that post Brexit packages within the EU will be zero rated for TOMS is great news for many of our members.
“We were pleased to be able to work closely with HMRC on this important matter and I thank HMRC for its understanding of how serious this issue is for many travel companies and its action to remove this area of uncertainty.
“This will greatly assist Members as they look to rebuild travel with our most important holiday destinations, the majority of which are within the EU.”
She added: “However, I would stress that one area of uncertainty still remains; in the longer term the possible need to register for VAT purposes within individual EU state.
“We will let members know when the position on this becomes clearer.”
Older
TUI Group secures a further €1.8 billion in emergency funding

Newer
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association declares climate emergency More

Holiday giant TUI has reached an agreement with various partners on a further financial rescue package of €1.8 billion.
The deal includes the German Economic Support Fund (WSF), KfW Entwicklungsbank (KfW), commercial banks and the company’s largest single shareholder Unifirm.
TUI said it was taking further precautions in view of the rising number of infections since autumn, strict travel restrictions in many countries and the resulting shorter booking times of customers.
The financial package is intended to ensure that the company can bridge the gap if the pandemic persists in 2021.
Following the first reports of vaccine successes, TUI added it expects the pandemic situation to improve in the course of the first half of 2021, leading to a greater return of holiday travel.
Fritz Joussen, chief executive of TUI, explained: “Before the Covid-19 pandemic, TUI was a very healthy company.
“The market is intact; the demand is there.
“But we have not been able to generate any significant revenues since March.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Our integrated business model allows us to react very flexibly to short-term changes in the pandemic situation, just as we successfully ramped up our travel programme for a few weeks in July after the first wave.
“People want to travel; tourism remains a growth industry and an important sector for stabilising the southern euro area.”
The package consists of silent participations of the WSF, a further credit line of the KfW, guarantees and a capital increase with subscription rights, which is to be resolved at an extraordinary general meeting of TUI in January.
The Mordashov family, owners of Unifirm, have made a long-term strategic investment in TUI and has agreed to participate in the capital increase with its company.
Joussen added: “The financial package provides the security to look consistently ahead and to prepare the group strategically and structurally for the time after the pandemic.
“With these measures, the group is securing liquidity for a continuing pandemic in 2021, while at the same time improving our balance sheet structures in the long term.
“The overall package of different financing from various partners shows the broad confidence of all parties involved in the future of tourism and the TUI Group”.
Including the additionally agreed financial package, TUI AG had financial resources and credit facilities of €2.5 billion as of November 30th.
Earlier in the year, TUI Group secured €3 billion in funding in two separate tranches from the German government.
Older
Royal Caribbean Group cancels all sailings until March

Newer
ABTA offers Brexit guidance on Tour Operator Margin Scheme More

The Singapore Tourism Board has appointed Michael Rodriguez to the role of area director for northern and western Europe.
Rodriguez will oversee marketing, partnerships and business development efforts in the region and will assume the role this month.
Jason Chan who was Singapore Tourism Board regional area director from 2016 to 2020 will return to Singapore in the role of assistant director, travel agent licensing and regulatory review department.
“I am thrilled to be representing Singapore Tourism Board in Europe,” Rodriguez said.
“This has been a year unlike any other and I am very much looking forward to working to welcome visitors back to Singapore as soon as it is safe to do so.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Prior to this role, Rodriguez worked in Singapore Tourism Board’s infrastructure planning and management division, overseeing the planning and management of cruise terminals in Singapore.
Key projects which he helped to oversee included the development and operationalisation of the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore.
Prior to joining the Singapore Tourism Board, Rodriguez worked in the financial services sector with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Older
easyJet to charge for overhead locker space

Newer
Forstmayr recognised for contribution to Jamaica tourism More

Holidaymakers are usually better off avoiding booking sites when arranging a holiday and booking directly with a travel provider instead, according to Which?.
The consumer organisation surveyed nearly 5,000 members about their experiences with various travel booking sites, broken down into flight booking sites, accommodation booking sites and travel comparison sites.
The results highlighted a slew of problems with using booking sites – usually presented as a hassle-free way to compare prices and get the best deal when booking a holiday – which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Respondents rated sites on a variety of criteria, including the functionality of the site, prices, and transparency of fees, with many sites earning an overall lower score than they did last year.
Flight booking sites fared particularly badly, with some companies proving impossible to contact regarding cancellations and refunds during the Covid-19 lockdown.

ADVERTISEMENT

Some also charged admin fees to process refunds that would have been free if sought directly from the airline.
Netflights received the highest customer score in this category, though still an underwhelming 65 per cent.
It was the only flight booking site to score four stars for prices, and fewer than one in ten customers reported a problem with the website.
At the other end of the table for flight booking sites was Opodo, which Which? recently recommended passengers avoid booking with, after it left the ATOL scheme.
Comparison sites did not do much better.
The clear frontrunner in this market was Skyscanner, with a customer score of 67 per cent.
Accommodation booking sites were rated slightly more favourably.
This was the only category where some booking sites managed to receive a customer score of more than 70 per cent, with most accommodation booking sites managing to score four stars in at least one category.
Airbnb, with a customer score of 75 per cent, was the only booking site to impress customers and the consumer champion enough to receive Which? recommended status.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “Booking sites have been seen as a hassle-free way to find the best deal on travel or accommodation when booking a holiday, but our survey highlights serious problems, from dodgy refund policies and unwelcome admin fees, to non-existent customer service.
“This year has shown us that nothing can be guaranteed when it comes to booking a holiday, so it’s more important than ever to ensure the company you’re booking with can be trusted with your money.
“With a couple of notable exceptions, booking sites have let their customers down on this front, so the best way to ensure your money is in safe hands is to book a package, hotel or flight directly, and only with a reputable provider.”
Older
Accor creates new lifestyle business with Ennismore

Newer
Qantas cuts 2,000 staff as ground handling is outsourced More