Month: March 2022

Published: Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Today, AQua, one of the country’s leading destination marketing and economic development organizations, received three Adrian Awards from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for excellence in travel marketing at this year’s 65th anniversary celebrations. Recognized for creative and integrated activation with clients, visiting the Lauderdale and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor Bureau, AQua’s work has won multiple Silver and Bronze Adrian Awards for digital, multimedia and experiential promotion.

Dave de Maggio, President of AQua Marketing & Communications, Inc., said: The agency’s destination is a world-class caliber of client partners and a testament to our agency’s ongoing campaign. “

A Silver Adrian Award in the AQua Public Relations category – a special event from Visit Lauderdale and two bronze awards for the Visitor’s Bureau, including the Bradenton Area Convention and Digital Marketing – Multimedia Series (video, animation) and Public Relations – Marketing. – Consumer. Both have been rewarded for their “Love It Like a Local” campaign.

“The HSMAI Adrian Awards recognizes the significant work done by industry to empower recovery in 2021,” said Robert A. President and CEO of Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, HSMAI “Hospitality and tourism professionals are facing increasing challenges that require innovation and expertise. The HSMAI is proud to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the leaders in sales, marketing, and revenue optimization with the Adrian Award. In recognition of the incredible work, we share the best practices that will continue to recover. “

The Adrian Awards Annual Celebration honors award-winning work and the people behind it with Lifetime Achievement Awards, HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing and Revenue Optimization Awards, and more. The winning entry will be seen in the winners’ gallery on the Adrian Awards website after the March 30 celebration.

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Tags: HSMAI

Published: Tuesday, March 15, 2022

World travel and tourism organizations are fully compliant with the government’s lifting of COVID-19 travel bans on domestic-EU and Shenzhen travel, including all testing requirements, the need to present vaccination proof, or the need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). ) As well as must wear a mask for travel.

In a joint letter to EU transport ministers, ACI Europe (Airport Council International) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) cited new research that found that blanket travel systems would be ineffective in the face of the future in order to curb the spread of covid. Of concern.

The call comes as the COVID-19 epidemic hits its second anniversary milestone this month.

The Covid-19, and especially the Omicron variant, is now widespread throughout Europe, and population immunity is at such a level that the risk of hospitalization or death has dropped dramatically, especially for vaccinated people, the agencies said in their letter.

Industry groups cite recently published research that indicates that even if a new variant is discovered and travel restrictions are introduced immediately, it only delays the transition to a maximum of four days.

March 11 marks exactly two years since the WHO declared COVID-19 a global epidemic. At the time, there was growing evidence that border restrictions were ineffective, said Rafael Schwartzman, IATA’s regional vice president for Europe.

He added that it was time to focus COVID-19 efforts on surveillance and remove inter-EU sanctions. It will free people to travel and support jobs back in the European aviation and travel sectors.

In the same vein, ACI Europe Director General Olivier Jankovek said that in light of the results, governments could confidently lift restrictions for any concerns today and in the future, adding that travel bans have “proven to be a blunt instrument with no effect on virus transmission”.

Associations emphasize that the removal of all coronavirus restrictions will allow freedom of travel, which will provide much-needed impetus to travel and tourism sectors severely affected by the epidemic.

More specifically, ACI Europe and IATA are requesting:

– Removal of all health-related travel and border restrictions prior to the summer season, at least on inter-EEA flights, especially testing, contact tracking, and vaccine certification.

– Aligning health restrictions applicable to nationally applicable aviation, especially in the case of mask mandates

– Passengers vaccinated with WHO-approved vaccines are allowed to travel to EEA from a third country on the same terms as passengers vaccinated with EMA-approved vaccines.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) says it fully supports IATA and ACI Europe’s call for the removal of all remaining restrictions on travel within the EU and the Shenzhen area.

The patchwork of restrictions does nothing to stop the spread of COVID but has caused severe damage to the economy, resulting in job and business losses, Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, said in a statement.

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Tags: ACI EUROPE (Airport Council International), COVID-19 Epidemic, International Air Transport Association (IATA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2022

A new study by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that Middle East travel and tourism revenue could reach 6 246 billion this year, just 8.9% behind pre-epidemic levels.

In 2019, before the epidemic hit and began to devastate economies around the world, the region’s travel and tourism sector was booming, generating $ 270 billion in revenue.

However, when Covid-19 almost completely halted international travel in 2021, its contribution was reduced by 51.1%, resulting in a whopping loss of over $ 138 billion.

Recent research by the WTTC shows that as the region continues to recover from the epidemic, major markets reopen and travel restrictions are relaxed, the sector’s contribution to employment this year could almost reach pre-epidemic levels.

Furthermore, the study reveals that if countries continue to introduce inoculation programs at a faster pace this year and world travel restrictions are relaxed, 6.8 million people could be employed in this sector by the end of 2022, down just 40,000 from the previous year. Epidemic level.

WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson says the COVID-19 epidemic has caused significant damage to the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East, but we now have reason to be truly optimistic.

Since the epidemic began, governments across the Middle East have shown genuine commitment to travel and tourism.

Saudi Arabia in particular has shown strong leadership during the crisis and is investing heavily in the sector.

He added that 2022 is poised for a strong recovery if governments across the region open their borders and lift travel restrictions, which will have far-reaching positive effects on the economy, society and jobs.

To get as close to pre-epidemic levels as possible this year, the WTTC says governments around the world must focus on the vaccine rollout and allow fully vaccinated travelers to move freely.

The World Tourism Organization urges governments in the Middle East and around the world to eliminate the patchwork of restrictions and enable international travel using digital solutions that allow travelers to prove their position in a quick, easy and secure way.

As for Egypt, El-Batuti – a UNWTO economic adviser, a member of the UN Economic Commission for Europe and a board member of the German Travel Association – told a new media outlet in February that Egypt was a good reason to be optimistic. The first tourist destination where recovery has begun.

He said final figures for 2021 are not available, but he expects the number of tourists visiting Egypt to reach 4.5 million in 2021, and expects that number to reach 7 million in 2022. , Estimates the coronavirus does not develop further, and if it does, Egypt’s tourism revenue will reach about $ 7.2 billion.

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Tags: COVID-19 epidemic, German travel agency, UNWTO, WTTC

Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2022

The UK government’s announcement yesterday that all travel bans for those entering the country would be lifted has been warmly received by travel workers in Scotland.

The Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA), which represents the country’s travel agents and outbound travel sector, believes the Scottish Government will follow the four-nation procedure and announce their alignment.

SPAA is lobbying for the removal of restrictions on its members to enable recovery of the outbound and inbound travel sector.

Mike Tibbert, president of The Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA), a professional body of travel agents and president of Scotland’s travel sector, commented:

As they enter the week that the country has completed two years since the lockdown, it is really welcome news.

They called on our members to return to “normal business” to end the ban and allow Scottish travelers to take to the skies without having to worry about testing, isolation and the Passenger Locator Form (PLF), which Transport Secretary Grant Shaps described as “ridiculously complicated”. .

So, today’s news is needed by both their members and the industry.

The news this week calling for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to lift the patchwork of the remaining EU restrictions is another part of completing the jigsaw of international travel freedom. .

Travelers should not forget that restrictions on entry into the UK have been lifted, there are different restrictions in different countries of the world and these can be complicated to navigate.

Travel agents are ready to help their clients navigate these and make sure they comply.

SPAA celebrated its centenary in 2021 and is the world’s oldest body representing travel agents.

It currently has 120 member companies, all of its affiliated agencies across Scotland with many domestic workers and 92 associate members in the travel and transportation industry.

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Tags: International Air Transport Association (IATA), Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

Published: Monday, March 21, 2022

A new impetus for economic, trade and technological cooperation between Cambodia and Qatar will provide a suite of economic benefits for the Kingdom, above all a driving force for exports to the Middle East and a major magnet for attracting more investors and tourists from the region. , According to observers.

On March 16, the Ministry of Commerce held an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss the contents of a draft agreement on economic, trade and technical cooperation between Cambodia and Qatar, and to be attended by representatives of 12 ministries and organizations.

Under-Secretary of the Ministry of State Pen Sovichet, who chaired the meeting, said the document had been repeatedly discussed and scrutinized by ministry officials and technical experts, and agreed almost entirely on the content of Phnom Penh and Doha.

Cambodia is now in a hurry to finalize the draft agreement so that it can be signed at the right time, he said.

Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said the device would give the state many benefits, supported by direct flights between the two countries provided by state-owned flag carrier Qatar Airways.

He said the agreement would not only expand the scope for bilateral cooperation, but also expand Cambodian market access to the Middle East, one of the world’s most developed economies.

Strengthening cooperation with Qatar is a new indicator of Cambodia’s growing capacity to reduce dependence on existing markets through the use of preferential tariffs such as the EU’s ‘Everything But Arms’. [EBA] And generalized systems of choice [GSP]And so on.

Strengthening trade ties means opening up export markets for Cambodian products, he said.

Heng added that the state’s exports to Qatar – known as the home of a news channel – include agricultural products, textile-related products and halal food – or food approved under Islamic law as defined in the holy book, the Quran.

Thorn Sinan, chairman of the Cambodia chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), says direct flights between Qatar and Phnom Penh have done wonders for Cambodia’s tourism sector, identifying Middle Eastern visitors as big spenders.

However, he said that in order to make Cambodia an attractive destination for tourists and investors in the Middle East, it is necessary to provide a high level of services in accommodation, restaurants – especially halal, places of worship and other facilities.

Hong Vanak, director of international economics at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the Kingdom stood to gain substantial revenue from increased product exports and tourism flows from Qatar, which he described as “a prosperous country with a high-income population”.

Highlighting the Middle East country’s vast expertise in the oil and gas sector, Vanak advised Qatari businessmen to launch an attractive offensive in Cambodia to persuade them to invest in the oil and gas sector in the Kingdom.

According to Sovicheat, the draft agreement on economic, trade and technical cooperation between Cambodia and Qatar covers a number of “major priority areas”, including trade, tariffs, investment, industry, agriculture, telecommunications, mining and energy, science, tourism and more. Transportation

The agreement will provide a “necessary legal basis” and allow for the creation of a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two countries, down the road created to promote bilateral trade and investment.

For the context, Cambodian exports and imports from Qatar in 2020 were $ 0.56245 million and $ 2.71 million, respectively.

Annual bilateral trade between the two countries has been very limited although Qatar is leaning, with the number in 2020 being about one-eighth higher than in 2019, but about one-eleven percent lower than in 2018, according to a report.

Recent figures from the Statistics website indicate that in 2020, non-knit or crocheted garments accounted for 19 0.19158 million or 34.06 percent of Cambodian exports, with “plastics” importing $ 2.69 million or almost all of the Kingdom.

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Tags: Cambodia Tourism, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

Published: Monday, March 21, 2022

High-level international participation in both formats – 60,700 conference participants from 125 countries and over 100 sessions featuring 223 speakers – lectures, discussions and industry meeting focus on the most important issues of global concern – 20,000 primary business contacts were made on Digital Business Day 14,000 Lead and 3,200 business meetings are being organized – ITB Berlin goes to its next round this summer.

With the Virtual ITB Berlin Convention and Digital Business Day concluding this year’s formats, ITB Berlin draws a positive conclusion: the world’s leading travel trade show was very pleased with the event. The three-day ITB Berlin Convention has more than 100 online sessions with more than 220 industry experts. The world’s largest conference event for industry reported 60,700 users in three days. The international presence in the format, whose panel discussions were mostly in English, was high. About 53 percent of the visitors were from abroad, from a total of 125 countries. The focus of the Industry Think Tank was on the future and key issues of resilience, digitization and sustainability. The significance of the Ukraine war for international tourism has been examined in many sessions. A second streaming channel for press conferences and exhibitor presentations, which also attracted user interest, extended the convention. Almost all videos from the ITB Berlin Convention 2022 are available on demand on the ITB Berlin YouTube channel.

The findings from Digital Business Day were similarly positive. In this one-day event, buyers, media and suppliers connect with each other on a matching-based networking platform. ITB Berlin has registered more than 2,500 users from 96 countries. As at the conference, international attendance was high, with 78 percent of buyers and suppliers from abroad participating. A total of 20,000 initial business contacts were created, resulting in 14,000 leads and 3,200 business meetings. More than 1,000 buyers and suppliers took part in the two-speed networking sessions.

David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, said: “I am delighted to receive such a positive response from our virtual formats. “ITB Berlin continues to be the industry’s leading platform – next year we will welcome the live community in Berlin, and all our experience gained by experimenting with hybrid and virtual formats will be incorporated into the event.”

On the first day of the convention, one of the highlights was Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr. The keynote address was delivered by Robert Habek, who emphasized the political and economic significance of ITB Berlin and the tourism industry through his live participation in the event. . Under the headline ‘Future and resilience’, numerous experts have examined the use of technology, questions about how to avoid the recurrence of overturisation, and the challenges posed by staff and skilled labor shortages. On the second day, eTravel tracks controversial topics that include targeted marketing efforts using AI, new payment methods, and data analysis. On the third day, the focus was on environmental protection and reducing carbon emissions, while presentations focused on diversification and human rights trend-setting initiatives and the best ways to help industrial refugees.

Convention and Culture Partner Georgia was pleased with its partnership and this year’s formats. Georgia was already an adventure partner last year and highlighted its cultural attractions in 2022. In the inaugural press conference on the first day of the convention, the Ambassador of Georgia to Germany, His Excellency Prof. Levan Izoria also spoke. At a news conference, Irina Koshoridze, a professor of art history in Tbilisi, and Vakhtang Lichelio, a professor of archeology, presented some of the highlights of this year’s special archeological collection of conventions and cultural partners. Next year, Georgia will be the official host country of ITB Berlin.

ITB Berlin goes to its next round

After two inaugural events in March, this is by no means the end of this year’s ITB Berlin. For the first time in years, the world’s leading travel trade show is planning a series of B2B networking events in destinations around Europe. In 2023, ITB Berlin will be live again in the German capital, starting March 7. The events will begin with the traditional opening gala, hosted by the world’s leading travel trade show, and hosted by partner country Georgia on the eve of ITB Berlin.

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Tags: Digital Business Day, ITB Berlin, ITB Berlin Convention

Published: Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Mr. Knorrweim Onang, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has elected a four-member advisor, determined to create a strategically important edge in the administration of the umbrella organization of all the tourism associations in Nigeria. It is a reality.

The four-member advisor is Andrew Okumbuwa, intergovernmental / special responsibilities; Wal Olapade, FTAN National Public Relations Officer, double as Special Adviser Media; Alex Nuba, Special Adviser on Tourism and Travel and Justina Ovat, FTAAN Vice President, South-South, Hospitality and Special Adviser to MICE.

The appointments are effective immediately as the SAs have been instructed to work in their various capacities

Speaking of development, the FTAAN boss, who took a high stance on taking the federation to an enviable level, said there was no time to waste because they had a lot to do with the least available time.

He added that appointments are needed to play a key role in giving FTAN a strong leverage in the current scheme.

FTAN has a new vision and dream and we are trying by all standards to restore our real commitment to cooperation among the component associations under FTAN, Onung added.

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Tags: Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN)

Published: Thursday, March 24, 2022

The US Travel Association is urging the US government to lift travel bans, including the requirement of pre-departure covid testing for all fully vaccinated inbound international travelers.

Reuters reports that Roger Dow, chief executive of US Travel, said in a letter to the White House that the US government had little interest in maintaining pre-departure testing requirements for domestic air travelers when the United States did not require a negative test – Canada and US-Bordeaux. Point of entry.

US Travel has called for an immediate end to pre-departure testing requirements. The group also called on the US government to end its masking mandate for air travel and other transportation by April 18.

That day, after its renewal in March 2022, the mandate could be lifted. It also called on the Biden administration to end travel bans on fully vaccinated travelers.

Canada’s pre-arrival test requirements for all travelers are set to expire on April 1.

Canada still requires masks on planes and other modes of transport, and also requires all air, rail and ship passengers to be fully vaccinated.

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Tags: COVID-19 epidemic, US Travel Association, vaccinated tourists

Published: Thursday, March 24, 2022

The epidemic has pushed the travel and entertainment industry to its limits. The industry collapsed and many lost their jobs. Many Portland venues have closed or adapted to more epidemic-relevant functions as a result of continued lockdowns and power constraints. The Oregon Convention Center has been transformed into a mass immunization site.

As sanctions were relaxed, executive director Craig Stroud said 2019 was the last year that the OCC conducted a full-year business in 2019 when they hosted 527 events throughout the year. The Convention Center currently has contracts for 157 specific events for 2022 and 69 contracts for 2023.

Despite the apparent decline, the Center is optimistic and believes that these figures do not necessarily represent the total number of conferences to be held. The 2022 event calendar was hit hard by the epidemic, and the number of bookings for 2023 was reported to be higher than the previous year’s average trend.

It is recommended that with one year of recovery, the current numbers project that 2023 could be a very busy calendar year for the Oregon Convention Center. The 2022 event calendar was directly affected by the COVID epidemic. The 2023 event calendar is currently a very powerful event year.

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Tags: Conference Center, Covid-19 Epidemic, Oregon

Published: Monday, March 26, 2022

Expo Tourismmo International 2022 in Panama City has just ended. March 25 and 26 was a unique opportunity for this Central American country to reopen its borders for international tourism.

The guest of honor was Bursin Turkan, President of SKL International.

SKAL, the world’s largest travel agency with more than 12,500 tourism leaders, was created to promote global tourism and friendship. Through this, Panama wanted to strengthen relations with international organizations to attract international events and investments to our country – and the timing was perfect.

Tomorrow, Monday, March 28, 2022, the requirement to wear masks in Panama has been removed, if people can maintain a distance of one meter from each other.

Panama is home to COPA Airlines, a Star Alliance airline connecting North America, the Caribbean, Central, South America and Europe, and the rest of the world. COPA has made Panama an aviation hub and made Panama accessible to Americans for business and tourism.

The city is strategically located in the state, strategically located in the formerly US-controlled Panama Canal, not only for international meetings, but also as a central destination in the United States and beyond.

The United States in particular has not only much history, but also culture, nature, food and of course beaches.

The Panama Tourism Board accurately summarizes this possibility by saying that where the North and South worlds connect, the Old and New Worlds coexist, and the cosmic landscapes coexist with the wild, indomitable rainforest.

A country for those looking beyond expectations, which makes you dare to see more. More flavor. Connect more. Feel more.

A place for those who want more excitement, connection and transformation. Panama is not a destination, but a journey to discover what really matters.

Create more lasting memories through an explosion of inspiration and purpose. And let the Panamanian consciousness unlock the sense of kinship.

Showing tourism to Panama on the domestic front and for the first time, just a day before the lifting of the COVID-19 ban, 2019 was a great opportunity for the country’s tourism minister, the Honorable Evan Eskildsen, to shine.

In January, Minister Fitur attended Madrid and said:

2022 will make a significant difference in terms of its reactivation for Panama. In Panama, in 2020 and 2021 we were about 70% less tourists than in 2019.

This year, with more than 85% of the population vaccinated, there is another perspective, the October and November numbers show more interesting data than the previous month and it is very positive.

On the other hand, for the first time in history, Panama is considering tourism as a state policy, where a Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism (PMTS) has been approved and they are now working on it.

It is one of only three countries in the world that is carbon negative, so they can combine it with nature and cultural tourism and there they have a really interesting opportunity.

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Tourism in Panama, Ivan was an entrepreneur with experience in developing projects focusing on Panamanian culture and sustainability.

He was also the creator and manager of an initiative aimed at awakening young people interested in Panamanian customs. Evan specifically focuses on strengthening teamwork, inspirational leadership, and community support.

The Minister of Tourism himself completed one of the most challenging expeditions of the geopolitics on his hero’s voyage, which included sailing, paddling, mountain biking, trekking and a single white water rafting from the South Pacific coast of the country to the Atlantic coast of the autonomous region of Guinea. Indigenous people of the country.

Before the age of thirty, Ivan Cubita founded and managed the project; A hotel, residential and commercial real estate complex. Its design was inspired by the architecture and heritage of the Azure region, which reflects the rich Panamanian history.

It is the most important project in the area and has its own private museum. Evan is the founder and leader of various organizations, chambers and associations of private companies.

An aspiring volunteer, she has been assigned to regional organizations focusing on sustainable development, community projects, and dedicated practice of practical philosophy and history.

Tourism Minister Evan Eskildsen attended the inauguration of the International Tourism Expo, showcasing all the benefits Panama has to offer as America’s hub and positioning it as a world-class sustainable tourism destination.

The Minister participated as a panelist in a working session on “Business That Leads to Sustainable Growth” organized by Star Five and the Institute for Real Growth.

Business leaders and potential investors participated, reflecting Panama’s tourism model, which seeks to ensure a balance between economic, environmental and social aspects through sustainable tourism.

The expo brings together more than 150 international tour operators.

SKAL President Bursin Turkan was present at a news show.

The Minister’s guest of honor, SKL President Bursin Turkan, was impressed by the meeting with Minister Eskildsen while attending the Panama Expo and said:

Very impressive potential for tourism to Panama.

In addition to non-stop flights from several European countries such as Spain, Turkey, France, Holland, and easy access to many major US gateways with easy to clear travel requirements such as the drive-through COVID-19 test, there are some things that make Panama an attractive destination. Makes holidays and business destinations.

The SKAL president concluded by pointing out that SKAL is ready to do business with friends.

The highly active Panama SKAL Club has been around since 1955 and has been instrumental in bringing SKAL’s friends together and doing business with Panama and the world.

SKAL Panama President Demetrio Maduro summarized on the SKAL Panama website that they are part of a global business network for tourism operators. Since their inception, they have forged new friendships and created new business opportunities in the local and international tourism industry.

With the pride of being a Panamanian, and representing our country, we can share experiences and opportunities in the tourism business without leaving behind the attraction of company and friendship.

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Tags: Copa Airlines, Covid-19 Epidemic, Expo Tourismo International 2022, Skull International