Airlines
What’s The Criteria?
IATA has released criteria for the use of COVID-19 testing in the travel process. The industry association said that should governments choose to introduce COVID-19 testing for travellers arriving from countries considered as high risk, testing must deliver results fast, be able to be conducted at scale, and operate to very high rates of accuracy. Additionally, it said that testing must be cost-effective and not create an economic or logistical barrier to travel. ICAO recently published Takeoff guidance which is the global guidance for governments to follow in reconnecting...
WestJet Welcomes Summer With New Schedule
WestJet has released details of its updated July schedule, designed to Canadians the chance to enjoy some summer travel while economically supporting communities across the country in safely reopening travel and domestic tourism. As well, WestJet has added flights to select U.S. markets. And to ensure guests can book with confidence, the airline maintains its stringent Safety Above All hygiene program and continues to provide flexibility in booking, change and cancellation policies. WestJet’s chief commercial officer, Arved von zur Muehlen said that the newly released schedule...
Virtual Reality: Key Part Of Booking Process
According to GlobalData, virtual reality may become a key component in the booking process going forward. In its latest consumer survey, the data and analytics company reports that a total 45% of global travellers remain extremely concerned about the outbreak of COVID-19, making it clear that consumer uncertainty remains one of the greatest barriers facing operators. Making virtual reality (VR) a key component in the booking process may act as an additional tool to ease consumer uncertainty, creating an advantage for travel companies that incorporate it. Johanna Bonhill-Smith,...
TIABC, Key Partners Pen Letter To Government
In a letter to B.C. Premier John Horgan, TIABC and a number of its local and national partners stressed the importance of a cooperative approach between the federal and provincial governments to take immediate steps to coordinate and facilitate the restart of Canada's tourism and travel sector. The letter was signed by TIABC, Canadian Gaming Association, BC Chamber of Commerce, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, International Air Transport Association, InnVest Hotels, Marriott Hotels of Canada/Marriott International, Tourism Toronto, Toronto Board of Trade,...
Connecting The Caribbean
World Bank Director for the Caribbean, Tahseen Sayed has penned a noteworthy opinion piece on the importance of air travel for the Caribbean region, observing at one point that “improvements in the air transportation sector will help meet the future flow of travelers, whether visiting family, coming for business, or to enjoy the sun, sea and sand of the Caribbean.” Sayed writes: “Living in the time of COVID-19 has underscored how difficult it is to maintain our distance. Many of us are longing for a time when we can feel comfortable to reconnect with our family and friends and...
IATA Goes Interactive With COVID-19 Map
IATA has introduced a free online interactive world map to provide travellers with the latest COVID-19 entry regulations by country. The map relies on IATA’s Timatic database which contains comprehensive information on documentation required for international travel. To keep pace with the dynamic situation with respect to COVID-19, Timatic is updated more than 200 times per day to provide accurate travel restrictions specific to the current pandemic, based on one’s citizenship and country of residence. Anish Chand, IATA’s assistant director, Timatic, explained: “As the...
Join The Movement With #timetotravel
The Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable has sent an open letter -- signed by 130 senior travel and tourism executives -- to Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and the provincial Premiers urging them to reopen this country’s travel and tourism industry as soon as possible. The letter begins by telling the country’s leaders: “As a society, we have faced a threat like no other, COVID-19. And we are still dealing with it. Under the leadership of our governments, we agreed to implement tough decisions to protect our health and safety. We shut down our schools, our businesses, and...
Etihad Initiative Encourages Travel
Etihad Airways is encouraging travellers to start planning their next trip, once travel restrictions ease, with the launch of Etihad Travel Voucher. Guests who purchase an Etihad Travel Voucher between June 10 and June 24, 2020 will receive an extra 50% cash value for future travel from Aug. 1, 2020 onwards. Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Now, more than ever, we want to give the world something to look forward to. Valid for two years, Etihad Travel Voucher will give our guests plenty of time to plan their future trip, and with 50% extra...