Airlines
Air Bridges Offer Hope, But Barriers Remain
GlobalData reports that air bridges are providing tour operators in the United Kingdom with new hope of resuming some form of service this summer, but as overnight domestic travel is still not possible it is clear there that the current situation is as bleak as it has ever been for operators. The data and analytics company points to TUI and Jet2holidays as just two of the operators to be first to announce that holidays will resume from July 1, 2020 – this followed an extension of cancellations. GlobalData notes, as well, that it is likely that further cancellations will occur...
Swoop Looking For Airport Partners
Swoop has issued a 'Request for Proposal' (RFP), looking for strategic airport partners in North and Central America and the Caribbean. The carrier indicated that it is interested in hearing from airports who share an entrepreneurial, consumer-driven mindset to collaborate with the ULCC to stimulate travel and support economic recovery. Charles Duncan, president of Swoop, said: “We believe the key to recovery lies in strategic collaboration, creativity and innovation to get travellers moving back through airports and into the skies,.” And Duncan continued: “We are...
#TBT Absolutely Unbelievable – Do You Remember?
It’s hard to believe that it was a little bit over a year ago that Canada’s travel industry was celebrating its supplier Favourites at the second annual Agents’ Choice Awards Gala in Toronto. But it has been. Yes, exactly 12 months ago, close to 400 attended the spectacular evening at Toronto’s Arcadian Court, celebrating the 43 Favourite travel suppliers as selected by 6,512 agents from across Canada. And the energy of the Agents’ Choice Gala celebrations went beyond electric as it took place on the same night that the Toronto Raptors became NBA Champions – the...
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...