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Showing posts from December, 2020

Removed Italy, San Marino and the Status of Vatican City from the list of UK travel corridors

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As the countries are excluded from the travel corridor list of the UK government, citizens arriving in England from Italy, San Marino and the Vatican City State as of 18 October 2020 will need to self-isolate for two weeks.  Data showed that COVID-19 cases and test positivity are growing in Italy on a weekly basis, so ministers agreed to exclude destinations from the UK travel exemptions.  Following a decline in recorded coronavirus cases, the Greek island of Crete has been added to the travel corridor list. The most recent risk assessment for Crete by the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) suggests that the threats to UK public health from travelers returning from there have decreased to an appropriate level.    From 18 October 2020, passengers arriving in England from Crete will no longer have to separate themselves if, in the previous 14 days, they have not entered or transited through any other non-exempt country. In order to warn against all but necessary trips to Italy and San

Charles de Gaulle Airport joins EASA COVID-19 monitoring programme

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Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is joining 10 other aviation stakeholders to abide by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) COVID-19 guidelines. These measures, largely implemented at Charles de Gaulle Airport since early May 2020, helped the EASA and ECDC to establish a pragmatic and comprehensive list of recommendations, aiming at ensuring health and safety standards for air passengers and aircraft/airport operators during the COVID-19 pandemic – among which can be found: ensuring social distancing throughout the entire journey; the reinforcement of cleaning and disinfection protocols; mandatory wearing of facial coverings; and practising all hygiene recommendations, etc.  To monitor the implementation of those measures, the EASA launched a dedicated programme. The aim is to assess real-life situations concerned by EASA recommendations and to contribute to establishing a new sanitary standard at a European

Alaska Railroad Soon Begins Service for the Aurora Winter Train

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Alaska Railroad is proud to announce, starting on September 19 and continuing through mid-May 2021, the launch of its renowned winter passenger service aboard the Aurora Winter Train. The Aurora Winter Train operates between Anchorage and Fairbanks on weekends, embarking on a 12-hour northbound journey on Saturdays and a return trip on Sundays (select mid-week departures will also become available in March of 2021). Best place to find more about lewiston airports is AirportList.com

Reduce the number of COVID-19 tests conducted at the airport in Hawaii County

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Hawaii County tourism officials have reported a decrease in the number of COVID-19 tests being done after less than one percent returned positive. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said 12,636 post-flight tests were conducted on the island last Monday, according to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, and less than one percent were positive for coronavirus. Overall, 97 of the post-flight antigen tests administered returned positive, leading to additional tests of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The more precise test showed that 17 travelers were positive for COVID-19. As a result, a post-flight antigen test will only be conducted on 25 percent of travelers arriving at Onizuka International Airport in Kona. With random testing considered unethical, officials from Hawaii County are working on how to pick travelers for testing. "Kim told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, "I don't drink, but they tell me that it's the same idea as pulling over random cars for a DUI exam. "They'

This Thanksgiving, Where Americans Fly

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According to Allianz Partners' Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index published Tuesday, Mexico will continue to attract more Americans for Thanksgiving than any other international destination. Cancun, San Jose Del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta are the top three international destinations for Americans traveling this holiday, followed by Oranjestad, Aruba; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Santiago, Dominican Republic; Montego Bay, Jamaica ; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Havana, Cuba. Beloved tourist hotspots south of the border. The ranking for this year is special in that the beach destinations are the entire top 10 globally. Unsurprisingly, considering the circumstances, in the midst of debilitating travel restrictions put in place because of COVID-19, European favourites like London and Paris are nowhere to be found this year. Seattle has climbed six spots domestically to number one, surpassing New York City, which was also hard hit during

Copenhagen Airport plans to cut 650 full-time jobs,

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Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is considering cutting 650 full-time jobs from the existing estimated number of 2,600 in order to secure long-term competitive strength. Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Copenhagen Airport, said this was the saddest decision he had to make during his nine years with CPH, but that it was important in order to safeguard the future operations and financial position of the airport. During the recession, CPH had an aim of holding as much operation and maintaining as many workers as possible. For instance, the wage compensation system negotiated by the Danish government and the parties to the labor market was used by CPH. Almost 2,200 workers were temporarily furloughed and called back to work in rotation, corresponding to 1,600 full-time equivalents (FTEs), which helped CPH maintain the expertise of its employees and their association with the airport. However, it has now become apparent that because of the coronavirus, the aviation industry will face a long-term crisis,

Discover America With the Flash Sale of Amtrak Vacations

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WHY IT RATES: Travelers who book now through September 25, 2020, will save $500 per couple on holidays of ten nights or more, $400 per couple on holidays of seven to nine or $300 per couple on holidays of three to six. Laurie Baratti, Associate Writer with TravelPulse From destinations that deliver incredible sights and experiences to the beautiful U.S. landscape. National Parks There is no lack of places to visit in North America. Make it part of the trip by traveling by train to your destination. You will leave the fast-paced world behind once you board and discover the greatest way to explore our beautiful land. Get a change of scenery in 2020, or schedule an unforgettable rail holiday of a lifetime for an amazing 2021. Amtrak Vacations is offering up to $500 in discounts on all rail vacations with its limited-time Flash Sale to encourage travelers to discover America. Travelers will save $500 per couple on any 10+ night holiday for a limited time, $400 per couple on any 7-9

Why Jamaica in the COVID-19 Period Draws Tourists

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"Following the COVID-19 outbreak, Jamaica's government has revived tourism activity through a science-based strategy that involves stringent protocols and an innovative "The Corridors Resilient" system that gives tourists access to 80% of Jamaica's tourism attractions, officials said Tuesday. The plan seems to be paying dividends. "We already see positive signs that buoyancy is returning to the [tourism] sector," said Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. Speaking at the Jamaica Product Exchange Virtual (JAPEX) conference this week, Bartlett said preliminary statistics from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) suggest that since re-opening on June 15, the county has welcomed more than 211,000 tourists. "The occupancy rates of hotels are slowly increasing," he said. "When compared to the previous period of our massive downturn, we will see a 40 percent increase in arrivals over the winter season." JAPEX government and

Amtrak Vacations In Flash Sale Offering $500 Off

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Amtrak Vacations revealed October 5 that on a rail holiday in a private sleeper cabin booked by October 23 for holidays in 2020, 2021 and 2022, couples will now earn up to $500 off. $300 off will be offered to couples who book any three- to six-night rail holiday. They will earn $400 off on a seven to nine-night holiday. $500 off will be offered to couples booking a rail vacation of 10 or more nights. The rail holidays depart from more than 500 stations and stop at common destinations such as different national parks. Travelers are able to plan every rail holiday to suit their wishes and preferences. Travelers will take an unbelievable holiday for a great price with this new flash sale. Some of the most famous rail holidays pass through the heart of the natural wonders of America. A four-day holiday starting at $329 per passenger, the Glenwood Springs Getaway Round-Trip from Denver includes a visit to Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Caverns, making it a great stop for the outdoor e

Secures $500 million in additional investment from Viking

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Viking is getting an additional contribution of $500 million from its current minority shareholders, TPG Capital and the Investment Board of Canada Pension Plan. "In the cruise industry, over 40 years have taught me that difficult times, such as these are often times of great innovation and opportunity as well said Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen. "This equity capital infusion will prepare us for future opportunities to continue to develop our company." Among the new developments: Viking has built a full-scale Viking Sea PCR laboratory with plans to mount it on all ocean vessels. The new laboratory "has sufficient capacity for every crew member and guest to be tested daily, which provides flexibility to respond to COVID-19 prevalence levels around the world," Viking said. According to MayoClinic.com, the PCR test identifies genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A health care worker, also called a molecu

Spring Bookings, Hyatt Unveils 20 Percent Savings on Holiday

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A limited-time savings promotion was unveiled by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which offers travelers discounts of up to 20 percent on holiday and early spring holidays at more than 900 properties for reservations booked by Dec. 6, 2020, for stays until April 4, 2021. Members of the World of Hyatt are eligible to receive discounts of up to 22 percent, Hyatt said. To sweeten the deal, Hyatt will continue to allow customers to cancel up to 24 hours before arrival without any penalties. A Hyatt study involving 6,000 respondents, found that nearly half of those surveyed said they planned to travel by the end of 2021, and the company said they "expect or prefer to stay in hotels." In this new travel landscape, we keep listening to what is most important to our members, guests and customers. Amy Weinberg, senior vice president of Hyatt, loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insights, said that one of the things we hear most is that they miss traveling, and more importantly, they

Implementation of real-time passenger flow monitoring software at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

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Smart Flows has been chosen by Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) to introduce a solution for real-time tracking of passenger flows through its terminals following a tendering phase. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this innovation would help to improve the entire passenger experience and recognize the risks of high passenger density in one region, in compliance with the current health protection requirements.  To ensure the best and safest experience possible, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is following its strategy of maximizing passenger flows. The terminals, which are tiny relative to the amount of passengers they are expected to see each year are both an opportunity for travellers who can enter their boarding gate quickly and a detriment, with the possibility of saturating those areas at peak times.  The airport has already done comprehensive work on its facilities in order to maximize operating capital while maintaining a seamless experience for passengers. An additional s

Latest Travel Safety Barometer Reveals Americans' Overall Perception of Travel

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MMGY Global has released the sixth wave of its ongoing Travel Safety Barometer survey. The most recent research shows that Americans’ perception of travel is holding steady despite a rise in COVID-19 cases. Out of a scale from 1-100, domestic travel scores a 46, up two points from 44 in the fifth wave of the survey. International travel remains in the low 30s, dropping a point from the June survey to 31. Also unaffected by the rise in illness is the number of Americans who plan on taking a leisure trip over the next six months. Forty percent still say they are going to take a vacation which is steady from June. Consumers are also gaining confidence in certain areas of travel. Positive perceptions of hotel stays and flying are on the rise. In mid-April, domestic flights had a Travel Safety Barometer score of just 22 on a 100-point scale. That is now 39 in the July survey. Still, Americans see traveling by car as the safest from of transportation with a score of 72 out of 100.

What holiday vacation travelers are searching for

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For travelers looking to book December holiday vacations this year, safety guarantees, comfort and discounts are top of mind. "Becky Lukovic of Bella Travel Planning, an affiliate of Travel Experts, said Most of my clients have been searching for an all-inclusive type of experience somewhere they feel comfortable. "We want things to be easy and free of tension. Some are hoping that competitive rates will carry COVID. Best place to find more about vieste airport is AirportList.com

Crystal Parent Genting Hong Kong Avoids Creditor Payments

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The parent of Crystal Cruises and other lines, Genting Hong Kong Ltd., warned that it is halting payments to creditors in order to save cash to continue operations. "The pandemic of COVID-19 has had and will continue to have a material impact on the group's financial position and operating results," Genting said in a statement. The organization has indicated that its available cash would be reserved for the maintenance of essential services for the operations of the group while pursuing debt restructuring. The group has taken cost cutting steps and is aiming to raise funds to improve liquidity, Genting said. The statement also claimed that two subsidiaries, Dream Global One Ltd. and Dream Global Two Ltd., skipped a €3.7 million bank fee payment in connection with the financing of some ships' construction. As of July 31, 2020, the corporation owed US$3.37 billion in total. "In addition to the events of default that have already occurred … the board anticip

The arrival hall at Teesside Airport is undergoing a significant renovation.

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With major construction work now taking place to transform the arrivals hall, Teesside International Airport (MME) is becoming more welcoming than ever. In addition to fresh flooring and painting work to enhance the overall passenger experience, the room has been remodelled, with new walls and signage to help direct passengers and make navigating through arrivals as smooth as possible. As part of the pledge by Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, and Teesside Airport to support local businesses and staff, the renovations are being carried out by Stockton-based MJ Joinery and Ideal Decorators North East. Again with new carpeting, paint and signage making the entrance more inviting and easy to navigate, the redesign follows similar changes made in the departures lounge.  The improvements were unveiled just days after it was announced that from 7 September 2020, famous flights to Aberdeen and Belfast will operate twice daily. Recently, the airport has also secured a new route to London He

Testing new baggage check-in technology at Eindhoven Airport

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Eindhoven Airport (EIN) has announced that it will be the testing ground for advanced technologies to make the airport more sustainable, flexible and intelligent. In order to innovate, optimize and simplify a range of airport processes, Eindhoven Airport will allow the implementation of cutting-edge technology developed by Vanderlande and run tests in a live environment by making its facilities accessible.  Both organizations are located in the Netherlands' creative 'Brainport' area and will partner for several months (on a trial basis) with technology, design and information institutes to further speed up the project. Eindhoven Airport, Vanderlande and baggage identification specialist BagsID will apply machine learning and technology for image recognition as part of the agreement. This will allow passengers to check in an item of luggage simply by taking a picture of it with camera equipment. Eindhoven Airport also plans to begin testing a self-driving vehicle on the

June 30 John Kirk to "Mexico Hotels - Above and Beyond the New Normal" Host Panel

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Mexico is open to global travelers. But what can be expected of you or your clients? Next Tuesday, TravelPulse Canada Editor in Chief John Kirk will moderate a panel entitled "Mexico Hotels - Above and Beyond the New Normal" at 3:30 pm EST on Tuesday, June 30. Register - Click here to register. The webinar will include some of the company's biggest names, who will speak about how Mexico reopens its doors and welcomes visitors, the latest country update, and how current health and safety protocols are treated by Mexico hotels. Kirk will also host a question and answer period, so agents will have the ability to chime in with their own questions. The panel participates Luis Barrios - Founder of the National Hotel Chains Association and President and CEO of City Express Hotels In the tourism business, Luis has over 35 years of professional career. Luis revolutionized the hotel industry in Mexico thanks to his revolutionary vision by establishing Hoteles City Express,

Acrylic barriers installed at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed new acrylic barriers at security checkpoints throughout Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A total of 72 protective barriers were installed at LAS in areas where TSA officers typically interact with passengers. This includes the travel document checking podium and the divesting area where travellers prepare their carry-on property for x-ray screening. The barriers are in place at the A/B and C/D checkpoints in Terminal 1 and at the security checkpoint in Terminal 3. “The recent addition of clear barriers should instil an additional layer of confidence among travellers departing from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Nevada, Karen Burke. “TSA will continue to identify and implement changes to the security checkpoint environment and security procedures to protect the health and wellbeing of the travelling public, our employees a

Budapest Airport invests €100 million over 12 months

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The last 12 months were decisive in the life of Budapest Airport (BUD), as the company completed several large-scale development projects and background developments which have made travel by air faster and more convenient; maintained the high level of safety and security; and further strengthened the regional significance of the airport. Over the past year, the airport has spent €100 million on various infrastructure, capacity expansion and digital innovation projects. In spite of the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation industry, the development projects were not stopped. On the contrary, Budapest Airport managed to bring forward the implementation of several projects using the opportunity offered by such low levels of traffic. The developments have resulted in a perceptible enhancement of the quality of passenger services, with the feedback that has been received demonstrating that the passenger experience is continuously improving. Budapest Airport is comm