INDUSTRY NEWS
UNWTO: GLOBAL TOURISM ENJOYS STRONG START TO 2022
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he World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) revealed that global international tourist arrivals more than doubled by 130 percent in January 2022 compared to 2021, as per the latest available data. The 18 million more visitors recorded worldwide in the first month of the year equals the total increase for the whole of 2021. While these figures confirm the positive trend already underway last year, the pace of recovery in January was impacted by the emergence of the Omicron variant, which saw the reintroduction of travel restrictions in several destinations.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Following the 71 percent decline of 2021, international arrivals in January 2022 remained 67 percent below pre-pandemic levels. All regions enjoyed a significant rebound in January 2022, though from low levels recorded at the start of 2021. Europe and the Americas continued to post the strongest results with a growth of 199 percent and 97 percent, respectively, although international arrivals are still around half pre-pandemic levels. The Middle East and Africa also saw growth in January 2022 over 2021, recording an 89 percent and 51 percent increase respectively, but these regions
still saw a drop compared to 2019. While Asia and the Pacific recorded a 44 percent year-on-year increase, this can be attributed to several destinations remaining closed to non-essential travel, resulting in the largest decrease in international arrivals over 2019. After the unprecedented drop seen in the last two years, international tourism is expected to continue its gradual recovery in 2022. As of March 24, 2022, 12 destinations had no COVID-19 related restrictions in place and an increasing number of destinations were easing or lifting travel restrictions, which contributes to unleashing pent-up demand.
ETIHAD UNVEILS NEW AIRBUS A350
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tihad Airways recently unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000 on a special inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris. The aircraft is the first A350 to be operated by the UAE’s national airline and the first of five A350s set to join Etihad’s fleet over the coming months. The aircraft, named Sustainability50, carries a unique livery in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the UAE and Etihad’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It will join the airline’s industry-leading sustainability drive as part of a programme aimed at decarbonising aviation. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Airbus A350 is an absolutely incredible aircraft and we are proud to introduce it into the Etihad Airways network. Our teams have worked closely together to craft a product
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ATM PREVIEW 2022
and travel proposition that will ensure every journey with Etihad is a choice well made – both for our guests and for the planet. With highly efficient fuel consumption and CO₂ savings, the A350 will support our goals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver an unmatched flight experience for our guests.” Formed as a partnership between Etihad, Airbus and Rolls Royce in 2021, the Sustainability50 programme will see Etihad’s A350s used as flying testbeds of new initiatives, procedures and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the learnings derived from Etihad’s similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing B787 aircraft type. The Rolls-Royce Trent XWBpowered Airbus A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, with 25 percent less fuel burn and CO₂
Etihad Airways - Airbus A350
emissions than previous generation twin-aisle aircraft. “We designed our sustainability programme as a vehicle for collaboration and our strategic partnership with Airbus allows us to harness the sustainability credentials of the A350 through the Sustainability50 programme, as we work towards our joint objectives to reduce aviation’s impact on the environment,” said Douglas. VISIT STAND ME2210
