M&TatW e-Magazine MICE & TOURISM around the World the global monthly online magazine since 1997 vol. 23, issue 7, July 2020
DESIDERIUS ERASMUS philosopher, humanist and theologian WTTC increase job loss estimate VIETNAM, Hanoi Golden Lake the Golden-Plated hotel Alaska’s Remote Outpost UNALASKA ISLAND SALT FLATS; a unique geological phenomenon
MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Volume 23, Issue 7, July 2020 edition – Online since 1997
Contents 7-9 DESIDERIUS ERASMUS philosopher, humanist and theologian 12 CYPRUS Now Open To Tourism Desiderius Erasmus
13 WTTC increase job loss estimate Paphos, Cyprus
13 THAILAND to target waelthy tourists and not mass tourism 14 CUBA reopens 16 VIETNAM, Hanoi golden lake the golden-plated hotel 17 JAPAN eases entry requirements for limited quota of foreign and businesspeople
residents
19 MARELLA CRUISES cancels marella discovery summer season 20 GEORGIA encourages domestic tourism for this year 22 CHONGQING, CHINA horizontal skyscraper
24-26 Alaska’s Remote Outpost UNALASKA ISLAND 29-30 THE PLATINUM SERVICES,Rome, Italy 31-32 EMITT, Istanbul, Turkey is one step ahead. 32 IMEX America 32 NEW EVENT dates 33-35 Osaka The M.I.C.E city, of Japan 36-40 SALT FLATS; a unique geological phenomenon 42 CHINA launches new airline despite downturn in travel
Salar De Arizaro Argentina
44 EUROPEAN carriers cut their way to over pass the crisis
BML International-UK
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
Message from
Caroline-Artemis It’s July and Summer is here along with the global e-magazine MICE & TOURISM around the World e-magazine. However, travelling abroad is not happening this year for many of us, but that is no reason not to explore!
THINK POSITIVE THIS SUMMER!
People travel from all four corners of the world to come to your country because it offers something unique and beautiful, so get out there and discover what they have also come to see; and this year you will see it in all its glory with less tourists! Plan day trips out with a picnic and head for the beach, open spaces, beautiful gardens, and even some museums and galleries. Put your tourist hat on and explore! You will be surprised at what your local area offers or a drive out to a nearby city or beauty spot. Enjoy the July edition of the e-magazine! . Caroline-Artemis Laspas co-founder & editor Sponsored by
BML International-UK www.bmlinternational.co.uk
DESIDERIUS ERASMUS
philosopher, humanist and theologian of the middle age by Dimitri Laspas
Born in Rotterdam in 1466, he was the illegitimate son of a priest. He was orphaned in 1483 and was looked after by guardians who sent him to a progressive school that introduced Erasmus to ‘something of a higher standard of literature’. After his education, he entered the monastery of the Augustinian Canons Regular at Steyn and was ordained as a priest in 1492. He often reflected on subjects that ask philosophical thought: the influence of nature versus nurture, the relationship between word and thing, the ideal form of government, the nature of faith, and the theory of knowledge. Erasmus’ opinions on these subjects are of interest today as his works were widely known of and his influence in Northern Europe was widespread. Generally Erasmus was thought of as a ‘Christian Humanism’, meaning that a philosophy of life that combined Christian thought with classical traditions. Erasmus travelled extensively and visited France, England and Italy, where he obtained a doctorate in theology at the University of Turin. In 1517 he settled in Leuven, Belgium. By then he was well known having published a number of bestsellers: Encomium Moriae (The Praise of Folly in 1511); the Adagia, which he enriched and expanded to more than 5000 proverbs; and the devotional Enchiridion Militis Christiani (Handbook of the Christian Soldier, 1503).
In 1516, he published his magnum opus, an edition of the Greek New Testament, the 1st to reach the market. Erasmus found success in 4 different genres: literature, education, religion, and theology. In a catalogue he published in 1523, Erasmus arranged his writings under 9 headings: works furthering language arts, that is, literary and educational writings; his collection of adages; his correspondence; works furthering moral education; works promoting piety; the annotated edition of the New Testament; paraphrases on the New Testament; polemics; and editions and translations of patristic works. Erasmus embraced the humanistic belief in an individual’s capacity for self-improvement and the fundamental role of education in raising human beings above the level of brute animals. He believed in the importance of nurture over nature, given the power of the will. It was therefore the duty of parents and teachers to ensure that children fulfilled their potential and of adults to live up to it.
Erasmus emphasized the importance of learning the classical languages and studying the classics, encouraging an early exposure to Greek and Latin and extensive readings of authors like Homer, Terence, Plautus, Virgil, Horace, and Cicero. He recommended an all-round education but highlighted the study of history. He taught theology students to read the ‘classics’, that is, the sources of Christianity: the Bible and the Church Fathers. In contrast to the scholastics, whose core subject was dialectic, Erasmus pri vileged ethics over logic and the formation of character over factual knowledge.
The Erasmus Museum, Anderlecht, Belgium
Erasmus was a prolific writer. His works were translated into many languages and widely circulated. His ideas had a strong im pact that can be traced into the modern age. From his era, the term ‘Erasmian’ symbolised a certain set of values. Over time many have used his name in the name of bettering oneself. Today, ‘Erasmian’ has come to denote a liberal thinker, an attitude rather than a school of philosophy. Therefore the renowned global institution; the ‘Erasmus Programme’ was created in the name of this famous educator by allowing students to study abroad for a more rounded global education experience. Erasmus students study a wide variety of subjects but most use the programme for advancing their language skills with a view to working in the international sphere. There are currently over 5,000 higher institutions participating in the Erasmus Programme across the 37 countries involved in providing the programme to students. 6 million students have been a part of it since it was introduced in 1987.
Republic of Cyprus
Tourism News Europe, Americas, Asia & Africa
CYPRUS NOW OPEN TO TOURISM The island of Cyprus has reopened to tourists, and has also launched an easy-to-use flight platform to facilitate travel. Larnaca and Paphos airports are open now that the country is in the 3rd phase of coming out of lockdown. Tourism represents up to 15% of the country's GDP.
Fikardou village, Cyprus
Travellers wishing to visit Cyprus should visit the online platform before their trip, fill in the required information, present the relevant documentation and receive their travel pass. Cyprus is implementing a country risk category programme based on which passengers will enter without documentation only providing declarations (low risk countries) or test results within at least 72 hours before departure, in
addition to a negative result of the Covid-19 test (high risk). Category A countries are: Malta, Greece, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovakia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovenia and Lithuania. Category B countries are Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Croatia and Estonia. Travelers from the UK and Russia are currently prohibited from entering the country. The lists are and categories are reviewed and re-evaluated weekly based on internationally available epidemiological data. The Cypriot government has said that anyone who gets infected with COVID -19 while on holiday in the country will have costs related to medical care covered by the state.
TOUR OPERATOR "NIKA" CLOSES ITS DOORS FOR GOOD One of the oldest Russian tour operators, the St. Petersburg company ‘Nika’ has announced the termination of the business due to a lack of financial backing and insurance security, after 27 years in operation. On the company website a statement read “A coronavirus infection pandemic, the impossibility of tourists to travel through our fault in recent months, the vagueness of travel opportunities in the future and, most importantly, the unwillingness of Ingosstrakh insurance company to renew the existing tour operator liability insurance contract in the field of international outbound tourism, that we are forced to suspend our activities". With immediate effect the Moscow office will close and the St. Petersburg office will shut after all issues are solved with customers.
HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY-AUSTRALIA APPOINTS JANE LYONS AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Ms Jane Lyons as the new General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Sydney. Lyons moves to from being General Manager at West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton. Lyons brings more than two decades' experience in luxury and premium hotels to her new role, having worked across many different departments at Savoy Hotel Group in London, The Langham London and Langham Place, New York.
WTTC INCREASE JOB LOSS ESTIMATE The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates losses of over UK£4.5 billion to global GDP, which means a 62% drop from 2019. With travel restrictions covering much of the world, recovery will be slow for the world economy as well as the travel and tourism sector. WTTC has therefore increased from 100 to 197 million the number of jobs that are at risk of disappearing in the sector globally due to the Covid-19 health crisis. It is a ‘devastating’ situation facing the tourism sector. A recent WTTC study analysed 3 different scenarios for the revival of tourism activity: 1. Where the required support for the sector does not exist and the restrictions continue until the end of the year, 197.5 million jobs could be lost in the global travel and tourism sector, with a loss of UK£4.5 billion in global GDP. Meanwhile, the number of world visitors would drop by 73% for international arrivals. 2. If current restrictions begin to decrease from the summer for domestic trips and towards July and August for medium-distance trips, and from September for long-distance trips, a total of 121.1 million jobs could be lost in the global sector. Travel and tourism, will see a loss of UK£2,786 billion in world GDP. The number of global visitors would drop 53% for international arrivals and 34% for domestic arrivals. 3. In the best of scenarios, if the required supports exist and the restrictions begin to decrease as of June, as long as the levels of contagion are controlled, for short and regional trips; from July for medium distance and from August for long distance, a total of 98.2 million jobs in the sector could be lost, with a loss of UK£2.178 billion in world GDP. The number of world visitors would drop 41% for international arrivals and 26% for domestic arrivals.
THAILAND TO TARGET WEALTHY TOURISTS AND NOT MASS TOURISM Thailand's tourism recovery plans are to target big spenders rather than try to attract a large number of visitors. The Covid-19 pandemic has offered an opportunity to reset the sector, which had relied on Chinese groups and backpackers. Therefore when the country's borders reopened and ‘travel bubbles’ are agreed, marketing efforts will be geared towards wealthier individuals who want holidays with minimal risks. Initially, a small number of arrivals, such as some business executives and medical tourists will be allowed into the country. Key Thai tourism players are working to identify and invite individuals in target demographics; for example previous visitors to luxury resorts in the islands of Phuket, Samui, Phangan and Phi Phi. All tourists will be required to pass Covid-19 screenings before travelling and upon arriving, choose a single resort island and remain for a minimum period of time. The goal is for Thailand to have 10 million foreign arrivals this year.
GULF NATIONS SEE SLOW RECOVERY IN TOURISM The tourism sector in the GCC region is expected to fully recover by 2023, with damage reaching around UK£48 billion, including UK£8.1-UK£12.2 billion from the hotel sector. To begin with tourism will recover with domestic and regional tourism. As for the MICE industry and conference tourism this will take a lot longer.
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
CUBA REOPENS The reopening of Cuba for tourism will begin with domestic tourism in the 1st phase from August onwards. International tourism will open in phase 2 starting with the facilities located on the islands and islets located in the north and south of the archipelago.
Havana, which saw the greatest number of COVID-19 cases will be the last to reopen fully. Once international travel in allowed, arrivals will be required to undertake a PCR-type test to detect those infected with the coronavirus, while hotels will have a clinical-epidemiological surveillance system, in addition to having occupancy limits imposed, with swimming pools open only to 30% of their capacity. Access to the beaches will also be subject to different control measures.
HELPING REMOTE GREEK COMMUNITIES Axion Hellas is a charity which aims to provide services to society, especially to vulnerable groups living in remote and inaccessible areas of the Greek islands and the Greek mainland. Due to the unfavourable economic conditions and the distance from the big urban centres, these areas lack easy access to basic goods, such as health services, education, infrastructure and cultural activities. Therefore, the goal of Axion Hellas is to improve, promote and develop the spiritual, cultural, professional and social level of local life. Since it began in 2017, the organisation has to date offered, via its 9 missions, vital medical and educational support to different regions of Greece. As more people have got to know of its work, the organisation now has the support and backing of large logistic companies and businesses in Greece in order to fulfil even more missions to Greek citizens.
MAJOR HOTEL CHAINS CUTS GLOBAL WORKFORCE Hilton Worldwide has cut about 22% of its corporate workforce (2,100 jobs) following the global health crisis. Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels, as part of a ‘restructuring’ role has laid off 1,300 corporate employees from around the world. Most hotel operators have hit rock bottom with no bookings and only see very gradual recovery into mid-2021
VIETNAM, HANOI GOLDEN LAKE THE GOLDEN-PLATED HOTEL Hanoi Golden Lake is a new luxurious contemporary classic 5-star hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam. The gold building offers a choice of dining, extensive conference and wedding facilities, gym, day spa, and rooftop dining on the 29th floor and a gold-plated pool. Hanoi Golden Lake located in central Hanoi is ideal to meet high demand for city centre accommodation.
A sister hotel; Hoi An Golden Sea in An Bang beach has 10 rooms under the sea all with 24K gold-plated sanitary equipment Vietnam continues to become one of the most exciting and dynamic countries in the world, with strong economic growth, tourismfriendly government policies and impressive infrastructure projects all contributing to surging levels of inbound international tourism. For sure this unique hotel will be on many peoples ‘bucket-list’!
MALTA RESUMES INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS WITH 19 COUNTRIES FROM 1 JULY The recommencing of commercial flights to / from Malta with the opening of Malta Airport will happen st from 1 July 2020. Initially, air traffic will be resumed with 19 countries and regions with which the Government of Malta has agreed on unhindered passenger flow. Tourists from Austria, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Israel, Ireland, Iceland, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Finland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Estonia, as well as the islands of Sicily and Sardinia (Italy) will not need to pass tests to detect the Covid-19 virus and observe quarantine upon arrival in Malta, as these countries are included in the ‘safe corridors’ list.
JAPAN EASES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIMITED QUOTA OF FOREIGN RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSPEOPLE Japan is to allow travel to the nation for long-term expatriates and other foreign residents who have been overseas for a long period, as well as by those on short business trips to and from the country, as it comes out of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tokyo, Japan
By easing restrictions, it has agreed with Vietnam to restart business trips by the end of June. Negotiations are underway with Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Those taking overseas business trips to Japan for up to 2 weeks will be required to take polymerase chain reaction tests for possible coronavirus infection right before departure and after arrival, submit schedules of their activities and agree to retain GPS data on their smartphones to aid in contact tracing. After coming to Japan, they will be banned from using public transport, and their travel will be limited in principle to between their workplaces and the facilities where they are staying. For the time being, arrival in Japan will be limited to Tokyo International Airport at Haneda, Narita International Airport near Tokyo and Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture. This is the first step for Japan to resume international travel. Japan has an entry ban in place for 111 countries and regions. Businesspeople such as executives and engineers will be given priority, with students and then tourists set to follow later. 181 countries and regions have imposed travel restrictions of some kind on Japan, including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam. It is hoped that the easing of travel restrictions will be mutual, and dis cussions are being held with these countries on how to welcome visitors.
KEMPINSKI HOTELS READY TO HOST MEETINGS AND EVENTS For all venues to get people back to gathering for face to face meetings a lot has to change. They need to lower the risk for event planners and add a layer of security. Kempinski Hotels are enhancing their setups by focusing on health and safety protocols, social distancing arrangements, as well as adaptations in food and beverage service. Reducing points of contacts, new room and seating configurations respecting the minimum distance between delegate and the allowed number of delegates per sq.m, keeping tables apart, putting floor markings to indicate social distancing from each other, disinfected pens and bottles are a few measures being taken by Kempinski Hotels without compromising on quality and sophisticated service combined with authenticity and personal care. Kempinski hotels have seen this as a challenge by getting more innovative, from creating individually boxed meals to enhanced live interactive videoconferencing for hybrid meetings.
MARELLA CRUISES CANCELS MARELLA DISCOVERY SUMMER SEASON AND PRESENT POPULAR CRUISE DESTINATIONS AND 2021 ITINERARIES With many cruise ships suspended for the time being, bookings are being placed for the future.
TUI, parent company of Marella Cruises has seen higher demand in searches for ‘summer 2021 cruises’ on Marella’s website, with sailings for mid and long haul being popular. So far the Aegean shores sailing from Corfu Town on Marella Discovery 2 is currently the best performing itinerary for summer 2021. The cruise takes in Heraklion Crete, Thira Santorini, Kusadasi Turkey, Piraeus for Athens and Zakynthos Town Zante. The new Floridian Favourites itinerary setting sail on Marella Discovery from Port Canaveral is ideal for multigenerational cruise customers as its all-inclusive as standard has the option to combine with a stay in Orlando and trips to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. This cruise calls at Tampa, Florida, Nassau, Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale. Marella Discovery will not sail at all this summer, with all itineraries departing from Palma cancelled up to 31 October 2020. Marella Discovery will also not sail in December and January from Jamaica and will officially set sail on 3 February 2021 with a repositioning cruise from Malaga to Jamaica before continuing the Caribbean programme from Jamaica as planned on 16 February 2021.
MYANMAR’S TOURISM SECTOR PLAN
The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has announced a COVID-19 Tourism Relief Plan to help struggling tourism operators recover following the pandemic. The plan will be implemented in 3 phases from April 2020 to January 2021, and aims to rebuild Myanmar's tourism industry. The plan includes cooperation with other ministries and organisations related to the tourism sector as well as the National Tourism Development Committee. Phase 1 of the COVID-19 Tourism Relief Plan has already taken place between April and June, in the form of low-interest loans to help eligible tourism operators survive the post-pandemic environment. Tourism businesses also received tax and other license fees waivers during the period. Some Myanmar tourism companies have already began to plan domestic tours in readiness for reopening. Myanmar will begin promoting tourism internationally under Phase 3 of the relief plan, which will run from August to January 2021. This will include the easing of travel restrictions, visa exemptions, etc. Efforts will also be made to boost local travel and tourism infrastructure and upgrade popular tourist destinations. At present Myanmar is closed to foreign tourists with no international flights flying into the country.
Tbilisi, Georgia
GEORGIA ENCOURAGES DOMESTIC TOURISM FOR THIS YEAR Domestic tourism has reopened in Georgia with citizens now able to travel across the country and visit tourist attractions. Georgia plans to open for international visitors from 1st July. Hotels and other accommodation facilities across the nation must follow special recommendations and gain a permit after a special inspection. Railway transportation for passengers has also been restored in the country. Passengers are required to wear face masks and keep a social distance. Bahamas
BIODIVERSITY BAHAMAS For many years, the Bahamas has been working to protect and preserve its biodiversity. Indeed, it was one of the 1st destinations in the world to have classified its territory as a reserve and natural park. The Bahamas has 32 national parks and a dozen marine reserves scattered throughout the archipelago and offers education and awareness programmes on environmental protection. Since the beginning of the year, the Government of The Bahamas has adopted a zero plastic policy meaning that the use and import of single-use plastics and polystyrenes are prohibited in the entire territory of the archipelago; straws, cutlery, plates and plastic bags are the 4 products subject to this prohibition. Other plastic items are being considered for a ban including balloons, as they harm the oceans and marine life. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL IN ASIA PACIFIC TO INTRODUCE ENHANCED MEASURES FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS Marriott International has launched the ‘Global Cleanliness Council’ to promote even higher standards of cleanliness due to COVID-19. Its hotels across Asia Pacific are working to ensure that they meet the latest guidance on hygiene and cleanliness from the local health authorities to provide guests with a safe and comfortable environment. Marriott will provide hotel associates with enhanced sanitisation guidelines as well as operational training videos. Once guests are back in the hotels, they will notice a number of additions to the cleaning processes designed to set an even higher standard of cleanliness such as protocols which include increased contactless options such as mobile check-in, in-room dining practices as well as new approaches to food service, meetings and events. In Asia Pacific, Marriott International will introduce enhanced measures for Meetings and events, in preparation for when guests and customers return.
Yαchtίng ίn Grεεcε
www.visitgreece.gr
CHONGQING, CHINA HORIZONTAL SKYSCRAPER The Yangtze and Jialing rivers in the southwestern Chinese megacity of Chongqing, sees 8 skyscrapers rising from the river banks: 2 above 350m and 6 above 250m. Raffles City Chongqing, boast 134,000sq.m of homes, shops, offices, entertainment, transportation links and a public park.
It also features an unusual ‘horizontal skyscraper’, 300m in length, stretching across 4 of the main towers at the 42nd floor. With the building situated in an earthquake zone, it ‘floats’ on top of the towers to accommodate seismic movement. The Raffles City Chongqing has the highest skybridge linking the most towers in the world. With an adjacent pair of towers connected by smaller skybridges, workers and residents can move around the 8-tower development without needing to return to ground level. The skybridge is an incredible 250m long. When it opens, the development will offer a viewing gallery, sky gardens, an infinity pool and various restaurants. It will also have a 230,000sq.m shopping mall, 1,400 residential apartments, a luxury hotel and 160,000sq.m of lavish office space.
KIMDAEJUNG CONVENTION CENTER A National safety diagnosis to prevent MICE event incidents -The Kim Dae-Jung Convention Center, host of 1,500 MICE events and 1.5 million visitors every year will undergo a one month safety inspection th starting June to 10 July as part of the ‘National Safety Diagnosis’. -In aims to prevent situations such as the recent warehouse fire in Icheon, the KDJ Center will inspect each area of its disaster prevention system. The Center examination includes verifying the state of fire extinguishers, electric and gas lines, building structure, and other areas to fulfil the standards of the NSD. - Since this year’s National Safety Diagnosis period was reduced, the KDJ Center opted to focus its efforts on attracting people’s attention on preventing natural disasters that may occur during summer. - Also, to increase expertise, the Center plans to carry on inspections with civil servants, experts and citizens while promoting the use of masks, temperature check and other COVID-19 prevention measures as part of the ‘Guide for Life in Times of Social Distancing’ campaign. - President of the KDJ Center said: “With this year’s National Safety Diagnosis we are strengthening our own accident prevention system and do every possible effort to become an accident-free convention center”.
by Caroline-Artemis Laspas
Unalaska Island is located in the remote Aleutian archipelago which sits where the northern Pacific Ocean meets the Bering Sea. It is the most remote US island and spans the area where North America transitions into Siberia. The Aleutian Islands comprises of a 1,100 mile archipelago of 70 volcanoes that sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire making it one of the harshest environments on the planet outside the poles as well as being one of the world’s most seismic regions. Here conflicting weather systems collide creating wind, rain, big storms and fog, all leading to giving it a very windswept barren rugged coastline. The native Unangan people have inhabited the island of Unalaska for 9,000 years. Today only approx. 200 natives call it home and survive by fishing and subsistence living from all the land and sea offers. In 1741, the first Europeans (Danish and Russian) arrived on the Aleutian Islands, which began a prosperous Russian fur trade with hunters arriving to hunt seals and otter fur. By the late 1700’s the islands were a colony of the Russian Empire and today many on the islands still have Russian surnames. The Russian Orthodox church also established a strong presence on the islands and the stunning Church of the Holy Ascension on Unalaska that remain today. The USA purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, but the Russian feel remains, with the church being the oldest Russian Orthodox cathedral in North America, complete with original icons and interiors from other earlier churches dating back to 1808 and 1825.
Unalaska's Port of Dutch Harbour, Alaska, USA
Unalaska, Alaska, USA
Unalaska's Port of Dutch Harbour is a major commercial fishing port with the largest fishery of Pollock fish of more than 1.5 million metric tons per year. As well as plenty of fish. The region has bountiful marine life, hosting one of the largest concentrations of marine mammals in the world, including orcas, Dall porpoises, sea otters, harbour seals and whales (humpback, pilot and fin). Steller’s sea lions gather on isolated rocks to mate and give birth between May and July. The coastlines are also popular with nesting seabirds that is larger than that of the rest of the US combined. Bird enthusiasts travel from all over the world to see the variety of waterfowl, including the extremely rare whiskered auklet.
Unalaska Island Makushin volcano stands at 2,036m and is the islands highest point. It is a very active volcano, last erupting in 1995. Makushin’s ice covered summit is one of the most active among the 52 historically active volcanoes of Alaska. Not to be missed is a visit to the Museum of the Aleutians. Here you discover the rich cultural legacy of the Aleutian Islands Region. The museum's diverse collections include archaeological material that documents 9,000 years of human presence in the region, artefacts from the Russian colonial period, photos and materials from the early American era, and military items and photographs from WWII in the Aleutians. You can also explore the many hiking trails exposes and discover the remote corners of the island. From rolling alpine meadows and dramatic mountains, this is among many outdoor activities on offer including boating, bird watching, whale watching, fishing, camping, kayaking, beach combing, skiing, snow shoeing, berry picking, and photography. This is an island combining a unique mix of ancient and modern cultures with a Russian religious twist. Remote, exposed and wild, it is an adventure tourist’s perfect destination!
BML International-UK www.bmlinternational.co.uk
M.I.C.E & Events News Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Venues
The Platinum Services is a Rome-based full-service agency offering the most complete range of MICE and high end personalised services for meetings, conferences, incentive trips and exclusive events either in Italy or in Europe as much as elsewhere. The Platinum Services with its solid network – serious and efficient business partners throughout Italy and Europe – specializes in travel and MICE services. Founded in 2001 and thus based on a long lasting experience in the MICE industry, it organises meetings, congresses, events and incentives considering any details and bringing the most reliable effectiveness and efficiency. To be noted it also provides full allotment services for international scientific congresses in Rome. The company is driven by a creative approach, proved successful with corporate clients and independent agencies all over the world. Among its exclusivities, football-based team-building activities and five-star retreats for both companies and professional football clubs. A specialised team provides solutions for football teams that need the summer or winter pre-season workout in Europe. The Platinum Services work with either with amateur young teams up to the premier league football clubs. Their formats can be tailored for the summer pre-season workout as well as for the winter retreats. Daily training in premier football centres used by the Italian football teams are included too, with friendly matches mixed with several social activities in the area where guests decide to stay. The programme comprises transportation, luxury accommodation in 4 or 5 star hotels, daily training on high level football playgrounds with natural grass either in Italy or Austria, friendly matches and team-building activities. As for other hits, The Platinum Services suggests also a few kinds of excursions in Rome and in its neighbourhood. Classic excursions comprise various programmes as follows: Eternal rivals – Bernini against Borromini (the activity is designed as a guided tour where participants are provided with cards to express their preferred monument, so to proclaim a winner at the end of each tour); Raphael and Michelangelo: in search of the masterpieces of the two artists in Rome (Excluding Vatican Museums); The Saints of Rome: tracing the devotion of the Romans with a visit to the churches of the most important religious orders; Rome above and Rome below: the hills and valleys, the most beautiful panoramas of Rome and their dreamlike visions (from Gianicolo to Trastevere, from Capitol to the Fora, from Aventine to the Mouth of Truth and much more); Ghosts of Rome: from Beatrice Cenci to Olimpia Maidalchini; the Coppedè and Sallustiano districts; the Pyramid of Cestius and the non-Catholic cemetery.
A few paths provide also itineraries out of Rome, such as: Two tours in Cerveteri: either a naturalistic itinerary of the Ceriti Hills, with their beautiful waterfalls, suitable for trekking lovers, or the Etruscan necropolis of the Banditaccia, including a treasure hunt and tastings of typical local products; Ancient Ostia: in search of the (very many) lost pagan gods; Tarquinia: visit to the necropolis of Montarozzi and a walk in the medieval historical centre with lunch in a farmhouse; The enchantments of Bomarzo: a literary tour to Bomarzo’s holy wood; Latium’s amazing dwellings: Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola and Villa Lante in Bomarzo. Finally, some recommended bike tours, from 1-10 guests each. Here some tips: Aperibike tour, lasting 3 hours; Architectour, providing 3 alternate itineraries along Roman architectures, namely Classic, Baroque and Modern (lasting 3 hours each one and assisted by a guide graduated in Architecture); Back in time, a tour along the Appian way, a 4-hour private tour with food experience; Bike & Bites, other private tours with food experience suitable for families, friends and couples, lasting 3 hours; Orientation tour, from 2-10 people; The Full Roman Experience: 3 hours plus lunch or dinner in a Roman sophisticated intimate restaurant (min 2 - max 10 people). Last but not least, on an international level, in cooperation with Guarantee Travel Group, one of the biggest DMCs and event and travel agencies of Jordan, benefitting from personal contacts with Jordan Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Majd Mohammad Shweikeh, The Platinum Services presents to the European Mice audience fullydetailed proposals for travelling and congresses, incentive trips or events in that Country.
The directors of KARIBU-KILIFAIR regret to inform you that the worldwide development of COVID-19, the necessary safety requirements and the financial impact for the Tourism sector, does not allow us to organise KARIBU-KILIFAIR in September 2020. Therefore we have postponed KARIBU-KILIFAIR to 4-6 June2021 Exhibition stands & buyer registrations remain in place! Registered exhibitors will keep the same stand & position as booked and registered buyers will keep their 2020 registration for 2021, unless they cancel. NEW bookings are welcome under EXHIBITOR or BUYER Registrations.
www.miceandtourismaroundtheworld.com
Hacer Aydın, the Director of EMITT - East Mediterranean International Tourism & Travel Exhibition - which is one of the 5 top tourism exhibitions worldwide, stated that to minimize financial losses in 2020, the support for the sector should be provided immediately. Aydın further added, “We may see a boost in demand if the pandemic fades by September 2020.” THANKS TO THE HEALTH POLICIES ADOPTED, TURKEY IS ONE STEP AHEAD OF OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR Turkey's tourism sector continues its preparations at full swing as Turkey’s "new normal” period starts with mask, hygiene, and social distancing measures in place across all aspects of life from public transportation to social life. Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, which has immediately initiated a “Safe Tourism Certification Program” to track the outbreak, Turkey is one step ahead of its regional and global rivals. While continuing to intensify its efforts in a targeted approach, which is to be a safe tourist destination both for domestic and international tourists by implementing a certification program complying with NASA's hygiene standards that apply to all space flights in the tourism sector, Turkey sets a leading example for other countries such as Taiwan and Egypt. The Exhibition Director of EMITT, Hacer Aydın stated that representatives of the tourism sector in Turkey continue their intense efforts to adopt health and hygiene-oriented solutions since May. Aydın reminded that “Safe Tourism Certification Program” launched on May 28 is very important for the tourism sector: “With the Safe Tourism Certification Program, Turkey took a step that made a difference compared to not only its regional and rivals Spain, Greece and Italy but also the world. This process was followed by the Ai rport Outbreak Certificate launched for our airports in the transport industry. In fact, Turkey has taken two invaluable steps in terms of the tourism sector quickly and before its rivals did. Rapid adaptation of the airports in our major cities and holiday regions to these processes was also critically important. Especially the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure continue to undertake rapid and result-oriented initiatives to revitalize the industry.” The target is to Survive 2020 with Minimal Damage Reminding that the tourism sector, which has created over one million direct employment opportunities and contributed UK£27.50 billion to the country's economy in 2019, Aydın said that the most important goal is to come out stronger for the 2021 season by surviving 2020, which is expected to be a tough year for the sector, with minimal damage. Stating that the data indicate that the outbreak in Turkey is brought under control, Aydın said: "We can say that the domestic tourism season opened on June 1. However, due to the COVID-19 impact area, the measures taken, and the sensitivity shown by Turkey alone is not enough for the revival of international tourism. Today, Germany, whose citizens make up the largest group of tourists visiting our country, has not given a green light for travel to Turkey yet. The United Kingdom, which is also a major tourist market, announced that it could take steps to ease restrictions on July 15. We wait for another top tourist market for Turkey, Russia to ease restrictions. Stating that financial losses can be compensated thanks to the travel demand which is expected to increase starting from Fall 2020 depending on the elimination of the pandemic risk, she further added: “With the revival of the international tourism sector particularly Germany, United Kingdom and Russia as of July 15 we will be able to generate forecasts more clearly. Health & Hygiene Oriented Tourism will Generate Revenue Aydın reminded that according to the data from the World Health Organization, the mobility of 1.4 billion people traveling before the pandemic decreased by 98% after the outbreak. Stating that even if the pandemic fades this month, it will take quite a long time for people to go out and begin traveling, she added that it is difficult to satisfy forecast demand for 2020 tourism revenues. Expecting Turkey to host 20 million tourists in 2020, and tourism revenues to decrease to UK£11.95 million compared to 2019 in the best-case scenario, Aydın continued her words as follows: “It is very important to offer an integrated health and hygiene package rather than presenting health and hygiene-oriented approaches to guests only in holiday resorts or holiday destinations. Turkey has completely fulfilled its responsibilities in this regard. However, serious steps still need to be taken to support the tourism sector. I believe that it is helpful to remind that once again. Government support for our industry should be increased radically. Since the tourism sector contributes the most to Turkey's foreign exchange earnings, it will be helpful to freeze all payments and debts
of the sector representatives in 3-month periods. The Ministry of Tourism's budget allocated for the promotion of Turkey for 2020 assuming that promotion processes probably will be postponed- should be used for suspension or postponement of debt payments of the sector. Repayments on bank loans of the sector and interest rates on these loans should be frozen and postponed, and debts should be restructured. A lifeline should be provided for the tourism sector to survive.” Tourism Sector will See a Boom in Demand Stating that the tourism sector may have a massive boom if the pandemic ends, it will be possible for Turkey to break all records in both domestic and foreign markets, Aydın: “I still hold the belief that only domestic tourism will contribute to the sector. When it comes to the other scenario, if COVID-19 will completely fall off the global agenda in September 2020 and if we reach the days which are 100% safe, then I can expect a big boom in the tourism industry. This boom will affect EMITT which will be held for the 25th time in 2021 quite positively. I believe that there will be a huge participation in EMITT since it will be the first exhibition in the sector in 2021 and the sector will peak. We should also remember that holidaymakers will be very hungry for traveling.”
IMEX America It is with great regret and disappointment that today we are announcing that we have made the difficult decision to cancel IMEX America 2020, due to take place at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas from 15-17 September 2020. Our industry has been impacted heavily by the global lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many of you were looking forward to coming together again in Las Vegas this fall. However, we must also be realistic about the current reality. There are 3 main reasons why we’ve taken the decision to cancel IMEX America 2020. First and foremost is our responsibility to our exhibitors to deliver a return on the investment they make in the show. We do this through our guarantee of delivering a high quality, large-scale hosted buyer programme. With corporate travel bans still in place and uncertainty over continued global travel restrictions, we’re sadly in no position to offer that guarantee. Second is the issue of timings. As industry professionals you know that a show of the scale of IMEX America doesn’t happen overnight. Our industry supply chain and the investments that our exhibitors make in the show start now. It’s therefore important that we make this decision at a time when we’re still able to reduce the risk and exposure for our exhibitors, partners and suppliers. Finally, IMEX America is a truly global show, with over a third of the 13,000+ industry professionals attending from outside North America. Global travel restrictions and uncertainties around when they might be lifted make it impossible for a large proportion of our exhibitors, buyers and key industry professionals to commit to attending. And, whilst the global events industry is proudly distinct from the travel and tourism sector, nothing has demonstrated our interlinked fortunes and dependencies more keenly than the current crisis. It is for these reasons that we’ve taken the difficult decision to cancel IMEX America for 2020.
NEW EVENT DATES: In light of the continued global health crisis, the following event will now take place with new dates. • Asia Amusement & Attractions Expo (AAA 2020) and World Cultural & Tourism Industry Expo (WCTIE 2020) will be held one day ahead of its original date. The New Date is 3-5 August 2020. • CHS Leeds scheduled for 7th July 2020 is now postponed until April 2021. • A new show, CHS Birmingham organised by the CHS Group will take place on 27 October in Birmingham, UK. • ACTE RUSSIA will now take place from 19th November 2020 in Moscow. • IBTM Americas is postponed until 19-20 May 2021 in Mexico City. • The KILIFAIR in Arusha, Tanzania will now take place from 4-6 June 2021. • Bali & Beyond Travel Fair has been rescheduled to now take place from 8-10 June 2021 in Bali – Indonesia. • IT&CM Asia, will now take place from 28-30 September 2021, Bangkok, Thailand. A vrtual event will take place in autumn 2020. • IT&CM China, this will year will be virtual, on 03-05 August 2020, Shanghai, China.
BML International-UK
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
大阪 - Osaka The M.I.C.E city, of Japan
The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (President: Hiroshi Mizohata) released our "Guidelines for M.I.C.E. Event Organisers for Infectious Disease Control" on June 3, 2020. For the past several decades, M.I.C.E. events (such as business exhibitions and academic conferences) have enthusiastically organised around the world. The M.I.C.E. industry has generated business opportunities and innovation, advanced research and development, and created significant economic effects through event attendeesĘź expenditures on transportation, food and drinks, and accommodations. M.I.C.E. events thus carry out a vital role as a driving force in economic development and regional activity.
However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the M.I.C.E. industry has seen universal cancellations and postponements, creating a significant impact on the economy. For example, small and medium-sized businesses in manufacturing and other services and who present at exhibitions are facing enormous revenue loss. In addition, event organisations, hotels, caterers, and the tourism industry are grappling with critical operating conditions. Furthermore, although initiatives to move academic conferences online are gaining momentum, complete transition to online proves problematic and development in fields of research is similarly facing large setbacks. Amid such circumstances, as the number of new infected patients gradually settles at a low level, the Osaka prefectural government has lifted the state of emergency. The government has asked for cooperation in restarting socio-economic activities while mitigating the risk of the spread of infection. Osaka, Japan
The Osaka prefectural and city governments, as well as the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, place strategic significance on the economic vitalisation of the M.I.C.E. industry and believe that it is imperative to establish an environment where M.I.C.E. events can restart while mitigating infection risk. Additionally, in order to also allow the economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic to recover, we believe business activities must be encouraged and M.I.C.E. events with their large economic ripple effect must be restarted as soon as possible. Furthermore, because M.I.C.E. events require extensive planning with their preparation and attracting attendees, many event organisers have expressed to us their strong desire for guidance, as soon as possible, on the best courses of action in their event planning. We formulated these guidelines in the beginning of April and have since taken into careful consideration government policies, the voices of M.I.C.E. organisers, examples in other industries, and have closely monitored the reopening of the M.I.C.E. industry around the world, all to further examine these guidelines so that they will become standards that are as practical as possible for the domestic environment. Furthermore, we have striven to ensure that organisers will be able to understand the important points of these infectious disease control measures and be able to adapt on-site to any unpremeditated situations and devise creative solutions.
Consequently, we have released these guidelines under the supervision of infectious disease experts, but will continue to monitor the pandemic situation and make revisions based on expert opinions. These guidelines were formulated under the premise of a ‘green light’ on Osaka’s warning signal system. More information on this system is available here: www.pref.osaka.lg.jp.e.agb.hp.transer.com/default.html We hope that all event organisers will be able to take this time as an opportunity to advance the value of the M.I.C.E. industry. We ask all organisers to utilise these guidelines to construct an event plan that ensures the peace of mind of event attendees. It is our sincere wish that these guidelines will be used as an opportunity to spread awareness across Japan of how vital the M.I.C.E. industry is, and that M.I.C.E. events can once again be held in all regions and contribute to economic development. We intend for M.I.C.E. event organisers when hosting events in Osaka to use these guidelines to incorporate infectious disease risk mitigation in their event planning and management, so that both organisers and attendees can satisfactorily enjoy the event, and so that the Osaka M.I.C.E. industry can be further vitalised. The guidelines are available here, as well as additional resources on the situation in Osaka and in Japan: https://M.I.C.E..osaka-info.jp/en/page/M.I.C.E.-guideline Osaka Palace, Japan
Guidelines Contents Reasons for Creating These Guidelines 1. The M.I.C.E. industry is an engine for economic development and regional activity 2. For economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, it is time to lay out a path for the resumption of M.I.C.E. events. Items to Implement Pre-Event 1. Development of policies and structures for infectious disease control 2. Collaborative preparation with venues and associate companies 3. Spreading awareness to event attendees Items to Implement During the Event (Including Set-up and Teardown) 1. Deny entry to those with fevers or who are unwell 2. Maintain a hygienic environment 3. Prevent closed spaces 4. Prevent crowded place 5. Prevent close-contact settings Support for M.I.C.E. Organisers from the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau nd
The Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, Japan
Osaka is Japan’s 2 largest metropolis, and a leading events destination. For more information on the services available in Osaka, or the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau’s mission, take a look at our website here: https://M.I.C.E..osaka-info.jp/en/
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
SALT FLATS; a unique geological phenomenon by Alejandro-Maria De Huelva
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
These stunning natural white flats can be found all over the world, but first let’s look at the origins of this valuable white mineral that we cannot live without! Salt comes from dead, dried-up seas or living ones. Since ancient times it has been considered a highly valuable trading commodity. Salt routes crisscrossed the globe. One of the most travelled was from Morocco south across the Sahara to Timbuktu. Ships carrying salt from Egypt to Greece sailed across the Mediterranean and the Aegean sea. Herodotus describes a caravan route that united the salt oases of the Libyan Desert. Venice's wealth was due to salt, which in turn it traded for Asian spices in Constantinople.
In 1295, when Marco Polo returned from Cathay, he told of the exceptional value of salt coins bearing the seal of the great Khan. Chott el Djerid, Tunis
In the 6th century, in the sub-Sahara, merchants regularly traded a salt ounce for an ounce of gold. In Abyssinia, slabs of rock salt were coins of the realm. While in Central Africa, cakes of salt were used as money. Salt was also used for food preservation as well as being a good antiseptic. They say ‘all roads led to Rome’, well the most well-known was the ‘Via Salaria’, the ‘salt route’, where salt among other minerals was traded. Indeed, a portion of a soldier's pay would be in salt, which became known ‘solarium argentum’, and today it is from this that we take the word ‘salary’. This is also where the term ‘not worth his salt’ came from when Romans often bought slaves with salt. The salt that has been known throughout history has come from any number of salt flats; vast flat expanses of ground covered with salt and other minerals. They were once salt lakes, but have now almost totally dried out providing a source of natural white salt. Here we look at some of the world’s most well-known Salt Flats and many considered must see places to experience. SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA: This is the world’s largest salt flat, measuring 10,582sq.kms. It is exceptionally flat which during the wet season sees a shallow layer of water cover the surface and transforms the flat into the world's largest mirror! The Salar crust is a source of salt and covers a pool of brine, which is exceptionally rich in lithium. It contains 50%- 70% of the world's known lithium reserves! Due to its vast flatness, it is an ideal area for calibrating the altimeters of Earth observation satellites. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Located in the salt flat is the very unexpected Isla Incahuasi, a hilly and rocky outcrop of land which is the remains of an ancient volcano which was submerged when the area was part of a giant prehistoric lake, approx. 40,000 years ago. The area is covered in a native species of giant cacti which are hundreds of years old and grow at a rate of 1cm per year. Most of them are more than 2m high with some even reaching up to 10m. The contrast with the barren salt flats makes this salt flat a truly special place. CHOTT EL DJERID, TUNISIA: Measuring 4,900sq.km, this salt-flat basin is now a major road crossing for tourists visiting the desert oases and hinterland towns. Half way across the flat is a tiny cabin selling cold drinks allowing visitors to walk on the crunchy hard salt deposits. It is an ‘out-of-this world’ kind of experience!
BOURNEVILLE SALT FLATS, UTAH, USA: These flats are derived from the Pleistocene Lake Bonneville and is the largest of many salt flats located west of the Great Salt Lake. It is used today for land speed records at the ‘Bonneville Speedway’.
DEATH VALLEY SALT FLATS, CALIFORNIA: This salt flat in Badwater Basin is among the largest protected salt flats in the world covering nearly 518sq.kms. This basin is the lowest point in North America with a depth of 86m below sea level. Travel is allowed, but only on designated roads in Death Valley. ETOSHA PAN, NAMIBIA: ‘Etosha’ means ‘Great White Place’ and rightly so. This dry lake bed is part of the Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s largest wildlife parks in northern Namibia.
Etosha pan, Namibia
SALINAS GRANDES, ARGENTINA: The Salinas Grandes is the largest salt flat in Argentina and the 2nd largest salt pan in the world, after Salar de Uyuni. It’s located in the central-northern part of the country, at the foot of the Sierras de Córdoba mountain range. Also in Argentina is SALAR DE ARIZARO: It is the 6th largest salt flat in the world and the 2nd largest in Argentina. An outstanding feature is the conical hill known as ‘Cono de Arita’; a small volcano that lacked the strength to burst through the crust so it never developed crater.
Makgadikgadi pan, Botswana
MAKGADIKGADI PAN, BOTSWANA: Another of the largest salt flats in the world, Makgadikgadi Pan, is actually made up of several flats with desert between them. For much of the year the area is completely dry and covered in the characteristic salty clay crust. During rare rainfall, the salt flats are transformed into a powder blue lake. SALAR DE ATACAMA, CHILE: The largest salt flat in Chile covering 3108sq.kms. While Death Valley is located below sea level, this salt flat is at a very high altitude at approximately 2,286m above sea level.
Qarhan salt lake, China
In the middle of the Salar de Atacama is the Laguna Cejar, a small lake, which you can swim in and float as the salt content is so high (just as in the Dead Sea). QARHAN SALT LAKE, CHINA: This lake covers a vast area of 5856sq.kms. It holds more than 50 billion tons of table salt, which can supply 6 billion people for 1,000 years! The area is mined for its valuable salt, mineral, and rare earth reserves but areas are protected as a national park and contribute to regional tourism. These stunning almost unearthly places are a unique geological phenomenon.
Airline & Aviation News
Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb, Croatia
AVIATION INDUSTRY LOSSES IN 2020 Airlines are a vital part of the supply chain across hundreds of industries. With the global health crisis still ongoing, airlines have collapsed, made huge redundancies and reduced flight routes with still more to come. The losses for the wider global aviation industry, UK£1.60 trillion this year. Already the impact directly and does not include the impact the-ground workers.
excluding airlines, from the coronavirus crisis will exceed has surpassed UK£160 billion, which is for airlines on airports, retailers inside airports and on-
Estimates by IATA say passenger world this year are expected to The aviation sector supports so providers, ground service maintenance providers, in duty-free shops, retail and drivers and security personnel in Airports help drive any local nations like Greece, Cyprus, Tunisia, Philippines. The health crisis will
revenue losses for airlines across the reach around UK£273 billion globally. many other sectors like in-flight meal companies, transport, storage and employing millions of people working catering, ground staff, shuttle bus airports across the world. economy, especially in tourism relying the U.A.E, Malaysia, Singapore and dramatically affect their economies.
Travel and quarantine restrictions implemented by countries as part of national lockdowns have resulted in the grounding of thousands of scheduled international passenger flights. Some airlines have used any remaining flights as cargo planes in a bid to reduce losses. The crisis will, result in a reduction of 2 billion passengers at airports during the 2nd quarter alone, and 4.6 billion across 2020 as a whole. Across the Asia-Pacific countries, the aviation industry supported around 32.5 million jobs. So, what next? Aviation recovery is expected to be slow and that also depends on any 2nd wave of the virus emerging. Many airlines have taken this situation to streamline services, many permanently stopping marginal routes, and switching to new automated systems.
CHINA LAUNCHES NEW AIRLINE DESPITE DOWNTURN IN TRAVEL Despite a slowdown in travel, China's 2nd biggest airline, China Eastern, has launched a new airline; Sanya International Airlines that will focus on flying to Hainan island, home to 8 million and a free-trade zone. China Eastern will own 51% of the new carrier. One of China Eastern’s major shareholders, Juneyao Airlines, will hold a 15% share, while 14% will be held by Trip.com, China’s largest online travel agency. Two other state-owned companies, Sanya Development Holdings and Hainan Communications Investment Holdings, will each have a 10% share. Air remains the primary means for travellers to reach the 35,000sq.km island.
CUBA WELCOMES ETIHAD AIRWAYS Havana, the Cuban capital is the latest addition to special charter flights to Destinations not normally served on Etihad’s global network. Following the suspension of all normal passenger flights to and from the UAE in March, Etihad has operated special humanitarian services to 32 cities around the world, all of which are not currently served by the airline’s passenger or cargo network of flights. These include Bogota, Bucharest, Grozny, Kiev, Larnaca, Podgorica, Tirana, Yerevan, Zagreb, Auckland, Bhubaneswar, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Dhaka, Erbil, Kabul, Lucknow, Makhachkala, Addis Ababa, Antananarivo, Bamako, Banjul, Conakry, Freetown, Harare, Kinshasa, Moroni, N’Djamena, Niamey, and Nouakchott. The airline recently operated a special humanitarian flight carrying essential medical and humanitarian cargo bound for the Palestinian Territories.
La Havana, Cuba
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
SINGAPORE AIRLINES RETURNS REINFORCING HYGIENE AND SAFETY MEASURES Singapore Airlines returns to the skies and continues to strengthen its hygiene and safety measures as part of its new #SIAcares initiative, which includes corporate social responsibility projects. In addition to hygiene and safety initiatives, Singapore is also working on a variety of new digital solutions that will further enhance the customer experience, allowing the airline to better meet the expectations of its customers during these times.
AVIANCA FLIES BETWEEN COLOMBIA AND CHINA Carrying 28 tonnes of general cargo and medical supplies, Avianca has flown between Colombia and China. This is only the 2nd time in its 100 year history the airline has landed in China. The 1st time being a DC4 plane making a stopover while heading to Sydney for the 1956 Olympics. So far, 60 special flights mobilising more than 3,850 people and transporting more than 50,800 tons on cargo flights between different cities in Europe and Latin America have been completed. The airline will continue to operate this route to bring medical supplies and protective equipment from China, among other pr oducts to Latin America.
EUROPEAN CARRIERS CUT THEIR WAY TO OVER PASS THE CRISIS With European carriers trying to stay in operation by cutting staff and flights, many are not expecting traffic to return to previous peaks before 2023. In April, the Lufthansa Group retired 6 Airbus A380s (they sold them back to Airbus at end of last year with the understanding to cancel the Airbus debt.) Others quickly moved to do the same by cutting jobs and fleet. Therefore passenger traffic is not expected to return to pre-pandemic numbers until 2024-2026.
Air France-KLM is planning a fleet reduction of a minimum of 20% next year. Austrian Airlines is to halve its Boeing 767 fleet and withdraw all 7 Airbus A319s to adjust reduced demand. EasyJet wishes to cut 30% of its 15,000 staff and reduce its fleet by the end of 2021 by 51 aircraft. SAS has begun cutting up to 5,000 full-time positions as it sees recovery taking a long time. Virgin Atlantic is to cut over 3,100 jobs and retire some of its Boeing 747-400s following financial pressure due to the coronavirus crisis.
CHINESE AIRLINES COOPERATE China Southern Airlines has joined with Sichuan Airlines to create more air express routes between the cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Chengdu in Sichuan province and Beijing to provide more travel convenience for passengers, beginning from July. The number of flights operated by the 2 airlines between Chengdu and Beijing will reach an average of 16 a day, while the daily number of flights between Chengdu and Guangzhou will come to 14.
LATAM'S ARGENTINA BRANCH TO CEASE OPERATIONS
LATAM Airlines Argentine is to cease operations indefinitely, cancelling all domestic flights. It is the first cutback since filing for bankruptcy protection. This also means the loss of jobs for 1,715 employees. The airline will maintain international flights, managed by other subsidiaries.
Daily flights between Chengdu and Shenzhen will reach 7, helping to expand cooperation and exchanges between Sichuan in Southwest China and Guangdong.