M&TatW e-Magazine MICE & TOURISM around the World the global monthly online magazine since 1997 vol. 23, issue 9, September 2020
HANNAH ARENDT, The Political Philosopher TOURISM global cost from Covid Crisis CROSSROADS INN, Tinos Island - Greece Surprising STATUES Around The World AFRICA’S RISE After Independence BRITISH ROLLS-ROYCE launch new effort for supersonic propulsion
MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Volume 23, Issue 9, September 2020 edition – Online since 1997
Contents 7-9 HANNAH ARENDT The Political Philosopher 11 Tourism global cost from Covid Crisis 12 BELIZE postpones reopening of tourism 13 Basilica Of SANTA MARIA GLORIOSA Dei Frari Venice, Italy 14 LAS VEGAS attractions, hotels and casinos reopen 15 TOKYO, transparent public toilets 16 CROSSROADS INN, Tinos Island - Greece 17 Slow restart for ASIA-PACIFIC tourism 18-21 Surprising STATUES Around The World 23 Events are back in KOBE, JAPAN Tinos, Cyclades, Greece
25 ICCA reveals regional hubs for 59th congress - Kaohsiung 26 GREECE, ECTAA’s preferred destination 29 MONTRÉAL, CANADA top city in the Americas for international events 30 EXPERIENCE, 21-22 October 2021 Guadalajara, Mexico 32-35 AFRICA’S RISE After Independence 37 BRITISH ROLLS-ROYCE launch new effort for supersonic propulsion 39 AIRBUS member states under full compliance of the WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION 40 Restructured – Renationalised – Renewed: ALITALIA IS BACK! Guadalajara, Mexico
BML International-UK
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
Message from
Caroline-Artemis The leaves on the trees here in London are beginning to turn orange and brown and there is an autumn chill in the air. However, in a world that changes every morning, we are looking forward to a mini heatwave in the coming days! As each season changes, it is often a time for reflection on the season just passing and that means summer for most of us. This summer however, has been unique and extraordinary in a weird way! I have therefore enjoyed spending time to reflect on a holiday from last year when my family and I were in Rome, Sienna and Florence. Each beautiful city was super busy and bustling with tourists from all over the world. Comparing that to now where everywhere seem lifeless with no atmosphere, without many people out and about, even out of lockdown and no smiling faces as they are all hidden behind facemasks of suffocation! So, take time to look at your last year’s holiday photos and enjoy the scenes of crowds and queues for the right reasons!
‘
Enjoy the September edition of the e-magazine – MICE & TOURISM around the World Happy Autumn! Caroline-Artemis Laspas co-founder & editor Sponsored by
BML International-UK www.bmlinternational.co.uk
HANNAH ARENDT The Political Philosopher by Dimitri Laspas
th
Arendt was one of the most influential political philosophers of the 20 subjects as totalitarianism and the nature of evil.
century. She was a very influential thinker on such Growing up in the 1st half of the 20th century in Kaliningrad and Berlin, she experienced life through totalitarianism in two forms; Stalinism and Nazism. She obtained her doctorate in philosophy writing on Love and Saint Augustine at the University of Heidelberg in 1929 under the direction of the great existentialist philosopher, Karl Jaspers. Arendt was arrested by the Gestapo in 1933 for collecting antiSemitic research propaganda and briefly sent to prison. She was stripped of her German citizenship in 1937 after fleeing to France where she helped young Jews to immigrate to Palestine. She eventually left for the USA via Portugal in 1941. She became an American citizen in 1950.
She held a number of academic positions at various American universities until her sudden death in 1975 of a heart attack aged 69. She is best known for 2 works that had a major impact on the academic community and the world at large. The first, ‘The Origins of Totalitarianism’, published in 1951, was a study of the Nazi and Stalinist regimes that generated a wide-ranging debate on the nature and historical experiences of the totalitarian phenomenon. This cemented her reputation as a thinker and writer and a series of influential works followed. The second most famous work was ‘The Human Condition’ in 1958, an original philosophical study that investigated the fundamental categories of labour, work, action.
Other key works included ‘Eichmann in Jerusalem’ and ‘On Revolution’ in 1963. She also published a number of influential essays on topics such as the nature of freedom, authority, tradition and the modern age. At the time of her death, she had completed the first 2 volumes of her last major philosophical work, ‘The Life of the Mind’, which examined the 3 fundamental faculties of thinking, willing, judging. She is commemorated by many aspiring institutions and journals. The creation of the annual Hannah Arendt Prize was designed to “to honour individuals who identify critical and unseen aspects of current political events and who are not afraid to enter the public realm by presenting their opinion in controversial political discussions.” She has also been recognised on stamps, street names and schools. Her work has seen a big resurgence in recent years.
Tourism News Europe, Americas, Asia & Africa
TOURISM GLOBAL COST FROM COVID CRISIS Six months into the global health pandemic and still the world is still virtually grounded. Summer in the northern hemisphere is ending as schools aim to return to normal, while government assistance is also winding down in many countries, while we begin to again see a rise in cases in many nations. A new report from the UN aims to measure to loss to the world's tourism industry; at least UK£903 billion, or 1.5% of global GDP after 4 months of travel being shut down. If travel is still restricted for 8months, this figure could rise to UK£1.6 trillion and 2.8% of global GDP and if no return to some normality lasts for a year, losses could soar to UK£2.5 trillion, 4.2% of global GDP). Developing countries such as Jamaica, Kenya and Thailand that rely heavily on tourism will experience the greatest shocks to their economies. However, wealthy countries will also be hit. The USA will lose far more than any other country in dollar terms and nearly double that of China. Other developed countries suffering from tourism's downturn include France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK. For years global tourism has been increasing, both in value and as a pillar of many countries' economies. International travel and tourism grew by 3.5% in 2019 compared to the previous year. Today, travel and tourism directly accounts for more than 3% of global GDP. When factoring in other industries that benefit from travel and tourism, such as retail and entertainment, tourism indirectly accounts for 10% of the world's economy. It is thought that 125 million of the 330 million jobs tied to tourism around the world will be lost in 2020, with a return to pre-2020 levels not expected until 2024 at the earliest.
INDONESIA CLOSES DOOR TO TOURISTS UNTIL VACCINE FOUND
Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia is to keep its doors closed to tourists until a coronavirus vaccine is found and immunity can be provided. Indonesia has been conducting final clinical testing for a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Once clinical testing for about 6½ months is completed, vaccine production will immediately start and offer immunity to the general public. The recovery of domestic tourism will be the 1st target before reopening to tourists from abroad. Indonesia is also in negotiations with some countries to set up travel corridors for business travellers. Indonesia has reached agreements with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates for travel bubbles. Indonesia’s tourism sector is facing potential losses of UK£3 billion from the decline in tourism.
PARIS AIMS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HEALTH CRISIS TO CURB MASS TOURISM
France is one of the world most visited countries and many visitors come from China and the USA and spend their yen and dollars in the capital, Paris. However, the capital's tourism sector cannot count on the French to compensate for the drop in arrivals, despite ideal visiting conditions. Paris is used to tourists; however, the growing amount of mass tourism, with large groups moving in packs was having a negative effect on the city, its attractions and its citizens. Many in the French capital are calling on the local government to better manage flows. Huge queues, booking in advance essential is no way to experience a country’s wonders. After reopening, the Louvre saw daily visitors reach 7,500-9,000 daily visitors compared to the normal 30,000 to 40,000 people a day in high summer. Paris is not expecting a big jump in visitors in the coming years, except for specific events like the Olympic Games in summer 2024. So now is an ideal time to readjust the balance and work on directing visitors to other, lesser known, attractions of the capital, hoping to thin out crowds.
ISRAELI TRAVEL AGENCY SELLS HOLIDAYS TO RIXOS HOTELS IN UAE FOLLOWING PEACE DEAL Following the historic peace deal between Israel and the UAE, Israel travel agent Aviation is to sell holidays to the Turkish owned Rixos hotels in the UAE. The agreement means that Israel and the United Arab Emirates would normalise diplomatic ties and forge a broad new relationship. Until now, Israeli tourists have not been allowed to enter the UAE other than business executives with dual nationalities using non-Israeli passports. Israel was also preparing for direct flights over Saudi Arabia.
URBAN AGRICULTURE IN THE CENTER OF PARIS Quietness in the centre of Paris can be achieved on the roof of Room 6 of the Paris Exhibition Center in Porte de Versailles. Agripolis has been growing fruits and vegetables since July here making it one of the largest urban farms of its kind in the world with a total area of 14,000sq.m. The produce is grown in long upright plastic bags without soil. The plants grow with bare roots soaked in water which is recycled, saving 90% of the water. The goal is the daily production of a ton of fruits and vegetables. Next to strawberries, tomatoes and eggplants are grown. It is hoped this will be a role model for other ventures like this.
BELIZE POSTPONES REOPENING OF TOURISM
The Belizean authorities have postponed the date of opening to international tourism. It was planned for August 15. With increased Covid-19 cases the Philip Goldson International Airport would remain closed. No new date has been announced.
TOURISM CAMPAIGN IN POST PANDEMIC GREECE Tourism professionals are finding fault with Greek National Tourism Organisation’s (GNTO) expensive campaign saying it depicts Greece as an open and safe destination which is at odds with new nd restrictions being imposed almost daily to deal with the 2 wave of the health pandemic. GNTO has budgeted nearly UK£2.7 million to promote its "Greek summer" campaign across both international media and on social media platforms.
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
UNLIKELY FOR THAILAND TO REOPEN INTERNATIONAL BORDERS IN 2020
Sanctuary of Truth, Pataya, Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it is unlikely to reopen its borders to international leisure visitors this year as the government has a ‘very, very cautious’ approach to reopening borders. Indeed it is not looking great for even the Chinese New Year in February. Discussions over creating travel bubbles have been halted following increased infection rates in regional nations. Some are allowed to enter the country including diplomats, UN officials, as well as business people and investors who have an agreement with the government to include film crews and exhibition personnel, but only applicable to visitors from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong. Every arrival must spend 14 days in quarantine. Thailand will also open up to select countries for medical tourism. Ideas such as safe bubbles for leisure travel, would involve all visitors spending a minimum of 30 days in the country; in designated areas like islands, such as Koh Samui or Phuket. With such uncertainty Thai tourism operators are proposing a new inbound tourism plan ‘Safe and Sealed’ to replace travel bubbles and would help tourism businesses stay in business. The plan would allow tourists to enter Thailand in Q4 and only from cities with a record of zero infections for at least a 30-day window. They would be able to travel and stay in designated hotels and provinces. Other safety protocols will include a Covid-free certificate 72 hours before flights, as well as insurance and swab tests. The new inbound plan is expected to draw at least 500,000 tourists to Thailand.
BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA GLORIOSA DEI FRARI VENICE, ITALY After the Basilica of St. Mark's, the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is one of the largest churches in Venice, as well as being one of the most important Franciscan foundations in Italy.
Originally built between 1236 and 1338 by the Franciscan Conventual Friars, the structure was thoroughly re-modelled in the XIV century and given its present form of central nave, 2 side aisles and 7 apsidal chapels after the Franciscan-Gothic style.
The church of Frari (meaning brothers) is famous for its famous paintings and sculptures making it a treasure-chest of stunning and unique works of art. The chapel of Fiorentini also contains the only Venetian work by Donatello: his magnificent wooden statue of ‘St. John the Baptist’. There is also the Foscari and Tron monuments in the presbytery, and Alessandro Vittoria's statue of St. Jerome on the Zane altar.
The Basilica is commonly known as the Frari. It’s plain and expressionless exterior contrasts with its majestic interior. The construction of the church took nearly 100 years to build and was completed in the mid-15th century. Its bell tower dates from the 14th century and is the 2nd tallest campanile in Venice. Some of the many works of art in the Frari Church in Venice are well known. These include 2 paintings by the world-famous painter Titian from the beginning of the 16th century. They are the gigantic painting ‘Assumption’ (size: 25m² also called Assunta) and the altarpiece ‘Madonna of the house Pesaro’.
LAS VEGAS ATTRACTIONS, HOTELS AND CASINOS REOPEN Las Vegas is considered the gambling and entertainment capital of the United States. Although the pandemic turned off this city for 3 months, the casinos have already opened and now more attractions are added to the reopen to keep the city working.
PARAGUAY FOCUSES ON DOMESTIC TOURISM
Jesus de Tavarangue, Paraguay
Paraguay, aims to boost internal tourism with a new campaign, which will inspire every Paraguayan to feel part of their country and explore new destinations. There is a need to reactivate internal tourism in a responsible and conscientious way, knowing the great value chain that has a multiplying effect and that benefits each Paraguayan. The campaign will be presented globally and include the internal tourism options in different parts of the country. Destinations will be included in economically attractive tourist packages and promotions for tourists who wish to take advantage of the time to rediscover the country.
TOKYO TRANSPARENT PUBLIC TOILETS Public toilets around the globe are not a highlight of any travel trip. However they are now if you travel to Tokyo, Japan! Their new restrooms in 2 public parks are brightly lit and colourful and they are transparent! Therefore, you can check the cleanliness of the toilet before going into it. Anyone who travels to Japan is amazed by their toilets. With heated seats, music, different flushes, automatic seats, etc, this is a new height of innovation with opacitychanging ‘smart glass’ that is widely used in offices to provide privacy when needed. When occupied and locked properly, the tinted glass toilet stalls become frosted and opaque. When the door is unlocked, an electric current realigns the crystals in the glass to allow more light to pass through, creating a transparent effect.
SAUDI ARABIA TERMINATES OFFICIALS ON SUSPICION OF CORRUPTION AT AL-ULA, RED SEA PROJECT
Saudi Arabia has sacked a number of officials at tourism projects including the historical north-western site al-Ula, the Red Sea mega projects and the Souda Development Company on suspicion of corruption. The officials are under investigation over encroachment on lands belonging to these projects. There were more than 5,000 violations reported in the Red Sea Project lands and dozens in al-Ula, in addition to others. The royal decree also said that ‘very strict’ measures will be taken in the event of any further infringements.
CROSSROADS INN, TINOS ISLAND - GREECE Crossroads Inn is a labour of love: respect and nothing but, was their guiding light when they wedded the past to the present; and the traditional to the contemporary. The Crossroads Inn, on Tinos Island, expresses the charm of living the local life in the Cycladic village of Tripotamos, offering the almost lost art of an ‘at home’ ambience and inviting its guests to live an unforgettable experience. For 3 consecutive year the hotel has been awarded Gold status Best Traditional Guesthouse in Greece from the Greek Tourism Awards, as well as this year by Travel & Hospitality Awards as the Boutique Guest House of the year 2020 in Cyclades/Greece! Crossroads Inn’s residences are located in different neighbourhoods within the village. The 7 restored, independent, fully equipped guest houses, offer the unique experience of the authentic traditional island life.
PERU A COUNTRY OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PromPerú has been working with international organisations in the training of new travel trends, such as culture, nature, adventure, high-end and gastronomy thereby promoting sustainable tourism experiences in all markets. Experiences with international recognition have been promoted together with important allies, such as ATTA, Adventure Travel Trade Association, and Virtuoso, among others. Photos by © Crossroadsinn
It has also chosen to establish alliances with organisations that promote sustainability in the South American country for the development of new destination content. 72% of people looking at booking.com favour sustainable travel decisions to save the planet for future generations. Research also showed that 74% of travellers between 46-55 years old strongly believe in this, followed by millennials with 71%.
Cusco. Peru
AFRICA'S TOURISM GEARS UP FOR COMEBACK At the beginning of 2020, Africa, was the nd world’s 2 fastest growing tourism industry and projected to make billions of dollars. Then COVID-19 brought everything to a standstill, resulting in heavy losses in revenue and jobs.
st
Tanzania was the 1 country to reopen its boarders to tourists and international travel followed by the Seychelles, Tunisia, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Rwanda, Liberia and Zambia. South Africa will reopen early 2021. To help African countries open their borders, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) led Global Tourism Crisis Committee has drawn up guidelines to restart tourism.
SLOW RESTART FOR ASIA-PACIFIC TOURISM Tourism operators across Asia and the Pacific are making a start to build business again. But the situation is changing daily and new restrictions make it hard to build new business especially if new quarantine measure are put in place or new lockdowns occur. Vietnam has seen beaches shut down following a reported case leading to 100 cases; Queensland state which thought it was free of community transmission of the virus, has allowed interstate travellers except those from Victoria state due to its high virus rates. However, Melbourne was looking to welcoming more Sydney residents, but now a new outbreak has meant Sydney visitors will be banned from Queensland for the time being. Hong Kong closed its borders in March, driving down tourist numbers by 90%. It looked as if all was well, but now a huge 2nd wave has hit the city state. Japan's outbreaks have spread across the country with increasing travel during summer holidays. South Korea too has shutdown parts of Seoul for a 2nd time due to a spike in cases. It is clear that we are not out of this crisis yet and businesses cannot begin to get back on their feet for a while until global cases reduce hugely and only then can borders slowly re-open.
CHINESE ATTRACTIONS TO BE MORE ACCESSIBLE
Zhuhai Opera House, Guangdong, China
With restrictive measures and fewer numbers of Chinese visitors than normal due to the pandemic, China has decided to reduce the cost for tourists, by offering discounts from 20-50% on exhibitions and excursions in the provinces of Shandong, Shanxi, Henan, Shaanxi, Guizhou and Gansu. In total, over 500 tourist sites have become more accessible to tourists.
GLOWING MANHOLE COVERS BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ATTRACTION IN TOKOROZAW JAPAN
A new attraction has appeared in the roads in the city of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture. The newly opened Tokorozawa Sakura Town, Japan’s newest pop culture complex for fans of anime, manga, and other otaku art forms, can now see a set of manhole covers decorated with anime characters that glow in the dark. The 27 designs are illuminated by solar-powered LED lights that light up from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.. It is hoped they will prevent crime during the night.
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
Surprising Statues Around The World by Caroline-Artemis Laspas
In every village, town and city around the world there are many small and almost hidden statues commemorating or celebrating an event or person. There are many that are familiar to us all, from the Statue of Liberty in New York, The Little Mermaid in Denmark, Terrace Of Lions, Delos Island-Greece, The Thinker in Paris or the Statue of David in Italy. Theses statues bring thousands of tourists to visit them, but there is a world of statues out there waiting for you to discover them. Here are a few of the less well known ones that are well worth visiting.
STILL WATER London, United Kingdom This bronze sculpture of a horse's head is located at Marble Arch in London-UK. The 10m piece was commissioned to replace an earlier smaller and similar work, ’Horse at Water’. It is a stunning and striking statue and also unexpected.
DIGNITY OF EARTH & SKY South Dakota, U.S.A.
London, UK
Dignity of Earth and Sky soars 50ft high into the sky. It is of a native Indian woman overlooking the Missouri River. Made from stainless steel, the quilt includes 128 diamond shapes in the colours of the water and sky that surround her. Dignity honours the Native Nations of the Great Plains.
FORCE OF NATURE GLOBAL LOCATIONS A series of sculptures show a woman turning the world around with a piece of cloth. The woman, presumably Mother Nature, is swept with a gust of wind, forcefully draping her attire and hair behind her. You really can feel the force of nature in these statues.
South Dakota, U.S.A.
STANDING STILL - Howick, South Africa
All over the world there are statues of Nelson Mandela, but this illusion statue is amazing. Created using 50 steel columns, representing the 50 years since his arrest and political persecution, Mandela’s profile can only be seen if you stand at a certain angle to the columns.
BUILDING BRIDGES Venice, Italy This momumental sculpture ‘Building Bridges’ was installed in a basin adjacent to the entrance of the Arsenale, in the Castello District of Venice. Building Bridges comprise of 6 pairs of hands, 15m high and 20m wide. They are individually titled ‘Help’, ‘Love’, ‘Friendship’, ‘Faith’, ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Hope’. The installation engages with the history of Venice as a meeting point of international history and culture.
THE FOURTH PLINTH AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE LONDON, United Kingdom There are 4 plinths (podiums) around Trafalgar Square in London. However, the Fourth Plinth, which was built in 1841 was meant to hold a statue of William IV but due to lack of funds it remained empty. London, United Kingdom
Today, the Fourth Plinth hosts a series of commissioned artworks by world class artists. Currently on display is ‘The End’, a giant swirl of whipped cream, topped with a cherry, a fly and a drone that transmits a live feed of Trafalgar Square. The title suggests both excitement and unease, responding to Trafalgar Square as a place of celebration and protest that is shared with other forms of life. You can see the live feed via the dedicated website www.theend.today.
THE TRAVELLERS Marseilles, France This series of eye-catching bronze sculptures called ‘Les Voyageurs’ in Marseilles are of realistic human workers with large parts of their bodies missing. They were created to commemorate Marseille's status as the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and were displayed along the waterfront.
KING LEONIDAS STATUE Sparta, Greece King Leonidas ruled the city state of Sparta who famously led a small band of Greek allies at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. When the Persians told the Spartans to lay down their weapons, Leonidas replied 'Molon labe' (‘Come and get them’). The Spartan king defended the route through which the Persian King Xerxes wished to invade Greece with his massive army. While all these statues have been modern, we end with London’s Oldest Bronze statue. It is one you will have seen if ever you were in Trafalgar Square. It sits at the front of the square facing down Whitehall.
CHARLES I STATUE London, United Kingdom
Sparta, Greece
London, United Kingdom
Made in 1633 during Charles I's reign, London’s oldest bronze statue was commissioned for the garden of Lord Treasurer Weston’s house. In 1649 Parliament ordered that it be destroyed but it was hidden and reappeared at the restoration of the monarchy. It was erected in 1675.
M.I.C.E & Events News Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Venues
EVENTS ARE BACK IN KOBE, JAPAN
Large scale events have returned to the Kobe International Convention Center with the International Jewellery Exhibition and the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology’s 49th IVR Conference. The International Jewellery Exhibition was the first large-scale event held in Kobe in 5 months. 200 companies exhibited, including local pearl dealers from Kobe where 70% of the world’s pearls are processed and sorted. With the number of visitors per day limited to 5,000 under current national guidelines, the organisers and the convention center staff took a number of measures to ensure the safety of buyers, exhibitors, staff, and attendees, which over the 3 days was close to 6,000 people. The 49th IRV conference which annually attracts around 1,800 participants was organised by the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology and was held at the Kobe Portopia Hotel in the Kobe Convention Center as a hybrid event for the first time in its history. Organisers initially chose to postpone this year’s conference as they wanted to gauge member interest in holding the conference given the various restraints in place and safety concerns due to the spread of COVID-19. Despite the circumstances, they found that there was strong sentiment amongst members and stakeholders to meet and go ahead with the conference. The new hybrid platform allowed attendees unable to travel or those who prefer to participate remotely, to attend sessions online at the same time as live attendees and gives them the option to access sessions on demand via online recordings. As more events go hybrid and integrate online elements, organisers are looking for solutions to hold their live events safely and effectively without diminishing the experience of a completely live face to face event. The Kobe Convention Bureau is working along-side its partners to provide a variety of solutions to organiser looking to run events during this challenging time.
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET LONDON 2020 WTM London is going ahead this year as planned on 2-4 November 2020 and it is excited to welcome the travel industry back to ExCeL. The aim this year will be to help recover and rebuild and shape the travel industry; to facilitate a show which will focus on business connections; recovering old ties and building new ones. Attendees’ safety will be a top priority and following full guidelines and measures to make sure the event is safe to attend. If you aren’t able to travel for the live event, then organisers are hosting ‘WTM Virtual’ an extension of the live event which is taking place on 10 & 11 November. Across the 2 days, the virtual event will feature live conference sessions tackling some of the issues the industry is still facing, roundtables, speed networking sessions, one-to-one meetings, and virtual networking sessions. Whichever one you attend the impact the global health pandemic has had on the travel and tourism industry will be discussed as well as a road map to recovery, identifying the trends and innovation shaping the future of the industry.
BML International-UK
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS REOPENING The ‘Choose Chicago’ team and its 1,600 associates have been working with their partners to welcome people back to the city. Now in Phase Four of reopening important information about their member partners creating different experiences in Chicago available virtually. The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have developed a rigorous set of guidelines that all Chicago businesses must meet or exceed before reopening. Phase four includes physical distancing with the reopening of more companies with secure capabilities. This allows museums and zoos to open with limited seating, limited indoor seating in restaurants, cinemas and performance venues. Choose Chicago is working to align businesses, organisations and institutions within Chicago's hospitality and tourism industry to support the city's overall recovery efforts and assist Chicago as we reopen safely and responsibly. Tourism & Hospitality Forward is a new initiative, to help accelerate and stimulate Chicago's tourism industry and help the city's economic recovery.
VESTNORDEN 2020 ICELAND POSTPONED The organisers of Vestnorden, have confirmed that Vestnorden 2020, due to take place in Reykjanes, Iceland 6-8 October, will be postponed to 2021. This decision is based on the latest developments of COVD-19 and uncertainty regarding travel and gathering restrictions. The organisers have organised an online Vestnorden th webinar / b2b event on 7 October. Vestnorden will now take place from 5-7 October 2021 in Iceland. ICCA’s 59th Global Congress in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China will showcase a unique hybrid model, complemented with regional hub events created across the globe to coincide with and share the experience for those unable to attend the main congress. A virtual option will also be available to those choosing to stay at home or located in the Americas.
ICCA REVEALS REGIONAL HUBS FOR 59TH CONGRESS – KAOHSIUNG
Locations for the regional hubs are: •Cape Town, South Africa •Sarawak, Malaysia •Latin America Virtual •Luxembourg •North America Virtual •Riyadh, Saudi Arabia •Malaga, Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain
The North and Latin American Chapters will be hosting a bespoke virtual hub, including regionally relevant content and business exchange. Themed: “Transforming Global Events Together” - The event will allow ICCA’s global community to connect with each other and explore new ideas, formats and technologies to combine efforts and create the “Kaohsiung Protocol.” This will be a framework that identifies major trends and key strategies that enable the international meetings industry to thrive, now and into the future. ICCA’s Congress will go beyond borders in 2020, providing risk free, flexible registration options that allow attendees to change their registration type as necessary. The hub events will feature live, streamed content from Kaohsiung as well as bespoke, local content in each of the destinations. All content and attendees will benefit from a six-week long interactive “Road To Kaohsiung” pre-congress programme, which will explore key issues, connect attendees and create a dynamic hybrid experience.
MEETINGS MEAN BUSINESS CANADA Be sure to join the Meetings Mean Business Canada LinkedIn group as we use this platform to communicate and draw the industry together. Meetings Mean Business and its partners have worked hard to promote the reopening of the Business Event industry in a safe and responsible way.
GREECE ECTAA’S PREFERRED DESTINATION
The Greek National Tourist Organisation and ECTAA have signed an agreement to make Greece the Preferred Destination of the European umbrella association of travel agents and tour operators for the 2nd semester 2020. With this agreement ECTAA and GNTO demonstrate their commitment to bringing back tourism to Greece and help travel businesses thrive again. With the agreement, ECTAA pledges to promote Greece as its Preferred Destination among the 70,000 travel agents and tour operators across Europe, highlighting the diversity of travel and tourism products that the mainland and the islands have to offer, ranging from UNESCO World heritage, beautiful nature, to vibrant cultural scene, fine gastronomy as well as many conference and meeting venues. The objective of the agreement is to nurture the image of Greece as one of the safest and most attractive destinations in Europe. In addition, Greece will get opportunities to show that it continuously improves standards for a more sustainable tourism. Activities to note include the webinar on 23 September 2020 on the opportunities offered by the new models of travel for the Greek market. ECTAA is holding its annual General Assembly on 8- 9 October in Athens.
DESTINATIONS AND HOTEL GROUPS TO BE JOINED BY LEADING HOSTED BUYERS AT IBTM WORLD 2020 New exhibitors at IBTM include Meliá Hotels International, Titanic Hotels, Ibiza Convention Bureau and Canary Islands as well as strong Hosted Buyer representation. IBTM World 2020 is due to take place in Barcelona from 1-3 December, demonstrating a renewed confidence in business events. Some of the leading exhibitors due to attend include: Meet in Ireland, Munich Convention Bureau, Meliá Hotels International, Switzerland Tourism, Greek National Tourism Organisation, Wedgewood DMC Group, Hunt & Palmer PLC, Moove Team, Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority, Korea Tourism Organisation and CIE Eventos (Mexico). A wide range of leading corporate and association Hosted Buyers are also attending, including planners from organisations including; Mars, Netflix, Nike, Whirlpool Corporation, Cisco Systems, BBVA France, Gazprom Neft, Dell America Latina Corp., British American Tobacco, The Delta Group, MegaFon, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, European Society of Clinical Investigation, International Association for Energy Economics and The International Ecotourism Society. The IBTM team has been working closely with event venue Fira de Barcelona, and Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) to implement thorough safety and hygiene measures at the event and will continue to work with them in the lead up to the event to ensure that attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience. Safety measures at the event will include a clear one-way system to help attendees keep a safe distance; optimised stand designs to help maintain physical distancing, with overflow areas placed around the venue for use by exhibitors who require extra space for their meetings; increased spacing around all seating areas; hand sanitiser provided at key points throughout the venue; hygiene screens at all service counters, catering outlets and information points and increased frequency of cleaning throughout the venue.
EUROPEAN TRAVEL AND TOURISM SECTOR URGES EU GOVERNMENTS TO AGREE ON HARMONISED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS IT STRUGGLES TO SURVIVE THE CURRENT CRISIS The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, the voice of the European travel and tourism sector, calls on Member States to urgently agree on harmonised travel restrictions and ensure swift implementation to help the sector survive this unprecedented crisis. The European Tourism Manifesto alliance applauds renewed efforts of the European Commission as well as the initiative from the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union from last week to improve coordination on cross-border travel and restore the integrity of the Schengen area. The need for continued COVID-19 control is foreseeable and, under Art.24 of the Schengen Borders Code, any related border restrictions must be coordinated. In the wake of an expected dramatic economic downturn, it is crucial that travel within the EU and the wider European area (including EEA, UK and Switzerland) be carefully and quickly restored. In addition, international coordination to re-establish transatlantic travel would provide a vital boost to the travel and tourism sector. European travel and tourism is the ecosystem most affected by the coronavirus crisis due to insufficiently coordinated travel restrictions, declining traveller confidence and reduced consumer demand. The 2020 summer season was strongly impacted by this crisis, with traveller confidence reaching a record low. Hotel occupancy rates in Europe were at 26.5% in July 2020, which accounts for a fall of 66.4% compared to the same month last year. Moreover, top 5 European destinations, such as France, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands only saw just 40% of 2019’s volumes for intra-European travel, with Spain lagging at 22% of last year’s volumes. While many Europeans were keen to travel again during the summer, the inconsistent and ever-changing border restrictions along with confusion about quarantine and test requirements, caused frustration for both businesses and travellers, deterring booking and damaging materialisation for both leisure and business travel. We call on national governments to urgently approve the European Commission’s proposal and to: ●Establish common criteria and thresholds for determining epidemiological risk, including a common colour-coding system to identify risk areas. These criteria should be evaluated on a detailed regional level, considering relevant geographical factors (particularly islands). ●Implement common measures to put in place upon departure to and return from risk areas. These measures should be determined with sufficient detail and based on scientific evidence (as there is no reason to restrict travel to entire countries if only certain regions are affected), and comprise: -Replacing the need for quarantine of travellers with comprehensive cost-effective testing and tracing -Avoiding blanket restrictions to free movement by implementing more targeted measures which are limited in geographical scope -Avoiding imposing travel restrictions on passengers in transit -Agreeing on common rules for requesting pre-travel COVID-19 negative test results where needed -Ensuring the interoperability of contact tracing apps in the EU and the harmonization of Passenger Locator Forms based on international standards. ●Follow a common structured and transparent process to publish clear, comprehensive and timely information about any travel restrictions where these are needed. Information should also be made available on the ‘Re-open EU' web platform. The sector has been calling for better coordination between Member States and a harmonised European approach to travel restrictions and safety measures since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such an approach will help rebuild traveller confidence and help the sector in its slow recovery, protecting millions of livelihoods, jobs, and enterprises. Pending the return of significant visitor flows, continued financial support for the sector is necessary so that the European tourism ecosystem returns employment to the economy as soon as possible. Proving the importance of tourism recovery as a catalyst for European economic revival, the latest WTTC research shows that every 2.7% increase in travel flows would generate or bring back one million jobs in the sector. Harmonising the inconsistent patchwork of COVID-19 rules and travel advice in Europe could lead to an increase in travellers by as much as 27%, recreating 10 million jobs in travel and tourism across Europe.
CIMGLOBAL THE GLOBAL ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT AND CONFERENCE ORGANISER TO OPEN OFFCE IN AUSTRALIA CIMGlobal has been growing its footprint globally. The Adelaide office is its 4th international space and is set to strengthen CIMGlobal’s position as one of the industry leaders. CIMGlobal has always seen the economic development of Australasia and has been offering professional services to many associations in the region. Drawing on resources and professional experience from its global network, CIMGlobal aims to assist clients in the Australasia region in realising their vision of business transformation, and contribute towards improving the standards of modern service industry. CIMGlobal’s continued global success is a strong testament to the firm’s commitment and focus on results, and it looks forward to supporting organisations in Australia in building businesses of eminence.
PARIS, FRANCE BUSINESS TOURISM NEEDS CONFERENCES To help the business tourism sector in France, conferences are key to the rebound in the sector. The Palais des congrès in the Ile-de-France region is ready and waiting for events to begin. Business tourism accounts for 50% of hotel nights in the region, and 60% to 80% beyond the Paris ring road. September and October are traditionally the best months, due to multiple trade fairs and conferences. As two-thirds of the clientele are French, it is possible that the sector could recover well and bring business people back to Paris.
ICC WALES TO HOST CONSERVATIVE PARTY SPRING CONFERENCE IN 2021 The Conservative Party is to host its Spring Conference at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) in Newport, South Wales in 2021. It is estimated it will be worth UK£20 million to the South Wales economy. The Spring Conference will be taking place alongside the Welsh Party Conference with up to 8,000 people expected to be in attendance. ICC Wales Chief Executive Ian Edwards said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the host venue for the Conservative Party Spring Conference in 2021. ICC Wales was conceived and built to transform Wales as a destination for holding business events, and staging this prestigious conference will be another fantastic demonstration of what this venue is capable of.
PARTICIPATION AS BUYERS TO BITESP 2020 BITESP 2020, Borsa Italiana del Turismo Esperienziale (International Experiential Tourism Exchange), becomes Digital, from 23-25 November. Due to the uncertainty over Covid -19 and in order to offer all operators the possibility to participate at the BITESP - Borsa Italiana del Turismo Esperienziale 2020, the decision was made to transfer the event to a digital platform and to implement the Workshop with the Sellers by videoconference, with prearranged meetings.
BITESP Digital 2020, will allow the tourism businesses from all over the world to participate in the workshop without limitations, comfortable from their office, without the need of flights and transfers, in absolute safety. Bitesp Digital 2020 is entirely dedicated to experiential tourism, incoming and outgoing, a winning union and an important occasion for the commercial development of tourism. Today, tourists not only look for locations and places do visit, but for “unique experiences to live”. Represented at BITESP Digital 2020: Cultural Tourism – Food and Wine Tourism – Rural Tourism – Sport Tourism – Bike Tourism – Nature and Outdoor Tourism – Green and Sustainable Tourism – Adventure Travel – Romantic Tourism – Wellness Tourism – Spiritual Tourism – Artisanal Tourism – Shopping Tours – Themed Holidays – Sea – Mountain – Lakes – Art Cities – Tailor Made – Wedding Destinations – Luxury Travel – MICE – Team Building. Participation for all Buyers is free. www.bitesp.it
MONTRÉAL, CANADA TOP CITY IN THE AMERICAS FOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Saint Joseph Oratory of Mount Royal, Montreal, Canada
In a 2019 report, the Canadian city of Montréal has kept the top host city ranking in the Americas for international events. rd
This is the 3 consecutive year the city is No.1. The city welcomed 129 international events in 2019, beating other destinations like New York, Washington, Toronto and Buenos Aires. Montréal accounts for 58% of international events held in the 3 major cities, Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal.
IFTM TOP RESA KICK OFF The IFTM Top Resa trade show will be held from 17-20 November 2020 in Pavilion 1 of Porte de Versailles. Organisers will provide a safe and stress-free environment for the trade show. This is the only annual trade show in France that brings together all segments of this industry that has been so heavily impacted by COVID-19 and it will focus on returning to business as usual in 2021. This event will offer 10 separate zones (Africa, the Americas, Asia & Pacific, Caribbean, Destination France, Europe & Mediterranean, Generalists, Middle East, Indian Ocean, Tech Zone) and 10 thematic villages (Coach Operators, Business Travel, Parks, Cruises, Networks, Tour Operators, Mountain, and Influencers, Innovation and Start-up in the Tech Zone). In 2019, IFTM Top Resa welcomed 34,150 visitors and 1,700 brands including over 200 (French and international) destinations in a 33,000 m2 exhibition space, and offered around 100 thematic conference sessions by IFTM and 100 events organised by exhibitors. Over the past few months, IFTM Top Resa has been working on creating new conference sessions on major cross-cutting topics for an expert take on the latest market trends. The usual thematic days will also be in place, in particular, CEO Talks, Digital Day and the International Business Travel Days (JIVA). In partnership with ATD (Acteurs du Tourisme Durable), this November the trade show will see the launch of a comprehensive programme of conference sessions and workshops entitled “Sustainable Tourism Days”. This year a dedicated continuing professional development programme for travel agents in partnership with Entreprises du Voyages st has been created. New this year will be the Tour Operators Village and Cruises Village, with sand and straw huts for the 1 and portholes and boating equipment for the other. There are also 2 new themes this year – Mountains and Cruises. UNMISSABLE EVENTS AT IFTM TOP RESA! -Startup Contest (the best innovative solutions in travel), Tuesday 17 November, -Hackathon in partnership with CDS Groupe (a 24-hour race during which teams have to design a brand new business travel solution), -Travel Agents Cup (vote for the best travel agents in France), Thursday 19 November, -Travel Agents Cup Junior (vote for the best students and up-and-coming salesperson for Destination France), Friday 20 November.
EXPERIENCE, 21–22 OCTOBER 2021 GUADALAJARA, MEXICO EXPERIENCE is the first experiential event in the Americas, focused on gathering the best of the best in the meetings and events industry; 150 top buyers and 150 top suppliers. EXPERIENCE is the first event in the Americas to build valuable business connections through EXPERIENCES. Its main goal is to create a closer bond between top buyers and suppliers from the Americas. A detailed and dedicated programme will offer activities intended to generate interaction, emotions and engagement.
THE RDA WORKSHOP 2020 IN COLOGNE! The RDA Workshop 2020 in Cologne was the 1st specialist tourism event in Germany after the lockdown. We wish to thank all exhibitors and visitors, because this event would not have been possible without your commitment and partnership in the Corona crisis. Together as RDA, we were able to send out an important and hopeful spirit of optimism into the bus and group tourism sector and thus focus on what makes up and drives our business. The RDA Workshop 2020 was of particular importance not only for our industry but also for the German exhibition industry. Koelnmesse impressively demonstrated that trade fairs are possible during the Corona crisis and that the trade fair industry can now get going again. The RDA Group Travel Expo is the leading travel exhibition for coach and group tourism. It is organised twice a year by RDA E xpo GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of the RDA International Coach Tourism Federation. It has a long history: The RDA Group Travel Expo has been held for more than 40 years - previously as RDA Workshop.
QATAR TRAVEL MART EXHIBITION POSTPONED BY A YEAR st
Qatar’s 1 International Exhibition for Travel and Tourism has been postponed to 2021 due to the health crisis. NeXTfairs, the multi-format event organiser, has announced that st in view of global spread of COVID19, the 1 edition of Qatar Travel Mart (QTM), which was scheduled on 17-19 November 2020 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) will now be moved to 16-18 November, 2021. The move has been confirmed after discussions with all stakeholders and with a view to allow all participants to safely navigate through the impacts of the health crises. Speaking about the postponement, Mr. Rawad Sleem, General Manager of NeXTfairs, said: “Considering the effects of the current crisis on the travel and tourism sector, we have had intense discussions with our strategic partners, founding partners and strategic sponsors. The welfare of our exhibitors is our priority and taking into consideration the recommendations of the relevant industry pioneers and partners regarding the economic slowdown in the large markets, we have come to the smart decision to postpone the physical exhibition by a year. The delay will also help the industry understand the longterm effects of the pandemic and pave the way to a new line of thinking. Our team is constantly monitoring the global situation and it was concluded that the announcement of the postponement should be done at the earliest to enable our exhibitors and partners to make necessary alterations to their plans.” Updates will be shared on the official website of the exhibition and the QTM team will be reaching out to all participants with the detailed arrangements. NeXTfairs is confident of the impact and influence of Qatar Travel Mart to the travel and tourism industry, and invites you to stay connected and involved in their continuous initiatives to support the industry.
ECM AND ICCA FORM EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP ECM (European Cities Marketing) and ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) have agreed to launch a European partnership to solidify collaboration and provide better aligned benefits for their respective members. The Partnership has agreed to begin a programme of exploring exchange and reciprocity in 3 areas: educational content, advocacy and a mentor programme. Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO: “We are extremely excited to formalise an already existing long-term partnership and work closely together in moving the meetings industry forward in Europe together with ECM.” Through this partnership ICCA will further enhance its contribution towards meetings industry education. “With this alliance, ECM and ICCA seal existing links to achieve greater efficiency in key areas, enabling better services for their respective members. We are very proud of this new milestone which outlines ECM development in the Meetings Industry worldwide. In those challenging times, this is also one more step to show the resilience of the Meetings Industry on the way to recovery”, said Petra Stušek, President of ECM and CEO of Visit Ljubljana.
AFRICA’S RISE After Independence by Alpha Bukala Sobowale
Half a century ago, much of Africa was ruled by European Colonies. Gradually, country by country they each took their independence. Today they are thriving business and tourist destinations. From colonial Belgium, Holland, Germany, Britain and France, here we look at how each nation took their independent sovereignty and the legacy left from Colonial rule. British Colonies: Ghana was the 1st to take its independence same steps; Nigeria and Somalia became Leone and Tanganyika, which became Uganda became independent in 1962; Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia) broke Kenya’s independence in 1963 battling colonial rule since 1952.
in 1957. After that other nations took the independent in 1960, and in 1961 Sierra Tanzania after it merged with Zanzibar. Malawi, formerly known as Nyasaland and free in 1964; and The Gambia in 1965.
came
following the Mau Mau war. It has been
Botswana and Lesotho took independence 1968; and the Seychelles in 1976.
1966 followed by Swaziland and Mauritius in
In 1965 Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) proclaimed government), which was not recognised by guerrilla war followed and Zimbabwe finally took her Independence in 1980.
independence (with a minority white Britain or other countries. A long bloody
French Colonies: In a different approach, in 1958 France offered Franco-African Community or becoming for self-rule gaining her independence weeks
its colonies a choice between joining a instantly independent. Only Guinea decided later.
However, 14 French colonies broke away in Madagascar, Dahomey (Benin), Niger, Upper Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville,
1960: Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Volta (Burkina Faso), Ivory Coast, Chad, Gabon, Mali and Mauritania.
The breakaways were not mutually accepted their nation’s independence.
by France and many natives died fighting for
In 1975 the Comoros Islands gained decided to remain part of France. Djibouti
independence, except for Mayotte, who followed in 1977.
Belgian Colonies: Interestingly, the nation of Congo was owned by the Belgian King, Leopold II for 23 years before it became a Belgian colony. It took independence in 1960, but only after riots in Leopoldville, which today we know as Kinshasa. In 1962 the Belgian colonies of Rwanda and Burundi became independent. Spanish Colonies: After a period of ‘autonomy’, Equatorial Guinea gained full independence in 1968. In 1975 Spain surrendered Western Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania, despite opposition from Polisario Front separatists who renamed it as the ‘Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic’ in 1976. Three years later Mauritania gave up its portion of the disputed territory and it was annexed by Morocco. In 1991, after a 16year war, Morocco and the Polisario agreed a cease-fire, however, it is the only territory on the African continent whose post-colonial status has not been completely resolved. Portuguese colonies: Portugal’s dictatorial rule fought the liberation of its territories of Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde until the early 1960s. However all 4 nations gained independence after the Portuguese ruler was overthrown in 1974. The nations of Sao Tome and Principe soon followed. Other cases st South Africa: this was 1 under Dutch rule and then British. It took independence in 1910, but was ruled from 1948 until 1994 by a white-minority apartheid regime. South Africa then st elected its 1 black President, Nelson Mandela. South Africa took over Namibia from Germany after World War I and continued to rule even after a U.N. mandate was withdrawn in 1966. After 23-years of trying to free itself Namibia became independent in 1990. Eritrea was a former Italian colony and in 1952 it became a federate of Ethiopia, which annexed it in 1962. Independence for Eritrea came in 1993 after a 30-year war.
So, with such history before them, how do these nations present their colonial history as part of their tourism offering? Tourists travel for a number of reasons including learning more about a destinations history. Any destination is what it is today partly due to its history. For good and bad, this history becomes part of a country’s culture, be it through architecture, museums, memorials etc. as well as influences on the indigenous citizens. When travellers visit once colonised countries, often where the nation’s own history has been repressed, tourists must consider both pre-colonial and post-colonial history when they visit various monuments, museums and historical sites. Classic examples of this can be seen today; in Singapore, the statue of British statesman Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore, is still seen as a ‘national icon’, whereas, the only remaining statue of Queen Victoria in Bangalore is not seen with such admiration.
Sir Stamford Raffles, Singapore
Well documented examples include the Elgin Marbles from Greece; in 1801 a British nobleman Lord Elgin, stripped the Parthenon in Athens of many sculptures and shipped them back to England. They are on display in the British Museum.
Ethiopian cuisine
Elgin Marbles, British museum, London, United Kingdom
In India the Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, made its way through Indian court intrigues and eventually ended up in the British Crown Jewels. The Sultanganj Buddha is the largest metal figure of its kind in the world, and has been housed in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery since 1867. It was discovered during railway construction in the North Indian town of Sultanganj in 1862 and was happily shipped back to England for keeps. Indeed, there is quite a list of priceless acquisitions from countries once ruled by others who now house these native treasures in their own museums. Economic development in many African countries grew dramatically during colonial times with the building of road and rail infrastructures, albeit to strip and ship coffee, tea, cocoa, natural ores, etc. abroad, with questionable little benefit for the African landowners. Despite decolonising many years ago, the Colonisers still have interests in their excolonies. The French is one of the largest outbound tourist countries in the world, and is the largest source of visitors to Africa, helped by many African nations speaking French following colonisation. Dahlak islands, Eritrea
The UK through its Commonwealth still has long-standing links to Kenya, South Africa, and The Gambia. It is the No.1 source market in Tanzania and Zambia, among other African nations. Many countries include colonial towns and forts in their tourism offering like…
KENYA, Fort Jesus a Portuguese fort built in 1593 on Mombasa Island. It was used as a barracks and a prison over time and today is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Fort Jesus, Kenya
GHANA, Cape Coast Castle a former British colony, it was a slave hub along with many along the Ghanaian coastline; the highest concentration of slave forts and castles anywhere in the world. Its design is similar to others like Christiansborg Castle in Accra and the Elmina Castle, with similar narrow hallways, dungeons and network of tunnels. Today, all these slave forts are major tourist sites.
ZAMBIA, Livingstone Memorial this plain stone monument, under a simple cross, marks the place where missionary explorer David Livingstone's heart was buried in 1873. Cape Coast Castle, Ghana Livingstone Memorial, Zambia
SOUTH AFRICA, Cape Town in 1962, Dutch colonialists established a small colony run by the Dutch East India Company but it soon developed an international flavour. Cape Town saw Dutch architecture styles mixed with local alterations and the Afrikaans, the Dutch dialect developed in Cape Town and other South African cities. Today Cape Town is unlike any other city in South Africa and a very popular tourist destination. Cape Town, South Africa
NAMIBIA, Windhoek once a German colony, today numerous buildings from the colonial time remain. The Alte Feste Fort is the oldest building in Windhoek and was the HQ for German troops. It is now a national museum. Windhoek, Namibia
Colonialism has impacted both political and economic conditions of modern day Africa. African states adopted the systems of administration of their colonisers, which has helped them to develop quickly into successful independent nations. The legacy of colonialism will always be a controversial part of a country’s past. And although the past cannot be changed, African nations are successfully using their deep rooted native traditions as well as their colonial past to attract thousands of tourists and investment to their shores.
Airline & Aviation News
BRITISH ROLLS-ROYCE LAUNCH NEW EFFORT FOR SUPERSONIC PROPULSION
Rolls-Royce and Reaction Engines have partnered to develop high-speed aircraft propulsion systems for civil and defence aerospace gas and hybrid-electric engines. Royals Royce wishes to explore Reaction Engines’ thermal management technology within both its existing and future turbine designs. Reaction Engines, believes that the cooperation between the two companies can serve in producing a model of more sustainable aviation. The thermal management technology works to deliver better heat transfer capabilities at a lower weight and compact size. This could be huge for aerospace innovation as it would allow new aircraft to shed unnecessary weight while improving engine efficiency. Rolls-Royce recently announced its partnership with Boom Supersonic and Virgin Galactic.
EMIRATES AIRLINES EXPECTS TO RESUME FLIGHTS TO ‘ALL’ ITS NETWORK BY SUMMER 2021…. … if the travel industry will be back to normal prior to March 2020. Emirates officials believe that by summer 2021, 100% of their network destinations will be operating, serving 143 destinations compared to it 157 destinations before March 2020. Right now, the airline serves 70 destinations.
AIR INDIA GOES PRIVATE Air India may be bought by Tata Sons, a holding company of Tata Group, and merged with the groups other airline AirAsia India. Tata is the only interested buyer for the whole airline; other potential bidders are only interested in buying it in parts. Tata Group already owns the majority of the shares in 2 airlines, full-service Vistara and low-cost AirAsia India. Air India was established as Tata Airlines in 1932, but separated in 1946 and nationalised in 1953.
CROATIA AIRLINES TO CANCEL A320NEO ORDER Croatia Airlines is to cancel the order for 4 A320neo aircraft, despite large upfront payment being made by the airline. Croatia Airlines initiated negotiations to terminate the deal just before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The airline wants to cancel the whole A320neo order and to divert it to other Airbus services.
AIRBUS MEMBER STATES UNDER FULL COMPLIANCE OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION The governments of France and Spain have agreed with Airbus SE to change the repayment terms of the Repayable Launch Investment granted by them for development of the A350 aircraft due to market conditions. This means that the EU and the Member States concerned; France, Spain and Germany, also known as the ‘Airbus Member States’ – agree with the rulings of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the Airbus case. This removes any grounds for the U.S. to maintain its countermeasures on EU exports and aims to resolve the dispute. The Member States of Airbus believe its in the mutual interest of Airbus and the US to be ruled under the WTO and to stop the implementing of high tariffs which would have burdened the aviation, industries and as well as the agricultural sectors.
URUGUAY DECIDES TO OPEN ITS AIRSPACE Uruguay has reopened its airspace, having closed it since 25 March 2020, due to the pandemic. Uruguay is currently the only Ibero-American country that is not vetoed by the European Union and, in the entire American continent; Canada is in the same situation. However, Uruguay still does not allow foreigners to enter its country at this moment.
LONDON HEATHROW FIGURES FOR JULY 2020: DOWN 88% ON TRAVELLERS IN 2019 Over 860,000 passengers travelled through Heathrow in July, down 88% on the previous year. The good news is that is a slight uplift in passenger traffic following the creation of ‘travel corridors’ in July. Over 480,000 passengers headed for European destinations to have a quarantine free vacation (although some got caught out with a change in country status on the UK Government safe list). 60% of Heathrow’s route network remains grounded added to which a 14-day quarantine on arrival policy is in place. Calls for greater airport testing to help boost routes and kickstart the UK’s economic recovery have failed to change government policy so far. Over 88,000 metric tonnes of cargo travelled through Heathrow in July. A lot of cargo has shifted from freighters to the belly hold of passenger planes. However, 60% is still travelling on cargo only flights compared to 5% prior to the crisis. Cargo volumes are still impacted by the decline of long-haul passenger traffic. Heathrow has unveiled a range of measures such as UV robots, UV handrail technology, Fly Safe pit stops and Hygiene technicians to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 at the airport. st
Domestic carrier, Eastern Airways is to operate from Heathrow for the 1 time and help strengthen the airport’s domestic route network. The airline will be using the airport’s additional capacity to launch flights between Teesside International Airport and Heathrow from September onwards.
EUROPE AIR PASSENGERS DROP BY 60% Air passengers numbers in Europe are set to fall by 60% this year due to the coronavirus crisis, with recover forecasts unclear. With more flights operating in the past couple of months, 50% less than normal are flying compared to the same period last year. With a 2nd wave clearly on the rise, recovery is not expected until well in 2021 and beyond. This places 7 million jobs at risk in aviation and other related sectors like tourism. IATA believes that the level of aviation seen in 2019 will return no earlier than 2024.
RESTRUCTURED – RENATIONALISED – RENEWED: ALITALIA IS BACK! The national airline, Alitalia which has, for years been bankrupt now sees the Italian government proceed with a restructuring of the airline including purchasing new aircraft. With huge funding allocated by government, the first task will be acquisition of a new and efficient capable of generating operational profit least UK£90 million.
the the fleet of at
The new Alitalia will get rid of old Airbus A320s, A319s, A321s, A330s and Boeing 777s that comprise its current fleet in favour of brand new A320s for short haul and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for intercontinental routes. The aircraft are expected to be purchased with 50% discount. Talks have begun, but nothing signed as of yet. The decision to renationalise Alitalia came in March 2020, after no buyer was found for the airline as well as the industry collapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
VISTARA - LONG-HAUL 1
ST
FLIGHT FROM DELHI - LONDON
st
Vistara, a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines has flown its 1 long-haul flight from Delhi to London Heathrow with a brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline is operating special, non-stop flights under the bilateral ‘transport bubble’ from 28 August to 24 October 2020 and will fly the route 3 times a week. Vistara said it marks the growth for the airline and this introduce India’s finest and only
beginning of a new phase of flight was an opportunity to 5* airline to London.
Vistara is India’s highest-rated Tripadvisor and has also been Airline’ awards. In its 5 year operations and service delivery
airline on Skytrax and the winner of several ‘Best history, it has raised the bar for in the Indian aviation industry.
2020 A DEVASTATING YEAR FOR QANTAS 2020 has been a devastating one for the Qantas Group, whose financial results attribute more than half of its almost UK£1.11 billion statutory loss to the depreciation of aircraft value. Qantas officially joined the long list of airlines that are facing the toughest financial year in aviation history, with losses of UK£1.5 billion) and an UK£2.20 billion, an 82% fall in revenue from April – June 2020. Qantas expects to have 4,000 of its 6,000 job layoffs confirmed by the end of September 2020 while also continuing to stand down 20,000 of its employees. The airline has also stored 100 aircraft from its fleet in California to save up on maintenance costs.
