MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine the global monthly online magazine since 1997
vol. 24, issue 3, March 2021
CEUTA, a corner of Spain in Africa The EVENTS Industry and Economic Recovery The STAMP on a Postcard No Spring or Easter Travels for MOST European countries CYPRUS no Quarantine or Compulsory Vaccination for Tourists End of ALITALIA WELLNESS Travel into 2021 and Beyond
MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Volume 24, Issue 3, March 2021 edition – Online since 1997
Contents 8-10 CEUTA, A corner of Spain in Africa
13-14 The Events Industry And Economic Recovery 15 The Lisbon Tourism Exchange Postponed to May 2021 16 Travel Trade Athens Returns in April 2021 17 GDPR: UK Businesses Must Now Comply With Two Sets of Legislation 18 World Travel and Tourism Council to Hold Global Summit in April 2021 19-22 The STAMP on a Postcard 25 No Spring or Easter Travels for Most Europeans 26 China to Promote Rural Areas 27 Exploring Mars
Mount Olympus. Mars
29 Cyprus no Quarantine or Compulsory Vaccination for Tourists 30 Paraguay and Bolivia Mutual Tourism Development 33 End of ALITALIA 36 Historic Move - Opening Jordan-Israel Airspace 37 Due to Health Crisis Heathrow Airport Adds New Airport Tax 38-40 Wellness Travel into 2021 and Beyond Roman Bath, United Kingom
Message from
Caroline-Artemis It’s March and Spring is in the air! With that comes spring flowers and the recovery of tourism across many nations is also looking more positive. With many countries now undertaking Covid-19 vaccination programmes combined with a deep desire for many citizens to get back to travelling, and with the support of vaccination passports and more streamlined Covid-19 testing system prior to travel, and mask wearing could mean that international tourism is on its way back. Of course borders still need to open fully, hotels and restaurants need to open and the complete cycle of supply and infrastructure needs must be operational to support the tourism sector, but we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. However, we should not be surprised by the new changes that will be implemented allowing us to travel, and fly in particular. We have seen many changes in recent months and these will be here to stay for the foreseeable future. But we should be used to that; over the past 30 years there have been several major changes implemented by the aviation sector to make flying easier, quicker and to allow us to continue to travel safely.
From checking in online to printing our own boarding passes at the airport, we have been adapting to travelling through airports for a long time. Seat belts were only commonplace in aircraft from the 1930’s and 1940’s; today we would not think twice about buckling up once seated during a flight. Since 2006 we have had to remove our shoes at airport security, we can only take bottles of 100ml of liquid in our hand luggage and drinking water cannot be taken from landside to airside. As annoying as these restrictions may seem, they are only put in place due to serious incidents that threatened entire airports, aircraft, passengers and crew be it on land or in the air. So, the new ‘norm’ for travelling is changing again and we will adapt to it as always. Welcome to DESTINATION MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine and enjoy this March edition!
Caroline-Artemis Laspas co-founder & editor MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine
CEUTA A corner of Spain in Africa by Dimitri Laspas
The City of Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the north coast of Africa. It is bordered by Morocco but, th since the 15 century it has been administered by Spain! Ceuta is one of two Spanish provinces in North Africa, the other being the city of Melilla, another coastal settlement, further east along the coast of Morocco. Ceuta dates back to 319BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. In 1415, it was taken over by the Portuguese. It was only in 1668 that the peninsula came under Spanish control. It was a key geographical strategic, trading and military point. Ceuta's strategic location has led to many different civilisations having their influence on the area. It has been conquered by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and then the Portuguese and finally the Spanish. At just 18.5km² Ceuta is a tiny enclave but full of interesting attractions including ancient landmarks, museums, beautiful beaches and Greco-Roman and Spanish Colonial architecture.
In 1956 Spain recognised the independence of Morocco, but Ceuta and Melilla remained under Spanish rule. Morocco still disputes these territories. It is clean, pretty and very safe, yet it remains one of the least visited places in Africa! It is easy to visit Ceuta by high-speed ferry from the Spanish mainland. There are also a few cruise ships that dock at the city too. Access is also possible by land via Morocco, at passport control on the border.
Ceuta is perfect for exploring by foot or bicycle and offers some lovely shopping and a pretty waterfront. Be sure to visit the fort as it offers good views across the city. The Church of Santa María de Africa is a Roman Catholic Church in the centre of the city, while the Punta Almina Lighthouse is also worth seeing. The long sandy beaches are also beautiful . The medieval fortification Royal Walls date back to 962 and are impressive to see. Other must visit places of interest include: Baňos Arabes (Arab Baths) which were discovered by accident; Casa de Los Dragones (House of Dragons) with the large bronze Dragon statues on the roof. The bust of Platom Plaza de Africa, the Pillars of Hercules, Plaza de Los Reyes. In addition, the Museo de la Legión is worth the time and so is the Museo de la Basilica Tardorromana, located underground, where the only 4th-century Christian finds were discovered in the whole Northern Mediterranean region. For nature lovers, the Monte Hacho is an ancient mountainside fort with an army museum that offers stunning views of the area. The Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo is a complex offering swimming pools, waterfalls and gardens, plus restaurants, a casino and bars. Small and yet untouched by tourism, the city of Ceuta is a jewel of past civilisations on the tip of North Africa.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Venues
THE EVENTS INDUSTRY AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY The return of events in the UK may seem a long way from the horizon as we remain in lockdown and public health remains our priority, but the industry continues to look ahead and plan for the key role it will play in the recovery of the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. The All Party Parliamentary Group for Events and the Business Visits & Events Partnership have submitted a series of recommendations to the Covid Recovery Commission, set up to present bold and practical ideas to Government over the coming months to support higher productivity levels, encourage business investment and promote a culture of innovation across the UK. The recommendations follow the UK Government announcement last month that the 2021 G7 Summit will be held in Cornwall in June – the first face-to-face meeting of major world powers since the Coronavirus pandemic began. The G7 Summit is expected to bring UK£50 million into the Cornish economy and we know from our own experience hosting the NATO Wales Summit at Celtic Manor in 2014 just what an important and positive role major international events can play in boosting local economies and raising the profile of a destination. The G7 Summit and its satellite events will provide a strong indication that international conferences and business events can return in safety, and that the UK has the industry expertise to facilitate this. The events industry as a whole is worth UK£70 billion per annum to the UK economy in terms of visitor spend, a figure that represents more than 50% of all tourism spend. In addition, another UK£165 billion worth of trade is transacted at business events. These returns illustrate just how important and wide-reaching this sector is and, when we emerge from the Covid emergency, events will have a key role to play to promote the training, opportunity, levelling up and prosperity required for recovery. Business events showcase our industrial, scientific, academic and innovative skills to international markets, driving trade, exports and inward investment, while cultural events project our creative energy and educate and entertain our communities. It is not only venues and hospitality providers that reap the benefits of staging events. The industry has a wide and varied supply chain including many independent freelancers and the colossal impact of the pandemic has served to raise awareness of the sector’s broad reach. The UK£55 billion hole in the UK economy left by the almost complete closure of the events industry over the past 10 months has won the sector a heightened appreciation from government and the wider business community for its value and the broader economic, social and cultural benefits. The crisis has also seen the industry work together like never before to achieve this recognition and prepare the Covid-secure protocols that will play such a key part in our reopening strategy. The All Party Parliamentary Group for Events and the Business Visits & Events Partnership behind the latest recommendations have both played a key role in this enhanced profile. It is great to see our own Newport East MP, Jessica Morden, being part of the APPG for Events and giving the industry in Wales a voice in Parliament, having been such a strong supporter for the creation of International Convention Centre Wales in her constituency. While ICC Wales has now sadly been closed far longer than it was ever open following its brilliant launch in September 2019, we have been busy playing our part in these plans and working with industry bodies and Welsh Government to prepare for recovery and shape best practice for the resumption of events. Our Commercial Director Jill Manley chairs the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group that has worked together as stakeholders and with Welsh Government to support the sector through this crisis and prepare for the new ways in which we will have to operate when we return to business. Throughout this period, we have not stopped working with clients to reschedule events for future dates, while taking fresh enquiries for exciting new opportunities so we know there will an appetite for staging big events once more, when we are able to do so. Tied in with the general economic recovery, there will be increased demand for events that deliver experience, well-being, education and training. Experiential events will go beyond traditional event venues and drive visitor traffic to retail, high street and other environments.
It may remain some way off but I hope the G7 Summit can provide a turning point towards the return of events throughout the UK. The events industry has a unique role to play in revitalising not just the visitor economy, but the economy generally as it reaches so many other sectors in its extensive supply chain and far-reaching benefits. A full recovery will take time and will remain dependent on the public health developments, but it is vital that we all work together and that we take action now in order to ensure that recovery hits the ground running and is robust to the challenges ahead.
ICC WALES, UK LAUNCHES EXCITING SERIES OF MOTIVATIONAL MASTERCLASSES ICC Wales has launched a series of exciting online masterclasses designed to provide lifestyle and career motivation as well as a platform for attendees to connect with friends, colleagues and communities during these challenging times. Running from 26th February to the end of April, ICC Wales Live will feature live-streamed masterclasses which are free to attend and open to all. The convention centre has teamed up with a number of expert speakers, from an endurance athlete to a professional home organiser, who will deliver masterclasses on a diverse range of topics to help attendees unlock their own inner brilliance, both professionally and personally. Each inspirational masterclass will be one-hour long and include an introduction from ICC Wales and a question-andanswer session at the end. Jill Manley, Commercial Director at ICC Wales, said: “The past year has been extremely challenging for our industry so, while we remain unable to meet in person and stage face-to-face events, we wanted to create something that would be fun and enjoyable, as well as providing attendees with helpful tools and strategies they can take forward into their careers and lives. We’re thrilled to be working with some truly inspirational speakers and we hope that everyone enjoys the opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues while learning something new.” Kicking off the series on 26th February will be life coach Ken Kelling, who will lead a session titled ‘From Invisible to Influencer’. In this insightful session, Ken will lead attendees on a journey to help them grow their personal career profiles and make them as unforgettable as the events they organise. Ken’s session will feature actionable strategies that attendees can use in their careers and lives, whether that is speaking up in meetings or launching a new business. If you have ever wondered what you could achieve if you had the courage to put yourself “out there” more, this is the session for you. On 18th March, join professional home organiser Vicky Silverthorn for her Q&A style masterclass called ‘Clear Thinking: How to declutter your home and organise your life.’ As a household organiser to the stars and a regular contributor to Ideal Home magazine and TV shows including This Morning, Vicky knows a thing or two about streamlining your home so that the rest of your life follows, which is particularly important now that many of us are working from home. In her masterclass, Vicky will share the tricks of the trade to help you be more zen in your home and your life. In a fascinating session on 26th March, endurance athlete and TV presenter Lowri Morgan will share her expertise on ‘How to apply the resilience of a long-distance runner to go the extra mile in your career’. Lowri will reveal the motivational techniques that keep her going and explain how the single-mindedness, focus and determination she summons up for long distance running can be applied to reach your own milestones in business or to realise personal goals. Get ready to leave this session believing that anything is possible and prepared to set the bar high for your next challenge. More masterclasses will be announced shortly as dates and times are finalised. To find out more and to register to take part, visit https://www.iccwales.com/live-masterclasses/
THE IMTM FAIR IS NOW OPEN FOR EXHIBITORS REGISTRATION The International Mediterranean Tourism Fair (IMTM) held in Tel Aviv, Israel will run its 27th event, from 15-16 June 2021 in real form. This will provide the much needed opportunity for exhibitors from countries such as Greece, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Israel and countries of the Middle East to meet together. A digital event has also been launched and is open from 1st March until the end of the June event. Exhibitors, who guarantee their participation in June 2021, will have an additional virtual stand for an extended period of 4 months of brand visibility.
THE LISBON TOURISM EXCHANGE POSTPONED TO MAY 2021 BTL - Lisbon Tourism Exchange, Lisbon Tourism Exchange has been postponed until 12-16 May 2021 due to the continuing restrictions of the global pandemic. The new dates will allow for BTL, as the largest and best event to promote tourism in Portugal, will have the chance to be prepared for the safe participation of all attendees, thus hoping to organise an even more decisive event to boost promotion and business in the tourism sector.
1ST CANCUN BOAT SHOW
Cancun, Mexico is to host the 1st International Boat Show at Cancun Marine Exposition from 16-18 July 2021. The marina will be located in Marina Puerto Cancún, within the increasingly popular development of Puerto Cancún. The event will be held in person and will include a main exhibition area, a series of smaller exhibition areas, a demonstration area, exhibits of boats on the water for sea trials, a yacht of water taxi and a collection of luxury yachts in the marina basin. The aim is that the event will be the largest marine initiative in all of Mexico.
1st ‘LIVE’ MICE INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY MCE Central & Eastern Europe: 30 May - 1 June 2021 2021 is the year of the comeback, the year of the return to business and the time everyone has been looking forward to! After a year of challenges, patience, resilience, we will be more than happy with what we had and will have again. Europe Congress is looking forward to offering the MICE industry its 1st live event in Budapest, Hungary from 30 May – 1 June. After having celebrated the 10th annual edition of MCE Central & Eastern Europe in Vienna in 2020, Europe Congress is very excited to come back to host a forum in Budapest, the city where it last hosted an event in 2013. The setting up of a new Convention Bureau in Budapest is a unique opportunity to re-connect the various MICE providers from Central & Eastern Europe with event buyers keen on finding out why Central & Eastern Europe and Budapest specifically should be on each event planners short list to place an event at. ‘’We are greatly honoured to host again one of the most significant forums with an outstanding business value in the meetings industry, the MCE Central & Eastern Europe. This event will play an important role in restarting our industry, providing a place for the joint thinking and successful negotiations between the excellent suppliers and buyers looking for new solutions. After a year full of challenges and restrictions, it will definitely be a special pleasure to participate in a live event, to meet in person, to experience real encounters after a long period of online discussions and virtual events. For this we provide a great destination and wonderful experiences through the venues in Budapest, and the additional FAM trips.’’ Anna Békefi, Managing Director of the Budapest Convention Bureau mentioned. The renovated Radisson Blue Beke will host the event and various dinner venues will further impress all participants. Dynamic Tours DMC is the event partner assuring all ground transportation to perfectly match the event schedule and getting everyone in comfort to the various venues. “In the past when finding venues for clients, and now within my role in Europe Congress, I have always loved to come to Budapest. The city offers so much different culture from various periods within its rich history, and is therefore unique in Europe. The hospitable attitude, great cuisine, warm atmosphere and its wide offer for any type of events make it a destination to always consider.”, Alain Pallas, Managing Director of Europe Congress stated. The boutique event that will welcome up to 60 destinations and suppliers as well as up to 80 international event planners will be well able to implement any health and safety regulations valid at that time. The event will offer a great experience to all participants resulting in business growth, wonderful memories and a new fresh step towards the industry renewal.
FITUR 19-23 MAY 2021 The Spanish Minister of Industry, has confirmed that Fitur will be held in Madrid from 19-23 May this year signalling the ‘the rebirth of tourism.’ This also highlights that no economic recovery for many nations cannot happened without tourism’s recovery.
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
TRAVEL TRADE ATHENS RETURNS IN APRIL 2021 Travel Trade Athens returns on the 19-20 April 2021. The annual event connects some of the world’s biggest travel trade and MICE players with leading suppliers in the Greek tourism and MICE industry. th
Travel Trade Athens is the leading event for local and international tourism professionals. This year’s meeting is the 7 in the series, and it carries special significance as part of the recovery of the tourism industry in Athens. This year’s Travel Trade will be a top-notch hybrid event. Travel professionals and journalists from Europe, the UK, and the US will have the option to join the event in person or participate from home. All meetings will be held online, and professionals attending the event in Athens will be able to connect to the Travel Trade platform through their personal device or in specia lly designed areas at the venue while following all health regulations and precautions. Travel professionals who attend the event in Athens will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of thematic famtrips t hat showcase Athenian culture, hospitality, and gastronomy.
Travel Trade Athens offers a complete hosted buyers programme that includes air travel to and from Athens, accommodation in a 4or 5-star hotel, transfers, thematic tours, meals and social events, networking opportunities, as well as a pre -arranged set of online B2B meetings. Since its launch, Travel Trade Athens has hosted more than 500 buyers from 35 countries and has facilitated more than 15,000 B2B meetings. The hybrid model will accommodate a greater number of meetings and will lead to an increase in the number of business agreements. Travel Trade Athens is the signature event of the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) and is coorganized by This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and the European Tour Operators Associations (ETOA).
THAILAND HOPES TO REOPEN BY 1 JULY 2021 The #OpenThailandSafely campaign, with support FROM over 15 major companies including YAANA Ventures, Minor Group, Asian Trails, Capella Hotels and Resorts, EXO and many others, aims to get Thailand back open to tourists by 1st July 2021. The Open Thailand Safely campaign has set out its bid in a petition to the Royal Thai Government to respond positively based on the positive vaccination programmes taking place across the world and in other Thailand tourism source markets. The petition is open to anyone in Thailand or around the world who would like to see the country reopen. The campaign outlines reopening on 1st July for 5 reasons: - Most citizens in many source markets will have been vaccinated by then. - Thai medical authorities has time to vaccinate front line staff in hospitality settings in Thailand and/or vulnerable citizens around the country. - International travellers have time to make travel plans and bookings. - The opening date gives time to airlines, hotels, tour operators, etc to start marketing and sales and get ready for tourism operations to commence. - It expects Thailand will need at least a year or longer to return to the large numbers of international visitors as seen in 2019. International tourists can be asked to satisfy any safeguards the Thai Government may require; like proof of a Covid -19 vaccination from their home country, purchasing health insurance, showing proof of a negative Covi d test within 72 hours of departure, etc. The members of the Open Thailand Safely campaign will send the request to Thailand Prime Minister, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, and the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Tourism in Thailand pre-Covid was worth about UK£69.3 billion. The country saw 39.7 million international visitors in 2019. The sector sustains up to 8.3 million jobs. Arrivals fell to 6.7 million in 2020 making between 2 -4 million people unemployed.
*IMPORTANT UPDATE* THE MEETINGS SHOW After closely monitoring the ongoing impact of COVID-19, both locally and internationally, the decision has been made to move this year's show to 30 September 1 October 2021 at ExCeL London. The show will run as a hybrid event, allowing attendees to join in live or virtually. It is imperative to the organisers that both visitors and exhibitors feel confident in and safe at The Meetings Show. With the vaccine developments and testing programme, they will be able to deliver the type of show you know and deserve by the autumn. Relocating to ExCeL London - with its excellent transport connections and expansive show floor will help to ensure your comfort and safety at all times. Come and join your industry colleagues in supporting the recovery of the business meetings and events industry at The Meetings Show 2021.
GDPR: UK BUSINESSES MUST NOW COMPLY WITH TWO SETS OF LEGISLATION Data usage laws have now changed between the UK & the EU following Brexit. UK businesses must now comply with rules in both territories. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), requires organisations to protect data when either offering goods and services or monitoring the behaviour of individuals within the EU. The UK’s GDPR regulations are now separate from the EU’s GDPR regulations. Therefore there are now 2 data protection laws instead of just one; UK GDPR covering individuals in the UK and EU GDPR for individuals in the EU. Businesses holding both types of data, will now need to adhere to each of the two separate legislations. The UK is now officially considered a ‘third country’ under the EU GDPR, meaning that UK businesses serving EU consumers will need to comply with both the UK and EU GDPR measures. There are two actions that meetings and events organisations now need to action; 1. UK companies that hold data for the EU now need to review and update their existing data sets. This is to determine which proportion is EU data (and therefore subject to EU GDPR regulations); which is UK data (subject to UK GDPR regulations) and which data falls outside of both of these categories, for example, data sets for those based in America or Asia. 2. UK businesses need to appoint a representative within the EU to deal with any queries. These could be queries around a data breach or a data subject access request. This representative should live in any of the 27 EU countries. UK businesses only need an EU representative if they do not already have a branch or office in the EU. EU companies who hold UK data also have to have a representative in the UK, and EU based companies need to review and separate their data sets to determine which is now subject to UK GDPR regulations. Venuedirectory.com is running a series of webinars for the MICE sector regarding these changes.
ALGARVE TO ORGANISE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS Following the success of the Algarve Virtual Destination Showcase recently, the Portuguese region, Algarve Tourism is to promote the region as an events destination. The initiative was specifically aimed at professionals from the UK. British professionals learned about the diversity of the destination's offer, as well as the facilities and services available for holding associative and corporate events through two sessions led by the Algarve Tourism Association, the body responsible for promoting tourism in foreign markets - and through Faro Airport.
www.miceandtourismaroundtheworld.com
EMITT IS COMING BACK IN FEBRUARY 2022. The East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT) annually attracts over 44,000 visitors looking to discover new destinations and travel opportunities and meet the companies offering them. Here’s Why You Should Be There With Your Brand Meet a wide visitor audience Attracting over 44,000 industry professionals and tourists themselves, EMITT is the best place to meet your future clients and partners. Not only can you as an exhibitor meet thousands of visitors at your stand, the show’s Hosted Buyer Programme provides an opportunity to hold meetings with a highly-targeted invited group of key buyers from countries around the world. Promote your brand With the whole industry in one place, EMITT is the very best place to increase your brand visibility and present your latest deals and offers to the market. It’s a brilliant marketing tool to make sure the industry knows about your brand. Learn more about market trends Be the first to learn new market trends and gain valuable industry insight into the Turkish and global travel industries at the show’s exciting line-up of business events as well as first-hand knowledge from industry professionals attending the event. Keep an eye on your competitors Hundreds of travel service companies, accommodation providers and destinations will be at EMITT 2022 to showcase their offers and opportunities. With the industry’s top suppliers all on display, the show is a great opportunity to stay up-to-date with what’s on the market and find out where your competitors are heading.
WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL TO HOLD GLOBAL SUMMIT IN APRIL 2021 The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 20th Global Summit will now take place from 25-27 April in Cancun, Mexico. WTTC felt the move from the previous March date to April would allow time for the further relaxing of travel restrictions and therefore bringing more people together.
The Global Summit will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase what both Mexico and Cancun have to offer as a destination, along with the world-class health and safety protocols that have been implemented to host such an event. The event will take place in a hybrid format, allowing those unable to travel to benefit from the content virtually.
The STAMP on a Postcard by Caroline-Artemis Laspas
When was the last time you were on holiday and sent a postcard back home? This seems to be a holiday pastime that is in decline with all of us using mobile phone to send to friends and family instant phots within minutes of the event happening! Sending a postcard has become a truly traditional activity and with that a series of activities were needed to complete the task! With this rather wonderful pastime, you need to decide on the postcard to send, which thankfully, there are still many destinations with tourist shops offering picture postcards to buy. After deciding to put ‘pen to paper’ you would venture to the local post office and use your best sign language and/or basic knowledge of the foreign language to buy a stamp to send your note of joy on its way. What is also wonderful in this action is you are using a native stamp of the country you are visiting. Stamps are in reality bits of social history documented on little pieces of paper. They often also tell the story of a time and place or person of a nation.
Since the issue of the first ever postage stamp in the UK in 1840, the ‘Penny Black’, today, across the globe stamp collecting has become a big hobby for many. While recently looking through an inherited stamp collection from my Grandmother and father, so many stamps show the path of the British Empire in the early 1900’s from nations now celebrating many years of successful independence, as well as an extensive global collection of almost all nations of the world. Amongst the huge collection, the old stamps show previous head of states of nations or state countries that no longer exist, or show national icons, artists, sportsmen, authors, scientists, leaders of political parties that are no longer in power, as well as stamps marking key celebrations and traditional festivals and national flowers and fauna, etc.
Many of these stamps also play a role in attracting you to go to the country in terms of tourism. One example is the small European nation of Luxembourg. A series of stamps was issued highlighting rural holidays in Luxembourg. The stamps reflect the range of rural holidays like farm stays that offer new adventures and discoveries, especially for families. The island of Jersey issued a series of stamps that used aerial photographs of some the Island’s most loved features, as well as some of her best kept secrets.
In 2014, the Bahamas Philatelic Bureau issued 4 stamps which celebrated 50 years of tourism in the Bahamas. Established in 1964, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism begun promoting tourism on the islands. The stamps showed 4 of the best known hotels on the islands at that time. The oldest of the hotels featured was the Peace & Plenty Hotel, which opened in 1958 as a 24-room colonial style hotel on the site of an old sponge factory. In spite of the ever growing digital world we live in, we still require postage in one way or another! When was the last time you received an envelope with a real foreign stamp on it as opposed to a mechanical franked impression. Each stamp gives a unique perspective on so many different subjects. There was a time when stamp collecting was seen as boring and not trendy, but when combined with social media, stamp collecting is again a hot hobby for old and new around the world with many international clubs and societies connecting likeminded collectors!
So, the question is…. To stamp or not to stamp! I for one have already bought more stamp hinges for the hundreds of stamps I have to sort through!
Africa, Americas, Asia & Europe
Mykonos Island, Greece
NO SPRING OR EASTER TRAVELS FOR MOST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES For the second year running, many Europeans will not be able to take their spring or Easter holidays as continued restrictions remain in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the neverending variants striking many nations. This is traditionally a busy time of year and the start of the tourism season. Airlines, hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations continue to struggle with little hope of the total return to ‘normal’ anytime soon. For many this will be the second time they will have had to cancel or postpone travel plans, having already done so a year ago. Many say the answer is to holiday in your own country, but with extremely high demand with no one able to leave the country, places are already fully booked and very expensive as companies try to recoup lost revenue from the last year. China has just seen in the New Year of the Ox and witnessed limited travel at trains stations and bus terminals as citizens decided not to travel far. New Year travel is thought to be down 40% on 2019 figures. The tightening of travel restrictions from destinations like the USA has also meant less travel for Europeans. While travel into the European Union is also restricted, with entry bans and quarantine requirements for returning citizens. Europe is also looking at a very slow start to a vaccine rollout while addressing the spread of new variants. The best scenario will be a much shorter summer season than normal in destinations like Greece, Italy and Spain.
WHERE AMERICANS ARE LOOKING TO TRAVEL TO 2021 With tourists from America often a top target for many nations, many Americans are keen to get travelling again after the Covid pandemic and are now searching for their next vacation destination for 2021. The top 5 destination are: -Italy -Greece -Mexico -Canada -Caribbean. For Americans wishing to travel, they are now required to have a negative Covid-19 test result taken within the
previous 3 days to boarding a flight to the USA and the traveller must show proof of having recovered from the virus in the previous 3 months. With restrictions and new regulation coming into effect across all countries, it still remains a big risk deciding to travel as you may be required to isolate on arrival and/or return.
VENEZUELA AND IRAN UPDATE BI-LATERAL RELATIONS With 70 years of co-operation with bi-lateral relations, Venezuela and Iran have recently updated their co-operation plans to include tourism. The two sides have unveiled a strategic vision in terms of tourism and air transport. Venezuela
Developments will continue with greater cooperation in tourism including the relationship between the commercial Venetur and the cooperative company of Tourism of Iran.
WTTC CALLS FOR FOCUS ON INDIVIDUAL TRAVELLERS TO BOOST SAFETY The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) wants governments to abandon the ‘high-risk countries’ concept and to focus on how individual ‘high-risk travellers’ are treated at borders. This would help revive international business and leisure travel. In addition, the implementation of a common international consensus on the metrics used to assess risk and a laser-like focus on comprehensive, rapid departure and arrival testing could allow for travel to come back more quickly. It would also ensure infected passengers are forced to isolate, while travellers who test negative can continue to travels all the while observing hygiene protocols and mask wearing.
CHINA TO PROMOTE RURAL AREAS
As part of the 5-Year Plan (2021-2025), China’s Communist Party will make agriculture, rural areas and farmers a top priority, with a list of targets and tasks for 2021 to 2025. By 2025, China will see substantial progress in the modernising of agriculture and the rural areas with achievements based on a more solid agricultural foundation, as well as a narrower income gap between rural and urban residents. Plan includes to ensure the supply of grain and major agricultural products, as well as stabilising the sown area of grain and improving yield per area. It will also accelerate building modern breeding systems, promoting green and healthy aquaculture, and optimising the trade of agricultural products. China will also implement an action plan for rural construction, setting targets for better rural public infrastructure and basic public services, stronger rural consumption, and faster integrated urban-rural development.
BELIZE FOCUS ON YACHT TOURISM With crystal clear water and a tropical climate, Belize offers the ideal location for a yachting holiday. The Port of Belize Authority has highlighted the huge potential yachting has for the country and the ports of Belize, San Pedro, Belize City and Placencia are now designated ports of entry. The pandemic has led to families reconsidering their travel options and therefore a ‘bubble’ on a yacht is ideal in this new tourism era.
www.bmlinternational.co.uk
EXPLORING MARS NASA’s Perseverance rover safely landed on the surface of Planet Mars recently marking a new era in space exploration. After a 7 month journey from Earth to Mars, the successful landing means that over the coming years, it rover will survey the surface, collect samples of soil and rock which will eventually be sent back to earth by future spacecraft. The earliest any of its samples could be returned to Earth is 2031. For the first time ever we have also been able to see photos from the surface as well as the sound of the atmosphere on Mars surface.
The last rover to land on Mars was NASA’s Curiosity, in 2012. It has been exploring an ancient lake bed in Gale Crater. Here evidence of a once-habitable environment was found, but no previous life on Mars. In 2018, NASA InSight probe, has a seismometer that listens for ‘marsquakes’ shaking the ground. A Mars day is approx. 40minutes longer than an Earth day and NASA teams are working around the clock to maximise operations. The rover is expected to travel 15kms in one Mars year, which is nearly 2 years on Earth. rd
It is the 3 mission to reach the red planet, with both the UAE and China spacecraft both now in orbit. The Chinese mission, Tianwen1, expects to attempt landing on the surface as early as May.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA VISITOR ARRIVAL FOR 2021 SIMILAR TO 19TH CENTURY The effect of the global pandemic has led to visitor arrivals for 2021 to reflect those seen in the 19th century in Papua New Guinea. Combined with a drop of 19% in economic activity presents a loss of GDP of UK£1.43 billion. Recovery is not expected to be at pre-Covid levels for another 3 years. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Visitor arrivals in 2020 dropped by 84% to around 147,000 visitors, similar to arrival level during the period of 1990s.
This is a scene being reflected across many nations around the world especially within Europe.
CYPRUS NO QUARANTINE OR COMPULSORY VACCINATION FOR TOURISTS Limassol, Cyprus
Cyprus has decided that all tourists to the islands will not be required to have a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination to enter the country. This is expected to help support a growth in tourist figures during 2021. The main tourist markets for Cyprus are British, Israeli and Russian tourists, who represented 65% of the total tourist flow in 2019. Foreign visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test for Covid-19.
CONNECTICUT TO PROPOSE MAKING PIZZA OFFICIAL STATE FOOD Two lawmakers from Connecticut, USA are proposing to make pizza the official state food of the state. Most people would connect New York with pizza, but Connecticut believes they too have very good pizza which needs to be highlighted. Most Connecticut pizza comes from family-owned and founded businesses, giving them their own identity, their own following and they’re small businesses that really have a big footprint in their communities.
CHINA A REFERENCE FOR TOURISM RECOVERY IN COSTA RICA Costa Rican tourism has been hard hit due to the Covid-19 epidemic and as a result, one of its top tourist markets, China has seen none or very few tourists over the past year. However, Costa Rica is now ready to welcome Chinese and other tourists back. 2021 will see great impetus from Cost Rica which will put in place a series of actions to set the recovery of tourism in the country. The tourism bodies of Costa Rica have laid out ways to get Chinese tourists back and these include greater flexibility when meeting the needs of any Chinese tourists wanting to visit Costa Rica and how to get the most out of your travel needs for the two Chinese cities in Beijing and Shanghai and how to visit Costa Rica as a tourist. China and Costa Rica have had stabile diplomatic relations since 2007.
CANADA NO CRUISE VESSELS UNTIL FEBRUARY 2022
A new blow to the Canadian cruise sector, as Canada Transport Officials have extended the ban of cruise vessels carrying more than 100 or more people to operate in all Canadian waters until the end of February 2022. This effectively cancels the 2021 Alaska and Canada New England seasons for all but small, U.S. flagged vessels. The order includes all adventure pleasure craft and passenger vessels from entering Canada's Arctic waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and the Labrador Coast, thereby effecting smaller expedition vessels from operating their 2021 itineraries. The ban is part of wider measures to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic across Canada.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BOSTON CONTINUES RUN OF 5* AWARDS The 2021 Forbes Travel Guide annual Star Rating list sees yet again the Four Seasons Hotel Boston celebrate 22 consecutive years as a 5* hotel, the Guide’s highest ranking. Described as ‘an exquisite Boston classic’ by Forbes Travel Guide, the Hotel is the longest-running 5* property in the city. New England’s most luxury hotel, offers an urban oasis that allow guests to embrace the city’s rich history and experience the timeless classic of the iconic hotel property. The hotel offers 273 luxurious guest rooms, 77 expansive suites, indoor pool, and spectacular, light-filled event spaces overlooking the Boston Public Garden.
PARAGUAY AND BOLIVIA MUTUAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT In a bid to consolidate tourism between the 2 nations, the tourism ministries of Paraguay and Bolivia have begun working together to promote each nation to the other. To date, a virtual presentation for wholesale operators in Paraguay highlights offerings of tourism in Bolivia, which includes culture, historical heritage, diverse landscapes and climates in different regions, as well as the many archaeological sites, and the commitment to sustainable tourism, tourist products, and to highlight its native peoples.
CRYSTAL CRUISES WILL ONLY ACCEPT VACCINATED PASSENGERS The luxury cruise brand Crystal Cruises has decided that it will only accept passengers onto its ships who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. This could indeed become the normal for any number of companies. All passengers will have to have had the vaccine at least 14 days before the cruise and show proof in order to board the ship. Crystal Cruises says its objective is to increase and intensify the measures of its Crystal Clean + 4.0 programme, which include mandatory tests for Covid-19 in passengers and crew, wearing a mask, cleaning and disinfection of environments, reduced capacity, physical distance, temperature control, among others. Crystal's river fleet will begin sailing from May 2021 while sea cruise ships are on hold until June, with ships Endeavor and Esprit not sailing until August. This allows more travellers to get vaccinated and therefore able to travel, especially as the vaccination roll out is different in each country around the world.
the
TRAVEL AGENTS TO SELL 2 NEW BRITISH AIRWAYS REFUNDABLE TICKET TYPES In a bid to get travel back to normal, BA has launched 2 new ticket types which are aimed at business travellers and can be only purchased at present via travel agents and not online. The new fares; Select and Select Pro allow for a full or partial refund with a cancellation fee of a little as UK£50. They will be on sale to the public when ‘Book With Confidence’ option currently running is withdrawn. Select and Select Pro both allow free changes to your ticket, but with the fare difference being paid. Select Pro is fully refundable, but is only available on long-haul routes. Select is refundable with a fee. The only difference between Select Pro and a traditional ‘Fully Flexible’ ticket is that you must actively cancel a Select Pro ticket before departure. You cannot ask for a refund in the future.
END OF ALITALIA As Italian national carrier, Alitalia sees no signs of improving its financial standing, the Italian government wants to create a new national carrier from it, which would be called ITA (Italy Air Transport). Approval from the EU is scheduled but it seems that after 75 years Alitalia will close as the European ‘Union’ refuses to save the national airline of one of its ’united’ members, despite letting another ‘member’ country rescue its own airline (Lufthansa) with UK£ 7.78 billion. This is the same path that the Greek national carrier, Olympic Airways, which now runs domestic flights within Greece had to take. It is hoped that Italy Air Transport (Italia Trasporto Aereo) could begin operations this year.
XINJIANG BUILDS 37 AIRPORTS IN 5 YEARS TO ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is set to construct 15 civil airports within the next 5 years. In the past 5 years, the number of civil airports grew by 22. This is all part of the wider 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) which aims to bring 37 airports to the region. Expansion to the Kashgar and Turpan airports is scheduled in 2021 as well as the beginning of construction of the Zhaosu and Tashikurgan airports. New airports will begin construction in Qitai, Bayanbulak, Barkol, Wusu, and Hoboksar by the end of 2021. Airports are also planned at Aheqi, Baicheng, Qinggil and Jeminay. This expansion not only gives wider connectivity but aims to bring in more tourists in years to come.
FALKLANDS SUSPENDS LINKS TO CHILE AND BRAZIL The Falkland Islands has suspended commercial air links with Chile and Brazil until 29 June 2021, due to continued issues with the global pandemic. With travel restrictions, global border controls and the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus the decision was made to put back to opening up of the islands.
KENYA AND NIGERIA AUTHORISE RETURN OF 737 MAX Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority have both announced that the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft can fly into their airspace. Nigerian airlines has orders for the aircraft which include Air Peace (ten 737 MAX 8s), Arik Air (eight 737 MAX 8s) and Green Africa Airways (50 firm orders and 50 options). Kenya's airlines do not currently operate any Boeing 737 MAX, but the certification will allow other carriers, like Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines to fly the 737 MAX into Kenya’s airspace. Ethiopian Airlines will restart Boeing 737 MAX operations in MAX 8s in its fleet.
July 2021. Currently, Ethiopian Airlines has 4 Boeing 737
HISTORIC MOVE - OPENING JORDAN-ISRAEL AIRSPACE The Kingdom of Jordan and State of Israel have reached an historic agreement to allow flights to cross over each country’s airspace. This will allow for direct routes and will shorten flight times. This is the latest in a number of political and strategic agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
CHINA DESIGN AND BUILD NEW PHNOM PENH AIRPORT Cambodia’s new international airport in Phnom Penh will be designed and built by a Chinese company, Metallurgical Corporation. This is the latest in a number of projects funded by China in the country. The new 700-hectare Phnom Penh airport is located approx. 35kms south of the capital which is part of a larger residential-commercial development spanning 2,600 hectares. Phnom Penh’s existing airport, which saw a new Japanese-built terminal open a couple of years ago will remain open but will operate domestic flights, air cargo, state delegations st and military use. The new airport is scheduled to open its 1 phase in 2023, as part of the country’s strategy to increase tourism. In addition, another China-backed airport is being built in Siem Reap Province, the location of the famous Angkor Wat Temple. The airports are currently French owned, going back to French occupation, however it looks likely they will be bought out allowing for full Chinese control to run all of Cambodia’s airports.
US BILLIONAIRE PLUS 3 PEOPLE TO BE 1st ALL CIVILIAN SPACE FLIGHT st
Later this year, SpaceX aims to send the 1 all civilian flight into space, with one seat filled via a lottery system. The 4-place flight has been bought by a US billionaire, Jared Isaacman who is donating the other 3 seats to people from the general public to raise money for the St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The aim is to raise at least UK£143million for the medical facility. 29 year old Hayley Arceneaux, who beat cancer as a child, has been confirmed as one of the other crew members on the Inspiration 4 mission.
POBEDA AIRLINES BEGINS NEW FLIGHTS TO ANTALYA FROM YEKATERINBURG AND PERM Low-cost airline Pobeda, part of the Aeroflot Group, has begun new international scheduled flights from Ekaterinburg to Antalya, Turkey and from Perm to Antalya. th
Flights to Antalya from Yekaterinburg will begin 4 June th 2021 and operate 3 times a week and from Perm from 5 June 2021, operating twice a week. As part of the 2021 summer schedule, regular flights to Antalya will operate from Moscow and Kazan. Low-cost airline Pobeda is the leading domestic airline in Russia aiming to increase with air mobility and transport accessibility of the regions of Russia for its population.
FRONTIER AIRLINES TO ESTABLISH ATLANTA BASE
From May 2021, low cost airline Frontier Airlines will have a crew base at Tampa International Airport, USA, hosting 250 flight attendants and 140 pilots initially with numbers reaching approx. 400 by the end of 2021. The airline also plans to open a crew base at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport later on in 2021. These bases are in light of the growth of the low-cost and leisure sectors with new routes due to open this year.
Frontier currently offers nearly 20 nonstop routes from Tampa International Airport and more than 15 nonstop options from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with many more flight connections within Frontier’s domestic and international network.
DUE TO HEALTH CRISIS HEATHROW AIRPORT ADDS NEW AIRPORT TAX From now on, Heathrow Airport will charge an additional UK£8.90 tax to all tickets, in a bid to make up for lost fees during the pandemic. The new tax is a ‘United Kingdom Exceptional Regulatory Charge’. It applies to anyone departing from London Heathrow Airport. This is on top of the other taxes already in place; air passenger duty, passenger service charge, etc. It is hoped that the tax could be eliminated by the end of 2021, if the pandemic subsides. London Heathrow Airport
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL GRANT
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) will receive a government grant of UK£10.18 million under the National Trades Corridor Fund to upgrade 3 infrastructure assets at the airport. The improvements will help to increase the region’s capacity to handle inbound and outbound commerce. The airport’s Apron 7 will be expanded by 47,000m² to accommodate two additional wide-body aircraft parking positions.
EASTERN AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES NEW SERVICES FROM SOUTHAMPTON AND BIRMINGHAM TO GIBRALTAR, UNITED KINGDOM At the end of May 2021 the UK based airline, Eastern Airways is to begin operations twice a week to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar leaving from Birmingham and Southampton. The routes will use the Embraer 190 eJet fleet. This will be Eastern Airlines first regular scheduled services to Gibraltar. In turn the new route will grow the number of destinations served by both Birmingham and Southampton airports. Gibraltar is a popular short break destination with British citizens. Eastern Airlines serves hubs including Aberdeen, Anglesey, Belfast-City, Cardiff-Wales, Humberside, Leeds-Bradford, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newquay, Southampton and Teesside with Birmingham, Dublin, Nantes, Rennes and Gibraltar. Eastern Airways also codeshares Guernsey Islands airline, Aurigny serving the Channel Islands.
WELLNESS TRAVEL INTO 2021 and BEYOND by Asalya Ignati
As we come to terms with the pandemic having changed our lives and as we adapt to the new norm, there are many sectors of our lives which have and will continue to change, like a more digital society; more online shopping, be it for leisure or essentials; internet banking – many banks have closed hundreds of branches and now market themselves as ‘digital banks’; interviews will be via the PC and no longer in person. Another shift will be in our travel choices. After months of lockdowns, sanitiser, hand washing, face masks and no human contact, combined with restrictions on movement both local, national and international, we can all do with a break; a holiday to recharge ourselves and reboot. Travel will slowly return and many places will be replying on us travelling again to keep their economies going. With many airlines and cruise companies requiring proof of vaccination prior to boarding, it will take a while for us all to get used to it. Our desire to travel will be great and even more so will our desire to make our wellearned holiday mean more than anything. We need a treat! Welcome to the doom in wellness tourism. Over the coming months and despite the availability of vaccines, social distancing will continue for some time to come, which means tourism has to adapt to cater for these new regulations. As borders gradually open the types of holidays in demand will be different. Here is where we think the changes will be. No Pressure, No Worries: Our mental health has had a hard time and to readdress the balance we need a vacation with no stress and no anxiety. We need to escape the past year and appreciate clean, clear fresh air and see the blue sea and green nature. Many hotels, resorts and tour operators are making these mainstream offerings rather than add-ons. Longer Breaks: The pandemic has made many of us slow down. We have discovered that it was very necessary and now we like this new slower pace of life. No more busy schedules; we need time to have a slightly longer holiday. Sustainable Travel & Eco-Tourism: Throughout the pandemic, almost unknowingly, we have been living more sustainably. There already was a growing sector of sustainable tourism businesses and now destinations are no longer looking to mass tourism as it is unsustainable and many destinations simply could not cope More of us are purposefully considering our environmental impact on the kind of travel and tourism options we take. Many tourism companies and accommodation have adopted green business practices and encourage guests to enjoy supporting them during their holiday.
Immunity Booster Vacations: To be our best we need to be relaxed, have a good diet and exercise. We need an immunity boosting holiday to strengthen our inner selves.
Escape To Nature: It is well known that nature does wonders for mind, body and soul. So the demand for such vacations will be high and therefore many places are making even more effort to ensure visitors get the most out of the destination through eco-resorts, wilderness trips, green hotels, nature-therapy treatments and all with sustainability at the forefront of their offering as well as the prospect of allowing visitors to tap into the body’s ability for self-healing. Fitness And Weight Loss Holidays: One thing the lockdown did was release the inner cook or baker in us all. Our waistbands expanded and with gyms and other sporting activities shut, we all became a different shape! Therefore holidays promoting fitness combined with a good healthy diet to enjoy while on holiday is just what the doctor ordered! Digital Detox: The pandemic meant we were all required to be online more for continuing our lives from school teaching to meetings and attending events. We had to become technology gurus in a matter of months and it was a great challenge for many! From PCs, laptops, smart TV’s, mobile phones and tablets, we became even more dependent on our digital equipment. Therefore the need to have a ‘digital free’ vacation is something many will desire more than ever in order to re-connect with the real world; to rediscover the feel of a book and to really see what is around us. Many places already have digital free zones; digital free hours; digital free restaurants. Long may this continue! Family-Friendly Breaks: For some people it will have been months they have not seen friends and family, so a holiday involving the extended family or friends will feed our need to get social again and with that maybe to learn a new craft or skill at the same time; from family yoga classes to dance classes or a craft lesson. The key is to do it with people! Vegan Vacations: Not all of us will wish to become vegan or even vegetarian, but the shift into a more healthy diet will incorporate a diet with far less meat and dairy in it. Veganism increasing supports sustainability and when all combined, you are probably not as far away from this as you might imagine!
