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Thai Vietjet power packs fares

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 18 January 2022: Thai Vietjet launched Monday its ‘Power Pack’ promotion consisting of different packs of air passes for flying Thai Vietjet’s domestic network.

The ‘Power Pack’ are packs of flight tickets where passengers can use as prepaid passes to fly on Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic network, with five-year validity. The packs are available in five variations, including bundles of six flight passes at THB5,500 each, 12 flight passes at THB10,000 each, 24 flight passes at THB19,000 each, 50 flight passes at THB38,000 each, and 100 flight passes at THB75,000 each. Passengers are able to redeem a prepaid air pass from ‘Power Pack’ for a THB 0 flight ticket (excluding taxes, fees, and add-on services) for a round trip or one-way travel on the airline’s entire domestic flight network.

Passengers can register as SkyFUN members for free and purchase ‘Power Packs’ as of yesterday, 17 January. The offer closes 31 January 2022, at www.vietjetair.com.

With a lifespan of five years, the packs are redeemable for travel until 31 December 2026 (not valid on public holidays and announced blackout periods).

Passengers can book a flight at least three hours before the departure time at www.vietjetair.com. The passes are transferable since passengers’ names are not restricted and can be changed anytime when booking a flight. The promotion applies to only adult passengers.

Packs are valid for the airline’s entire domestic network in Thailand from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani, cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and the flight from Chiang Rai to Hat Yai. The promotional packs are also available on all other distribution channels, including www.vietjetair.com, mobile app “Vietjet Air”, via Facebook at www.facebook.com/VietJetThailand by clicking the “Booking” tab, as well as travel agencies and booking offices. Payment can be made with ‘True Money Wallet’ and international debit/ credit cards.

Vietnam expands airports

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANOI, 18 January 2022: Vietnam intends to have 28 airports, including 14 international ones, by 2030, according to a draft master plan on developing airports nationwide for 2021 to 2030 with a forward look to 2050.

According to the Vietnam Government Portal, the plan has been submitted to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for approval. By the close of the expansion, the country’s airports will serve about 275.9 million passengers and handle some 4.1 million tons of cargo a year.

Noi Bai airport is an international airport serving mainly Hanoi capital and the surrounding areas.

The Ministry of Transport will prioritise investments in major airports such as Noi Bai in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City. It will also upgrade 22 existing airports and build six new ones, namely Long Thanh, Na San, Lai Chau, Sa Pa, Quang Ninh and Phan Thiet.

By 2050, the number of airports nationwide will increase to 31, including 14 international ones.   

The Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Transport to review plans for Danang and Chu Lai airports to move on to the approval stage.

(Source: VGP)

Sarawak eases entry rule

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 18 January 2022: Malaysians who wish to enter Sarawak no longer need to apply through EnterSarawak if they have no history of travelling abroad in the past 14 days, the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced at the weekend.

The new rule is also applicable to non-Malaysians who have been in the country for more than two weeks.

Sarawak Tourism Board says the update is a positive development for the state tourism sector and expressed its confidence in the recovery of the industry in 2022.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said: “This update makes travelling into Sarawak even more seamless. We are confident this move will bode well for the entire state and for Sarawak tourism as we continue to intensify promoting our tourism destinations to the domestic market in 2022.

“On our end, we will further highlight culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals which are unique to Sarawak.”

According to SDMC’s travel requirements, it is still mandatory for those entering Sarawak to fill up the e-Health Declaration Form. Individuals must also be fully vaccinated, and their vaccination status will be checked at the airport.

About Sarawak

Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, is endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 sq km, with towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, winding rivers and quiet beaches, where adventures are waiting to happen. Festivals are hosted throughout the year to celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music and religious practices that can be found nowhere else.

For more information visit: https://sarawaktourism.com/

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Qantas and Jetstar reduce some services

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 18 January 2022: Qantas and Jetstar are adjusting flying levels to better match travel demand in light of the sudden growth in Covid-19 cases.

The Qantas Group now expects domestic capacity for the third quarter of FY22 (January to March) to be at around 70% of pre-Covid levels, down from the 102% that had been planned.

The schedule changes are focused on reducing flights and aircraft size. The group’s total international capacity for the same period will fall from 30% to around 20% of pre-Covid levels. This reduction is driven by increased travel restrictions in countries like Japan, Thailand and Indonesia and is mostly impacting Jetstar’s leisure routes. Other markets – such as London, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Johannesburg and India – continue to perform well.

Customers will be contacted directly from late January if their booking is impacted by cancellations and offered alternative flights that, in most cases, are likely to be a difference of a few hours if travelling domestically.

An assessment on the financial impact of these changes will be given at the group’s half-year results in late February, by which time a clearer picture will have emerged on swing factors such as actual demand levels; potential loosening or tightening of travel restrictions in countries overseas; and consumer response to the reopening of Western Australia next month. No material adjustments have been made to capacity expectations for Q4 FY22 (April to June).

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “The sudden uptick in Covid-19 cases is having a noticeable impact on consumer behaviour across various sectors, including travel, but we know it’s temporary.

“Thankfully, Australia has one of the world’s highest vaccination rates, and the Omicron variant is milder than its predecessors. So, as challenging as this current phase is, we’re optimistic that it is likely to fast track a return to normal.

“People are already looking beyond what’s happening now with early bookings for the Easter holidays in April looking promising for both domestic and international.

“We have the flexibility to add capacity back if demand improves earlier than expected, but 70% still represents a lot of domestic flying, and it’s a quantum improvement on the levels we faced only a few months ago.

“Our focus on positive cash flying remains, notwithstanding some of the costs that we’ll have to absorb from this sudden drop in demand.

Customers will be contacted directly by Qantas or their travel agent from late January if their booking has been impacted by flight cancellations.

Not a good time for a travel tax

By
Don Ross
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CHIANG RAI, 18 January 2022: Thailand’s THB300 (USD9) travel tax, due to start this April, is a drop in the ocean compared with all the other entry costs imposed on intrepid travellers since Covid-19 disrupted our lives.

Flagged as a worthy cause, the government will use the tax to restore heritage tourist sites and fund the cost of accident insurance for tourists.

But the country’s tourism and hospitality industry is having none of that, claiming the tax is a body blow to travel confidence that is already languishing at ground zero.

On and off the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ agenda for five years or more, the original proposal pegged the tax at THB500, levied on tourists arriving by air, land and sea. Opposition from the travel industry whittled it down to THB300 over time.

Back in pre-Covid-19 days, it would have constituted a windfall if successfully extracted from 40 million tourist arrivals. But for 2022, the tourist arrival predictions are down to 5 million, although optimists nudge the forecasts up to 15 million, which is highly unlikely. In 2021, Thailand welcomed just 200,000 foreign visitors, and if January is anything to go by, recovery is a none starter as long as the Test & Go scheme sits on the shelf. 

But back to the travel tax. Most travellers will cough up the THB300 travel tax without really noticing it. It joins the THB700 airport departure tax as a cost added to airline tickets.

Land and sea arrivals will probably be able to pay the tax through an app, or the fallback will be a queue at yet another border checkpoint kiosk. More than 40 countries worldwide collect versions of the so-called tourist tax. Thailand is not alone but it is the first in Southeast Asia to tax international travellers on arrival.

Travel and hospitality industry voices are more concerned about the message the tax sends to international travellers who are already struggling with the high cost of travel to Thailand in Covid times.

A retiree tourist told me he will pay around UKP1,000 in additional costs to enter Thailand during the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, Covid-19 entry rules demand travellers buy an insurance policy with USD50,000 cover. That can cost from THB1,000 if you are in your 40s to as much as THB40,000 if you are over 70.

If you travel to Bangkok and are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, you will need to pay for alternative quarantine in a certified hotel for seven days. It will cost around THB21,000 for a package that includes meals, two PCR tests and airport transfer. But the PCR test before your board a plane to Thailand is another cost item at around THB3,500. PCR testing could add THB7,000 to THB10,500 to the cost of entering Thailand.

Even if you enter on a one-year retiree visa, you will need to buy a return fare (around TH16,000 each way). You might not use the return sector, but you must have it to show the immigration officer if they ask to see it.

Yes, the THB300 travel tax won’t break the bank, but do your sums and compare the cost of entry before Covid-19 popped its head over the parapet in January 2020 with what it costs two years later. Travel is more costly than ever, and most of the damage is attributed to entry fees linked to the pandemic. Is it too much to ask the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to suspend the travel tax until Covid-19 recedes into oblivion? Travellers deserve a small break entry costs.

Norwegian Cruises’ Viva sets sail 2023

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 January 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled Norwegian Viva, the next ship in its brand-new Prima Class.

Norwegian Viva will begin sailing Mediterranean itineraries in June 2023, homeporting in key southern European port cities including Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece.

She will then sail the southern Caribbean for her 2023-2024 northern hemisphere winter season offering warm-weather getaways from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Mirroring the design and structure of her sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva (also built by shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy) will debut at 965 feet long, 42,500 gross tons and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy.

More environmentally friendly

The first two Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva will feature alternative technologies, such as a NOx reduction system (SCR), that reduce the ship’s overall environmental impact. SCR catalysts filter out sulphur oxides up to 98% and nitrogen oxides up to 90%, ensuring the vessels meet Tier III NOx compliance. Further, they will be equipped with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), an Advanced Wastewater Treatment System to treat and clean all wastewater to meet stringent international standards and Cold Ironing functionality to connect to onshore power grids to further reduce emissions while in port.

The Maldives designates marine protected areas

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TTR WEEKLY
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LAAMU, Maldives, 18 January 2022: The Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his administration designated six naturally unique and eco-rich areas in Laamu Atoll as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The announcement comes just two months after the atoll was declared as a Hope Spot by Mission Blue while the  Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) was also recognised as a global leader in marine conservation during the recent 20th Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards.

The MUI team with Marteyne van Well, General Manager of Six Senses Laamu.

MUI, the marine biology team at Six Senses Laamu, consisting of hosts from the resort and its three partner NGOs: The Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and The Olive Ridley Project, was named Marine and Coastal category winner at the 2021 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. Three independent sustainability experts judged 50 entrees from 26 countries, placing MUI top in its category ahead of five other projects.

This award celebrates the team’s dedication to marine conservation through their research, education and community outreach work. Their research has been presented at both science symposiums and governmental meetings to drive policy change. They have provided 199 children in Laamu with marine conservation and environmental education and brought 566 students from local schools on snorkelling excursions. Since 2019, they have had 26,000 moments of education with guests and certified 165 children through their Junior Marine Biology Programme.

Six Designated Marine Protected Areas

MUI’s celebrations continued when the President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, announced six MPAs were coming to Laamu. The team has been working towards this milestone for many years.

“Since MUI was formed, our ultimate goal has been to protect Laamu’s marine habitats and keystone megafauna species through legislation,” says Philippa Roe, MUI’s Head Marine Biologist. “For years, the partners within MUI – Six Senses Laamu, the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project – have been gathering research on Laamu’s marine ecosystems and species, much of which was used as evidence to support marine protection.”

The areas which have been designated for marine protection include the turtle nesting beach, mangrove and seagrass area of L. Gaadhoo (a neighbouring uninhabited island of Six Senses Laamu), the channel between Six Senses Laamu and L. Gaadhoo, the mangrove of L. Hithadhoo (an inhabited island on the other side of Six Senses Laamu), as well as two channels, a mangrove, a wetland and an island in other areas of the atoll.

Now that these MPAs have been designated, the Environment Ministry will work with stakeholders, including Atoll and Island Councils, to develop management plans for each area. MUI and Blue Marine Foundation will continue to engage with local community members and leaders in the atoll, providing advice and assistance wherever needed.

Mission Blue Hope Spot

This welcome news comes just two months after the Laamu Atoll was declared as a Hope Spot by the international marine conservation non-profit Mission Blue. The Hope Spot announcement highlighted the importance of marine ecosystems in the atoll and the need for further protection.

Bhutan reopens ancient trail

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 January 2022: An ancient Trans Bhutan Trail opens this March for the first time in 60 years, with community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, named the launch partner.

Following two years of extensive restoration, the historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail will be officially inaugurated by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, who spearheaded the restoration work on the ancient route for tourism, adventure and connection.

From April 2022, international tourists will be able to walk the trail for the first time, simultaneously providing much-needed economic benefits to rural communities along the way.

Community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, has been selected by the Bhutan Canada Foundation, the non-profit organisation that led the restoration of the trail, as the first group adventure operator when the trail launches to the public.

Two new Active trekking itineraries are now available to book with G Adventures, an 11-day Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail trip, which features camping and homestays, and a 12-day Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail itinerary with accommodation in homestays, locally-owned guest houses and hotels.

The Trans Bhutan Trail’s origins go back thousands of years to when it was part of the ancient Silk Road. Official records can be traced to the 16th century when it was the only route between the east and west of the country, connecting fortresses – or Dzongs – deep in the remote eastern Himalayas. It also served as the pilgrimage route for Buddhists in the east to travel to sacred sites in western Bhutan and Tibet, and legendary Garps –  trail runners – would travel the trail at great speed by foot with mail and important messages, often making their journeys without food or water.

When construction of the national highway began across Bhutan in the 1960s, the trail’s ancient stairways and footpaths gradually fell into disrepair. To prepare for the reopening, in March 2020, the team of surveyors restoring the ancient route began clearing jungles, fording rivers and reconstructing bridges to their former glory. As they worked, communities provided hospitality and assistance, elders shared stories of the past, and children marvelled at this unusual group, even as Bhutan and the world were enveloped in the emerging Covid crisis.

G Adventures vice president of product Yves Marceau says the operator’s two tours focus on trekking specially selected parts of the 403-km (250-mile) trail and connecting with local people to learn about Bhutanese life and culture, thus combining active travel and cultural immersion with the benefits of community tourism.

“We’re honoured to be working with the Bhutan Canada Foundation and the Trans Bhutan Trail to launch this newly restored route in magical Bhutan. It’s a country we’ve run tours in for more than a decade and have long admired for its commitment to the happiness of its people and sustainable way of life, which are both philosophies that align with our values as an organisation.

“Trails have historically connected remote communities and helped distribute much-needed income to local people as travellers move across the landscape. In today’s world, the pandemic has encouraged people to spend more time in nature, and now they are looking for similar experiences when they travel. Our new trips cover the highlights of the trail as hikers traverse forests and meadows and travel through rural settlements around the Dzongs. Travellers can expect an average of three to four hours of hiking each day and delicious local meals each night, whether they are camping or staying in homestays, hotels or local guest houses,” says Marceau.

Bhutan Canada Foundation chair and lead donor for the trail Sam Blyth says G Adventures was an obvious partner to help relaunch the trail given the company’s long history and success running small group tours and giving back to destinations through its commitment to community tourism.  

“Spanning the world’s only carbon-negative country, the Trans Bhutan Trail also reflects the country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness and enables the children of Bhutan to continue to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. It’s our vision that one day the Trans Bhutan Trail will be considered one of the great walks of the world,” says Blyth.

It is expected that Bhutan’s borders will reopen to tourism ahead of the Trans Bhutan Trail’s official opening ceremony in March 2022. The two new G Adventures trips on the Trans Bhutan Trail depart from 1 May 2022.

Both are available to book now and include the permits required to walk the trail. Itineraries as follows: 

  • Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail – Until the 1960s, the Trans Bhutan Trail was the only real way to traverse the mountain kingdom of Bhutan before it fell into disuse. Thankfully, it’s back, and this 11-day tour will show the world what it’s been missing. Covering some of the best portions of this 403 km trail, travellers use their own two feet to experience breathtaking, diverse landscapes and timeless villages from a different era. The tour provides a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural and spiritual life that is only possible off the beaten path. An 11-day trip travelling from Paro return is priced from AUD4,199pp for departures from 15 May 2022.
  • Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail – Explore the happiest country on Earth while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years. On this 12-day tour, travel and trek along the best portions of this historic trail, venturing from east to west, hiking high mountain passes across lush river valleys and through villages from a different era, stopping to soak in local history, culture, and customs along the way. A 12-day Active trip travelling from Paro return is priced from AUD5,399pp for departures from 1 May 2022.

For more information on G Adventures, please visit www.gadventures.com. For more information on the Trans Bhutan Trail see https://transbhutantrail.bt. 

X-Change Malaysia recharges business travel

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR 17 January 2022: The 2nd edition of X-Change Malaysia themed ‘Recharging Business Travel’ will take place on 26 January.

The virtual discourse will feature around 20 experts in business tourism. The keynote address will be presented by MyCEB chief executive officer, YBhg Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani Daud.

Guest Panelists of X-Change Malaysia – 2nd Edition.

A leading business travel destination in Asia, Malaysia is stepping up its communications to attract local and international meetings and events.

The virtual discourse curated by Ab & Artho Tourism Marketing & PR aims to stimulate conversations to engage and share ideas for the return of business travel.

The programme presents key topics of interest in the context of business tourism, moderated by Ab & Artho director of research & Analytics, Dr Farizal Razalli.

Some of the panellists include Francis Teo, President of MACEOS; Lau Yin Ming, Group Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, Malaysia Airlines;  Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak; Gregory Gubiani, Chairman of Marriott Business Council Malaysia and GM of The Westin Kuala Lumpur; Angelica Chan, Country Market Manager, Traveloka; Maria Taylor, Head of Commercial, Amadeus, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Hafiz Mohd Hanafiah, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, UiTM; Sanjay Pattis, Chief Executive Officer, Emtrez and Emily Lim, EVP of Holiday Tours (affiliate of CWT).

“We are honoured to welcome these like-minded opinion leaders and experts who share similar objectives to discuss how Malaysia’s business tourism industry reset and move towards a sustainable world,” said Ab & Artho CEO and co-founder Adlina Borhan.

The virtual programme will begin at 1400 Malaysia time (GMT+8) and the topics of discussion will include “Charting the Outlook and Trends (including the business of sports tourism); Orchestrating Business Travels for Malaysia; a special segment “In Focus: Meet in Malaysia and BLeisure”; Rationalising Tech – Transformation of Business Travels for Malaysia and Getting Malaysia Back to International BE Map.

Registration is free and is open to professionals in the business tourism industry (airlines, hotels, destination management companies, meeting planners, conference organisers, event organisers and travel agencies) and corporate companies.

Participants will stand a chance to win a two-night deluxe stay experience with breakfast for two persons at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. The winner will be announced during the discourse session on 26 January.

 X-Change Malaysia is a tourism solidarity programme organised by Ab & Artho with the support of tech partner Nazsoft Tech; hotel partner The Westin Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Traveloka, TraxAsia and Emtrez.

Arabian Travel Market changes dates

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TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, 17 January 2022: Reed Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market, has announced that this year’s four-day event will now open on Monday 9 May 2022 and close on Thursday 12 May 2022, to fall in line with the UAE’s new Monday-to-Friday working week.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the revised dates are also expected to complement international markets, the majority of which also follow the Monday-to-Friday working week.

Arabian Travel Market exhibition director ME Danielle Curtis said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the global travel and tourism community to the UAE on Monday 9 May 2022. Made possible by the UAE’s forward-thinking decision to transition to a 4.5-day, Monday-to-Friday workweek, we are confident ATM 2022’s updated timings will benefit both exhibitors and attendees by offering improved alignment with international markets.”

According to a poll conducted by management consultancy Mercer, overall, 84% of private-sector firms welcomed the initiative, and 37% would adopt a long-term, flexible approach, particularly those with close trading links with other Gulf countries.

Now in its 29th year and working in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – previously known as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), ATM 2022 will feature a broad selection of show highlights.

Travel Forward, the leading global event for travel technology will shine a spotlight on next-generation innovations for tourism and hospitality. ATM buyer forums and speed networking events will take place during the four days of the show.

After joining remotely for ATM 2021, this year will see both the ARIVALDubai@ATM forum and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) participate live in Dubai for the first time ever.

The dedicated ARIVALDubai@ATM forum will cover current and future trends for tour operators and attractions, focusing on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership and executive-level connections. GBTA, the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organisation, will deliver the latest business travel content, research and education to help drive the sector’s ongoing recovery and support growth in business travel.

ATM will play an integral role in the Arabian Travel Week (9-19 May), a festival of events dedicated to enabling travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

The UAE remains one of the most Covid-secure countries on the planet, with consistently low case rates and robust measures to ensure tourists’ safety at every stage of their visit, from arrival to departure. Like its neighbouring emirates, Dubai is committed to maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has endorsed its pandemic management, awarding the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp. 

For more about ATM, visit wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

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