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Passengers travelling internationally from Monday will need to carry a new form that sets out their trip is permitted under the stay-at-home restrictions, the government has announced. The form must be downloaded, signed before travel and carried, or is downloaded … Read More

Seychelles, on March 25, will open its borders to tourists while excluding those from South Africa. The move to bar SA traffic appears to be at the behest of European markets which, it seems, require the exclusion of visitors from … Read More

A group of 25 travel companies sent a letter to federal legislators representing Florida in Washington D.C. asking for immediate relief for the travel agency industry. The suggestions from travel agency, consortia, host agency, franchise organization and cruise line executives … Read More

By The Washington Post Feb 28, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare By Natalie B. Compton Rachel from Columbia has been starting to get invites for trips with friends. But she is wary. She said the thought of being in an … Read More

By ANA Reporter Mar 5, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance party on Friday called on Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula to provide reasons behind new regulations banning the serving and consumption of food … Read More

For so many of us, the anticipation of a summer holiday is what helps us get through the rest of the year. The dream of hot white sand, cold cocktails and long warm nights keeps us working solidly through the … Read More

It’s in everyone’s best interest that their car is the safest it can be on the road. All of the car manufacturers have been working on the safest car designs in the past few decades, but they are still not … Read More

Just less than an hour from Bali, NIHI Sumba, is renowned for the natural beauty of its remote location, providing a stunning environment and world-class facilities for equestrian activities, including horse whispering and horse surfing at the resort’s own stables.  … Read More

Enjoy MarBella Elix with its undiscovered land, perfect secluded beaches and wide variety of family fun. With sensational sea views, contemporary spacious areas, well-appointed accommodation and a long sandy beach lapped by turquoise waters, MarBella Elix Hotel is the newest member of MarBella Collection opening its doors in April 2021. Close to the cosmopolitan Parga area of mainland … Read More

The move to overturn new legislation which would significantly increase restaurants’ and bars’ overhead costs at a time when the hospitality sector is reeling from the impact of COVID-19, is a step closer. This comes after hospitality association, FEDHASA, in … Read More

By Clinton Moodley Mar 3, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare A cat allegedly attacked a pilot just 30 minutes into a Tarco Airlines flight from Sudan to Qatar, The Sun reported. The cat got into the hangar during the night … Read More

More than 10,000 staff members from 20 hotels located on Palm Jumeirah received their first and second doses of Covid-19 vaccine at their respective workplaces last month. That is according to a new release from the Dubai Media Office (DMO). … Read More

Globally awarded Sani Resort is delighted to unveil a series of new offerings and experiences for guests this year, as it sets a new standard for the luxury family vacation within a unique sustainable mini self-contained world. Set in a … Read More

As summer glimmers on the horizon, the Great British seaside staycation is set to enjoy a renaissance this year as Brits fall back in love with our glorious coastline. With over 200 independent hotels across the country, OYO Hotels offers … Read More

Saga has extended the current suspension of travel operations following publication of a new roadmap out of lockdown for the UK. The company has told agents holiday and cruise operations will now begin on May 17th and June 27th, respectively. … Read More

By Travel Reporter Mar 2, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Updates to flight laws and international travel have been gazetted and signed off by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula under lockdown level 1. Surprisingly, many airline passengers were shocked to find … Read More

Marriott International has created a vaccination care program, which will provide a financial award to United States and Canadian associates at its managed properties who get vaccinated for Covid-19. Employees will receive the equivalent of four hours of pay upon … Read More

The European travel industry may not fully recover from the Covid-19 pandemic until 2023, according to a new report published by Bloomberg Intelligence. However, domestic-focused businesses could see some growth in the second half of this year. Pent-up holiday demand … Read More

Etihad Airways has reported an operating loss of US$1.7 billion for financial 2020, accelerating the losses of US $0.8 billion seen last year. The Abu Dhabi flag-carrier blamed the Covid-19 for its deteriorating fortunes. The airline saw a 76 per … Read More

Mauritius-starved South Africans will not be able to spend this Easter holiday in Mauritius. The island will remain closed to tourists for the first half of the year, including the Easter holiday period and the island has just announced the … Read More

The latest Longwoods International tracking study of Americans’ collective sentiment towards travel has shown that roughly 80 percent of travelers have established travel plans during the next sixth months. That figure has remained steady since the study’s last wave, published … Read More

G Adventures is challenging stereotypes around some of Europe’s most popular holiday spots with the launch of 15 new Active tours designed to support local communities through community tourism, and to show travellers an alternative side of typically ‘mass market’ … Read More

The United States government announced land borders with Canada and Mexico would remain closed to non-essential travel until at least March 21. According to Reuters.com, the 30-day extension was the first under President Joe Biden, who is working with his … Read More

By Travel Reporter Feb 26, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Most people do not travel as much as they like and usually spend weekends running errands and doing chores. With Covid-19 cases in South Africa decreasing, travellers should venture out … Read More

Photo: © Turismo Cascais As you plan for your next long-awaited holiday, look no further than the most sought-after private villas in Cascais, Portugal. Self-catering villas provide the ideal post-COVID holiday option – offering seclusion, privacy, optimum cleanliness and ample … Read More

Once airlines start flying again and borders are open, what better way to shake off lockdown blues than setting off to a luxurious private home with the family? We’re dreaming of freedom from constraint, of warm air, beaches and pools, … Read More

Princess Cruises has become the latest line to scrap plans for international sailing from the UK over the summer. The Carnival-owned line has cancelled sailings from Southampton on Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Island Princess through to September 25th. The … Read More

The UK tourism industry had broadly welcomed the Budget delivered today by chancellor Rishi Sunak – but there were also calls for more tailored support for high street travel agents. At the centre of the plan for the coming year … Read More

SAA’s business rescue practitioners (BRPs) deny that they have requested additional funding, following media reports that Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni, had said an additional R3,5bn had been requested by the BRPs. The Finance Minister was reported to have made the … Read More

Flight to nowhere? Check. Flight to somewhere? Check. Flight to who knows where? That’s next. Qantas has today announced the latest in its series of highly popular concept flights to combat the border blues, with plans to operate three domestic … Read More

By Marchelle Abrahams Mar 2, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Just as soon as updates to flight laws and international travel were published in the Government Gazette on Monday, many noticed the strange contradictions to what President Cyril Ramaphosa had … Read More

Icelandair undertook the epic flight to and from Antarctica so it could return 30 scientists to their home base in Oslo, Norway. The scientists had been working in Antarctica for several months and were at the end of their posting. … Read More

P&O Cruises has cancelled all international cruises on Arcadia, Aurora, Azura and Ventura until the end of August. Trips outside of the UK on Britannia and Iona have also been scrapped until the end of September. P&O Cruises president, Paul … Read More

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced an extension of the country’s human biosecurity period, which means Australia’s borders remain shut. The news is a blow for South Africans who have not been able to travel to the country since … Read More

Hertz Global Holdings has plans to leave Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States after nearly a year. Knighthead Capital Management and Certares Opportunities have committed to invest up to $4.2 billion to purchase up to 100 per cent, … Read More

The government has announced a review to assess how destination management organisations across England are funded and structured. The investigation will examine how they perform their roles in order to establish whether there may be a more efficient and effective … Read More

Effective July 1, Emirates will introduce a surcharge on all bookings made via the GDS in an effort to drive agents to use the airline’s NDC booking options, which means they incur less costs. Kicking in on the same day, … Read More

The global travel industry seems to be in agreement that a secure, electronic documentation system for verifying travelers’ ID information (like a traditional passport) and linked to their COVID-19 test results and vaccination records, will be key to restarting international … Read More

Visitors looking for a fun and unique way to explore the Daytona Beach area will find just what they’re looking for in the new Ultimate Daytona Beach Trail Guide. This exciting collection of car-, craft- and culture-themed tours and trails … Read More

MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Seaside will be deployed in Europe this spring, joining flagship MSC Grandiosa in the Mediterranean from May 1st. This will be the first time the vessel has sailed in Europe since her launch in … Read More

The coronavirus pandemic is still calling the shots for much of the country, and that includes professional sports. Major League Baseball has announced that its spring training schedule has been revamped, severely cutting down travel in Florida and eliminating exhibition … Read More

Virgin Hotels has confirmed James Bermingham has been appointment as chief executive of the company, effective immediately. Bermingham joins the Virgin Hotels executive team following nearly two decades with Montage International. “We are thrilled to welcome James into the Virgin … Read More

When I arrived at the Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria, the nearly year-old collapse in lodging demand appeared—temporarily at least—ended. When arctic air crashed through the climate change weakened Jetstream that normally corrals it around the Polar Regions and … Read More

By Travel Reporter Feb 26, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Passengers on South African domestic carrier Mango may experience flight delays on Friday, February 26, 2021. The airline apologised for the delay in a statement issued this morning. Mango official … Read More

By IANS Mar 1, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare A new study reveals that the pandemic has affected tourists’ attitudes and behaviours in unforeseen ways, often subconsciously. The study, published in the journal Annals of Tourism Research, indicated that post-pandemic … Read More

Egypt’s newest attraction will be a mighty tourist wheel that will be on par with the London Eye and other famous ferris wheels around the world. The country will launch its own giant tourist wheel in 2022. Egypt’s version of … Read More

By Clinton Moodley Feb 25, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Google Arts & Culture and South African Tourism launched South Africa: An Explorer’s Paradise, an online exhibition that showcases the best of the famed destination. The initiative, which boasts a … Read More

City Lodge’s interim results (for the six months ending December 31, 2020) are probably an accurate indicator of an ailing industry under extreme stress. The group incurred a nett loss of R550,4m (2019’s equivalent period produced a profit of R46,3m). … Read More

South Africans were shocked to hear from Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, in his 2021 Budget Review last week, that SAA’s business rescue practitioners (BRPs) were asking for an additional R3,5bn in funding.   “In the 2020 Budget Review, R16,4bn … Read More

In a letter signed by more than 80 MPs from right across the political divide, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospitality and Tourism is urging the chancellor to provide decisive financial support to protect sector businesses crucial to communities … Read More

Air Astana has reported a loss of $94 million for 2020. The 2020 figure, just the second-ever annual loss for the flag-carrier of Kazakhstan, was the result of total or partial shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The closures resulted … Read More

Research undertaken by ForwardKeys reveals that domestic air travel in China during New Year Golden Week was 69 per cent down on the equivalent period in 2019, when travel was at normal, pre-pandemic levels. The period, which ran from February … Read More

By Clinton Moodley Feb 24, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Most people would assume that celebrity children live the high life. When not in private planes, they are flying First Class, enjoying all the added perks that come with it. … Read More

The ‘South African strain’, as new mutations of COVID-19 are often referred to, has cut us off from the world, as country after country introduce bans on travellers originating from South Africa to stave off infections of the new variant. … Read More

With South Africa moving from national lockdown Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 1 tonight (Sunday, February), most of the remaining restrictions affecting the tourism sector have been removed, including an important step for the meetings and events industry. Ceo … Read More

In a case study published by Travel News’s sister publication, Tourism Update, on February 12, inbound tour operator – Rhino Africa – went on record about its success in concluding a series of multimillion-rand chargebacks against SAA for services that … Read More

The International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) has opened for entries and the deadline for submissions is 15 March. The festival, which was founded in 2019, is hosted in co-operation with the International Tourism Film Festivals Committee (CIFFT). It aim … Read More

By Travel Reporter Feb 23, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare The biggest challenge for Last Word Intimate Hotels & Safari Camps was finding ways to generate income, keep properties running and pay salaries in a market that is in a … Read More

Qantas and Jetstar are planning to restart regular international passenger flights to most destinations from October 31st. The delay represents a four-month extension from the previous estimate of July, which had been in place since mid-2020. The flag-carrier hopes the … Read More

International Airlines Group has reported a loss of €7.4 billion for financial 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic wrought havoc in the aviation sector. The losses include charges for exceptional items relating to fuel and currency hedges, early fleet retirement and … Read More

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers has unveiled its new executive leadership team in the Middle East. The property, the first from the brand in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, will be led by experience hotelier Alessandro Redaelli. He … Read More

Operators in the KZN Midlands have reported an increase in visitor numbers, and marketing campaigns aimed at both domestic and international markets, positioning the Midlands as a desirable destination during COVID-19, are bearing fruit. Gm of the Midlands Meander, Marian … Read More

The airline industry is expected to continue losing money throughout 2021, according to the latest analysis from Iata. This outlook is bleaker than Iata’s previous analysis (November 2020) which indicated that airlines would turn cash positive in the fourth quarter … Read More

In October last year, Guardian Assist sent out a notification to agents and clients who were owed money for promised referral fees on repatriation flight bookings, telling them that the Guardian Assist Repatriation Flight business would be liquidated and Guardian … Read More

International Airlines Group has appointed Lynne Embleton to the role of chief executive of Aer Lingus. She will start her new role on April 6th. Embleton replaces Donal Moriarty who has been interim chief executive of the Irish carrier since … Read More

A major winter storm is impacting travel from Texas to the Northeast, causing widespread snowfall and ice that has forced thousands of flight delays and cancellations over the holiday weekend. As of Monday morning, airports in eastern Texas, including Dallas/Fort … Read More

Conde Nast recently listed South Africa as one of the top travel destinations for 2021 with a number of hotels in Cape Town and the Western Cape highlighted as ‘must-stay’ locations. “Like many countries, South Africa’s tourism industry has been through … Read More

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, regulations are quickly changing — including entry restrictions. It’s an excellent idea to stay on top of news and to be informed of current restrictions and regulations, especially if you are planning to travel.  … Read More

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the organisation which regulates the world’s aviation industry, expects the industry to remain troubled throughout 2021. The rollout of vaccines and positive sentiment relating to the handling of COVID-19 initially led to optimism. There … Read More

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on the tourism and hospitality industries, and the businesses staying on top are those making efforts to tap into emerging travel trends in an altered tourism landscape. Attracting business remains a challenge … Read More

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new analysis showing that the airline industry is expected to remain cash negative throughout 2021. Previous analysis, released in November, indicated that airlines would turn cash positive in the fourth quarter of … Read More

It is the announcement that thrill-seekers the world over have been waiting for: brand new, world-exclusive waterslides and two brand-new towers are being launched at Atlantis Aquaventure from March 1st. Increasing the size of Atlantis Aquaventure by a third, the … Read More

Travel leaders say they support all efforts to rid the world of the coronavirus pandemic – except for a mandate that would require airline passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test before flying. The CEOs of American, United, Southwest, Alaska … Read More

Katara Hospitality has announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, for an exciting new evolution of the iconic Delano brand, Maison Delano. The property is planned to open in 2022. Maison Delano Paris will be located in … Read More

By Travel Reporter Feb 23, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare South Africa’s low-cost airline kulula.com, announced that it will restart its operations at Lanseria International Airport from April 1, 2021, servicing its Durban and Cape Town routes. Similar to the … Read More

Despite recent reports, White House officials revealed they are not currently considering any new domestic air travel restrictions to fight COVID-19, according to Reuters. Before Friday’s scheduled meeting between United States President Joe Biden and airline chief executives, White House … Read More

Hospitality association, FEDHASA, said it “finally has hope” that the hospitality sector was close to a “fair and reasonable resolution” to the hundreds of outstanding business interruption (BI) insurance claims. This follows insurance major Santam’s appearance at the Supreme Court … Read More

The R10bn earmarked by National Treasury for the purchase and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines over the next two years – as announced by Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni during his Budget Speech 2021 yesterday (February 24) – will go a … Read More

Clients are asking travel agents for assistance to bypass the UK government’s newly introduced hotel quarantine for ‘red-listed’ countries, including South Africa. The ruling was introduced on February 15 and a 10-day quarantine for one adult costs approximately R36 000. … Read More

By Clinton Moodley Feb 25, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Socialising during the pandemic is no easy feat, especially when you are wearing your mask and constantly sanitising. The number of times I have been asked to repeat something while … Read More

Google Arts & Culture (GAC) and SA Tourism partnered up for South Africa: An Explorer’s Paradise, “an online exhibition where visitors from all over the world can explore South Africa” virtually. “I am excited that South African Tourism and Google … Read More

By Travel Reporter Feb 22, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare Emirates has become one of the first airlines in the world to operate a flight with fully vaccinated frontline teams. Its flight departing Dubai at 8.30 am for Los Angeles, … Read More

Heathrow Airport has reported a loss of £2 billion for financial 2020 as Covid-19 restrictions saw travel come to a virtual standstill. In comparison, the London location made a profit of £546 million in 2019. Revenue fell from £3 billion … Read More

Three of most iconic master developments from Nakheel will proudly host the best cyclists in the world on Friday as the UAE Tour enters its final stages. The Dubai Stage, day six of the event, begins at Deira Islands, the … Read More

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has awarded a contract to Gartner for the provision of technology procurement advisory services.  Gartner will support TRSDC with sourcing technology partners across three main areas: smart destination development, IT and cybersecurity. The company … Read More

By Clinton Moodley Feb 25, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare What is deemed appropriate clothing to wear on a flight differs from airline to airline. Isabelle Eleanore, who wore a black crop top and a pair of jeans for a … Read More

Virgin Atlantic has cancelled all flights on its South African routes (Johannesburg-London and Cape Town-London) from March 3 to March 9. The cancellation is an extension of the carrier’s previous flight withdrawal. Virgin was obliged to cancel its SA flights … Read More

Kulula.com is to restart its operations at Lanseria International Airport on April 1, servicing Durban and Cape Town routes. The airline will commence with a limited schedule, adding frequencies over the next couple of months. It is still unknown how … Read More

The R10bn earmarked by National Treasury for the purchase and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines over the next two years – as announced by Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni during his Budget Speech 2021 yesterday (February 24) – will go a … Read More

With around 4.3 million people having received at least one shot of a Covid-19 vaccine, Israel is currently preparing to reopen its economy. As locals return to cultural events, mall shopping, museums and gyms, the domestic tourism sector is slowly … Read More

Heinz Beck, famous as the head chef of three Michelin-starred La Pergola in Rome, will be in Dubai next month for a series of pop-up culinary events. From March 1st-4th the award-winning chef will host a series of limited-edition dinners … Read More

Anthony Capuano has been appointed chief executive Marriott International following the death of Arne Sorenson. He was previously group president, global development, design and operations services with the hotel giant. At the same time, the board also announced that Stephanie … Read More

Independent Travel Hero (ITH) is a new ITC model launching with a new 24/7 ticketing service. It’s a business model for ITCs wanting to do both corporate and leisure business in South Africa, with a customisable live booking tool that … Read More

By Travel Reporter Feb 22, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare British Airways (operated by Comair) has reopened bookings for daily regional flights between Johannesburg and Harare. The airline has introduced one-way fares from R995, including taxes and surcharges. The route … Read More

January had been a good month for Tahiti Tourisme. The Destination Marketing Organization for French Polynesia (which trades as The Islands of Tahiti) had much to be proud of, and plenty to look forward to. After a complete shutdown of … Read More

By The Washington Post Feb 23, 2021 Share this article: ShareTweetShareShareShareEmailShare By Shannon McMahon Tour companies operating group vacations have long offered world travellers an easier way to see the world. Booking a group departure, sometimes with airfare included, alleviates … Read More

Everyday life can get very stressful and hectic. Our natural response is to slop on the couch and stare at the TV or get busy scrolling through our Instagram feed. As easy and relaxing as this may feel, it is … Read More

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the globe, non-essential travel is still off the table. But many would-be travelers are holding out hope for later this year. “Safety has rightly been the top priority for many people during … Read More

  22/02/2021 Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “While we welcome the incredible progress the UK government has made on the vaccine rollout programme, delaying the return of international travel until at least mid-May, could mean the Travel & … Read More

If you’re traveling by plane for the holidays this year, your top concern should be reducing your risk of catching and spreading the coronavirus. Of course, the biggest way to reduce your risk is by not flying at all. As … Read More

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus placerat risus eu augue rutrum, eu elementum elit semper. Nam et hendrerit ex. Phasellus quis mi in ligula facilisis laoreet sit amet ut enim. Nam magna turpis, rutrum at finibus sed, … Read More

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus placerat risus eu augue rutrum, eu elementum elit semper. Nam et hendrerit ex. Phasellus quis mi in ligula facilisis laoreet sit amet ut enim. Nam magna turpis, rutrum at finibus sed, … Read More

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus placerat risus eu augue rutrum, eu elementum elit semper. Nam et hendrerit ex. Phasellus quis mi in ligula facilisis laoreet sit amet ut enim. Nam magna turpis, rutrum at finibus sed, … Read More

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus placerat risus eu augue rutrum, eu elementum elit semper. Nam et hendrerit ex. Phasellus quis mi in ligula facilisis laoreet sit amet ut enim. Nam magna turpis, rutrum at finibus sed, … Read More

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus placerat risus eu augue rutrum, eu elementum elit semper. Nam et hendrerit ex. Phasellus quis mi in ligula facilisis laoreet sit amet ut enim. Nam magna turpis, rutrum at finibus sed, … Read More

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus placerat risus eu augue rutrum, eu elementum elit semper. Nam et hendrerit ex. Phasellus quis mi in ligula facilisis laoreet sit amet ut enim. Nam magna turpis, rutrum at finibus sed, … Read More