HolidayWeekly

The Voice of Tourism in Pakistan

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volume 55-2020

Etihad Allows | Children to Fly For Free

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ABU DHABI: Adults who book their next flight to Abu Dhabi or Dubai with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, can take their children for free.

 With every adult ticket booked before January 28, for travel until September 30, up to two children will travel free – so two adults can bring four children, free. Fares to Abu Dhabi and Dubai start from just GBP299 ($406.2) in Economy class.

 To give guests peace of mind and to offer an extra level of reassurance to travel, Etihad is the only airline in the world requiring 100 per cent of its passengers to show a negative PCR test before departure, and on arrival in Abu Dhabi.

 Abu Dhabi is a diverse destination with desertscapes, fabulous beaches and warm, clear waters. The modern, cosmopolitan capital city features thrilling headline attractions such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural highlights including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

 Adventurers will appreciate the opportunity the emirate presents for kayaking in the mangroves, sand boarding in the desert, jet-skiing, go-karting and more. Travellers in need of rest and rejuvenation will find peace in the many tranquil spaces across the city, from serene beaches to luxury spas.

 Flying to, from, and via Abu Dhabi is supported by the airline’s fully redesigned Etihad Wellness sanitisation and safety programme, which ensures the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at every stage of the customer journey.

 This includes specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, a first in the industry, who have been introduced by the airline to provide essential travel health information and care on the ground and on every flight, so guests can fly with greater ease and confidence. All passengers travelling with Etihad receive complimentary Covid-19 insurance. 

 The sale starts on January 14 and ends on January 28 at etihad.com. Offer valid for children up to 11 years old.

UNWTO Election | Shaika Mai Challenges Zurab Pololikashvili

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MANAMA: Shaika Mai Al-Khalifa from the kingdom of Bahrain will challenge the incumbent, Zurab Pololikashvili, for the role of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Pololikashvili was appointed to the role in 2017 and will seek a second three-year mandate during an executive council meeting of the body in Madrid this month.

Shaika Mai is currently in the Spanish capital for the event, presenting her candidacy for the role.

During her stay, she has met with a wide range of representatives from member states to set out her vision for the future of the tourism sector.

Last year was a hugely challenging one for tourism, with international arrivals falling by 72 per cent over the first ten months of 2020.

The sector was hit by restrictions on travel, low consumer confidence and a global struggle to contain the Covid-19 virus, all of which contributed to the worst year on record in the history of tourism.

According to the latest tourism data from the UNWTO, destinations welcomed 900 million fewer international tourists between January and October when compared with the same period of 2019.

This translates into a loss of US$935 billion in export revenues from international tourism, more than ten times the loss in 2009 under the impact of the global economic crisis.

Ahead of the meeting, Shaika Mai said: “I am enjoying the beautiful city of Madrid, and my visit so far has been very successful.

“I am confidently approaching a winning majority based upon the commitments of those who believe that it is time for a paradigm shift for the tourism sector.”  

Shaika Mai  Al-Khalifa promised a dynamic and transparent leadership of UNWTO.

In her vision statement, she states that within the first twelve months of her term she will have listened to every member state of the organisation and drafted a strategy based on what the members need.

She also pledges to work tirelessly to secure the resources required to realize those aspirations.

Shaika Mai added: “I am confident that the tourism sector will recover from this crisis as it has recovered from many previous crises.

“I believe that we need to work closely on the issue of travel protocols, in addition to working with governments on fiscal support schemes.

“It has been extremely difficult due to travel restrictions to travel to the member states and meet the national tourism organisations in person; but I have done the most I could do given the limitation of time and the circumstances of the pandemic.

“I am grateful to the commitment I received from so many countries and look forward to starting a new era.

“We are now confident we have a winning majority to deliver on this mandate.”

The Arab Tourism Ministers’ Council earlier unanimously approved the nomination of Shaika Mai for the role.

She is currently president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA)

Gulf Air Set To Move | Entire Ops To New Bahrain Terminal

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MANAMA: Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has announced that starting January 28, it plans to move its entire operations for inbound and outbound flights to the new Bahrain International Airport terminal.

 This will provide a brand new customer experience to its passengers flying through the airline’s hub, the Kingdom of Bahrain, it said.

The new airport terminal will open a new chapter in the kingdom’s journey in aviation history, support the strategic vision for Bahrain to strengthen its position as a hub and facilitate the movement of millions of passengers.

The new airport terminal will feature a dedicated check-in area for both Falcon Gold and economy class passengers of Gulf Air as well as a brand new Falcon Gold lounge that is double in size and capacity compared to the previous one in the old airport.

Taking into consideration all of the updated health and safety measures, the new state-of-the-art lounge will reflect new concepts of modern premium lounges yet keeping with the legacy and rich history of the 70-year-old Gulf Air brand.

 A number of features will be maintained from the previous lounge as well as newly introduced spaces such as a children’s area, shower rooms, prayer space, a quiet area along with live cooking stations and new food & beverage concepts. Operational around the clock and with a capacity of over 400 passengers at any given time, the new Falcon Gold lounge will be available to experience by the airline’s Falcon Gold passengers as well as its Black, Gold and Silver Falconflyer members.

 Ahead of moving to the new premises, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi said: “It will be a big day for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s aviation history and for Gulf Air. We started our operations back in 1950 in a small facility in Muharraq and soon we will see a world-class airport being officially opened to welcome the world to our beloved Kingdom. The new airport is our new home and we are proud to have a bigger, more modern home to be Gulf Air’s hub.”

 He added: “With our own check-in area and a brand new Falcon Gold lounge, we are now more equipped than ever to carry and serve more passengers and expand our operations. We welcome our passengers to fly with us through the new airport which I am sure will impress everyone with its design, facilities, capacity and welcoming feel.”

St. Regis Cairo | Welcomes First Guests In Egypt

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CAIRO: Marriott International has announced the opening of the St. Regis Cairo. Rising tall on the banks of the River Nile; the hotel is an illustrious icon weaving a powerful story of luxury in the region.

Located at the north end of the corniche, the 39-story hotel offers easy access to the magnificent monuments of a city steeped in history.

“Egypt has historically been one of our key markets and strategically significant to our growth in the region,” said Satya Anand, president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

“Cairo is a storied destination that has long mesmerised the global traveller with its incredible energy offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, tradition and glamour.

“The St. Regis Cairo is an exciting addition to our fast-growing brand portfolio and is set to elevate Cairo’s luxury hospitality landscape with its remarkable design, uncompromising service, and exceptional culinary venues.”

With its striking architecture, created by renowned architect Michael Graves, the St. Regis Cairo firmly establishes itself as a pivotal landmark in the city and beyond, carefully balancing opulence with refinement and elegance to evoke a profound sense of grandeur.

The St. Regis Cairo boasts 286 lavishly appointed rooms and suites and 80 luxurious apartments, that offer unmatched indulgence.

Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, chief executive of Qatari Diar, added: “We are delighted to strengthen our global portfolio of hospitality developments with the opening of the St. Regis Cairo.

“This luxury landmark will introduce higher standards of hospitality to this beautiful destination with its unparalleled levels of luxury and exceptional service – both of which the iconic St. Regis brand is renowned for.”

Covid-19 Repercussion | Airbus jet Deliveries at 566 in 2020, Down 34%

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TOULOUSE: Airbus delivered 566 commercial aircraft to 87 customers in 2020, 34 percent fewer than in 2019, in line with the production adaptation plan set out in April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In order to overcome international travel restrictions, the Airbus team developed an innovative e-delivery solution which represented more than 25% of the 2020 deliveries, allowing customers to receive their aircraft while minimising the need for their teams to travel.

“Working hand-in-hand with our customers allowed us to navigate a difficult year. The Airbus teams, customers and suppliers truly pulled together in the face of adversity to deliver this result. We also thank our partners and governments for their strong support to the sector,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

“Based on our 2020 deliveries we are cautiously optimistic as we look into 2021, although challenges and uncertainties remain high in the short term.”

In 2020, Airbus recorded a total of 383 new orders, 268 net orders, showing continued customer endorsements in all market segments. The A220 won 64 new orders, confirming it as the leading aircraft in its category. The A320 Family won 296 new orders including 37 A321XLR.

In the widebody segment, Airbus won 23 new orders including two A330s and 21 A350s. After 115 cancellations by the end of 2020, Airbus’ backlog stood at 7,184 aircraft.

New York Times Enlists | Lahore In 52 Hotspot Tourist Destinations To Love In 2021

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ISLAMABAD: The historic walled city of Lahore was enlisted in 52 dream destinations for tourism lovers to visit in 2021 by the New York Times (NYT).

The NYT, an American Daily with worldwide readership, compiled its list 52 places to love in 2021, after stifling more than 2,000 suggestions, received by it from the readers who were asked about the spots that had delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year.

It is not the first time that the world acknowledges Pakistan’s tourism potential. The country has already been recommended to the tourists as must-visit place by the global magazines such as Forbes and Condé Nast Traveler due to its breath-taking tourists destinations scattered across the country.

“Especially in winter, this city nourishes you. It opens its arms to you, then feeds you and wraps you in a hug,” remarked Haneen Iqbal, one of the American daily’s reader, about the walled city.

The New York Times posted her view on its site, which described Lahore as one of the best city due to its culture, history and hospitality.

Other countries’ cities that included in the list were Siwa Oasis of Egypt, The Llanos of Colombia, Kaliya Dhrow of India, Northern Mariana Islands of Saipan, Isfahan, Iran and others.

Meanwhile, National Tourism Coordination Board Chairman Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari also took tiwtter to inform the nation about the development

“Lahore is among the New York Times top picks to visit in 2021. Lahore’s rich culture, warmth, hospitality & the most amazing food in the world awaits travellers. A must-have on everyone’s list!,” Zulfikar Bukhari, who is also Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis, tweeted.

Resuming Air Connectivity | IATA Welcomes ‘Solidarity and Stability’ Agreement

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DUBAI: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the signing of the ‘solidarity and stability’ agreement that will see Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt open their air, land and sea borders with Qatar.

 The agreement paves the way for commercial airlines to resume regional connectivity, which will shorten flight times and provide essential air links to families and businesses across the region.

“The reopening of airspace with Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt is welcome news for the region, passengers and the aviation industry during these very difficult times. It will permit the resumption of direct flights between these countries and Qatar, eliminating complex transit travel itineraries that saw typical journey times increase from under an hour to over five hours in some cases.

 “The agreement also opens the door for the establishment of quarantine-free travel corridors which will allow families and friends across the region to be able to reconnect and businesses trade more easily. And will facilitate the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines globally given the region’s strategic location,” said Muhammad Al Bakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

Cruise Lines Extend | Suspensions Further Into 2021

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Several major cruise lines have announced that they will continue to pause their operations until later in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions continue to limit cruise trips.

Liners including Carnival Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and P&O have all announced further cancellations and suspensions in recent days, with most extending to May and June but some as far as September 2021. While MSC and Costa are planning to resume sailing in Europe later in January, it remains to be seen whether this will go ahead with much of the continent still in lockdown.

The announcement of fresh cancellations and suspensions by a wide range of cruise lines comes as a blow to travelers hoping for some winter sun in the coming months. The decision to extend the suspension of operations comes as the pandemic continues to worsen in many countries worldwide, with lockdowns and travel restrictions limiting the ability of travelers to plan and book cruise vacations.

In a press release outlining the new cancellations on January 6, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said “We are sorry to disappoint our guests, as we can see from our booking activity that there is clearly a pent-up demand for cruising on Carnival. We appreciate their patience and support as we continue to work on our plans to resume operations in 2021 with a gradual, phased in approach”.

The suspensions will affect cruises across North America, the Caribbean and Europe, particularly restricting options for sun-seekers looking for a vacation over the winter months. Among the major cancellations, Carnival Cruises has announced that it has extended the suspension of the entirety of its US operations until March 31. In addition, the Carnival Freedom cruise from Galveston will be suspended until April 10, while the Carnival Miracle from San Diego and San Francisco will be suspended until September 16.

Several other cruise lines owned by the Carnival Corporation parent company have also announced further cancellations in recent days. On January 6, Holland America announced an extension of its pause in operations until April 30, including all departures from Alaska, Mexico, the Pacific Coast, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canada/New England.

In addition, the pause in operations for Alaskan routes will extend to mid-May for the Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Noordam cruise ships, and to June for the Eurodam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam liners. Mediterranean cruises on the Volendam and Westerdam will be suspended until early June, while in Canada/New England, Zaandam cruises will be cancelled until August.

Also on January 6, Princess Cruises announced that it was suspending sailing on all of its Caribbean, California Coast, Alaska and European cruises until May 14. These decisions have followed previous announcements by other Carnival subsidiaries P&O and Cunard in December, with the former pausing all operations until April and the latter suspending sailing on the Queen Mary 2 until May 28, the Queen Elizabeth until June 4, and the Queen Victoria until May 17.

Cruise Restarts Dependent On Pandemic Improving

The decision to extend suspension of many cruise operations until later in 2021 represents another blow to travelers, with many lines having resumed sailing over the summer only to be forced to close again as the pandemic has resurged. With some routes not restarting until the summer, travelers hoping to take a cruise vacation will potentially have to look elsewhere for winter sun trips over the coming months.

The planned restart of European routes by MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises later in January offers some hope for vacationers. MSC plans to restart cruises from Genoa in Italy on January 24, while Costa plans to resume service from Italian ports on January 31.

However, it is not certain that the resumption of operations will go ahead as planned. Italy is currently in a strict lockdown until January 15, with travel between different regions of the country not permitted. There is a high risk that this lockdown will be extended further, and in any case travel to Italy remains severely restricted, limiting access for travelers to cruises departing Italian ports.

The restart of cruise operations, as well as international travel more widely, is hugely dependent on the pandemic situation improving. While travelers can have some hope for a return to cruises by the summer, this is by no means guaranteed and we could see further cancellations and suspensions in 2021 before the pandemic is brought under control.