Organisations & Operators News
VisitBritain to offer Safe Travels badge to partners
Businesses in the UK registered to the ‘We’re Good To Go’ scheme can now be automatically issued with the international ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
WTTC urges faster reopening of UK tourism
While some businesses have already reported a surge in bookings following news of a gradual reopening, WTTC chief executive Gloria Guevara said delays could prove costly.
IATA prepares to debut Travel Pass as aviation looks to reopen
The pass - which was originally unveiled in December - is designed to verify a passenger has had the Covid-19 tests or vaccines required to enter a country.
Geall takes up new American Express Global Business Travel role
American Express Global Business Travel has appointed Jason Geall as senior vice president for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. He will take up the post immediately.
WTTC urges UK government to lead international reopening of tourism
The World Travel & Tourism Council has sent an open letter to UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, urging him to support its recovery plan for the travel sector.
Oasis Overland ceases trading in UK
The company specialised in small group expeditions by truck across Africa and other key overland destinations worldwide such as South America and Central Asia.
Expedia Group records huge 2020 loss
Expedia Group has reported a loss of $2.69 billion, or $19 a share, for financial 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic took a huge toll on the travel sector around the world.
Competition & Markets Authority threatens lastminute.com with legal action
The company signed formal undertakings in December which committed it to pay out over £7 million to more than 9,000 customers when their holidays were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
TUI Group optimistic for summer 2021 despite continued losses
Due to travel restrictions around the world, the hospitality giant also saw losses of €699 million on an adjusted basis for the first three months of the year, compared to a loss of €147 million last year.
Sunak offers new flexibility on Covid-19 loans
Commenting on the news UKHospitality chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said the decision would help struggling hospitality businesses survive until tourism returned.
WTTC calls for focus on individual travellers to boost safety
The World Travel & Tourism Council is calling for governments to abandon the concept of ‘high-risk countries’ and instead focus on how individual ‘high-risk travellers’ are treated at borders.
Which? finds lastminute.com has failed to pay refunds
Some customers still have not received all their money back, despite the travel agent committing to the regulator that all refunds would be paid by the end of January, Which? has revealed.