4 UPDATES Travel Solutions Add Further Flights To Balkan Winter Ski Programme


TRAVEL Solutions, Northern Ireland’s largest winter ski operator, have announced extra flights to Bulgaria to meet demand for ski holidays.


Julie Magill, Travel Solutions’ Operations Director, explained “We are seeing a massive increase in bookings and


expect next season to be the largest ski programme the company has operated. To meet demand we have introduced extra departures from Belfast, with an additional one thousand seats added over peak dates. In addition, we have added extra capacity from Dublin”. Julie continued “ Bulgaria continues to offer the best value skiing in Europe and our customers love the destinations we feature, with many returning year after year. Sales are well above what we would have hoped for at this stage with many peak dates close to selling out. We would strongly suggest skiers who are thinking about Bulgaria for next season speak with us or their local travel agent soon to avoid disappointment”. Travel Solutions operate weekly flights from Belfast


and Dublin to Sofia and Plovdiv, starting from the 20th December 2022. Book today by telephone 028 90455030, contact your local travel agent or click on www.travel-solutions.co.uk


Loganair’s Derry To Edinburgh Service Takes Off


Mr. Frazer added that “Edinburgh is an amazing destination and has something to offer for everyone on a leisure break – history and culture, family fun, unique food and drink experiences, nightlife – the options are endless! And of course, Edinburgh is a key UK business hub providing essential corporate connectivity for the North West region.” Kay Ryan, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said “We are committed to providing the City of Derry Airport with UK wide connectivity and we are thrilled to bring this new route to Edinburgh, building on our already established services across our network from Northern Ireland.


“The route is likely to be popular for leisure passengers


THERE were ‘bonnie’ celebrations aplenty at City of Derry Airport yesterday (17 May 2022) for the launch of Loganair’s inaugural service to Edinburgh! The new service will bring welcome connectivity for the North West for leisure breaks, visiting family and friends, and a business link with the Scottish capital.


The Airport welcomed the inaugural Edinburgh passengers with some special Scottish themed hospitality, giveaways, musical entertainment and decorations to mark the wonderful occasion. Loganair also welcomed some key stakeholders and corporate partners from across the North West on board for the inaugural departure, outlining the fast, friendly and convenient airport and airline experience guaranteed for anyone travelling on the new service.


Austria Scraps ALL Covid-19 Travel Requirements


AUSTRIA have scrapped all remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions.


From the 22nd May 2022, travellers heading to Austria are no longer required to present any proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test result to gain entry into the country.


Therefore, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated international arrivals will be permitted requirement-free entry into Austria. Prior to this announcement, vaccinated travellers were required to present evidence of full vaccination or proof of recovery from Covid-19.


Whereas, unvaccinated travellers were permitted


entry if a negative PCR test or antigen test was presented upon arrival into the country.


Travellers heading to Austria no longer have to complete a pre-travel clearance form prior to their


arrival.


NHS Extends Covid Travel Cert Validity


IN a recent update, the validity of the NHS Covid Travel Pass has been lengthened to six months. The barcodes supplied by the NHS app are now valid for 180 days.


Prior to this, NHS users were required to regenerate a new Covid Pass every 30 days.


The NHS Covid Pass generates a barcode that provides either the user’s proof of vaccination, recovery certificate or proof of a negative COVID-19 result. Regarding the recent update, the NHS commented “The expiry date on an NHS Covid Pass does not apply to your vaccination status, it applies to the barcodes on the NHS Covid Pass,”


Further adding that, “The barcodes are valid for 180 days.”


THE Samoan Government has announced an official date for Samoa to reopen its borders to international travellers. In an announcement overnight, Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataafa has confirmed Samoa will welcome international travellers into the country from 01 August 2022. In preparation for the reopening, a series of


developments and new processes have been put in place to ensure Samoa is travel ready, and that the health and safety of locals and international travellers is of utmost priority. Samoa’s robust preparations include its own digital contact tracing app, training and upskilling for local employees, upgraded travel instructions and bolstered testing capabilities. Vaccination rates have


remained pivotal in the


decision to reopen, with the most recent data showing almost 93% of Samoa’s population, aged 18 years and over, has been fully vaccinated. Samoa Tourism Authority’s acting CEO, Pativaine


Petaia-Tevita, said the tourism and hospitality industry is excited to get Samoa back on the radar as a must-visit destination, particularly as worldwide travel restrictions continue to ease and traveller confidence grows. “As international travel begins to take shape again,


Samoa has been striving to ensure critical components of our travel-ready toolkit are in place. All of these efforts ensure we are in a top position to safely open borders to travellers,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming visitors with open


arms later this year, and we encourage travellers to experience Samoa’s untouched beauty, unique cultural experiences, rich heritage and friendly locals for themselves.” For more information on Samoa’s travel guidelines, as


well as inspiration on things to do while visiting Samoa, please visit the Samoa Tourism Authority website for more information.


Corporate guests included Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Foyle Hospice, Derry City Football Club and Donegal Daily.


Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented “A direct connection to Edinburgh has been greatly missed in recent months, particularly for those regularly commuting to study or work, or visit family and friends, and we are delighted that Loganair has taken to the skies to provide this much-needed service.”


“The 55 minute direct connection to Edinburgh is now available three days per week on a Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, with increased frequency during the peak summer months when additional flights will be available on a Thursday and Saturday.:


visiting the wide range of cultural and historic sites of the Scottish capital, in addition to the hospitality and retail offerings, while students and business travellers can benefit from the new quick connection three days per week. We look forward to welcoming passengers from the City of Derry Airport onboard this new service.” Aidan O’Kane, Londonderry Chamber President,


added: “I was thrilled to fly to Edinburgh today as part of Loganair’s inaugural service to the Scottish capital. From tourism to trade, this new route will be a huge boost to the North West economy, strengthening our regional links across the Irish Sea. The City of Derry Airport continues to grow, and political leadership is required to ensure that we can keep adding these exciting links across the UK and Ireland. I look forward to seeing this new route take hold and would like to congratulate Loganair and the Airport for their excellent work launching it today.”


For more information on the NEW Loganair service, visit www.loganair.co.uk.


ISRAEL have announced that they are set to remove all remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions on Saturday 21st May.


Tis change means that international arrivals will


be permitted entry into Israel regardless of vaccination status. Travellers will no longer be required to provide evidence of vaccination against Covid-19, a recovery certificate or a negative PCR or antigen result. It remains mandatory for travellers to complete a


passenger entry declaration form up to 48 hours prior to travel, a measure which was in place prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.


Israel To Drop All Remaining Restrictions Speaking on this change which is set to come into


effect on Saturday (21st of May), Director of the Israel Government Tourism Office in London, Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky stated, “Tis is the news we have been waiting for for more than two years.” “It has been our highest priority to make the process


of entering Israel the easiest it can be while responsibly looking aſter our passengers’ health and safety. Further stating that, “With Israel joining many


other countries in dropping all Covid restrictions, I am hopeful the travel industry has now reached a crucial milestone in this post-pandemic world.”


Samoa Set To Reopen Borders in August


2022 marks The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and The Fitzwilliam will be celebrating this milestone throughout the entire month of June with its Afternoon Tea ‘Fitz’ for a Queen.


The Fitzwilliam’s talented pastry team have created a scrumptious menu, including a fabulous display of entrée’s, sandwiches and cakes ranging from spiced pork sausage rolls, coronation chicken wraps, homemade scones with clotted cream and sweet treats like gold gilded macaroons and golden crown shortbread. Cian Landers, General Manager, Fitzwilliam Hotel, said: “During the month of June, every person who comes for an afternoon tea will get a glass of Champagne and a little keepsake tiara, fit for a queen. So, dress to impress and get your phones at the ready, as this will be one moment you will want to share with your friends. “Our afternoon tea has a sumptuous selection of delicious finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and incredible homemade pastries, accompanied with a choice of tea or freshly brewed coffee. So, with the addition of Champagne and a complimentary tiara, our guests can celebrate the Jubilee like a queen in the luxurious surroundings of The Fitzwilliam Hotel”, concluded Cian.


To book please call +442890 442080 or visit www. fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com.


Hotel AMANO Covent Garden Opens its Doors to London


HOTEL AMANO Covent Garden has officially opened! This new boutique lifestyle hotel from Berlin- based hotelier, The AMANO Group, brings the cool and carefree spirit of Berlin to the capital, making it an exciting new destination for Londoners and visitors to discover.


Located in London’s buzzy Covent Garden, this new


kid on the block is the first international destination from The AMANO Group, which currently has eight hotels in Berlin, one in Munich, and one in Düsseldorf. All AMANO properties have one overarching purpose: to enable their guests to enjoy beautifully designed spaces in the best city centre locations, and all at a fair price.


The new London hotel is a celebration of city life and culture, with distinctive art and design features throughout from London-based design studio Woods Bagot.


Formerly a 1980s office building known as Drury


House, this 141-room property is the first of multiple AMANO hotels set to open in the capital. Renowned for offering some of the best culinary and drinks experiences in the cities they inhabit, guests staying at the new Hotel AMANO Covent Garden can enjoy a creative cocktail list and tasty bar snacks up at AMANO Rooftop while taking in impressive panoramic city views. When the mood of the night changes, head down to the basement to find AMANO Bar where DJs spin music on weekends and the drinks are flowing.


Dinner in AMANO’s signature restaurant, Penelope’s, will be one of the hottest tickets in town when it opens later this autumn, offering a fusion of Israeli and Spanish cuisine from AMANO’s culinary Director, Ronen Dovrat Bloch.


With a wealth of tourist hotspots on its doorstep, Hotel AMANO Covent Garden makes a great base for solo and business travellers, couples and families wanting to explore the capital. Check into a Cosy, Comfy or Roomy bedroom, or channel your inner exhibitionist in one of five Goldy rooms which boast freestanding gold bathtubs and views onto the surrounding Covent Garden area. Co-founder of The AMANO Group, Ariel Schiff, says of the new venture, “As a Berlin-based company, opening our first international property in London was always a natural step for us. Like Berlin, London is a dynamic city known for its thriving nightlife and multicultural community. We felt the spirit of the AMANO brand would blend in well here. We’re excited to open our hotel to guests and offer a unique hotel and leisure experience, bringing a taste of Berlin to London.”


To book visit www.amanogroup.de/en


June 2022 Travel News


Enjoy Afternoon Tea Fitz for a Queen


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