Travel News August 2020


70% OF PALMA’S HOTELS PREDICTED TO REOPEN BY END OF AUGUST 2020


UPDATES 9


Delta Allows Alcohol to Be Sold on Domestic Flights Again


DELTA Airlines have announced that they are once again allowing the sale of alcohol on some domestic flights.


The carrier said it will once again serve select beers


and wines on flights of more than 500 miles due to customer demand.


Single-serve red and white wine, Heineken, Miller Lite, SweetWater 420 and SweetWater IPA will be offered on board.


Allison Ausband, Delta’s SVP of In-Flight Service said: “Our goal is to serve all of our food and beverage offerings in the safest way possible – both for our customers and employees.


“We take pride in always listening to our customers, and we know beer and wine are the adult beverages our customers want most.


Complimentary beer, wine and cocktails remain available in all cabins on long-haul international routes.


Air Canada Resumes Passenger


Flights from Ireland AIR Canada has resumed passenger flights from Ireland with an initial three-times weekly non-stop service between Dublin and its Toronto hub, featuring Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy seating. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will also carry a range of commodities, including general cargo and temperature-controlled goods, machinery and industrial parts, aircraft spares, e-commerce products, as well as pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, manufactured


by 70% of Palma’s hotels are estimated to be reopened by the end of August 2020 as the country slowly starts to welcome visitors back I


T IS estimated that by the end of August 2020, 70% of hotels in Palma could be reopen to the public following closures due to COVID-19. The


President of Palma and Cala


Major’s Hotel Association, Javier Vich, has confirmed that 70% of Palma’s hotels will reopen by August 2020 with further openings anticipated in September and October. 60% of hotels in the area are anticipated to be open by the end of July. Vich outlined that the Balearic Island


capital, Palma, has one of the highest percentages of four- and five-star properties in Spain; partly thanks to the positive


AMERICAN Holidays launches ‘Book with Confidence’ and ‘Travel with Confidence’, two new initiatives to reassure holidaymakers when booking their next getaway. American Holidays believe that both initiatives, working side-by-side, will encourage holidaymakers to travel again. Both ‘Book with Confidence’ and ‘Travel


with Confidence’ initiatives are launched alongside an expanded offering from American Holidays to the West Coast, Deep South, Canada, Road Trips and Mexico itineraries.


Following extensive customer research, American Holidays found that customers want added flexibility and peace of mind when booking a getaway. With this in mind, the following initiatives have now been introduced for every new American Holidays booking until 30th September 2020:


Deposits reduced to €100/ £100 pp for holidays with scheduled flights •


•


3 Free changes – no administration fees up to, and including, three changes •


before departure •


Free cancellation up to 10 weeks American Holidays has also


significantly increased its product offering in several popular destinations. Holidaymakers can look forward to browsing a great selection of bespoke holiday ideas to California, the Pacific Northwest, The Deep South, Texas, National Parks and the great Canadian outdoors


Travel with Confidence: At the heart of


‘Travel with Confidence’ are five pillars which will provide reassurance for agents and their customers. Experts: CAR, ABTA and ATOL bonded and with experience in tailor making bespoke holiday itineraries for 35 years, offering 24/7 concierge service for ultimate peace of mind. Destination Knowledge: American Holidays recognise the importance of staff destination knowledge. This is paramount so that customers can feel reassured and that all questions can be answered and resolved. Trusted Partners: American Holidays


evolution of the city’s tourism infrastructure in recent years. Four and five star properties now account for over 90% of the city’s hotel inventory with a total of 10,560 hotel beds. Vich said: “Of course our hotel sector has


been hit significantly by this crisis but we are reassured at the rate of which our properties are reopening and their rapid adaptation of new measures and protocols to ensure the safety of guests and staff.”


As Palma tests new app to guarantee social distancing on surrounding beaches Managing Director of Palma Tourist Board, Pedro Homar, has revealed a new app is currently being developed to successfully


are committed to working with partners that have customer safety and wellbeing at the heart of what they do. Health and Safety: Encouraging high standards through the trusted partners with robust health and safety audits in place. Giving our clients the reassurance of what to expect from airport check-in, in transit, to arrival at their chosen destination. Privacy Options: American Holidays


offer an extensive range of private homes and suites with access to resort facilities as well as in-room dining to allow for a more secluded holiday experience away from the crowds. In addition, American Holidays feature private transfers for a higher level of comfort and space.


Bladhana Richardson, Head of Marketing for American Holidays commented on the launch of both initiatives: “Both of our confidence initiatives are about reassurance. We want our customers to feel comfortable as they ease back into planning and booking holidays. At this critical time, it’s important to give customers maximum flexibility, reduced financial commitment and booking with a tour operator that offers an extra level of reassurance and trust. Hence the reiteration of our 24/7 in the ground Concierge, robust health and safety audits in resort and privacy options. We know this is what our customers and agents have come to expect from American Holidays. We are grateful to all our customers and trade partners and thank them for their ongoing support at this challenging time.


“Our portfolio is well suited to the current climate, with many people looking to the vastness and diversity of the USA and Canada, with its amazing wilderness and the beautiful landscapes of the iconic National and State Parks. With a focus on wilderness and wellness there are some amazing remote and resort hotels to choose from. Although famous for its iconic cities, the USA and Canada have some well-hidden gems off the beaten track where you can get up close and personal with nature. Whether it’s bear watching in British Columbia, whale watching in California or New England,


control the number of visitors on Palma’s surrounding beaches. The app which is an adaptation of a successful trial that was previously used to manage the flow of cruise passengers around the city, links to heat sensors that are able to monitor the amount of human activity on Palma’s surrounding beaches. The app will then display in real time which beaches are less crowded and which are at full capacity so that both visitors and residents can make informed decisions about where to go. Available for visitors via android and IOS,


the new app is called “SafeBeaches” and is available to download now.


American Holidays Launch ‘Book with Confidence’ and ‘Travel with Confidence’


diving and kayaking in Florida, enjoying all that is Americana on Route 66 or simply soaking up some of North America’s scenic highways.


“We are also expanding our product portfolio in the Caribbean which will give our customers a broader range of destinations and properties and is obviously very appealing for the wedding, honeymoon, and special occasion market. American Holidays is known for luxury and personal service, attracting a high percentage of repeat business and believe there will be a great deal of pent-up demand for this type of holiday in 2021.”


Louvre Museum in Paris Reopens to Visitors


VISITORS to Paris will once again be able to view the works of some of the world’s greatest artists as the Louvre reopens its doors.


Face masks must be worn inside and visitor numbers


are limited.


Pre-booking is required. About 70% of the world-famous museum, housing 30,000 of the Louvre’s most prized works of art is once again accessible to visitors. The Louvre is hoping the reopening will attract visitors from closer to home,


including the


Paris region, but is bracing for a plunge in numbers. Before the pandemic, as many as 50,000 people per day toured the Louvre in the busiest summer months.


City of Derry Airport Increased Flight Schedule Takes Off


CITY of Derry Airport’s flight schedule has increased with the announcement that Loganair’s London Stansted service has increased in frequency, Loganair’s Glasgow service has returned and Ryanair’s Edinburgh and Liverpool services have recommenced. Mr. Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “The resumption of more regular flight services from City of Derry Airport marks a positive step in the recovery phase for the travel and tourism industry, and Northern Ireland as a whole.” Loganair’s London Stansted service is now operating every day with double daily flights available on busier days of the week, and the Glasgow service is currently available two days per week, increasing to four days at the end of July.


Loganair flights from City of Derry Airport are available from £39.99pp one way and this is inclusive of 15kg hold baggage and 6kg hand luggage.


Ryanair’s Edinburgh and Liverpool services are available two days per week for this opening period, which will also increase to four days per week later in the year, and fares are priced from £19.99pp one way.


Mr. Frazer outlined how crucial health and safety is at this time: “We take the well-being of our passengers and staff very seriously, and subsequently have introduced a number of new measures at the Airport


to protect passing through.


“We want to provide our passengers with the confidence to travel, when they feel ready, and reassure them that they will be safe throughout their airport journey. “Please take a look at our Health and Safety video, available on the City of Derry Airport website and social channels, to familiarise yourself with what to expect and as always, our Airport staff will be available to assist at all times should you have any questions in advance of when you travel.”


all persons both Irish and Ireland-based


multinational companies. The outbound service from Dublin to Toronto will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and the return service from Toronto to Dublin on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.


Belfast City Airport Launches


Travel Advice for Passengers WITH airline activity increasing, Belfast City Airport has launched an animation to provide information and guidance for passengers in relation to the measures in place in the terminal.


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Belfast City Airport (BCA) have introduced enhanced safety and social distancing measures throughout the airport, meaning you can book your next flight or essential journey with confidence. From sanitisation stations and floor markings to increased hygiene procedures, distanced seating, face covering vending machines and more, BCA got you covered from car park to plane.


Belfast City Airport remains open and operational


with a reduced flight schedule to facilitate essential travel between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Daily connectivity to London remains in place with Aer Lingus and British Airways services to London Heathrow, and will be further strengthened on September 1 with a daily service from Belfast City to London City Airport with BA Cityflyer. Connectivity to the North East and South coast of England has also been reintroduced with daily weekday services to both Teesside and Southampton with Eastern Airways. Flights from Belfast City to Aberdeen and Inverness are now operating as of 6 July, and will be joined by the previously confirmed Dundee service in line with the start of the new higher educational term on September 18 and a new route to Glasgow, commencing September 4.


Villa Copenhagen Officially Opens


its Doors ONE of Europe’s most anticipated launches of 2020, Villa Copenhagen officially opened its doors in the heart of Denmark’s capital city on July 1. Housed in the century-old Danish Post and Telegraph office, adjacent to Tivoli Gardens, the 390-room Villa Copenhagen is a Grande Dame hotel for the 21st century, offering approachable, conscious luxury through a commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and meaningful experiences that connect guests to the landscape, culture, and energy of the city.


“This project has proven to be a labour of love and, in many ways, is testament to Copenhagen’s resilient spirit. We are delighted to reveal Villa Copenhagen to the public and are confident that the health measures we have in place will put guests at ease in this new era of travel,” said Peter Høgh Pedersen, managing director of Villa Copenhagen.


“The vision behind the build was to create an authentic destination – for the many and not the few – that upholds three key pillars: contrast, conscious luxury, and happiness.


“We believe these values show in the hotel design, guest facilities and amenities, collaborative partnerships, and our approach to service, which recognises Villa Copenhagen’s connection to the city and our belief that luxury hospitality should focus on conscious choices that benefit the local environment and surrounding communities.” Villa Copenhagen is also home to the city’s finest private art collection valued at more than US$2 million.


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