Travel News January 2021


Six in 10 Parents Find it Difficult to Keep Everyone Happy...


W


HEN it comes to booking a holiday, new research has shown that six in 10 parents find it difficult to keep everyone happy, because everyone wants different things.


Research among 3,000 parents, children and grandparents revealed the kids just want to splash in the pool all day, while parents long for a bit of culture – and grandparents will not accept anything less than a clean hotel, good food and tidy beaches. However, they and their children do agree somewhere


that takes Covid-19 measures seriously was also a top priority. For six in 10 parents, finding a holiday location that everyone is happy with can be tricky, with 61 per cent finding the experience of deciding where to go difficult, frustrating and even painful. And 55 per cent find booking a trip an all-round stressful experience as they try to meet everyone’s needs. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism, which commissioned the research, said: “After an unprecedented year where it became difficult for families to spend quality time together, family holidays across the generations are more important than ever. “Seeing the tricky decisions many face and the compromise they may make to keep the majority happy, many would benefit from a trip somewhere that can cater to all their needs and budgets.” It also emerged six in 10 parents shoulder the burden


of booking the family trip on their own – even though 63 per cent invite their mums and dads along for some quality time away. Having a swimming pool was top priority to children, followed by being near the beach and good weather. More than a third of youngsters (36 per cent) also hope for a theme or water park to be nearby.


However, to their parents, nine in 10 would simply like a bit of rest and relaxation. It was also revealed 56 per cent of grandparents want


to have their say on destination, but are happy to let someone else make the final call. And more than half of the older generation enjoy someone else sorting and booking their holiday for them according to the findings via OnePoll. But six in 10 parents would like someone else to take


the booking burden off their shoulders –organising it all for them instead. The biggest priorities to those booking their family trip are cost, spending quality time with loved ones – and making memories to be treasured with family. And while six in 10 usually rotate holiday locations based on their family preferences, 25 per cent stick to the same old locations in an attempt to keep everyone happy. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism, added: “The


findings of the research only solidify that Dubai is a truly fantastic place for a family holiday. “From experiences for the kids, beautiful beaches


and pools, numerous ways to relax for parents and grandparents, and incredible facilities – all underpinned by strict measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents and guests – this is somewhere for families to reunite and make lasting memories together.”


EasyJet Winter 2022 Flights Go on Sale


EASYJET has brought its Winter 2022 on sale date earlier than ever before. The early release of these flights gives customers the chance to book early and make huge savings on winter holiday flights. It also provides further options for customers whose travel plans have been disrupted due to the pandemic so they can rebook all the way up until spring 2022.


Belfast City Airport Becomes First in NI to Achieve ACI Health Accreditation For its Extensive Covid Measures


GEORGE Best Belfast City Airport has been awarded an airport health accreditation certificate by the Airports Council International (ACI) for its extensive COVID-19 measures. Belfast City is the first airport in Northern Ireland


to achieve the international accolade which recognises best-in-class COVID-19 health and safety processes. Cleaning, disinfection, physical distancing, staff protection, passenger communications and passenger facilities are all assessed for the accreditation. The airport’s Operations Manager, Judith Davis,


said: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff and passengers is always our first priority, and that has certainly not changed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.


“Passengers travelling to or from Belfast City Airport


can be reassured that stringent measures are in place throughout the terminal. “We have received superb feedback from our passengers who feel comfortable and safe in the airport, and it is great to have our efforts recognised as industry- leading by the ACI.” Within the airport face coverings are mandatory;


hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities are available throughout the airport; markings are visible on the floor to facilitate social distancing with additional staff dedicated to terminal sanitising. Throughout the airport’s thorough evaluation, all passenger processes and areas were assessed including


check-in, security, boarding, the departure lounge, baggage reclaim and the arrivals area. Luis Felipe de Oliveira, ACI World’s director


general, said: “While the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects have halted the airport industry at global level, airports are vital cogs in the aviation ecosystem, and our Airport Health Accreditation programme will help to restore passenger confidence in air travel.


“As important engines of growth, wealth creation,


and employment, the recovery of the airport sector will be a significant driver of the global economic recovery. Key to this recovery will be reassuring the travelling public that airports are prioritising health and safety and providing safe and hygienic facilities. “Assessment is aligned with guidelines for health measures established by ICAO, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and ACI to help airports to prioritise and promote a safe and healthy environment for passengers, staff and the public. “Airports cannot do this in isolation, however, and collaboration, cooperation and consistency across the aviation industry will be the key to rebuilding global air services capacity and keeping passengers safe, healthy, and secure as we do this. “To assist airports, ACI has developed the Airport


Health Accreditation Programme to promote best practices and help align efforts across the industry to harmonise measures, processes, and procedures with ICAO, EASA, and ACI’s global guidance.”


Survey Reveals Third of Britons Intend to Travel in Next Six Months After Rollout of Covid Vaccine


NEW research shows that over a third of British consumers want to travel abroad in the next six months. The results of the survey reveal that the rollout of


the Pfizer vaccine has resulted in 41% of the entire UK population feeling more confident to travel abroad by the summer of next year. The vaccine is clearly welcome and a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to re-energise travel and tourism in the long term. Martin Nolan, Head of Regulatory Affairs for Skyscanner, said: “Our survey’s findings clearly show the vast majority of travellers are feeling overwhelmed; the varying restrictions and the numerous requirements around international travel can be confusing to travellers who are planning and booking trips. “Travel is global and interconnected, so we need to


see coordination at an international level with consistent measures which put the traveller first. “As we look towards the new year, we would welcome more harmonisation across the industry, with international governments and regulatory bodies focused on making the journey for travellers smoother.”


Among those who do have plans to travel abroad,


77% said difficulty in understanding the current options dissuades them from doing so. When asked what measures would encourage them


to fly with specific airlines, nearly half said mandatory mask wearing (45%) or improved cleaning processes (45%), while 43% said having a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travelling was the most important. Those keen to travel are also motivated by using their remaining annual holiday allowance. In the survey, of those currently employed, just over 28% had annual leave still to use, with more than half of these having more than one week’s leave yet to take and were considering carrying it over to next year. When prompted specifically, 15% of respondents said they would consider travelling abroad in December, though fewer than half of those who responded positively (45%) had a firm destination in mind. The survey of 2,152 adults, carried out for Skyscanner by independent market intelligence firm AudienceNet, was carried out on 27th, 28th and 29th November 2020.


New research shows that 6 in 10 parents find it difficult to keep everyone happy on holiday TUI Launches First Winter Sun Programme to Aruba...


TUI UK has announced the launch of its first-ever winter holiday programme to Aruba to give customers even more choice for some winter sun, with flights from London Gatwick started on 16 December. The first TUI flight (departed on December 16) was sold out showing demand for long-haul travel is high. With the Dutch Caribbean island now one of


the UK Government’s travel corridor destinations – meaning holidaymakers do not have to quarantine on their return home – the UK’s leading travel company is launching with an immediate programme of seven- and 14-night holidays. TUI has previously only ever operated to Aruba in


the summer but has decided to add Aruba flights to ensure UK travellers have even more exciting holiday options this winter. Richard Sofer, Commercial & Business Development Director at TUI said: “Aruba is a quality destination with amazing hotels, fantastic beaches and guaranteed winter sunshine. We know our customers


need a holiday now more than ever, so we’re really excited to be extending this destination into winter, giving our customers more choice.” Aruba Tourism Authority CEO, Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, commented: “In a year which has been so challenging for our vital tourism industry – and that of destinations around the world – this is wonderfully welcome news. “TUI have been a great supporter of Aruba over the


years and their quick decision to fly here this winter is exciting news for the island, hoteliers and others in the hospitality industry. “Everyone in Aruba will extend an especially warm –


and safe- welcome to TUI guests and we look forward to giving them a memorable and well-deserved sunshine break this winter.” TUI will operate its own Boeing 787 Dreamliner


aircraft on the London Gatwick direct route to Aruba every Wednesday from 16 December. It will offer packages at a range of seven hotels.


UPDATES 9


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32