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First Commercial Boeing Max Flights Takes to the Skies


AMERICAN Airlines operated the first commercial Max flight in the US since the global grounding of the jet in March 2019. The jet resumed service on December 29 with a round- trip from Miami to New York.


A new Reuters/Ipsos survey says 57% of Americans


were not likely to fly in a Boeing 737 Max once they were informed about the plane’s safety history. The poll found about 37% would be likely to fly the Max


once it had been flying for at least six months without any further issues.


Negative Covid Test Required for US Entry


TRAVELLERS heading to the US will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test before boarding their flight.


The test – which can be a PCR or a faster antigen test – must have been taken no more than 72 hours before they depart for the US.


Following the US government’s announcement that all UK travellers to the States must present a negative Covid test, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said: “This additional testing requirement will fortify our protection of the American public to improve their health and safety and ensure responsible international travel.”


British Backpackers Break Covid Rules Down Under


AUSTRALIA is threatening to deport British backpackers who openly flouted Covid rules at a beach party in Sydney on Christmas Day.


Videos were posted to social media showing large gatherings of young people dancing and singing in a park next to Bronte Beach in breach of regulations in the city, which saw a resurgence of coronavirus a week before Christmas.


Australia’s Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said: “If somebody is threatening public safety or health, their visa can be cancelled and revoked.”


Eurowings Honours Employees with Exclusive New Design


THIS Christmas, Eurowings surprised its employees with a very distinct gift paying tribute to over 2,300 employees. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for their commitment to the airline in 2020, a specially painted Airbus A320 from its current fleet has been stamped with a special thank you message. “Fuelled by?” is written on the fuselage of the A320 and underneath: “The world’s greatest team.” Showing solidarity and support between the EU and the UK in times of crisis, the message is written in both German on one side and English on the other. Eurowings CEO Jens Bischof: “Hardly any other industry has been hit as hard by the pandemic as aviation and tourism. Whether flight attendants, pilots or staff on the ground – they have all been unable to do their jobs as usual for months. The fact that Eurowings guests were able to take off at all this year is owed to the passionate commitment and high flexibility of all our employees. A remarkable team spirit drives us at Eurowings repeatedly and makes us stand up for each other in difficult times. That is why we are saying thank you in an extraordinary way in a likewise extraordinary year: with a team airplane for the entire staff.”


The “Eurowings Team Airplane” will receive its special bilingual varnish during a regular maintenance stay in the first quarter of 2021 and will then be stationed on a rolling basis at the Eurowings bases in Düsseldorf, Cologne/ Bonn, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Mallorca, Vienna, Salzburg and Pristina. Eurowings is the first German airline to dedicate


an aircraft from its fleet with an exclusive design to its own employees. Special lacquering such as the black and yellow “Team Airbus” of the cooperation partner Borussia Dortmund or the “Europa-Park Plane” have been among the most popular photo motifs at Europe’s airports for years.


January 2021 Travel News


How Will Tourism to Spain be Impacted by Brexit?


Spanish government approves royal decree adopting EU measures in new Trade and Cooperation Agreement - but what does this mean for holidaymakers?


AFTER intense negotiations, on 24 December, Christmas


Eve, the President of the European


Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, and Head of the Task Force, Michel Barnier, announced the conclusion of the Trade and Cooperation agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. They view it as a balanced agreement that will prevent major disruptions from 1 January and one that will protect European interests.


In order to adequately protect the interests of citizens and economic operators, the Spanish Government has approved a royal decree law adopting the contingency measures aimed at completing and implementing, at a national level, the provisions contained in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.


So how will tourism be impacted at the end of the transition period?


Q: It is necessary to have a visa to travel to Spain from the United Kingdom?


A: No. As of 1 January 2021, UK nationals will remain exempt from the requirement to be in possession of visas when crossing the European Union’s external borders for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180- day period). This visa exemption does not provide for the right to work in the Union and is subject to the reciprocity mechanism applying to third countries.


Q: Will there be any border controls?


A: As of 1 January 2021, UK nationals travelling to the European Union and the Schengen area will be treated as third-country nationals, and therefore subject to thorough checks at the Schengen area border. This means that intended stays in the territory of EU Member States cannot have a duration of more than 90 days in any 180-day period, and UK nationals will have to meet the entry conditions for third-country nationals.


Q: What about if I travel with pets?


A: If you travel with pets you can continue to do so, but you will need the British health authorities to issue the corresponding animal health certificate and they will be required to enter the country at one of the airports or ports authorised to this effect.


Q: Will my British driving licence be recognised in Spain? A: As of 1 January 2021, driving licenses issued by the


United Kingdom will no longer benefit from mutual recognition under Union law. In Spain, driving licences issued by the UK authorities that are valid and in force will enable their holders to drive in our country for a period of six months, as of 1 January 2021. After this six-


THE World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the travel and tourism industry can now breathe a sigh of relief after the UK agreed a Brexit trade deal with the EU.


Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The whole Travel & Tourism sector will be breathing a sigh of relief that the EU and UK government have been able to agree a deal at the 11th hour. It is good news for a sector which has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic and which


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ACCORDING to reports online, the Government has commissioned two companies to develop apps that would allow users to develop a QR code to their mobile phones to show they have tested negative for Covid-19.


is wrong to consider Good news for early bookers in Belfast - looking to the future of travel


month period, the arrangements for permits issued in third countries shall apply, in accordance with the rules in force concerning traffic, unless the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom reach a bilateral agreement recognising the exchange of their driving licenses.


Q: Will I have access to the Spanish healthcare system?


A: Yes, provided that the United Kingdom acts reciprocally with Spanish nationals. Until 30 June 2021, persons entitled to healthcare in the United Kingdom or Gibraltar under the responsibility of the relevant entities


effective until 30 June 2021 to receive healthcare services under the Spanish National Health System. If the individual does not have this health card, documentary proof of their right to healthcare issued by the British authorities must be presented to the Spanish National Social Security Institute.


will receive healthcare from the Spanish National Health System, in the same terms and subject to the same conditions as established prior to 1 January 2021. Individual health cards issued to citizens entitled to healthcare in the United Kingdom or Gibraltar residing in Spain will remain in force and will be fully


feared the consequences of a no-deal Brexit. Thankfully this worrying outcome has been avoided and now the sector can look ahead to 2021 with more confidence.


“But British holidaymakers could face higher health costs and added red tape. The devil will be in the detail of the deal – and only time will tell what the true consequences are for travellers. “WTTC stands ready to work closely with governments and other key organisations in Travel & Tourism


is Covid-free. Hillary


of


In cases of temporary stay and scheduled treatments, documentary proof of health coverage must be provided by the corresponding entities, which will be accepted by all the healthcare centres that make up the National Healthcare System.


The dispensing of prescriptions for medical drugs issued in the United Kingdom shall remain in force under the terms set out in Royal Decree 1718/2010, of 17 December, on medical prescription and dispensing orders, provided that the United Kingdom acts reciprocally.


Travel and Tourism Breathes Sigh of Relief – Says WTTC


to help implement testing and WTTC Safe Travels protocols to enable the recovery of the sector. “We continue to call for the end of crippling


quarantines and damaging travel restrictions which will only set back further the economic recovery, and instead replace them with a comprehensive, quick turnaround testing regime on departure. This is the only way this sector, which is critical to powering the UK – and the global economy – will survive.”


Covid-Free ‘Freedom Passport’ Causes Concern According to Reports Cannon, Director


Innovation at myGP, said proposals for a ‘Freedom Passport’ could cause more harm than good.


The company behind an NHS- assured app to show the user has received the Covid vaccine says the Government


launching an app to show that the user


KUONI says bookings for 2021 are well ahead of what they would usually be at this time, with upgrading a trend. It says the average spend per booking is up £683 from 2019 to £9,231 as customers looks to upgrade with business class flights, helicopter transfers and extra experiences such as hot air balloon flights.


The Maldives tops the list of the most popular long-haul destinations


“The fact that a negative virus test result only means the person is at low risk of having COVID-19 at that moment means this new app innovation could encourage more people who may have, or could easily contract, the virus


in demand, which has been given a boost by being granted a travel corridor and more direct flights. The appeal of isolated retreats with private pool villas, is also a draw, says Kuoni. Antigua is the top island in the Caribbean while the


Seychelles, safaris – especially


Kenya and Botswana – are also proving popular, added the operator. Closer to home demand is rising for Italy and Greece, which Kuoni says are enjoying


to move about and mix, which will impede the UK’s ability to contain and control the virus,” she said.


“The suggested Freedom Passport innovation also encourages more virus testing, which comes at a cost to the NHS and the taxpayer.


“In addition, it will further discourage the 31% of people who are already considering declining the Covid-19 vaccine.”


Kuoni Reveals Best-Selling Destinations for 2021 AND Long Haul Comes Tops!


an upswing in bookings for summer 2021 as well as special occasion trips. CEO Derek Jones said: “We’re seeing two types of travellers emerge, those who are prepared to book and travel at short notice and those who are planning much further ahead.”


Top destinations for travel in 2021: The Maldives; Italy; Kenya; Seychelles; Greece; Antigua; Thailand; Botswana; Bali; Sri Lanka; Japan


Thomas Cook Launches Long-Haul Holidays


ONLINE travel agent Thomas Cook is set to sell long-haul holidays after entering into new partnerships with 20 airlines including


British Airways, Emirates,


Virgin and Etihad. The company said it was keen to offer as many destinations as possible to the places that are currently quarantine-free, including Dubai and St Lucia. It has added a total of 43 new destinations


to its portfolio, including


Cancun and Punta Cana as well as major North American cities.


Thailand Hopes Singles Will Swipe Right for Adventure!


THE Tourism Authority of Thailand is partnering with popular dating app Tinder to inspire single travellers to seek out both love and adventure!


Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products said: “Tourism connects people, and some people might end up being lifetime partners. Tourists can also help support tourism and the economy during tough times.”


The new partnership campaign will focus on various itineraries including Lop Buri-Saraburi, Udon Thani-Loei, Chumphon-Surat Thani, Phuket, Pattaya and Ayutthaya.


It includes a river cruise trip visiting holy temples and a secret island party at Koh Khai in Phuket.


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