Holiday & Travel

The Bahamas welcomed Frontier Airlines' inaugural flight yesterday with great excitement as it landed at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. Frontier is the first ultra-low cost carrier to enter the Caribbean market with multiple travel days per week.  

As travel continues a steady return, The Bahamas is eager to welcome back visitors with more flight options and deals this summer. Frontier will operate direct flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Nassau (NAS) four times a week, starting July 2021.

Frontier will operate direct flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Nassau (NAS) four times a week. Minister of Tourism & Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D'Aguilar, was among the officials gathered at the Sir Lynden Airport this afternoon to greet the inaugural flight and he expressed warm words of welcome.

"I am honoured and excited that Frontier Airlines has decided to partner with The Bahamas, particularly at this critical juncture, as we engage on the path of tourism recovery and economic restoration following a devastating hurricane and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. I take this opportunity to extend a warm Bahamian welcome to you and to express our sincere appreciation for your partnership."

The addition of Frontier Airlines to the growing number of air carriers servicing The Bahamas comes as a result of the ongoing drive by the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation and key industry partners to expand airlift to the destination. A robust increase in airlift from major source markets figures as a key element in the Ministry's overall strategy for tourism recovery.

"Frontier Airlines' multiple flights per week provide a breath of fresh air to our tourism economy as this air link connects our destination to the hub of the Southeastern USA, including Florida, a market from which we annually attract a significant share of our visitors," said Minister D'Aguilar.

Caribbean Airlines is making plans to cut down on approximately 450 employees as part of a restructuring of the carrier.

The airline, headquartered in Trinidad & Tobago capital Port of Spain, also said it would put a number of aircraft into storage. Caribbean Airlines said the restructuring strategy comes in the wake of the devastating Covid-19 crisis.

“We will need to adjust operations to cater for a reduced scale of demand after the opening of the borders,” explained a statement. “Put simply, passenger demand in the short- to medium-term is not going to recover sufficiently to support the existing company structure,” the airline added.

According to Cirium fleet data, the airline currently has six ATR 72-600 turboprops in operation, as well as seven Boeing 737-800 aircraft. It has five Boeing 737 Max planes on order.

The carrier did not say how many aircraft it will take out of its operating fleet as part of the new strategy. The news comes on the same day that Caribbean reported first quarter 2021 results.

The carrier posted a $26 million loss for the period, and a 75 per cent decline in revenue, compared to the same three months in 2020.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) have teamed up to strengthen the relationship between travel advisors and the region.

The partnership between the two organizations is intended to generate synergies in areas such as advocacy, information exchange, and cross-organizational membership.

Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of CHTA, sees great value in the networking opportunity, noting that travel advisors represent a valuable untapped channel for growth: “This is an enormously smart partnership, which gives our members direct access to ASTA, the leading trade association for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public.”

She added: “We are seeing an increasing trend in travellers’ booking behavior, in that they are relying on travel advisors more and more to help them make decisions. This trend gives CHTA members further opportunity to connect with more clients.”

Under the agreement, CHTA members will be offered a 50-percent discount to join ASTA, available through mid-July. Further details can be found at https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/member-product-discounts.

“We are excited to announce this partnership between the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA),” said Christina Salu, Membership Director of ASTA. “Our job is to help generate new business leads and B2B opportunities – helping to expand your reach and increase tourism to the Caribbean. With over 13,000 members and growing, ASTA is the leading trade association for travel advisors, the travel industry, and the traveling public. Our membership represents 80 percent of the travel sold from the U.S. agency industry.

“We not only want to help you understand the U.S. travel market, but we also want to help you build brand awareness and strong partnerships with U.S.-based travel agencies that are looking for trusted suppliers, tour operators and DMCs in the Caribbean,” said Salu.

Ledesma expects a productive partnership for CHTA members aligning with ASTA: “CHTA members will be able to use the ASTA logo, be listed in ASTA’s member directory and their quarterly magazine Travel Advisor, gain access to ASTA’s global network of travel professionals, and benefit from discounts on products and events as well as the use of industry resources to help save time and money.”

In addition to sharing the benefits of critical member news, contacts and industry updates, the two associations will also collaborate on crafting advocacy strategies critical to the speedy and successful return to pre-pandemic levels of business.

“It’s been a rough pandemic for us and for our visitors and we want to make use of our partnership to broaden the reach of our messaging and to strengthen the impact of our Caribbean region promotions to enable a rapid return to normalcy and profitability,” Ledesma added.

Ledesma was upbeat about the newly minted partnership’s potential to jointly identify new business leads and business-to-business opportunities: “CHTA looks forward to helping ASTA and its global network of travel professionals expand their reach into the Caribbean, which obviously is good for us all.”

The world tourism industry is enduring a historic moment and is opening with hope for the future. Central America and the Dominican Republic are not lagging behind and are certainly betting on making a joint projection with the launch of a campaign entitled "Central America + Dominican Republic: The Healthiest Trip in the World", which will be carried out by the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA).

Featuring a motto that goes #JuntosSumamos, the campaign is aimed at creating tourism products for tour operators from both territories in a bid to put them on the map to wholesalers in Europe and America, as well as to take advantage of the airlift in the Dominican Republic-Panama route as a bridge between the region. 

The initiative hinges on a concept of health and biosecurity symbolized through a healthy heart where the Dominican Republic is reflected as a strategic partner of Central America for the promotion of offers linked to wellness, combined with beach, nature and heritage that allows travellers to enjoy a whole.

This campaign is a clear indicator of the work conducted by the governments and peoples that make up the Central American Integration System (SICA) in an effort to contribute to the reactivation of the economic and social activity of the tourism sector, as well as to let the world know that there are paradisiacal destinations that can be enjoyed with peace of mind and safety. 

In this regard, Mr. Gustavo Segura Sancho, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica and President Pro Tempore of CATA's Board of Directors, said that "this stage of recovery provides the opportunity to promote a greener, more resilient and sustainable tourism industry, adding that this joint promotion campaign places the SICA region as a privileged destination, with a special focus on health and biosafety, for its diverse, unique and complementary tourism products, giving tourists the chance to live unforgettable experiences through the multi-destination". 

The addition of the Dominican Republic's tourism product into Central America's promotional activities is evidence of a far more powerful regional offer that can boast of capturing the attention of increasingly demanding travellers. The fusion of these two worlds makes it possible to wallow in one of the most important destinations in the Caribbean and mix it with any of the destinations Central America has to offer. 

Today, the Dominican Republic is one of the most important travel destinations, being the second-largest and most diverse country in the Caribbean thanks to its geography, nature and people. With its addition to CATA's efforts, a window of opportunities opens up, highlighting the access and direct connection between Central America and Europe, and giving added value to the promotion of multi-destination in international markets.

A new survey from The Vacationer shows 132 Million American adults (51%) plan to travel for the Fourth of July this year. Of those traveling, 32% (83 million adults) will spend $500 or more on flights, hotels, tickets, gas, and other travel expenses.

The Vacationer polled 531 American adults over the age of 18 between June 1 and June 2, 2021. Results were analysed by The Vacationer's Eric Jones, who is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Rowan College South Jersey.

With COVID-19 cases waning in the United States, more Americans feel comfortable traveling. In addition to the Fourth of July, participants were asked if they travelled on the following holidays.

Memorial Day 2021. — 27.17%

Easter 2021. — 15.09%

Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa 2020. — 23.40%

Thanksgiving 2020. — 22.26%

Fourth of July 2020. — 14.72%

The number of people that will travel for the Fourth of July this year (51%) is nearly double the amount that travelled for Memorial Day. More people will travel for the Fourth of July this year than Memorial Day and Easter combined. Additionally, the expected number of people traveling this year will be 3.5 times more than for the Fourth of July last year.

Of those who will travel on the Fourth of July, 11.26% will do it primarily by plane while 36.59% will do it primarily by car. The remaining 3.56% will do it by bus or train. Despite it only being 11.26%, nearly 29 million American adults will fly on a plane.

32.1% of American adults or nearly 83 million people will spend more than $500 for Fourth of July travel. Additionally, more than 17% of American adults or over 44 million people will spend more than $1,000. Almost 3 out of every 4 American adults or nearly 190 million people will attend a BBQ or cookout for the Fourth of July. 

Almost 2 out of every 3 American adults still rate COVID-19 as "Slightly a Concern" or "A Big Concern" when planning for the Fourth of July. Despite more than 50% of Americans having at least one vaccine shot, it's obvious many people are still very cautious about the ongoing pandemic.

The Mexican resort of Cozumel welcomed the first arrival of a cruise ship carrying passengers since the coronavirus pandemic essentially collapsed the industry.

Officials in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo welcomed Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas as it arrived from Nassau in the Bahamas at the arrival at the world's busiest stopover for cruise ships.

The cruise line requires all passengers 16 and over to be fully vaccinated. Those who don't have to get Covid-19 tests.

Gov. Carlos Joaquin said about 5% of passengers aboard the ship -- about 150 youths or those with chronic health conditions -- haven't been vaccinated and would be subject to special rules. State and federal health officials were on hand to oversee the arrival.

Mexico has not instituted any testing requirement for incoming passengers, and anecdotal evidence suggests tourists are attracted to Mexico's Caribbean resorts in part because there has been no lockdown and health precautions are largely voluntary. Many visitors shed their masks when they reach their hotels or beach clubs.

The state has seen a recent upsurge in Covid-19 cases, in part linked to increased travel around Easter week, and partial reductions at businesses like hotels and restaurants have been implemented to stem the upsurge.

The latest booking figures from leading independent travel agency, Travel Counsellors, indicate that Brits are looking well ahead when planning their next big holiday. 31% of all new holiday bookings made last week (w/c 7 June) were for winter 2021/22, and 23% were for summer 2022. The UK remains as this year’s most popular summer destination.

With the current uncertainty and changes to the destinations on the traffic light system, Britons are clearly postponing their big getaway. The USA, Maldives, UAE and Barbados are leading the bookings for winter 2021/22; while Greece, USA and Spain are most popular destinations for summer next year.

Last week, Travel Counsellors received over 500 customer enquiries for summer staycations, as the UK remains as the most popular destination for this summer (23% of new summer bookings made last week), followed by Greece (8%) and the US (8%).

Jim Eastwood, Global Sales Director at Travel Counsellors, says: “Because of the current travel insecurity and the government’s ambiguity on amber destinations, customers are planning well ahead and making bookings - or re-booking - for up to summer next year. By booking with one of our trusted travel advisors’ clients can receive the latest advice and know that there is someone on hand to amend arrangements should plans have to change, whilst being safe in the knowledge that their money is fully financial protected.

“Travel has of course become more complex than ever, with the traffic light system and latest FCDO advice to navigate. Placing travel plans in the hands of an experienced travel professional has never felt so important”, Jim concludes.

Travel Counsellors has almost 1,500 experts across the UK who offer support, local expertise and reassurance from ‘inspiration to destination’.

Heads of government across the Eastern Caribbean have thrown their support behind calls made last week by U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to encourage the state of Florida to allow cruise lines to enable vaccination checks for Caribbean-bound passengers.

In a letter to the USVI leader, Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), expressed the sub-regional group’s deep appreciation to Governor Bryan for writing to Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis seeking special consideration in the Florida legislation to aid the revitalization of the cruise industry in the Caribbean. As increasing numbers of Americans receive COVID-19 vaccinations, Governor Bryan argued that ensuring the cruise industry reopens with vaccinated passengers is essential to the tourism economies of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean.

“We are deeply concerned - as you are - with the grave inherent difficulties for our effort to safeguard lives and to reignite livelihoods as we are among the most tourism dependent economies of the world. While the new law is not specific to the cruise business, it will potentially have a huge deleterious effect on it because almost all cruise ships (especially to the Caribbean) originate from ports within the state of Florida,” stated Prime Minister Skerrit, who observed the new Florida state law (which goes into effect on July 1) appears to conflict with Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health and safety guidelines, which include the vaccination of 95% of passengers and crew members.

“For us as small island developing states whose economies are largely fueled by tourism, the vaccination status of industry players (both visitors and industry workers - whether cruise or land-based) is essential to our strategy in the OECS to safeguard the lives of both our people and visitors and restore our economies,” Prime Minister Skerrit asserted.

He disclosed that the OECS leaders propose to advance arguments in further support of the advocacy undertaken by Governor Bryan, “and will urge partners in the cruise as well as the land-based tourism industry to add their voices in appeal to Governor DeSantis.”

Governor Bryan thanked the OECS leaders for their support: “As Caribbean people it is important that we stand united on these important issues. Cruise ships don’t just sail to one destination. We are one Caribbean and our health care infrastructure is too vulnerable to handle widespread outbreaks of illness.”

Governor Bryan commended the Florida governor for his commitment to health, civil liberties and economic revitalization, while underscoring that there are millions of people in the Caribbean who are counting on him to work with his lawmakers to ensure that travellers are healthy and vaccinated before sailing to Caribbean destinations.

“Smart public health safety guidelines can coexist with the restart of the Caribbean’s economic engine,” he reiterated.

Prime Minister Skerrit’s correspondence was copied to heads of government in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the head of the OECS Secretariat.

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed its plans to return to guest operations from Port of Galveston on July 3 with Carnival Vista, followed by the return of operations on Carnival Breeze on July 15. 

These cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination, in accordance with current guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"We appreciate the progress and support for our U.S. restart from the CDC and other key federal agencies; however, the current CDC requirements for cruising with a guest base that is unvaccinated will make it very difficult to deliver the experience our guests expect, especially given the large number of families with younger children who sail with us.  As a result, our alternative is to operate our ships from the U.S. during the month of July with vaccinated guests," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

The other ship and port identified for a July restart is Carnival Horizon from PortMiami.  Carnival continues to work with both the State of Florida and the CDC for Carnival Horizon sailings and plans to provide an update by Friday concerning protocols specific to these sailings to all booked guests. 

Duffy also acknowledged the strong support of both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, as well as other state officials, in making vaccinations available to cruise line personnel, which has expedited the restart process. She also said the support of local officials, especially Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, and PortMiami and Port of Galveston leaders, has been instrumental in the restart efforts.

Carnival also said it will be advising guests and travel advisors about its plans for August sailings over the coming days.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is interested in collaborating with its Caribbean neighbours on tourism-enhancing initiatives as the region’s bread-and-butter sector rebounds from the adverse impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking in the wake of a recent visit to Jamaica to meet with public and private sector stakeholders, Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, reported successful talks with Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and other private sector officials about the potential for regional economic revitalization with the unleashing of pent-up tourism demand.

Part and parcel of the recovery Commissioner Boschulte affirmed will be embracing “coopetition”, a concept Minister Bartlett supports. “The Caribbean is the most desirable warm weather destination, and we know how to deliver world-class experiences for our discerning guests,” said the Commissioner, who believes it is important to connect the best brains across the region to advance Caribbean brand marketing in the global marketplace.

Commissioner Boschulte and Minister Bartlett agreed about the need to leverage the strengths of regional destinations to overcome any weaknesses, and both observed trends that had emerged over the past 15 months, such as the loyalty and resilience of urban African American professionals who have been key to the travel recovery in both destinations.

“Regional collaboration is important to our success and we must continue to share best practices, especially as they relate to public health safety protocols even as the traveling community becomes vaccinated,” Commissioner Boschulte said.

The Commissioner added that “while we have made great strides curbing the spread of COVID-19, variant strains remain a cause for concern, and we must be vigilant on all fronts to keep our communities and travellers safe."

Although summer bookings to the USVI are robust, the Department of Tourism continues to push forward on its marketing and promotional initiatives. “Even with this strong demand, we need to go to market and make the case that we can compete with the rest of the world any day, any week, any month of the year,” said the Commissioner.

The tourism chief reported that the USVI is stepping up its marketing efforts this summer to remain top-of-mind among travellers, many of whom are already planning their fall and winter leisure and business trips.

Cignpost ExpressTest (a division of Cignpost Diagnostics Ltd) has opened a drive through Covid-19 screening service at Birmingham Airport. The new facility will be particularly useful for members of the public who are asymptomatic and so do not qualify for NHS emergency testing, but require a negative result either to visit family members, or to fly abroad to since international travel resumed on 17^th May. 

The tests on offer are priced at £80 per person for travel passengers and £99 per person for the test-only service. ExpressTest is delivered using the latest gold standard PCR equipment that is fully CE-IVD certified and manufactured to the highest possible standards, and tests are carried out by trained Screening Practitioners. 

Since the resumption of international leisure travel on May 17, Birmingham Airport has seen an increase in passenger numbers with airlines restarting several new flights to Portugal, Madeira and Greece.

The drive through facility builds upon an existing partnership between Cignpost ExpressTest and Birmingham Airport, with a walk-in site being open since January. The facility will accommodate 8 drive-through lanes with a testing capacity of 8,064 tests per week. 

The Birmingham Airport facility is one of ten new Cignpost ExpressTest sites to open across the UK before the end of June. This expansion means that 80% of the population will be within a 60-minute drive of a Cignpost ExpressTest site. As well as being a selected provider of discounted COVID-19 testing to British Airways, the company also provides gold-standard PCR tests at Gatwick, Heathrow and Edinburgh Airports, as well as at Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

Christian Corney, CEO of Cignpost ExpressTest said: “At Cignpost ExpressTest we are passionate about providing customers with very best testing experience as they prepare to travel. We have seen increasing desire for testing since international travel resumed in England and expect to see increased demand in the coming days and weeks. Our new drive through centre at Birmingham Airport builds upon a strong pre-existing partnership and will be a great addition to our nationwide services. We are proud to bring Covid-19 screening services to the local community, and whether for personal or business travel, we remain committed to delivering the best possible service at an affordable price.” 

Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director of Birmingham Airport said: “We are pleased to have developed and expanded the fit to fly testing service here at the Airport.  Following the success of Cignpost, which opened in January within the terminal building, this new drive through service ensures our customers can book tests with even more ease and convenience.   

“Here at Birmingham we are continually putting our customers first by ensuring that as the travel restrictions change we have the right facilities in place to assist our customers and guarantee they are fully prepared for their trip.”  

The UK risks becoming increasingly isolated if it continues to keep the doors closed to significant international travel, says the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The warning from WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, comes as figures reveal that forward bookings for international flights are lagging far behind the increased capacity generated by extra flights scheduled.

Airlines have dramatically increased flights to popular holiday destinations - many of which are still on the government’s ‘amber list’ - in anticipation of increased demand.

According to travel data and analytics expert Cirium, in the two weeks following the start of the government's new traffic light system for travel on May 17, scheduled flights from the UK to Greece soared by over 2,000%, with a 435% rise in flights to Spain, compared to two weeks before.

However, while airlines have been ramping up capacity, analysis of recent ticket sales by WTTC’s knowledge partner ForwardKeys, shows this hasn’t been matched by bookings. 

On average during the week of 14 May, airline ticket sales from the UK to Greece and Spain fell 37 per cent and 44 per cent respectively week on week.

Data shows at the end of last month, there were more tickets being cancelled than new bookings being made, while British holidaymakers expressed disappointment over the UK government’s green list and expensive testing and quarantine requirements for travel to ‘amber’ list countries.

While ticket sales remain sluggish for the immediate future, indications are that there looks to be more positive news on the horizon with significantly more tickets recorded being sold for flights later this month and into July. 

But WTTC concerns over the lack of inbound travellers to the UK is causing as much damage to the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector as has the collapse of outbound tourism to holiday hotspots around Europe and beyond.

WTTC has argued the UK should switch to a more risk-based approach and include more of those countries with a similar low infection rate, and with advanced vaccination rollouts, on the controversial ‘green list’. This should include the US, a move that could unlock transatlantic travel, which is critical to both economies.

River cruise specialist, VIVA Cruises, has unveiled the 2022 programme of its first ever expedition ship, SEAVENTURE. From April to October 2022, the 164-guest vessel will offer new exciting ocean itineraries in Northern and Western Europe, as well as Arctic cruises - departing from Bremerhaven, Dublin, Edinburgh, Tromsø and Reykjavik. All of the new sailings can now be booked online.

SEAVENTURE’s ‘Coastal Magic’ will be a seven-night cruise from/to Dublin, departing on 16 April 2022. The expedition ship will take passengers along the Irish coast to Belfast and across northern Scotland to Edinburgh. This sailing will be followed by further stops in Nordic cities including Spitsbergen, Norway’s northernmost archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.

One of the highlights of SEAVENTURE’s 2022 programme is ‘Eternal Ice of the Arctic’ – a 24-day voyage from/to Bremerhaven (Germany), with two departures in July and August. On this expedition cruise, SEAVENTURE will go through the Shetland Islands - the northern-most tip of Scotland – while making its way to Greenland. Passengers will have the chance to see impressive glaciers and icebergs in Disko Bay as well as spotting humpback, minke and fin whales in the summer months.

The ‘Beauty of Scandinavia’ cruise will set sail in September 2022, visiting some of the region’s most beautiful cities - including Oslo, Gothenburg and Copenhagen – before heading to Western Europe in October. The 22-day cruise will take guests from Bremerhaven (Germany) along the French, Spanish and Portuguese coasts to the Canary Islands, where the cruise ends in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

As a small ship, SEAVENTURE has just 82 cabins and suites for 164 guests. It has been specially designed for its unique itineraries; its size will allow it to enter remote harbours, not to mention its maneuverability, enabling it to change course at short notice to observe animals and nature. A fleet of fourteen sturdy Zodiacs will enable guests to explore smaller ports and uncharted territories.

Prices for 2022 SEAVENTURE expedition cruises start from €2,205 (approximately £1,900) per person in an outside cabin. An early bird discount of 10% will apply to all bookings made by 31 July 2021.

All 2022 itineraries of SEAVENTURE will include VIVA Cruises’ signature VIVA All-Inclusive product, which includes snacks, full board, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, beauty products from luxury cosmetic brand, Rituals, Wi-Fi and all tips and gratuities.

Qatar Airways marks a significant milestone in the rebound of international leisure travel with the resumption of four weekly flights to the famed holiday destination of Phuket, Thailand, starting July 1. In addition to its 12 weekly Bangkok flights, the airline will operate a total of 16 weekly flights to Thailand, providing seamless connectivity for its passengers travelling from Europe, the Middle East and United States.

As Thailand reopens to holidaymakers from around the world, fully vaccinated travellers will soon be able to visit once again whilst also enjoying the award-winning hospitality and service available on Qatar Airways and at its hub, Hamad International Airport, the first and only 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rated Airport in the Middle East.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “With the resumption of flights to Phuket, Qatar Airways marks a significant milestone in the recovery of international tourism. We are proud to have led the industry, setting the benchmark for safety, innovation and customer service throughout the pandemic.

“We know many of our customers are eager to get back flying and return to some of their favourite holiday destinations, such as Phuket. Famed for its many exotic beaches, family friendly atmosphere, turquoise waters and delicious local cuisine, Phuket is an ideal destination for a summer getaway. We look forward to working with our partners in Thailand to support the recovery of their tourism sector.”

Launched in 2010, Phuket became Qatar Airways’ 93^rd destination at the time. The resort destination is a magnet for holidaymakers, particularly from Europe, the Middle East and United States. The route will be served by the airline’s modern and sustainable Boeing 787 Dreamliner with seating for 22 passengers in Business Class and 232 in Economy Class.

As travellers return to the skies with Qatar Airways, they can take comfort knowing that they are travelling with the only airline in the world that has, together with its state-of-the-art global hub Hamad International Airport, achieved four 5-Star Skytrax ratings – including the prestigious 5-Star Airline Rating, 5-Star Airport Rating, 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating and 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating.

These achievements highlight Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing its passengers with an industry-leading experience at every point of their journey, including the highest possible level of health and safety standards that safeguard the wellbeing of its passengers both on the ground and in the air.

St. Kitts and Nevis has changed its entry guidelines for travellers: only fully vaccinated travellers can now enter, effective May 29, according to Timothy Harris, prime minister. There is no timeline as to how long this regulation will be in effect.

The country changed its entry regulations due to a cluster of 16 cases of Covid-19. The first case was reported on May 19 and involved a national with no travel history. A curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily took effect on May 25 for 14 days.

Fully vaccinated travellers must "vacation in place" at one of seven Travel Approved hotels for nine days. Those travellers staying beyond nine days must be tested on day nine; the cost of the test is $150.

Families traveling with unvaccinated children under 18 who are staying 10 days or more must vacation in place until day 14, when the child will be tested.

Vaccinated travellers must complete the Travel Authorization Form and submit a copy of their vaccination card. Travelers must also upload their negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to travel.

Starting on Tuesday 08 June 2021, social enterprise travel company Charitable Travel launches a series of free virtual events to inform and inspire travel to the marvellous Mediterranean. The events aim to enthuse and reassure British holidaymakers to book travel to the Mediterranean for when travel allows, with the clear message that travel is a force for good.

Charitable Travel, the first of its kind social enterprise travel company, provides travellers with the unique opportunity to donate 5% of the cost of their holiday to a charity of their choice through a partnership with JustGiving, at no extra cost to themselves.

Taking place at 6:55pm every Tuesday throughout June on Zoom, experts from various Mediterranean destinations will share insider tips, ideal times to visit, and the best sights to see in their beautiful countries. Starting on June 8, Visit Malta and Visit Croatia will be on hand to share inspiration on trips to suit every style and budget, from family holidays, culture trips and luxury experiences, all of which can be booked through Charitable Travel - helping to 'give back better' when travelling.

Situated in the heart of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and just a short three-hour flight away, the Maltese Islands are perfect for a beach holiday or city break. Natalie Swinburne, Trade Marketing Manager UK & Ireland, Malta Tourist Office commented “We are looking forward to reconnecting with holiday-makers at the Med Month virtual event – the winding honey-coloured streets, picturesque coves and tranquil waters have missed tourists over the last year and are ready to welcome visitors back from 1st June. It's wonderful that booking a holiday can in turn support a variety of charities and we champion Charitable Travel for enabling this innovation.”

From hopping from one pristine island to another, exploring ancient sites, trying the best local food and drink, or practising some sport, Croatia has plenty to offer both in the summer months and throughout the rest of the year. Darija Reic, Director, Croatian National Tourist Office said “We are delighted to be part of Charitable Travel's Mediterranean Month. We look forward to sharing the best tips on Croatia and telling more about all we do to keep our destinations safe. With further improvement of the epidemiological situation, prioritisation of vaccination of tourism workers and a series of safety measures in place, Croatia is excited to welcome Brits back, as soon as you are ready.”