AVANI HOTELS & RESORTS: AvaniSHIELD health and safety measures updated

Avani have published updated information on the measures they're taking to prepare for post-COVID-19 travel, as more of their hotels globally begin to re-open. Their protocols, introduced under the name 'AvaniSHIELD', include initiatives such as digital check-in/out, a digital concierge app and a trusted partner program for local transport.
Australia
Middle East
South Africa
Thailand
Hotel
Avani Hotels
Business
Leisure

FIJI: Plans for travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand proposed

The country's prime minister told Fiji's parliament yesterday that he plans to create a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand, as part of of a plan for the slow resumption of tourism in post-COVID-19 society. No confirmed plans or dates are yet in place, though, for the so-called 'Bula Bubble'.
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Borders
Business
Leisure

SPAIN: Arrivals from the United Kingdom not required to self-quarantine

Spain's government announced yesterday, 21 June, that British tourists are now permitted to arrive in the country without having to self-quarantine. Spain’s borders are now open to arrivals from EU countries (except Portugal), the UK and some other Schengen area countries from 21 June.
Spain
United Kingdom
Borders
Business
Leisure

VIRGIN ATLANTIC: Flights to 17 additional destinations to resume from August 2020

The airline has today announced that they are set to resume flights to an additional 17 destinations across their global network from August; this follows the previous news of passenger flights being set to resume from 20 July. Flights to the additional destinations will resume from 1 August through to early October, and include cities across the Unites States, India, South Africa and the Caribbean.
India
Middle East
South Africa
United Kingdom
United States of America
Airline
Business
Leisure

INDIA: Taj Hotels rated as India's strongest brand by Brand Finance

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company, announced that its iconic brand Taj Hotels ranks number one on the list of the strongest Indian brands by Brand Finance in their coveted ‘India 100 2020’ report. It was ranked the highest across brands in all sectors, with a brand strength index (BSI) score of 90.5 out of 100 and a corresponding elite AAA+ brand strength rating.
India
Hotel
Taj Hotels
Business
Leisure

ANANTARA HOTELS: 'Stay with Peace of Mind' update

Anantara have published updated information on the measures they're taking to prepare for post-COVID-19 travel, as more of their hotels globally begin to re-open. The update includes guidance for guests on measures being taken, including on arrival, check-in, dining and within common areas.
Mainland China
Middle East
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Hotel
Anantara Hotels
Business
Leisure

KLM: Airline to increase scheduled flights in July and August 2020

The Netherlands-based airline KLM, a subsidiary of Air France-KLM, is planning to increase the number of passenger flights that it will operate in July and August, as travel restrictions related to COVID-19 begin to ease. In a statement, the airline said it would operate 6,900 passenger flights in July and 13,100 in August - that compares with around 22,000 flights per month in the summer months of 2019.
Netherlands
South Africa
Airline
KLM
Business
Leisure

SANPARKS: South Africa's national parks prepare for accommodation re-opening

The South African National Parks (SANParks) are preparing to resume operations in the week commencing 22 June, and have recalled their hospitality staff ready for a staggered opening of accommodation facilities. This follows an announcement on 17 June by the country's president in which he said that accommodation agencies and lodges can now open their doors again.
South Africa
Hotel
Business
Leisure

TURKISH AIRLINES: Flights to United States resumed from 19 June 2020

The airline resumed flights to the U.S. on the evening of 19 June, after a suspension of more than two months; two planes bound for Washington D.C. and Chicago took off from Istanbul at around 18.00 GMT. Back in the airline's hub, Turkey has this month reopened restaurants and cafes, allowed intercity flights and car travel, and lifted weekend stay-home orders.
South Africa
Turkey
United States of America
Airline
Turkish Airlines
Business
Leisure

AIRASIA INDIA: Airline launches safe door to door baggage service

The airline has yesterday become the first domestic airline in India to launch a safe door to door baggage service for its passengers, branded AirAsia FlyPorter. In a continuation of the changes that COVID-19 is having upon processes within the airport experience, such as contactless check-in, the service goes a step further by introducing a safe and hassle-free way to transport luggage from the journey's start to finish.
India
Airline
Air Asia India
Business
Leisure

SINGAPORE: Country moves into phase two of re-opening from 19 June 2020

Singapore moved into phase two of its Circuit Breaker plan to ease measures related to COVID-19 today, allowing bars, restaurants and retail businesses to re-open; a number of services including sports facilities and parks were also permitted to resume activities. The country's plan aims to facilitate the resumption of a new normal once phase three is reached.
Singapore
Borders
Business
Leisure

RIU: All hotels in Spain set to re-open

The global hotel chain is gradually resuming operations in many destinations worldwide - it will shortly re-open all hotels in Spain by the first week of July. All re-openings will follow the 17 safety protocols set out in the chain's manual, written in partnership with the consultant Preverisk and offering what it calls the highest possible level of guarantee for the health and safety of customers and staff.
Spain
Hotel
RIU
Leisure

TFE HOTELS: Launch of Clean Touch by TFE

The global hotel group has introduced a program of rigorous standards for cleaning and safety, working with their housekeeping and cleaning partners to deliver hygiene protocols over and above the World Health Organisation’s best practice recommendations.
Australia
Germany
New Zealand
Singapore
Hotel
TFE Hotels
Business

INDIA: Pre-flight COVID-19 tests mandatory for arrivals to state of Kerala

The Indian state's first minister has announced that pre-flight COVID-19 tests will be mandatory for all those returning to the state from overseas, irrespective of whether they are taking flights under the the government's Vande Bharat repatriation mission, or other chartered flights arranged by different organisations.
India
Borders
Business
Leisure

UNITED STATES: California residents ordered to wear face masks

The state of California yesterday announced a requirement for residents to wear face masks in 'most settings outside the home', in response to what it calls a neglect by citizens to cover their faces and limit the spread of COVID-19. Masks must be worn outdoors and 'in any indoor space', with exceptions made for diners while they are eating or drinking and people engaging in outdoor recreation, as long as they maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
United States of America
Borders
Business
Leisure

PLAYA HOTELS & RESORTS: Hotels across Mexico and the Caribbean to re-open this summer

Playa Hotels & Resorts have announced that they are set to re-open hotels across Mexico and the Caribbean from 1 July; the owner and operator oversees a portfolio of all-inclusive properties including flagship properties from the Hyatt, Hilton, Jewel and Panama Jack collections. The company has also created the Playa Safe Stay™ initiative in response to COVID-19 to create a safe environment for their guests.
Jamaica
Mexico
Hotel
Hyatt Hotels
Hilton Hotels
Jewel Resorts
Panama Jack Resorts
Business
Leisure

AUSTRALIA: South Australia opens state borders with Queensland from 20 June 2020

The state of South Australia is re-opening its borders to people coming from Queensland; Premier Steven Marshall says the change will take effect from 00.01 (local time) on 20 June, meaning anyone coming from that state will no longer be required to spend 14 days in quarantine on arrival in South Australia.
Australia
Borders
Business
Leisure

INTREPID: Launch of Intrepid Retreat tour experiences

Intrepid have today launched a range of tours designed to navigate the difficulties currently faced by travellers, by providing them with a way to explore and support communities that are a little closer to home. Intrepid Retreats are typically shorter getaways and range from escapes to the Scottish Highlands to short breaks in Morocco's High Atlas foothills.
Tours
Intrepid Travel
Leisure