During a turbulent financial year that was affected by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Aitken Spence Group’s non-tourism sectors delivered the highest ever profit before tax of Rs. 5.01 billion for the twelve months ending 31st March 2021 compared to Rs. 4.2 billion last year and partially offsetting the impact of the Group’s Tourism portfolio which recorded its worst year ever due to the devastating impact of the pandemic.
The Group’s non-tourism sectors overcame multiple challenges including business disruptions, health and safety risks faced by the Spensonians and the overall slowing down of economic activity to record a growth in profit before tax of 55% in the 4th quarter and 18.9% in the financial year, compared to the corresponding periods in the previous year.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and
Evan Evans Tours is opening up its destination management company (DMC) portfolio to other travel companies and businesses to white label and tailor, in response to opportunities made apparent during the pandemic.
“During the uncertainty of the pandemic, we spoke to a number of our partners who were looking for an operational solution with the quality, knowledge, infrastructure, consistency and financial resilience to deliver on the ground in a new post-pandemic world but they were hitherto unaware of the depth and breadth of TTC’s destination management portfolio, said TTC president
Gavin Tollman, who is overseeing the DMC project, in a press statement.
IATA and World Tourism Organization launch Destination Tracker Today 05:41 am JST Today | 07:10 am JST HONG KONG
IATA and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have created an online tool for governments to provide information on COVID19 requirements for travel and the measures in place at the destination.
The Destination Tracker tool is available through the websites of both organizations and will provide information on:
- COVID19 Indicators: Infection rates, positivity rates, and vaccination roll out by destination/country;
- Air Travel Regulations: Test and quarantine requirements, provided by IATA’s Timatic solution;
- Destination Measures: General health and safety requirements such as use of masks, transit through a country, curfew, or regulations related to restaurants and attractions, provided by national tourism organizations.
Malta Launched An Incentive Program for MICE Organizers
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28 April 2021
Malta, a Mediterranean Archipelago, has become an increasingly attractive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events) destination for the North American market, with its historic and breathtaking outdoor event venues, excellent infrastructure and over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Especially important for these markets is that Malta is English speaking, has good air access, and no visa requirements. and all at less cost than comparable mainland European destinations. Now, Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has launched an incentive program for MICE organizers for events held in Malta or its sister island of Gozo, with a grant of up to €150 (approx. $160 USD incl. vat) per event participant.
The Cyprus Incentives & Meetings Associates (CIMA) will hold a
virtual exhibition during April 14-15 to promote the country’s tourism offerings to international travel agencies and
MICE professionals.
Organized for the first time and named
“Meet in Cyprus”, the virtual exhibition is targeting travel agencies and conference organizers (buyers) from source markets.
“With the support of cutting-edge technology and a specially designed virtual platform, participants and hosted buyers will have the opportunity to receive information about the latest developments in the sector as well as the options and experiences that Cyprus can offer as a tourism destination,” CIMA said in its announcement.