Switzerland is easing travel restrictions on Thursday, making it much easier for Canadians and others to visit.
Swiss tourism officials tell me that fully vaccinated Canadians (vaccinated within the last 270 days) may enter Switzerland. They no longer need a Swiss Covid Certificate or a Passenger Locator Form.
There are no more mask requirements in shops, restaurants or other public settings, such as event spaces, and there are no more restrictions on private gatherings.
Masks are required for public transportation and health institutions until March 31.
NEW HEAD HONCHO AT WESTJET
Alexis von Hoensbroech is officially the new CEO at WestJet, the Calgary-based companyannounced.
“It is my pleasure to officially welcome Alexis to the WestJet Group at this pivotal time for the business,” said Chris Burley, Chairman of WestJet’s board of directors. “With extensive experience in aviation and in leading a global airline through the pandemic, we are confident that under Alexis’ leadership his vision will accelerate the WestJet Group’s recovery.”
“As the WestJet Group moves into its next chapter, I am thrilled to be joining this dedicated team, at such a critical time,” said von Hoensbroech. “As we forge ahead, the more than 8,500 WestJet and Swoop employees have shown admirable tenacity and determination over the last two years. Together we will emerge from the pandemic stronger, and I am excited to work alongside this incredible group, as we take WestJet and Swoop to new heights.”
GREAT GOWAY OFFERS: AUSTRALIA, THAILAND, GREECE AND MORE
The Big Buddha is a famous site on Koh Samui in Thailand. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Things are moving faster than ever in 2022. Borders are opening, travel restrictions are lifting, and new travel opportunities are coming out of the blue. Case in point: Australia is reopening its borders on February 21!
You don’t want your clients to be left behind or miss out on a trip to Australia, so get the jump on planning their 2022 getaway today. Goway has exceptional offers on trips to Australia, Kenya, the Maldives, Greece, Thailand, Fiji, the Seychelles, Colombia, Dubai, and dozens of other destinations around the world. Get in touch with a Goway Destination Specialist to start planning today.
UNRULY FLIER BASHED WITH COFFEE POT
The Huffington Post reports that an American Airlines flight heading from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., the other day was diverted to Kansas City International Airport in Missouri after an “unruly” passenger attempted to break into the cockpit — and tried to open an exit door, according to several reports.
The man was subdued by passengers and staff, including a flight attendant who struck him on the head with a coffee pot.
VIKING CRUISES NOW REACHES ALL SEVEN CONTINENTS
Viking Octantis, and a special Antarctica resident. Photo Courtesy Viking Cruises.
Viking is celebrating its first voyages to Antarctica, and can now boast of taking guests to all seven continents.
Viking (www.viking.com) has marked the launch of its highly-anticipated expeditions as the new purpose-built Viking Octantis started its first Antarctic season. The launch of Viking Expeditions is a significant milestone as the company begins its 25th anniversary year; by the end of the year, Viking will have welcomed a second identical expedition ship, as well as two new identical ocean ships, new Viking Longships® in Europe and new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.
“When we started Viking 25 years ago, we wanted to do things differently—and since then, our mission has resonated with curious travelers. This week alone our guests are enjoying voyages north of the Arctic Circle and south to the Antarctic Peninsula—as well as to many great destinations in between,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Antarctica has always inspired the most intrepid explorers; for many, visiting the ‘White Continent’ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the arrival of the Viking Octantis, we are offering our guests the opportunity to explore this unique part of the world in comfort and in the most responsible way possible.”
CDC UPGRADES CRUISE TRAVEL
Margaritaville at Sea’s Paradise cruise ship. Photo Courtesy Margaritaville at Sea.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have moved cruise ship travel from Level 4 to Level 3 due a drop in reported COVID-19 cases on ships. It’s a small but important step for the battered cruie industry.
The CDC puts “very high” COVID destinations at Level 4, which carries a warning to avoid travel. Level 3 is for “high” levels of the virus, and the CDC cautions that travellers should be fully vaccinated before they go. It recommends unvaccinated travellers avoid Level 3 destinations or vacations.
Canada, by the way, was still listed in Level 4 as of today (February 16, 2022).
MARRIOTT HOTEL TURNAROUND
Hotel News Now says Marriott Hotels is rebounding strongly. The site said that for December 2021, global revenue per available room was down only 11% from December, 2019.
GRENADA HOTEL CAMPAIGN
Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. Hugh Whyte/Unsplash Photo.
Grenada, the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, is sprinkled with a variety of boutique hotels and villas that provide an authentic, bespoke experience for visitors. To increase awareness of these properties, the Ministry of Tourism and Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) launched Simple Stays Grenada, consisting of 16 properties located in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, offering affordable accommodations so travelers on any budget can experience an intimate and quality Caribbean escape.
“Grenada’s wide variety of boutique hotel and villa options is a distinguishing factor in the destination’s visitor appeal,” said Petra Roach, CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority. “The goal of this project is to showcase these properties and their special appeal and support them in our overall pandemic recovery.”
