Business travel is on the mend, according to a new study from the World Travel and Tourism Council and McKinsey & Company consultants. The latest WTTC/McKinsey report suggests that, following a 61% decline in 2020, global business travel spending is expected to rise by 26% this year and by 34% in 2022. Overall, they expect business travel to recover to two-thirds of 2019 levels by next year. But the report, titled Adapting to Endemic Covid-19: The Outlook for Business Travel, says recovery will vary by region. In the Asia-Pacific region, business travel is expected to rise 32% this year and Read more
Asia
Germany takes the cake, but Canada wins the silver medal. A new Nations Brand Index report from Anholt Ipsos finds Germany ranks in first place out of 60 countries around the world. It’s the seventh time overall and fifth year in a row that Germany has taken top honours. Germany was the highest ranked NBI nation in 2008, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and now in 2021. With another first place ranking this year, Germany has now tied the United States’ record of seven years as the top NBI nation. Germany’s reputational strengths lie on the Exports, Immigration and Read more
Cruising is on the rebound in Europe. But the Cayman Islands have extended their border closure until October 1. A rather mixed bag for my Future of Travel report for August 10. Cayman Islands Extends Border Closing The Cayman Islands Government has announced that having continually monitored the rate of infection in other countries, particularly in the United States where the pandemic is still widespread, Cabinet has taken the decision to extend the Islands border closure for an additional 30 days, until 1st October 2020, at which time a further decision will be made. During this time, repatriation flights by Read more
The travel news from Europe and Hong Kong is bad. But things may be looking up for Canadian tourism in the Atlantic provinces. My Future of Travel report for July 27. It was only a few weeks ago that the UK put Spain on its good list, saying it was safe for its residents to take a holiday there. Now, with a surge in cases in Barcelona and other places, the UK has put Spain back on its naughty list, meaning UK residents would have to quarantine after coming home. The World Travel and Tourism Council called the move a Read more
A recently-formed Canadian tourism group is urging more open borders for intra-Canada and international travel. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts is opening more properties in Las Vegas. Monterey, California and Disneyland also are re-opening, as Air Transat will resume flights July 23. That and more in today’s Future of Travel post. CANADA TOURISM ROUNDTABLE WANTS MORE OPEN BORDERS The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable* says Canada needs to get rid of its quarantine requirement for all international visitors and take more of a country-by-country approach. It also weants open provincial borders to save Canadian tourism for the summer. Here’s an open letter Read more
