Author: Tuhin Sarkar

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AIRLINE NEWS News Pick TTW APP NEWS

Canada: Truck catches fire at Montreal Airport Tarmac 2

A vehicle fire on the tarmac of Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport prompted the swift evacuation of passengers from a nearby airplane. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a vehicle caught fire underneath the aircraft. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and authorities managed to bring the fire under control in less than thirty minutes. Flights were not significantly delayed due to the incident, according to airport officials.

Anne Marcotte, a spokesperson for the airport, explained that the fire originated in the engine of the water truck involved. Approximately 20 Montreal firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Photos taken after the fire was extinguished revealed soot marks near the rear door of the plane. Air Canada confirmed that the affected vehicle was indeed a water truck and stated that the crew efficiently conducted the deplanement of passengers after the aircraft, which had arrived from Geneva, had landed.

Ergun Calisgan, a passenger on a flight from Holland, witnessed the flames as his plane taxied past the incident. He described the experience as shocking and recounted how the captain informed the passengers about the engine fire. Other passengers shared their perspectives on social media, expressing their relief at the safe evacuation and readiness to return home.

An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, the affected aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance inspection. The prompt response of airport authorities and the professionalism of the crew ensured the safety and well-being of all passengers involved in the incident.

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News Pick TRAVEL DESTINATION NEWS TTW APP NEWS

5.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Santiago, Chile

On July 9, a magnitude-5.6 earthquake struck near Santiago, Chile at approximately 13:11 CLT. The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 31 km (19 miles) east-northeast of Chicureo Abajo. The earthquake occurred at a depth of around 101 km (63 miles). The areas closest to the epicenter, including Santiago, experienced moderate to strong shaking, while western provinces of Argentina felt weak to light shaking. As of now, there have been no reports of damage or casualties resulting from the earthquake, but it is important to note that damage is possible. Authorities will require several hours to assess the extent of the damage, particularly in remote areas. It is expected that there will be light aftershocks in the coming days.

As a precautionary measure, individuals are advised to temporarily evacuate multistory buildings in areas where shaking was experienced until the structural integrity of the buildings is confirmed by authorities. It is crucial to stay updated on the situation and prepare for potential aftershocks. Authorities may temporarily suspend transportation infrastructure in the affected region to inspect for damage. Although minor disruptions may occur during these shutdowns, services are likely to resume quickly if no damage is found. It is also possible that utility outages could happen, particularly in proximity to the epicenter of the earthquake.

In summary, it is advisable to exercise caution, stay informed about the situation through official channels, and follow the guidance of local authorities. Preparing for aftershocks and being mindful of any official announcements regarding the safety of buildings and transportation infrastructure is crucial during this time.

Image: AFP

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AIRLINE NEWS NEWS UPDATES TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS

SITA secures landmark deal with AAI to support biggest growth markets globally

SITA secured a landmark deal with Airports Authority of India to support one of the biggest growth markets globally, providing technology to 43 of India’s biggest airports.

India’s Civil Aviation is among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally and will be a major growth engine to make India a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024.

The deal will see improvements over 2,700 passenger touchpoints, paving the way for the adoption of new-age solutions to meet the modern passenger’s expectations. Initially deployed across 43 airports, the technologies are scalable to an additional 40 airports over the next seven years. Over 500 million passengers are expected to be processed during this period.

The rollout of new cloud technology will enable Indian airports to shift to common use passenger experiences where multiple airlines can leverage the same infrastructure, such as check in counters, self-service kiosks, and boarding gates.

The adoption of cloud solutions also brings new agility and flexibility to scale airport operations efficiently as passenger numbers grow. The cloud first approach enforces better security and offers airlines a platform to host new progressive technologies and move away from native applications. Centralized cloud hosting of all servers means reduced on-premise infrastructure costs and results in centralized control, enabling proactive monitoring and control of services.

Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA, said: “We’re excited to partner with AAI on this large-scale deployment of leading passenger processing solutions. The number of airports in India is expected to increase from 148 today to 220 by 2025. The new airports will bring closer together India’s almost 50 cities with populations exceeding one million people, creating substantial economic value in the long term. By connecting these cities better, air travel and transport will help unlock the full potential of India’s economic growth too. Ensuring efficient and fluid operations and a seamless passenger experience at these airports will be critical to delivering on India’s air transport industry opportunity.”

The solutions will give passengers more control over their journey, offering a low-touch, efficient check-in, bag drop, and collection process through assisted and self-service mechanisms. The airports will benefit from a reduced infrastructure footprint and increased operational efficiency. At the same time, airlines will see service charges drop and can take advantage of an agile technology platform to build bespoke passenger experiences on.

Under the agreement, SITA will deploy its state-of-the-art solutions, including SITA Flex, CUPPS, SITA CUSS, and SITA Bag Manager. These IATA-certified platforms offer airlines and ground handlers the benefits of common use technologies, enabling scalable operations to meet their specific operational requirements.

The Baggage Reconciliation System ensures a high level of baggage accountability, preventing losses and security concerns, which is critical to industry recovery amidst a spiraling baggage mishandling rate.

This project represents a significant shift towards adopting cutting-edge technological platforms, enhancing operational efficiencies, and paving the way for the future adoption of biometric passenger processing. Additionally, real-time dashboard-based information will be made available to governing agencies, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.

AAI officers at the airport and headquarters now have access to online real time dashboards, replacing the monthly service availability reports. The solution ensures they are better informed and know the availability of systems across all airports at every point in time, optimizing efficiency and promoting smooth operations.

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MICE News MICE NEWS HOME Mice News Pick Travel Event News

Wellness Travel’s global impact highlighted at International Wellness Travel Expo 2023

The recently concluded International Wellness Tourism Expo (iWT) proved to be a resounding success, underscoring the increasing influence of wellness tourism around the world.

The event, hosted at Tokyo Big Sight, brought together over 200 local and international exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions in the realm of wellness.

Visitors were treated to a diverse range of zones dedicated to nature activities, hot springs, medical tourism, ‘workcation’, and team building, providing ample opportunities to explore and engage.

The seminar programme at iWT was a major highlight, featuring 10 industry experts who shared invaluable insights on the potential of wellness tourism. From workcation recommendations to the development of enticing travel products and strategies for boosting the tourism industry, attendees gained valuable knowledge from these esteemed speakers.

Furthermore, iWT went above and beyond by offering exclusive services, including interpreter, mapping, and matchmaking services, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for all participants.  

Following its resounding success, iWT is already gearing up for its next edition, which will feature an exciting addition: the 1st Tourism Marketing Expo. This concurrent show will spotlight remarkable products and services encompassing tourism DX, inbound measures, labour shortage solutions, high-added-value solutions, and promotion services for travellers.

Both events are scheduled to be held from May 8–10, 2024, at Tokyo Big Sight. Anticipation is high for this upcoming gathering, which promises to offer a more comprehensive exploration of the thriving wellness tourism industry.

Attendees will have the opportunity to discover venues that epitomise the essence of wellness experiences, characterized by tranquilly, rejuvenation, and solace.

As iWT continues to spearhead the advancement of the global wellness tourism industry and advocate for the importance of physical and mental well-being through wellness travel, it extends an open invitation to all.

Embark on this transformative journey with iWT and become an integral part of the ongoing movement that shapes the future of wellness tourism, creating a world where well-being rightfully takes center stage.

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MICE News MICE NEWS HOME Mice News Pick Travel Event News

“Bestival 2023” begins with more than 1,000 guests from tourism and event industry

The world’s largest showcase event staged by a single city will be kicking off today in Berlin with the “Bestival”.

More than 1,000 representatives of the tourism and events industry from all over the world are scheduled to attend the event in the capital.

Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey and visitBerlin-CEO Burkhard Kieker inaugurated the two-day Best Practice Festival this morning in the Magazin der Heeresbäckerei.

Until Friday, Berlin’s Visitor Economy will be presenting the capital’s latest offerings in lectures and workshops and with live acts.

The new congress statistics for Berlin were also presented at the “Bestival”. According to the statistics, the business for conferences, meetings, congresses and corporate events in the capital has recovered significantly in the year 2022.

The industry’s reboot after Corona has been proactively supported by the Berlin Senate’s Restart Programme since 2022.

In addition to the “Bestival”, the programme also features the Berlin Congress Fund, designed to provide the city with financial support for event organisers. The “Task Force MICE Berlin” is based at visitBerlin and plays an active role in acquiring new congresses and events for Berlin.

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises: “Berlin has made its comeback! We welcome guests from all over the world. We see a very positive development for the congress and event industry in our city.

Spanning the digital economy to mobility, medicine to cutting-edge research: more congresses and events translate into more overnight stays in Berlin’s hotels, more bookings in our restaurants and more expenditure incurred here, all of which ultimately benefits Berlin as a whole. We as a state continue to support this with our Berlin Congress Fund, like here with Bestival, which is geared towards the event industry in particular.”

“Berlin is ‘back on track’ in the congress business, which is so crucial for the city,” says Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin. “The demand for business events is running high. Our joint Restart Programme with the Berlin Senate has made an important contribution to this.”

Congress statistics for the year 2022: Berlin’s event industry picks up speed

Berlin’s congress business saw a further recovery from the effects of the Corona pandemic last year. In the year 2022, around 5.9 million participants travelled to Berlin for events. This is an increase of 84 per cent compared to 2021 (3.21 million participants), but still 37 per cent below the level of 2019 (9.38 million participants).

The number of on-site events in Berlin has seen a positive development: Last year, 64,813 in-person events were held. This is more than triple the number in 2021 (+205 per cent compared to 2021, 21,222 events) and almost matches the pre-crisis level of 2019 (-3 per cent compared to 2019, 66,850 events).

Events and their guests brought approximately 1.31 billion euros to the city in 2022. (2019: 2.0 billion euros). This results in a gross value added of approx. 720.4 million euros (2019: 937 million euros). The most important market for Berlin remains Germany, the most important international markets on the other hand are Great Britain and the USA. The “IT and Digital Economy”, “Politics and Public Institutions” and “Transport, Mobility and Logistics” sectors are some of the major industries that gathered in Berlin.

“Bestival” programme: More than 50 speakers and live acts

The international business event will take place in the industrial landmark “Magazin in der Heeresbäckerei” on the Spree and at Sage Beach on the Spree. The topics of the panels and talks on Thursday include “Berlin Sustainable”, “Berlin Lifestyle”, “Berlin Culture”, “Berlin Community” and “Berlin Innovation”.

“All of Berlin” is the motto of the second day of the festival on 7 July. Participants can then explore the capital’s wide range of offerings on discovery tours, site inspections and partner events. There will be networking opportunities waiting to be explored in the evening at the “Long Night of Hotels”.

Sustainability in view: Full CO2 compensation

visitBerlin places a great deal of importance on sustainable action. The organisation of the “Bestival” follows the criteria of the “Sustainable Meetings Berlin” initiative of the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin as well as the ISO standard 20121 for sustainable event management. The complete CO2 compensation is carried out by the certified provider “Atmosfair” in accordance with the Gold Standard. All service providers – including companies in their supply chain – have committed themselves to working ecologically. They also measure and document the emissions they produce. The goal is to make the “Bestival” climate-neutral in the long term. An important step towards this goal has already been taken: The industry meeting will be certified according to ISO standard 20121 this year. The first part of the audit has already been successfully completed as part of the preparations. The second part of the audit will take place directly at the venue.

The Bestival is organised by visitBerlin together with the industry associations visitBerlin Partnerhotels, BEN Berlin Event Network and INTOURA. More than 160 Berlin companies from the industry participate in the business event. With a reach of more than 3 million business contacts, the “Bestival 2022” was one of the world’s largest showcase events organised by a single city.

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Things to carry to Death Valley National Park to avoid heat stroke

Death Valley National Park in California provides tourists with the most intriguing and strange sights.

Death Valley National Park is well-known among environment enthusiasts for its historic sites, rugged terrain, and desolation. If you are heading to Death Valley National Park, you must take precautions to avoid heatstroke. 

Death Valley National Park is recognised for its severe heat and hard circumstances, thus visitors must prioritise their own safety. It is essential to be prepared and bring the necessary supplies to avoid heat stroke and have a pleasant time. Here’s a detailed list of things to carry to Death Valley National Park.

Need proper water supply

Water is one of the most important things to have with you when visiting Death Valley National Park. Dehydration and heat-related ailments can occur fast due to the harsh desert surroundings and searing temperatures. It is advised that you bring at least one gallon of water per person each day to ensure proper hydration during your vacation. Use an insulated water bottle as well to keep your water cold and pleasant. You can carry ample black water to get nutrition.

Get Sun Protection

It is critical to protect oneself from the harsh desert sun in order to avoid heat-related illnesses. Bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the sun. UV-protected sunglasses help shield your eyes from dangerous radiation. Remember to use a high SPF sunscreen liberally and on a frequent basis, covering all exposed skin. Lip balm with SPF is very important for protecting your lips. Wearing lightweight, breathable clothes that covers your skin can give an extra layer of defense.

Take Cooling Accessories

To combat the intense heat, consider bringing cooling accessories. A portable, battery-powered fan can provide relief in hot areas. Cooling towels or bandanas, which can be soaked in water and worn around your neck or head, can help regulate body temperature. These items can significantly improve comfort and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses during your time in Death Valley National Park.

Appropriate Clothing and Footwear

It is critical for heat safety to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Choose clothing that is loose-fitting, lightweight, and light in colour to promote air circulation and reflect sunshine. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers made of breathable materials offer additional sun protection. Cotton, which absorbs moisture and might cause discomfort, should be avoided. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with high grip are required for negotiating the park’s difficult terrain.

Always use navigation tools

To explore the immense expanse of Death Valley National Park, bring a map, compass, or GPS gadget. Because mobile phone connection might be spotty, dependable navigation tools are essential. Pack a well-stocked first aid kit, which should include materials for treating heat-related problems such as electrolyte packs, pain medications, and blister treatments. In case of an emergency, a whistle, torch and backup batteries should be packed.

Proper planning and packing are vital for heat safety when visiting Death Valley National Park. Carrying plenty of drink, sun protection, cooling gadgets, proper clothes and footwear, as well as navigation equipment and emergency supplies, can help you avoid heat stroke and make the most of your time in this unique and beautiful desert region. When exploring Death Valley National Park’s severe circumstances, keep safety in mind at all times.

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Heatwave in United Kingdom begins as mercury set to climb to 30C this weekend

A return to scorching temperatures is expected in the United Kingdom, with forecasters predicting the mercury to soar as high as 30°C over the weekend.

Friday is anticipated to be a very warm and sunny day for many regions, although parts of the northwest are warned to expect wet and windy conditions.

 Thunderstorms are also predicted in Northern Ireland. The Met Office has issued a heat health alert for six regions, including London, the South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

The alert is in effect from 12 pm on Friday until 9 am on Sunday. Temperatures could reach 27-28°C on Friday and climb to 30°C on Saturday.

The yellow alert signifies potential impacts such as increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable populations and a heightened health risk for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Agostinho Sousa of the UK Health Security Agency advises everyone to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. It is essential to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors, ensuring they are aware of the forecast and following necessary advice. The intense heat is expected to be short-lived but necessitates precautions to safeguard vulnerable individuals.

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Severe thunderstorms expectation in central United States

Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact a wide area spanning more than a dozen states from Montana to Tennessee in the central United States.

The combination of summer heat and humidity will fuel multiple rounds of storms throughout the weekend, and many of these storms have the potential to become severe.

Heavy rain will be a common occurrence, disrupting outdoor plans for many residents. Some areas will also face travel disruptions due to gusty winds, hail, and the possibility of a tornado or two.

The severe weather threat will extend eastward and southward across the Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley over the weekend.

Certain regions may experience consecutive days of storm activity, increasing the risk of flooding. Long-lasting storm complexes could bring damaging wind gusts to large areas, posing a significant hazard.

As additional atmospheric energy interacts with warm and humid air, the severe weather risk will shift to the central and southern Plains, affecting areas in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

Western Missouri and northern Texas may also experience severe storms during this period. Cities such as Amarillo, Texas, and Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri, could see torrential downpours, strong winds, and potential power outages.

Even areas farther north, including portions of the eastern Dakotas and Minnesota, may encounter storms with damaging winds and hail late on Friday. Although the tornado risk is lower in the northern regions, travel disruptions are anticipated during the busy weekend period. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

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NEWS UPDATES TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Noida International Airport selects SITA’s airport management system

Noida International Airport (NIA) has selected SITA’s Airport Management System to help automate and streamline the operations of the airport.

SITA’s AMS will support NIA’s integrated approach to airport operations, focusing on maximising efficiency to serve passengers and airlines.

Ultimately, along with real-time information sharing via the SITA Information Display System, SITA’s suite of systems will support a premium passenger experience at Noida International Airport.

The agreement includes the provision and operation of systems to allocate gates and counters, boarding bridges, manage traffic flows on the airfield as well as display flight information to passengers. SITA will help Noida International Airport with reliable flight information and planning capabilities. The system will empower the airport to review performance, strategize operational efficiency improvements, and capture resource utilization statistics.

Under this partnership, SITA will deliver a customized solution that offers flexibility and transparency for all airport partners to ensure smooth and efficient operations. The partnership aims to establish a platform for collaborative decision-making vital for achieving operational efficiencies at Noida International Airport.

Mr. Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport, said: “We are delighted to partner with SITA for our Airport Management System. SITA has repeatedly demonstrated their ability to deliver solutions that cater to India’s unique requirements. We are confident that their expertise and innovative technologies will help us to manage our airport resources efficiently, ensuring a seamless travel experience for the passengers.”

Mr. Sumesh Patel, President of Asia Pacific, SITA, said: “We are proud to be chosen as the AMS provider for Noida International Airport, our first greenfield deployment in the Indian Sub-Continent (ISC) region.

“This partnership is a significant achievement for SITA, as greenfield airports exercise utmost caution in selecting their AMS partners. With over 20 customized integrations, NIA will join the league of highly technologically efficient airports, benefiting from a single-window solution and our managed service expertise, including 24/7 onsite support.”

SITA will work closely with Noida International Airport to deliver a future-ready solution that offers flexibility and agility to meet evolving needs.

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Spain sees a remarkable surge of 8.2 million tourist arrivals in May 2023

Spain experienced a remarkable surge in international tourism during May 2023, welcoming a record-breaking 8.2 million visitors, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). This marked an impressive 18 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022 and a four percent increase compared to May 2019, showcasing the country’s strong recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.

The influx of tourists also resulted in a historical milestone in terms of spending, with a total expenditure of €9.73 million. This represented a significant 21 percent increase from the previous year and an equally impressive 19 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the positive economic impact of the tourism sector.

The first five months of 2023 proved to be highly successful for Spain’s tourism industry, with a total of 29.2 million arrivals recorded. This remarkable figure reflected a substantial 28 percent growth compared to the same period in the previous year. The total spending during this period amounted to €35.4 million, displaying a notable 32 percent increase from the previous year and a solid 16 percent increase compared to 2019.

The data provided by the INE also revealed encouraging trends in tourist spending patterns. In May, the average expenditure per tourist reached €1,183, indicating a three percent increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the average daily spending rose by 11.6 percent to €185, suggesting higher expenditure per day among tourists.

The statistics highlighted the preference for longer trips, as most tourists stayed in Spain for four to seven nights, with over 4.2 million visitors falling into this duration category. This represented a substantial annual increase of 22.8 percent in the length of stay, further emphasising the appeal of extended trips among travelers visiting Spain in May.

The record-breaking numbers and increased spending in May 2023 demonstrate Spain’s attractiveness as a tourist destination and signify a promising recovery for the country’s tourism industry.