eTurboNews

• Hawaiian Airlines resumes Boston and New York flights October 22, 2020
  Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii’s hometown carrier, will reinstate its long-awaited East Coast flying in December with twice-weekly nonstop service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and thrice-weekly service between HNL and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). At the same time, Hawaiian will resume daily nonstop […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Cayman Islands launches Global Citizen Concierge Program October 22, 2020
  While the borders to the Cayman Islands remain closed to commercial airlift and cruise traffic at this time, the Cayman Islands is pleased to officially announce the launch of the Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP), a tourism initiative designed for digital nomads looking to take advantage of the flexibility provided by remote work. As thousands […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Tourism industry in Swanage remains optimistic amidst coronavirus pandemic October 22, 2020
  Several weeks after implementing lockdown restrictions, UK residents are getting used to the new normal. The Prime Minister has recently announced possible changes in lockdown rules, especially if the numbers support them. This raises concerns for seaside towns, especially in England, where people are allowed to drive and visit the outdoors. The announcement from the […]
  editor
• Stress-free staycation at Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok October 22, 2020
  Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok, situated in the heart of the city, has unveiled a unique range of upscale Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) packages for Thai citizens, international travellers and expatriates returning to Thailand. The hotel will start welcoming Alternative State Quarantine guests on 26 October 2020. The renowned upscale hotel, owned and managed by […]
  Linda Hohnholz, eTN editor
• U.S. Travel: We Cannot Wait for a Vaccine October 22, 2020
  “The U.S. and global economies simply cannot afford to wait for a widely-distributed COVID vaccine for international travel to resume, so innovative technologies and the embrace of best health practices need to provide the way forward,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. Dow issued this statement on the arrival in the U.S. […]
  Linda Hohnholz, eTN editor
• VIA Rail gradually resumes service in Western Canada October 21, 2020
  VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) announces the gradual return to service in Western Canada by providing intercity transportation exclusively between Winnipeg and Vancouver as of Friday, December 11, 2020. After a very thorough evaluation of its health and safety protocols, including physical distancing measures, enhanced air ventilation systems, and improved measures for passenger access and […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• First international flight utilizing CommonPass digital health system arrives to US October 21, 2020
  U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on the arrival in the U.S. of the first international flight utilizing the CommonPass digital health system to rapidly verify passengers’ COVID-19 status: “The U.S. and global economies simply cannot afford to wait for a widely distributed COVID vaccine for international travel to […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi launches new state-of-the-art tourist attractions October 21, 2020
  Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is introducing two state-of-the-art thrilling experiences, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Roof Walk and Zip Line, on November 5. The two new additions will bring the World’s Leading Theme Park’s exciting offerings to include over 43 Ferrari-inspired attractions for both adults and younger guests, in line with its efforts to provide […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car opens in Aruba, Panama, expands in Brazil October 21, 2020
  Enterprise Holdings announced today that its flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand has opened its first locations in Aruba and Panama, as well as 25 additional branches in Brazil. The new locations – which are already taking reservations – join the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in all three countries. Enterprise Holdings owns […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Private and public sector coalition calls for immediate COVID-19 relief bill October 21, 2020
  The COVID RELIEF NOW Coalition, representing major public and private sector groups across the U.S, today launched a digital advertising campaign urging policymakers to quickly approve a new COVID-19 relief package that addresses the needs of businesses and workers who have been severely impacted by the pandemic. The ads highlight the need for additional relief, […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Canary Islands joins UNWTO Observatory Network October 21, 2020
  The Canary Islands has been confirmed as the latest member of the growing International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), overseeing the responsible development of tourism worldwide. The announcement came as INSTO, an initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held its annual meeting, bringing together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Air Astana: International flights will continue during autumn-winter season October 21, 2020
  Air Astana will continue to operate flights to international destinations with some changes during the autumn-winter season. From 21st October 2020, the airline, in accordance with the order from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, will reduce the number of international flights to Turkey, the UAE, Ukraine and Germany. The weekly frequency […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Singapore Tourism partners with Expedia to target international markets October 21, 2020
  Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Expedia have inked a two-year global marketing partnership. Its focus is to stimulate the local tourism industry by supporting home-grown businesses and strengthen Singapore’s position as a destination of choice when international travel resumes. As international travel gradually resumes, STB and Expedia, through its Expedia Group Media Solutions brand, will […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Tourism specialists and ATB discuss strategies to boost tourism in Africa October 21, 2020
  Polar Tourism in conjunction with the African Tourism Board have discussed a series of new initiatives that would boost tourism in Africa post COVID-19, focusing on new projects that would attract domestic, intra-African and international tourists. Panelists and contributors to the virtual discussion held last Sunday said that African needs to brand itself as a […]
  Apolinari Tairo - eTN Tanzania
• SITA steps up smart border solutions for EU Schengen Zone October 21, 2020
  SITA, the technology provider for the air transport and borders industry, today released a Positioning Paper detailing its latest generation of smart border solutions to facilitate the implementation of the new European Union Schengen Zone border controls planned for 2022. SITA’s new TS6 Automated Border Control (ABC) Kiosks have been developed to accommodate future upgrades […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• IATA: Jordan-Israel airspace agreement will save fuel and time October 21, 2020
  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the recent overflight agreement between the Kingdom of Jordan and State of Israel that allows for flights to cross over both countries’ airspace. The agreement paves the way for commercial airlines to be able to fly through the Israel-Jordan corridor—which will shorten flight times, reducing fuel burn and […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• US Travel Association Hall of Leaders announces 2020 inductees October 21, 2020
  Travel industry leaders Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association, and Ernest Wooden Jr., former president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, will be honored as the 2020 inductees into the US Travel Association Hall of Leaders, the organization announced Wednesday. Distinguished individuals are named to U.S. […]
  Harry S. Johnson
• Hong Kong announces health code plan for cross-border travel October 21, 2020
  The HKSAR government announced that Hong Kong is in advanced internal talks to reopen the border for local residents living in mainland China to return to the city. The government of Hong Kong is planning to unveil a health code plan to enable cross-border travel as the COVID-19 in Hong Kong stabilizes. The HKSAR officials […]
  Chief Assignment Editor
• Ailing Air India: No Happy Ending? October 21, 2020
  The woes of ailing Air India airline do not seem to have an end in sight anytime soon. The loss-making Maharaja airline, once the pride of India and a showpiece for the world aviation industry, is today having difficulty finding a suitable buyer as it has to face disinvestment because of mounting losses over the […]
  Anil Mathur - eTN India
• Skål International Elections and Awards 2020 Results October 21, 2020
  During the virtual Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, October 17, 2020, Skål International Elections took place and delegates voted their new Executive Board for 2021: •             Vice President Bill Rheaume (Canadian Rockies, Canada) becomes the President Elect, while Directors Burcin Turkkan (Atlanta, USA) was elected to the position of Senior Vice President and Fiona […]
  Linda Hohnholz, eTN editor