Winter in Italy could put thousands of jobs at risk
Posted September 18, 2009 , comments closed- Full-blown recession and economic meltdown make Iceland more accessible for tourists
- Tourism drop to shrink Cyprus’s economy 0.5% this year
- Mediterranean holiday island's tourism market feels European recession
- Home-swapping tourists exploring Tuscany
- Eastern Europe is getting a cold shower after years of heady growth
- Exceptional night opening of the Vatican Museums
- “Lotto tourists” flock to Italy
- Italy offers free holiday to over-billed Japanese tourist
By
Mario Masciullo, eTN Staff Writer |
Sep 18, 2009
The Italian Tourism Federations are simultaneously addressing to the newly-formed Italian minister of tourism petitions for assistance, suggestions and plea to help the Italian tourism industry to improve its weak segments and to include the industry in the list of the beneficiary of the special funds (1.6 billion euros) granted by a group of Italian banks for the project “Italia&Turismo,” which is supported by Mr. Berlusconi (approved in June 2009) to rescue the incoming sector: “from the camping, agritourism, to the large hotel groups.”
The latest letter landed on the desk of Italian Tourism Minister M.V. Brambilla, is from the Italian Federation of Travel Agents (FIAVET-Confturismo). Its president, Ms Cinzia Renzi, draws the balance of the tourist summer season and the forecast for the forthcoming 2009/2010-winter season.
“We are approaching a situation that will see 3000 Italian medium small travel agent companies close down and 8000 unemployment in the sector,” stated Ms. Renzi.
However, the letter does not mention cases of some large tour operators bankruptcy and other on the way to it.
Such dramatic forecast is supported by figures, which are down 15 percent both in the incoming, and outgoing and 25 percent own in term of profit from the beginning of 2009.
The difficulty of access to bank credit, to adverse attitude of air carriers, first of all Alitalia in the deep red, the hopeless running of airport services, the endured frauds made by illegal travel agents are some of the main problems that place at risk the credibility and survival of the Italian travel agents society.
The urgent solutions to be implemented by the government, according to Ms. Renzi, are to include the travel agents and tour operators category to benefit of the easy terms of credit granted by “Italia&Turismo” condition, a careful review of rules and conditions of the Italian law on travel and transport, a direct involvement of travel agents in the new web portal www.Italia,it, the review of the warranty funds for a better efficiency in emergency times are amongst the proposals.
The protest to the government proceed in formation by the founders of the entire Italian tourism industry which include Assoviaggi, (Association of travel Agents), FederturismConfindustria/Ciset, Federviaggi Confturismo, Federviaggio, Federalberghi Confturismo, Federconsumatori e ADUSBEF , Consumi Confcommercio (ICC). Their message: the travel industry is going to face a tourist winter season that will be strongly influenced by the after-effects of a weak summer season. In simple words, low business for all!
Statistics are in fact clear: the summer season closed with minus 5.1 percent in the hotel business for both foreign and Italian guest. Final statistics could prove much more. This aggravated by minus 5.1 workers at the expense of the service to the guest that has caused and shall continue to cause an imbalance of service- quality by the incoming industry stressed by a lower income.
The Italian Travel and Consumer Federations unanimously stated that the government has not yet recognized the tourist sector as one of the main industries for revenue contribution and growth of employment. It is now time, urged the Federturismo Confindustria (Federation of Tourism and Industry) that whoever concerned takes due measures to face the galloping emergency implementing strategies to face the crisis.
Ms. Brambilla seems open to meet the proposal of the president of Federcongressi (in reply to the letter written by its president Mr. Bernabò Bocca) to help the congress sector grow through the opening to benefit of the granting of “Italia&Turismo” funds and extend same privilege to the industry sector along the line.
The promise made by Ms. Brambilla binds her to look into increasing the credit granted by the group of banks since, 1.6 billion euros or what is left of it after the initial grants to the incoming companies since the month of June 09 can only scratch the surface of the applications for funds that the new beneficiaries of the tourism categories shall submit.
To the “Review of rules and conditions of the Italian Law on Tourism” as proposed by FIAVET, should be added “Coordination and control of public money expenditure.”
Many initiatives regarding the promotion of Italy are included in the yearly calendar of events without the least monitoring of the level of return. Not mentioning the many million euros (over 90) spent for the very recent web portal www.Italia.it and its previous disastrous editions.
Goodbye, Virgin Nigeria; hello, Nigerian Eagle Airlines
Posted , comments closed- Virgin Atlantic to walk away from Virgin Nigeria
- Virgin Nigeria dumps Virgin Atlantic deal for Ethiopian Airlines
- Another setback for Nigeria tourism as Virgin Nigeria suspends flights to London and Johannesburg
- Domestic airlines in Nigeria reel over losses
- Branson’s Virgin Nigeria nightmare
- With no fear on election run-ups, tourism in Kenya is stable
- ATA's 35th Annual Congress will be hosted by Gambia
- Government says tourists are safe in Uganda
By
Ikechi Uko, eTN Ambassador |
Sep 18, 2009
The controversial relationship between Virgin Atlantic and its erstwhile Nigeria counterpart Virgin Nigeria has finally came to an end on September 17 at a well attended press conference at the VIP lounge of the Lagos Airport where the new name of the airline as Nigerian Eagle Airlines with a complete change of logo was unveiled by the airline’s managing director, Dapo Olumide.
The famous Virgin Livery has been changed to a stylized eagle with the word Nigeria written a unique font. Mr. Olumide explained that in arriving at the name Nigerian Eagle Airlines, extensive research into Africa’s rich culture and heritage were painstakingly conducted by a team of researchers. He noted that the eagle is a bird that typifies strength and foresight and it is common among Africans irrespective of their cultural affiliations.
Mr. Olumide, who is the former managing director of one of Nigeria’s most successful Airline Aero contractor and who was recruited to save a dying airline, announced the new chief operating officer (COO) is an Ethiopian, Kinfe Kahssaye, who is obviously from Ethiopian Airlines, the airline’s new technical partner signed on to replace Virgin Atlantic airline. The post was formerly occupied by a seconded staff of Virgin Atlantic airline.
Nigerian Eagle Airlines’ chief commercial officer is Mr. Jimmy Kibati, a Kenyan. The choice of Africans as replacement of the old team is part of the new philosophy of the new management.
According to Mr. Olumide, the future of aviation in Africa lies on alliances as opposed to unhealthy competitions among airlines in the continent. “Nigerian Eagle Airlines is the first airline that has adopted the model by going into a landmark partnership with Ethiopian Airlines through the Technical Services Agreement (TSA) both airlines recently signed.”
He praised the new partner, Ethiopian Airlines, as being bigger (more than twice the fleet size and double the route network) and richer (four times more profitable) than Virgin Atlantic and among the top 10 airlines in the world.
Nigerian Eagle Airlines will concentrate on the regional routes with its 7 aircraft that includes B737s and Embraer 190s. It plans to go long-haul within 5 years.
The relationship with Virgin Atlantic collapsed when the Nigerian institutional owners decided that the unending losses must cease and hired Olumide, who had retired from Aero contractor after 25 years of service and joined a development bank AFC. After taking office, he fired a third of the staff, stopped all loss making long-haul flights, returned the unprofitable B767 and streamlined the operations of the airline. He also ceased the payment of huge royalties to the Richard Branson- owned Virgin Atlantic.
The process of separation led to media accusations of ill intensions and mismanagement before the arrival on the new airline as a way out of the clutches of Virgin Atlantic.
Already, plans for a private placement to inject additional operational funds are underway for Nigerian Eagle Airlines, which is 51 percent owned by Nigerian institutional investors and 49 percent by Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited.
It is expected that Mr. Branson will soon divest of his interest in the airline. He was invited by the former president of Nigeria to help set up a world-class airline after the collapse of Nigeria Airways. The airline he set up was not profitable and was running up huge debts and the majority shareholders wanted a change.
Lebanon’s New7Wonders of Nature bid
Posted , comments closed- Lebanon to capitalize on religious tourism
- Despite Lebanon’s problems people are visiting in their millions
- July brings more than one million tourists to Lebanon
- New-found stability and calm bring tourist boom to Lebanon
- Tourists are flocking to Lebanon this summer
- Cheering on a new Lebanon
- Lebanon: Low-cost tourism infrastructure needed
- Lebanon tourism rallies
By
Hazel Heyer, eTN Staff Writer |
Sep 18, 2009
In Lebanon, the Jeita Grotto becomes the country’s official finalist candidate to the worldwide New7Wonders of Nature competition. Selected among one of the 28 landmarks, the Jeita Grotto fast-approaches the final stage of becoming one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature of the World in 2011.
One cave in the world that forever remains enchanting beyond words is Jeita Grotto. It is located in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, near the Qadisha Valley declared by Pope John Paul II as a Holy Land. A most dramatic natural resource on earth boasts a show cave tourism site in a huge panoramic setting offering tourists and the Lebanese soothing views in the valley of Nahr El-Kalb or Dog River in the Keserwan region.
Located at a distance of about 18 km north of Beirut, Jeita accommodates two crystallized grottoes with natural sculptural beauty with rock formations that seem to glow in the dark. This rare and marvelous natural wonder features a lower cave where the visitor can take a short dreamy cruise on a rowboat for a distance of approximately 450 meters of the 6200 meters from the explored part of the site.
Extraordinary formations of stalactites and stalagmites carved only by nature’s hands extend into unspoken oblivion. An upper cave displays views of imposing stone concretions in the form of cathedral vaults to a distance of approx. 750 m from the 2200 m explored section of the site. Sprawling green scenery as well as flower cultivation covers the vast expanse outside the caves. The site is provided with a ropeway, a small train, a projection theatre, a restaurant, snack bars, souvenir shops, gardens and a small zoo.
In December 2003, on behalf of the Beirut-based private company MAPAS, Jeita received a prestigious award from the 5th Tourism Summits in Chamonix, France. Les Sommets du Tourisme recognized MAPAS’ efforts inrestoring Lebanon’s most incredible, most unique, most breath-taking site. French President Jacques Chirac, the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the World Bank previously accorded the top Sustainable Development in Tourism prize in 2002 to MAPAS at a summit dubbed NewTies between Tourism and Culture in Geneva.
Nabil Haddad, managing director for the Lebanese firm operating the site of Jeita Grotto, asked: “Imagine Lebanon to stand beside other famous natural locations and takes part in the final stage of the contest with its magical caves. We thank all the voters who previously backed Jeita Grotto and expressed all their support to our wonderful cave,” he added, “Jeita Grotto is in the first group of 14 candidates and must remain there in order to get to the final round.”
The Jeïta Grotto receives many visitors and spares no effort to provide guest comfort and security, said Haddad. The stability of stalactites and stalagmites is notable. To this day, no accident has ever been recorded within the cave walls.
Cairo Islamic monuments and tourist attractions launched
Posted , comments closed- Tourists dead and injured in Cairo bazaar terror attack
- Old monastery sparks rift between monks and Bedouins
- Audio guides to be introduced in Egypt Museum
- Archaeological cachette found in Egypt
- Egyptian desert tourism promotion goes full blast
- Largest ancient garrison found in Egypt’s eastern Delta
- Restoration pending for hanging church about to fall
- Pyramid pit reveals ancient remains and gold
By
Hazel Heyer, eTN Staff Writer |
Sep 18, 2009
On September 17, five Islamic monuments were officially inaugurated in the Al-Darb Al-Ahmar area of Cairo. The Al-Imam mosque, the Al-Laythmosque, the Al-Set Meska mosque, the Ali Labib house and the well zone of Youssef at the Salah El-Din Citadel have all been undergoing restoration work, which cost around LE 9.5 million. These monuments including the first phase construction of the new lighting system of the Salah El-Din Citadel were inaugurated at the ceremony. The ceremony took place at the Salah El-Din Citadel.
Dr. Zahi Hawass, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), Dr. Hamdi Zaqzouq, the Minister of Endowment, and Cairo Governor Abdel Azim Waziri inaugurated the special ceremony along with top governmental officials.
The restoration of these important historical edifices is a part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ dedication to preserve Egypt’s Islamic heritage.
The most outstanding restoration-conversion attraction, amid the decrepit villages of the Egyptian capital unfamiliar to visitors, one extremely ambitious project has been undertaken with the creation of a vast, green open space in a once run-down area of Cairo. Interestingly since the project was started, another dimension has been added –a rehabilitation of the surrounding residential district called Darb Al Ahmar, so impoverished it needed the Aga Khan to give it a facelift.
For years, tourists have long been kept off the area by the virtually unofficial wasteland or rubbish dump lying alongside the derelict eastern rim of old Cairo’s medieval city walls. From its early beginnings as the massive wastebasket to a gigantic mountain pile of dirt, it ended up obscuring residents’ views of the fortress wall and pretty minarets nearby through the years. It has become, in a sense, irreverent that it lies beside the walled old cemetery known as the City Of the Dead, where scores of homeless Cairenes have found shelter in tombs housing urns of the more-privileged.
In 2004, on the metropolis shared by the living and the dead, where dust, debris and garbage have collected through the millennium, arose a $45 million project the Aga Khan Development Network designed to complete in 7 years to uplift the destitute.
Four years after unexplained shoveling, digging and earth-moving the contractors were doing much to the perplexity of locals, the project finally took shape. Out of the barren 30-hectare Darassa Hills came a lush, green park overlooking Cairo’s Islamic city. It would bring hundreds of jobs, a place for the busy Cairenes to de-stress, open views of the Citadel never there before; notwithstanding, give people hope in a hometown that had never produced them profits.
Opened to the public end on a trial basis, it welcomed the first guests. Once the city built in ancient times by the Fatimids and named Al Quahire or the victorious, the previous 20 percent devoted to open space now had tourists flocking to it. From Easter till end of September, for about 5 and a half weeks, the park construction concentrated on the finer details of what would become an interesting rehab site inaugurated September 17 during a special event at the Citadel.
Airbus increases its 20-year forecast for aircraft
Posted , comments closed- Veteran tourism journalist launches a World Travel Industry Index
- Bigger ships, new destinations, low prices
- Cruise news you can use: Trends for 2009 and looking ahead
- Hard times ahead for world's travel industry spoiled by success
- Travelers seek new vacation options because of tough economy
- ITB World Travel Trends Report: despite higher fuel prices, car trips leave air travel behind
- Where are they now - WTM Global Trends Report in association with Euromonitor revisits 2007 trends
- Dumbest travel trends — ever
Sep 18, 2009
LONDON — European aerospace giant Airbus on Thursday increased its 20-year forecast for aircraft, citing the impact of emerging countries, low-cost air travel and demand for more fuel-efficient planes.
Airbus forecast around 25,000 passenger and cargo planes will be sold for a total of 3.1 trillion dollars (2.1 trillion euros) between 2009 and 2028.
Passenger traffic will rise 4.7 percent and cargo 5.2 percent annually through to 2028, led by growth in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, it added.
It said long-haul carriers such as the A380 superjumbo and Boeing’s 747 will account for seven percent of the anticipated sales by number but represent 19 percent by value.
Smaller long-haul carriers such as the A350 and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner carrying 250-400 people will account for 25 percent of the sales and 42 percent of the revenue.
Short-haul aircraft — the A320 and Boeing 737 which are favoured by low-cost carriers — will account for 68 percent of all aircraft sold and generate 39 percent of the revenues.
Airbus last year estimated that 24,300 planes would be sold over the 20-year period between 2007 and 2026.