Update on IFTTA News

• German Court challenges EU Regulation on security standards for passports and travel documents; 
• UK: airlines to include debit card surcharges in headline prices;
• Canada: Transportation Agency decides in flight cancellation and overbooking cases; 
• Germany: lugagge to be carried on a later flight is no legitimate reason to deny boarding; 
• Denmark: passengers of a cancelled flight entitled to rerouting at the earliest opportunity; 
• New Body Scanners at Scottish Airports; 
• Netherlands: new reference for ECJ preliminary ruling regarding air passenger rights; 
• German Supreme Court: no compensation for flight cancellation caused by strike; 
• EU Economic and Social Committee publishes opinion on passenger rights in all transport modes; 
• Egypt: new tourism minister appointed; 
• IFTTA Law Review 2-2012 available online; 
• USA: DOT fines companies for violating Consumer Protection and Price Advertising Rules; 
• UK: Bad Taste Tweets Not Criminal; 
• USA: Airlines lose appeal against DOT fare rules;
• EU Commission publishes consumer tips for visitors to the 2012 Olympic Games; 
• UK and Unfair Contract Terms Reforms; 
• CJEU: inclusion of flight cancellation insurance as a default setting unlawful when selling air tickets over the internet;
• UK: British Airways to check passengers on Google?; 
• Austria: regulation on proper rail passenger behaviour; 
• USA: new law to require airlines to seat families together?; 
•  Scottish Jurisdiction over Shetland; 
• Austria: Appelate court decides on "fly all or pay up" clauses; 
• Spain: Court of Appeal of Barcelona regards Ryanair's boarding pass printing policy lawful; 

UNWTO: Taleb Rifai to be Secretary-General 2010-2013

The 85th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, meeting in Mali, recommended Taleb Rifai for the post as Secretary-General for the four-year-period starting January 2010. The candidature of Mr. Rifai (Jordan) was supported by the Executive Council, in accordance with the UNWTO statutes. The recommendation will be presented for ratification by the UNWTO General Assembly, meeting the first week of October in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Mr. Rifai has an extensive background in international and national public service, the private sector and academia.

Source: UNWTO press release of May 7, 2009

UNTWO welcomes Norway as 154th member state

In 1947, Norway was one of the 19 founding members of the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO), the organization which preceded the modern UNWTO. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway officially submitted its application for full membership of UNWTO on 8 September 2008. In accordance with the UNWTO Statutes this membership enters into immediate effect.

The Membership in UNWTO is part of Norway’s national strategy for the tourism industry, which highlights the importance of the further development of the sector as a vehicle for economic growth, in addition to traditional industries such as fishing, agriculture or oil.

Source: UNTWO press release>>.

UNTWO: Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli to Step Down at Beginning of 2009

Addressing the Executive Council of the UNWTO, Francesco Frangialli announced that he would be stepping down at the beginning of 2009 to allow for a smooth transition before the normal end of his final term of office. He reflected on the main structural achievements during this period:

• The creation of a universally accepted system of Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA) to accurately measure the impact of tourism in national economies.
• The adoption of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which had been recognized by the UN General Assembly as the basis for responsible tourism.
• The placing of tourism as a key element in the international agenda for sustainable development and the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Source: UNWTO press release>>.

"Commission recommends negotiations for an agreement with the United States of America on certain conditions for access to the US Visa Waiver Program"

As stated today by the EU Press Room, "Today the Commission recommended to the Council to open negotiations on an agreement between the European Community and the United States of America regarding certain conditions for access to the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
When adopting the Commission's proposal Vice-President Franco Frattini, Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, said: 'It is our objective to ensure that all EU citizens can travel visa-free to the U.S. We should make sure that Europe shows political and legal solidarity. The recommendation provides for this. It caters for proper EC negotiations with the U.S. on matters arising from our common visa policy.' He added 'I trust this recommendation becomes a further stepping stone in the joint EU-US efforts to find the smartest ways to promote international travel, mobility and exchanges whilst simultaneously providing security for their citizens.'."

This Press Release is available in full text.

UNTWO: Latest World Tourism Barometer

International tourist arrivals continue sustained growth rate reaching 5.6% 610 million international tourist arrivals from January to August 32 million more arrivals already counted for 2007.
International tourist arrivals for the first eight months of 2007 point to a continuation of the sustained growth rate experienced over the past years. According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, this trend is likely to continue through the remainder of 2007, with year-end growth estimated at 5.7%, which would put international arrivals to 880-900 million.

Source: UNTWO press release; click here for a summary of the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

IATA Half Year Traffic Results: Passenger Growth Strong, Cargo Sluggish

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released traffic results for the first six months of the year showing 6.3% growth in year-on-year international passenger demand, slightly higher than the 5.9% rise recorded for the year 2006. However, passenger demand growth weakened to 5.3% for the month of June, the lowest growth rate in nine months.
Freight demand for the first six months of 2007 grew 2.7%, well below the 4.6% growth recorded for the same period in 2006. While year-to-date demand growth is weaker than forecast, June year-on-year demand for freight grew 4.9%. This is the second consecutive month of strengthening demand for freight, following the 5.0% growth recorded in May, and could be indicating a return to historical growth levels in the 5-6% range.

Source: IATA News No. 27. Full June trafic results availbale here.

Tourism for Tomorrow Awards finalists are announced

The World Travel & Tourism Council is honoured to present the finalists of the 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. 12 candidates have been selected from more than 130 applications from over 40 different countries representing all 7 continents. Their alphabetical order in each of the four categories is:

Destination Award
Great Barrier Reef - Australia
Greenbox Trading - Ireland
http://www.VermontVacation.com - USA

Conservation Award
Aqua-Trek - Fiji islands and USA
Aspen Skiing Company - USA
Caiman Ecological Refuge - Brazil

Investor in People Award
10 Knots Development Corporation - Philippines
Nihiwatu Resort - Indonesia
Sunderbans Jungle Camp - India

Global Tourism Business Award
Lindblad Expeditions - USA and Global
Six Senses Resorts & Spas - Thailand and Global
Wilderness Safaris - South Africa

Winners will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Lisbon, Portugal on 11 May, 2007 and will have the opportunity to present their business or destination to more than 600 tourism industry, government and media leaders.

Source: http://www.tourismfortomorrow.com/prevwinners/2007finalists.htm

New Year message from UNTWO: "Increase tourism to fight poverty"

According to UNTWO, 2007 should be a critical year to consolidate tourism as a key agent in the fight against poverty and a primary tool for sustainable development. Against a projection of continuing worldwide growth in international tourism of more than 4% for international arrivals and revenues, Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli called for renewed effort to include sustainable tourism in the international development agenda, as a key tool to advance the Millennium Development Goals.
The Secretary-General said that the organization would intensify its actions to support the sector, advance the MDGs and promote the Global Code of Ethics in the years ahead. In this context and in order to help respond to the immediate challenges and opportunities he announced that in 2007, UNWTO as the UN Agency for Tourism would :

• Convene a World Summit on “Tourism and Religion”, hosted by the Government of Spain, which will explore ways to strengthen the interrelationship between tourism and the world's great religions so as to further encourage peaceful development and intercultural dialogue.
• Organize a second Summit on “Tourism and Climate Change” hosted by the Government of the United Kingdom and in collaboration with World Travel Market. The Summit, which will consider new international developments like the UK Stern Report and President Chirac's call for a post-2012 international climate change policy, would be preceded by a technical conference and would build on the foundation of the 2003 UNWTO Djerba Declaration.
• Hold a Global Conference for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities , hosted by the Government of Tunisia, to explore how tourism can more effectively encourage understanding between nations and how its benefits can be more readily spread to the community level. It will also explore how to enhance decision making between different levels of government.
• Celebrate the role of women in tourism , linking its UN World Tourism Day theme of “Tourism opening doors to Women” with MDG 3 promoting gender equality. Host of the 2007 World Tourism Day on September 27 th will be the Government of Sri Lanka.
• Strengthen its ST-EP Program (Sustainable Tourism - Eliminating Poverty) by consolidating funding partnerships with government / private sector sources, by boosting the activity of the Foundation established in Seoul, Korea and by launching new projects – particularly in Africa.
• Intensify its eTourism initiatives, together with Microsoft, to introduce an Emergency Response System; operationalize the Windows on Africa Portal for Distribution and Destination Management; explore ways and means to use technology to increase Security and simultaneously reduce hassle for travellers: coordinate action on tourism across the UN system.
• Launch its Centre of Excellence for Destinations in Montreal , supported by the Federal Government of Canada and the Provincial Government of Quebec to promote and support sustainable quality tourism at the community level.
• Consolidate its organization to respond to changing times, through its new management leadership: restructured secretariat and by more active private sector involvement, with a strengthened Affiliate program and expanded PPP network.
  

Read the full message here.

Switzerland joins European Aviation Safety Agency

Switzerland today officially became a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency. It is the fourth non-EU country to adopt European Union aviation safety legislation after Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Patrick Goudou, Executive Director of the Agency, said: “I welcome Switzerland’s membership. It is an important step towards a more integrated safety system in Europe and underlines the key role of the Agency in this system”. The four non-EU countries are represented in the Agency’s Management Board and nationals of these countries are eligible to work for the Agency.
Source: EASA-Press release 2006-11-30

(Originally posted by Michael Wukoschitz)

ACI/IATA Friction

Airports Council International is to Airports what IATA is to carriers. The two international trade associations are at odds over several issues regarding airport costs, responsibility for pre-boarding security costs, etc. Earlier this year, ACI issued a report that dealt in detail with what it calls the three weak links in pre-boarding security....processes, people and equipment. Improvements in all three areas will require money and airport/airline co-operation. However, in a July 2006 speech to The Aviation Club of the UK, ACI's Director General called for IATA to disengage from any role in such discussions, suggesting that IATA does not really want the principals to meet directly. ACI denounced IATA for engaging in a "phoney war", "distortions", "empty rhetoric" and "an anti-airports agenda". It called on IATA to become a partner, and not an adversary.

(Originally posted by Doug Crozier)

Switzerland joins European Aviation Safety Agency

Switzerland today officially became a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency. It is the fourth non-EU country to adopt European Union aviation safety legislation after Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Patrick Goudou, Executive Director of the Agency, said: “I welcome Switzerland’s membership. It is an important step towards a more integrated safety system in Europe and underlines the key role of the Agency in this system”. The four non-EU countries are represented in the Agency’s Management Board and nationals of these countries are eligible to work for the Agency.
Source: EASA-Press release 2006-11-30

(Originally posted by Michael Wukoschitz)

Tsunami Recovery Program

Four international organisations have given the green light to a natural restoration of the coastal areas in Asia. The goal is to rehabilitate the ecosystems in these areas and, as a result, to guarantee the local population income from natural resources and a safe living environment. The project was developed in response to the tsunami that hit the region on 26 December 2004. In places where mangroves, coastal forests and coral reefs were still intact, the effects were less disastrous. Through this project, the organisations want to work with governments and the local population to achieve sound coastal development. For details see
http://www.wetlands.org/greencoast/en/news.aspx?id=f634f6f1-27d3-43ae-8f9f-9b8435fa88d8

(Originally posted by Michael Wukoschitz)

Brisbane World's best Airport

IATA has chosen Brisbane Airport as world's best airport and bestowed the "Eagle Award". The airport is expecting 15 million passengers this year.

(Originally posted by Michael Wukoschitz)

Unidroit Hotel Contracts

The Governing Council of Unidroit at its 80th Session has approved the issue of hotel contracts being put on its reserve list with a view to future work on it if resources are available. It now appears on the reserve list for the Unidroit Work Programme for 2002-2004.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

World Travel and Tourism Council: Forecast Growth in 2003

The WTTC released a series of reports on 8.11.02 predicting a strong forecast for the last quarter of 2002 and strong growth in 2003. “The relative strength in consumer spending in many countries compared with expectations earlier in the year has helped maintain personal Travel and Tourism spending”. Despite the Bali bombings and uncertainty caused by potential military action against Iraq the WTTC/Oxford Economic Forecasting reports a forecast of 4.1% real growth in 2003.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

IATA: Deep Vein Thrombosis and Air Travel

IATA Director General, Pierre J Jeanniot, stated in letters to the Vice President of the European Commissioner and Commissioner for Transport, Mme Loyola de Palacio and US Secretary of Transport, Mr Norman Mineta, "At the present time, there is no conclusive medical evidence supporting the alleged connection of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with long distance travel. Nonetheless, a number of further studies are underway and IATA Members are very much aware of the need to minimise any potential risks". IATA is organising a worldwide conference on cabin health in Geneva 17-18 May 2001.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

IATA Initiatives on Disruptive Passengers

A Memorandum of Understanding and a set of IATA Guidelines have been adopted by by the major airlines and airports authorities to address the problem of disruptive passengers. An IATA Seminar in Geneva on 23 March attracted 140 delegates from 64 airlines and other industry associations. Protocols adopted by Gatwick Airport's Disruptive Passenger Action Group were put to those attending as good practice. The UK and Canada have launched public awareness campaigns to make clear what type of behaviour will not be tolerated and the legal and other consequences for those who engage in it.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

IATA Criticise Europan Transport Ministers Meeting Re the Air Traffic Management System

IATA stated that, though the Meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the 38 ECAC States in Brussells was helpful its outcome was inadequate. There is need for more action to reduce delays and to build a safe, efficient and cost- effective ATM system. IATA supports EC membership of EUROCONTROL. It also supports the EC Commission's decision to form a high level group to build a Single European Sky. It calls for strengthened capacity planning by EUROCONTROL and has criticised the capacity targets set for summer 2000 and 2001.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

IATA's DG Calls for a Balance to the Benefits of Air Liberalization

Pierre Jeanniot (DG of IATA) stated on 16 November 1999 "There is no question that the air transport industry will continue to liberalise. Our main concern is that liberalisation proceeds in a manner which produces the best balance of benefits to consumers, airlines and the public interest". IATA has issued a discussion paper on Air Transport and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). At present GATS covers repair and maintenance, provision of computer reservation systems and sales and marketing of air services. These may be added to at the next WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle (USA) on 3 December 1999.

(Originally posted by John Downes)