Tour Telegraph

  Tour Telegraph is the leading online resource for the travel and tourism industry from all over the world.    From Travel news, Hotel news, Aviation, Cruise and ferries updates, Destination, and Tourism, to exclusive interviews, insightful features, and perceptive videos, this platform provides all the information, insiders need to keep their fingers on the telegraph wheel.

[tourtelegraph]

Radisson Collection Hotel, Bamako, takes brand into Africa

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Radisson Collection Hotel, Bamako, as the brand makes it debut in Africa. Situated in Bamako, the capital and largest city of Mali, in one of its most sought-after neighbourhoods, ACI 2000, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Bamako is the epitome of convenience, just 20 minutes from Modibo Keita International Airport. It is also in close proximity to the embassies, corporate headquarters and government precinct. Bamako is a colourful, throbbing metropolis boasting several museums displaying rich history and culture, such as the National Museum or the Muso Kunda Museum. The hotel consists of 200 elegant and spacious rooms, including 32 suites and three accessible rooms, offering panoramic views over the Niger River and the lush green hillside dotted with mango tree plantations, as well as the pool and city skyline. Tim Cordon, senior area vice president, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We are delighted to open the doors of our first Radisson Collection hotel in Africa, in the heart of Bamako. “Radisson Collection represents a portfolio of unique luxury properties with distinct identities, bespoke design, and true authenticity, which is evident in the Radisson Collection Hotel, Bamako. #Bamako #Hospitality #Hotel #mali #RadissonHotel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Nigeria To Sanction 20,216 Travellers For Shunning Post Arrival COVID-19 Test

Nigeria Government has concluded plans to sanction travellers who breached public health protocols as precautionary steps to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Speaking during a briefing by the Presidential Task Force in nation's Abuja on Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said 20,216 travellers would be sanctioned for shunning COVID-19 test upon arrival. “20,216 (31%) have not shown up for post-arrival test thereby endangering members of the community and breaching the protocols they signed up to,” he said. “The PTF has concluded arrangements with the Nigeria Immigration Service to impose sanctions on these defaulters for breaching the public health protocols, within the ambit of the law. “The PTF has surveyed developments and actions taken by governments around the world, assessed our domestic environment and has accordingly submitted its recommendations to Mr President on immediate measures to be taken. “Accordingly, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has authorised the PTF to engage with the States and the FCT to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.” According to Mustapha, 163,818 inbound travellers have been captured on the government’s portal as of today. #Nigeria #tourism #tourist #Travel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Nigeria mulls travel ban over new strain of COVID-19 in UK

Worried about the mutated strain of COVID-19 manifesting itself in the United Kingdom, Nigeria Government says it may impose a travel ban to and from certain parts of the world. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a Special Forum of the News Agency of Nigeria. He noted that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 would meet on Monday (today) over the new strain of COVID-19 in the UK. “We are more concerned about the new strain of COVID-19 which is manifesting itself in the UK; that is the mutated strain. “It is difficult to detect, it spreads faster and people have been known to die of it within a very short period of its detection. “This is a major concern to us as a country. “While I do not want to pre-empt the PTF because we are meeting this afternoon, it is going to be top on the agenda of our discussions. I will not be surprised if that will be the recommendation of the committee which is meeting later today,’’ he said. The minister added: “This season, many students are coming from the UK in particular, to come and join their families in Nigeria. “Besides, many of our people, because of the traditional link we have with the UK, may want to go there for business or family reunion. “It is a very testy time and it might be another dangerous period to transmit this new variant of COVID-19.” The minister noted that many European countries had banned flights to and from the UK. #aviation #Nigeria #tourism #Travel #UK Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Belgium, Netherlands, Italy suspend UK flights over new strain of COVID-19

Belgium, Netherlands, Italy have banned flights from United Kingdom (UK) over concerns of a new strain of COVID-19 in the country. Boris Johnson had warned on Saturday that the new strain might be “up to 70 percent more transmissible.” Netherlands was the first country to ban UK flights after its health authorities confirmed at least one case of the same variant that prompted UK to tighten lockdown rules. Belgium then followed suit and halted rail connections to UK. Italy later announced their restriction measures on Sunday. Alexander De Croo, Belgian prime minister, said on Sunday that the order is for 24 hours starting at midnight “out of precaution,” and that train travel from UK would be included in the ban. The Belgian prime minister said: “There are a great many questions about this new mutation and if it is not already on the mainland”, adding that he hoped to have more clarity by Tuesday. Meanwhile, in Netherlands, air traffic ban for passengers from UK began on Sunday by 6am and will last until January 1, 2020. The Dutch ministry of health said: “Any introduction of this virus strain from the United Kingdom should be limited as much as possible by limiting or controlling passenger movements from the United Kingdom”. “The cabinet is closely monitoring the developments of the COVID-19 virus abroad and is investigating the possibilities for additional measures for other modes of transport. #Belgium #Italy #Netherland #tourism #Travel #UK Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Hyatt looking out for its neighbors with Loves Local program

As small businesses across the globe struggle amid the pandemic, Hyatt Hotels Corp. is offering a lifeline to local entrepreneurs in the form of rent-free space and other resources. In mid-November, the company debuted Hyatt Loves Local, an initiative designed to cultivate collaborations between Hyatt properties and small businesses in need. So far, about 60 hotels worldwide have opted in, and they provide support like free kitchen space to displaced restaurateurs and on-property marketing exposure for startups. According to Amy Weinberg, Hyatt's senior vice president for brand loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insights, the Hyatt Loves Local concept was developed "organically" after several Hyatt properties began forging partnerships with local businesses earlier in the year. These included Baltimore's Hotel Revival, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, which opened up its kitchen to various restaurants and allowed them to operate a delivery and pick-up service from the property's valet stand, and the Andaz West Hollywood, which linked up with the Barcode Barbershop salon this fall. Barcode, which was limited to operating at just 25% capacity upon its reopening, was able to take over additional space at the hotel; it offered clients haircuts on the rooftop. The Hyatt Loves Local initiative now span a variety of industries, including art, music, fashion and wellness. #Hotel #HyattHotels #HyattLovesLocal Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Ethiopian Airlines appoints Shimeles Arage as new GM Nigeria

Ethiopian Airlines has appointed Mr. Shimeles Arage as the new General Manager in Nigeria replacing  Mrs. Firihiewot Mekonnen who has now moved to Frankfurt, Germany as Manager. Mr. Shimeles before his appointment was the Regional Manager Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. He once served in Equatorial Guinea and also as Director Revenue Management at the Head Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With a BA Degree in Economics and an MBA degree, he has attended numerous aviation courses globally and in Ethiopia. A tested Manager comes to Nigeria with a wealth of experience. Ethiopian Airlines is the leading airline in Africa with the youngest and largest fleet. It flies to Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Enugu in Nigeria with brand new  A350, B787, and B777 Aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines have been Flying to Nigeria since Independence in 1960. It was the first international airline to fly to Enugu Airport. ET was the only international airline to fly to Kaduna Airport when Abuja Airport was closed in 2018 and the first airline to bring the B787 Dreamliner to Nigeria. Also, the airline was the first to bring an Airbus A350 to Nigeria. In December 2017 it organized the first all female managed flight to Nigeria. #aviation #EthiopianAirlines #Travel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Celebrity Cruises introduces new 2022 Bermuda and Northeast Atlantic wanderlust sailings

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit will take travelers throughout the Atlantic Ocean in luxurious style in 2022, as she visits a range of popular destinations from Bermuda to Canada, the U.S. ‘New England’ coast, Greenland and Iceland. The new offerings are highlighted by new 9-night sailings to Bermuda;  a range of new, shorter cruise length offerings from Boston to New England and Canada; and two special sailings to two of the world’s most sought-after destinations, Iceland and Greenland. Celebrity Summit was recently part of a $500 million fleetwide ‘revolution’ to elevate every detail and refine every guest comfort on the ship. In addition to newly designed staterooms and onboard spa, Celebrity Summit now features The Retreat®, Celebrity Cruises’ ultimate luxury offering for suite guests featuring stunning accommodations; a private restaurant, lounge and sundeck; and exclusive amenities including a dedicated concierge service for an unparalleled vacation at sea. Because Celebrity believes vacations should be effortless from the start, Wi-Fi, drinks and tips are now ‘Always Included SM’ in a Celebrity cruise purchase, bringing that wonderful feeling of ‘everything is taken care of’ to life. In addition, the line’s “Cruise with Confidence” program provides flexible cancellations and best price guarantees. #Bermuda #CelebrityCruises #Cruise #cruiseline #tourism #Travel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Africa Travel Week to drive Diversity & Inclusion initiatives for 2021

With WTM Africa set to run as a live/hybrid event at the CTICC in Cape Town from 07-09 April 2021, the team at Africa Travel Week (ATW) has pledged to continue driving Inclusion and Diversity (D&I) efforts in the build up to the show. "The tourism landscape is going to look very different next year and we want to do what we can to make it better, and to be better as a company,” says Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio Director – Travel Tourism & Sports for Reed Exhibitions South Africa. Since the launch of WTM Africa, ATW’s flagship travel trade show, the organisation has laid out specific goals in creating a foundation for their D&I work throughout their suite of live shows. But with the postponement of the 2020, they saw an opportunity to apply the resources available to the ATW team through Reed Exhibitions to advance diversity within the various segments of the organisation. “This included a consultation with Ron Walden, Reed’s first global Executive Sponsor for Race, who, in his current role, provides additional leadership on race and ethnicity and setting targets for ethnic minority representation,” Oberholzer explains. “Using all of his experience and advocacy, Ron has provided additional leadership on race and ethnicity when it comes to decisions regarding recruitment, content, confirming speakers for webinars and other initiatives we embark on.” She #AfricaTravelWeek #Travel #WTMafrica Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Desire Cruises reveals new 2022 itineraries

Original Group, a leading expert of adult hospitality, revealed the itineraries for its 2022 Desire Cruise voyages. The adults-only, couples-only, clothing-optional cruises will take free-spirited travelers to new exhilarating destinations around the globe in 2022, boasting calls in Rio de Janeiro, Ibiza, and the Greek Islands. All cruises feature outstanding culinary options, premium beverage package, couples’ workshops and seminars, and clothing-optional areas. Desire’s steamy agenda includes stimulating pool parties, sexy theme nights, and much more. The voyages’ main showstopper is Desire’s iconic “Playroom”- an erotic hotspot with a sensual atmosphere for couples seeking to live out their forbidden fantasies at sea. “We constantly strive to make our offering the most epic possible and bring our guests the best in cruise travel," said Rodrigo de la Pena, CEO of Original Group. “Our guests are well-seasoned world travelers, and they expect outstanding service, luxury accommodations, indulgent gastronomy, and the best adult entertainment in the market. Our sophisticated clientele pushes us to surpass expectations year after year, and this includes partnering with the trendiest destinations that will match our concept and offer one-of-a-kind experiences that will complement our onboard experience.” The #Cruise #cruiseline #desirecruise #OriginalGroup #Travel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

International Civil Aviation Day: Nigeria Govt says Aviation sector roadmap still on course

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2020 International Civil Aviation Day, Nigeria's minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has urged the nation’s Aviation stakeholders to keep faith with the Aviation sector roadmap developed by the government. According to him, the roadmap was developed to serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive overhaul of the aviation industry in Nigeria so as to position the country as an air transportation hub within West and Central African sub-region. The Minister, in a statement issued by Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu further asserts that the roadmap which includes the establishment of a national carrier, establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, Concession of some airports, establishment of an Aviation Leasing Company, amongst others, will lay a solid and lasting foundation for Aviation development in Nigeria. He assured Nigerians that the implementation of the roadmap,​ which, according to him, is in line with the theme of the ICAD, remains on course and that the results will become obvious in due course. #aviation #aviationday #tourism #Travel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Canadian Government urged to support aviation industry

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed deep disappointment and frustration that the Canadian government has failed to provide concrete support measures for Canada’s air transport sector in the government’s Fall Economic Statement. IATA continues its call for the Canadian government to provide financial support to keep the sector viable and to safely re-establish connectivity without quarantine by using testing. “The government has been stating for months that it is working on a vital support package for Canada’s airlines. It has failed to deliver thus far. Other governments see the need for financial support as an investment in economic recovery and have supported the industry with US$173 billion. Canada has some of the most draconian COVID-19 measures which have essentially shut down most air connectivity and put the sector in a tailspin,” said Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President, The Americas. The biggest hurdles in stimulating international air traffic continue to be border closures and quarantines, both of which the government of Canada has just extended to 21 January 2021. During its 76th Annual General Meeting held last week, IATA airline members unanimously called on governments to use testing to re-open borders to travel without quarantine. “In addition to financial support, the government needs a plan to re-connect Canadians internally and to the world. #Canada #Canadatourism #iata #tourism #Travel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Cambria Hotels makes a splash in Sunshine State with Madeira Beach debut

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., made its official debut in Madeira Beach, Florida with the grand opening of the Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg – Madeira Beach Marina. Keeping in line with the area's nautical theme and Cambria's commitment to the communities in which the brand is present, the celebration was marked by a Gasparilla-inspired event and $1,000 donation to the Gulf Beaches Rotary, an organization of business and civic leaders from the Madeira Beach and Treasure Island areas. Madeira Beach Mayor John Hendricks and City Manager Robert Daniels joined executives from Choice Hotels and the hotel's development company, Madeira Hotel Investors LLC, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Between leisure travel opportunities and the rise in remote-access technology, what better way to take advantage of remote work and virtual learning than by sitting on a rooftop pool deck with panoramic views of sunny Madeira Beach," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "Ideal for staycations or as a warm destination on a road trip this winter, the Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg – Madeira Beach Marina offers approachable indulgences guests desire and convenient proximity to fantastic area beaches, including St. Pete Beach, ranked among Tripadvisor's 'Top 25 Beaches' in the United States. #CambriaHotels #ChoiceHotels #Hotel #MadeiraBeach #tourism Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Nigeria: Arik Air lays off 300 workers over redundancy

In a statement on Friday, the airline said the pandemic has limited its ability to complete maintenance needed to return its planes to operations, reduced revenue amid rising costs. The statement signed by Adebanji Ola, Arik’s manager for public relations and communications, said the 300 employees are now redundant to the current level of operations. The spokesman said the company has contacted the leadership of the impacted unions to negotiate a redundancy package for the affected workers. “The leadership of the impacted unions has been contacted to negotiate a redundancy package for the affected staff,” the statement read. “It is important to note that over 50 percent of Arik Air’s workforce of over 1,600 staff have been on furlough in the past six months on a base allowance. “Decisions to let go of staff is naturally a difficult decision. Arik Air wishes the impacted staff well in their future endeavors.” Airlines in the country could not operate for six months during the lockdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus. In November, Azman Air sacked six pilots “due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry”. Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Countries Nigerians Can Travel to Without COVID-19 Testing or Quarantine

As the world battles a new cold-weather wave of COVID-19 infections, perhaps international travel remains low on most people’s list of priorities. With lockdowns ending around the globe -- and yuletide fast approaching -- many countries have started to ease border restrictions and reopen for international tourism. Most Nigerians are still skeptical about Traveling -- with different requirements and procedures being laid out by many hotspot tourist destinations, all we can say is that International travel in the post-pandemic world can be challenging to say the least. From Covid-19 test requirements, mandatory quarantines, country restrictions, the cost of these test requirements and more, finding out where to travel can be daunting. At Tour telegraph, we're going to make it easy for tourists who don't want to guesstimate if they have -- or have to -- followed all necessary health protocols of a particular country. Most countries that have reopened their borders to international visitors are requiring specific testing protocols and/or quarantine upon arrival of travelers wishing to enter. Still, there are a handful of countries that right now, are demanding neither from foreign tourists. The following are  countries  Nigerians Can Travel to Without COVID-19 Testing or Quarantine: Albania Albania is open to international visitors, although some airlines have canceled or reduced flights into December. Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Countries Nigerians Can Travel to Without COVID-19 Testing or Quarantine

As the world battles a new cold-weather wave of COVID-19 infections, perhaps international travel remains low on most people’s list of priorities. With lockdowns ending around the globe -- and yuletide fast approaching -- many countries have started to ease border restrictions and reopen for international tourism. Most Nigerians are still skeptical about Traveling -- with different requirements and procedures being laid out by many hotspot tourist destinations, all we can say is that International travel in the post-pandemic world can be challenging to say the least. From Covid-19 test requirements, mandatory quarantines, country restrictions, the cost of these test requirements and more, finding out where to travel can be daunting. At Tour telegraph, we're going to make it easy for tourists who don't want to guesstimate if they have -- or have to -- followed all necessary health protocols of a particular country. Most countries that have reopened their borders to international visitors are requiring specific testing protocols and/or quarantine upon arrival of travelers wishing to enter. Still, there are a handful of countries that right now, are demanding neither from foreign tourists. The following are  countries  Nigerians Can Travel to Without COVID-19 Testing or Quarantine: Albania Albania is open to international visitors, although some airlines have canceled or reduced flights into December. Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Nigeria: Ibom Air airlifts 300,000 passengers in 1 year

Ibom Airline said on Tuesday that it airlifted 300,000 passengers since its inception last year, the Group Manager, Marketing and Communications of the Airline, Mrs. Aniekan Essienette said during an interaction with newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State The airline also said it has contributed more than one billion naira directly and indirectly to the economy of Akwa Ibom people through vendors and suppliers within the period. “We want to be to Akwa Ibom State, what Emirates Airlines is to Dubai and what Ethiopian Airlines is to Ethiopia. I believe we can achieve this with your continued support and those of the good people of Akwa Ibom State. “In line with this aspiration, just in 2019 alone (our first year of operation), Ibom Air’s direct and indirect impact on Akwa Ibom’s livelihood and businesses amounted to over N1bn. “This is in addition to the employment of indigenes of Akwa Ibom, not just in low and entry level to senior positions, but in the very highly skilled aviation professions of piloting, cabin crew and aircraft maintenance engineering. “As a matter of fact, 17 young indigenous trainee maintenance engineers have qualified or are on the verge of being qualified as Bombardier CRJ 900 Aircraft Engineers,” She said. #aviation #IbomAirline #Travel Read the full article

[tourtelegraph]

Airfare hike: Nigerian Lawmaker expresses concerns, calls for Govt intervention

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Honourable Nnolim Nnaji has warned of dire consequences of the current hike in domestic travel air fare on the overall economy of the nation if not urgently addressed. Honourable Nnaji in a statement issued in Abuja urged the Federal Government to immediately address the challenges of the domestic airline operators which he said could be responsible for the recent astronomical rise in airfares. Domestic airfare as at last weekend rose to between N80, 000 and N100, 000 for an hour flight and there is the likelihood of further hike if care is not taken. The airlines had last month complained of lack of access to foreign exchange at official rate, high cost of aviation fuel and the refusal of the Nigeria Customs and Excise to honour President Muhammed Buhari’s Executive Order exempting duties on aircraft importation and spares. The operators equally listed high interest rate on loans, multiple taxations, and multiple entry points granted foreign airlines among others as major challenges affecting them. These prompted the House Committee on Aviation to address a press conference last week urging Federal Government to urgently direct the Customs to obey the executive order of Mr. President which granted airline operators waiver on commercial aircraft importation and spares. #aviation #Travel Read the full article