MADRID: Officials in Spain have ordered the closure of all hotels, campsites and short-stay accommodation from Coming Tuesday. The closures come amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. There have been 14,769 cases recorded in the country, with 638 deaths to date. Spain is currently under an intensive lockdown, which is expected to last for another two weeks. In response to the latest moves, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has advised Britons to get in touch with their travel operator as soon as possible. A spokesperson said: “The Spanish government have confirmed that all hotels will close…
Author: holidayweekly
MUSCAT: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has ceased the issuing of all types of visas, said a report. “We would like to inform everyone that all types of visas have been suspended,” Times of Oman reported citing a statement from the ROP. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism in Oman has asked tourists to leave the country at the earliest, to avoid possible infection by COVID-19. “With regard to the exceptional circumstances that the world is currently going through due to the recent developments from the spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Tourism would like to draw your attention to…
DUBAI: The UAE has announced a temporary suspension on issuing of visas-on-arrival for holders of exempted passports, effective 01:00 (UAE local time) today, March 19 as part of the precautionary measures adopted by the country to contain the spread of COVID-19, said a report. Holders of diplomatic passports are exempted from this decision, WAM reported, citing a statement from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. According to the statement, the decision will apply to holders of exempted passports until a medical clearance process is activated at the departure country. The decision comes within the framework of the UAE’s support…
LONDON: Travellers stuck abroad Massive traffic jams have formed at European borders while British tourists are stranded at airports as they desperately try to get home before countries close their gates due to coronavirus. [huge_it_slider id=”526″] Britons have accused airlines of abandoning them or demanding extortionate journey fees as more and more countries go into lockdown. Tom Widdall, who is in Morocco with his heavily pregnant girlfriend, was due to fly home from Agadir to Manchester on Saturday, but his easyJet flight was cancelled. He said he has been unable to get onto an earlier flight and claimed he has…
BRUSSELS: The European Union is banning travellers from outside the bloc for 30 days in a battle to contain the spread of coronavirus. In an unprecedented move, the external borders of 26 EU states will be closed. Although not EU members, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are expected to adhere to the move. UK citizens will be unaffected. The travel ban will affect all non-EU nationals from visiting the bloc, except long-term residents, family members of EU nationals, diplomats and healthcare workers. People transporting goods will also be exempt. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The…
No one can doubt that we are in uncharted territory. The coronavirus pandemic means the world is facing a threat on multiple fronts not seen in peacetime. The Travel & Tourism sector is uniquely exposed, and we estimate 50 million jobs globally are at risk. To put it bluntly, Travel & Tourism is in a fight for survival. Travel is the backbone of economies around the world. It brings in essential currency and inward investment, creates jobs and stimulates every sector. WTTC figures show Travel & Tourism contributes to 10.4% of Global GDP and 320 million jobs. It is responsible…
The airline industry is warning that it must shed jobs and obtain state support to survive the coronavirus crisis, as carriers around the globe grounded the majority of their fleets and took steps to conserve cash. [huge_it_slider id=”525″] In the past 24 hours, United Airlines in the US, IAG (parent of British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia), Air France-KLM, EasyJet, Finnair, Air New Zealand and Aeroflot all unveiled drastic measures to cut costs after several countries, including Germany and Spain, closed their borders. An Irish union source told The Irish Times: “The situation is grim. It looks like there will…
SINGAPORE: Sabre Corporation, the leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, today announced Otto Gergye as Vice President, Regional General Manager, North Asia, Travel Solutions Airline Sales. Gergye will be responsible for Sabre’s airline operations in North Asia, a key growth region for the company. His role will involve identifying business opportunities and further expanding Sabre’s already strong presence in this fast-growing region. He will also seek to strengthen successful and trusted relationships with existing airline customers. Gergye brings over 20 years of experience across the aviation and travel industry to Sabre, having held multiple senior…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started special flight operation to bring back the Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia today, march 17th. PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez said that the national flag carrier will operate 22 special flights for the repatriation of Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia from Jeddah and Madina. According to details, the pilgrims will be flown to Karachi through three special flights, Lahore via 13 flights and Islamabad through five flights. Hafeez said the national flag carrier had operated 65 flights from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia from March 13 to March 15 and brought back 17,184…
ISLAMABAD: Introducing adventure sports with five-star facilities at one of the highest altitudes in Pakistan, Pearl-Continental Hotel, Mountain & Ski Resort Malam Jabba has opened its doors to welcome guests and is now open for bookings. (https://www.pchotels.com/pcmalam-jabba) Overlooking the majestic Hindu Kush Mountains, the Hotel is a complete tourist destination for families, corporates, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Malam Jabba is the first and only private ski resort in Pakistan and is recognised as one of the most scenic tourist destinations in the country. Just 30 km from Mingora Swat, the newly opened Hotel sits atop the Malam Jabba Hill…