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Category Archives: World Travel

GBTA: China On Track To Be World's Business Travel Spending Leader By 2015

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By Michael B. Baker

China could overtake the United States as the world's largest business travel market as early as 2015, according to a report published Monday by the Global Business Travel Association.

Spending on business travel originating in China grew by 15.1 percent year over year in 2013 to $225 billion, the report indicated. It projected business travel spending to increase by 16.5 percent this year and by an additional 17.8 percent, to $309 billion, in 2015.

Already the second-largest business travel market in the world, China has been closing the spending gap separating it and the United States. That difference dropped from $66 billion in 2012 to $47 billion in 2013, and projections from both markets show China could overtake the United States by 2015, according to GBTA's report.

Researchers wrote that "slower and more consistent economic growth may extend the amount of time required to wrest this laurel from the United States, but current economic performance and near-term prospects suggest that China remains on track. Monthly industrial production, retail sales, management sentiment and exports are all signaling better times ahead for both domestic and international outbound business travel."

The GBTA report noted that public spending restrictions in China have impacted meetings and events demand. For example, the number of events with more than 1,000 participants dropped by 75 percent between 2010 and 2012. But GBTA's research found that private sector events and growing transient domestic travel have offset that.

Meanwhile, growth in outbound international business travel from China has been "relatively tepid," according to the report. Such spending during the past three years has grown between 10 percent and 15 percent, compared with growth rates of about 30 percent in 2009 and 2010. GBTA projected growth will remain at about 15 percent this year and suggested improving economic conditions in Europe could help boost that rate in 2015.

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GBTA: China On Track To Be World's Business Travel Spending Leader By 2015

JULIANA’S WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURS: AMA Certo-Sailing in Vlatava River In Prague – Video

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JULIANA #39;S WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURS: AMA Certo-Sailing in Vlatava River In Prague
The Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic. The river is crossed by 18 bridges (including the famous Charles Bridge, as it runs through Prague.

By: Nessa Hall

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JULIANA'S WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURS: AMA Certo-Sailing in Vlatava River In Prague - Video

Kyvernitis Travel: Global Marine Partners With Cornerstone

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Bloomington, IN (PRWEB) March 27, 2014

Kyvernitis Travel: Global Marine, the latest project of the well-established Greek agency Kyvernitis Travel, has chosen to partner with Cornerstone Information Systems to take advantage of custom quality control products to improve efficiency and customer service. Global Marine specializes in transporting crew members to offshore sites, for example, oil platforms, cruise embarkation points, and shipping sites. This type of booking is more complex than traditional business travel because it is largely international, focuses on far-away hubs, and includes many one-way trips.

Cornerstones iQCX technology is uniquely suited to manage the complex world of marine travel booking. A rules-based quality control engine offers much more flexibility than a standard QC product and allows agents to handle more PNRs with less effort. Instead of struggling against a standard QC products pop-up windows and warnings, iQCX QC can be tailored to meet any agencys needsincluding those as complex as marine booking.

Cornerstone prides itself on the ability to customize its technology to meet the specific needs of an agency, and entering into the world of marine travel has been no exception. Kyle Moser, Managing Director of Global Business Development, says, We are very excited about working with Kyvernitis. As a leading player in the marine travel market, we believe we can help them deliver even greater value to their customers, and at the same time they can help us push the envelope on iQCX bringing automation into new markets. We expect to do great things together.

About Cornerstone Information Systems: Cornerstone Information Systems is a technology and professional services company helping travel management companies, corporate travel departments, travel technology companies and global distribution systems work more efficiently and more profitably. Founded in 1992, Cornerstone Information Systems is a privately held company headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana with personnel in eight locations worldwide. Further information about the company is available at http://www.ciswired.com or by contacting Alan Minton at (812) 269-0014, aminton(at)ciswired(dot)com. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn.

About Kyvernitis TravelGlobal Marine: Kyvernitis Travel has over 40 years of experience in crew travel and established Global Marine to better serve their shipping and marine clients. Headquartered in Athens, Greece, they have presences in Manila, Mumbai, and Cyprus to offer constant support to their clients. Kyvernitis is a member of the UNIGLOBE Global Partners Network. More information is available at http://www.kyvernitis.gr/global-marine/, and you can find them on Facebook & Twitter.

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Kyvernitis Travel: Global Marine Partners With Cornerstone

JULIANA’S WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURS: AMA Certo-Church & Monastery in Prague – Video

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JULIANA #39;S WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURS: AMA Certo-Church Monastery in Prague
St. Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. The full name of the cathedral is St. Vitus, St. Wence...

By: Nessa Hall

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JULIANA'S WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURS: AMA Certo-Church & Monastery in Prague - Video

Group says policy changes would boost Cdn travel and tourism

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) Would you be more likely to take a trip to another part of Canada if travel taxes were lower?

A group that looks at tourism and travel globally says the government needs to do more to cash in on the industrys potential.

The World Travel and Tourism Council argues certain policies are making it tough for visitors to get here. President and CEO David Scowsill says travel taxes and visa policies are among them.

He says travel and tourism is expected to grow by around four per cent in 2014, but the industry is basically static in terms of people coming here.

The statistics we look at show about 10 years ago, around 20 million people would come to Canada every year, for both business and leisure; that number has dropped to around 16 million.

One of the biggest changes Scowsill recommends is a freeze or reduction of some tourism taxes because the taxation levels are pretty high compared with other destinations at the moment and that makes it very expensive to travel both to Canada and within Canada.

The Council adds domestic tourism accounts for two thirds of Canadas travel and tourism economy. It says lower prices would be a positive, adding taxes tack on a lot to the price of travelling to and within the country.

Scowsill says measures like a plan to introduce e-visas next year are a step in the right direction, and advocates the visa process continuing to be simplified and sped up to make it easier for people to visit.

He also recommends the government look at providing incentives for investors to develop new services and products for tourists.

Scowsill adds tourism and travel provides 4.5 per cent of GDP to Canadas economy.

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Group says policy changes would boost Cdn travel and tourism

Tourism revenues seen to rise

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Sector to contribute P490B this year, says report By Amy R. Remo Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, PhilippinesThe contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the Philippine economy is seen to increase by 3.8 percent to P490.2 billion this year, a report released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) showed.

Last year, travel and tourism contributed P472.3 billion, equivalent to 4.2 percent of the countrys gross domestic product.

According to the Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2014 report, the direct contribution of this sector to the GDP is seen further growing by 5.6 percent year on year up to 2024 to an estimated value of P843.3 billion.

Direct contribution reflects the economic activity generated by affected industries such as hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services.

Total contribution to GDP, which includes wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income impacts, is seen rising by 3.8 percent to P1.34 trillion this year from P1.29 trillion in 2013.

The report further showed that the employment generated by this sector is seen growing by 1.7 percent this year, to account for 1.25 million of the total jobs. By 2024, travel and tourism will account for 1.6 million of the direct jobs, reflecting an increase of 2.5 percent yearly over the next decade.

For this year, the Philippines is expected to post a 2-percent increase in visitor exports from the P221 billion posted in 2013, and is expected to attract 4.7 million international tourist arrivals, the WTTC said. By 2024, international tourist arrivals are forecast to reach 7.88 million, generating an expenditure of P455.7 billion.

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Tourism revenues seen to rise

Travel & Tourism contributes 9.5% to the global economy in 2013 – WTTC Reports

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Governments need to increase peoples freedom to travel, to capitalise on Travel & Tourisms growth potential

Travel & Tourism's contribution to the world economy has grown for the fourth consecutive year and is expected to show even stronger growth in 2014. But policies need to be implemented to increase tourism receipts and jobs. That is according to The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which releases its 2014 annual economic impact data today.

WTTC is the global authority on the social and economic impact of Travel & Tourism. David Scowsill, President and CEO of WTTC, says it has been another really good year for the sector but many governments' lack of openness is restraining their country's Travel & Tourism potential; "The data underlines Travel & Tourism's undeniable status as a driver of growth. Some countries have taken huge positive strides with visa facilitation over the past few years. But many countries' economic contribution from Travel & Tourism is still being held back, particularly due to restrictive visa policies". Research from WTTC and the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 2012 demonstrates that improving visa processes could generate an additional US$ 206 billion in tourism receipts and create as many as 5.1 million jobs by 2015 in the G20 economies . Mr Scowsill says there is real momentum in some countries with visa facilitation but there is still a lot to do; "To capitalise on, rather than thwart, Travel & Tourism's potential to boost visitors, spend and jobs, we would encourage countries to implement progressive approaches to visas, which make it easier for people to travel. Governments also need to ensure that they have intelligent rather than punitive taxation measures in place. Last but not least, it is also essential that the public and private sectors facilitate growth in a responsible and sustainable way, with people and the planet at the forefront of policies."

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report, in 2013:

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report, in 2014:

Mr Scowsill adds; "The WTTC data underlines that Travel & Tourism is a key engine for continued global growth, which governments can't afford to ignore. 2013 has been a really good year with strong demand from long-haul markets. 2014 looks like it will be even sunnier, due to rising incomes and falling unemployment in many countries and stronger consumer spending. International travel will grow slightly faster than domestic travel, with the expanding middle class, particularly in emerging markets, playing a big part in that".

Travel & Tourism's contribution to the world economy has grown for the fourth consecutive year and is expected to show even stronger growth in 2014. But policies need to be implemented to increase tourism receipts and jobs. That is according to The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which releases its 2014 annual economic impact data today.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. Travel & Tourism accounts for 255 million jobs globally. At US$6 trillion (9% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world's leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity. WTTC's Sustainability Initiative has already concluded a number of projects aimed at driving sustainable economic recovery and growth, namely: the 'Leading the Challenge on Climate Change' report, and 'Climate Change A Joint Approach to Addressing the Challenge'.

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Travel & Tourism contributes 9.5% to the global economy in 2013 - WTTC Reports


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