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Airbnb recognizes that Friendship Day this year may feel different. To give you and your bestie some fun time together, Airbnb has a collection of perfect online experiences and some amazing properties that you can drive down to. Whether your buddy lives in your city, another country, or even just down the street, Airbnb has got you covered. From planning the perfect weekend getaway with the entourage, or just sharing a laugh over a zoom call, we have something for everybody. Guests can choose from a collection of Online Experiences that allow you to connect with friends virtually or just hop into your car and drive down to the nearest Airbnb and celebrate the special bond of friendship. Here is a list of properties that are perfect for your road trip with the gang (Don’t forget to refer to government travel advisories before booking your trip and packing your bags!) Cocktails And Boardgames By The Poolside EL Lodge, Lonavala Driving distance from Mumbai : 83 km (Approx. 2 hours) A trip with you and your best buddies could mean the craziest, fun filled getaway from the monotony of daily life. You can book an entire villa located in the enchanting hills of Lonavala with the scenic views of the valley. Whether it is a pool party with al fresco dining, or chilling in the cabana while sipping on cocktails, this Airbnb property has it all. So, kick back and relax at this luxurious home, perfect for spending the weekend with your friends. Don’t forget to pack your board games! Tranquility Amidst Apple Orchards Meena Bagh Ratnari, Shimla Driving distance from Delhi : 270 km (Approx. 5.5 hours) If you and your friends are looking to spend some quality time together, snuggled with a cup of coffee, with nothing to do, this beautiful farm stay should be your abode. This eco-friendly property in the hills of Himachal is perfect for those who prefer the quiet and calm of nature and want to enjoy luxury in serenity. With no disturbances from the outside world, you and your friends can spend some great time together while basking in the sun during the day and tracing constellations in the beautiful night sky. Nature’s Retreat In A Treehouse Forestvalley Tree House, Coorg Driving distance from Bangalore : 270 km (Approx. 5.5 hours) If you and your friends need a break from the traffic and noise of the city, we have the perfect getaway for you. Spend some quality time together in this treehouse hidden amidst the coffee plantations in Coorg. This unique cottage is 32ft above the ground level and has been completely built with Red Cedar Wood. With a stream flowing close by, you can dip in your feet and to relax or can go on long walks with your confidant to enjoy the clean fresh air. Turn off your phones and alarms, sit by the bonfire and sing along to some old songs at this treehouse in Coorg. Soak In Some Vitamin Sea Villa Al'Mar, Puducherry Driving distance from Chennai – 150 km (Approx. 3 hours) If you want your first trip away from home after the lockdown to be exciting and filled with adventure, what better than the Serenity beach in Pondicherry. This beautiful Airbnb is located on right on the beach and is perfect for your first getaway with your friends. Sit back with a bottle of beer and watch the sun set in this former French Colony. With good music and a group of friends, you are sure to make spend some unforgettable evenings at this villa. Barbeque Nights Away From City Lights Pinewood Sunrise - with treehouse and barbeque, Kasauli Driving distance from Chandigarh – 60 km (Approx. 1.5 hours) With the panoramic views of the valley and surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, this villa is perfect for a memorable getaway with your buddies. Turn up the fireplace on the deck for some delicious barbeque and tune out the world for a fun and relaxing getaway. Some Online Experiences to share the spirit of friendship virtually Secrets of Magic – Berkhamstead, UK Prepare to be inspired and spellbound as you go on an epic 90 minute journey through the magical world. The Secrets of Magic Zoom Classroom is where you will take part in a mind-blowing magic show with everyday objects such as cards, coins & the gold-dust of our times - a roll of toilet paper! Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Living Room Legends Scavenger Hunt Game - Austin, USA Alley Kat Adventures’ lively, unique, interactive game encourages you to get outside of your comfort zone at home to complete creative, challenging, & quirky missions for points! And fun little virtual prizes too! Duration – 1 hour Sangria and Secrets with Drag Queens – Lisboa, Portugal Fabulous Drag Queens will teach you how to make the most authentic, fresh, and delicious Portuguese sangria, ALL from scratch, step by step! We will not only share this traditional secret recipe, but we will also be serving up our unique live performances on stage! It’ll be a cabaret-style digital cocktail class you’ll never forget. Get ready for fireworks, smoke effects, lights, and AMAZING costumes that we created, especially for you! Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Revealing Incredible India by Street Art – New Delhi, India Celebrate India’s art, colorful festivals and infinite stories with this one its kind Online Experience. The murals here will help you discover and dive into the world of India's vivid culture and help you learn about what these artworks reflect, the stories behind their making & the culture. Some of these are extremely profound, witty, sarcastic & scenic! Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Crepes & Hazelnut spread by Notre-Dame – Paris, France You will be making a delicious Hazelnut and Chocolate spread, but unlike the famous one, it will contain no Palm Oil! You will also make Crepes from Bretagne (French pancakes) which, as luck would have it, goes so well with the spread. Duration – 1 hour and 30 mins Airbnb Online Experiences, launched in April 2020, migrate the platform’s beloved Experiences from in-person to online. Through Online Experiences, people can unlock unprecedented access to inspiring hosts across the world, have the chance to connect with new people, and be given the opportunity to travel virtually, all from the comfort of their own living room. For more, visit airbnb.com/online-experiences.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, as Chief Guest inaugurated the Webinar on “Cross Border Tourism” organised by the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators on 15th July 2020 Inaugurating the Webinar, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel listed the important sites in India related to the life of Lord Buddha.  He mentioned that Buddhism has a large following across the world and India being the ‘Land of Buddha’ and endowed with rich Buddhist heritage attracts very small percentage of Buddhist Pilgrims. Shri Patel stressed the point that it was important for all to ascertain the reasons for India receiving a fraction of global Buddhists as tourist/Pilgrims and take corrective measures accordingly. The Minister also shared the initiative of having signage in international languages  at important Buddhist sites in the country including signages in Chinese language that  have been put up at 5 Buddhist sites / monuments in Uttar Pradesh including Sarnath, Kushinagar and Sravasti. Similarly, since Sanchi receives a large number of tourists from Sri Lanka, signages in Sinhalese language have been put up at the Sanchimonuments. The MoS (I/C) Tourism & Culture also highlighted the decision of Government of India to declare the Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an International Airport which will offer better connectivity to the air-travellers resulting in boosting of domestic/international tourism and economic development of the region. He further informed that the Ministry of Tourism, under its various schemes has taken several initiatives for the development and promotion of Buddhist sites in the country. The Association of Buddhist Tour Operators is the association of dedicated inbound tour-operators engaged in promoting Buddhist tourism, with over 1500 members in India & Overseas. Participants in the Webinar included representatives from the UN Peace Keeping Forces Council, Travel & Hospitality Associations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam amongst others. [Source: 17 JUL 2020 12:36PM by PIB Delhi]

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India’s DekhoApna Desh Webinar Series titled, “The Mystical Triangle- Maheshwar, Mandu & Omkareshwar” was organised on 18th July 2020. Presented by Ms. Ashima Gupta, Commissioner of Income Tax, Indore and Sarita Alurkar, Singapore based marketing professional, the webinar showcased the richness of the destinations covered under the mystical triangle and acquainted the viewers with the serene, captivating getaways in State of Madhya Pradesh namely Maheshwar, Mandu & Omkareshwar.Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and it is continuously spreading spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through virtual platform. The first stop of the mystical triangle was Maheshwar or Mahishmati is one of serene and captivating destinations of Madhya Pradesh with historical significance which is 90 kms away from Indore city. The city got its name after Lord Shiva/ Maheshwara, it also finds a mention in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The presenters described in detail the life & times of Queen Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar. The Town lies on the north bank of the Narmada River. It was the capital of the Malwa during the Maratha Holkar reign till 6 January 1818, when the capital was shifted to Indore by Malhar Rao Holkar III. In the late eighteenth century, Maheshwar served as the capital of the great Maratha queen Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar. She embellished the city with many buildings and public works, and it is home to her palace, as well as numerous temples, a fort, and riverfront ghats. The queen is also known for her simplicity, this is evident to present day through Rajwada or the Royal Residence where the queen used to meet her people, a two-storied building. Tourists can see and experience the then royal setup as the things related to queen. Ahilyeshwar temple, where Ahilya devi used to offer prayers, Vitthal temple near Ahileshwar temple are must stop places for aarti and to admire architecture. There are around 91 temples that are built by the Rajmata. Ghats in Maheshwar are the best places to see the beauty of sunrise and sunset and the fort complex can also be seen at its best from Ahilya ghat. One can also go on a boat ride, evenings after sunset boat men light small diyas as an offering to Narmada River. Baneshwar temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the must-see temples of Maheshwar especially during sunsets. Narmada aarti is performed after sunset at Narmada ghat. Textiles are another important aspect that is developed by Ahilya Devi, she invited master weavers from Surat and South India to weave sarees that are unique from the existing ones. The designs used on these are inspirations from fort architecture and Narmada river. These were gifted to royal guests. Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar was a generous patron of the arts. She loved sarees and in 1760 sent for the famed weavers of Surat to enrich her kingdom with fine cloth - something worthy of the royal family. Under the princely state the weavers arts flourished and specialized into the present day Maheshwari cloth. Once an all cotton weave - in the 1950's silk started being used in the wrap and slowly became the norm.Rehwa Society was founded in 1979, is a non profit organisation working for the welfare of weavers of maheshwar. Omkareshwar has 33 deities and 108 impressive shivling in divine form and this is the only Jyotirlingawhich is situated on the north bank of Narmada. Omkareshwar is a spiritual town in Madhya Pradesh, 78kms away from Indore. A visit to Omkareshwar temple is incomplete without visiting Mamleshwar temple. It is also believed that Lord Shiva comes here to rest everyday considering this a special aarti called Shayan aarti is performed everyday at 8:30pm in the evening and arrange game of dice for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Siddhanth temple is the most beautiful temple one should definitely save their time to explore this divine temple. Mandu located in Dhar district of State of Madhya Pradesh is also known by the name of Mandavgarh, Shadiabad (City of Joy). It is about 98km. away from Indore and at an elevation of 633 meters. Nearest Railway station for Mandu is Ratlam (124km.) TheFort in Mandu is spread over an area of 47 sq km and the fort wall is 64 kms. Mandu is mainly known for the love story of Sultan Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Once out hunting,Baz Bahadur chanced upon a shepherdess frolicking and singing with her friends. Smitten by both her enchanting beauty and her melodious voice, he begged Roopmati to accompany him to his capital. Roopmatiagreed to go to Mandu on the condition that she would live in a palace within sight of her beloved and venerated river, Narmada. Thus was built the RewaKund at Mandu. On knowing about Roopmati’s beauty and sweet voice, Mughals decided to invade Manduand capture both Baz Bahadur and Roopmati. Manduwas easily defeated and when Mughal forces marched towards fort, Roopmati poisoned herself to avoid capture. Baz Bahadur's Palace built in 16th-century is famous for its large courtyards encompassed by large halls and high terraces. It is situated below Roopmati's Pavilion and can be seen from the pavilion. Rewa Kund A reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati'sPavilion. The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and hence is considered an architectural marvel. Jahaz Mahal/Ship Palace Situated between two artificial lakes, this two-storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khalji, it served as a harem for the sultan. One cannot afford to miss the local food like poha, kachori, bafla etc while travelling in this circuit. Summing up the webinar Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General stressed the importance of travelling and experience the priceless joy. The sessions of webinars are now available on the given links https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzIbBmMvtvH7d6Zo_ZEHDA/featured http://tourism.gov.in/dekho-apna-desh-webinar-ministry-tourism https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/events/dekho-apna-desh.html The sessions of webinars are also available on all social media handles of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The next webinar titled Exploring Vizag is scheduled on 25th July 2020 at 11.00 am. [Source:20 JUL 2020 12:56PM by PIB Delhi]

New Delhi, India, 22nd July 2020 - To support the recovery of the country’s tourism industry, Airbnb has today announced the launch of its Enhanced Cleaning Protocol for its local hosts in the country. The initiative is one of the first overarching standardized protocols for cleaning and sanitization for homestays in the country, and is aimed at providing guidance to hosts offering small-scale accommodations. These practices have also been reviewed by the Indian Medical Association. In the coming months, and as people begin to travel again, cleanliness and safety will continue to be a key consideration for travellers. Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol will play an important role in helping to revive confidence in the safety of travel and stay within India, among hosts and guests. “We have reviewed Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocol for the homestay sector. Airbnb protocols are comprehensive and are in compliance with the standard procedures related to sanitation and hand hygiene. This initiative will ensure safety and hygiene of guests," said Dr R V Asokan, Hony Secretary General, Indian Medical Association. An Industry-Leading Approach towards Cleanliness The new Protocol, which will be progressively rolled out in India in the coming weeks, will provide hosts in India with step-by-step guidance on how to clean and sanitise their homes to the highest standard, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These industry-first guidelines include a step-by-step cleaning handbook designed for everyday hosts. Hosts who attest to follow the program will receive a special badge on their listing, making it easy for guests to identify and book listings that follow the homestay industry’s most robust set of cleaning standards. These efforts build upon Airbnb's already strong track record of cleanliness: To date, more than 94% of all Airbnb users were satisfied with cleanliness, scoring it at 4 or 5 stars after their stays[1] Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol has also been endorsed by prominent medical practitioners globally. Enhanced Cleaning Standards Will Aid the Future of Travel Dr. Marcus Ranney, a healthcare professional and formerly a frontline medic has said, “Airbnb has gone to great efforts to develop processes around cleanliness, in order to protect the health and safety of their hosts and guests. A key message, for the global efforts to manage this pandemic and build a COVID-ready world, is the importance of self-care and personal hygiene. These simple yet effective steps will help each of us play our part in stopping the spread”. “With the health and safety of our guests and hosts in India top of mind, these Enhanced Cleaning Protocols are the need of the hour in the sector. These measures are aimed at restoring traveller confidence and towards driving the systematic recovery of communities through the economic impact of tourism and travel. We are working to bring our hosts global best practices backed by expert counsel and medical guidance from professionals who are at the forefront of the industry. We strongly believe that this can inform an industry-wide standard,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager - Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. You can access the comprehensive protocol on Airbnb.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 July 2020: UAE-headquartered upscale residential, hospitality, and commercial property developer Seven Tides has confirmed Minor Hotels will be the new operator of its iconic five-star, 396-key Ibn Battuta Gate property in Dubai. Minor Hotels is now managing the property, which will be rebranded to Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai Hotel, the newest addition to the Oaks Hotels, Resorts, and Suites portfolio, its second branded property in Dubai and its third in the United Arab Emirates. Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides, said: “The hotel first opened in 2010 and we’ve enjoyed an excellent relationship with the previous management company over the past ten years. However, we decided that the Minor Hotels' Oaks brand was better aligned to our strategic business objectives as we move forward, through and post-COVID-19. “The Minor Hotels group is no stranger to Seven Tides, we have worked with them on a range of successful projects, including the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Having witnessed first-hand the success the group contributes to a property, I am confident this strategic decision will allow us to adapt seamlessly to the parameters of the 'new normal'," he added. The five-star hotel is situated opposite Ibn Battuta Mall, which has more than 270 shops, 50 restaurants and a 21-screen cinema. With the Dubai Metro close by, guests can travel conveniently across the city, to many of Dubai’s tourist highlights and business districts. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is only 30 minutes’ drive away, with Dubai Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) also easily accessible and Abu Dhabi International Airport under an hour away. The hotel is also close to the Jebel Ali Freezone and the Expo 2020 site in new Dubai South district, which is expecting 25 million visitors, when the event takes place between 1st October 2021 and 31st March 2022 “We are delighted to add Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai to our portfolio of hotels and resorts,” commented Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels and Minor International. “With its close proximity to the Dubai Expo 2020 site, the property is perfectly situated to capitalise on this significant global event. We look forward to working with our partners Seven Tides, to build on the success of this impressive hotel.” Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai Hotel offers modern accommodation options for both business and leisure travellers. These include 352 guest rooms across three different categories, plus 44 suites. The three guest room types – Premier, Deluxe and Executive – are stylishly furnished with Moroccan influences, whilst the Suites have décor inspired by the explorer Ibn Battuta’s adventures across the world. Restaurants and bars at the property include Mistral, the all-day dining restaurant offering international cuisine and live cooking stations, Revo Café for freshly brewed coffee, pastries and healthy options, Moroc Lounge & Bar, a Moroccan-inspired terrace and lounge to enjoy sundowners and shisha, and a pool bar. Additional hotel facilities include a swimming pool and gym, a spa and a kids’ club.

Union Minister of State(IC) for TourismSh. Prahlad Singh Patelvirtually joined Chief Minister of GujaratSh. Vijaybhai Rupanion the inauguration of project“Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat”  today.  The project “Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat” sanctioned under the PRASHADscheme in March 2017 has been successfully completed with the cost of Rs. 45.36 crores.  High quality world class facilities for Parking, Tourism Amenities Centre and Solid Waste Management have been developed under the project. Shri Patel praised the State Government for the optimum use of the funds released by the Government of India for creating the facilities of international standards. Minister further, assured the State Government for every cooperation and support required from the Ministry of Tourism under tourism sector. The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.  The scheme aimed at infrastructure development such as entry points (Road, Rail and Water Transport), last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like Information/ Interpretation Centers, ATM/ Money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area Lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloak room, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars /haats/ souvenir shops/ cafeteria, rain shelters, Telecom facilities, internet connectivity etc. [Source: 16 JUL 2020 7:40PM by PIB Delhi]

New Delhi, 16th July:Airbnb, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are announcing a five-day summer festival featuring more than 100 Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences hosted virtually by some of the world’s best athletes. The festival of Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences will kick off with an opening act on July 24, when the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 were originally scheduled to begin, and is an opportunity for athletes to generate income while they share their passion for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and their sport with guests. “At a time when it is difficult for people to gather and celebrate the exceptional performance of athletes, Airbnb is proud to host the summer festival which is a new way to experience the Olympic and Paralympic spirit online. Guests will be able to connect and interact with some of the most elite competitors within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, giving them even more reasons to cheer them on next year,” said Airbnb Co-Founder Joe Gebbia. On Partnering with Airbnb ace tennis star, Sania Mirza said “As a professional tennis player, a mother, wife and homemaker, I juggle and balance multiple roles. This has made me realize the importance of not just physical health but also mental wellbeing. For me, a good workout is not just essential to keep for my physical performance but also helps me rejuvenate my mind. I am excited to partner with Airbnb to share my journey of motherhood and fitness and how I got back to the game. During the experience, I will take guests through a quick functional training, share my training regime and inspire them to strike the perfect balance between wellness of the mind and body, all from the comfort of my home in Hyderabad.” Throughout the five days of programming across multiple time zones, the lineup will showcase a variety of interactive Online Experiences that guests can book* on Airbnb from July 22. Spectators can also watch select Online Experiences live or on replay on Airbnb and Olympic and Paralympic YouTube channels. While many hosts will continue to offer their activities after the event ends, like the art of reinvention with Olympian Simidele Adeagbo (skelton, Nigeria) and positive thinking with Paralympic hero Stephen Miller (athletics, Great Britain), several will be once-in-a-lifetime Online Experiences available exclusively during the festival**, like: ● July 25: Build resilience to overcome obstacles with Yusra Mardini (swimming, IOC Refugee Olympic Team Rio 2016), learn about returning to sport after motherhood with Allyson Felix (athletics, USA), and work up a sweat in an inclusive session with Tatyana McFadden (athletics, USA), ● July 26: Cook up a storm with legend Colin Jackson (athletics, Great Britain), join a scenic training ride with Jonny Brownlee (triathlon, Great Britain), and discover velodrome secrets with Elia Viviani (cycling track, Italy) ● July 27: Chat mind, body and spirit with Jackie Joyner-Kersee (athletics, USA), push through boundaries and level up in life with Meb Keflezighi (marathon, USA), get vulnerable to unlock greatness with Kerri Walsh Jennings (beach volleyball, USA), and Zumba beachside in paradise with Tom Hintnaus (athletics, Brazil) ● July 28: Get a glimpse into quarantine training with two time grand slam winning Naomi Osaka (tennis, Japan), run, breathe and connect with world record sprinter Zhenye XIE (athletics, China), learn a grand slam inspired training regime with Sania Mirza (tennis, India), and master perseverance with Pita Taufatofua (Taekwondo and cross country skiing, Tonga) ● July 29: Fall in love with sneaker culture with Rui Hachimura (basketball, Japan), get up close and personal at home with Jordy Smith (surfing, South Africa), and see beyond the boundaries of vision with blind champion Lex Gillette (athletics, USA) “The Olympic Games bring the whole world together and whilst we will all have to wait one more year to celebrate in Tokyo, the Olympic flame continues to be the light at the end of the dark tunnel humankind is currently going through. It demonstrates that we are stronger together. This festival is a great platform to unite and inspire the world in the spirit of friendship and solidarity this summer. The IOC puts the athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement and supports them at every stage of their journey. We are delighted to collaborate with Airbnb to provide innovative economic empowerment opportunities for Olympic and Paralympic athletes around the world,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. "Paralympians and Para athletes are masters of innovation and finding creative solutions to daily challenges they face,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons. "The summer festival of Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences celebrates this tenacity and gives Para athletes a platform to share their stories to empower others, while also offering a new earning opportunity especially needed during these difficult times." While the festival will give fans unprecedented global access to connect with athletes from over 20 countries and regions all from the comfort of their homes, numerous Online Experiences in the lineup will also meaningfully promote: ● Economic opportunities for athletes: As Online Experiences launched as a way for hosts to earn money during the global pandemic, Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences is a new platform to provide direct earning opportunities for athletes, underlining the efforts of Airbnb, the IOC, and the IPC to support athletes, and to put them at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. ● Resilience through adversity: Numerous athlete hosts will inspire perseverance through their Online Experiences, like Yusra Mardini, the Syrian swimmer who became a member of the first ever IOC Refugee Olympic Team in 2016 and whose story became known for saving 20 lives with her sister, including their own lives, during a treacherous journey from Syria to find safety in Europe, who will host a one-off workshop on resilience. Another inspiring option is co-hosted by Tegla Loroupe, Chef de Mission for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, and Rio 2016 Olympian, IOC Refugee Olympic Team hopeful for Tokyo 2020 James Chiengjiek Nyang, as they will welcome guests will transport guests virtually to the Tegla Loroupe Training Centre in Kenya.Tegla has been the guide and mentor to the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. ● The world-class hospitality of Japan: In addition to the Olympian and Paralympian Online Experiences and as a way to celebrate Tokyo 2020, local hosts in Japan will offer guests a way to travel and explore the cultures and traditions of the country from their living rooms. Through support from Shibuya City Tourism Association, local hosts will lead a package of unique online activities like Become a Ramen Expert and A Tour of Historic Shibuya. Other ways to virtually transport to Japan will include Sake Secrets from Japan's Oldest Brewery and Explore Kyoto Where Unique Old Gods Live.

Bavaria-based Outdooractive, Europe's largest outdoor portal for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing, has launched a new social media campaign to help tourism providers around the world address the challenges of COVID-19. As part of the www.exploremyregion.com campaign, over 100 tourism companies and destinations from across Europe, the USA and beyond, will raise awareness of the tourism offering in their respective towns and regions in a bid to attract visitors. Several global brands have also committed their support to the campaign with Intersport, Wanderfit, and Scarpa, amongst others, helping locals understand exactly what they have available on their doorstep while showcasing a new destination to potential visitors. Hartmut Wimmer, the Founder, and CEO of Outdooractive, which connects tourism stakeholders with a global outdoor community of over 7.3 million enthusiasts, said: “We wanted to develop a campaign that created a platform empowering local tourism as well as our partners around the world. We have adopted a collaborative approach, because it is only by working together that we can coordinate and then amplify the noise surrounding this campaign to offset the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. "The campaign also provides a helping hand to shop owners, craftsmen, and restaurant owners, who guided, wowed, and inspired visitors with their local knowledge, handicrafts, and unique culinary skills. The platform is designed to give back to the people who have helped to make travel experiences so rewarding and to help them get up and running once again.” It is expected there will be a rise in the number of domestic tourists participating in adventure tourism, which includes desert safaris, climbing, surfing, hunting, caving, diving, cycling, rafting, and hiking, as the appeal of local destinations and healthy outdoor pursuits gather momentum in the wake of COVID-19. “Now is the time to step up, support the tourism industry and enjoy the many fantastic opportunities we have available to us, now that restrictions have been lifted and we are more able to experience the great outdoors,” concluded Wimmer. Hugo van Donselaar, Managing Director for Campspace, an online platform that provides unique camping spots throughout the Netherlands, that has been supporting the campaign through their website and social media channels, said: “ExploreMyRegion aligns seamlessly with our mission to support local industry. We believe in true sustainable travel and adventures, that can be found just around the corner, which this campaign really helps to deliver.” James Simpson, Project Manager for Finnish-based St Olav Waterway, added: “This initiative is exactly what we need to help raise awareness of the local tourism industry. We’re delighted to be playing our part in a campaign that is not only supporting tourism in Finland, but also local tourism in other countries around the world.” For more information, visit outdooractive.com or search for #exploremyregion on all social media channels

Dubai, UAE, 14 July 2020: UAE-headquartered hospitality company, TIME Hotels, has launched three new summer promotional packages making it more convenient to book a stay at TIME Hotels in Dubai. TIME Crystal, TIME Topaz and TIME Oak Hotel & Suites in Dubai, have introduced special packages for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), which runs from the 9th July to 29th August 2020, as well as staycation offers for UAE residents over the summer months. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said: “Staycations are becoming extremely popular, with families preferring to take leisure breaks in local destinations. However, international flights are gradually being reintroduced and the first tourists started arriving in Dubai on 7th July. “So, to satisfy both domestic and potential international demand, we’ve created three promotional offers for this summer, the first two, ‘TIME Free Night’ and ‘TIME to Relax’ which are valid until the 30th of September 2020, are aimed at two distinct market segments.” The ‘TIME Free Night’ is a straightforward offer - stay for three nights - pay for only two, with free access to all hotel leisure facilities, complimentary WIFI and covered parking, a guaranteed 4pm late check out and an early check in from 10:00 am – an uncomplicated offer that represents great value for money. The ‘TIME to Relax’ offer come with a host of added benefits such as complimentary breakfast and a choice of complimentary lunch or dinner, free shuttle to Jumeirah Beach, with a 10am early check-in and a 6pm late check out. TIME is also launching a longer term exclusive ‘UAE Residents’ staycation deal, which offers guests up to 35% discount on best available rates, inclusive of breakfast, guaranteed 4pm late check out. Kids up to 12 years of age stay for free when sharing a room with their parents and includes full access to all hotel leisure facilities, complimentary WI-FI and covered parking. All guests can also join the TIME Eliteclub and earn points and enjoy additional benefits during their stay. All offers are subject to availability. TIME Hotels is also continuing with its fully flexible booking option. Not only will guests be able to book now and pay for their stay when they check-in, they will also be able to take advantage of free cancellations or modify their booking free of charge, as well as enjoy hassle-free booking without the need to enter or give out their credit card details during the process. “These are uncertain times, so, we wanted to make the booking decision as simple and as risk-free as possible to reassure our loyal guests that they won’t be impacted financially should circumstances suddenly change,” said Awadalla. Furthermore, TIME Hotels has implemented a wide range of new and intensified cleaning measures and sanitisation procedures throughout all public areas as well as in each individual guestroom, in an initiative called ‘Sanitised & Ready’. The improved protocol focuses on the disinfection of all hotel transportation, reception areas, elevators, public rest rooms and guestrooms as well as all F&B outlets and kitchens, complying with the latest government and public health directives. “After a period of lockdown and home schooling, I’m sure many families will be looking for a change of scenery and entertainment to keep the kids occupied in a safe environment. A staycation and DSS will fit the bill perfectly,” added Awadalla. For more information, please visit www.timehotels.ae

Step into the world of leopards with your dad or mix up some delicious cocktails for him – all from the comfort of your home Without capes and often without acknowledgment, fathers are the superheroes we have grown up admiring and loving. Whether it is parting with their last slice of pizza for their little ones, or planning their kids’ dream vacation, fathers always put their children and families before them. Father’s Day brings the perfect opportunity to take a pause and celebrate them and all that they do for us. So, this Father’s Day, make sure to appreciate them, spend quality time with them and make a new memory together. Airbnb has handpicked top 5 ways of spending this Sunday with your dad. Whether you are both in the same house or city, or separated by miles, these Airbnb Online Experiences will be a unique and memorable gift that will allow you to bond together. Leopard spotting from your living room Embark on a virtual safari for a lesson on leopards, jaguars and other cats, without stepping out of your home. Transport dad and yourself to the Yala and Wilpattu national parks of Sri Lanka, accompanied by safari guide. This Online Experience will let you step into the secretive lives of the elusive leopards which roam these National Parks. Dhanula will bring alive electrifying leopard stories and even help you master the art of identifying individual leopards. Grab your apron and chopsticks – its dumpling time! A special occasion calls for a special meal. Join a hands-on Online Experience and to learn how to make Chinese dumplings that will not just be delicious to eat but also perfect to pose with for the customary Father’s Day post on the gram! #Fathersday #QuarantineCooking This experience is hosted by Elaine, who is the founder of Dash of Soy, a local culinary school in Seattle that focuses on sharing the love healthy home cooking inspired by her family and her travels. Play Detective with your Dad You, your dad and your team of detectives will need to solve the case together to escape from this mystery room. With an intriguing plot line and lots of riddles and clues, this digital mystery room is a fun filled way to spend time together this weekend. So, involve your entire family, and put on your thinking caps! Raise A Toast to your Father Learn to shake up some sensational drinks for your father to celebrate his day. Turn some simple ingredients into some truly tasty drinks to enjoy a relaxing weekend with your dad. This is the most unique, interactive gin tasting you'll ever go on, where you'll make (and drink) some great cocktails and learn the tipsy history of gin—the perfect way to enjoy a great evening and a great way to celebrate Father’s Day! Choose Health and Fitness for the family Father’s often end up ignoring their own health. This Father’s Day encourage your dad to put himself first. Here’s a healthy way to spend time together as a family, designed to coach you to embody and model behaviors, while engaging in physical and mental practices that help improve executive functions in the brain. All while having a meaningful bonding time together as a family! Beyond Father’s Day, Online Experience offers fresh ways to connect and play through shared activities that are great for families. With school out and many vacations postponed, guests can choose from a variety of virtual options to create lasting memories this summer, including a Cultural Journey Through London Chinatown, Inclusive Family Dancing Freedom, Family Art Adventure with a Penguin Pro and more. Online Experiences are led by expert hosts around the world. Guests can opt for private bookings and request specific dates, making it easier to reserve activities for the whole family to participate together. Airbnb Online Experiences launched in April 2020, migrating the platform’s beloved Experiences from in-person to online. Through Online Experiences, people can unlock unprecedented access to inspiring hosts across the world, have the chance to connect with new people, and be given the opportunity to travel virtually, all from the comfort of their own living room. For more, visit airbnb.com/online-experiences.

Bavaria-based Outdooractive, Europe's largest outdoor portal for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing, has launched a new social media campaign to help tourism providers around the world address the challenges of COVID-19. As part of the www.exploremyregion.com campaign, over 100 tourism companies and destinations from across Europe, the USA and beyond, will raise awareness of the tourism offering in their respective towns and regions in a bid to attract visitors. Several global brands have also committed their support to the campaign with Intersport, Wanderfit, and Scarpa, amongst others, helping locals understand exactly what they have available on their doorstep while showcasing a new destination to potential visitors. Hartmut Wimmer, the Founder, and CEO of Outdooractive, which connects tourism stakeholders with a global outdoor community of over 7.3 million enthusiasts, said: “We wanted to develop a campaign that created a platform empowering local tourism as well as our partners around the world. We have adopted a collaborative approach, because it is only by working together that we can coordinate and then amplify the noise surrounding this campaign to offset the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. "The campaign also provides a helping hand to shop owners, craftsmen, and restaurant owners, who guided, wowed, and inspired visitors with their local knowledge, handicrafts, and unique culinary skills. The platform is designed to give back to the people who have helped to make travel experiences so rewarding and to help them get up and running once again.” It is expected there will be a rise in the number of domestic tourists participating in adventure tourism, which includes climbing, surfing, hunting, caving, diving, cycling, rafting, and hiking, as the appeal of local destinations and healthy outdoor pursuits gather momentum in the wake of COVID-19. “Now is the time to step up, support the tourism industry and enjoy the many fantastic opportunities we have available to us, now that restrictions have been lifted and we are more able to experience the great outdoors,” concluded Wimmer. Hugo van Donselaar, Managing Director for Campspace, an online platform that provides unique camping spots throughout the Netherlands, that has been supporting the campaign through their website and social media channels, said: “ExploreMyRegion aligns seamlessly with our mission to support local industry. We believe in true sustainable travel and adventures, that can be found just around the corner, which this campaign really helps to deliver.” James Simpson, Project Manager for Finnish-based St Olav Waterway, added: “This initiative is exactly what we need to help raise awareness of the local tourism industry. We’re delighted to be playing our part in a campaign that is not only supporting tourism in Finland, but also local tourism in other countries around the world.” For more information, visit outdooractive.com or search for #exploremyregion on all social media channels.

11th June, New Delhi: Airbnb launches Go Near, a new initiative to support economic growth through domestic travel. The announcement comes as local travel begins to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the world begins to travel again. Our booking data shows that travel globally is beginning to bounce back and new research has identified a series of trends that will shape travel in the weeks and months to come. This fact sheet details the steps we are taking to work with local communities and our efforts to best serve hosts and guests around the world based on the trends we are seeing. 1. Partnering with local communities to promote travel and economic growth We are working with governments and tourist agencies to help restore travel in a responsible way that benefits local citizens and small businesses economically. In India we have signed partnerships with SEWA, Princess Diya Kumari Foundation and Nagaland Tourism to promote community-based tourism. What we have found is that as people travel again, conscious choices and preference for sustainable travel will lead recovery, benefiting communities and encouraging safe travel. ● SEWA hosts have earned almost $18,000 (INR 1.45 million) by hosting over 700 guests from across 15 different countries. In 2019, our SEWA hosts’ earnings from hosting increased by 25 percent compared with the previous year. ● The in-person experiences we offer in partnership with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation in Jaipur also give visitors the opportunity to learn local crafts from rural women in Rajasthan, which in turn helps them market their products better and aids them in taking the next step towards financial self-sufficiency. ● Holidays in farms, nature holidays off the beaten track, and other unique destinations that are a road trip away may do well. This will also be a sensible choice as local small-scale businesses will be supported benefiting the local economy, and for travellers it will also result in more unique, individual experiences. The effort to make the Airbnb platform available as a tool for community recovery is also informed by data on how Airbnb has supported economic empowerment in the past. For example, in India, Airbnb had an estimated direct economic impact of around $150 million (over INR 1,035 crore), with Indian hosts earning over INR 190 crore in 2018. 2. Go Near In a survey commissioned by Airbnb, nearly half of respondents in the US said that they would prefer to stay within a day’s drive for their first trip once lockdown restrictions lifted 1 . Since the pandemic began, the percentage of bookings made on Airbnb which have been within 300 kms ( a round trip travelers can generally complete on one tank of fuel), has grown from one-third in February to over a half of all bookings in May. In India, 51% of our business comprises domestic bookings (people from India travelling within the country). In addition, search trends and Wish Lists by Airbnb users in India indicate that long lockdowns have only piqued interest in and aspirations to travel, once the lockdown is eased. Key domestic markets for Airbnb are Goa, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai & Bangalore, but we are also seeing a surge in searches for stay options in nearby cities especially near metros like Alibag, Lonavala, Panchgani near Mumbai. We have seen through travel trends that summer travel is top of mind. The most common words in recent Wish Lists by Airbnb users are ‘beach’ and ‘summer 2020’, and in India, 70% of visitors to the platform (many of whom are exploring stays for couples, with friends, and for families) are searching with dates in the near future (starting July 2020). As states in India open up, driving holidays, experiential travel, rural & farm stays and generally conscious travel choices, are some of the biggest trends emerging from India. 3. Social Connection The power of connections is strong even when people can’t travel. We have seen close to 50,000 bookings of more than 400 Online Experiences since the offering was launched less than two months ago, making Online Experiences the fastest-growing product Airbnb has launched. ● India is one of the most popular markets for Online Experiences in terms of bookings in the APAC region. There has been a 3x increase in bookings from India since we launched Online Experiences over a month ago. ● Across APAC, the top Online Experiences users are booking are in the Food & Drink, Sports & Wellness and Art & Culture categories. Bring the Flavors of India to Life at Home (from New Delhi, India) is a Top 5 APAC Online Experience, which features a host offering know-how on traditional Indian cooking. This is one of the most booked Experiences in India, with over 130 reviews in less than a month. It is also priced at $19/ INR 1,500. ● We are working with other local influencers and experts to teach yoga, fitness, cocktail-making and cooking across different cities in India. 4. Affordable Travel With the prospect of an economic downturn, people are looking for more affordable ways to travel as well as make money, while businesses are communities are looking forward to the economic benefits that travel brings. ● Two fifths (38 percent) of Americans surveyed said that their financial circumstances have changed for the worse due to the pandemic and 37 percent expect to spend less on travel over the next 12 months compared to what they spent in 2019. ● Even with reduced travel, Airbnb has the potential to generate millions of dollars for local economies. ● Near-city travel and road trips may be a more affordable option in India for travellers, given this consideration. Gen Z travellers, who may be the first generation that takes to travel, may also look to exercise budget-friendly options for travel, through unique stays and nature/adventure experiences. Addressing the new campaign, Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager - Airbnb India, said, “We believe that the pursuit of human connection and experiences is perennial. For India, the launch of ‘Go Near’ is a reflection on people’s desire to travel closer home to some really amazing domestic destinations that India has to offer - the trends show us that people are eager to travel once again with new considerations of safety. Airbnb will continue to follow guidance from local officials and encourage safe, responsible travel and work to ensure guests have great experiences. At Airbnb we are also going back to our roots, ensuring our hosts are heard, and making sure that we are doing everything we can in partnership with authorities to help them in their economic recovery”. As part of that work, in April, we announced that we had engaged former US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to help develop an industry standard-setting Enhanced Cleaning Protocol for hosts on Airbnb. This Protocol, which includes a step-by-step cleaning handbook designed for everyday hosts, is now available to hosts in the United States and will be available to hosts around the world in the weeks ahead. Hosts who attest to following the program will have a specific highlight on their listing making it easy for guests to identify and book listings that follow the first overarching standardized protocol for cleaning and sanitization in the home sharing industry. The Enhanced Cleaning Protocol has been developed in consultation with leading experts in hospitality and medical hygiene, with tools and support to help hosts meet these standards.

The Residence is recognised for creating immersive environments that reflect the destination. Each property in the family has a distinctive personality and sense of place, and they all embody the markers of excellence in global hospitality including attention to detail and intuitive, personal and bespoke service. Resorts - Mauritius, Maldives - Falhumaafushi, Dhigurah, Bintan, Zanzibar and Tunis.

National, July 2nd, 2020: Airbnb India today announces the launch of – At Home With Airbnb, a unique set of online experiences that brings together India’s most popular celebrities, artists and influencers. Each experience has been curated keeping in mind the diverse and engaging ways in which guests can connect with people across cultures and hone their skills through the platform. The At Home With Airbnb experiences allow guests to visit the host’s personal spaces to learn their craft in small groups that allow for personal connections and conversations. Building on Airbnb’s global concept of Online Experiences, At Home With Airbnb, will bring together people from across the globe over their shared passions and hobbies. Ranging from work out sessions with celebrity trainer Nam Wook for fitness enthusiasts, to Zero wastage cooking with Sandeep Sreedharan for food fanatics, and learning the art of fashion illustrations from popular designers, Shivan and Naresh, each experience offers the opportunity to learn something new and interesting. “Airbnb’s Online Experiences are an extension of our Experiences platform to foster connections at a time when travelers are unable to do so in real life. We are excited to announce At Home with Airbnb, which offers intimate and engaging virtual experiences curated by well-known Indian personalities across fitness, food, fashion and home décor. At Home With Airbnb brings together our community in India and all over the world, allowing them to choose from a range of experiences and enjoy these from the comfort of their own homes.” Said Parin Mehta, Regional Director, Experiences APAC. As a unique way to travel, learn and connect with new people, the platform brings together well-known names Sarvesh Shashi, Sanjana Chatlani, Pankaj Balachandran, and Devika Narain among others who will be hosts for these Online Experiences. Through At Home With Airbnb, guests can also learn unique and niche skills such as calligraphy, cocktail making and table designing from experts in their respective fields. Globally acclaimed designers, Shivan and Narresh, will be hosting fashion illustration classes that will take guests through the process of sketching for fashion design, the colour palette and silhouettes – all helping guests visualize the piece of clothing on the fashion runway. Shivan and Narresh celebrated Airbnb’s efforts saying “At Shivan & Narresh, we converge our love for fashion and travel when we experience the world with a local lens and translate it through our inspired collections. Partnering with Airbnb for its online experience helps us cement this belief and exhibit our expertise at a global platform to bring the world closer together, while it matures through a global health crisis. The fashion illustrations experience is to encourage originality and drive ingenuity for guests - straight from the mind to the paper - as they hone their art skills. It is to assist in co-creating a stronger and richer world by soothing its mental and emotional habitat.” Sarvesh Shashi, titled the coolest yogi and the youngest CEO in the yoga and wellness world globally, will be combining his knowledge of ancient Indian martial arts, modern functional training and traditional yoga techniques, to create smooth flowing yoga sessions for guests. Speaking on the collaboration, Sarvesh Shashi said “Our association with Airbnb fits seamlessly into what we stand for, and that’s building a community that’s social, engaged, active and a community that goes on to become the brand’s best advocate. We understand the value our customers hold for us and that’s one of the biggest advantages of this association. We’re excited to see the doors this partnership opens and the many more ways that we can work together.” Using some of Ayurveda’s principles and Yin-Yang as a guiding philosophy, Chef Sandeep Sreedharan shall be taking his guests on a culinary journey of sustainable cooking. With over a decade of experience in his field, Sandeep has successfully built a reputation for introducing a new genre of modern coastal cuisine to India. Speaking about the collaboration, Sandeep Sreedharan of Mahe said “As a chef I have always believed in delivering distinct flavours and textures keeping things simple and honest. My collaboration with At Home With Airbnb gives me an opportunity to share my expertise with a larger audience that is looking for quick tips to create gourmet experience at home by approaching one ingredient at a time. I look forward to exploring the concepts of zero wastage and minimalistic cooking to produce some stunning yet simple dishes without compromising on taste or health.” Through At Home With Airbnb, guests can also enjoy - ● An opportunity to become a master in the art of Calligraphy with the founder of The Bombay Lettering Company Sanjana Chatlani ● Insights into how to make the perfect “kitchen cocktails” using easily available ingredients at home, through a specially curated mixology workshop with Pankaj Balachandran, Brand Ambassador, Monkey Shoulder ● A work out session from home using only their body weight with celebrity fitness trainer and Under Armour India brand ambassador Nam Wook ● The art of table settings with celebrity wedding planner and event stylist, Devika Narain Guests can book their spots for these exclusive Experiences for an opportunity to meet and learn from the experts with unprecedented access. Booking opens immediately, and guests can explore a diverse range of Online Experiences here. These Experiences will be hosted on Zoom, and Airbnb has provided Hosts access to Zoom free of charge along with personalized support services for curating, capturing and sharing their online content.

India, June 24, 2020: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) hosts an online forum titled “Beyond COVID-19: Global Tourism’s New Normal” – the first event of its kind focusing on the post-pandemic tourism prospects for Hong Kong, Mainland, Asia, and the world. Over 4,000 tourism industry representatives, journalists, and academics registered for the event as global industry leaders share insights into the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on travel, how the industry should respond, and the trends to expect as people begin travelling again in the post-pandemic period. In his opening remarks, HKTB Chairman Dr YK Pang emphasised the importance of restoring consumer confidence. “As an industry, our central mission must be to give every traveller the confidence and reassurance that their trip is safe from start to finish,” he said. “Our cooperation must cross geographical and business boundaries. We must pool our knowledge and expertise and draw on our collective ingenuity to navigate the challenges that lie ahead of us.” Dr Pang highlighted initiatives Hong Kong’s tourism industry has taken to stay ahead of the curve in containing the spread of the pandemic, and announced that the HKTB would team up with the HKSAR Government and trade partners to create “Open House Hong Kong” – a unique and region-leading travel platform to tell the world Hong Kong is a COVID-safe destination ready to welcome back visitors with attractive offerings and exciting experiences. He invited trade partners from around the world to support the platform by providing enticing offers for travelling to Hong Kong as a leading destination for visitors from every continent. Seven internationally-respected speakers representing different sectors discussed the latest consumer sentiments and behaviour, and gave their insights into the challenges confronting the industry. Here is a selection of their expert observations: Steve Saxon, Partner, McKinsey & Company “COVID-19 is a major humanitarian challenge. Yet there are implications for the wider economy and businesses. For instance, USD 0.9 trillion to 1.2 trillion has been lost in export revenues from tourism worldwide. While global tourism may return to previous levels in 2022, China, Indonesia, and the US stand out in optimism, with travel in China coming back to around half of the previous levels currently. However, traveller confidence is still low, and recovery is slower than expected. On the other hand, there is a major opportunity to capitalise on domestic travel and younger and family travellers, as most consumers are expecting to travel less – especially internationally – after COVID-19. China, the UK, and Germany are among those with greatest potential in domestic travel.” Hermione Joye, Sector Lead, Travel & Vertical Search APAC, Google “COVID-19 has led to a generational shift in the way the world operates, the travel industry almost came to a halt with global interest in travel dropping 3 times of that of pre-COVID times (based on search data). As a result, there is no longer a predictable normal when it comes to how consumers behave, and this is particularly true when it comes to the way they are thinking about travel. I am looking forward to sharing trends, consumer insights and principles that could help marketers respond in the ‘new normal’.” Jane Sun, CEO, Trip.com Group “At Trip.com Group, we believe it is our duty to guide travellers and the industry through this challenging period. That’s why from the onset of the pandemic, our teams have worked tirelessly to process over RMB 30 billion in cancellations, and we’ve given our partners over RMB 1 billion in financial support. Now, as things come under control, we’re seeing a rebound in demand, we’ve launched a USD 500 million fund for partners, and we’re offering flexible, safe, and discounted travel options for customers – to help our customers and the industry ‘travel on’.” Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating global socio-economic impact, our recent research shows that more than 197 million jobs are at risk, which would cause a loss of more than USD 5.5 trillion to Travel & Tourism GDP worldwide. It is vital for the survival of the Travel & Tourism sector that we work together and map out the road to recovery, through coordinated actions, and rebuild the confidence that people need to begin travelling once again. Our recently launched ‘Safe Travels’ stamp will enable travellers to recognise the businesses and destinations worldwide which have implemented the WTTC global protocols and will encourage the return of ‘Safe Travels’ around the world. It will, in turn, enable the Travel & Tourism sector to reopen for business and move in a coordinated approach.” Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO, International Air Transport Association (IATA) “The revival of the travel and tourism sector is vital. Millions of livelihoods depend on it. As some parts of the world begin to reopen their economies, I have no doubt that people will still want to travel. But adapting to the realities of COVID-19 and rebuilding people’s confidence is a challenge that must be met head-on with cooperation. Aviation is a case in point. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) developed global guidelines to mitigate the risk COVID-19 transmission when traveling by air. Now governments need to align in leading the implementation with the full support of the industry. We will only be successful by working together.” Peter C. Borer, COO, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Ltd “The hospitality industry will move forward towards a ‘new normal’, with unprecedented health and safety measures in place. As leaders of the industry, we must collaborate, leave behind the paradigms of the past and look towards a new future. The hotel industry was already moving towards digitisation, artificial intelligence and robotics, and the health crisis has accelerated this trend. In the short term, we must regain the confidence and the trust of our guests and reassure them that they are safe when they stay with us. However, in the long term, the fundamentals of hospitality will not change, and guests will always appreciate personalised service.” Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director & CEO, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) “Exhibitions and business events are the market places and the meeting places for every industry around the world. They are key to any economic recovery, and we have the know-how and standards to make them safe to attend. COVID-19 will lead to new procedures, standards, and processes. The pandemic is accelerating trends that were already shaping up around the ‘marriage’ of the on-site event with online services before, during, and after the event. Business events will become more digital. But the main element that is driving success is and remains the direct exchange, the face-to-face meeting. Clicks don’t discuss deals, and eyeballs don’t sign orders.” A recording of “Beyond COVID-19: Global Tourism’s New Normal” is available for registrant to review from 8am Hong Kong time on 25 June 2020. Each registered account can view the recording on one device at a time. Video link: https://onlinexperiences.com/scripts/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:QS!10100&ShowUUID=ABC3688D-5064-4F68-82CA-1222C186581A

New Delhi (July 1, 2020): Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is celebrating the highly anticipated return of travel by making a series of valuable updates to its I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty program. From a new Flexible Member Rate and an Elite Platinum Offer to the brand’s first-ever I Prefer E-Gift Cards and more than 25 new participating hotels worldwide, these program enhancements demonstrate Preferred’s unwavering commitment to offer best-in-class independent hotel experiences to its loyal and discerning I Prefer members as they ask, ‘Where Next?” following an extended period at home. “Listening to and engaging with our loyal I Prefer members throughout this pandemic has been a top priority, and through these candid dialogues, we have learned that they want greater flexibility and more diverse offers as travel restrictions are lifted,” said Jeri Salazar, Vice President of Loyalty for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “We are confident that the decisions we’ve made to enhance the program will provide travelers with a less restrictive, more valuable way to book authentic, one-of-a-kind independent hotel experiences whenever they decide to travel next.” Flexible Member Rate Recognizing the importance of member-only value and flexibility, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is doubling down through a new Flexible Member Rate that offers access to savings of 10 percent or higher on top of the best available rate when they book stays at more than 300 participating hotels. The new flexible rate is also fully cancellable up through day of arrival, providing travelers with the peace of mind needed if travel plans get disrupted. Bookings must contain a valid I Prefer member number and be made through PreferredHotels.com, IPrefer.com, the I Prefer app, the GDS, participating hotels’ websites, or the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Global Reservations team. The new rate is available now for travel through December 31, 2020. Elite Platinum Offer In addition to everyday Elite member benefits – which include complimentary room category upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, VIP welcome amenities, free internet, and 50 percent bonus points earning per eligible stay – the newly launched Elite Platinum Offer features daily breakfast for two and a resort credit of US$100 per stay that can be used toward on-property expenditures. Available for travel now through December 31, 2020, this unique benefit is valid exclusively to I Prefer Elite members for stays at more than 170 participating properties worldwide such as JA Manafaru (Maldives); The Upper House (Hong Kong); Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Lake Como, Italy); Finca Cortesin (Casares, Spain); Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica, California); and Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Mexico). Members can access this benefit by visiting www.PreferredHotels.com/eliteplatinum or contacting I Prefer member services at +1 636 736 4397. I Prefer E-Gift Cards with 20% Bonus Value For the first time ever, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is offering I Prefer E-Gift Cards, which are available for a limited period now through June 27 as part of the company’s International Pineapple Week celebrations. The I Prefer E-Gift cards may be purchased exclusively online now in denominations of US$100 and US$250 with no expiration date, which can be used towards future stays at participating hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. As an additional gesture of hospitality, every purchase comes with 20 percent more value in the form of a US$20 or US$50 bonus card, respectively. To purchase I Prefer E-Gift Cards, see participating hotels, and read terms and conditions, visit shop.preferredhotels.com/giftcards through June 27, 2020. Newest Hotel Options for I Prefer Travels With a portfolio of more than 700 distinctive hotels and resorts worldwide, I Prefer offers the benefits of a robust points-based loyalty program with access to authentic hotel experiences to suit every travel need. More than 25 new properties have recently joined Preferred’s prestigious loyalty program, including Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables, Florida); Montage Healdsburg (Sonoma County, California); The Social House (Nairobi, Kenya); Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay (Fnideq, Morocco); La Villa Haussmann (Paris, France); Brenton Hotel (Newport, Rhode Island); Palmaia, The House of AiA (Riviera Maya, Mexico); Bluedoors York Luxury Suites (Medellin, Colombia); Rancho Santana (Rancho Santana, Nicaragua); Middle Eight (London, United Kingdom); Hayfield Manor (Cork, Ireland); Deltapark Vitalresort (Gwatt, Switzerland); JA Oasis Beach Tower (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), and Noku Maldives (Noonu Atoll, Maldives). Protecting I Prefer Members’ Hard-Earned Loyalty Status and Points Today, Preferred Hotels & Resorts made the official announcement that it was extending the points expiration date for all I Prefer members globally through December 31, 2020. In March 2020, Preferred was among the first travel companies globally to announce its plan to protect the hard-earned benefits of its loyalty members by announcing that all I Prefer Elite members globally will maintain their status through June 30, 2021, regardless of their travel activity this year. With more than 3.5 million travelers currently enrolled in membership, I Prefer is complimentary to join. Travelers who would like to take advantage of these exclusive promotions are invited to enroll in the program via www.IPrefer.com/enroll.

New Delhi, India, 30th June 2020: Crafting distinctive journeys in sync with evolving expectations of perceptive high-end travellers, A Travel Circle – launches today in India. The world is changing with new norms influencing how we adapt in everyday life, but it is our resilience and the cherished bonds we share – that make it worthwhile. Celebrating the spirit of wanderlust, our bespoke travel brand is dedicated to crafting the most carefully planned holidays, away from the rigmarole of urban life with those who matter. Our in-house creative team at A Travel Circle has the calibre to design an array of special interest vacations and unique bonding experiences for guests such as – milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or intimate celebrations – like bachelors and bachelorettes, multigenerational meet ups with family from around the world, or just quality time away with loved ones. Dedicated to creating exclusive travel experiences, we have a meticulously handpicked selection of the finest private villas or small boutique hotels for buy-outs, offering customised service that suit the lifestyle preferences of each guest. In India, A Travel Circle is a preferred partner for prominent luxury hospitality brands located across idyllic destinations globally, such as – Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and more, where consumers can benefit while booking directly with us. We are also a part of the Traveller Made network and have access to some of the most prestigious travel shows worldwide. These aspects differentiate us as expert curators of immersive travel experiences with insights into the latest trends. In the current times, the pandemic has made us realize the importance of family and friends even more, and many of us yearn to spend time together, away someplace, getting to know each other better or all over again. As the safety, privacy and convenience of our guests is paramount at every step of the travel planning process, we assure #CovidSafeJourneys where the they can enjoy #AllThingsPrivate. Sharing his vision for the launch, Pritish Shah - Founder & CEO said, - "A Travel Circle is the newest addition to our experiential travel brands. During the past 10 years of successfully curating travel journeys for couples, we frequently received requests from numerous guests wanting tailor-made experiences for their varied holiday requirements. We conducted a comprehensive market research to better understand the evolving preferences of this ultra-wealthy segment. Spending quality time in a fabulous setting and more importantly, to be able to bond with loved ones - emerged as the most prominent trends. This pandemic has fast tracked us to launch A Travel Circle, as the changing travel expectations in the new normal world align very well with our product offerings - private villas for social distancing, private jets to avoid commercial airports, highest standards in safety with our carefully selected hospitality partners and other service vendors.”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 22 June 2020: Travel trade professionals from across the world gathered in their thousands to attend the three-day Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Virtual, which debuted on 1-3 June 2020. The online event which attracted almost 12,000 attendees from 140 countries around the world, focused on the ME region’s tourism sector, addressed emerging trends, as well as the opportunities and the challenges which are directly impacting the travel and tourism industry amid the COVID-19 global health pandemic and beyond. In total, the event facilitated 11,301 prescheduled one-to-one meetings, of which over 92% were rated four or five, out of five stars. A series of one-to-one pre-scheduled 30-minute meetings between editors, exhibitors, and buyers also took place, and 23 live video sessions included Q&As and polls which ran alongside the presentations to enable audience interaction. Overall, the webinars had more than 24,000 views over the course of three days. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), said: “Considering that this was a debut event, the outcome clearly validated our strategy to virtually support and guide the region’s travel and tourism industry. The resilience and determination to get through these challenging times was clearly evident. “It also underscored our commitment to organise an event with positive and constructive business insight and opinion, as well as offering networking opportunities across the entire community. “There were so many highlights during the event, that it would be extremely difficult to single out any particular session. The event was seamless, each session complemented the next and it is also fair to say that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.” The highlight of the opening day was an interview with Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. During a discussion with aviation expert John Strickland, Sir Tim predicted a degree of tourism recovery during the course of 2021, and expectations for Emirates to be operating its network prior to COVID-19 by 22/23, 23/24. Another key event that took place on the first day was the Arival-run OTAs & Distribution for Tours & Attractions Post-COVID session, which explored the changes amid the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs), the re-opening of operations and what this means for tour and attraction operators across the Middle East. The much anticipated The Virtual ATM China Forum took an in-depth look at the potential of the Chinese outbound leisure market post COVID-19’s closed borders and what overseas destinations and attractions can do to reassure and convince Chinese tourists, of whom 45% are willing to travel overseas, that their destination is safe to visit. Other issues discussed included, technology, the role of international industry associations and the need for destinations to change their propositions, with a focus on safety, trust, and consumer confidence. Another highlight of the second day was the live webinar ‘Bouncing Back: Tourism Strategies for the Future’ where Keith Tan, CEO, Singapore Tourism Board, underscored the importance of governments implementing ‘green lanes’ to aid tourism recovery and promote bilateral travel agreements. He cited the common standards Singapore and China have implemented to allow travel between the two countries. The third and final day included the interview with Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi where he confirmed his ambitions for the low-cost carrier’s impending move to operate out of Abu Dhabi, and their plans to have 100 aircrafts serving the GCC markets by 2035. Other highlights on the final day included the International Travel Investment Conference summit, the responsible tourism session, ‘The Implications of COVID-19 for Responsible Hospitality’, and the Influencers’ session, ‘Make Your Connection: Influencers as a Key Part of the Marketing Mix – COVID-19 The Road to Recovery. “As an organiser we have learnt a lot from this virtual experience and to give our seminar programme broader reach and greater inclusivity, we will certainly be looking to integrate more virtual elements into our physical show next year,” said Curtis. The sessions and other content are now available on demand via the WTM Global Hub. To view, please go to: https://hub.wtm.com/atm-virtual/

NEW DELHI, INDIA – June 18, 2020: As the hospitality industry begins to usher in the highly anticipated return to travel, Preferred Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest independent hotel brand – is pleased to announce International Pineapple Week 2020, running from Saturday, June 20 through Saturday, June 27 (this year’s official International Pineapple Day). The campaign is set to celebrate independent hotels around the world as they begin to reopen their doors and connect them to a global community of interrupted travelers seeking inspiration for future adventures through the symbolism of the Preferred brand pineapple logo – the universal icon of hospitality. This year’s International Pineapple Week will feature the brand’s first-ever travel gift card offering, a digital postcard coloring contest, and pineapple-themed social media initiatives, all of which will be displayed on PreferredHotels.com/PineappleWeek and promoted via social media using #PreferredPineappleWeek. “There has never been a more appropriate time to celebrate the virtues of travel and its ability to make people better versions of themselves, as well as highlight the importance of demonstrating genuine hospitality to families, friends, neighbors, and strangers – something that our brand and independent hotels have championed for decades,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “The Preferred Hotels & Resorts global network has always represented an unwavering belief in travel – even during the most challenging times, as we have recently witnessed. We are pleased to welcome all audiences to join in the 2020 International Pineapple Week celebrations as a way to become more familiar with the incredible experiences offered across our portfolio as hundreds of our member hotels begin to re-open, while finding inspiration for future travel and reconnecting with loved ones.” International Pineapple Week Debut: I Prefer Gift Cards with 20% Bonus Value As a symbol of gratitude to members of the brand’s loyalty program, I Prefer Hotel Rewards, Preferred Hotels & Resorts will debut I Prefer gift cards that are exclusively available for purchase during International Pineapple Week 2020. As a continuation of Preferred’s “Where Next?” global merchandising campaign that debuted in 2019, this special incentive invites travelers to purchase gift cards in denominations of US$100 and US$250 with no expiration date, which can be used towards future stays at participating hotels and resorts in the United States and the Caribbean. As an additional gesture of hospitality, every purchase will come with a 20% bonus value in the form of a US$20 or US$50 gift card, respectively. To purchase the gift certificates and for information on participating hotels and terms and conditions, travelers are invited to visit IPrefer.com between June 20-27, 2020. Pineapple Postcard Contest To fill the recent void of “snail mail” featuring fun greetings from loved ones during travels afar, Preferred will introduce a social media contest, issuing 20 limited-edition digital postcards with blank artwork of a selection of the brand’s celebrated member hotels for followers to print, color, and send virtually to loved ones for a chance to win a dream hotel stay for two people. All of the postcards, which were specially commissioned and designed by London-based artist Maxwell Tilse include a hidden pineapple in each design and will be released for download via PreferredHotels.com/PineappleWeek on Saturday, June 20. For a chance to win an experience at one of the 20 featured hotels, participants will be asked to share their completed postcard with a message on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Weibo, or WeChat that tags the brand’s social handle @PreferredHotels and the campaign hashtag #PreferredPineappleWeek. Three winners will be selected to enjoy a two-night luxury hotel stay for two people in 2021, inclusive of breakfast and a special pineapple-inspired treat. Preferred Pineapple Inspiration - Daily Recipes Each day of International Pineapple Week, Preferred will share pineapple-themed recipe cards on its brand social media channels, @PreferredHotels. Each recipe has been custom-crafted for International Pineapple Week by a selection of the brand’s member hotels from destinations around the world, and audiences will be encouraged to share photos or videos of their attempt to re-create them. Travelers wanting to access all of the dishes will find all of the recipe cards via PreferredHotels.com/PineappleWeek. Social Media and Microsite Activations Throughout the week, Preferred will share other inspiring and informative content across its digital channels, to include original and curated content such as imagery and video from member hotels, influencers, and opinion leaders, as well as pineapple recipe cards, travelers’ illustrated postcards, and I Prefer Hotel Rewards updates. PreferredHotels.com/PineappleWeek will serve as the hub of International Pineapple Week, housing all of the week’s activations and contributions from the travel community. The Pineapple’s Journey and Place in Hospitality As the story goes, the pineapple became the emblem of hospitality more than 500 years ago when seafarers sought places to relax in port towns and would look for homes that had pineapples hung in their entrance, a signal that those friendly locals would welcome them for a meal or place to sleep. Since then, the pineapple has been used to express that ‘you are welcome here’ in a multitude of ways including depictions in monuments and the designs of doors, gates, and entryways across cities worldwide. With a rich history of continuously inspiring travel and independent hospitality for over 52 years, Preferred Hotels & Resorts utilizes the pineapple as its brand logo to serve as a global guide for travelers, visually signifying that ‘you are welcome’ and inviting them to enjoy personalized and genuine luxury experiences across its portfolio of 750 one-of-a-kind, independent hotels and resorts in 85 countries. For more information on International Pineapple Week, visit PreferredHotels.com/PineappleWeek or join in on social via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Weibo and WeChat. For more information on I Prefer Hotel Rewards and to purchase gift cards, visit IPrefer.com starting Saturday, June 20.

(Hong Kong, 17 June 2020) Shangri-La Group announced today that it is introducing the “Shangri-La Cares” commitment which elevates its already rigorous hygiene and safety protocols for all properties worldwide. As people look to travel in the future, health, safety and sustainability will remain top of mind, particularly as the world continues to react and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Shangri-La Cares” reinforces the Group’s commitment to caring for people, as well as its distinctive Asian hospitality as it begins welcoming guests back to hotels and resorts. “The health and safety of our colleagues and guests is of utmost priority. At Shangri-La, it is in our nature to look after people, to anticipate their needs and go above and beyond to ensure they have a memorable experience. We remain humble and true to our founding ethos with this commitment that will ensure we do our best to take care of people” said Lim Beng Chee, Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group. “To meet new challenges and evolving customer expectations, we are focusing on enhanced hygiene protocols, elevating our standards and safeguarding our guests and colleagues’ well-being. We would like to convey our heartfelt care by creating a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable and trusts in our ability to ensure their safety and health - so that they can focus on moments that truly matter,” he added. With this in mind, Shangri-La Group has rolled out a pilot programme at select hotels which have been operating throughout April and May, to refine additional health and safety protocols and to expand on already rigorous operational protocols with respect to the pandemic situation. All new procedures and protocols form the cornerstone of an ongoing commitment which will be introduced globally in June 2020 to ensure guests have complete confidence and peace of mind during their stay. Implementing Enhanced Cleanliness Protocols and Procedures Shangri-La has followed recommendations laid out by the World Health Organization or more stringent local directives where appropriate, to ensure its operational protocols are comprehensive. Concrete measures have been adopted at all hotels and resorts to combat the risk of COVID-19 so that guests can feel safe when staying at or visiting its properties. These protocols include: ● Increased frequency and full attention to deep cleaning of all high-touch surfaces and areas used by guests throughout the hotels; ● Use of medical grade sanitisers and disinfectants which are approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; ● Increased cleaning frequency of air filters and air-conditioner systems to ensure optimal air quality; ● Safe dining, meetings and events with extra precautions to respect physical distancing and enhanced food safety practices. Enabling Our People Caring for people is the bedrock of Shangri-La’s service value. To reinforce the strong culture of health and safety, the Group has enhanced training, learning and development resources for colleagues on essential preparatory and prevention measures. This includes direction on cleaning and sanitisation frequency, ultimately enabling them to better serve guests and safeguard their own well-being. This training is certified by long-term partner and global hygiene solutions provider, Diversey. As a leading global hygiene and cleaning company, Diversey specialises in developing cleaning and hygiene technologies across industry sectors, such as health care, hospitality, retail and food services. Colleagues will also be equipped with personal protective equipment where necessary. Shangri-La will continue to build awareness on sanitation standards, as well as developing programmes for colleagues on stringent personal hygiene practices to ensure a safe work environment.

16th June 2020, New Delhi: Let’s face it; how we live, work and travel may never be the same again. At Kandima Maldives we believe in continuous innovation and are working super hard to meet the new normal head on and bring you extraordinary experiences that are playful, different and fresh. To us, change is a good thing! We know many of you are missing the Maldives’ crystal clear waters so today we are oh-so excited to launch our totally immersive, state-of-the-art virtual platform - Kandima D.I.V.E (Digitally Immersive Virtual Experiences) Looking to plan your next romantic escape, or downtime with family, or an adventure with friends? D.I.V.E. gives you a little taste what you are in for and lets you reimagine your favourite tropiKal paradise with just the click of a button. All you need to do is sit back & relax in the comfort of your home and we’ll take you to our snow white beaches, dip your feet into clear blue waters, let you sunbathe on the deck of your water villa or soak in the amazing vibes at all the Kool places around the resort. Explore our oh-so-exotic 3 km long island as we tell you our story. Seeing is believing! So, want to join us on a D.I.V.E.? Simply visit Kandima.com/dive and take an exciting digital plunge into the amazing world of everything at Kandima Maldives. We now no longer need traditional brochures or pamphlets – D.I.V.E is a multi-sensory journey through an interactive 360° virtual world that takes customer engagement to a whole new level. D.I.V.E. is available for viewing on any device including VR headsets, desktops, smartphones or tablets, with a multi-dimensional sound experience as you swim through #YourKindOfPlace! Too much already? Wait, there is more! D.I.V.E helps our trade partners to be better equipped through immersive training where we can educate their staff by providing them an in-depth and interactive experience or the resort, helping them visualize the property better for effective sales. We can take site inspections to a new level with guided group tours where you can explore our rooms and restaurants in 360 views, ask questions in real-time and get feedback on the spot while still in a virtual tour. Kandima Maldives makes sure that no presentation is boring and adds some magiK in all its experiences. #KInnovation Mr. Brett Castleman, General Manager for the resort said “Kandima Maldives has been the first mover in terms of new and innovative lifestyle experiences in the destination, D.I.V.E. is yet another remarkable virtual platform that will help our trade partners to be future ready. Our partners can experience and conduct the virtual tours remotely throughout the property. They not only navigate through the resort showcasing an immersive 360°view, but also have a fully interactive session with an ability to see the host and converse with everyone joined on the virtual tour. We want to equip our partners to be able to offer a ‘never seen before’ 360° immersive experience of the outstanding amenities to their clients. As we prepare to welcome back our guests to the New Maldives, at Kandima - ‘what you see is what you get’, with real visuals and walk-throughs from different experiences or decks across the resort.” Want more? Watch out for our Kool and exciting additions to make you want to D.I.V.E deeper! Stay tuned for the lots more game changing experiences from your K’ Krew – we can’t wait to have you back with us! #AnythingButOrdinary Enter the world of Kandima where the virtual will just become a term added to reality! http://kandima.com/index.php/en/kool-things/dive

11th June, New Delhi: Airbnb launches Go Near, a new initiative to support economic growth through domestic travel. The announcement comes as local travel begins to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the world begins to travel again. Our booking data shows that travel globally is beginning to bounce back and new research has identified a series of trends that will shape travel in the weeks and months to come. This fact sheet details the steps we are taking to work with local communities and our efforts to best serve hosts and guests around the world based on the trends we are seeing. 1. Partnering with local communities to promote travel and economic growth We are working with governments and tourist agencies to help restore travel in a responsible way that benefits local citizens and small businesses economically. In India we have signed partnerships with SEWA, Princess Diya Kumari Foundation and Nagaland Tourism to promote community-based tourism. What we have found is that as people travel again, conscious choices and preference for sustainable travel will lead recovery, benefiting communities and encouraging safe travel. ● SEWA hosts have earned almost $18,000 (INR 1.45 million) by hosting over 700 guests from across 15 different countries. In 2019, our SEWA hosts’ earnings from hosting increased by 25 percent compared with the previous year. ● The in-person experiences we offer in partnership with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation in Jaipur also give visitors the opportunity to learn local crafts from rural women in Rajasthan, which in turn helps them market their products better and aids them in taking the next step towards financial self-sufficiency. ● Holidays in farms, nature holidays off the beaten track, and other unique destinations that are a road trip away may do well. This will also be a sensible choice as local small-scale businesses will be supported benefiting the local economy, and for travellers it will also result in more unique, individual experiences. The effort to make the Airbnb platform available as a tool for community recovery is also informed by data on how Airbnb has supported economic empowerment in the past. For example, in India, Airbnb had an estimated direct economic impact of around $150 million (over INR 1,035 crore), with Indian hosts earning over INR 190 crore in 2018. 2. Go Near In a survey commissioned by Airbnb, nearly half of respondents in the US said that they would prefer to stay within a day’s drive for their first trip once lockdown restrictions lifted 1 . Since the pandemic began, the percentage of bookings made on Airbnb which have been within 300 kms ( a round trip travelers can generally complete on one tank of fuel), has grown from one-third in February to over a half of all bookings in May. In India, 51% of our business comprises domestic bookings (people from India travelling within the country). In addition, search trends and Wish Lists by Airbnb users in India indicate that long lockdowns have only piqued interest in and aspirations to travel, once the lockdown is eased. Key domestic markets for Airbnb are Goa, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai & Bangalore, but we are also seeing a surge in searches for stay options in nearby cities especially near metros like Alibag, Lonavala, Panchgani near Mumbai. We have seen through travel trends that summer travel is top of mind. The most common words in recent Wish Lists by Airbnb users are ‘beach’ and ‘summer 2020’, and in India, 70% of visitors to the platform (many of whom are exploring stays for couples, with friends, and for families) are searching with dates in the near future (starting July 2020). As states in India open up, driving holidays, experiential travel, rural & farm stays and generally conscious travel choices, are some of the biggest trends emerging from India. 3. Social Connection The power of connections is strong even when people can’t travel. We have seen close to 50,000 bookings of more than 400 Online Experiences since the offering was launched less than two months ago, making Online Experiences the fastest-growing product Airbnb has launched. ● India is one of the most popular markets for Online Experiences in terms of bookings in the APAC region. There has been a 3x increase in bookings from India since we launched Online Experiences over a month ago. ● Across APAC, the top Online Experiences users are booking are in the Food & Drink, Sports & Wellness and Art & Culture categories. Bring the Flavors of India to Life at Home (from New Delhi, India) is a Top 5 APAC Online Experience, which features a host offering know-how on traditional Indian cooking. This is one of the most booked Experiences in India, with over 130 reviews in less than a month. It is also priced at $19/ INR 1,500. ● We are working with other local influencers and experts to teach yoga, fitness, cocktail-making and cooking across different cities in India. 4. Affordable Travel With the prospect of an economic downturn, people are looking for more affordable ways to travel as well as make money, while businesses are communities are looking forward to the economic benefits that travel brings. ● Two fifths (38 percent) of Americans surveyed said that their financial circumstances have changed for the worse due to the pandemic and 37 percent expect to spend less on travel over the next 12 months compared to what they spent in 2019. ● Even with reduced travel, Airbnb has the potential to generate millions of dollars for local economies. ● Near-city travel and road trips may be a more affordable option in India for travellers, given this consideration. Gen Z travellers, who may be the first generation that takes to travel, may also look to exercise budget-friendly options for travel, through unique stays and nature/adventure experiences. Addressing the new campaign, Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager - Airbnb India, said, “We believe that the pursuit of human connection and experiences is perennial. For India, the launch of ‘Go Near’ is a reflection on people’s desire to travel closer home to some really amazing domestic destinations that India has to offer - the trends show us that people are eager to travel once again with new considerations of safety. Airbnb will continue to follow guidance from local officials and encourage safe, responsible travel and work to ensure guests have great experiences. At Airbnb we are also going back to our roots, ensuring our hosts are heard, and making sure that we are doing everything we can in partnership with authorities to help them in their economic recovery”. As part of that work, in April, we announced that we had engaged former US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to help develop an industry standard-setting Enhanced Cleaning Protocol for hosts on Airbnb. This Protocol, which includes a step-by-step cleaning handbook designed for everyday hosts, is now available to hosts in the United States and will be available to hosts around the world in the weeks ahead. Hosts who attest to following the program will have a specific highlight on their listing making it easy for guests to identify and book listings that follow the first overarching standardized protocol for cleaning and sanitization in the home sharing industry. The Enhanced Cleaning Protocol has been developed in consultation with leading experts in hospitality and medical hygiene, with tools and support to help hosts meet these standards.

India – Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Scoot has implemented several measures to safeguard the health of our customers and crew. Scoot will be further enhancing its operational procedures and introducing additional precautionary measures to allow customers to travel with even greater confidence. Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson said: “Scoot has been at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 from the start, with our highest priority always being the health and safety of our customers and crew. As travel starts to resume, we are working closely with regulators and health experts to implement a comprehensive suite of enhanced measures to ensure the highest possible standards of hygiene, and to give our customers peace of mind that they can fly with Scoot safely.” These enhanced precautions are: 1. When Booking Flights a) Temporary suspension of products and services Scoot will be suspending certain products and services to minimise contact between crew and customers, and to facilitate effective contact tracing. These are: • FlyBagEat and ScootPlus • Board Me First (priority boarding) • Extra Cabin Bag • Online Seat Selection • Inflight seat upgrade • Meals and beverages will not be available for purchase online and onboard, food packs will be pre-placed on seats where applicable. • Inflight duty-free shopping will also not be available. • Snooze Kit 2. Pre-Flight a) Submission of health declaration forms Customers are required to complete a health declaration form prior to check-in. Forms may be completed at Scoot check-in kiosks or via an online form accessible through an SMS notification 24 hours prior to flight departure. b) Bring a mask All customers are required to bring and wear a mask to board their flight, which must be worn throughout the flight. c) Temperature screening Temperature screening will be conducted prior to boarding1 and any customers with a temperature of 37.5 degrees and above (or as otherwise stipulated by local regulation) will not be allowed to board. These customers can re-book to travel at a later date when they are well, or they can call Scoot’s call centre to obtain a refund. 2. Pre-Flight a) Submission of health declaration forms Customers are required to complete a health declaration form prior to check-in. Forms may be completed at Scoot check-in kiosks or via an online form accessible through an SMS notification 24 hours prior to flight departure. b) Bring a mask All customers are required to bring and wear a mask to board their flight, which must be worn throughout the flight. c) Temperature screening Temperature screening will be conducted prior to boarding1 and any customers with a temperature of 37.5 degrees and above (or as otherwise stipulated by local regulation) will not be allowed to board. These customers can re-book to travel at a later date when they are well, or they can call Scoot’s call centre to obtain a refund. d) Limit on cabin baggage Previously, Scoot permitted up to 10kg cabin baggage in Economy Class. With effect from 1 June 2020, Scoot will allow each customer one small piece of carry-on baggage of up to 3kg that must fit under the seat in front of them, so as to facilitate safe distancing for passengers during security clearance, boarding and disembarkation. The remaining cabin baggage (up to 7kg) will be checked in at no cost. e) Self-service check-in To minimise physical interactions, Scoot strongly encourages customers to check in online on FlyScoot.com or via our mobile app. Alternatively, they can use the selfservice check-in kiosks and automated bag-drop facilities at Changi Airport. f) Implementation of safe distancing measures Safe distancing measures will be put in place at gate-hold rooms and queuing areas including check-in kiosks, gate-hold rooms and before boarding. Scoot strongly encourages all customers to arrive at the airport early to ensure there is sufficient time for the additional pre-flight procedures. 3. In-Flight a) Seat assignment for contact tracing and safe distancing To facilitate contact tracing and safe distancing, customers will be assigned seats when they check in. Where possible, Scoot will endeavour to seat customers travelling with family, or customers in the same booking, together. Customers should not change seats in-flight. b) Inflight service changes All Scoot flights will operate with limited in-flight service with no sale of food and beverage items or duty-free shopping products. Instead, refreshments that have been packaged following strict food safety standards will be pre-placed on seats to limit physical interactions between customers and crew. c) Always wear a mask Customers are required to keep their masks on throughout the flight, except in specified circumstances (e.g. eating, drinking or taking oral medication). d) Observe safe distancing measures Customers are required to observe safe distancing measures when not seated, including during boarding and disembarkation, and when queueing to use a lavatory. e) Cabin hygiene Scoot will be making hand sanitisers available on board our flights for use by customers and crew. Lavatories will also be regularly cleaned and disinfected, at least three times in an hour. f) Provision of passenger care kit for hygiene Care kits consisting of items like anti-bacterial wipes, sanitizer and a surgical mask will be pre-placed on each seat for our customers’ personal use. g) Removal of seatback literature Seatback literature such as the Scoot Café Menu, the Scoot in-flight magazine and Scootalogue duty-free shopping catalogue have been removed from seat pockets to reduce surface contact. The safety card and airsick bag will remain. h) HEPA air filtration systems Scoot’s aircraft are equipped with cabin air filtration systems that have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are up to 99.98% effective at trapping microscopic particles such as small as bacteria and viruses. These air filters have a similar performance to those used in hospital operating rooms and are replaced at regular intervals in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance. Air flows into and out of the cabin on a continuous basis, from top to bottom, with cabin air refreshed every two to three minutes (or 20-30 times hourly). i) Infectious disease handling protocol Scoot has in place a set of standard operating procedures for crew to handle inflight medical emergencies, including managing and segregating customers who may develop symptoms of potentially infectious diseases during flights. This includes a designated seating area for passengers who become unwell. j) Precautionary measures for cabin crew and pilots All Scoot crew undergo pre-flight temperature taking, are required to monitor and report their health, and must wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) while on duty. For Scoot crew, these comprise a mask, gloves and face shield. The crew are also aware that if they are unwell, they should see a doctor immediately and not report for work. Crew members reporting for duty must not have any symptoms or physical contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The crew will also be seated at a designated section of the aircraft, at least 2m away from customers and will be using a separate lavatory. 4. Post-Flight a) Enhanced aircraft cleaning procedures Scoot has enhanced operating procedures for cleaning our aircraft, which include thorough cleaning of the aircraft’s interiors including surface wipe-downs, deep cleaning of the aircraft’s lavatory systems with the appropriate disinfectants, and fogging of the aircraft to ensure disinfectant mist is evenly spread across all surfaces in the interior of the aircraft. Aerosol spray disinfectants are also uplifted as a backup should the standard disinfection procedures be unavailable. To give customers added confidence, in case they need to amend their travel plans after booking, Scoot has extended its offer of a one-time free date change to all bookings made from now till the end of June 2020. Scoot will continue to monitor the situation, as well as evolving regulatory guidance, and will review our procedures as required to ensure our customers can fly with us safely, with peace of mind.

During an interview with aviation industry consultant John Strickland, during ATM Virtual, Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi, confirmed his ambitions for the low-cost carrier’s impending move to operate out of Abu Dhabi. “If you look at what we’ve been able to achieve in the EU, we managed to grow our fleet to 100 aircraft over the last 15 years and we should be able to do the same thing in Abu Dhabi.” Expanding on his forecast, he added, “You should be looking at our platform, not necessarily just Abu Dhabi, we want to serve the UAE and possibly the broader GCC markets.” Celebrating its 16th anniversary, Wizz Air employs more than 4,500 people and flew 40 million passengers, to 151 airports in 44 countries, on 710 routes last year. It has a young fleet of 120 Airbus aircraft with an option to buy a further 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the most cost-efficient aircraft of its type. Varadi went to talk about the current situation and the desire to travel, versus the ability to travel. He claimed that his customers were motivated to travel especially younger customers, who generally are more adventurous and less affected by the pandemic. However, the inconsistent response from different governments to the COVID-19 situation was not supporting the industry and that a framework of regulations was needed, to enable aviation to recover. “Airports did well after 9/11 introducing heightened security measures and we need similar measures regarding health and safety. While airports and airlines are quiet it is easier to practice social distancing, but not when we start to become busier,” he said. Regarding onboard health and safety, Varadi believes the industry is stepping up. But measures such as simply blocking the middle seat, or implementing onboard distancing, is impractical and will not work. “There is no scientific evidence to suggest any passengers have contracted the virus while flying. In fact, the air filtration onboard aircraft is comparable with an intensive care unit,” he said. He also made an interesting comparison. “Why is going to the restaurant, or the supermarket, safer than boarding an aircraft, when we can manage and trace our passengers more easily? “However, I do support wearing masks, hand sanitising, disinfecting and reducing the amount of high touch points such as cash payments for onboard catering and inflight magazines,” he said. According to Strickland, Wizz Air has funding totalling 1.5 billion euros and current ‘operating’ expenses of 90 million euros per month during the summer and 70 million euros per month during the winter, which compares favourably with Lufthansa which is burning through one million euros per hour! When asked about surviving the current coronavirus crisis, Varadi had a typically upbeat message. “It’s all about liquidity and what that provides to your business. If we do not fly a single passenger for the next 24 months we will still be in business, so we are well positioned to take advantage of the situation,” he said. Coming out of the crisis, Varadi believes that the ensuing recession will also create greater challenges for the industry than the outbreak itself. Short-haul, low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air will be better placed to recover initially, because the lowest costs prevail. Some passengers will also look to downgrade from legacy carriers to save money. In terms of corporate travel, companies will look to reduce their expenses post COVID-19, so corporate travel will take longer to recover. But he believes that would also be of benefit to Wizz Air, as businesses look for more cost-effective flights. The aviation industry has been a recurring theme throughout the three-day virtual event and included an interview with aviation industry veteran Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline with respected aviation expert John Strickland, Director of JLS Consulting during the opening session, where he outlined the company’s response to COVID-19 and its impact on their future strategy. Also on day one, was the ‘Communicating and Building Confidence Now’ session led by Travel Weekly Executive Editor, Ian Taylor. The panel of global travel leaders provided thought leadership on empathetic communication during a crisis and included Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman, International Institute of Peace for Tourism (IIPT) and former Secretary General of the UNWTO; Bernard Dunn, President, Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, Boeing; Gerald Lawless, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ambassador and Director of ITIC; and Haitham Mattar, CEO, Beyond Tourism. In addition, a webinar by Cirium, the data intelligence experts, which took place on the final day of the virtual event, showcased the power of analytics in supporting business performance. The Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and the Italian Tourist Board are both Gold sponsors of ATM Virtual. ATM Virtual concluded on Wednesday 3rd June 2020. This session is available on demand until tomorrow (Friday 5th June) for those who are already registered. For access, please go to: atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/online-conference/1579 Those who did not register for ATM Virtual will be able to access the session from next week on the WTM Global Hub: hub.wtm.com.

At a time when face to face communication has not be possible as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the face of travel technology has evolved with consumers turning to messaging to interact with all forms of travel brands from airlines to hotels and resorts, industry experts revealed during the debut Travel Forward at ATM Virtual event. During the month of March 2020 alone, messaging increased by more than 50% in many of the countries hardest hit by the global health crisis, according to the latest data from Facebook, with over 20 billion messages currently exchanged with businesses every month on Messenger. During Travel Forward session Conversational Commerce for Travel Brands, Facebook’s Head of Destinations & Events, Sara Gentile, and Head of Aviation & Hospitality MENA, Ameen Malhas, provided insights into what travel technology will have to offer beyond 2020, including the potential c-commerce will have in helping travel and hospitality brands to connect and transact with consumers. “Travellers value personalisation from brands and this trend is only likely to heighten in a post-COVID-19 world, with around 54% of travellers who opt to book with online travel agents (OTAs) seeking on-location recognition from brands. Adding to this, the top three engagement travellers seek from aviation and hospitality brands are live updates, discounts and helpful tips,” said Sara Gentile. “By combining chat with automated and AI-driven systems, brands can target information and offers precisely to individual travellers. This increases relevance, which is exactly what people want, with an overwhelming majority more likely to buy from brands that remember who they are and that provide relevant recommendations.” Personalisation isn’t the only factor driving the popularity of messaging in today’s society, convenience, immediacy and scalability also make it well suited for engaging with travellers. However, the execution must be right to succeed. “Ultimately, messaging must be responsive and sophisticated to meet consumers’ needs – especially during these challenging times when travellers want interactions to be fast and efficient,” said Ameen Malhas. “A messaging system which is executed correctly - with a clear strategic role, anticipates what consumers want to talk about with the help of innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and is built around a strong ecosystem - can be a powerful and convenient tool for engaging consumers and driving purchase intent.” As governments begin to lift lockdown restrictions across the Middle East, businesses are cautiously re-opening workplaces with strict social distancing measures in place and asking employees to travel again. During the final Travel Forward session of day two, Technology and the New Normal, Heidi Myers, Head of Marketing, EMEA, Uber for Business, discussed how technology can be a force for good and support businesses in the challenge of the ‘new normal’ that we are beginning to embrace. According to a recent survey conducted by Uber, around 44% of businesses said employee safety is their primary concern, with 60% of employers saying they will only allow essential workers to commute and 33% of organisations surveyed considering implementing daily commute programmes. With getting to work in the post COVID-19 landscape a primary concern for a large number of employees and a stressful commute sited as one of the leading causes of employee dissatisfaction and turnover, Uber are implementing a number of stringent hygiene and safety procedures in an attempt to support businesses during this challenging period. Heidi Myers, said: “At Uber, the safety of both our employees and our customers is of prime importance and as a result, in line with government and public health authority guidance in the regions in which we operate, we have implemented a number of strict health & safety procedures. “Before drivers can begin using the Uber app, they are fully screened and provided with access to resources and education which focus on how to wear a mask properly, how to wash their hands in line with guidance and how to disinfect their vehicle. “In addition, both drivers and riders are required to wear masks or face coverings in most countries, with drivers required to verify through our Selfie-Verification technology that they are wearing a mask which fully covers their nose and mouth.” With Global Exhibitions Day 2020, taking place today (3rd June), WTM London will be using the event to tell the world it will be open for business as usual at the ExCel in London this November. Due to the devastation caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, GED2020’s message is a simple one: Exhibition are key to rebuilding economies. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “As we look ahead to restarting and rebuilding the global travel and tourism industry, exhibitions such as ATM and WTM London will be a crucial platform for kick-starting global economies. “The debut ATM Virtual has been a huge success and has further underscored ATM’s mission to support and guide the region’s vast travel and tourism industry during and beyond COVID-19.” Also part of the debut Travel Forward on day two was the ‘How Cross-Sector Collaboration is Key to Igniting Economic Growth in the Tourism Industry in the MENA Region and Beyond’ session moderated by Intelak Manager, Mia Jafari. The panel discussed how cross-sector collaboration between the government, corporates and start-ups will create the fertile ground for economic growth in the travel sector post COVID-19. Other sessions taking place today include an interview with Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi; the International Travel Investment Conference summit and the responsible tourism session, ‘The Implications of COVID-19 for Responsible Hospitality’, followed by the Influencers’ session titled ‘Make Your Connection: Influencers as a Key Part of the Marketing Mix – COVID-19 The Road to Recovery’. Videos of all sessions will be available on demand – to view them, please log on to atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/online-conference/ Concluding the event this afternoon is a webinar titled ‘What are you doing to energise your operational performance?’, which will discuss the power of data analytics in helping to maximise performance. ATM Virtual concludes today, Wednesday 3rd June 2020, however a series of independently moderated, roundtables are available on-demand and include ‘The Future of Corporate Travel’ led by Breaking Travel News; The Changing Face of Luxury Family Travel hosted by Destinations of the World News; ‘The New Normal: What the Future Looks Like for the Hotel and Tourism Industry’ and ‘Middle East: The New Asian Source Market’ both by Trav Talk Middle East, as well as TTN Middle East’s ‘Challenges Faced Today by the Travel Providers’ and ‘Latest travel updates, projections and upcoming trends and focus on near-, mid- and long-term travel prospects’. The Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and the Italian Tourist Board are both Gold sponsors of ATM Virtual.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 3 June 2020: Tourism strategies to support industry recovery and the use of technology and analytics to create resilience, took centre stage on the second afternoon of Arabian Travel Market’s virtual event, ATM Virtual. The ‘Bouncing back: tourism strategies for the future’ session, which took place on Tuesday 2nd June, discussed the long-term tourism development strategies put in place by the region’s governments to provide a catalyst to recovery when travel patterns return to relative normality. The panel, which was moderated by industry consultant Gemma Greenwood, included Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief of Investment, Strategy and Tourism Marketing, Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and Keith Tan, CEO, Singapore Tourism Board. “We are trying to do things at a bilateral level with countries that we feel we can move forward with. We have announced initiatives such as ‘green lanes’ and introduced the idea of ‘travel bubbles’. For example, in our negotiations with China, we have agreed common standards to permit travel and we hope to replicate this with other countries, not dissimilar to the idea of free trade agreements,” said Tan “We all agree that we don’t want to develop a patchwork of different standards and requirements. But this is not going to be easy,” he added. Discussing the measure implemented by Saudi Arabia, Hamidaddin highlighted the importance of the industry and the need for government support to help the tourism industry recover. “We look at the tourism sector from a strategic perspective in Saudi Arabia, but we also realise that this sector contributed 20% of all jobs in the last five years, across the world, underscoring the importance that must be placed on the sector by governments,” said Hamidaddin. “Our job is to help the private sector survive and weather as much as we can during this pandemic. As such, Saudi Arabia launched a US$61 billion stimulus package that went into multiple tracks, including waiving licensing and tourism fees as well as deferring VAT and government fees for all SMEs, helping those most in need,” he added. During the session, Tan outlined the importance of being able to react quickly and develop partnerships between the public-private sectors to address the pandemic. "The government can't do everything. It is therefore important to have tight public-private partnerships. As early as February, we had announced the formation of the Tourism Recovery Action taskforce, comprising private sector individuals and key players from within the government. "This was designed to layout plans, not only for recovery, but crisis communications, how we engage with the sector, and how we translate the advisories and directives from the health ministry to the tourism sector. This has proven to be very effective,” said Tan. Also addressing strategies for recovery was the ‘Catapulting Resilience through Technology and Analytics’ session, moderated by Lee Hayhurst, Executive Editor of Travel Weekly. He was joined by a panel of international industry experts including Tony Smyth, Senior Vice President, iFree Group; Carlos Cendra, Chief Marketing Officer, Mabrian Technologies; Akemi Tsunagawa, Founder & CEO, Bespoke; Robin Ingle, CEO, Ingle International; and Gavin Harris, Commercial Director, Skyscanner. Each discussed the development of applications and services addressing the varied needs due to the impact of COVID-19, such as managing frontline medical volunteers, analysing where to find demand, tracking, tracing, and training. According to the global search engine, Skyscanner, there are some early signs of green shoots in terms of search traffic. According to the company’s most recent weekly pulse survey, which monitors global sites, an overall improvement has been witnessed week-on-week. Harris outlined the confidence of travellers to fly, with 70% of Skyscanner’s global passengers feeling safe enough to travel on an international flight in the next six months. However, when discussing flying within a three-month time period, confidence levels fell to 24%. From a domestic perspective, the confidence to travel on flights within a six-month period increased to 89% and, globally, Middle East and European passengers were the most confident overall when compared to other regions around the world. Other sessions taking place today, the third and final day of the debut ATM Virtual (Wednesday 3rd June), include an interview with Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi; the International Travel Investment Conference summit and the responsible tourism session, ‘The Implications of COVID-19 for Responsible Hospitality’, followed by the Influencers’ session titled ‘Make Your Connection: Influencers as a Key Part of the Marketing Mix – COVID-19 The Road to Recovery’. Videos of all sessions will be available on demand – to view them, please log on to atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/online-conference/ Concluding the event this afternoon is a webinar titled ‘What are you doing to energise your operational performance?’, which will discuss the power of data analytics in helping to maximise performance. ATM Virtual concludes today, Wednesday 3rd June 2020, however a series of independently moderated, roundtables are available on-demand and include ‘The Future of Corporate Travel’ led by Breaking Travel News; The Changing Face of Luxury Family Travel hosted by Destinations of the World News; ‘The New Normal: What the Future Looks Like for the Hotel and Tourism Industry’ and ‘Middle East: The New Asian Source Market’ both by Trav Talk Middle East, as well as TTN Middle East’s ‘Challenges Faced Today by the Travel Providers’ and ‘Latest travel updates, projections and upcoming trends and focus on near-, mid- and long-term travel prospects’. The Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and the Italian Tourist Board are both Gold sponsors of ATM Virtual.

At a time when face to face communication has not be possible as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the face of travel technology has evolved with consumers turning to messaging to interact with all forms of travel brands from airlines to hotels and resorts, industry experts revealed during the debut Travel Forward at ATM Virtual event. During the month of March 2020 alone, messaging increased by more than 50% in many of the countries hardest hit by the global health crisis, according to the latest data from Facebook, with over 20 billion messages currently exchanged with businesses every month on Messenger. During Travel Forward session Conversational Commerce for Travel Brands, Facebook’s Head of Destinations & Events, Sara Gentile, and Head of Aviation & Hospitality MENA, Ameen Malhas, provided insights into what travel technology will have to offer beyond 2020, including the potential c-commerce will have in helping travel and hospitality brands to connect and transact with consumers. “Travellers value personalisation from brands and this trend is only likely to heighten in a post-COVID-19 world, with around 54% of travellers who opt to book with online travel agents (OTAs) seeking on-location recognition from brands. Adding to this, the top three engagement travellers seek from aviation and hospitality brands are live updates, discounts and helpful tips,” said Sara Gentile. “By combining chat with automated and AI-driven systems, brands can target information and offers precisely to individual travellers. This increases relevance, which is exactly what people want, with an overwhelming majority more likely to buy from brands that remember who they are and that provide relevant recommendations.” Personalisation isn’t the only factor driving the popularity of messaging in today’s society, convenience, immediacy and scalability also make it well suited for engaging with travellers. However, the execution must be right to succeed. “Ultimately, messaging must be responsive and sophisticated to meet consumers’ needs – especially during these challenging times when travellers want interactions to be fast and efficient,” said Ameen Malhas. “A messaging system which is executed correctly - with a clear strategic role, anticipates what consumers want to talk about with the help of innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and is built around a strong ecosystem - can be a powerful and convenient tool for engaging consumers and driving purchase intent.” As governments begin to lift lockdown restrictions across the Middle East, businesses are cautiously re-opening workplaces with strict social distancing measures in place and asking employees to travel again. During the final Travel Forward session of day two, Technology and the New Normal, Heidi Myers, Head of Marketing, EMEA, Uber for Business, discussed how technology can be a force for good and support businesses in the challenge of the ‘new normal’ that we are beginning to embrace. According to a recent survey conducted by Uber, around 44% of businesses said employee safety is their primary concern, with 60% of employers saying they will only allow essential workers to commute and 33% of organisations surveyed considering implementing daily commute programmes. With getting to work in the post COVID-19 landscape a primary concern for a large number of employees and a stressful commute sited as one of the leading causes of employee dissatisfaction and turnover, Uber are implementing a number of stringent hygiene and safety procedures in an attempt to support businesses during this challenging period. Heidi Myers, said: “At Uber, the safety of both our employees and our customers is of prime importance and as a result, in line with government and public health authority guidance in the regions in which we operate, we have implemented a number of strict health & safety procedures. “Before drivers can begin using the Uber app, they are fully screened and provided with access to resources and education which focus on how to wear a mask properly, how to wash their hands in line with guidance and how to disinfect their vehicle. “In addition, both drivers and riders are required to wear masks or face coverings in most countries, with drivers required to verify through our Selfie-Verification technology that they are wearing a mask which fully covers their nose and mouth.” With Global Exhibitions Day 2020, taking place today (3rd June), WTM London will be using the event to tell the world it will be open for business as usual at the ExCel in London this November. Due to the devastation caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, GED2020’s message is a simple one: Exhibition are key to rebuilding economies. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “As we look ahead to restarting and rebuilding the global travel and tourism industry, exhibitions such as ATM and WTM London will be a crucial platform for kick-starting global economies. “The debut ATM Virtual has been a huge success and has further underscored ATM’s mission to support and guide the region’s vast travel and tourism industry during and beyond COVID-19.” Also part of the debut Travel Forward on day two was the ‘How Cross-Sector Collaboration is Key to Igniting Economic Growth in the Tourism Industry in the MENA Region and Beyond’ session moderated by Intelak Manager, Mia Jafari. The panel discussed how cross-sector collaboration between the government, corporates and start-ups will create the fertile ground for economic growth in the travel sector post COVID-19. Other sessions taking place today include an interview with Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi; the International Travel Investment Conference summit and the responsible tourism session, ‘The Implications of COVID-19 for Responsible Hospitality’, followed by the Influencers’ session titled ‘Make Your Connection: Influencers as a Key Part of the Marketing Mix – COVID-19 The Road to Recovery’. Videos of all sessions will be available on demand – to view them, please log on to atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/online-conference/ Concluding the event this afternoon is a webinar titled ‘What are you doing to energise your operational performance?’, which will discuss the power of data analytics in helping to maximise performance. ATM Virtual concludes today, Wednesday 3rd June 2020, however a series of independently moderated, roundtables are available on-demand and include ‘The Future of Corporate Travel’ led by Breaking Travel News; The Changing Face of Luxury Family Travel hosted by Destinations of the World News; ‘The New Normal: What the Future Looks Like for the Hotel and Tourism Industry’ and ‘Middle East: The New Asian Source Market’ both by Trav Talk Middle East, as well as TTN Middle East’s ‘Challenges Faced Today by the Travel Providers’ and ‘Latest travel updates, projections and upcoming trends and focus on near-, mid- and long-term travel prospects’. The Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and the Italian Tourist Board are both Gold sponsors of ATM Virtual.