The UK government’s decision to raise departure taxes from British airports is short-sighted and self-defeating. That’s the view of Brian Deeson, interim President and CEO of PATA, the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

“At a time when the travel and tourism industry is facing an unprecedented threat to long term financial stability we see a government in Europe imposing tax increases which pose a real threat to jobs and businesses not only in the UK but in destinations across the Asia Pacific region”, says Brian Deeson.

Mini Hotel Slippers, Spaghetti Ice Cream and Massage with Mom

(l/p) A stay at a luxury hotel is interesting and exciting for all children. For parents, however, it often turns out to be stressful and tiring. That this does not have to be the case is demonstrated by a catalog of countless creative and useful ideas at Millennium Hilton Bangkok. „We considered the needs of every family member“, explained General Manager Thomas Hoeborn. „After all, traveling as a family is meant to be a joyful experience for everyone, which we have created the perfect premises for. Especially worth noting is the new spa program, which offers specific treatments for children.“

„We have to withstand the current pressure and adjust to a shift in the international situation. That is where the main challenge lies today“, said Rolf Freitag at the conclusion to this year’s IPK World Travel Monitor Forums, which took place on 6 and 7 November in San Giuliano Terme near Pisa, Italy. „Nobody knows exactly when the end to the global economic crisis will be reached, and when the recovery will begin“, warned Freitag. But the IPK International Chairman and CEO is certain: „We can count on the elasticity of the tourism markets“.

The education program for the 17thAsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME 09), in Melbourne, Australia next February, has been announced by Reed Travel Exhibitions and Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau.

The popular Business Events Forum will focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, looking at what leading edge organisations are doing to make a difference. Featuring an international panel facilitated by Elizabeth Rich, Executive Director, Business Events Council of Australia, the Forum will provide information on how organisations can adapt business practices to operate in a way that meets or exceeds the ethical, social and environmental expectations of today’s society.

Only 14 percent of restaurateurs expect more banquets – average transaction sinking; CHD Expert study about company christmas parties:
The saving trend in economy is starting to show in gastronomy: almost half of the restaurants in Germany are facing a decrease in company christmas parties this year. Merely 14 percent of restaurateurs have increased bookings for festive events. In the boom of 2007, around a third of professional hosts had anticipated additional revenue through christmas parties. Now, consolidation is being observed in banquet and event business. For nearly 40 percent of catering establishments, the number of company parties remains constant towards the end of the year. This is indicated by a study of the international market research institute CHD Expert, Scheeßel near Hamburg.

Rome, Italy / Madrid, Spain. – The World Committee on Tourism Ethics inaugurated its Permanent Secretariat on the occasion of its seventh meeting (Rome, 14-15 November). The Secretariat will provide technical and expert support to the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, in particular, promoting and disseminating UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.