by Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) has finally postponed the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) 5th World Ecotourism Conference, originally scheduled to take place in Cebu on November 13-15..After an U turn decision, the tourism department’s undersecretary Daniel G. Corpuz postponed the event because of an earthquake in a press statement accordingly:

As of 11th November 2013, Norbert Draskovits will take over as Senior Vice President Sales Scheduled Services, with responsibility for sales of airberlin’s scheduled services. He is taking over the role from Otto Gergye, who is moving within the company to the post of Senior Vice President Distribution and will in future be in overall control of airberlin’s distribution channels.

The European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) has today launched a new website (www.etoa.org).
The home page has a minimalist design including a site search box and simple signposting to other parts of the site. The interface contains roll-over displays and pop-up windows to increase the visitor’s sense of engagement and to facilitate intuitive search. It exhibits a noticeable brand refresh with colour schemes matching ETOA’s existing e-marketing campaigns.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has temporarily suspended its three weekly passenger flights and two weekly cargo flights to the Libyan capital, Tripoli, effective immediately.
The announcement follows safety and operational challenges which the airline has observed in recent months at Tripoli airport.

Eastern Hub now back in operation
Malaysia Airlines has re-introduced direct flights to Narita International Airport, Tokyo from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This much awaited service was strongly rooted for by Malaysians and Japanese alike. This service will re-open Kota Kinabalu as the Malaysian national carrier’s eastern hub.

21st World Travel Monitor® Forum in Pisa:
After 2013, figures also point to a very successful world travel year 2014 Global increase in MICE travel – decline in conventional business travel – culturally motivated travel and sun & beach holidays remain a popular trend
Financial crises, recessions, political turmoil and civil unrest, wars even – none of these things can stop people from travelling. After 2013, people will again be travelling more often than ever before also in 2014. The driving forces behind this growth are first-time travellers from China, Russia and Brazil.