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Monday March 16, 2020

Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind its Travelgram readers the articles presented here are meant to assist you in remaining informed and prepared to discuss travel news of the day with clients.


Destinations

South Africa imposes coronavirus travel restrictions affecting US, other hard-hit countries
In a sweeping set of measures Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said visas of citizens from high-risk countries, including the United States, have been revoked to contain the coronavirus epidemic. Although South Africa has seen only 61 cases of the coronavirus, and no deaths so far, according to officials, this visa shutdown appeared to be aimed at work visas. U.S. citizens may enter the African country for…

Travel updates: which countries have coronavirus restrictions and FCO warnings in place?
The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to an increasing number of countries because of coronavirus. Some destinations have travel restrictions, quarantine measures, border closures and health screenings in place due to the outbreak. If travellers have recently been on another trip abroad to affected countries, entry to other destinations could be denied or travellers quarantined. The FCO is…

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Tours and Activities

The Metropolitan Opera Will Stream Operas for Free in Wake of Coronavirus
Have you always thought that you could get really into opera if it were more easily accessible? Well, thanks to the coronavirus, now is your chance. OperaWire has reported that the Metropolitan Opera will host “Nightly Met Opera Streams” on its official website in an attempt to continue providing opera to its audience members. “We’d like to provide some grand opera solace…

Hotels and casinos along the Las Vegas Strip are closing their doors due to coronavirus
Some of the most popular hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, employing tens of thousands of workers, are shutting down amid the coronavirus pandemic. MGM Resorts International, which owns the Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Mirage, and several other resorts, announced on Sunday it is temporarily suspending operations at all of its Las Vegas properties. Chairman and CEO Jim Murren said the closure is "for the…

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Cruise

Multiple cruise ships are left stranded as coronavirus cases increase
Several cruise ships are stranded at sea, some with confirmed coronavirus cases on board, as the pandemic expands around the globe. Some ships have been denied port, leaving them to anchor off the coast of a country. Other cruises have docked with quarantined passengers aboard. Three cruise ships have confirmed cases of coronavirus on board: the MS Braemar, Silver Shadow and Silver Explorer. Here is the status of…

Cunard Suspends Global Cruise Operations Until April 11
Cunard is the latest cruise line to temporarily suspend its fleet operations as a result of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Following guidance issued by CLIA, voyages through April 11, 2020, have been cancelled. Cunard's President, Simon Palethorpe, said: "Having reviewed all of our ship operations and industry recommendations, we have decided no new guests or crew will be joining our ships as we suspend operations…

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Transportation

5 airlines are temporarily suspending operations as coronavirus and government restrictions shake the travel industry. Here's the full list.
A reduction in the demand for travel combined with government-imposed travel restrictions has forced some airlines to temporarily suspend operations. The US, Poland, Denmark, Latvia, and other countries have restricted access for non-citizens, hurting business for national and regional carriers alike. European airlines Air Baltic, LOT Polish Airlines, La Compagnie, and Scandinavian Airlines were among the first to…

White House signals third relief bill to help airline and cruise industries hit by coronavirus pandemic
Administration officials on Saturday made the clearest indication yet they expect to bring forward a third coronavirus bill aimed in part at helping industries struck by the pandemic. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made assurances there was “bipartisan support” for some for economic relief. Mnuchin indicated airlines would be high on the priority list. Other industries will likely be considered, as well. Trump…

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Lodging

From London To New York, How Empty Hotels May Turn Into Coronavirus Hospitals
As hospitals from London to New York face the increasing risk of bed shortages due to the coronavirus, could hotels–which are being emptied out by the global crisis–be the answer? Best Western Great Britain is one of those considering the option of turning hotels into temporary hospitals as additional bed space is needed. Europe is now the epicentre of the pandemic accounting for about a third of global cases,…

'We are not a hospital' – Ronaldo's hotel refutes reports of being a paid-up coronavirus infirmary
Reports that Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel was poised to turn into a makeshift infirmary for those with coronavirus are off the mark, according to the Lisbon institution. Spanish publication Marca claimed that the former Real Madrid star was ready to have one of his two hotels turned into hospitals to help combat the pandemic, which has infected over 160,000 people across the globe and has now killed over 6,000. The infection…

10 of the best places to stay on UK nature reserves
This historic country estate has been in the same family since the 1800s. Today’s inhabitants moved in with their young family five years ago and have slowly introduced a form of traditional, sustainable grazing management that is transforming the once intensively farmed fields into a species-rich landscape. Guests can stay in one of three cottages that surround a central courtyard that’s alive with bees and butterflies.…

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Other and Odd

Canadians Told to Avoid Non-Essential Travel Outside Country
Canadians are being urged to avoid non-essential travel out of the country until further notice as other nations rush to close their borders amid the coronavirus outbreak. “To limit the spread of Covid-19, many countries have put in place travel or border restrictions and other measures such as movement restrictions and quarantines,” Global Affairs Canada posted on its travel advisory website. “Airlines have canceled flights.…

CDC: 6 Questions To Ask Before You Travel Within The U.S.
Still on the fence about an upcoming trip? The CDC has put together a handy list of things to consider before you travel. One obvious consideration is whether you’re traveling to or from a destination that is impacted by the coronavirus. The entire United States is now under a Level 2 Risk Assessment for travel, though some states and regions are more affected than others. The CDC has created an interactive map…

Today in History

Hugh Thompson, Jr. - An American Hero
Captain Hugh Thompson, Jr. was a United States Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. On the morning of March 16th, 1968, he flew his helicopter over a small village in Vietnam the soldiers referred to as "Pinkville" but the locals knew as My Lai. On the ground below him, he witnessed American soldiers killing old men,…

Press Releases of Interest

South African Airways To Offer Customers Flexible Travel Options On Selected Routes Due To Covid-19
JOHANNESBURG, March 13, 2020 - Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, South African Airways (SAA) is offering customers flexible travel options with one free change in reservations on selected international routes to be used for travel on or before September 30, 2020. SAA will allow one…

Editorial Musings

COVID-19 has left me speechless
by John Frenaye
Monday March 16, 2020

A month ago, I had a feeling that “this corona thing” might be a problem for the travel industry. As the weeks went on, and Princess was taking it on the chin with a cruise ship stuck in Japan, I knew it was going to get worse. But a month ago, never did I imagine we’d be here where we are today.  I am speechless. But even so, it is time for some straight talk.

Weathering this storm

Travel behemoths will weather this storm and come pout battered and bruised. We all know who they are. But most of us (and many of our suppliers) are not travel behemoths, and the fact is that many of us will not be in business this time next…

  — Travel Research Online
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Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos

Time For a Reality Check

 “I’ve lost my passion for this industry. I find myself feeling bummed-out and I seem to be spinning my wheels more often than not. I find myself questioning if I am in the right business.”…

  — Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities


Australis 102 – Itinerary Ideas in Patagonia

Australis 102 – Itinerary Ideas in Patagonia

Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT

Our last webinar Australis 101 focused on the basics of Australis Cruises, our ships, itineraries, and some online tools to help you sell Patagonia and Australis to your South America bound clients. In this webinar we will do a brief review of the basics and then offer itinerary suggestions for other areas within Patagonia that can easily be combined with the cruise to form an incredible land/sea adventure.

Register Now ➠


GROUNDED. What's Next? Our Team of Experts Speak Up

GROUNDED. What's Next? Our Team of Experts Speak Up

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT

Join Chief motivation officer Stuart Cohen, publisher Richard Earls and a team of top industry experts for this timely town hall meeting.

Register Now ➠







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