08 Sep 2013, 04:55 pm
Countries attending called for closer coordination between both policies highlighting that too often these interlinked sectors are dissociated .
Delegations from the 120 UNWTO Members States intervening at the 20th
Session of the UNWTO Assembly discussed air transport policies in their respective countries and called for measures and initiatives to increase connectivity. Countries further called for closer collaboration between tourism and air transport policies
Issues such as visa facilitation, the need to make airports more visitor friendly, taxation, open skies and the impact of low cost airlines were among the issues in debate.
UNWTO has defined connectivity as one of its policy priorities alongside visa facilitation and fair taxation and is working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on advancing these issues as well as those related to addressing climate change, the modernization of aviation regulations and the development of convergent rules for traveller and enterprise protection.
More than one billion tourists crossed international borders during 2012, over half of who travelled by air to their destinations.
- India announces free e-visas to Filipino tourists
- Sweden unveils Nämdöskärgården – A new Marine National Park in the Baltic Sea
- Monsoon Charity Fair in Kolkata highlights efforts of social changemakers
- Jordan showcases Adventure Tourism with 2025 Marathon Des Sables
- 10 Indian nationals among 99 denied entry into Malaysia after security screening at Kuala Lumpur airport
- Visiting US just got $250 more expensive; here's why
- Air India begins phased resumption of international flights after AI171 crash; Heathrow to replace Gatwick on Ahmedabad-London route
- We took a hit post-Pahalgam but tourism is flowing back: J&K CM Omar Abdullah assures safety to visitors
- Air India expands codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius
- Air India announces network-wide sale ahead of the summer holiday season
Malaysia Airlines will expand its South India network by adding more flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Trivandrum route to meet rising demand, the airline said. From September 12, the carrier will operate five weekly services, with daily flights to start from December 1.
IndiGo has expanded its codeshare agreement with KLM, the Netherlands’ national airline, providing its passengers with enhanced access to destinations across Europe and the United Kingdom through KLM’s network, the airline said.
Etihad Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines have signed a frequent flyer partnership, allowing members of Etihad Guest and Azul Fidelidade programme to earn and redeem loyalty points across both airlines.