The Week In Travel

In London this week, the chief executive of the Saudi Tourism Authority called for more action on sustainability within the travel industry. Speaking at World Travel Market, Fahd Hamidaddin said that while it’s easy for organisations to pay lip-service to reducing the impact of tourism on the environment, it’s important to step up and take active measures.

It was reported this week that global air travel has rebounded to 74% of pre-pandemic levels. The data gathered by IATA shows that there was a surge of travel in September following the easing of travel restrictions across many countries. Asia Pacific, the region most reluctant to reopen borders, recorded the largest bounce in passenger traffic – up by 465% compared to last year.

In aviation news, Air Canada this week launched its first direct flights from London to Mumbai. The airline also has plans to increase connections between Europe and North America ahead of summer 2023.

And finally, the head of the tourist board for the Swedish coastal region of Halland expressed his deep frustration this week at the area’s diminishing online presence as a result of spelling errors. Increasingly, a Google search for the region – famed for its sand dunes and beaches – will bring up pictures of crack Norwegian footballer Erling Braut Haaland. The chief of Visit Halland strongly urged fans to check their spelling before searching.