Van City Famous with its Typical Cats - 2 Michelin yıldızlı şef İstanbul'da restoran açtı Mozart'dan ötesi - S&M Publication
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November / December 2020 No: 175
Van City
Famous with its Typical
Cats
2 Michelin yıldızlı şef İstanbul’da
restoran açtı
Mozart’dan ötesi...
EDITOR’S NOTE
We want to forget 2020
We are entering the last two months of a nightmarish 2020.
International travel dropped by 70% in 2020. This decline also has social and
economic consequences for tourism and puts millions of businesses
and businesses at risk.
In Turkey, tourism revenue was down 71%, only 12 million tourist
visited Turkey in 9 months.
Unfortunately, the pace of Covid-19 infections has not slowed
down, and it still continues infecting people all over the world. Many
countries are putting tourism in the background by closing their Suat Töre
borders again.
Our hopes have returned to 2021, but we are afraid that this virus will continue its
impact in the next few years.
&
In this issue, you will find tourism news on our pages.
You will read about Turkey’s charming destination of Van, famous with its cats and
Austria’s famous capital city of Vienna.
We wish you a pleasant reading.
Contents
6 Turkey News
12 Inbrief
6 16 World News
28 Cover Story
16 36 Destinasyon
40 Bülten
50 Kısa Kısa
28
36
4 New Focus | November / December 2020
Turkey news
Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency Becomes A
Member of World’s Leading Tourism Organizations
Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) which is
responsible for the promotion and development of Turkey as a tourism
brand, initiated its membership with leading tourism organizations in the
world such as UNWTO, ICCA, ECM and Medcruise.
The first institution that TGA announced its membership to was the United
Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). TGA, which is accepted as an
“affiliate member” to UNWTO, the expert organization of the United Nations
tasked with promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible
tourism, will be able to benefit from all the information resources and
cooperation opportunities of the organization.
Another membership of TGA is
with ICCA (International Congress
and Convention Association), one
of the most important and largest
organizations of congresses,
conventions and the international
meetings sector in the world. ICCA,
which has more than 1,000 members, all
of which operate in the meeting and congress sector in 90 countries, is one
of the most important structures in this sector with its recognition in the
global congress market, business and information sharing and widespread
communication network.
TGA joined the European Tourism Cities Federation of ECM (European
Cities Marketing) with 110 members representing 100 European cities in
32 countries as a Board Member and will represent Turkey in this major
organization to which city tourism offices with headquarters in Europe as
well as convention and visitors bureaus are members of.
The last institution that TGA announced its membership with is
MedCruise (The Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports). Established
in 1996 with an agreement for cooperation between 16 ports in seven
different countries with the mission to promote the cruise industry in the
Mediterranean and neighboring seas, MedCruise today represents more
than 140 ports and 34 private memberships in 21 countries in Africa, Asia
and Europe.
TGA Board Member and Spokesperson Erkan Yağcı made the following
6 New Focus | November / December 2020
statements about the new memberships: “Our memberships with the
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the International
Congress and Fairs Association (ICCA), the European Federation of Tourism
Cities (ECM) and the Mediterranean Cruise Ports Association (MedCruise),
which are considered the top organizations in the tourism sector globally, is
also a sign of the international acceptance of TGA’s work. TGA’s mission is to
‘represent, lead and serve the tourism sector of Turkey. These memberships
will also open doors for us to exchange ideas with important stakeholders
such as public institutions, private companies and universities in many
parts of the world and carry out various joint projects”.
With the new memberships regarding UNWTO, ICCA, MedCruise and ECM;
TGA will work alongside the associations to strengthen ties between the
public and private sectors and drive tourism’s recovery from the impacts
of the COVID-19 pandemic with the common goal of maintaining recovery
and making the sector more resilient and sustainable.
Trade Shows Resume in Istanbul
The fairs and exhibitions in Istanbul that attract people from all over the
world resumed under strict hygiene rules and precautions due to the
pandemic. CNR Beauty & Wellness Fair became the first international fair to
be opened in İstanbul after a six-months break.
Implementing the safety and health regulations including social distancing,
hygiene, and obligatory face masks, the Beauty & Wellness Fair hosted
25.000 professionals in 3 days.
Organized for the 3rd time, the fair brings together beauty, healthcare, and
cosmetics sectors under one roof. The fair hosts local and foreign sector
professionals, including beauty salon operators, managers, aestheticians,
hospital, and clinic dermatology unit managers.
Visitors had the opportunity to examine,
test, and compare new technological
devices, trends, and medical beauty
products at the fair, where products of
more than 500 brands are displayed.
Since the beginning of the 2020 summer
season, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and
Tourism is supervising the implementation of the ‘Safe Tourism Certification
Program’.
www.smpublication.com 7
Turkey news
Formula 1 Returns to Istanbul
On 15th November, after a gap of nine years, Intercity Istanbul Park will be
playing host to Formula 1, the world’s most important motorsports event.
Followed by millions of viewers around
the world, Formula 1 is one of the key
sporting events at which countries showcase
themselves. The 14th race of the season,
Formula 1 DHL Turkish Grand Prix 2020, will
take place at Intercity Istanbul Park on the
13th, 14th and 15th November.
Initially announced that the event will welcome some spectators and
tickets went on sale, later Istanbul governorship announced that the event
will be closed to spectators.
Formula 1 will be coming back to Istanbul as part of its 2020 schedule,
returning to the country that hosted the Formula 1 Grand Prix between
2005 and 2011. Istanbul is one of the final four races of the 2020 F1 season.
UK Adds Poland and Turkey to Quarantine List
UK’s Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Oct.1 announced Poland, Turkey
and three Caribbean islands are being added to the Government’s travel
quarantine ‘red list’ - but holidays to Greece and Italy are still allowed.
Poland’s infection rate has risen, while the UK government said it removed
Turkey over concerns about the way the country reports its data.
Anyone returning from Turkey or Poland, as well as the Caribbean islands of
Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, must quarantine for 14 days.
Mr. Shapps said, “You MUST self-isolate if you enter the UK from a non-
exempt country - from tomorrow, we’re increasing the penalties for people
who refuse to do so to a maximum of £10,000 for repeat offenders.”
According to the official report from Turkey, the country is below the UK’s
benchmark for applying the quarantine of 20 cases for every 100,000
people.
Mr. Shapps said, “We’re also removing Turkey from the list - the Turkish
Health Ministry has been defining the number of new COVID-19 cases in a
different way to the definition used by international organisations such as
WHO and ECDC, so we have updated our risk assessment for the country.”
8 New Focus | November / December 2020
WTTC: 1.61 Million Travel & Tourism Jobs Could be Saved in Turkey
The World Travel & Tourism Council is to spearhead a major global drive
to revive international travel with the public and private sector working
together in partnership. During the historic G20 Tourism Ministers session,
WTTC and its Members presented their plan to save the embattled Travel &
Tourism sector and explored key initiatives to deliver the prompt recovery
of the sector and save millions of lost jobs.
Following its success, WTTC is continuing to lead the response to the
devastating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the struggling
Travel & Tourism sector.
Now it intends to establish a structure
to deliver on these goals, led by a global
Steering Committee, comprised of 12
WTTC Member CEOs and other business
and institutional leaders to establish an
international consensus to take action. The
priorities and recommendations made by
the Steering Committee, will be passed
onto functional working groups for action and delivery.
These specialised working groups will address how to open up travel by
creating crucial ‘air corridors’ and a globally recognised standard for an
airport test and trace regime, amongst others. In addition, a Government
Affairs Working Group, will liaise with individual governments to ensure
they have all the relevant data and information needed to support our
efforts.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC is uniquely positioned
to provide a platform at the highest level where the private and public
sector can work together to help revive international business and leisure
travel and save 100 million jobs globally and more than 1.6 million in Turkey
alone.
WTTC will continue working with major industry bodies and global
organisations, such as International Air Transport Association (IATA,
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airport Council
International (ACI), World Economic Forum (WEF), International Chamber
of Commerce (ICC), to further take forward the positive steps which have
already been achieved.
www.smpublication.com 9
Turkey news
Istanbul Design Biennial Opens
Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) under
the sponsorship of VitrA and with the support of the Republic of Turkey
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the 5th Istanbul Design Biennial opens on
October 15, 2020.
Entitled Empathy Revisited: Designs for more than one and curated by
Mariana Pestana with Sumitra Upham (Curator of Programmes) and Billie
Muraben (Assistant Curator & Deputy Editor), the Istanbul Design Biennial
will be held with a new structure with various projects, mostly being
produced locally in Istanbul, by participants from various countries and
disciplines, intervening in exhibition venues, outdoor spaces in Istanbul
and digital platforms. The projects displayed in the exhibition venues will
be open to visit until 15 November 2020 whereas the interventions in the
city, research projects and video series will continue to evolve until 30 April
2021.
The 5th Istanbul Design Biennial brings
together ideas and projects that seek to
define a new role for design based on
empathy. As a mediator of emotions and
feelings, design is presented here as a
practice that takes care as its main purpose.
Designers adopt sensitive, diplomatic,
sometimes therapeutic functions, with the
aim of connecting us with one another but also with the world around us,
with other species, with microorganisms, soil, water and even the universe.
Aspiring to carve out a space of responsibility and nourish a culture
of attachment towards the more-than-human, this biennial explores
designs for multiple bodies, dimensions, and perspectives. The projects on
display encourage us to rethink practices of care and civility at this critical
moment in time, and to collectively build new systems and structures for
re-connecting. This biennial offers critical tools and alternative pathways
in face of urgent climate and economic crises, a general state of social
deprivation, and an exhausted global industrial model. Designs for more
than one are those that take into consideration not just their immediate
user or client but the many constituents and complex entanglements
inherent to any design process.
Mariana Pestana said: “The current restrictions around social distancing
10 New Focus | November / December 2020became an opportunity to reappraise the standard model of the biennial
and rethink our relationship with the environment. I believe that design can
help us do exactly that, empathically. The new format of the 5th Istanbul
Design Biennial proposes a completely new mode of engagement as we
look into how design mediates our relationships with non-human subjects.
It meets people where they are – out in the street, in parks or even at
homes via Internet – to involve a broad range of people from both the local
and global world. This biennial will also be an evolving conversation that
begins this autumn and will extend for a longer period with many of the
projects becoming long-term installations in the city or continuing their
lifecycle digitally, thus, creating opportunities for new beginnings.
I hope that the biennial will create the context for designers to experiment,
rehearse and imagine different futures and that it inspires a new,
empathetic way to think about design.”
Three Turkish Cities Join UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
Three cities from Turkey have joined the UNESCO Global Network of
Learning Cities (GNLC), along with 52 other cities from 27 countries.
The cities of Afyonkarahisar, Balikesir and Izmir have been recognised
as outstanding examples of how lifelong learning can become a reality
at local level. They have proven that effective lifelong learning policies
and practices can support the development of inclusive, safe, resilient
and sustainable cities and contribute to the 2030 Agenda. Today’s new
members bring the total number of cities within the UNESCO GNLC to 230
in 64 countries.
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
(UIL), as coordinator of the network,
admitted the new members following their
nomination by the National Commissions
for UNESCO in the concerned countries. A
strong commitment to lifelong learning by
the mayor and city administration is a key
prerequisite for becoming a learning city.
As part of their application process, potential UNESCO GNLC members must
demonstrate a clear vision for providing lifelong learning opportunities
for everyone in the community. Once admitted, cities are expected to
take part in the activities of the network and to produce a biennial report
outlining their achievements as learning cities. The new member cities will
www.smpublication.com 11turkey news
be presented in an online event on 23 September 2020.
The Afyonkarahisar municipality aims to continue fostering the culture
of learning and individual development that it has maintained for many
centuries. As a learning city, it seeks to mobilize resources in every sector
to develop and enrich all human potential for the fostering of personal
growth, the maintenance of social cohesion and the creation of prosperity.
COVID-19 has presented challenges for the education system of the city
and demonstrated the necessity of being prepared and developing new
competencies and skills. With the help of core stakeholders such as public
universities, the national education directorate, the public education
directorate and teaching associations the city sees this challenge as an
opportunity to develop education programmes. New online learning
methods will be developed and local and international tools for learning
will be prepared.
Mehmet Zeybek, the Mayor of Afyonkarahisar said, “Becoming a learning
city necessitates the involvement of all related institutions support like
In Brief
Eylem Fındık has been Ömer Özcan is the new
appointed as CEO of general manager of
Republika Academic Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul
Aparts, San Antonio, Ottomare.
Texas.
Atilla Karaburçak M. Tolga Akinci named
named as the member as the general manager of
of the board at Fethiye Dedeman Mövenpick Hotel
Ölüdeniz Oyster Istanbul Golden Horn.
Residences.
Erdoğan Turan has Tamer Bektaş has been
been appointed as appointed as general
tourism coordinator of manager of Park Dedeman
MK Groub. Kastamonu.
Nicolas Kipper is the Hidayet Gökçen is the new
new general manager general manager of MC Park
of Fairmont İstanbul. Otium Resort Hotel.
Harun Dursun has S. Mete Erna is the new
been appointed as general manager of Havaş.
general manager of
Mandarin Oriental
Bosphorus, Istanbul.
12 New Focus | November / December 2020city governorships, universities and local education authorities. As a
municipality we are working closely with AlyonKocatepe University and
Afyon Health Sciences University along with local primary and secondary
education authorities. Within the scope of lifelong learning, we carry out a
lot of different trainings, workshops, and educations with aforementioned
institutions to distinct communities in society. We are not only targeting
the youth but also the adults, disadvantaged groups and unemployed
people as well.”
As outlined in the mission and vision statements of the 2020–2024 Balikesir
Metropolitan Municipality Strategic Plan, lifelong learning is to be part of
each citizen’s life, as is necessary for the digital age and information society.
Balikesir is convinced that individuals’ knowledge and skills, motivations
and activities in lifelong learning are important for the development of a
sustainable society. By raising individuals’ awareness and helping them to
meet their intellectual potential, the city intends that its citizens will be able
to process information about complex systems and think creatively and
abstractly across new disciplines.
Yücel Yilmaz, the Mayor of Balikesir said “The Ballkesir Metropolitan
Municipality, in association with stakeholders involved in building the
UNESCO learning city, continuously supports, empowers and provides
sociocultural development and employability to individuals of different
age and education levels by improving their knowledge, values, skills
and competencies they will require throughout their lifetimes. Being a
member of UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, will lead the city to
appreciate the opportunity to share all we have to offer and what we can
provide.”
As a Mediterranean city working towards the Sustainable Development
Goals; Izmir wants to strengthen its global ties, to receive guidance and
support from learning cities, and to share its best practices with other cities.
Izmir is convinced that in order to develop the city, the people who live
there must develop first through education. By transforming citizens into
more conscious, active and more educated individuals, the city aspires to
create a society of solidarity, equality and democratic spirit that contributes
to sustainable development in Izmir. As a city that receives 25.000 to 30.000
domestic and foreign migrants annually, many of which are refugees,
education has become an important means to help the increasing young
population adapt to social life in the city. The municipality seeks to provide
education to everyone regardless of gender and age.
www.smpublication.com 13TURKEY news
Ukraine’s Market Share in Turkish Tourism Continues to Grow
Like other regions in Europe and across the world, Turkey’s travel and
tourism industry has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In August 2020, only 2.1 million tourists visited the country; a 69 percent
drop compared to August 2019. In the first 8 months of 2020, Turkey’s
total tourist arrivals recorded 9.2 million; a devastating drop of 74 percent
compared to the same period last
year.
Just like in the 2016 crisis, the
Ukrainian tourism market draws the
Turkish tourism industry’s attention
in 2020 during the COVID-19
pandemic.
In recent years, the tourist market
share of Ukraine in Turkey has risen two-fold. According to the analysis of
Turizmdatabank.com with data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
and TURKSTAT; the share of Ukrainian tourists coming to Turkey rose to
about 4% from 2% 10 years ago. The number of travelers from Germany
records 76.6% drop, Russian Federation 84%, Bulgaria 68.5%, Ukraine 53%,
and the U.K. 74.8%.
In the 2016 crisis, the number of Ukrainian tourists visiting Turkey rose to a
record increase from 706 thousand to 1 million. The recovery in the market
continued in the 2017-2019 period, exceeding the 1.5 million mark. The
drop in tourist arrivals from Ukraine is well below the total percentage.
During this period when all markets declined, Ukraine’s share increased.
Ukraine’s share of 3.2% in 8 months of 2019 has increased to the 8% band
this year. In particular, 15% of tourists coming to Turkey in July and August
were obtained from the Ukrainian market.
Ukraine, which has shown such a significant improvement in the number of
tourists, also shows a recovery in tourism expenditures and tourism income
for Turkey. According to TurkStat findings, Ukrainian tourists visiting Turkey
in the last 10 years spent around US$400 to US$450 range per person.
Per capita expenditures reached the level of US$1000 for non-package,
individual expenditures.
However, per capita income from the Ukrainian market is in a downward
trend. Package tour expenditure, which was around US$450 USD in 2012,
14 New Focus | November / December 2020decreased to US$415 in 2019; Individual spend per capita decreased from
US$1,400 to US$1,000.
As 65-70% of the incoming Ukrainian tourists use package tours, the
tourism income obtained is also relatively low.
The rapid increase of package tours might be the reason behind the
uninterrupted growth of the Ukrainian market.
The number of Ukrainian package tour tourists, which was around 350
thousand in 2012, reached 850 thousand in 2019. Individual arrivals are
only around 380 thousand. While the package tourist has grown by 40% in
the last 10 years, individual entries have stayed below 10%.
Turkish Tourism Sector Receives Support Package
The Banks Association of Turkey (TBB) announced a support package for
the tourism sector, one of the most affected sectors during the COVID-19
pandemic. The package aimed at meeting the institutional credit
expenditures and cash needs of the tourism firms and suppliers of those
firms, along with the rent and salary expenditures in a bid to cushion the
COVID-19 pandemic’s negative impact on the sector and economy in
general while preserving employment and production values.
A total of 10 billion TL credit will
be provided by the banks with the
guarantee of the Ministry of Treasury
and Finance and the guarantee of the
Credit Guarantee Fund.
The credits will have a maturity
term of 48 months with a 12-month
nonpayment period on the condition of not exceeding Nov. 1, 2021.
The banks that will be allocating Tourism Support Package loans included
Akbank, Denizbank, Garanti BBVA, Halkbank, Iş Bank, QNB Finansbank,
TEB, VakıfBank, Yapı Kredi and Ziraat Bank along with several participation
banks, namely, Ziraat Katılım, Albaraka Türk Participation Bank, Kuveyt Türk
Participation Bank, Türkiye Finans and Vakıf Katılım.
The interest rate for the fixed interest loans was determined as a maximum
of 14.5%.
The bail upper limit will be TL 32 million per receiver and the credit upper
limit will be TL 40 million.
www.smpublication.com 15world news
UNWTO Announces New International Code for the Protection of
Tourists
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced new plans to offer
tourists greater legal protection as consumers. With restoring confidence
a key priority for the sector, the International Code for the Protection of
Tourists advanced by UNWTO with the support of almost 100 Member
States so far, will make the support available to tourists affected by
emergency situations clearer and more consistent globally.
In its first meeting, the Committee for the
Development of an International Code for the
Protection of Tourists has featured the active
participation of 92 UNWTO Member States.
Together, they adopted a concrete plan of
action to restore tourists’ confidence through
a common and harmonized framework. Within
the next weeks, international organizations, the European Commission as
well as private stakeholders will be called upon to join this unprecedented
initiative to achieve a more fair and balanced share of responsibilities
among all tourism stakeholders in the post COVID-19 world.
UNWTO published the Recommendations for the Assistance to
International Tourists in Emergency Situations, laying the ground for the
International Code for the Protection of Tourists.
These Recommendations are addressed at States and are designed to
ensure that responsibility for tourists in emergency situations is shared
fairly across the whole of the tourism value chain, including:
• Preventing possible disruptions by drawing up contingency plans and
coordination protocols and training tourism stakeholders to assist
tourists in emergency situations
• Providing real-time information for tourists
• Addressing cross-border cooperation between governments and
tourism service providers
• Fostering close collaboration between governments and travel and
accommodation providers
• Addressing the effective repatriation of tourists.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Uncertainty and a
lack of trust in travel are among the biggest challenges we face as we work
to restart tourism. An International Code for the Protection of Tourists will
be a landmark step towards addressing this. Establishing a standard set
16 New Focus | November / December 2020of minimum consumer protection standards for tourists will help make
people feel safer and more confident in international travel. And it will also
ensure that the responsibility of managing the disruptions caused by this
pandemic is shared fairly across the whole of our sector.”
It is anticipated a progress report on the development of the International
Code for the Protection of Tourists will be presented at the next UNWTO
General Assembly (end of 2021 in Marrakech, Morocco) for approval by
Member States.
Italian Tourism to Recover by 2023
Italy, renowned as a popular tourist destination, is expected at least a 50
percent drop in tourist arrivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According
to the data from ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board, Italy will experience a
49% contraction in the domestic and foreign markets in 2020 and will only
be able to reach 2019 levels in 2023. However, this recovery will not be due
to the foreign market. Expectations are that the domestic market in Italy
will recover faster.
“In the basic scenario for 2020 during
the Covid period; the number of foreign
and domestic visitors, which is 57 million
in total last year, will decrease by 49%
compared to 2019,” according to analysis
revealed by Turizmdatabank.com.
In 2023, the total number of tourists
will increase by 1% compared to 2019,
according to the data of ENIT. This increase will be due to domestic tourism.
On the other hand, for foreign visitors, it will still be 5% below 2019
(overnight).
ENIT reveals that Italian tourism contributes to the economy more than
France and Spain. The direct contribution of tourism to the Italian economy
in an international comparison in economic terms (keeping the total
national GDP in the economy in 2019) will decrease by -2.6 percentage
points in 2020 (3.2% of GDP) compared to 2019 (5.7 % of GDP). Although
significant, this decline is lower than that of many other countries: France
4.5%, Spain -3.1%.
From the latest updates, overnight international visitors are expected to
decrease by -58% (37 million visitors) in 2020. The number of overnight
www.smpublication.com 17stays will decrease by 126 million compared to 2019. The downward trend
of -31% is confirmed on the domestic market (16 million visitors); domestic
overnight says are expected to be 46 million lower in 2020 than in 2019.
ENIT interviewed over 4 thousand people in the last week of August (from
24 to 30). It emerges that 41% of Italians could not take a vacation, while
59% of the population spent at least 1 period away from home: 42% spent
a holiday period while 17% spent two or more periods away from their
residence.
Most Italians stayed at home in 97% of cases, preferring destinations
such as Emilia Romagna, Puglia, and Sicily; accounting for 9% of Italian
vacationers. The mountains also performed well with Trentino Alto Adige
(8%), but also Tuscany (8%), Piedmont (7%), and Lombardy (7%). Abroad
(3%), Italians remained in Mediterranean Europe (35%), Northern Europe
(24%), or Eastern Europe (14%). On average, a family spent 850 euros on a
holiday and three out of ten spend a thousand euros. In fact, most Italians
went on vacation as a couple (46%) or as a family with their children (40%),
while only 17% moved with friends. 7% chose the holiday alone.
The pandemic has had a heavy impact on the Italian meetings industry as
well. 70% of conferences and events are canceled in Italy due to Covid-19,
according to recent research conducted by Università Cattolica’s Graduate
School of Economics and International Relations in cooperation with
Federcongressi&eventi.
GBTA Poll Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Business Travel
The latest Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) poll (October 2020)
reveals some insights about the today and future of business travel during
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
76% of respondents believe that
rapid testing prior to departure,
and waiving quarantining
requirements for those who test
negative, to be the best way to
open up international travel.
63% of European GBTA
members and 43% globally, cite
government travel restrictions
and policies, such as quarantine and entry restrictions, as the greatest
18 New Focus | November / December 2020barrier to travel, according to the poll conducted between October 12-16,
2020. 32% cite company policy as the next barrier to travel, with employee
unwillingness/ reluctance to travel (9%) and company cost savings (6%) to
a lesser extent.
“The current patch-work approach to travel, particularly across Europe, is
pro-longing the devastating effects of COVID-19 on both the industry and
the economy as a whole. It is evident from our latest poll that our members
would welcome the opportunity to travel again in a safe environment
and would be satisfied with the rapid testing approach pre-travel” said
Catherine Logan, Regional VP, Europe GBTA.
Despite the rapid growth and necessity for virtual meetings, 82% of
respondents still feel face-to-face meetings are ‘more’ or ‘much more’
effective. Fewer feel virtual meetings are equally effective (14%) and just
2% see virtual meetings as more effective.
“There is a clear indication that regular business travellers are looking
forward to returning to travel and the benefits of a face-to-face meeting
are undisputable. Almost all GBTA members (94%) flew for business prior to
March 2020, before the start of the pandemic, but just 6% have flown since
- a clear illustration in the loss of revenue not only for the business travel
industry, but from corporations not closing new business deals to the wider
global economy and GDP”, commented Dave Hilfman, Interim Executive
Director GBTA.
The impact of COVID-19 is reinforced by the poll figures which find 59% of
GBTA member companies reduced staff or laid off employees as a direct
result of the pandemic. 52% furloughed employees, and 48% introduced
pay cuts. Almost half (46%) of those GBTA member organizations with
furloughed employees report seeing some return to work in ‘some’
capacity.
The lack of government support continues to be a point of contention
and 62% member think it is ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ that further reductions or
staff layoffs are inevitable if additional government aid is not received. Half
(51%) predict further furloughs and 46% believe further pay cuts are likely
or ‘very’ likely without government interaction.
The current short-term forecast for travel remains unchanged with 90%
of GBTA member companies still not open to International travel and 68%
domestically, as companies continue to cancel and / or suspend almost all
business travel regardless of destination.
www.smpublication.com 19world news
New Survey Reveals Massive Impact of COVID-19 on
Africa’s Safari Industry
The eighth monthly survey among 294 safari tour operators in Africa
continues to reveal a staggeringly steep drop in business of at least 75%.
This month a slight improvement from previous surveys was apparent, with
a small number of operators reporting
an increase in enquiries and bookings.
But the overall decline is still a massive
issue with the coronavirus pandemic
continuing to have a harsh economic
impact on Africa’s US$12.4 billion safari
industry. The survey by SafariBookings.
com, an online marketplace for African safari tours, conducted a
comprehensive analysis of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in
the safari industry, and associated drop in international tourism arrival
numbers.
Most tour operators have experienced a disturbing decline in bookings of
at least 75% which is unsustainable in the long term for most businesses.
This is in line with the previous seven surveys we have conducted, with
just a very small improvement in both enquiries and bookings received by
operators differentiating this survey.
As one operator told us, “The impact from the coronavirus in Tanzania has
been devastating. The tourism industry in this country employs so many
people. Most, if not all, safari companies have no business. The staff cannot
pay their rent or buy food, it is a very sad situation.”
This operator struck a more optimistic tone, “The coronavirus has affected
more than 80% of our safari business [in Tanzania] and also other sectors
that depend on tourism. That said, we hope that life is going to get back to
normal in the coming season.” In total, 90% of operators claimed to have
lost at least three quarters of the bookings they would usually receive
around this time.
Helene, CrissCross Namibia Safaris, a Namibian operator summed it up, “All
bookings for 2020 have been postponed to 2021. We have not received
any new bookings for 2021.” Le Li, Sino Africa Safari, a Kenyan operator was
doing even worse, “Currently, we don’t have any confirmed bookings.”
Almost 70% of operators who took part in our latest survey confirmed that
cancellations on existing bookings had increased by at least 75%. In all,
20 New Focus | November / December 2020less than 10% of operators said it was business as usual. “The only emails
we receive nowadays are cancellation and rescheduled bookings, no new
requests at all,” an operator from Uganda reported.
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Namibia have reopened their
borders for tourism. Except for Tanzania, these safari countries require proof
of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within a couple of days before flying.
Rwanda, Uganda and Namibia require additional testing upon arrival – a
couple of days after arriving in the country or shortly before leaving the
country.
South Africa has opened as well, but currently not for high-risk countries,
including the US and most European countries. This South African operator
reflected many similar comments, “South Africa’s borders have reopened
but still 60 countries are prohibited from entering. These include major
source markets such as the US and UK. So, it’s still going to be tough for a
while. Hoping for an improvement in October.”
Seychelles Reopens for Travelers around the world
Seychelles, the popular holiday destination in the Indian Ocean that
opened its borders for international travelers on August 1, updates its
COVID-19 entry requirements. Travelers from all countries are welcomed
but with limitations.
The Seychelles Department of Tourism
reviews its Visitor’s Travel Advisory
effective Friday, October 2, 2020.
The review follows a proposal of the
Tourism Taskforce to provide potential
visitors with clearer information
regarding the list of countries for which
visitors are permitted into Seychelles.
As per the new advisory, all countries allowed to enter Seychelles will be
considered permitted countries and have been divided into 2 categories.
Category 1 includes permitted countries from low and medium risk.
Category 2 will only consist of countries from the list of seven countries
given special status, in the instance that any of these countries progress to
high risk.
Category 2 of permitted countries
www.smpublication.com 21world news
• Travelers from these countries will be subject to a set of different
measures amongst which are COVID PCR test prior to travel should be
no more than 48 hours,
• stay within hotels designated for Category 2 countries,
• restricted movement for the first 5 days of the stay in Seychelles.
• requested to adhere to all stated procedures in the Visitor’s Travel
Advisory,
• ensure that all requirements are met before arrival, failing which, may
result in restriction of entry.
Visitors coming from category 1 countries
They will be deemed as low or medium
risks- appearing on the permitted list
will not be subject to special conditions
imposed for category 2 countries.
Ensuring the safety of visitors and
the local population, the Department
of Tourism has published a detailed
visitor’s travel advisory addressing the conditions for holidaymakers visiting
the destination from both categories of countries.
A list of authorized accommodations for category 2 permitted countries
that are subjected to regular updates by the Tourism Department has also
been published for visitors’ information.
To date, 74 tourism establishments have been accredited on that list and
work continues in endorsing other tourism establishments, which have
expressed interest.
LIST OF PERMITTED COUNTRIES - Category 1 (as of Oct. 1, 2020)
Australia, Austria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt,
Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Malaysia, Cambodia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway,
Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam.
LIST OF PERMITTED COUNTRIES – Category 2 (as of Oct. 1, 2020)
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and the
United Arab Emirates
For more details visit this page
22 New Focus | November / December 2020Ukraine Borders Reopen
Popular Eastern European travel destination: Ukraine has reopened its
borders once again on September 28, 2020.
Ukraine imposed a ban on foreign citizens to enter the country due to
growth in the coronavirus cases between August 29 and September 28.
The Ukrainian government won’t close its borders again after the entry
ban expired on September 28, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba
reported.
Foreigners are only allowed to enter
Ukraine with valid health insurance,
details here.
Red Zone vs. Green Zone Countries
Ukraine divides countries into two zones;
Red and Green. The list of countries in
each zone is reviewed by the Ministry of Health every 7 days.
The “red zone” consists of countries where the number of COVID-19 cases in
the last 14 days is higher than the number of cases in Ukraine.
Also, those countries where was increased more than 30% of new cases in
the last 14 days compared to the last two weeks.
Citizens arriving from “Green Zone” countries will not be required to
undergo self-isolation.
For the latest update on countries in both zones visit this page
Where Aussies Want to Travel Today
Australia’s strict COVID-19 bans not only block its citizens from leaving the
country but also restricts domestic travel as some Australian states and
territories are currently under different levels of restrictions.
While the travel industry hit very hard in Australia, Aussies are impatient
to travel again. Fresh research released by Australian cashback service
Kickback shows Aussies are busting for an overseas holiday.
The survey of 500 Australians was conducted in October, with 73% of
respondents saying they believe there is pent up demand for international
travel after COVID restrictions ease.
The figures show travellers are conflicted between a beach escape (24%) or
www.smpublication.com 23world news
reuniting with family and friends (25%), and that most respondents were
dreaming of a trip to New Zealand.
Significantly, most (74%) travellers believe the cost of flights and hotels
will be higher for the next few years, with respondents more likely to use
cashback or coupon sites such as Kickback to save money on their travel
bookings.
Kickback co-founder David Boyd said
the findings were important.
“These findings confirm that demand
is strong and that the travel industry
needs to be prepared to meet it,” he
said.
Most respondents are keeping faith with travel providers, with many
confident that airlines and hotels will be clean to a COVID safe level.
However, the uncertainty of Coronavirus means most are more likely to
take out travel insurance.
Brothers Andrew and David Boyd launched Kickback.com.au in early 2020.
The platform now boasts more than 400 retailers and more than 6500
members.
David Boyd said Kickback combines the rewards structure from frequent
flyer programs to cashback, which means the more members shop with
Kickback, the more cash back they earn.
Mr. Boyd added Kickback had a tiered system, meaning that the more
members use the platform, the further they ‘level up’, unlocking cash
bonuses and increased benefits.
Low fares and Last-Minute Holidays to Mexico and the Caribbean
Trigger A Travel Rebound
It is common knowledge that the global pandemic has wreaked
destruction on the travel industry, with total international arrivals in the
third quarter of the year 94% down on the same period in 2019.
But now, research undertaken by ForwardKeys, the travel analytics
company, reveals that there may be a glimmer of hope immediately south
of the USA. Bookings for travel to holiday hot spots in Mexico and various
Caribbean islands in the fourth quarter of the year, are looking significantly
less bad than almost everywhere else in the world.
24 New Focus | November / December 2020As of 19th September, flight bookings globally for the fourth quarter of
2020 were 83% behind where they were at the equivalent moment last
year. However, bookings (in order of market size) from all international
markets to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and
Aruba were behind by 52%, 59%, 56%, 47% and 50% respectively.
Olivier Ponti, VP, Insights,
ForwardKeys, says: “What sets Mexico
apart, and some Caribbean islands
too, is that they have stayed open
to visitors during the pandemic, or
they have reopened sooner, and, as
a result, they have gained market
share.”
The two stand-out destinations are in Mexico, San Jose del Cabo, on the
Pacific Ocean, a hot-spot for surfing, and Cancun, where the Gulf of Mexico
meets the Caribbean, a hot-spot for scuba diving. Both showed growth in
weekly flight bookings from the USA in the first four weeks of September
(1st – 27th), with Cancun back to where it was during the equivalent period
in 2019 and San Jose del Cabo 26% ahead.
Helpfully, Latin America has been “on sale” during September, with air fares
for travel in the last quarter of the year being 15-30% down on 2019 prices.
Fares to the Caribbean were also substantially down, particularly from
France and the USA, where discounts exceeded 20%.
WTTC: 174m Travel & Tourism Jobs Could be Lost
New figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveal that
despite a slight improvement since June, a staggering 174m Travel &
Tourism jobs could be lost in 2020 if barriers to global travel remain in
place. The new figure comes from WTTC’s latest economic data, which
looks at the punishing impact of COVID-19, as well as local and global
travel restrictions on the Travel & Tourism sector. If the current restrictions
to international travel continue through to the end of 2020 – resulting in
a limited recovery – the impact will be devastating, with as many as 174m
million jobs lost globally.
Down from the 197m jobs as detailed in the previous study in June, WTTC
says this positive gain is in most part driven by the return of domestic travel
in countries such as China, which has shown a particularly strong recovery
of its domestic market. It has also implemented a comprehensive testing
www.smpublication.com 25world news and contact tracing programme, alongside health and hygiene protocols, further contributing to this significant increase. However, the analysis shows that should current travel restrictions be removed sooner, globally, a staggering 31m jobs could be saved by the end of 2020. This equates to more than half a million jobs saved every day between now and the end of 2020, which is the equivalent to almost the entire population of the U.S city of Atlanta or the Portuguese city of Lisbon. Prolonged travel restrictions could also eliminate $4.7 trillion in the sector’s contribution to global GDP, equating to a loss of 53% compared to 2019. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our latest data reveals the gravity of the long-term negative impact facing the global Travel & Tourism sector, if we don’t work together to resume international travel immediately. As travel restrictions around the world remained in place over the summer months, our estimates report an increase from 121m, to 143m jobs lost. In the space of just four months, our study has shown a further 22m jobs under threat worldwide. This is devastating news, and we need international coordinated action now.” “The sector’s recovery will be delayed even further, with more jobs lost, unless quarantines are replaced with rapid, cost-effective testing at airports on departure, and air corridors. The longer we wait, the more the ailing Travel & Tourism sector faces total collapse.” Just a few weeks ago, G20 Tourism Ministers hosted more than 45 CEOs and Members of WTTC who, at the request of Saudi Arabia, presented the 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan to save the already crippled Travel & Tourism sector, and 100m jobs globally. The game-changing plan was created with input from WTTC Members and covered a range of key initiatives which hinged on securing strong international coordination to re-establish effective operations and restart international travel. Among other measures, this included eliminating quarantines and other travel barriers through the implementation of an international testing regime, combined with rigorous health and safety protocols, to enable the world to adapt to living with the COVID-19 virus while minimising the risk of it spreading further. According to WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, Travel & Tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs (330 million in total), making a 10.3% contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs. 26 New Focus | November / December 2020
cover story
Van City Famous with its Typical Cats
Cover story
“Van in this world, paradise in the next”.
This phrase has been slightly modified in Turkish as dünyada Van, ahirette
iman or “Van for this world, faith for the next”.
Van, is a city in eastern Turkey located
at an elevation of 1750 m. The city of
Van lies on the eastern shore of Lake
Van. It has often been called “The Pearl
of the East” because of the beauty of its
surrounding landscape. The Van region
features mountainous terrain with harsh
winters. The Van Lake is a beautiful blue
color, but unfortunately the salinity of the
lake restrains agricultural development
in the region. However, there is a notable
production of fruit, particularly north of
the city around Van. You may reach Van
by flights, and the airport is 7 km from
the center of town. There are service buses to the center. You may also
reach Van by long-distance coach. The Railway Station is 5 km away from
the city center. Ferryboats provide the railway connection between Tatvan
and Van over Van Lake. Regular ferryboat voyages are available. The voyage
between Van and Tatvan takes about 4 hours. The modern city is located on
the plain extending from the Lake Van, at a distance of 5 kilometers from
the lake shore.
30 New Focus | November / December 2020Van is famous for its carpets, kilims, gold and
silver jewelry, and the choice is even more
vibrant, exciting and assorted when you visit
the markets. Women of Van produce beautiful
Kilims woven in blue, red and white patterns.
So, go on an exploring spree, armed with the
art of bargaining and you may come across an
invaluable antique or artifact.
Van is also famous for its natural breed of cats. Van Kedisi
(Van Cat) has pure white coat, has auburn head smudges
and tail has auburn rings too. An extraordinary trait of this
longhair cat is that while one of its eyes is blue the other
is green; this cat also loves to swim. Van cats are however
decreasing in number in Van itself and since export is
forbidden, they are almost rarely seen anywhere else.
In culinary terms, as some cities in Turkey became renowned for their like
kebap culture or else, Van has distinguished itself with its breakfast culture.
Van was the ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa, the capital of the powerful
Urartu kingdom between the 13th and 8th centuries BC. In succeeding
years Van was under the control of the Armenians, Persians, Byzantines,
Arabs, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Old Van was completely destroyed by the
end of World War I (1914-1918) after being occupied by Russian forces and
modern Van was built to replace it after the war.
Lake Van and Akdamar Island
Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey (1.646 meters high and covers an
area of 3.713 km2) The water of the Van Lake is very salty and full of
sodium carbonate. It foams without using any soap. One can wash his/
her clothes in the Lake without using and detergents. The color of the Van
Lake changes at any time of the date and at any time of the year. The Lake
is surrounded by high mountains and there are four islands in the lake:
www.smpublication.com 31cover story Akdamar, Adir, Carpanak, and Kus Islands. The islands on the lake are also interesting, most of them housing many monasteries and churches. The most important of these is the Akdamar Island with its 10th century church of the Holy Cross. The church was built by King Gagic and is a unique example of stone handcraft. The richly decorated exterior walls have Old Testament reliefs, such as the banishing of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and the birth of Jesus Christ. Adir Church on the Adir Island was constructed in 1305. Saint George’s Church was added to the main complex at 1621. The Islands can be reached by taking a boat from Gevas wharf. 32 New Focus | November / December 2020
Castles around Van
Van can be called as “the city of castles”. There are many castles in Van.
Some of these castles had been constructed in the Middle Ages, and some
had been made at the times of Urartians.
The most important castles at the region are; Lower and Upper Zivistan
Castles, Beyuzumu Castle, Catak Castle, Lamurkesen (Zernek) Castle, Hiset
Castle, Pizan (Orenkale) Castle, Kalecik Castle, Zernaki Hill Castle, Muradiye
Castle, Albak (Baskale) Castle, Delicay Castle, Celebibag Castle, Yoncatepe
Castle, Mukus Castle and Amik Castle.
Van Castle 5 km from the city center. It is one of the most magnificent
castles of Urartian civilization. It was founded by Sarduri the 1st in the
9th century. The rock tombs, and the Horhor inscriptions are the other
important characteristics of the castle.
Hosap Castle is located 60 km from Van city center. There are watchtowers,
towers, mosques, and a very old Ottoman bridge south of the castle.
www.smpublication.com 33cover story Agarti Castle The castle is located on the east shore of Van Lake. The walls of the castle are still undamaged, and they are constructed of andesite. Kef Castle is one of the most important centers of the Urartian civilization. There is a palace, and animal and plant reliefs in the castle. Cavustepe Castle is 25 km a from the city center in Cavustepe Village. The castle has two sections, called upper and lower castles. The castle was built during the time of King Sarduri between 764 - 734 B.C. There are many temples, towers, palaces, water basins, and hieroglyphics in the castle. Ayanis Castle is in Ayanis Village, 35 km from Van city center. It was constructed between 645 - 643 BC. It characterizes the last period of Urartian civilization. It is very close to the shore of Van Lake. 34 New Focus | November / December 2020
Toprakkale Castle is situated on a rocky hill of the Zimzim Mountains. It was
founded by the Urartian King Rusa between BC 685 - 645. There are water
basins, temples, and stairs carved on the rocks, in the castle.
Asagi-Yukari Anzaf Castles The castles are 10 km away from Van city center.
There are towers, depots, palaces, silos, and inscriptions in the castle.
In the old city there are many mosques
and mausoleums such as the Ulu Mosque,
the Husrev Pasa Mosque, the Kaya
Celebi Mosque and the Ikiz Kumbet. The
Archaeological Museum in the new city
exhibits the Urartian finds. At Gevas,
there is a Seljuk graveyard, filled with
extraordinary headstones, as well as the lovely Halime Hatun Tomb.
The Muradiye Waterfalls, located about 90km north of Van are the perfect
place to rest while listening to natures harmony at one of the restaurants or
tea gardens around the falls.
Very few people know Tirsin pasture in Van. The rocky area of this 2.400 m
high pasture is an open-air museum. There are thousands of pictures the
rocks: Schematic pictures of bulls and bison dating between Mesolithic and
Bronze Ages. These pictures created by the hunters support the thesis that
the area was thickly forested in prehistoric times..
www.smpublication.com 35destinasyon
Mozart’dan ötesi...
Özge Töre
Dışarıdan bakınca soğuk ve tarihi, içine girince renklenen, büyüleyen
bir şehir Viyana. Avrupa’nın 3. en hızlı büyüyen şehri olmasının yanısıra
UNESCO kültür mirasını almış bir şehir merkezine de sahip. Avusturya
imparatorluğunun izlerini taşıyan şehire, sarayları ve bahçeleri nostaljik
bir şıklık katıyor. Özellikle Schönbrünn Sarayı, yani yazlık saray uzun
seneler boyu kraliyet hanedanlığına ev sahipliği yapmış. Meşhur
kraliçeleri Maria Theresia’nın izlerini taşıyan 1441 odalı görkemli barok
tarzı mimariye sahip, iç dekorasyonunda Rokoko stilini yansıtan bir saray.
Audio cihazımızın Türkçe olması da sarayın odalarını gezerken sanki bir
romanın içerisindeymiş gibi hissetmeme sebep oldu. Hem mimariyi,
odalardaki objelerin kraliyet ailesindekiler tarafından önemini, hem de
onların bu odalarda zaman geçirirken ki duygu ve düşüncelerini hissederek
görmemize fırsat verdi. Viyana’ya ilk kez giden herkesin mutlaka görmesi,
dinlemesi ve bilmesi gereken bir yer.
Viyana deyince aklınıza ilk ne geliyor? Benim, Mozart ve Şinitzel :) Mozart’ın
36 New Focus | November / December 2020muhteşem bestelerini besleyen
Viyana’da heryerde onunla ilgili
birşeyler bulmanız mümkün. Ya
bestelerini duyuyorsunuz ya da
resimlerini görüyorsunuz, biz
evlerinden birini de görme fırsatı
bulduk. 35 yaşında hayata veda
etmiş, yaşadığı evlere ya gerekli
uyumu sağlayamamış ya da ev
sahibiyle anlaşamamış ve hep
taşınmış.
Şimdi geldik şinitzel’e, bu çok hassas bir konu,
Şinitzel’in başkentindeyiz ve haliyle heryerde
şinitzelci var, bunun en güzelini de sağolsunlar
programımıza koymuşlar elimizle koyduğumuz
gibi bulduk ve şuana kadar yediğim en
güzel şinitzeli yeme şansı buldum.Türkiye’de
yediğim şinitzellerin XXL hali:) Restoranın adı
Lugeck, ismini sokağından almış, hemen Viyana’nin meşhur St.Stephen’s
kathedralini arkanıza alıyorsunuz sağınızdaki ilk sokak.
Şehir de mutlaka gidilmesi gereken yerlerden bir diğeri ise kesinlikle
Museums Quartier, yani müze mahallesi de diyebiliriz:) Burası müzeleriyle
olduğu kadar kafeleri ve restoranlarıyla cıvıl cıvıl her yaştan her tarz insana
ev sahipliği yapıyor. Sadece turistik değil, lokallerinde vakit geçirmekten
keyif aldığı niş bir alan. İlk akşamımızda burada Glacis Beisl restoranında
çok keyifli bir yemek yedik. Şinitzel çılgınlığına kendimi kaptırmamak için
ben geleneksel yemeklerden biri olan haşlanmış et ve sebzelerden yedim,
son derece hafif ve lezzetliydi. Tabi ki yanımdakinin tabağından da bir parça
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