The Week In Travel

The quick rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations and the introduction of the EU Digital COVID Certificate is leading to a surge in people’s desire to travel across Europe, according to a recent European Travel Commission (ETC) survey.

In its study of Europeans’ intention to travel, ETC found 70% of respondents are now making travel plans for the next six months – an increase from 56% recorded in February 2021. Over half (57%) said they felt more optimistic about planning trips due to vaccination rollouts, while 57% of respondents also cited EU Digital COVID Certificates as their reason for making travel arrangements.

Travel businesses are updating their retail operations in anticipation of a rise in duty free sales. TRBusiness reports Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) is to open Sense of Malaysia stores, which will offer unique local delicacies, premium souvenirs and crafts across its international airports. Meanwhile, Zhuhai Duty Free plans to open a new store in popular duty free hotspot Hainan that will serve the island’s residents, which is due to open in the second half of this year.

Sustainability continues to be front of mind for the UK aviation industry, which this week set new targets to decarbonise by at least 15% by 2030 and by 40% by 2040 – with the goal of reaching net zero by 2050. In related environmental news, San Diego International Airport announced it has signed up to the San Diego Community Power service, which will provide 100% renewable and 100% carbon-free energy to the airport.

And finally, UK travellers will soon be able to explore the cosmos with the launch of the nation’s first space tourism travel agency. London-based RocketBreaks plans to offer passengers an out-of-this-word experience, including day trips into space, weightlessness experiences and the chance to board the Aurora Station – a luxury space hotel due to open in 2022.