WTO’s tsunami action plan
Representatives from more than three dozen countries have reportedly been planning what they are describing as “the mother of all advertising campaigns” in an effort to stimulate tourism in Asia following the Boxing Day tsunami. According to The Times, the World Tourism Organisation’s emergency summit in Thailand is aimed at bringing back one of the region’s “most critical sources of wealth” – and has considered giving away free airline tickets to stimulate demand. The newspaper reports that following more talks today, the conference will issue what is being called the “Phuket Action Plan”, demanding “a barrage of advertising drives around the world that will allay any fears over continuing risks, such as disease, of travelling to affected countries”. There is, however, disagreement over the implementation of an early warning system for the region, to prevent such a huge-scale disaster if another tsunami should strike. The Times reports that Thailand has offered to base such a project in Bangkok, but that India and Indonesia have rejected the offer, wanting to host warning centres themselves. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026