American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has launched Travel Vitals, a travel briefing platform that gives travelers and travel managers a single source for all the information they need before, during and after a business trip. Data is aggregated from hundreds of sources, allowing users to search travel guidelines by destination, airline, airport, hotel chain, train operator and ground transportation provider.

Holding trade fairs and congresses in Cologne has been generally permitted once again for some weeks now; however, the current situation still holds quite a few uncertainties for planning events.

Last week’s ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) U.K. and Ireland Chapter meeting was attended by more than 90 delegates from destinations, venues and suppliers. It was moderated by newly appointed chairman of Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), Simon Hughes. 

The countdown for MEETINGS 2021 in Christchurch (Ōtautahi) has begun with the announcement of new dates for New Zealand’s premier business events exhibition run by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ). MEETINGS 2021 will be held this time next year, on June 30 and July 1, 2021, at Te Pae Christchurch, the city’s new convention center.

As part of Puerto Rico's four-phased reopening plan, the island announced it will formally reopen for inbound tourism on July 15. It was the first U.S. entity to implement strict measures such as a curfew; currently, thorough cleanliness measures are in place Island-wide and enhanced policies are being implemented that follow the U.S. Travel Association health and safety guideline, along with locally enforced measures.

Here's what's new in the MICE sector:

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) says it supports the European Commission’s efforts to coordinate Europe’s reopening and the guidelines it published late last week on how to safely resume travel to the Schengen Area. Despite the recommendation to gradually start reopening external borders as of July 1, the travel sector, according to GBTA, fears that European Union (EU) countries may continue to act unilaterally, leading to the patchwork of rules and confusion already being experienced this month.

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has launched a new digital marketing site, designed to help planners and professional conference organizers promote Melbourne and Victoria to delegates attending future meetings.

The delegate destination site provides event organizers with relevant destination content and resources to help optimize their business event and boost delegate engagement with the event’s host destination.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has announced the launch of Miami Shines, a travel and tourism recovery program to promote Greater Miami and the Beaches as a place for vacations and future meetings and conventions business. The program includes a lineup of promotional incentives across restaurants, hotels, museums, spas and attractions.

Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) and Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) have announced a joint agreement that will see both organizations collaborate on issues that mutually affect their markets.

Team San Jose, along with its board of directors, have announced the passing of Karolyn Kirchgesler, president and CEO. The entire Team San Jose family, which includes the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, the collection of San Jose Theaters and Visit San Jose, extend their condolences to the Kirchgesler family and to all of her loved ones. Kirchgesler was diagnosed with cancer in October 2019 and officially stepped back from her role as CEO of Team San Jose in a heartfelt video message this April.