The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, has announced that the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is among the first organizations to achieve GBAC STAR facility accreditation. The GBAC STAR program helps commercial and public facilities of all sizes establish and carry out a systematic approach to cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention.

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has appointed Julie Avenel as vice president, global business consulting. In her new role, Avenel will lead GBT’s global consultancy division and report to chief commercial officer, Drew Crawley. 

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:

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.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the second phase of measures to rebuild global consumer confidence to encourage the return of traveling. The latest protocols include convention centers, meetings and events, as well as airports and airlines.

Here are the WTTC’s new protocols regarding safe MICE-sector travel:

Benchmark, A Global Hospitality Company, has officially launched its recovery initiative that will support meeting planners and partners while creating new solutions for the industry in a post-COVID-19 world. In effect through March 2021, the plan mitigates the risk and uncertainty of committing to new meetings and events. To provide reassurance to corporate planners, the plan includes flexible short-term bookings, relaxed attrition and cancellation fees and 100 percent credit given on rebookings. 

Stockholm has a good reputation as being a leader at the forefront of environmental and sustainability issues; however, the good work is not always reflected in international rankings. Sustainable Meet Stockholm, a new collaboration and marketing project, wants to change that by putting Stockholm on the map as the top destination for sustainable meetings. 

Egencia, a business travel platform by Expedia Group, has announced the Helping Healthcare travel program to assist global healthcare providers with securing hotels for employees who are safely distancing from family or traveling to COVID-impacted areas.

As part of the renewed partnership, Lyft and GBT will offer GBT clients a promotional rebate on ground spend. Details here.

The company has tapped "charter guru" Bruce Setloff to assist Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours and Emerald Waterways in an advisory role. Get the details here.