GBTA, the Global Business Travel Association, has released a statement reiterating the importance of cooperation between the E.U., Canada and the U.S. to restore safe travels and reboot the economy. GBTA is urging the European Commission, E.U. governments, Ottawa, and the White House to pursue talks to find a resolution for transatlantic travel, based on reciprocity, proportionality, and the latest scientific advice. 

Here is some of the latest developments in Dubai, as the city resumes tourism and business events.

Following the announcement of Marriott International’s "Commitment to Clean" and "Global Cleanliness Council," Marriott has introduced digital content about redefined processes and reimagined spaces guided by cleanliness experts and best practices to help hosts, organizers and attendees plan and execute meetings and connect with confidence.  

With business travelers looking for the confidence to get back on the road, Altour has launched its new Health & Safety Hotline to provide its customers with expert health and safety mitigation advice for a nominal fee. Available exclusively to Altour clients and powered by Exlog Global, the Health & Safety Hotline offers round-the-clock worldwide support to business travelers and corporate travel managers who need guidance or action on health and safety issues that occur before or during work travel.

As the U.S. Congress negotiates a new coronavirus relief package for individuals and businesses, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has called on Congressional leadership to enact measures to renew business travelers’ confidence and to curb the devastating effect of the pandemic on this sector of the global economy.

United Airlines has launched a new chat—the United Automated Assistant—to give customers a contactless option to receive immediate access to information about cleaning and safety procedures put in place due to COVID-19. Customers can text "Clean" to FLYUA (35982) and get answers to questions about masks, boarding procedures, touchless check-in options and more, without having to call, search online or wait in a line for an answer.

The United Automated Assistant answers customers questions like:

MCI, a leader in association solutions, meetings, events and conferences, has announced the launch of a new virtual consulting product to future-proof associations through strategic transformation: 

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has confirmed that the city has been certified as a safe destination by Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, as it completes its "Safeguard Assurance" program. It says it is first city in the world to receive both the Bureau Veritas "Safeguard Assurance" label and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) "Safe Travels" stamp, which recognize the heightened safety standards, training and hygiene proto

Several convention centers and lodging facilities across the United States have recently secured GBAC STAR facility accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA. By providing third-party validation, GBAC STAR’s 20-step, performance-based program helps facilities of all sizes establish and maintain an effective system of cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention.

Recently accredited facilities include: