I NEWS I Empowering the "restart and reset" for travel industry growth Global B2B air-ticket solution provider Unififi says that while the Covid-19 pandemic stranded the world at home, it accelerated consumers' usage of online tools and platforms and saw a number of new digital providers come into the travel industry. Keeping Child Protection in Focus Dong Liu, the Founder of Unififi, says: "When we discuss the recovery with our new clients, we always talk about the mandate that every travel business should have – coming back more efficiently by capitalising on digitalisation." Among B2B flight distribution providers, Unififi says it has demonstrated the digitalised supply chain's value with strong resilience through the past year. Serving globally with IATA agent accreditation in four continents and the NDC tech license, it backs up its merchant partners with an all-in-one approach, covering content, technology, operations and customer service. "More than 60% of Unififi's aggregated supplies are competitive airfares, and there is a less than five seconds average search server response time, with a ticketing automation success rate of 96%, and customer satisfaction supported by the system's flight status monitoring. Either through API or web-based platforms, Unififi Cloud is empowering the travel business to gain a number of capabilities," adds Mr Liu. It offers: • Access to competitive fares aggregated from major GDSs, and direct connections to FSC and LCC airlines with NDC/API; • Fully automated self-service efficiency from search, ticketing, post-booking management, order, and financial related management processes; and • Attentive 24/7/365 English/ Chinese service, including thorough flight status monitoring VISIT BR AND CARD ECPAT and The Code urge the travel and tourism industry to keep child protection on their recovery agenda. The past year with the global Covid-19 pandemic has had various impacts on people throughout the world. Economies are affected and many businesses are struggling for their own survival. Families relying on work in the tourism industry face unprecedented challenges. Without job opportunities, people in many countries are falling into poverty, which makes families and children more vulnerable to all forms of sexual exploitation, including trafficking. Offenders gain the trust of families and groom children, to exploit them for the production of online child abuse material or live-streaming. And offenders in the virtual environment are likely to follow up with direct travel to destinations once the restrictions are eased - to exploit children in person. Tuesday, 9 March 10:30 – 11:00 BREAKFAST BRIEFING New Trends and Challenges for Child Protection In the view of the restart of tourism, it is essential to ensure that child protection is prioritised by governments and the private sector. ECPAT and several organisations have already published a “Call for restarting travel & tourism with child protection in focus” on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2020. They are reiterating the Call for Action and discussing recommendations on how to make tourism fully responsible and sustainable, through the focus on child protection: Tuesday, 9 March 13:00 – 13:30 COFFEE BRIEFING Child Protection during Post-Covid Travel Wednesday, 10 March 12:30 – 13:00 LUNCH BRIEFING New Trends and Challenges for Child Protection Thursday, 11 March 10:00 – 10: BREAKFAST BRIEFING Child Protection during Post- Covid Travel Learn more by visiting the BrandCards VISIT BR AND CARD VISIT BR AND CARD ECPAT Germany The Code 8 ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 10 TH MARCH 2021 www.itb-berlin-news.com
ADVERTORIAL I NEWS I Redang Island, Terengganu Where is social distancing easy? On the islands and beaches of Malaysia, of course... As travellers yearn to get away from it all, it has been confirmed that one of the key criteria for the immediate post- Covid era will be "space". Thankfully, Malaysia's paradiselike islands and beaches abound in space, with the added advantage of being adorned with rich local cultures and food that is renowned worldwide. PULAU REDANG Dedicated to visitors who are looking for a tropical island getaway to release all their stress, Redang Island is the place to be. With dazzling white sands stretching along its beaches starkly contrasting against emerald forests, and pristine water glistening under the sun, Redang Island is truly a feast for the eyes, body, and soul. The island is located approximately 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu on the northeastern side of the Malaysian peninsula. Designated as a marine park, Redang Island is a popular nesting ground for sea turtles and is known for the astonishing beauty of its preserved aquatic life. On Redang, there are many luxurious resorts and budget-friendly hotels to choose from. Pulau Redang also houses a huge mangrove forest, brimming with numerous species of flora and fauna; such as macaque monkeys and mouse deer. Visitors can also find wild orchids and white-bellied sea eagles on the island. LANGKAWI Langkawi is not called The Jewel of Kedah for nothing. Turquoise waters and glimmering powdery sands making this spectacular archipelago one of Malaysia's top holiday destinations. It is said that nature can heal the exhausted soul. A tour of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park offers some healing experiences with its spectacular collection of geo-sites. With just a short boat ride, visitors can appreciate the beauty of flora and fauna in the mangrove forests. On some lucky days, visitors can spot an otter or a dolphin in this emerald river! A ride on the Panorama SkyCab takes the visitor 650 metres from the land to get their adrenaline pumping while enjoying a panoramic view of the lush green forests and waterfalls. On the now world renowned SkyBridge, they walk along a 125-metre suspended bridge, 100 metres above ground, and stand in awe of the beautiful, breathtaking views. Langkawi also has duty-free status, making it the ultimate shopping haven. SIPADAN ISLAND Located in the Celebes Sea off Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan Island is unlike any other in the world. Rated as one of the top diving sites in the world, Sipadan is dedicated to limited numbers of passionate scuba divers to observe the highly diverse tropical marine life there. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant blue hues from the skies, accompanied with the blessing of refreshing ocean scents. The island is inhabited by thousands of turtles, surrounded by colourful coral reefs, inhabited by an abundance of species. A breath-taking 500-metre drop-off awaits underwater enthusiasts from around the world VISIT BR AND CARD EAGLES FLYING OVER LANGKAWI GEOPARK EXPLORING THE MANGROVES ON LANGKAWI SIPADAN ISLAND, SABAH ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 10 TH MARCH 2021 9
