A new attraction is opening on August 2 at Frankfurt Airport: the multimedia Fraport Visitor Center in Terminal 1, Hall C, will welcome its first guests just in time for the summer travel season.

Visitors not only learn about the airport’s day-to-day operations; they also have the opportunity to review its history, discover aviation technologies, and consider the future of flight.

The exhibits invite guests to interact and immerse themselves. In one game, visitors put their marshalling skills to the test by guiding an Airbus A320neo to its parking position. A further highlight is a virtual-reality ride through the airport’s baggage handling system. Fraport CEO Dr. Stefan Schulte stated: “Our multimedia Visitor Center allows people to better understand and experience first-hand the diverse and highly complex airport world. The new attraction will also be key to strengthening long-term dialogue with our local community and guests from other parts of Germany and the world.”

“The Globe” is the most technologically sophisticated exhibit in the Visitor Center. This interactive LCD wall visualizes all active flights around the world in real time. It is made up of 28 individual displays, combined to create a single screen spanning some 25 square meters. The system is truly unique: nowhere else is capable of depicting thousands of flight movements in such detail. Flight data for The Globe are provided by FlightAware, a U.S. flight tracking platform. Fraport partners with FlightAware to process data required for operations at Frankfurt Airport. In particular, the data provided by FlightAware allow better planning of airport processes.

The Fraport Visitor Center was completed in fall 2020, following two years of construction, at a cost of approximately 5.7 million euros. “We had to postpone its opening multiple times due to the pandemic. I am therefore all the more pleased to now unveil our new visitor attraction at Frankfurt Airport. The center turns the spotlight on the fascinating world of airport life,” explained Anke Giesen, member of Fraport’s executive board and Executive Director of Retail and Real Estate.

Tickets to the center must be purchased online in advance at www.fra-tours.com/en . Booking confirmation is required to gain admission. Currently, tickets are not available at the airport itself.

The Fraport Visitor Center will be open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. The standard entry price for adults is 12 euros. A reduced price of 10 euros is available for eligible guests with corresponding ID. Children under four enter free of charge. During the current regional school vacation, ending August 27, guests will be able to park for one hour free of charge in the airport’s public garages; the parking slip must be brought to the Visitor Center’s reception desk for validation.

The Fraport Visitor Center can also be booked as an exclusive venue for events. It is equipped with the latest presentation technology, and the one-of-a-kind airport panorama makes it an ideal backdrop for product launches, press conferences and sundowner parties.

Media Contact:

Jana Schäfer
Corporate Communications
Media Relations
Phone+49 69 690-30714
j.schaefer2@fraport.de

Tourism Seychelles launched its 2021 annual mid-year review and marketing consultations with local tourism partners on Tuesday, July 27, to review the performance of the destination to date and discuss and adjust plans for the second part of the year.

Seychelles recently recorded its highest weekly visitor arrivals since the onset of the pandemic in March 2021, with 5,367 visitors in Week 29 of 2021, or just 22% below that of the same week in 2019, industry stakeholders learned.

Held over the virtual platform ZOOM, the consultations, which will run over the next two weeks, kicked off with a brief address by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ambassador Sylvestre Radegonde, to industry stakeholders in Seychelles and the Tourism Department’s staff across the world. This was followed by a presentation of the department’s strategy by the Principal Secretary for Tourism (PS), Mrs. Sherin Francis.

Addressing the industry partners, Minister Radegonde highlighted that aside from the ongoing pandemic, which is slowing down travel around the world, the local tourism industry is facing many challenges, hindering the growth of the industry. The Minister gave his reassurance that the Tourism Department is working closely with the tourism stakeholders and various government organizations to review the products offered in Seychelles and provide better services to its visitors.

Minister Radegonde commented that he is greatly encouraged by the steady growth in visitor arrival numbers, and the balanced distribution of the visitors across sizes of establishments and the various islands.

In her presentation, PS Francis provided a global overview of the current state of the local tourism industry, commenting on the impact of the global uncertainties on Seychelles’ economy as well as providing an outline of the forecast against the current arrivals numbers and forward bookings held, which show expected growth over the next two quarters.

Summarizing the arrival numbers from January 12021, to date, she shared that the destination has recorded 62,238 visitors, with almost 95%, or 59,218 visitors, arriving after March 25, following the final phase of the border re-opening.

Mrs. Francis also revealed that Seychelles had recently achieved a high point in weekly visitor arrivals since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming in Week 29 of 2021 a total of 5,367 visitors, which is just 88% of the 6,844 visitors recorded during Week 29 of 2019 (pre-pandemic).

Going forward, PS Francis affirmed the Tourism Department’s commitment to the strategy presented earlier this year by the destination’s previous and now dissolved marketing body, the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Reassuring stakeholders of the Tourism Department’s reliance on data driven strategies, PS Francis said that they will keep refining their digital marketing tactics, using newly-identified trends to target potential visitors. A major part of the strategy for the coming months will be focused on the delivery of more impactful and targeted campaigns, she affirmed.

The agenda over the coming days will feature one-on-one consultations hosted by Tourism Seychelles’ team overseas with local industry partners to discuss the current and forecasted situations in each market.

The mid-year marketing review and consultations will conclude on August 6, 2021.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Jamaica Minister of Tourism and Co-Chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), Edmund Bartlett, has announced that discussions are now underway for the establishment of a satellite center of the GTRCMC in Nigeria.             

Speaking during a meeting earlier yesterday with the new Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Maureen Tamuno, at the Minister’s New Kingston offices, Bartlett shared that: “We would like to visit Abuja in the near future to formalize the arrangements to establish the second African Satellite Centre for the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).” 

Bartlett added that: “In the interim we will provide all the information that is required to enable the establishment of the Centre. We have now the basis on which the infrastructure can be established, and we also have the will and the Human capital involvement. I would love for Nigeria being the first centre established in West Africa.”  

The first satellite centre of the GTRCMC was established in Kenya, at the Kenyatta University. It is a regional satellite centre, with responsibility for East Africa, and collaborates with the international GTRCMC, located at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica.  

“The Centre in Nigeria will be a good complement to the centre already established in Kenya, because they are two of the most important African countries that the world understands. Nigeria is number one – known for having the strongest economy, largest population, and you have done something exciting with Nollywood, which has left a great cultural imprint on the world,” said Minister Bartlett.  

The arrangement would see the satellite center being established at a University selected by the Nigerian government, which would collaborate with The University of the West Indies, where the GTRCMC is based. The ultimate purpose of the Centre is to assist destination preparedness, management, and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that impact tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally. 

The GTRCMC, which was first announced in 2017, operates in a global context that is characterized by not only new challenges, but also new opportunities for tourism in an effort to improve the tourism product as well as to ensure the sustainability of tourism globally.  

Since its initial opening, the center has broadened its reach with the establishment of satellite centers in various regions. The satellite centers will focus on regional issues and will share information in Nano time with the GTRCMC. They will then function as think tanks to develop possible solutions. 

The discussion comes on the heels of a recent visit to Kenya, where Minister Bartlett, who is also Co-Chair of the GTRCMC and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Chairman of the GTRCMC – Eastern Africa, Najib Balala signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will pave the way for the two centres to work together to develop policy and conduct relevant research on destination preparedness, management and recovery. The Minister and High Commissioner also discussed increasing air connectivity between Jamaica and Nigeria during their meeting.

Media Contact: 

Corporate Communications Division 

Ministry of Tourism 

64 Knutsford Boulevard 

Kingston 5 

Telephone: 920-4924, 

Fax: 906-019 

Or 

Kingsley Roberts 

Senior Director, Corporate Communications 

Ministry of Tourism 

64 Knutsford Boulevard 

Kingston 5 

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990 

Cell: (876) 505-6118 

Fax: 920-4944 

The end of a journey is always the hardest part, but you don’t have to say goodbye to paradise as you leave the Seychelles Islands. The archipelago offers you an array of gifts to share with your loved ones or to simply cherish in remembrance of your exotic escape.

Scents of Seychelles

Visit the lush rainforests and sandy beaches of the islands without leaving your home with scents from locally-produced perfume lines. Inspired by the aroma of exotic flora of Seychelles, these perfumes will seduce you with sultry vanilla, sweet-tangy lemongrass and warm musky tones. Some of these local scents are produced at the oldest perfume manufacturing laboratory in the region. Sure to impress, these fragrances will be adored by your loved ones and transport you back to the tropics.

Show your body some love with some local inspired body products made right here in pristine paradise! Covered in exotic flora, the islands have a range of natural, organic ingredients that have been blended to cater for your every skin requirement by locally produced brands. Grainy scrubs take you back to the sandy shores and exfoliate your skin, and a range of moisturizers with hints of warm vanilla, fresh sea salt and sweet citronella to give your skin that tropical glow.

A jewel from the Garden of Eden

The Seychelles Islands is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of them being the Vallée de Mai, rumored to be the home of the Garden of Eden. The lush haven on Praslin hosts a trove of treasures including the unique Coco de Mer palm, which happens to produce the world’s largest nut, endemic to the islands. You can show off this one-of-a-kind nut by whisking one or two home with you. Getting your hands on a Coco de Mer is simpler than one can imagine; simply head over to either the kiosks on Frances Rachel Street in Victoria, the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) or Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) and purchase one of your choosing, making sure it carries an authenticity certificate to show it has been legally obtained, and not poached. Head over to the National Biosecurity Agency at Orion Mall, Victoria to ensure you experience no troubles at the airport. The provocative pelvis-shaped nut – each one is different – is sure to create conversations about your holiday in paradise.

Creole crafts

Uniquely handcrafted souvenirs made with love always have a special place in one’s heart. The tropical destination is renowned for its beautiful locally made products using materials supplied by nature such as coconut shells, dried leaves and wood. The Domaine de Val de Près Craft Village is home to many of these gifts, amongst them coconut bowls and batik clothing. Camion Hall, kiosks and souvenir shops scattered around the capital, Victoria or at villages around the islands offer an array of choices amongst them braided bags and hats. Children will in particular love the exotic locally sewn dolls, turtles and tortoises. Popular amongst visitors and residents, Seychelles-inspired handmade jewelry, whether precious metals or costume, can be chosen from one of the many souvenir shops across the island or from local brands. Hand-printed pareos designed to reflect the natural beauty of Seychelles can also be found at these shops and you can even purchase some at workshops such as Roots Seychelles where you can see how they are made.

Flavors from the melting pot

Bring the bursting flavors of creole cuisine home to your loved ones, give their tastebuds an experience unlike any other with the spices and blends that can be found at the local market or at the original spice garden of Jardin du Roi at Anse Royale. Make a lasting impression on palates back home with right saffron, rich masala, warm cinnamon, sweet nutmeg, silky vanilla. And make sure to purchase a book on Seychellois Creole cuisine from local bookstores to help you recreate the ambiance of the Seychelles islands once you are back home.

Archipelago Art

Fishermen returning to shore with fresh fish, women making their way through lush vegetation, a vivid spread of local dishes, surreal scenery and other illustrations of the colourful creole culture come to life through the work of local artists. Fall in love with stunning creole paintings and sculptures at the various galleries on Mahé, as well as Praslin and the other islands and take them home to remind you of the charms of Seychelles.

Enchant your loved ones with illustrated tales of the islands and their history throughthe writings of authors from Seychelles and other countries from across the globe which can be purchased in local bookstores and the National Museum of History in Victoria.   

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, stbnews@seychelles.travel   

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation (BMOTA) team returns to the 2021 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh Show, July 25-August 1, in Wisconsin. Last year, the show was cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

Deemed the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” and the largest aviation show in the world, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, prior to COVID-19, attracted in excess of 600,000 aviation enthusiasts; 10,000 aircraft; and almost 1,000 media professionals from around the world. 

The Bahamas team, comprised of tourism, aviation, and customs officials, is being led by Mr. Reginald Saunders, Permanent Secretary, BMOTA and Mr. Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Deputy Director General, BMOTA, who will also meet one-on-one with leading aviation industry partners to discuss business opportunities for The Bahamas. 

The leading destination in the Caribbean region for general aviation and private pilot arrivals, The Bahamas is also the first nation to welcome private pilots who operate under BasicMed, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) new medical recertification program. 

The Bahamas is also one of only three countries (including USA and Canada) that are part of the International Federal Partnership (IFP) organization, which has a bilateral agreement with EAA, and are all located at Hanger D, the IFP Pavilion.

The Bahamas was also one of the first countries to open its borders quickly and safely to private pilots and boaters, utilizing its aggressive and strict health and safety protocols.  To learn more about flying to The Bahamas and its health travel protocols, visit www.bahamas.com.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

MEDIA CONTACT:  D. Earnestine Moxyz, Ph:  954-236-9292, emoxyz@bahamas.com

Gordy Silverman, Senior Director of Industry Education at Unique Vacations Inc. (UVI) and long-time advocate for travel agent education who helped develop Sandals Resorts’ signature Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS) program, died July 24 following a brief battle with cancer.  She was 64.

Silverman joined Unique Vacations Inc. (UVI), an affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts in 1987, according to UVI Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations Gary Sadler and quickly established herself as an exuberate champion of travel agents. She began in UVI’s Miami office but later launched UVI’s West Coast presence. “Gordy’s long-term dedication to the company and knowledge of the travel industry were instrumental to our success. She will be deeply missed,” said Sadler.

He added, “Gordy can easily be described as ‘the mother of all trainers’ in the travel industry. She was directly involved in every single aspect of our company’s sales training from our newly hired BDMs to the wider travel industry.  Gordy successfully developed and launched our Certified Sandals Specialist program.  For over 25 years, she was a driving force in the CSS Workshops, keeping the sales messaging and training fresh and relevant for travel advisors year in and year out.  She also conceptualized our popular ‘conventions,’ the informative yet entertaining events which have quite literally trained tens of thousands of travel advisors and industry partners across North America and around the world on Sandals & Beaches Resorts… Quite simply, Gordy built the framework and the foundation for the Unique Vacations global sales training that the team and I proudly stand upon today.  For that, we are all eternally in her debt.”

Travel advisors and industry friends are invited to contribute thoughts and memories of Gordy to a Sandals Memory Jar being established by Gordy’s longtime friend and UVI colleague, Maura Cecere at mcecere@uvi.sandals.com .

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Young Courtney@deckerroyal.com

Tourism Seychelles had to do things differently this year for its “North America Annual Roadshow” due to COVID-19. Following a 2-year absence, the roadshow, which usually travels to 4 US cities, was conducted virtually on Wednesday, June 25, and following its success, a second event will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Joining the rest of the world in adopting digital platforms to reach their partners, local tourism operators from Seychelles, including Mason’s Travel, Creole Travel Services, and airline partner Qatar Airways signed up as exhibitors for the virtual event held from 7 to 9 pm (Seychelles time) on June 25, when they were joined by 65 US travel professionals from various US cities for a productive day of meetings and exchanges.

Following a warm welcome from the Tourism Seychelles team, participants and exhibitors proceeded to conduct one-on-one meetings in which they exchanged information on the current market conditions, the safety protocols being implemented by local stakeholders in Seychelles as well as developments regarding new products within the destination.

The roadshow was being held for the first time since 2018 said the Tourism Seychelles Regional Director for Africa & the Americas, David Germain. “In 2019 and 2020, we were not able to go ahead with the roadshow, but as the pandemic persists, we decided to conduct the event virtually, to the satisfaction of all our trade partners and participants who participated,” Mr. Germain said.

Interest in Seychelles remains high in the United States despite the pandemic, he confirmed, especially amongst travelers venturing far afield to African and Middle East countries on vacation, and thereafter travelling to Seychelles as an extension to their holiday. 1,934 visitors from the United States have visited Seychelles so far this year up to 18 July.

“Many US travelers are vaccinated against COVID-19, and we are now highlighting the world-class protocols Seychelles has in place to safely host visitors,” Mr. Germain, who reassured travel partners that Seychelles remains the perfect destination where the safety of visitors is not compromised, said.

Normally travelling to 4 different North American cities since its inaugural edition in June 2018, the “Seychelles North America Roadshow” comprised a series of workshops which took in the US cities of Washington DC, Fort Lauderdale, Orange County and San Diego, California. Those US cities have in the past proven to be very productive for Seychelles, with many travel professionals converging to meet in person with the exhibitors and obtaining updated information about Seychelles’ products and services, Mr. Germain said.

Despite COVID-19, Tourism Seychelles is continuing its mission to establish strong relationships with its travel trade partners in North America, and a second edition of this year’s Virtual Roadshow will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Following the success of last year’s travel fair in spite of the challenges, OTDYKH is back for the 27th edition of the expo. The event will take place from September 7-9 and will be held at the EXPOCENTRE fairgrounds.

This year an estimated 400 companies are expected to attend from 16 countries and 50 Russian regions. Once again, the OTDYKH Leisure Fair is set to show why it is the premier travel and tourism event in Russia.

This year sees the return of numerous international contributors. Countries attending the 2021 OTDYKH Leisure Fair include Spain, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Thailand, China and many more. Several Latin American countries will also be showcasing the very best of what their tourism industries have to offer. 

One of those countries is Cuba, who will be participating with an impressive 100m² stand, marking a transition back to the pre-pandemic format of exhibiting. The expo is also delighted to welcome a newcomer to the event; the region of Ceará in Brazil, which will have an exclusive stand. The region is located in the northeast of the country and is one of Brazil’s main tourist destinations. The state boasts an extensive 600 kilometres of sandy coastline and borders the National Forest of Araripe.

The expo also welcomes the Mexican travel company ‘Seven Tours’ which has over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry. Seven Tours will be participating remotely and showcasing the diversity of Mexico’s tourism, including Mexico’s breath-taking beaches, rich traditions, authentic cuisine and unique culture. They will also be demonstrating the fantastic hospitality that Mexico has to offer.

Tourism in Russia has been making a healthy comeback, and this time Russia’s new e-Visa makes it even easier to visit the country. When it comes to Russian regions, two newcomers will be joining the OTDYKH Leisure Fair. The first is the region of Khanty-Mansi, home to the beautiful Orthodox Church of the Resurrection. The second is the region of Krasnoyarsk which is known for its stunning natural landscapes. The capital of the region is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia. 

The official partner region of the 2021 expo is the region of Nizhny Novgorod, which will increase its stand to welcome more co-exhibitors. This marks an incredibly special year for Nizhny Novgorod as the region celebrates its 800^th anniversary; the occasion has been observed with a series of events in the region, including a spectacular 800^th anniversary gala.

This year the partner city of OTDYKH Leisure 2021 will be Russia’s very own St. Petersburg.

The Republic of Tartarstan is delighted to be presenting its exciting project ‘Hospitable Kazan’, organised by the Assembly of Tourist Volunteers of the Republic of Tatarstan. As part of the project volunteers venture out onto the streets of Kazan, the capital city of the region, and provide information for tourists on the city and its many attractions. During the expo weekend the Republic of Tartarstan will also broadcast its program: “1000 and one pleasures in The Republic of Tartarstan”.

The OTDYKH Leisure Fair will once again host the highly anticipated business program, which unites domestic and international companies from across the travel industry. This year the business program will extend across three sites, featuring over 30 business sessions and with 160 speakers scheduled. Needless to say, it will be an unmissable part of the Leisure Fair and a fantastic opportunity for businesses to network and connect.

The OTDYKH Leisure Fair will take place on September 7-9, 2021, at the Expocentre in Moscow, Russia.

MEDIA CONTACT: Anna Huber, Project Manager, Travel Exhibitions Division, Euroexpo Exhibitions & Congress Development GmbH, Tel.: + 43 1 230 85 35 – 36, Fax: + 43 1 230 85 35 – 50/51, a.huber@euroexpo-vienna.com , http://www.euro-expo.org/

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ambassador Sylvestre Radegonde resumed his series of official visits to tourism industry partners last Friday, July 23, starting at Anse Royale. This included stops at nine establishments in South Mahé with a capacity of fewer than 20 rooms.

The visits were an ideal opportunity for Minister Radegonde and the Principal Secretary for Tourism (PS), Mrs. Sherin Francis to see first-hand the products offered to visitors by the destination.

Minister Radegonde stated that he is encouraged by the high occupancy rate in the small establishments visited.

“The visits were very fruitful in confirming that the occupancy rates are extremely satisfactory for our small establishments, with the majority of hoteliers acknowledging having achieved around 100% occupancy in the past months. It appears that there is a balanced distribution of the visitors in the destination, contrary to the perception that our visitors are favoring larger establishments,” said Minister Radegonde.

He commented that he was pleased to have been able to reaffirm the commitment of the tourism department to all partners in person.

“The ministry is ready to assist partners to better their product and service delivery as well as provide assistance with their visibility and marketing in general.”   

On her part, PS Francis explained the importance of the visit to her office in line with priorities presented by her department in June this year.

“As we focus on enhancing the customer experience, the visits are an essential starting point because they will allow us to examine the various facilities and services provided to tourists in Seychelles especially in terms of accommodation which is one of the most important parts of the visitor’s experience. We are pleased to be able to meet personally with the partners, share our vision, and hear their concerns, which will allow us to identify where to focus our work to ascertain the availability and quality of the tourist facilities and services,” said Mrs. Francis.

A number of issues common to all hoteliers were highlighted, such as the increase of drug users around the Anse Royale area, theft, having to incur extra costs to ensure security as well as challenges in retaining local staff. Bad smells emanating from public bins, often overfilled and spilling over waste particularly over the weekend, was addressed in addition to the handling of stray dogs around the island.

Establishments visited were Royale Suites by Arc Royale Luxury Apartment, Royale Self Catering Apartment, La Villa Thérèse Holiday Apartments, Au Fond de Mer View, Le Relax Hotel and Restaurant, Chez Bijoux and Crown Beach Seychelles at Pointe au Sel.

The Minister and his team also visited Pieds dans L’Eau and Maison France, two establishments currently under renovation, and Hotel Plage de Bougainville, an upcoming tourism project under construction.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

On Friday, July 23,2021, the Malta Tourism Authority has signed an agreement with Verifly aimed at offering a hassle-free solution for tourists from the USA, traveling to Malta. VeriFLY’s privacy-centric design ensures the user’s data is secured and only used for the purpose and period of time required to satisfy travel requirements. Moreover, VeriFLY users will maintain strict controls over how, when, and with whom their information is shared. Now with more than 1.5 million active users globally, VeriFLY is the world’s first widely adopted digital wallet created to help travelers and event attendees quickly and safely meet their destination’s COVID-19 requirements. 

Travelers from the US to Malta will have the opportunity to verify their wellness and provide other documentation, as required by the Maltese Health Authorities, through the VeriFLY app which helps to streamline the COVID-19 vaccine, documentation validation, and displays results in a clear, reader-friendly manner.

After creating a secure profile on their mobile device, passengers will upload vaccine information and other documentation as required directly into the VeriFLY app. The VeriFLY app will verify that the passenger’s information matches the requirements set by Malta and displays a simple pass or fail message. Following that, the passenger will be guided to fill in the Passenger Locator Form for entry into Malta.

The VeriFLY app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, will enable users to activate their “Trip to Malta” pass, which encapsulates the requirements for entry into Malta, organized into a user-friendly checklist, after completing all the required credentials.

“This agreement showcases Malta’s ability to rapidly adjust to the new challenges pertaining to travel. The VeriFLY app will serve as an important tool to secure peace of mind for Americans and the Maltese public health in general. We will continue working hard to assure that the local tourism sector pursues its path towards recovery in a sustainable and responsible manner,” earmarked Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo.

“The MTA is proud to reach this agreement with VeriFLY, which will make it now easier for tourists from the USA to visit Malta, by providing a one-stop-shop for the tourists to submit all the required documentation before their departure. This will mean that tourists will leave with peace of mind from their airports of origin, knowing that all their paperwork is in order, thus starting their relaxing holiday from the moment they step onto the aircraft,” MTA CEO Johann Buttigieg said, adding that with this agreement, the Maltese Authorities are officially supporting the use of VeriFLY for efficient entry into the country. 

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sights and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.

ABOUT VERIFLY 

VeriFLY is developed and managed by the biometric authentication and identity assurance solutions provider, Daon. VeriFLY offers travelers a secure and simple way to confirm their destination’s COVID-19 requirements. After creating a secure profile on the VeriFLY app, Daon verifies that the customer’s data matches a country’s requirements and displays a simple pass or fail message. This simple message streamlines the check-in and documentation verification process before departure. The app also provides travelers with reminders when their travel window is coming to a close or once their credential has expired. Learn more by visiting www.daon.com/verifly.

ABOUT DAON

Daon, www.daon.com, is an innovator in developing and deploying biometric authentication and identity assurance solutions worldwide. Daon has pioneered methods for securely and conveniently combining biometric and identity capabilities across multiple channels with large-scale deployments that span payments verification, digital banking, wealth, insurance, telcos, and securing borders and seamless travel. Daon’s IdentityX® platform provides an inclusive, trusted digital security experience, enabling the creation, authentication and recovery of a user’s identity and allowing businesses to conduct transactions with any consumer through any medium with total confidence. Get to know us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com 

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: VisitMalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com