LONDON, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — In recent research, innovative API firm Tickitto found significant evidence of pent-up demand for travel-related experiences in 2021; consumers are ready for a ‘new normal’ and are planning accordingly. Spontaneity has definitely taken a back seat with 85% saying that they will be booking all of the events and activities in advance next year, rather than leave anything to chance. The work was carried out in conjunction with Dr Ben Marder, travel and social media expert at University of Edinburgh Business School.

6 out of 10 respondents reported that they are actively planning the events and activities they intend to engage with while travelling in 2021. The majority of the others intending to start planning soon with less than 5% saying they were holding off until the picture becomes completely clear related to COVID-19.

Ola Zetterlof, CCO at ArrivalGuides – A Lonely Planet Company, welcomed the research: «I don’t see a sustained shift in consumers’ travel habits and I expect bookings to happen in advance, especially for in-destination experiences. At least in the short-term, we will see a demand for more information prior to booking. I’m interested to see insight into what’s most valuable to travellers as they plan their trips.»

Dana Lattouf, CEO of Tickitto who commissioned the research commented: «These findings are great news for the industry, showing that travellers are looking forward to experiencing what the world has to offer. However, the report sounds a note of caution about their travel-related concerns and provides some clear advice for brands in helping their customers navigate the potential risks. The point about planning ahead means that event organisers must think hard about their channels to market and in making themselves easy to find and to book ahead.»

Dr Marder of Edinburgh Business School agreed: «In a related study carried out on behalf of the British Educational Travel Association we found that evidence of safety was key for travellers making choices about their destination and accommodations and it is interesting that this perception applies similarly to the events they will attend while away. Brands need to take care in how they signal their COVID-safe measures.»

The full report is available for download here

About Tickitto

Tickitto offers the most intuitive API for unlocking a global supply of tickets to events and experiences. You can search, book, and manage tickets across more than 6 categories, all through one single connection.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nine in ten American air passengers surveyed say they do not expect to return to previous travel routines after the COVID-19 pandemic according to extensive new global airline passenger research commissioned by Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications.

The ‘Passenger Confidence Tracker’ is the world’s largest survey of air passengers since the coronavirus pandemic began, reflecting the attitudes of 9,500 respondents from 12 countries about the future of flying. The responses of 1,000 US passengers, who have taken a flight in the past 18 months, are published in detail for the first time today. The results suggest a long-term shift in travel habits is underway, with 43 per cent of American passengers planning to travel less often by any means and a third (36%) expecting to fly less.

Philip Balaam, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: «Our ‘Passenger Confidence Tracker’ reveals a fascinating global shift in travel behaviour, which could see air travel reshaped entirely. Interestingly, the survey finds that people in the United States are among the most confident to get on a plane in the short term – and yet almost unanimously, they foresee a long-term shift in their travel habits as a result of the pandemic.»

US passengers – topped only by those in India – are the most likely in the world to have already flown during the COVID-19 pandemic, with half (50%) of those surveyed in the US having taken at least one flight since the virus reached the country. In its outlook for 2021, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted that North American airlines have benefitted from an earlier recovery thanks to its domestic market, which is the largest in the world.[1]

Globally, just 34 per cent of passengers surveyed have flown during the pandemic, and in countries such as the United Kingdom, the figure is as low as 23 per cent. Looking slightly further ahead, six in ten (60%) US passengers surveyed say they would feel confident getting back on a flight within in the next six months – compared to 47 per cent globally.

Inmarsat’s ‘Passenger Confidence Tracker’ explored several factors that influence passenger behaviour and confidence. In the US in particular, confidence scores correlate with high satisfaction levels about the airline industry’s response to the pandemic. Encouragingly for carriers in the region, seven in ten (71%) US passengers surveyed state that they are satisfied in this respect – compared with just 41 per cent of passengers from the UK and 37 per cent of South Koreans.

American passengers are relatively confident in safety precautions being taken throughout the journey. While they report feeling more confident than most other nations at the idea of being in proximity with other passengers when they travel, they feel least confident at passport control and when staying somewhere abroad in general. The biggest concerns preventing US passengers from travelling are the risk of catching the virus abroad (53%) and catching the virus on the plane or in the airport (53%).

Half of US passengers (50%) surveyed say that reputation is now a more significant factor when choosing an airline than it was before the pandemic. It has therefore never been more vital for airlines to differentiate and gain a competitive edge.

The research identifies several actionable solutions for airlines to improve the inflight experience and boost confidence for US passengers post-COVID:

• Streamlining the journey: the reallocation of empty seats for social distancing and inflight immigration clearance would boost confidence for 84% and 74% of US passengers respectively.
• Digital solutions that minimise touchpoints and engagement: contactless payments inflight and accessing inflight entertainment on personal devices (rather than seatback screens) would boost confidence for 78% and 73% US passengers respectively.
• Keeping passengers connected: Half of US passengers say inflight Wi-Fi is more important now than it was pre-pandemic, and digital services such as destination status alerts and telemedicine would boost passenger confidence (by 74% and 70% respectively).
• Value-added services: From extra legroom (48%) to free baggage (49%), value added services are becoming increasingly important to US passengers returning to the skies.

Niels Steenstrup, Inmarsat Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Inflight Business, said: «The ‘Passenger Confidence Tracker’ reveals a clear opportunity for airlines to implement digital solutions that can boost confidence by minimizing touchpoints in the journey, while ensuring that passengers are kept connected and entertained.»

With passenger habits shifting and demand for inflight digital services reaching new heights in 2020, Inmarsat recently announced a ground-breaking new service to bring unrivalled inflight Wi-Fi to airlines and passengers across the North American continent. Making digital transformation in the skies a reality, GX+ North America has been specifically designed, in partnership with Hughes, for the needs of North American airlines. It ensures airlines in the region can meet increasing passenger demand for digital services in the cabin – including the surge in traffic expected to result from free-of-charge inflight Wi-Fi.

Inmarsat is transforming the global aviation industry by bringing complete connectivity to every aircraft and flight path in the world. Passengers can browse the internet, stream videos, check social media and more during flights, with onboard connectivity on par with broadband services available on the ground.  Inmarsat’s high-speed, secure connectivity solutions for the flight deck combine cutting-edge satellite technology with secure IP broadband connectivity; it delivers incomparable protected data capacity to the cockpit, resulting in vastly improved operational efficiency and enhanced safety.

[1] https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020-11-24-01/

ABOUT THE ‘PASSENGER CONFIDENCE TRACKER’

The ‘Passenger Confidence Tracker’ is a global survey of passenger attitudes in light of COVID-19, commissioned by Inmarsat and carried out by market research company Yonder. It is the largest known global passenger survey since the outbreak of the pandemic. 

Yonder conducted an online sample of 9,596 online interviews among respondents who have taken a flight for leisure or business in the last 18 months. The survey was conducted between 22 September and 5 October 2020. Invitations were sent out on a nationally representative basis.

Respondents were surveyed across the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, India, Brazil, Hungary, Finland and Spain.

The full report is available to download here. 

ABOUT INMARSAT

Inmarsat is the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. It owns and operates the world’s most diverse global portfolio of mobile telecommunications satellite networks, and holds a multi-layered, global spectrum portfolio, covering L-band, Ka-band and S-band, enabling unparalleled breadth and diversity in the solutions it provides. Inmarsat’s long-established global distribution network includes not only the world’s leading channel partners but also its own strong direct retail capabilities, enabling end to end customer service assurance.

The company has an unrivalled track record of operating the world’s most reliable global mobile satellite telecommunications networks, sustaining business and mission critical safety & operational applications for more than 40 years. It is also a major driving force behind technological innovation in mobile satellite communications, sustaining its leadership through a substantial investment and a powerful network of technology and manufacturing partners.

Inmarsat operates across a diversified portfolio of sectors with the financial resources to fund its business strategy and holds leading positions in the Maritime, Government, Aviation and Enterprise satcoms markets, operating consistently as a trusted, responsive and high-quality partner to its customers across the globe.

For further information, follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nine-in-ten-americans-expect-their-travel-habits-to-change-forever-due-to-pandemic-reveals-biggest-global-airline-passenger-survey-301193824.html

SOURCE Inmarsat

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Finkelstein & Krinsk LLP, a nationally recognized California based class action law firm, announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit against General Motors LLC on behalf of lessees and purchasers of certain Chevrolet/GMC vehicles equipped with an allegedly defective infotainment system. The lawsuit asserts that General Motors was aware that the infotainment system, the IOR 7-inch in-dash audio system, was defective and did not disclose that information to purchasers and lessees at the time they purchased or leased their vehicles to induce consumers nationwide to purchase or lease affected Chevrolet/GMC vehicles.

We believe that the defect inherent in the infotainment system manifests by suddenly and unexpectedly ramping to the maximum volume, an unanticipated condition that can startle drivers, increase the likelihood of a collision, and presents a clear safety hazard. In addition to this safety concern, the infotainment system also may occasionally go completely black or reboot while the vehicle is being operated, and the rearview image display may continue to display, or go black, after the vehicle has been shifted from «Reverse» to «Drive,» confusing drivers who may depress the accelerator believing the vehicle is in «Reverse,» when it is actually in «Drive.»

To date, GM suspects that a software programming error causes the issues with the sudden and unanticipated volume spike but has failed to properly remedy this dangerous condition. GM issued a software update in October and November of 2020, but drivers report that the update has only exacerbated the issues associated with the alleged defect. If you have had a software update performed on your vehicle after October 12, 2020 and are still experiencing issues with your infotainment system, please contact us to let us know about your experience.

Vehicles equipped with the allegedly defective infotainment system include but are not limited to the following:

Finkelstein & Krinsk LLP has successfully litigated class actions for over 30 years while representing corporate, union, and individual clients. If you have experienced issues with the IOR 7-inch in-dash audio system and/or if you lease or own a vehicle identified above, you may be entitled to relief, including monetary damages. To discuss your rights or to determine if your vehicle is affected, please contact John J. Nelson toll-free at 877-493-5366, or email jjn@classactionlaw.com. The firm will contact you as requested.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gm-vehicles-equipped-with-faulty-infotainment-systems-301194632.html

SOURCE Finkelstein & Krinsk LLP

SALEM, Ore., Dec. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Acura of Salem, a dealership in Salem, Oregon, is hosting the Acura Season of Performance Event in December 2020. This event offers customers lease and finance specials on new Acura vehicles. Drivers in the area can find featured lease or financing offers on the five Acura models this month.

The 2020 Acura ILS with an 8-speed Dual-Clutch transmission is available for $219 a month for 36 months with $2,799 total due at signing. This includes a down payment, but no security deposit is required. The offer is available to well-qualified lessees.

Another vehicle with a featured lease during the event is the 2020 Acura MDX with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This model can be leased for $419 a month for $36 months. Drivers will be asked to put down $2,999 at signing.

Some vehicles are available with special APR offers, like the 2021 Acura RDX. Buyers who purchase the 2021 Acura RDX during the event can get a special 1.9% APR financing rate for 24 to 60 months. This rate is offered to well-qualified buyers.

Another model with a special APR during the event is the 2020 Acura RLX. Drivers can purchase the 2020 Acura RLX with an APR as low as 0.9% at Acura of Salem. This rate will is available with financing plans from 24 to 72 months.

The final model with a special offer this month is the 2021 Acura TLX with a 20-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can lease this model for $369 a month for 36 months, with $3,899 due at signing. All of the above offers expire on Jan 4, 2020, and drivers can learn more on the dealership’s website, acuraofsalem.com.

Media Contact

Matthew Hyatt, Acura of Salem, 503 588-5000, matthew@skylineforddirect.com

SOURCE Acura of Salem

NAPPANEE, Ind., Dec. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Game Changer PRO Series toy hauler from Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC) sets a new standard for quality, value, and configurability in a toy hauler. Featuring the industry’s first configurable furniture track system, the Game Changer PRO Series allows for easy removal and addition of furniture such as dinettes, sofas, and tables, so users can quickly and easily convert the floorplan of their toy haulers anytime travel needs change.

Unique features of the Game Changer PRO Series start with an airline track tie-down system that maximizes the carrying capacity of the toy hauler. The Game Changer PRO Series is capable of securing multiple large toys like motorcycles, ATVs, and even full-size vehicles, as well as small items like kayaks, folding chairs, and BBQs. Sizes of the Game Changer PRO Series range from a maximum length of 45 feet, with 383 square feet of interior space, to a compact toy hauler 20 feet in length, with 170 square feet of space.  

A comprehensive list of standard features is built into Game Changer PRO Series, including:

• 4,000-pound rated ramp door
• High-quality Goodyear tires mounted on premium aluminum wheels
• Solid surface countertops
• Ducted A/C unit
• One-piece aluminum roof
• Spacious bathroom with one-piece fiberglass shower
• Adjustable shelving in cabinets
• Bonded frameless, single-pane windows (with optional dual-pane windows available)
• Choice of eight exterior colors
• Black exterior trim package
• Choice of interior color – any combination of wall board, countertop, and cabinets
• Industry-leading five-year structural warranty

A movable/removable partition wall is included on the 4528 Game Changer PRO Series model, taking convertible space to a new level. This unique partition wall separates the toy hauler’s comfortable living space from the garage area.

«Families who prioritize spending time in nature and love their outdoor toys have been clamoring for a toy hauler like the Game Changer PRO Series,» stated Kathy Adams, Director of Marketing, ATC. «Our highly configurable toy haulers are exceptionally durable and comfortable, maintaining their value over the long haul and making outdoor excursions even more enjoyable.»

Like all ATC trailers, the Game Changer features all-aluminum construction that is weather resistant and will not rust or rot. An aluminum extrusion design results in an integrated, exceptionally strong welded frame on all six sides of the trailer box, with no mechanical fasteners. An ATC aluminum trailer is lighter weight and, pound for pound, stronger than a conventionally-built steel-frame RV. Because the Game Changer is designed for enjoyment in the great outdoors, it’s also exceptionally easy to clean by simply hosing out the interior after outdoor fun.

In addition to the top-of-the line Game Changer PRO Series, ATC also offers the high-value Game Changer model. With an extensive number of standard features, including the unique ATC five-year structural warranty, the Game Changer offers an alternative price point.

About ATC Toy Hauler
For more than 20 years, the Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC) has been an industry-leading manufacturer of aluminum trailers, with the addition of ATC toy haulers in 2015. The unique line of ATC toy haulers is engineered to last, maximize carrying capacity, and deliver high-value all-aluminum options to the RV industry. For more information: visit us at on Facebook: @aluminumtoyhauler.

ATC Press Contact:
Ray Vincenzo
1-206-290-4431
rvincenzo@purdierogers.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transport-family-and-fun-in-comfort-and-style-with-game-changer-aluminum-toy-hauler-from-atc-301194417.html

SOURCE ATC

LONDON, 16 December 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ —

Pet owners will need to follow new requirements before taking their pet to the European Union or Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the European Union with their pets at the end of the transition period.

The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport:

– Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.

– Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.

– Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel

– Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing, if they are travelling to a tapeworm free country.

– Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Pets and assistance dogs will also need to enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry (TPE), which includes all the major French ports such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.

All of these requirements will also apply for movements of pets and assistance dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland on an enforcement approach that takes this challenge into account. This approach will be implemented in a way which supports pet owners and assistance dog users while the Government pursues a permanent solution.

There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

«We have been granted ‘Part 2′ listed third country status by the EU which will ensure that travelling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards.

«Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel and you can find the latest pet travel advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel’.»

Updated guidance on pet travel has been available since November 2018, ensuring that owners will be ready for any future scenario, so many pet owners will already be familiar with that they need to do.

The UK government is continuing to press the European Commission to secure Part 1 listed status. The UK has one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe and currently meets all the requirements for Part 1 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the EU after 1 January 2021 can be found here.

SOURCE UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

LONDON, 16 December 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ —

Pet owners will need to follow new requirements before taking their pet to the European Union or Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the European Union with their pets at the end of the transition period.

The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport:

– Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.

– Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.

– Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel

– Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing, if they are travelling to a tapeworm free country.

– Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Pets and assistance dogs will also need to enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry (TPE), which includes all the major French ports such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.

All of these requirements will also apply for movements of pets and assistance dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland on an enforcement approach that takes this challenge into account. This approach will be implemented in a way which supports pet owners and assistance dog users while the Government pursues a permanent solution.

There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

«We have been granted ‘Part 2′ listed third country status by the EU which will ensure that travelling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards.

«Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel and you can find the latest pet travel advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel’.»

Updated guidance on pet travel has been available since November 2018, ensuring that owners will be ready for any future scenario, so many pet owners will already be familiar with that they need to do.

The UK government is continuing to press the European Commission to secure Part 1 listed status. The UK has one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe and currently meets all the requirements for Part 1 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the EU after 1 January 2021 can be found here.

SOURCE UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs