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Sunday, April 16, 2017

Top Industry leaders to discuss hospitality trends at Hotelier Summit Middle East 2017


DUBAI - Qatar is aiming high as it attempts to take full advantage of its economic potential. A report by IMF stated that the GCC economies will collectively grow by 2.3 per cent in 2017, up from 1.8 per cent in 2016. However Qatar’s economic growth is put at 3.6 per cent between 2016 -2018. Qatar’s notable advancement is a combination of factors; with the hospitality industry leading the game. In wake of the recent upsurge, the 11th edition of the Hotelier Summit Middle East will be held in Qatar from May 17th - 18th 2017.
The Hotelier Summit Middle East unites the world’s hospitality experts and industry innovators to discuss key trends governing the sector, whilst identifying solutions to address industry challenges. The summit has lined up an impressive list of experts to speak on current important topics surrounding the burgeoning industry. Some of the key topics of discussion are:
  • The cultural influence in the design approach of hotels in the Middle East
  • Development of luxury star hotels vs. development of boutique hotels
  • Creation of MICE friendly hotels
  • Zero energy hotels
  • Personalisation at hotels - is human touch still important or can technology handle the entire scope
  • New hotel business models and much more
“The Hotelier Summit Middle East is more than just an industry event. It is a dynamic forum packed with thought leadership sessions over a period of two days. The Summit is dedicated to supporting hoteliers and their need to learn about technology trends and address industry challenges, and this year’s programme does just that, indisputably making it the best edition ever,” said Ganesh Babu, Director at IDE, organisers of the Hotelier Summit Middle East.
In addition to the above, other topics to be discussed at the summit include diversification and staffing trends, affordable and quality accommodation, importance of security, smart developments and artificial intelligence.

The event is a recognised knowledge platform of international standard for hospitality industry with an objective to bring together the top executives and decision makers from the industry, innovative solution providers and stalwarts to discuss acute issues and business challenges currently facing the sector in the region. It aims to provide plenty of practical knowledge with sessions addressing the latest and most recent developments in the hospitality industry. 
“The Hotelier Summit Middle East intends to open new channels for exchanging knowledge, successful experiences and best practices with leaders of the regional and international hospitality sector. While the summit will enable participants to identify new mechanisms for optimising available opportunities, it will also offer innovative approaches to the stakeholders for planning, developing and managing the business. We are confident that the extensive discussions and positive best practices and insights shared at the Summit will lead to effective partnerships that will boost the growth of the industry,” concluded Babu.
The Hotelier Summit Middle East will offer more than 80 companies a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts. The event aims to foster a dialogue and build sustainable networks in the GCC’s hospitality sector, as well as create a competitive environment for businesses. The agenda is incorporated with numerous networking opportunities that give participants essential time to build targeted connections and exchange information.
Both the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Hotelier Summit witnessed large participation, making them a huge success. The 2017 edition of the summit is on course to attract over 400 industry experts from all over the globe, making this initiative the ideal B2B solutions platform for the Middle East hospitality industry.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/top-industry-leaders-to-discuss-hospitality-trends-at-hotelier-summit-middle-east-2017#sthash.D8Pkux4X.dpuf

IATA urgent calls for alternatives to large electronic restrictions


MONTREAL - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to urgently find alternatives to recently announced measures by the United States and the United Kingdom to restrict the carry-on of large electronic items on certain flights departing the Middle East and North Africa.
The Case for Alternative Measures
"The current measures are not an acceptable long-term solution to whatever threat they are trying to mitigate. Even in the short term it is difficult to understand their effectiveness. And the commercial distortions they create are severe. We call on governments to work with the industry to find a way to keep flying secure without separating passengers from their personal electronics," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

De Juniac made this demand in a speech to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations in which he highlighted the need to maintain public confidence in the security of the global aviation industry which safely and security operates an average 100,000 flights a day.
"With the measures now in place, our passengers and member airlines are asking valid questions. Why don’t the US and the UK have a common list of airports? How can laptops be secure in the cabin on some flights and not others, including flights departing from the same airport? And surely there must be a way to screen electronic equipment effectively? The current situation is not acceptable and will not maintain the all-important confidence of the industry or of travelers. We must find a better way. And Governments must act quickly," said de Juniac.
IATA Calls for Better Coordination and Information Sharing
IATA also expressed frustration at the process used by governments to put in place the security measures which was woefully lacking. "The industry came together quickly to implement the new requirements. That was a challenge because there was no prior consultation and little coordination by governments," said de Juniac.

IATA has long called for better information sharing and coordination on security measures among governments and with the industry.
"While governments have the primary responsibility for security, we share the priority of keeping passengers, crew and aircraft secure. To do that effectively intelligence is king. And it needs to be shared amongst governments and with the industry. It’s the only way to stop terrorists before they get near an airport, let alone aircraft," de Juniac.
Moreover, cooperation between industry and governments yields a better result. "Airlines don’t want access to state secrets. But if airlines understand the outcome governments want, they can help with the operational experience to deliver that result effectively and efficiently," said de Juniac.
International Cooperation
Challenges to aviation security were highlighted in Resolution 2309 of the UN Security Council which tasked the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop a Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP). "The need for such a plan has been made very clear by wide gaps in the measures taken by governments in recent days. States need to lend their full support to ICAO in developing GASeP quickly. And even before that can be achieved, there is an early opportunity to make a real improvement to international cooperation on security. In May ICAO member states will consider amendments to Annex 17 of the Chicago convention that would require information sharing. The security experience of recent years should compel States to support this," said de Juniac.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/iata-urgent-calls-for-alternatives-to-large-electronic-restrictions#sthash.ztInEiW8.dpuf

ICAO/EASA Forum results in improved African collaboration.


MONTREAL – ICAO and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), building on their common interest in the evolution of the ICAO and global framework for regional mechanisms to support State aviation safety oversight, achieved landmark progress last week as they co-hosted hundreds of officials for a special joint Global Forum on Regional Safety Oversight Organizations in Africa.
  1. Hosted in Ezulwini, with the generous support and hospitality of the Kingdom of Swaziland, the ICAO-EASA event endorsed a proposal for a new global aviation safety oversight framework, while making significant progress on key objectives to improve the cooperation and efficiency of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) – both globally and in ICAO’s Africa and Indian Ocean (AFI) Region.
    RSOOs are an integral aspect of global aviation safety, and provide a very effective mechanism for regional groups of States to pool their resources and benefit from economies of scale to resolve their safety oversight deficiencies.
    Importantly, a special Ministerial event held in conjunction with the Forum also led to the signing of a formal Declaration on how African States will work to refine their collaborative efforts and improve aviation safety oversight continent-wide. The regional Ministerial Declaration endorsed the newly-proposed global oversight system, an action plan to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of RSOOs, and a new cooperative platform to facilitate the agreed evolution in regional collaboration.
    During the opening of the Ministerial session, ICAO Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu stressed to Ministers that the events of the past week had represented a major milestone in the evolution of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations for civil aviation safety. He also noted that current and future aviation growth would strongly support the realization of the African Union’s regional safety targets, and especially its goal to drive inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the accelerated integration of African economies. 
    “Africa is one of the fastest growing air transport markets in the world today, and its expanding aviation connectivity is delivering very positive impacts on local tourism and trade,” President Aliu highlighted. “The presence of government Ministers at this meeting has helped to ensure these commitments will be treated seriously and sustainably, and we have been very encouraged that our shared objectives for collaborative AFI Region safety oversight have now been formalized through their official Declaration.”
    Some 200 participants from 48 States and 32 International Organizations attended the ICAO-EASA event in Swaziland, with 13 Ministers attending the Ministerial portion from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Swaziland, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sao Tome and Principe, Lesotho, Mauritania, and South Africa.
    - See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/icaoeasa-forum-results-in-improved-african-collaboration#sthash.hULi8BKJ.dpuf

EGCOA launch new Vision 2020 resources: ‘Forever: Golf that Lasts’ .


Forever, the 6th F of Vision 2020, looks at sustainability – exploring what sustainable golf actually is, why it’s important to clubs as businesses and how they can gain the advantages which sustainable operations can bring.
The Vision 2020 project was unveiled by the EGCOA and its members in 2014 in response to a negative growth in the sport in Europe. Its inception and continued development is the result of extensive collaboration and consultation across the industry to identify the key-opportunities for clubs. This new Forever topic adds to the current offerings: Friendship; Flexibility; Family; Fun and Fore Health. Vision 2020 provides a platform for golf businesses to explore these 6 key opportunity and find the answers and inspiration to grow the game. Future section focuses on golf’s positive value to people and planet.
“We’re delighted to launch this new section to the growing resources in the Vision 2020 platform” said Lodewijk Klootwijk, CEO of the EGCOA “Sustainability is core to the continued success of the sport. The EGCOA recognises the importance of looking to the future not only for golf as a whole but for individual clubs, who are facing uncertain and pressured times. The information and resources available on the Vision 2020 platform highlight the economic benefits sustainable operations can bring to clubs. It also directs clubs to practical resources, such as golf’s bespoke OnCourse sustainability platform, to take positive action and uncover and enhance their social and environmental value and realise the benefits for all. We thank GEO and our members for their support in putting this informative and useful resource together.”
GEO (Golf Environment Organization), is the non-profit dedicated to supporting the international golf industry. Jonathan Smith, CEO at GEO said: “We are proud to have worked with the EGCOA on this project. The new page provides relevant information to inspire and enable club owners and managers to unlock their positive value for people and planet, and to strengthen their club for now and for the future. The resources highlight some of the great work that’s already going on and the economic and social benefits clubs are already seeing. We hope this will inspire others to take action and also share their successes and progress. We look forward to continuing to work with the EGCOA and their members as golf continues to show leadership in this important area.”
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/egcoa-launch-new-vision-2020-resources-forever-golf-that-lasts#sthash.g8v2fGPd.dpuf

Checkfront and Expedia team up to streamline booking process for Tours and Activities


VICTORIA - Checkfront Inc, a leading provider of online booking solutions, announced an integration with Expedia Local Expert (LX) to provide Expedia travelers with access to real-time availability. Users can now connect their Checkfront supply with Expedia, giving them access to the largest full-service online travel company's global reach.
"Last year, a common theme among tour and activity providers was how to leverage distribution channels to grow their business," said Jason Morehouse, CEO of Checkfront. "We knew that giving our customers access to the Expedia ecosystem would help them scale their business. Expedia is so much more than just a distribution channel, they also provide powerful marketing programs to support tour and activities operators in expanding their reach and finding their customers at every stage of the buying cycle."
All booking information gathered through Expedia LX is instantaneously synced in Checkfront, including traveler information, booking details and sales metrics. When a traveler completes a booking through Expedia LX, availability in Checkfront is updated automatically, eliminating any chance of double or overbooking.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/checkfront-and-expedia-team-up-to-streamline-booking-process-for-tours-and-activities#sthash.N8sjsOD6.dpuf

Weakening March reservation pace creates new challenges for US hoteliers


NEW YORK – As North American hoteliers head into the spring season, new commitments that have been added over the last month (pace) are down -1.6 percent, and committed occupancy* for the first quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter is down -1.2 percent compared to last year, according to new data from TravelClick’s March 2017 North American Hospitality Review (NAHR).
Group travel, however, is still showing signs of growth in the first quarter, with average daily rates (ADR) up 3.5 percent and occupancy up 1.5 percent. Overall ADR is up 2.0 percent based on reservations that are currently on the books for March 2017 through February 2018, growing in 21 of the top 25 North American markets.
“The advance booking pace for March is disappointing, especially considering the annual spring reservation bounce that usually occurs during this time of year,” said John Hach, TravelClick’s senior industry analyst. “Additionally, even though group travel is holding strong in the first quarter, group, leisure and business travel continue to decline across many major markets.”
Twelve-Month Outlook (March 2017 – February 2018)
For the next 12 months (March 2017 – February 2018), transient bookings are down -4.2 percent year-over-year, but ADR for this segment is up 2.0 percent. When broken down further, the transient leisure (discount, qualified and wholesale) segment is down -3.8 percent, and ADR is slightly up 1.4 percent. The transient business (negotiated and retail) segment is down -5.5 percent, but ADR is up 2.8 percent. Lastly, group bookings are flat at 0.3 percent in committed room nights over the same time last year, and ADR is up 3.1 percent.

"As the reservation pace in the second quarter of 2017 doesn’t show much improvement, it’s becoming abundantly clear that hoteliers must take proactive steps to capture the advance reservation demand that’s coming into their markets as soon as possible,” added Hach. “While ADR continues to trend higher, hoteliers now have a much greater need to differentiate the guest experience above and beyond their local competition.”  
The March NAHR looks at group sales commitments and individual reservations in the 25 major North American markets for hotel stays that are booked by March 1, 2017, from the period of March 2017 to February 2018.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/weakening-march-reservation-pace-creates-new-challenges-for-us-hoteliers#sthash.OfEw0iZ0.dpuf

UNWTO welcomes the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity - See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/unwto-welcomes-the-celebration-of-the-international-day-for-biological-diversity#sthash.lvnUVRpy.dpuf



The Convention on Biological Diversity of the United Nations has chosen ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’ as the theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity. The celebration takes places annually on 22 May. The decision aims at supporting the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development which is being commemorated worldwide throughout 2017. 
The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizes among others the role of the tourism sector in the preservation of ecosystems and in raising awareness on the uniqueness of biodiversity.
Following these principles, the Convention on Biological Diversity of the United Nations has decided to dedicate the International Day for Biological Diversity, which is yearly celebrated on May 22 to ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’.
As stated by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, “We very much welcome the decision taken by the Convention on Biological Diversity to emphasize the link between tourism and biodiversity. Tourism is one of the best placed sectors to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development and, with the right policies in place, to preserving ecosystems, biodiversity and natural heritage”.
The contribution of tourism to conservation is increasingly recognized by the international community. The Cancun Declaration on Mainstreaming the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity for Wellbeing released on the occasion of COP 13 (the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity) held in Mexico last December, recalls that “tourism is an excellent vehicle to use in spreading environmental awareness worldwide, not to mention the livelihood support it provides for communities living in and around reserves and natural areas” and recognises that tourism can be an enabling agent of change.
Monitoring, land planning, development of bio-cultural wealth and the promotion of technologies to transform tourism in a preservation tool of biological diversity are some of the components integrated in sustainable tourism approaches. This view also emphasizes the potential of tourism to raise environmental awareness worldwide on the value of protected areas.
In this regard, UNWTO has been long working to strengthen the capacity to monitor the impact of the tourism sector and build evidence-based approaches to tourism development. The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is a network of tourism observatories monitoring the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the destination level, committed to regular monitoring of tourism in order to better understand destination-wide resource use and foster the responsible management of tourism. There are 16 observatories currently in operation worldwide.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/unwto-welcomes-the-celebration-of-the-international-day-for-biological-diversity#sthash.lvnUVRpy.dpuf

The best beaches for families in 2017



, N.J. - Family Vacation CriticTripAdvisor's family travel site, has just released its annual list of the Best Beaches for Families – naming the best beaches in the U.S. for families traveling with children of all ages.
"Beach vacations are at the top of so many families' must-do list throughout the year," explains Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. "Whether for a day trip or a longer vacation, our list aims to help families narrow down the options to find beaches that truly are fantastic for families – every beach has lifeguards, in addition to kid-friendly activities and a selection of lodging options nearby. These beaches go beyond just a day on the sand, but offer some really fun features for families to enjoy together."
This year's list of winning beaches includes:
  • Long Beach Island, New Jersey (Long Beach Island, NJ)
    Insider Tip: The Surflight Theatre – and its popular Show Place Ice Cream Parlour – will reopen in 2017, presenting live children's performances all summer long.
  • Ponce Inlet, Florida (Ponce Inlet, FL)
    Insider Tip: The Marine Science Center offers families the chance to learn about the area's sea turtles and other native wildlife.
  • Jones Beach State Park, New York (Wantagh, NY)
    Insider Tip: Kids can touch live marine animals, dig up whale bones and walk through the butterfly garden at Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center, right in Jones Beach State Park.
  • Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
    Insider Tip: Families can enjoy the new Lefty's Alley and Eats – just a short drive from Rehoboth – with bowling lanes, a state-of-the-art arcade, a two-story laser tag arena and an on-site restaurant.
  • Coronado Beach, California (Coronado, CA)
    Insider Tip: New in 2017, visitors can transform into a mermaid as part of Hotel del Coronado's Mermaid Fitness classes – cardio and core exercise classes while wearing a mermaid fin.
  • Balboa Beach, California (Newport Beach, CA)
    Insider Tip: The area's famous Balboa Fun Zone amusement area has been entertaining families for decades, with its Ferris wheel, arcades and shopping.
  • North Beach Park, Wisconsin (Racine, WI)
    Insider Tip: The Wind Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest and tallest active lighthouses on the Great Lakes, and is open for guided tours the first Sunday of every month from June through October.
  • Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts (Eastham, MA)
    Insider Tip: Cape Cod National Seashore offers a wide range of ranger-guided activities, including guided walks, campfires and canoe trips.
  • Weirs Beach, New Hampshire (Weirs Beach, NH)
    Insider Tip: Half Moon Amusement Arcades offers families the fun of two arcades - the Penny Arcade and the Family Fun Center – with more than 250 games combined.
  • Seaside Beach, Oregon (Seaside, OR)
    Insider Tip: Families can visit the Seaside Aquarium to explore its hands-on discovery center and interact with its resident seals.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/the-best-beaches-for-families-in-2017#sthash.fGdfQncx.dpuf

Sabre revamps GetThere to help business travelers get there with enhanced features and mobile empowered tools



SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, and SINGAPORE – Smart business travelers use Sabre’s GetThere travel management solution to get there, and now they have more reasons than ever as Sabre Corporation is taking GetThere to the next level with the launch of a fast, design led mobile experience to provide business travelers a simple way to book and manage in-policy travel on the go.
The GetThere user experience team conducted hundreds of qualitative usability research sessions to evaluate what travelers and travel managers truly want and need out of an online booking tool. The newly redesigned GetThere applied the results to create a new modernized travel experience that empowers travelers to make smarter in-policy booking decisions. The new consumer-grade and streamlined user experience gives them more self-service options and delivers an optimal search, shop and book experience whether on mobile or desktop.
Other new GetThere features include:
  • a simplified and responsive design, fully optimized for a mobile road-warrior
  • an intuitive booking workflow powered by Sabre’s technology that is accessible and consistent on any device – desktop, tablet, and smartphone
  • Sabre’s air merchandising capabilities to support airlines’ branded fares with existing travel policy
“Today’s business traveler wants the convenience of self-service solutions. Our new traveler-centric design in GetThere puts the user first with new mobile capabilities and relevant content that’s essential for a smarter travel program,” said Wade Jones, interim president of Sabre Travel Network. “Travel managers and travelers will also have access to more content and the ability to differentiate various fare offerings from airlines including branded fares – helping business travelers get the exact services and features that they need to be productive.”
With more airlines tailoring products for business traveler needs, corporations require an enriched marketplace of negotiated fares, amenities for a mobile workplace, and customization within the managed travel program. With the new GetThere, travel managers have more options to use fare rules to identify Out-of-Policy fares and control whether certain flights are displayed within the search results. Business travelers have access to the full breadth of available fares offered by the carrier, beyond lowest air fare, at the touch of their fingers. This combination of enhanced features can increase adoption, in-compliance online bookings and reduce travel costs for corporations.
Visa, a recent adopter of GetThere as their preferred online booking tool, generated the company’s highest adoption rate and bookings in compliance. The company switched to Sabre’s corporate booking tool to empower employee business travelers with an efficient self-service solution and optimize cost control when it comes to procurement and negotiated fares and rates from suppliers.
“The collaboration and relationship you build really is key. That’s what set GetThere apart from their competitors. I felt they had the knowledge needed and spoke my language as far as travel industry best practices and employee behavior,” said Caroline Boggess, senior director of Global Travel for Visa.
Prior to implementing GetThere, Visa had a very low adoption rate, hovering around 17 percent companywide. As an immediate result, online adoption increased to 70 percent within the first week of the GetThere launch. [Read more on the Visa adoption case study] .
GetThere is the most reliable online travel management solution, handling the most complex travel programs while remaining simple and intuitive for both travelers and travel managers. The latest capabilities drive online adoption, enhance travel managers’ ability to satisfy duty of care obligations, improve supplier and contract management and streamline processes.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/sabre-revamps-getthere-to-help-business-travelers-get-there-with-enhanced-features-and-mobile-empowered-tools#sthash.8CXV89gv.dpuf

UK's FCO travel advice for Egypt, Italy and Turkey




Turkey
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom advise against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
  • the remaining areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces
  • the provinces of Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari
There will be a national referendum on 16 April 2017. Rallies and demonstrations, official and unofficial, may take place at short notice. You should stay well away from any demonstrations.
Egypt
The FCO also advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai due to the significant increase in criminal activity and continued terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
  • the Governorate of South Sinai, with the exception of the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, which includes the airport and the areas of Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq; however, we advise against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh;
  • the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, excluding the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
There’s a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation. The UK government has implemented additional security measures, including Egypt. Direct flights continue to depart to the UK from Egypt (except from Sharm el Sheikh). You should co-operate fully with security officials. For more information about how this may affect your flight, including if you’re transiting through Egypt on the way to the UK, read this guidance page and contact your airline or travel company if you have further questions.
There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks targeting Coptic Christians in Egypt. On 9 April 2017 (Palm Sunday) explosions occurred in Mar Girgis Church in Tanta and St Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, killing at least 44 people. Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) claimed responsibility for these attacks. On 9 April 2017, President Sisi announced a 3-month state of emergency.
You should remain vigilant at all times and follow the advice of local security officials, including in and around religious sites and during religious festivals. Take extra care over local holiday weekends, as some terrorist attacks have occurred during these times. You can find a list of local holidays on the website of the British Embassy in Cairo.
Italy
Italy will impose border controls on all travellers between 10 and 31 May 2017 to enhance security ahead of the G7 Leaders Summit in Taormina. Expect delays and allow extra time to transit passport control at airports, seaports and border crossings. You should contact your travel provider for more information.

Mount Etna has been erupting with increasing frequency. Take care if you’re near any active volcano and follow local advice. 
Several strong earthquakes were felt in central Italy on 18 and 19 January 2017 in the regions of Lazio (including Rome), Abruzzo and Marche. In 2016, there were a series of earthquakes in central Italy, including one in August that claimed around 300 lives.
- See more at: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/uks-fco-travel-advice-for-egypt-italy-and-turkey#sthash.JGa0uSrE.dpuf