International News

Virus cost global tourism $1.3 trillion in 2020

The coronavirus crisis cost the global tourism sector $1.3 trillion in lost revenue in 2020 as the number of people traveling plunged, the UN said, calling it "the worst year in tourism history". Revenue lost last year amounted to "more than 11 times the loss recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis," the Madrid-based UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said in a statement, warning that between 100 million and 120 million direct tourism jobs were at risk, AFP reported. International tourist arrivals fell by one billion, or 74 percent, in 2020 with Asia, the first region to feel the impact of COVID-19, seeing the steepest decline, it added. "While much has been made in making safe international travel a possibility, we are aware that the crisis is far from over," UNWTO head Zurab Pololikashvili said in the statement. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is expected to "slowly normalize travel" in 2021 but many countries are reintroducing travel restrictions such as quarantines, mandatory testing and border closures "due to the evolving nature of the pandemic", the body said. The Asia and Pacific region recorded an 84 percent drop in arrivals. It was followed by Africa and the Middle East with a 75 percent drop, Europe with 70 percent fewer visitors "despite a small and short-lived revival in the summer" and the Americas where arrivals fell by 69 percent. International tourism arrivals rose by four percent in 2019 to 1.5 billion, with France the world's most visited country, followed by Spain and the US. The last time international tourist arrivals posted an annual decline was in 2009 when the global economic crisis led to a four percent drop. The UNWTO said most experts do not see a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism activity before 2023. Open-air and nature-based tourism will see growing demand when tourism restarts, with domestic tourism also expected to be more popular, the body said. While international tourism has taken a hit from the outbreak of disease in the past, the coronavirus is unprecedented in its geographical spread. By comparison, international tourism arrivals fell by just 0.4 percent in 2003 after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed 774 people worldwide. The coronavirus has killed at least 2,176,000 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP. The tourism industry accounts for about 10 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP) and jobs.

Create: Feb 3, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021

Costa Rica sees ailing tourist trade stagnant in 2021 after COVID-19 blow

Tourism to Costa Rica will likely stagnate this year at the sharply reduced levels of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, weighing on the economy of the Central American country, a top government official said. Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura said Costa Rica will in 2021 probably receive about one-third of the 3,139,000 international tourists it had in 2019, on a par with last year, when some 1,011,000 foreign visitors arrived, official data shows, Reuters reported. In an interview, Segura said around 75,000 tourists came to Costa Rica in December, down from 327,000 a year earlier, underlining the challenge facing the popular tourist destination and the industry as a whole in Latin America. “Though the figures are better than those of some competitor nations, many companies can’t get going again,” Segura told Reuters, noting that the extent of recovery would depend on how the pandemic developed and how vaccination efforts progressed. Battered by the loss of tourists, the Costa Rican hotel and restaurant trade shrank by 40% last year, the central bank said. In 2019, tourism represented 8.5% of gross domestic product and 9% of formal jobs in the country of 5 million people. Segura projected that in 2021 it will only be worth around 3.5% of GDP and that the industry will shed about half the employment it generated, or about 100,000 jobs. The minister was hopeful that Costa Rica’s focus on nature tourism would reduce some of the attendant risk with people being outdoors. He also pointed to the fact the country’s health system had managed to avoid saturating its hospitals. Costa Rica has to date registered 193,276 infections and 2,604 deaths linked to COVID-19.

Create: Feb 3, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021

Mexico says tourism could lose $782 million from Canada flight freeze

There could be up to 791,000 fewer tourists in Mexico as a result of the suspension Canada imposed from January 31 to April 30 Canada's decision to suspend flights by its major airlines to Mexico for 3 months to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic could cost the Mexican tourism industry around $782 million in lost revenue, Mexico's government said on Sunday, January 31. Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco made the estimate on the basis there could be up to 791,000 fewer tourists as a result of the suspension Canada imposed from Sunday through April 30, his ministry said in a statement. Still, the losses may end up smaller, Torruco said. The minister said Canada could also miss out on 372,000 Mexican visitors and $368 million in lost revenues because of freezing the flights. Mexico has not moved to suspend flights to Canada, although one airline, Aeromexico, said it would halt flights to Canada from the 2nd week of February until the end of April. Compared with 2019, the number of visitors to Mexico from Canada fell last year by 61.3% to 1,020,000, the ministry said

Create: Feb 3, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021

Hyatt Expands Luxury Alila Brand in the U.S. With Alila Napa Valley

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today an expansion of the luxury lifestyle Alila brand in the United States with the addition of Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Slated to join Hyatt’s portfolio on March 1, 2021, and at this time, scheduled to resume operations on March 15, 2021, the exclusive 68-room adults-only retreat will feature personalized hospitality that celebrates the authenticity of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Alila Napa Valley will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, which is slated to open in March 2021. With 14 distinct properties across six countries worldwide, the Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, as well as rare and intimate destination experiences. Surrounded by the pristine home vineyards of the Beringer Estate, Alila Napa Valley will offer guests an exclusive, curated and truly luxury travel experience in the heart of California’s Wine Country. The hotel features award-winning design by renowned design team Yabu Pushelberg using natural materials and a soothing neutral palette that well-complement the unobstructed vineyard and mountain views that face west for idyllic sunsets. The hotel’s 68 guest rooms, including seven suites are appointed with automation controls, marble bathrooms, custom-designed furniture. All guestrooms have oversized balconies or wrap-around terraces with fireplaces and some with an outdoor bathtub. Alila Napa Valley will feature a newly rebranded Spa Alila and Fitness Center, a dramatic outdoor pool that overlooks adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, as well as a seasonally driven restaurant and bar – Acacia House, led by Chef Chris Cosentino – which will feature a local, sustainable menu that reflects the bounty of Napa Valley. The hotel is walking distance from the quaint shops and restaurants in downtown St. Helena and has nearby access to more than 400 wineries, hot air ballooning, the Culinary Institute of America at the Greystone and a variety of experiences curated by the concierge team. “Growing the Alila brand remains a priority for Hyatt and we’re so thrilled to offer guests and World of Hyatt members new, immersive experiences set in the remarkable beauty of California’s exceptional Napa Valley wine country,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “As the third Alila destination in California, Alila Napa Valley is poised to provide a personalized approach that will help discerning guests discover what makes the Napa Valley region so special. As a leader in crafted luxury, responsible tourism and transformative experiences, the Alila brand will deliver a refreshing guest experience that is all its own, while embodying a brand ethos that feels right at home in California.” Previously known as Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, the hotel is built around a stately, Georgian-style guesthouse that was originally constructed in 1907 and is now used to house the restaurant, bar and seven guest rooms. The welcoming dining space offers a half horseshoe-shaped bar for sipping and tastings as well as indoor and outdoor seating on a beautiful, covered terrace with towering columns. The hotel’s transformed Spa Alila will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate with transformative and customized therapies and treatments that are reflective of its wine country location. Guests will be able to enjoy various wellness offerings such as daily yoga classes, creative fitness programming, complimentary bicycles and uniquely local offerings such as “mindful wine tastings.” Spa services will be offered within a unique contemporary farmhouse including a lap pool, steam room, couples massage suite and more. Meanwhile, a premium fitness center will be open to guests around the clock with state-of-the-art equipment from TRX and Life Fitness, as well as a yoga studio. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today an expansion of the luxury lifestyle Alila brand in the United States with the addition of Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, Calif. Slated to join Hyatt’s portfolio on March 1, 2021, and at this time, scheduled to resume operations on March 15, 2021, the exclusive 68-room adults-only retreat will feature personalized hospitality that celebrates the authenticity of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Alila Napa Valley will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, which is slated to open in March 2021. With 14 distinct properties across six countries worldwide, the Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, as well as rare and intimate destination experiences. Surrounded by the pristine home vineyards of the Beringer Estate, Alila Napa Valley will offer guests an exclusive, curated and truly luxury travel experience in the heart of California’s Wine Country. The hotel features award-winning design by renowned design team Yabu Pushelberg using natural materials and a soothing neutral palette that well-complement the unobstructed vineyard and mountain views that face west for idyllic sunsets. The hotel’s 68 guest rooms, including seven suites are appointed with automation controls, marble bathrooms, custom-designed furniture. All guestrooms have oversized balconies or wrap-around terraces with fireplaces and some with an outdoor bathtub. Alila Napa Valley will feature a newly rebranded Spa Alila and Fitness Center, a dramatic outdoor pool that overlooks adjacent vineyards and distant mountains, as well as a seasonally driven restaurant and bar – Acacia House, led by Chef Chris Cosentino – which will feature a local, sustainable menu that reflects the bounty of Napa Valley. The hotel is walking distance from the quaint shops and restaurants in downtown St. Helena and has nearby access to more than 400 wineries, hot air ballooning, the Culinary Institute of America at the Greystone and a variety of experiences curated by the concierge team. “Growing the Alila brand remains a priority for Hyatt and we’re so thrilled to offer guests and World of Hyatt members new, immersive experiences set in the remarkable beauty of California’s exceptional Napa Valley wine country,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “As the third Alila destination in California, Alila Napa Valley is poised to provide a personalized approach that will help discerning guests discover what makes the Napa Valley region so special. As a leader in crafted luxury, responsible tourism and transformative experiences, the Alila brand will deliver a refreshing guest experience that is all its own, while embodying a brand ethos that feels right at home in California.” Previously known as Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, the hotel is built around a stately, Georgian-style guesthouse that was originally constructed in 1907 and is now used to house the restaurant, bar and seven guest rooms. The welcoming dining space offers a half horseshoe-shaped bar for sipping and tastings as well as indoor and outdoor seating on a beautiful, covered terrace with towering columns. The hotel’s transformed Spa Alila will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate with transformative and customized therapies and treatments that are reflective of its wine country location. Guests will be able to enjoy various wellness offerings such as daily yoga classes, creative fitness programming, complimentary bicycles and uniquely local offerings such as “mindful wine tastings.” Spa services will be offered within a unique contemporary farmhouse including a lap pool, steam room, couples massage suite and more. Meanwhile, a premium fitness center will be open to guests around the clock with state-of-the-art equipment from TRX and Life Fitness, as well as a yoga studio.

Create: Feb 3, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021

'Vaccine tourism': tens of thousands of Americans cross state lines for injections

With more than 50 unique vaccination plans across the United States, one’s access to the Covid-19 vaccine depends in large part on where one lives. In Wisconsin, mink farmers are being considered for the next phase of vaccine prioritization. In New Jersey, smokers can get priority access to the vaccine. In Colorado, journalists fall under the category of frontline workers. This complex system has given rise to a new type of pandemic travel – dubbed “vaccine tourism” – in which people cross state or even country lines to get earlier access. Without standardized protocol, and because of the fractured American health system, tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people have gotten vaccines outside their home states. “They are coming from Canada, Brazil, New York, Georgia, folks from Minneapolis have come here. Some friends of mine in St Petersburg [Florida] told me that they were in a vaccination line with people from Venezuela,” said Dr Jay Wolfson, a professor of public health at the University of South Florida. He credits advertisements from international travel agencies with at least part of the vaccine tourist influx. “I get calls all the time from people saying, ‘Jay, can you get me in someplace?’ – and I can’t. And I won’t.” Florida has been one of the most popular vaccine tourism destinations for domestic and international travelers alike, due to the state’s initial policy of vaccinating anyone over the age of 65 years old. The state recently implemented new ID rules in an attempt to direct more vaccines to Florida residents, but not before about 50,000 out-of-state recipients got a dose. Though some of these vaccine recipients are seasonal state residents, or snowbirds, whose decision to spend the winter in Florida was unrelated to their vaccination prospects, many thousands have come to the state just for a shot. The 50,000 doses represent only about 3.4% of the total vaccinations administered in Florida, but even a small percentage going to out-of-state recipients in any state can affect the entire country’s vaccination infrastructure. “Administering a vaccine dose involves appointments, involves needles, involves human resources. And all of those resources that are vehicles for delivering doses of the vaccine are tied to a local community, state, or city in terms of allocation,” said Dr Kyle Ferguson, a postdoctoral fellow in the division of medical ethics at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine.

Create: Feb 2, 2021 Edit: Feb 3, 2021

Majority support hotel quarantine for passengers flying into Ireland, poll finds

There is overwhelming support for hotel quarantine for anybody flying into Ireland as well as the continued closure of pubs and restaurants. According to the latest Red C/Business Post poll, a total of 86% of those polled agreed with the proposition that people travelling to Ireland should have to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The poll also reveals that 70% of people believe that both pubs and restaurants should not be opened until most of the population has been vaccinated. This is in stark contrast to a poll last September, when there were far lower case numbers. Then a Red C poll found that 50% of people believed so-called “wet pubs” should be reopened alongside restaurants, with only 32% wanting them to stay closed. The poll also shows that resistance to taking vaccines is dropping. Last November, a Red C poll showed 74% of people were willing to take a Covid-19 vaccine but now, according to today's poll, that has increased to 85%. There is however widespread dissatisfaction with the Government's performance, with the poll showing 47% dissatisfied ahead of the 46% who said they were satisfied. The poll also shows that 56% of people believe schools should reopen in February if cases continue to decline at the current rates, while 38% disagree. Around 59% of people with children are in favour of schools reopening, but 31% are opposed. The poll also shows that a majority of people aged over 55 are satisfied with the vaccine rollout, which — the Business Post points out — may be related to the fact that over-70s are next in line to get the vaccine. There is lower satisfaction with the rollout among people aged 18-34 and 35-54, two groups who will be among the last to get vaccinated. Around 68% of Fianna Fáll supporters are happy with the vaccine rollout, but that drops to 55% among Fine Gael supporters and 29% among Sinn Féin supporters. When asked about first-preference voting intentions, 29% said they would vote Fine Gael, followed by 27% who said they would vote Sinn Féin. Just 16% said they would give Fianna Fáil their first preference vote, which is 6% down from the number of those who said they would give the party their first preference vote in the last General Election. With more people saying they would give their first preference vote to Fine Gael than said they would in the General Election, the only other party increasing in popularity since the General Election is the Social Democrats. Some 5% said they would give the party their first preference vote, compared to 3% in the General Election. Among those whose popularity has fallen since then are the Labour Party, down 1%, and the Green Party, down 2%

Create: Feb 2, 2021 Edit: Feb 2, 2021

Saudi Arabia welcomes its first Grand Hyatt hotel

A new hub for business and leisure travellers in Saudi Arabia, Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences marks an important milestone in Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s Middle East growth strategy. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative – which strives to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil, not least by attracting more international visitors – is a step closer to being realised with the arrival of Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences. Hyatt’s Middle Eastern expansionThe new property is the sixth Hyatt-branded hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the first from the Grand Hyatt brand. Located in the city of Al Khobar, on the Arabian Gulf, the 368-room hotel is more precisely situated in its commercial and retail heart, conveniently connected by bridge to the Al Rashid Mall. “We are thrilled to open the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to welcoming guests seeking magnificent moments from this iconic destination,” said Nizar Weshah, general manager at Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences. “Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences celebrates these moments and exceeds guest expectations by delivering iconic cuisine, breathtaking design and unparalleled service.” Elevated offeringsInside, an upscale interior design of oatmeal tones, highlighted by bold blue hues, gold accents and flash details from sparkling chandeliers to decorative Islamic geometric patterns, unfurls over a series of dining options, event spaces, a spa and 368 rooms, including 45 suites and 54 residential units. Here, each room boasts views across the city alongside all the usual offerings, including a flatscreen TV, high-speed internet access, and a work desk. All of the suites have access to the Grand Club lounge, a quiet space with culinary highlights throughout the day, while the sprawling 138 sq m Diplomat Suite comes complete with a separate living room, dining area and kitchenette. A dining destination in its own right, there are four options to choose from at Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences: Ashman, an all-day dining space serving up traditional Levantine cuisine; Sakana House, a steak and seafood spot influenced by Pan Asian culinary traditions; a French patisserie called Rosalie, situated next to the entrance of the mall and providing perfect pre-shopping sustenance; and Grandeur, a 24-hour lobby space, serving up a selection of light meals and beverages, including freshly brewed Arabic coffee. One of Al Khobar’s largest ballroomsThe property’s 2,300 sq m of light-filled meetings and events spaces include the 1,050 sq m Grand Ballroom, one of the largest in the city with capacity for up to 1,400 guests, while downtime can be had in the hotel’s wellness area. Its Nirvana Spa offers a series of treatments across ten rooms, six for women and four for men. There’s also a fully equipped fitness centre, as well as two separate lap pools, relaxation beds, a whirlpool bath, a sauna, a steam room and a Moroccan bath – and for the more active, there’s a squash court. As of now, 120 guestrooms, 20 residences, the all-day dining spot, the lobby lounge, the banquet halls, the spa and the fitness centre are open. The remaining guest rooms, Rosalie and Sakana House will come next in February 2021, before the final residences launch the following month.

Create: Feb 2, 2021 Edit: Feb 2, 2021

Saudi Arabia will begin tracking tourism’s contribution to economy

Saudi Arabia’s statistics authority will begin tracking tourism’s contribution to its economic output, according to a statement on Saturday. The Tourism Establishment Survey will provide data on the industry, including the size of the workforce, pay and revenue and expenditure. This will help calculate tourism’s share of gross domestic product and establish growth rates for activities within the sector, the General Authority for Statistics said. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund announced it had formed a company, called Cruise Saudi, to develop a local cruise industry as Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman tries to turn the Kingdom into a global tourism destination. Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority announced in December 2020 the launch of the Saudi ‘Arabian Winter’ season designed to attract visitors to more than 17 destinations across the Kingdom. The campaign will run from 10 December 2020 until the end of March 2021

Create: Feb 2, 2021 Edit: Feb 2, 2021

United Arab Emirates travellers banned from UK

The government banned travel to the UK from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda. Officials said the move was to prevent the spread of the new variant originally identified in South Africa into the UK. From 13:00 on Friday, passengers who have been in or transited through the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda in the last ten days will no longer be granted access to the UK. This does not include British and Irish nationals, or third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK, who will be able to enter the UK but are required to self-isolate for ten days at home, along with their household. Passengers returning from these countries cannot be released from self-isolation through test to release. There will also be a flight ban on direct passenger flights from the United Arab Emirates. The decision to ban travel from these destinations follows the discovery of a new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa, that may have spread to other countries, including the UAE, Burundi and Rwanda. Any exemptions usually in place will not apply, including for business travel. British nationals currently in the UAE should make use of the commercial options available if they wish to return to the UK. Indirect commercial routes that will enable British and Irish nationals and residents to return to the UK continue to operate. British nationals should check Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and follow local guidance. Emirates Following confirmation, Emirates, one of the largest carriers between the United Arab Emirates and the UK, said it remained committed to the market in the long-term. An Emirates spokesperson said: “As directed by the UK government, Emirates will be suspending passenger services between Dubai and all our UK points – Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester - effective 13:00 today, until further notice. “We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking. “Emirates remains committed to serving our customers in the UK. “We look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow, and will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard.”

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 31, 2021

LOT Polish Looks To Boost Tourism With 787 Dreamliner Charters

LOT Polish Airlines, the flag carrier of Poland, aims to drive forward its recovery by placing an even larger focus on tourism in the upcoming months. It is hoping to boost ticket sales via its “Lot na wakacje” (“vacation flight”, with “LOT” meaning “flight”) promotion, but it is also launching cooperation agreements with travel agencies. The pandemic changed LOT Polish’s business model Up until its entire business model came to a standstill last year, LOT Polish Airlines was consistently solidifying its position as a transfer airline in Eastern Europe. It did so via its primary hub in the Polish capital, Warsaw Chopin Airport, and its secondary hub in the capital of Hungary, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. A fundamental feature of this model was LOT’s reliance on passengers who traveled on its services into and out of Warsaw, and to a lesser extent Budapest, but whose journeys did not actually originate or end in either of these two cities. The transfer model looked promising: LOT Polish was profitable, expanding continuously for several years, and it even intended to buy German airline Condor.

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 30, 2021

Qatar Airways temporarily suspends booking from UAE to UK

Qatar Airways has announced a temporary suspension on accepting new bookings from UAE to the United Kingdom. In a statement on Twitter, Qatar Airways said: "Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended acceptance of new bookings from UAE for the next 7 days due to UK government concerns." In the same tweet, Qatar Airways also stated that South Africa and Rwanda are also temporarily suspended with exceptions including GCC nationals as well as resident permit holders returning to other GCC countries. Furthermore, Qatar Airways also mentioned that "acceptance of previously booked passengers will be dependent upon COVID-19 protocols and government permission to enter the country of their final destination."

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 30, 2021

United Airlines warns 14,000 jobs at risk when payroll aid expires

United Airlines said on Friday it has sent warnings of potential furloughs to some 14,000 employees whose jobs are at risk once a second round of payroll support for airlines expires on April 1, as demand for air travel has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Chicago-based United had recalled 13,000 employees from furlough when the fresh payroll package was passed in December. “Despite ongoing efforts to distribute vaccines, customer demand has not changed much since we recalled those employees. today,” United told employees, while saying it was monitoring demand and advocating for continued government support. Congress approved $15 billion in new payroll assistance in December to help keep more than 32,000 airline workers on payrolls through March 31, after awarding $25 billion in March for passenger airlines in payroll assistance and $25 billion in low-cost government loans. American Airlines, which had furloughed 19,000 workers in October, did not immediately comment on Friday on whether it would issue new notices of potential layoffs. On Thursday, Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), representing workers at 17 airlines, urged Congress to extend a passenger airline payroll assistance program for a third time. United’s Friday memo said “we’re continuing to monitor demand and advocate for continued government support, and we are all working hard toward the day when we can bring back our furloughed co-workers permanently.” American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker said on Thursday that “April 1 is approaching and demand hasn’t gotten much better… So we are definitely going to need to address this, unless demand starts to pick up.”

Create: Jan 30, 2021 Edit: Jan 30, 2021