Global Reach | Now Boarding Blog | Services | ATG

Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

GLOBAL - Hilton Worldwide has confirmed that malware found its way onto point-of-sale systems that targeted payment card information. Targeted data included cardholder names, payment card numbers, security codes and expiry dates. Addresses and PINs were not exposed, Hilton concluded, after an investigation that brought in third-party forensics experts, law enforcement and payment card companies. Hilton omits to say how many or which hotel locations may have been affected by the breach, but is telling customers to review their payment card statements - particularly if they used their cards at a Hilton Worldwide hotel between specified dates (8 November - 5 December 2014 or 21 April - 27 July 2015). The hotel chain is also keeping quiet about the number of people or credit card records exposed as a result of the breach. In its statement, Hilton sought to assure guests that the malware had been purged and the security of its systems strengthened in the wake of the attack. Hilton Worldwide has identified and taken action to eradicate unauthorized malware that targeted payment card information in some point-of-sale systems. Hilton immediately launched an investigation and has further strengthened its systems. Confirmation of the breach on Tuesday doesn't come as a surprise since it comes weeks after reports in September that the hotel chain had suffered a hack attack. Again the number of records exposed was left unclear.

UNITED KINGDOM(CATHAY PACIFIC) - Cathay Pacific has shut its lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 3 for refurbishment.The facilities are closed from today until June. During the works, first and business class passengers; Silver, Gold and Diamond tier members of Cathay's Marco Polo loyalty programme; and Emerald and Sapphire tier Oneworld members will have a choice of other lounges in Terminal 3. These are:

British Airways lounge(s), Galleries and First
American Airlines lounge(s), Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge
Heathrow No 1 lounge.

Cathay said that all lounge invitations will be arranged for passengers upon check-in. Note that some of these lounges shut in the afternoon (the AA lounges, for instance, close at 1645), so presumably for Cathay's later departures, invitations will be to the BA lounge, which is open until 2230, and the Heathrow No.1 Lounge, which is open until 2230.

UNITED STATES(CHICAGO) - Activist and civic groups are set to stage a protest march in Chicago, located in the US state of Illinois, on 27 November. The march, dubbed the "March for Justice" has been called in response to the release of a video depicting the 2014 police killing of a local black teenager, Laquan McDonald. Participants are expected to gather at Wacker Drive and at Michigan Avenue from 11:00 local time and then proceed to march north on Michigan Avenue, along the city's Magnificent Mile. Further details regarding the march are unavailable. While the march is expected to conclude peacefully, associated demonstrations have been marred by low-level incidents of unrest, including clashes between participants and police and vandalism. As such, the possibility of violence and associated disruptions cannot be discounted. Such unrest poses an incidental threat to bystanders. The event is expected to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence, as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated along the march route. Persons in Chicago on 27 November are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and to make allowances for any potential travel delays.

NORWAY(PORTS OF ENTRY) - According to recent reports, authorities in Norway have reintroduced document inspections at all ports, airports and border crossings, on 27 November. The elevated security measure comes in response to the sharp increase of refugees into the country, primarily through Sweden, which has also recently reintroduced stricter border controls. Moderate delays at all ports of entry should be expected. Authorities in Norway had previously, on 23 September, heightened the presence of security personnel at many border crossings in an effort to ensure maximum visibility of security forces. The current measures are aimed at preventing asylum seekers who have already attained residency in a European country from applying for asylum in Norway. The movement of asylum seekers across Europe has resulted in various disruptions in several European countries in recent months, especially at border crossings and international rail hubs. In an effort to regulate the flow of immigrants, several states have taken steps to secure their borders. Norway has only been lightly impacted by the refugee crisis relative to several Central and Eastern European states; however, tighter border controls in neighbouring countries may result in an increase in requests for asylum in the short- to medium-term. Due to the ongoing crisis, further measures to secure border regions and resultant disruptions should be anticipated. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution and awareness near border crossings and at all rail and road transport hubs. Clients should confirm the status of border crossings and scheduled transport services with their travel provider prior to travel. Furthermore, allowances should be made for possible travel disruptions resulting from the increased security measures.

ITALY(GENOA) - A security operation to investigate and dispose of two suspicious objects is taking place in Genoa, in northern Italy, on 27 November. Emergency services have evacuated several buildings in Piazza Caricamento, in the Porto Antico (Old Port) area. Ferry services have not been affected by the security operation. A bomb disposal unit is on the scene. Italy has been in a heightened state of alert since the 13/14 November terrorist attacks in France's capital, Paris; however, these measures are precautionary and not a response to a credible threat. Nonetheless, as this incident highlights, any potential security threat is taken seriously, and prompts a significant security force response. Accordingly, the heightened presence of security force personnel and restrictions to road travel, as well as movement, should be expected in the vicinity of the ongoing operation. Persons planning to travel to areas covered by the evacuation order on 27 November are advised to monitor developments closely and adhere to advisories issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients should anticipate disruptions to public transport and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

ITALY - Countrywide disruptions to rail services are expected in Italy on 26 and 27 November, due to a strike by unionised rail workers. CUB Trasporti, along with several other unions, called for the strike with regard to a number of labour concerns, including the privatisation of rail services and wages. Disruptions to rail services are expected from 21:00 local time on 26 November to 18:00 on 27 November. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. The upcoming strike action is expected to be well observed and to result in significant disruptions to rail services in the country. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is also likely during the affected period. It should be noted that residual disruptions to rail services are anticipated beyond the aforementioned strike period. Persons in Italy are advised to anticipate countrywide disruptions to rail services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.

MEXICO(PACIFIC COAST) - Tropical Storm Sandra is expected to make landfall and affect parts of Mexico's Pacific coast in the next 48 hours. The storm, which is currently a category three storm, is forecast to weaken as it moves in a north easterly direction affecting several southern states, including Baja California Sur, Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa. Mexico's National Meteorological Services (SMN) has warned of heavy rainfall, associated flooding and coastal surges in the aforementioned states. The storm is expected to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall, strong winds and coastal storm surges, over the coming days in the affected areas. Localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, is possible. In addition, disruptions to travel and utility services cannot be discounted. Clients in the affected areas of Mexico's Pacific coast are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. Additional information on the storm's progression can be accessed via Tropical Storm Risk (http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/) and the National Meteorological Services (http://smn.cna.gob.mx/). Persons intending on travelling in storm-affected areas in the coming days should maintain contact with their travel provider for updates on the status of their travel arrangements.

INDONESIA(NORTH MALUKU PROVINCE) - Evacuations and significant infrastructural damages have been reported in the Halmahera district of Indonesia's North Maluku province following a series of earthquakes and tremors reported between 16 and 25 November. The continuous earthquakes and tremors, none exceeding 5.0 magnitude, resulted in the evacuation of nearly 10,000 people from the Jailolo sub-district and the West Halmahera district. A total of 611 earthquakes were reported in the affected areas during the aforementioned period. Significant infrastructural damage, including to roughly 500 private residences and public facilities, has been reported. Indonesian authorities have implemented a 14-day emergency status and deployed emergency responders to the affected areas. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes as the country is located in an active seismic area. Further earthquakes and tremors are possible in the near-term. Emergency response services remain ongoing in the worst-affected areas, which may lead to road-based travel disruptions. In addition, disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity, telecommunications and transport services cannot be discounted. Persons in the affected area of North Maluku province are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of the local authorities. Additional earthquakes and tremors may occur in the region and should be anticipated. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Only buildings that have been given the all-clear by the authorities should be accessed. In the absence of official clearance, structures recently damaged by the earthquakes should be avoided. Furthermore, heightened caution is advised in North Maluku province, due to religious tensions between Muslims, Christians and Hindus.

INDONESIA(ACEH PROVINCE) - Flooding is affecting as many as 12 districts in Indonesia's West Aceh regency, located in Aceh province, on 27 November. The flooding was triggered by torrential rainfall and the subsequent bursting of riverbanks in the area. Infrastructural damages, including to homes, bridges and roads, have been reported in the Mereubo, Woyla, Arongan, Binjai and West Woyla sub-districts, where floodwaters are said to have exceeded 1.5 meters in depth. As many as 7,000 people have been displaced due to flooding since 24 November; emergency services continue to respond to the situation. Indonesia experiences its monsoon season from November to March and flooding frequently occurs during this period; as such, the adverse weather conditions are expected to persist in the near-term. Consequently, further flooding and associated travel disruptions should be expected. Disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications are possible. All non-essential travel to Aceh province is advised against. Clients in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as in locales near storm drains, drainage channels and rivers. Allowances should be made for travel disruptions in flood-affected areas. In addition, clients are advised to monitor local media for official warnings and advisories.

TUNISIA/LIBYA - Authorities in Tunisia announced a temporary border closure with Libya on 25 November. All land border crossings between Tunisia and Libya, including the Ras Ajdir crossing, will be closed as from 00:01 local time on 26 November for a 15-day period. Associated increased security measures, such as, additional patrols and checkpoints at border crossings are expected. These associated increased security measures are also expected at maritime crossings and at airports. However, air and maritime travel can continue. Land border crossings between Tunisia and Libya are periodically closed in response security incidents. The recent border closure forms a part of the wider increased security measures that have been implemented following the Islamic State (IS)-claimed terrorist attack targeting military personnel in Tunis on 24 November. Following the incident, authorities in Tunisia declared a month-long state of emergency and implemented a number of increased security measures in the capital and elsewhere. Security in the country remains on alert and increased security measures are expected to remain in place for the short-to medium-term, at least. Clients are advised to exercise a heightened level of caution when travelling within 50km of the shared borders with Libya, and the entire southern Tataouine governorate due to the risk of terrorism. Clients travelling outside of main cities in this area or near the shared borders with Libya should consider travelling with a security escort. Persons currently in Tunisia, particularly in Tunis are advised to implement heightened situational awareness at this time and report all suspicious people, packages and activities to the authorities immediately. Finally, all travel to Libya is advised against.

NIGERIA(NIGER DELTA) - Poland's foreign ministry confirmed that at least five of its citizens were kidnapped by suspected pirates in waters off Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta region on 26 November. The incident took place in an undisclosed location within the Gulf of Guinea and targeted the Cypriot-flagged Szafir cargo vessel. There were no immediate reports of any casualties during the attack and subsequent abduction. There are high kidnapping and piracy risks in the Niger Delta, including the Gulf of Guinea. Maritime insecurity in the gulf is a growing concern. The threat of piracy in the region has been linked to insecurity in Nigeria's southern Niger Delta region; Niger Delta militants and other criminal groups are involved in incidents of piracy and kidnapping for political or financial gain. Commercial ships, oil rigs and their crews are often the targets of such incidents; however, leisure boats are also occasionally targeted. Given the persistent insecurity in the region, further such incidents are anticipated. Seafarers who intend to sail in the Gulf of Guinea are advised to implement maximum security measures to avoid becoming victims of piracy. Local maritime authorities should be consulted prior to travel for the latest updates on pirate activity.

ISRAEL(ISRAEL, GAZA STRIP & THE WEST BANK) - Hamas has called for another day of anti-Israel protests (so called 'day of rage') on 27 November. Specific details have not been provided. The call coincides with ongoing low-level and apparently politically motivated acts of violence in the West Bank. A Palestinian motorist rammed his vehicle into a group of soldiers at a bus station near Kfar Adumim, wounding two before being shot and killed. A similar vehicle attack was reported at the Bayt Umar junction. The attacker wounded four Israelis before being fatally shot by the Israeli security forces. The West Bank, East Jerusalem, Arab Palestinian communities in Israel and the Gaza Strip have been affected by ongoing anti-Israel protests since early October. Protests have tended to spike in scale and frequency on Fridays following midday prayers and after acts of violence directed against Palestinians by the Israeli security forces. The possibility of a further spike on Friday 27 November is likely, in light of the Hamas call and recent incidents. Protests are likely in the above-mentioned territories. In these areas, protesters are likely to focus on territorial boundaries and Israeli security force positions. The risk of violence is considered elevated at all protest sites. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip, against all travel to within 2km of the shared Gaza Strip-Israel border in Israel and against all non-essential travel to 45km outside of this 2km zone. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including the Old City. Travellers to Israel should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories and should avoid all street protests, travel at night, security force concentrations and public bus transportation, if possible. Persons travelling in higher-risk areas should consider a security escort.

PHILIPPINES(SULTAN KUDARAT PROVINCE) - At least eight militants aligned to Ansar-al-Khalifa have been killed amid clashes with security forces in Palimbang, in the Philippines' Sultan Kudarat province, located in the southern Mindanao region, on 27 November. It is currently unclear if the skirmish was prompted by a specific incident or part of ongoing military operations in the region. Little is known about Ansar-al-Khalifa, although the group is said to have claimed allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). At present, there is no credible evidence to substantiate this claim or to indicate that Ansar-al-Khalifa receives logistical or financial support from IS. A number of militant groups are active in the southern Mindanao region and the Sulu Archipelago, and carry out regular bombings, attacks and kidnappings. Irrespective of the motive, scope of operation and nature of the group, given the continued presence of criminal and militant organisations and the high level of insecurity in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, future such incidents are likely to occur. Due to ongoing operations by rebels, criminal groups and militants, as well as regular clashes between these groups and the Philippine military, clients are advised against all travel to the southern Mindanao region and the Sulu Archipelago. However, this advisory does not extend to Mindanao's eastern Caraga and Davao regions, to which non-essential travel is advised against. Persons operating in the Mindanao region should consider travel with a security escort.

SAUDI ARABIA(NORTHERN BORDER REGIONS) - The authorities in Saudi Arabia have declared a 20km zone along the northern border, from Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan, as 'out of bounds'. The decision was announced on 21 November. Persons passing into restricted areas (which are signposted) may be fined or imprisoned. The restrictions are likely in response to unregulated cross-border movement by smugglers and other criminal entities. Clients intending to travel by road near the country's northern border or to utilise land border crossings in these areas are advised to contact the local authorities prior to departure to check the status of crossings and roads in the area. In addition, please note that due to ongoing insecurity, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared border with Iraq due to the risk of terrorism.

MOROCCO(FEZ, CASABLANCA & OULA TAIMA) - The authorities in Morocco issued a statement on 26 November indicating that they had arrested three people with ties to the Islamic State (IS). The cell was reportedly active in Fez, Casablanca and Oula Taima and was planning attacks. Further details were not provided. The government regularly issues statements indicating that it has thwarted planned attacks and arrested persons linked to militant groupings. The arrests underscore the risk of terrorism in the country which stems largely from Islamist extremists. The last major attack in Morocco was in Marrakech in 2011. Clients in Morocco are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Foreigners should maintain a low public profile and should seek regular itinerary-specific assessments and advice from their security provider.

BANGLADESH(HARIPUR(BOGRA DISTRICT)) - Gunmen entered the Shiite Muslim Imam Khomeini Mosque in Haripur (Bogra district), north western Bangladesh, during the evening of 26 November and opened fire on the gathering. The attack left one person dead, the mosque's muezzin. Three others were wounded. Following the raid, police deployed to the area. At least two people were arrested in subsequent operations in the nearby Shibganj area. The Islamic State (IS) reportedly claimed the shooting. The attack is the latest in a series of assaults targeting minority groups, including foreign nationals, Christians, Shiite Muslims and secular writers, in 2015. Shiites were last targeted in Dhaka in October when bombings left one person dead and dozens more wounded. The attacks have been largely unsophisticated but have raised concern among the local authorities and foreign governments of a possible increase in Islamist extremism/fundamentalism. A number of recent attacks have been claimed by IS. In light of the recent incident in Bogra, the possibility of reactionary protests by the affected community is possible in the coming days. Clients in Bangladesh are advised to exercise heightened levels of personal security awareness at all times. Personnel should travel with a local escort, avoid travel at night and maintain a generally low public profile. Street protests should be avoided.

MEXICO(TLANEPANTLA, PUEBLA STATE) - Protesters clashed with police in the Tlanepantla area of Mexico's Puebla state on 26 November. Clashes erupted when police forces attempted to enter the city hall, which has been occupied by protesters since 20 October. Protesters also burned cars and vandalised the home of the mayor, Jose Efrain Garcia. An unconfirmed number of people were wounded during the clashes. The protesters have been calling for the dismissal of the mayor since 20 October; the mayor has been accused of various irregularities, including the mismanagement of funds and resources. The agitation is likely to persist over the near-term. The risk of further violence is credible. Clients are advised to monitor local media for related developments. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution; caution is advised in the vicinity of the city hall. Finally, heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of crime and kidnapping and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict.

MEXICO(GUADALAJARA, VERACRUZ XALAPA & OAXACA STATE) - Various protests organised by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union will take place in Mexico on 28 November. In Guadalajara, participants will gather at the Televisa premises on avenida Alemania at 11:00 local time and proceed to the offices of the Procuraduria General de la Republica (PGR). Protests will also be held at the stadium arenas in Veracruz and at Plaza Sebastian Lerdo in Xalapa, both at 08:00. The agitation coincides with the CNTE's boycott of assessments in Oaxaca on 28 and 29 November. Related protests are also possible in Oaxaca city during the boycott period; these are likely to centre on government buildings and education facilities, as well as Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo). CNTE frequently holds protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms. These are generally well supported and have the potential to cause localised road travel disruptions. The upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully; however, previous demonstrations have been characterised by low-level violence. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at the upcoming march cannot be discounted. Clients in the above-mentioned areas are advised to avoid all street protests and make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

BOLIVIA(EL ALTO & LA PAZ) - The National Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) has called for a street march from El Alto to the downtown area of Bolivia's capital, La Paz, on 27 November. The protest march has been called to denounce a legislative requirement that businesses pay workers a double bonus if economic growth reaches a certain level. The rally is expected to conclude without major incident; however, low-level confrontations remain a possibility, particularly if the protest causes disruptions to major road routes. Clients in La Paz and El Alto on 27 November are advised to monitor local media for updates on the planned march. The protest should be avoided as a standard precaution.

TURKEY - The anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) falls on 27 November in Turkey. Demonstrations in support of the separatist group are possible in the predominantly Kurdish south east of the country on the day or in the coming days. The PKK may also seek to launch attacks against the Turkish government during the anniversary period. The relationship between the Turkish government and the PKK has deteriorated significantly in 2015. The Group of Communities in Kurdistan (KCK), a coalition of Kurd groups that includes the PKK, announced on 5 November that it had ended the unilateral ceasefire declared prior to the 1 November Turkish national election. The announcement follows the incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP) victory at the polls and recent statements by the party leadership that it would be continuing military operations against the PKK and the Islamic State (IS) through the forthcoming winter period. Travellers should note that anniversary-related gatherings in the south east carry an elevated risk of violence and road travel disruptions. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to several provinces and regions in the south and south east of Turkey. Clients operating in this area should consult with their security provider prior to departure. Generally, travellers should be accompanied by a security escort and reside in secure areas. Travel at night and large public gatherings should be avoided.

NAMIBIA - A public holiday has been declared on 27 November in Namibia, on the day of the Regional Council and Local Authority elections. Service disruptions are to be anticipated within the public and private sectors. Namibia's election cycles generally conclude peacefully; however, pending socio-economic issues, including land ownership, may trigger low-level unrest in urban centres and in the vicinity of polling stations. Clients in Namibia on 27 November are advised to exercise vigilance around polling stations and avoid all election-related protests and street gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, related service disruptions or delays should be expected.

GUATEMALA(GUATEMALA CITY) - Various civic organisations, including the Anonymous GT, have called for a demonstration in Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City, on 28 November. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza de la Constitucion at 12:00 local time. The demonstration has been called to protest against perceived government corruption. The protest is expected to be well attended; as such, localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest site. In addition, while the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, isolated incidents of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Guatemala City on 28 November are advised to avoid the gathering and make allowances for potential localised travel delays.

BULGARIA - Demonstrations are expected across Bulgaria on 28 November. In Dobrich, a motor rally will take place at 13:00 local time and affect San Stefano and Dobrudzha roads. In Varna, a protest march is scheduled to commence at 13:00 at the St Cyril Road and Methodius Square Cathedral. The industrial action is expected to be observed by bikers, taxi drivers and other motorists against the increase in the price of vignettes (motor taxes). Further details are unavailable. It is unclear how well supported the protest will be; nonetheless, disruptions to road travel should be anticipated in the aforementioned areas. Participants may also attempt to block access to fuel stations or erect roadblocks; any associated agitation carries a risk of low-level violence. Protests against the increase in motor taxes have been reported in recent weeks; as such, further related demonstrations should be anticipated in the near-term. Persons in the affected areas of Bulgaria on 28 November are advised to avoid all street gatherings, protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be expected.

ESTONIA(TARTU) - An anti-immigration rally, initiated by the Popular Front of Estonia (Rahvarinne), is expected to take place in Tartu, Estonia, on 28 November. Participants are scheduled to assemble at 15:30 local time in the vicinity of Vanemuine theatre and proceed to the sculpture of Kalevipoeg. Prominent nationalist politicians, including former National Unity Party leader and the former minister of Foreign Affairs, are expected to address the rally. Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Estonia, although they rarely degenerate into violence. Nevertheless, anti-immigration protests often prompt counter-demonstrations, which may lead to low-level confrontations between participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces. Additionally, an increased security presence should be anticipated in the vicinity of rally sites due to the presence of dignitaries at the rally. As the event is expected to be well attended, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in and around the vicinity of the affected areas. Persons in Tartu on 28 November are advised to avoid the upcoming rally, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

MONTENEGRO(NIKSIC) - Members of the Democratic Front opposition group have called for a demonstration in Niksic on 28 November. The rally has been organised over issues relating to economic and social policies. In preparation for the protest, an increased deployment of police was sent to the city. Further details have not been disclosed. Montenegro has been affected by an increased number of anti-government protests since late September. Related demonstrations have been largely peacefully; however, violent confrontations between protesters and security forces have occurred at times. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest. Clients in Niksic on 28 November are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised road travel delays in the city.

MOROCCO(CASABLANCA) - Numerous trade unions have called for a demonstration in Casablanca, Morocco, on 29 November. The protest has been called over various wage- and labour-related grievances. Participants are expected to gather at Place de la Victoire at 09:00 local time; the protest route has not been disclosed. In addition, organisers have called for a sit-in protest on 8 December and a general strike on 10 December, both in Casablanca.  Localised disruptions to road travel should be anticipated in the vicinity of Place de la Victoire. The protest is likely to proceed without major incident; however, the potential for confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Casablanca are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution, and to plan for localised travel disruptions. Local media should be monitored for updates pertaining to the upcoming events.

BURKINA FASO - General elections will be held across Burkina Faso on 29 November. The vote is poised to conceive the first democratically elected government to replace the 27-year administration of Blaise Compaore and his Congress for Democracy and Progress (CDP). Amid a popular uprising borne out of his attempts to amend the Burkinabe constitution, Compaore resigned from office in October 2014. Under Burkina Faso's recently adopted electoral code, no member of the former administration will be allowed to participate in the elections, while the country's interim transitional administration will similarly be excluded from contesting the vote.  With the abrupt end to Compaore and the CDP's political monopoly, and the transitional administration's exclusion from participating in the elections, it is unlikely that any of the candidates possess the resources or influence to skew the electoral process in their favour. Moreover, Burkina Faso's visibly active civil society will use its significant clout to ensure that the electoral process is transparent. That being said, while the upcoming vote is likely to take place in a free and fair climate, its exclusionary premise could be cause for concern. The CDP has already threatened to boycott the vote, given that key figures within the party will be barred for participating in the elections. CDP activists and patrons of the former regime may seek to undermine the electoral process through acts of civil disobedience and political violence.  Clients in or intending to travel to Burkina Faso should monitor political developments and defer travel to election-related facilities such as polling stations, ballot counting centres and other election-related facilities. Furthermore, all non-essential travel to areas within 100km of the Malian border, including Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord and Sahel, are advised against due to the elevated threats of terrorism, kidnapping and general insecurity.

PERU(MADRE DE DIOS REGION) - A strike initiated by various civil society organisations remains ongoing in Peru's south eastern Madre de Dios region, since 23 November. The strike has resulted in the closure of businesses and schools; the regional capital, Puerto Maldonado, remains a focal point for the agitation. Protesters also continue to blockade parts of the Interoceanic Highway. On 26 November, protesters attempted to blockade the road leading to the Padre Aldamiz International Airport.  The action has been called to protest against central government laws that regulate illegal mining and logging. It is unclear when the strike will end; the strike action is expected to persist as the government and protesters have yet to reach an agreement. As such, further disruptions to business and public transport services are anticipated. Additionally, the potential exists for further protests and unofficial road blockades, particularly in Puerto Maldonado. The possibility of isolated acts of violence cannot be discounted.  Persons in the affected area are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates regarding the strike and associated protests. Clients are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution. All scheduled transport services in the Madre de Dios region should be reconfirmed with your travel provider or the relevant transport authority prior to departure.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you

need assistance with your travel plans.