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

UNITED STATES - The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) on Tuesday said it was unhappy about the worldwide travel alert that the U.S. Department of State issued on Nov. 23, stating that it could inhibit travel while offering little guidance to travelers. "While the issuance of the alert was no doubt well-intentioned, the lack of any detail particularizing the conditions in specific countries or regions of the world is concerning," ASTA CEO Zane Kerby said in a statement. "Vague, overly broad warnings offer travelers little in the way of helpful guidance. In fact, they have the unintended consequence of discouraging travel everywhere, negatively affecting the travel industry and the economy as a whole." The travel alert said Islamic groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda and Boko Haram "continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests." The alert, which expires on Feb. 24, 2016, urges travelers to avoid large crowds and crowded places, exercise vigilance in public places or when using transportation, and monitor media and local information sources. ASTA said alerts and warnings related to specific countries are to be taken seriously. However, the society said the worldwide alert issued a week ago could do more harm than good.

UNITED AIRLINES - United Airlines will equip more than 6,000 customer service representatives at its hubs with iPhones next year to speed up customer assistance. The smartphones will print boarding passes and luggage tags and find alternate flight options, freeing customer service desk agents to handle more complicated traveler needs. Eventually, the phones will offer full check-in capabilities with "much of the same functionality as traditional airport kiosks," according to United.

SOUTH AFRICA - South Africa's airport authority, Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), announced on 2 December the suspension of Skywise flight services. The suspension has come as a result of financial difficulties experienced by the airline. The suspension is set to be in effect for an indefinite period.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers schedule to fly Skywise airlines in the next six months, who were ticketed through ATG.

CHINA(BEIJING) - Beijing suffered its worst air pollution of the year this week, with monitoring sites throughout the city reporting extremely hazardous levels of pollutants. City authorities issued a rare orange alert, the second highest of four danger levels. Schools suspended outdoor activities and polluting factories were required to reduce production. Visibility was cut to several hundred meters, as buildings receded into thick smog. People complained of a smoky, pungent odour, and many wore tight-fitting face masks. The city said the levels of hazardous tiny PM2.5 particles in the air exceeded 600 micrograms per cubic meter at several monitoring sites. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing reported 666 micrograms per cubic meter at 8 p.m. Outside Beijing, the readings were was as high as 976 micrograms in the suburban region of Liulihe. Several cities in the northern province of Hebei also reported extremely polluted air. The World Health Organization considers the safe level of PM2.5 particles to be 25 micrograms per cubic meter on a 24-hour average basis. But the city was hit by unusually cold days and early snow in November, and winter heating was turned on. For the entire month, the capital saw hardly any blue skies and was shrouded in persistent smog. The air quality worsened on Friday and continued to deteriorate throughout the weekend, prompting the city government to issue an orange alert on Sunday. Authorities said they didn't issue the highest red alert because they were expecting the air quality to improve by Wednesday. The last time Beijing issued an orange alert was in February 2014. Critics say the authorities have stayed away from a red alert because measures that must be activated by the highest warning are too disruptive, such as pulling half of the vehicles off of the roads and suspending schools.

ITALY(BOLOGNA, ROME & REGGIO CALABRIA) - Unionised local public transport employees are expected to engage in strike action in various parts of Italy on 4 December. Tram drivers affiliated with the trade union Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) are expected to conduct a 24-hour strike, affecting tram services in Bologna and Ferrara. In Rome, ATAC and Roma TPL have also called for strike action. Workers affiliated with ATAC are expected to partake in a work stoppage from 08:30 to 12:30 local time. The strike will affect bus, tram, metro and light rail services on the Roma-Lido, Roma-Giardinetti and Roma-Civitacastellana-Viterbo lines. Bus drivers affiliated with Roma TPL are anticipated to conduct a 24-hour strike from 08:30 to 17:00, commencing again from 20:00 until the end of scheduled service. Trade unions, Filt-Cgil, Uiltrasporti and Faisa-Cisal have also called for a 24-hour strike, which is expected to affect bus services in Reggio Calabria. 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 and bus services in the country. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is also likely on this day. Persons in the affected areas are advised to anticipate disruptions to local public transport services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Taxi drivers are expected to embark on strike action and a related protest in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, on 4 December. Various taxi driver unions have called for strike action in opposition to proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act. At least 6,000 taxi drivers are expected to participate in the strike and related protest. Further details regarding the protest are not available. The action is expected to be well observed and is likely to cause significant disruptions to road travel in the city. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Persons in Sofia on 3 December are advised to avoid all street protests and to anticipate travel disruptions. The use of alternative forms of transport should be considered. Clients are further advised to make allowances for extended travelling time.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - (Update) Freight truck drivers, many of whom are currently engaged in blockades of federal highways in Moscow, are expected to stage further protest action in the city on 4 and 5 December, due to their opposition to a new transport tariff on vehicles over 12 tonnes using federal highways. A major blockade of the M4 federal highway is expected to take place on 4 December. Participants are set to gather at a parking lot off the highway, approximately 92km outside Moscow at 10:00 local time, before staging a go-slow protest into the city. Blockades of other major highways are possible. On 5 December, truckers are set to stage a demonstration in Suvorov Square; however, it remains unclear if this protest has been authorised by local officials. Should the protest proceed without authorisation, it will be met by a strong police presence. Freight truck drivers have previously staged significantly disruptive go-slow protests on related issues. Driver representatives are engaged in ongoing negotiations to suspend the introduction of the toll on heavy vehicles; as such, the protest action may be averted with little warning. In addition, the possibility of altercations between truck drivers and security forces cannot be discounted, particularly if police attempt to dismantle the blockade. Furthermore, any unsanctioned gatherings in Moscow are certain to be met with strong police action and may be violently dispersed. Clients in Moscow on the affected dates are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential delays. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

IRAQ - At least 2,810 cases of cholera have been reported across Iraq as of 22 November, according to a report issued by the Central Public Health Laboratory in the country's capital, Baghdad. The following areas have been affected by the disease outbreak: Baghdad, Babylon, Qadisiyyah, Muthanna, Karbala, Basra, Wassit, Najaf, Thyqar, Missan, Dahuk, Kirkuk, Arbil, Diyala, Salaheddine, Sulaimanneya and Ninewa. Two fatalities have been reported. Cholera is an acute diarrheal intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. If not treated with haste, death can occur. The infection is often mild or devoid of symptoms. In five to ten percent of cases, however, patients experience more severe symptoms, including profuse watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which present from six hours to five days after exposure to the bacterium. In these cases, the rapid loss of large amounts of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without adequate treatment, death can occur within hours. Persons in the affected areas should take precaution with food and beverages. Persons exhibiting cholera symptoms (diarrhoea and vomiting), or requiring additional information on the disease, should contact their medical practitioner. Please note that clients are advised against all travel to a number of central Iraqi governorates, including Baghdad, Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Kirkuk, Diyala, Ninewa, Karbala and Babil due to the elevated conflict and terrorism risks.

INDIA(TAMIL NADU STATE) - (Update) Flooding, which has left approximately 200 people dead in recent days, continues to impact on a number of areas in India's southern regions, on 3 December. Tamil Nadu state remains one of the worst-affected regions, with thousands of people stranded in multiple areas, including in the state capital, Chennai. While rainfall has eased, many areas remain flooded. Over the past 24 hours the Chembarambakkam Lake in Chennai has discharged a significant amount of water, flooding more areas of the city. Kotturpuram, Jafferkhanpet and Nandanam, which lie near the Adyar River, are some of the worst-affected areas in Chennai. Multiple major and secondary roads are blocked, while Chennai International Airport is expected to remain closed until 6 December. Some commercial flights have reportedly been diverted to a military air base in Arakkonam, 80km west of Chennai. Power disruptions have been reported in many areas, including in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Puducherry. Communication services have also been disrupted. Road (bus) and rail public transport services have also been cancelled in places. The flooding is some of the most severe in Tamil Nadu state for a number of years. The rainfall is expected to ease on 3 and 4 December; however, given the large quantity of recent rain, the flood waters will take some time to recede. Disruptions to power supply, communications and transportation are expected to persist. Note, there is also a risk of an increase in waterborne diseases over the short-term. Clients in the affected area should exercise caution in or near flooded areas and should seek shelter on high ground. Seek to avoid contact with floodwaters. If contact is unavoidable, wash thoroughly after leaving a flooded area. Travellers should contact their travel provider or the relevant transport authority for an update on their scheduled transport service(s) prior to departure. Persons travelling by road should avoid travel through flooded roadways. Personnel intending to travel to the affected area over the near-term should contact their security provider for an update on the flooding situation prior to departure.

COTE D'IVOIRE(GRABO(BAS-SASSANDRA REION)) - Gunmen attacked two military camps in the vicinity of the town of Grabo (Bas-Sassandra region) in western Cote d'Ivoire near the Liberia border on 2 December. The attack left 15 people dead, including seven soldiers and at least four gunmen. The motive for the attack is unclear. The incident underlines the chronically insecure security environment in western Cote d'Ivoire. Non-state armed groups, including criminal bands, are active in this area. Engagements between these forces and the military have occurred in the past. Clients are advised against all travel to the western administrative regions of Dix-Huit Montagnes, Moyen-Cavally and Bas-Sassandra which border Liberia, as these areas are known to be particularly insecure due to the presence of numerous criminal groups and armed militias. Persons operating in this area should do so with a security escort.

SPAIN(MADRID) - The US Embassy in Spain's capital, Madrid, has warned of several planned protests on 3 and 4 December. For detailed information regarding the anticipated gatherings please visit http://madrid.usembassy.gov/citizen-services/demonstration.html. Incidents of civil unrest, including demonstrations, strikes and rallies, take place regularly in Spain's major urban areas, particularly in the capital, and the second-largest city, Barcelona. These take place over a range of both domestic and international concerns, and are usually peaceful in nature. Spain's numerous trade unions hold regular demonstrations; these gatherings are usually well attended and result in significant disruptions to business and public transport services. Demonstrations are also periodically characterised by violent clashes between protesters and police. However, such incidents are generally localised and swiftly contained by police. While most demonstrations do not affect visitors, an incidental risk to bystanders exists. Clients in Madrid on the aforementioned dates are advised to avoid all street gatherings as a standard prosecution. Furthermore, the gatherings are expected to result in significant travel disruptions; as such, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA & CETINJE) - (Update) Further protests opposing Montenegro's possible confirmation of NATO membership are likely in the capital, Podgorica, and Cetinje, a town located 35km west of the capital, as well as elsewhere on 3 December. Members of Parliament are due to debate the country's membership of NATO at a meeting in Cetinje on 3 December following the extension of a membership invitation to the country on 2 December. Furthermore, members of the opposition Democratic Front have called for a mass anti-NATO protest in Podgorica on 5 December. Participants are expected to gather in Republic Square from 18:00 local time before surrounding state institutions and other symbols of the state in a peaceful occupation movement. The upcoming protests are expected to take place amid significant deployments of security forces in Cetinje and Podgorica on the affected days. Numerous protests against Montenegro's NATO membership have been held in recent weeks. Any upcoming rallies are likely to be well attended and may cause localised disruptions. Protests have deteriorated into violence at times; as such, the possibility of violence at any upcoming event cannot be discounted. Likely gathering points in Podgorica include the Parliament buildings as well as other government facilities. Clients in Montenegro in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related updates and avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution.

CAMBODIA - (Update) Elevated political tensions in Cambodia continue on 3 December, amid additional defamation charges being brought against Sam Rainsy, leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). Rainsy has been summoned to appear in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on 4 January, in connection with these latest charges. He has also been called to appear in court on 4 December with regards to previous charges. Rainsy is currently out of the country and is unlikely to return to Cambodia by 4 December. Rainsy has been subject to several charges against him since mid-November. Moreover, on 16 November, he was stripped of his status as a legislator, nullifying his immunity from prosecution. He and his supporters assert the charges are politically motivated, and CNRP legislators are engaged in an indefinite boycott of the National Assembly as a result thereof. If Rainsy does not return to Cambodia to appear in court on 4 December, as is likely, a warrant for his arrest will be issued, further elevating political tensions in the country. Although there have been no formal announcements by CNRP activists pertaining to upcoming protests, the issuing of an arrest warrant will escalate this threat. Any possible protests that do take place are likely to focus on the National Assembly building or Freedom Park, both located in the capital, Phnom Penh. All demonstrations in Cambodia have the potential to rapidly degenerate into violence, as security forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics to disperse gatherings, particularly if these are unsanctioned. In addition, travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of such gatherings and any related protests. Persons in Cambodia, specifically Phnom Penh, in the coming days are advised to avoid all possible protest gatherings, as the possibility of violent civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, clients should monitor local media for announcements of further related gatherings.

SOUTH KOREA(SEOUL) - An unsanctioned protest, initiated by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), is expected to take place in South Korea's capital, Seoul, on 5 December. The protest has been scheduled in opposition to government-proposed labour and education sector reforms. Further details are unavailable. The KCTU and other labour unions have staged a number of strikes and protests in recent months. Associated protests have been well supported and marred by incidents of unrest. On 14 November, security forces resorted to using water cannons and other heavy handed tactics in a bid to disperse a KCTU rally in Seoul; a number of protesters sustained injuries during the clashes while others were detained. The upcoming protest is expected to proceed despite a prohibition order issued by the police amid claims by the KCTU that the ban is unconstitutional. As such, there is an increased risk of violence at the upcoming protest, as the police may forcibly disperse the gathering in light of the government's banning of the event. In addition, travel disruptions and an increased police presence in the vicinity of such gatherings and any related protests should be anticipated. Persons in Seoul on 5 December are advised to avoid all possible protest gatherings, as the possibility of violent civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, clients should monitor local media for announcements of further related gatherings.

RUSSIA(ST PETERSBURG) - A demonstration against Turkish policy towards the conflict in Syria is expected to take place in St Petersburg on 5 December. Participants are expected to gather in the Field of Mars (Marsovo Polye) park in central St Petersburg, from 13:00 local time. A large police presence is expected to accompany the demonstration. The demonstration, which has been officially sanctioned, is expected to be well attended and largely uneventful. Nonetheless, following the downing of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 bomber by a Turkish F-16 fighter jet, allegedly while in Turkish airspace, elevated domestic tensions and nationalist sentiment have been evident in the country. Russia has taken a number of retaliatory steps against Turkey, as well as against Turkish nationals residing in Russia. Accordingly, there is believed to be an elevated risk of low-level violence targeting ethnic Turks or those believed to be of Turkish descent. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the Field of Mars park should be anticipated. Persons in St Petersburg on 5 December are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised traffic disruptions in affected areas.

VENEZUELA - (Update) Venezuela will hold a legislative election for its 167-seat National Assembly on 6 December. The election is anticipated to be accompanied by a large deployment of security forces to polling and counting facilities. State of emergency declarations, which prohibit public gatherings and provide security officials with additional powers, remain in place in some regions near the shared border with Colombia. The election coincides with an economic crisis in the country, which has resulted in a shortage of certain goods, and an associated drop in support for President Nicolas Maduro and the ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV). Some recent polls show the PSUV losing its legislative majority after the forthcoming election. The election is expected to pass without major disruption; however, the outcome of the poll could spark civil unrest, either by supporters of the PSUV, should the ruling party lose, or the opposition, should the PSUV retain its majority or if major fraud is alleged. In addition to an elevated civil unrest risk, the threat of a spike in politically motivated violence is possible. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 80km of Venezuela's border with Colombia, due to the risks posed by non-state armed groups. Persons in the country during the election period are advised to monitor local developments closely. All street protests and election-related facilities should be avoided. Persons travelling in the country's western regions near the Colombian border should consider travel with a trained security driver.

PAKISTAN(SINDH & PUNJAB PROVINCES) - (Update) The final phase of local government elections in Pakistan's Sindh and Punjab provinces is scheduled to take place on 5 December. Voting in Sindh will focus on Karachi and take place in the districts of Karachi East, Karachi West, Karachi South, Karachi Central, Korangi and Malir. In Punjab province, this will take place in the Rawalpindi, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Narowal, Khushab, Jhang, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Layyah districts. As a precaution, paramilitary troopers have been deployed throughout the affected districts, in order to ensure the safety of voters on the day. Although details are unclear, it is likely that the security force deployments will focus on election-related facilities such as polling stations. Pakistan is subject to high levels of insecurity; politically motivated violence perpetrated by opposing political supporters is regularly reported. In addition, there is a heightened threat of attacks on voters and election-related facilities and personnel by non-state armed groups that may seek to disrupt voting. Indeed, in the previous round of elections, on 31 October, 16 people were killed and up to 70 wounded in incidents of election-related violence in the districts of Sukkur, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Shikarpur and Larkana. Given this dynamic, the threat of violence on 5 December is elevated. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Sindh and Punjab provinces is advised against. Clients in the affected areas on 5 December are advised to maintain a low profile. In addition, all demonstrations, concentrations of security forces or security facilities, polling stations and election-related activities should be avoided.

ISRAEL - The Jewish religious commemorative period of Hanukkah will start during the evening of 6 December and continue for eight days. An elevated security posture is anticipated at key religious sites, including in the Old City and near Jewish religious sites across Israel and the West Bank, and at major internal crossing points during the commemorative period. Restrictions on travel between Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Israel are also anticipated. Major Jewish or Israeli holidays are typically preceded by an increase in security in response to the risk posed by anti-Israel Palestinian and Islamist extremists. Security measures may be elevated further in 2015 in light of ongoing Palestinian civil unrest in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since early October. The unrest and associated violence have resulted in dozens of casualties. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank and East Jerusalem due to a number of security concerns. Clients travelling in or between Israel and the West Bank should monitor local media for updates on possible travel restrictions. Persons operating in higher-risk areas should consider travel with a security escort or trusted local escort.

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