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

GLOBAL - Hilton Worldwide has decided against enacting a $50 cancellation fee at its hotels, for now. Hilton launched a pilot in November at a handful of its hotels, charging guests a $50 penalty if a reservation was canceled anytime after booking. CEO Christopher Nassetta said the company implemented the program in "a really blunt-force way" to gauge customer reactions. "Customers hated it, but that's not really surprising," he said during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call. "We knew they would, but we did get some nuanced intelligence out of the experience." In 2014, both Hilton and Marriott International enacted a stricter, 24-hour policy, charging one-night's room cost for guests who fail to cancel before 11:59 p.m. the day before arrival, and the industry followed suit. But hoteliers are considering even tougher terms.

UNITED KINGDOM/IRELAND - Inclement weather and resultant disruptions have been reported on 2 March in Ireland, as well as in parts of the UK, due to Storm Jake. In Ireland, gale-force winds have resulted in travel disruptions; a number of roads have been blocked due to fallen trees and debris. Rail disruptions have also been reported. A status-orange weather warning is in effect for coastal areas in the north, west and south of Ireland. In the UK, hail showers and strong winds have left hundreds of homes in Pembrokeshire, Powys, Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf, all in Wales, without power, in addition to road closures and traffic disruptions in multiple locations. Strong winds are expected to last into the evening of 2 March, in addition to heavy rains in some places. The UK Met Office has warned motorists in northern England, northern Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to expect snow and ice on the roads, and has issued a number of adverse weather warnings for snow and ice throughout the UK and Scotland, which are due to expire by 5 March. Inclement weather is expected to continue in the aforementioned areas until 5 March. Road conditions, particularly along causeways and coastal roads, are expected to be hazardous in heavily affected areas. Further localised disruptions to road and rail transportation remain possible in these areas. Persons in the affected parts of Ireland and the UK are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories. Clients planning to travel to the affected areas in the coming days are advised to anticipate weather-related disruptions to transport services, and should confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers. For more information, please visit www.metoffice.gov.uk.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI(SUNRISE AIRWAYS & AEROLINEAS MAS AIRLINES) - All direct commercial flights between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, operated by the Sunrise Airways and Aerolineas Mas airlines, have been temporarily suspended as of 2 March. Aviation authorities have yet to disclose the reason for the suspension, or the intended duration thereof. It should be noted that privately charted flights between the two countries are reportedly unaffected by the aforementioned route cancellation. Persons intending to travel between the Dominican Republic and Haiti with Aerolineas Mas or Sunrise Airways are advised to contact their travel provider or the airlines for an update on the status of their flight(s).

GEORGIA(TBILISI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - The Tbilisi International Airport has suspended all daytime flights until 1 July due to runway maintenance. The partial closure came into effect on 1 March. From 1 to 27 March, aircraft will not be permitted to land at the airport between 09:30 and 15:00 local time. From 27 March to 1 July, the restrictions will be in place from 10:00 to 20:00. Aircraft will be permitted to use the airport in the evenings. Although the runway maintenance is expected to be completed by the stated deadline, construction delays and subsequent flight disruptions are possible. Clients intending to make use of Tbilisi International Airport on the affected dates are advised to contact the airport, the relevant airline or their travel provider for updates on the status of the airport and flight schedules. In addition, clients should monitor local media for updates regarding the airport closure.

GREECE/MACEDONIA - Protesting asylum seekers at the Greece-Macedonia border, near the Greek town of Idomeni, have obstructed an international railway line on 3 March; all services on the line have subsequently been suspended. The asylum seekers were protesting against Macedonia's decision to allow only a few asylum seekers with valid identification papers through the border each day. Macedonian authorities have deployed additional police units to the border crossing as a precaution. An estimated 8,000 asylum seekers are currently encamped at the Idomeni border crossing; this number grows daily. Inhabitants of the makeshift camp periodically engage in protest action against conditions in the camp, and the decision of Macedonian authorities to drastically reduce the number of asylum seekers allowed to cross the border each day. Less than 200 people were allowed to enter Macedonia on 2 March, after the country reportedly gave in to international pressure to relieve the humanitarian burden placed on Greece. Nonetheless, as asylum seekers continue to arrive at the border, the restrictive security measures are expected to remain in place. It should be noted that such measures have resulted in low-level incidents of unrest and associated travel disruptions at affected border areas and associated transport hubs. Due to the ongoing crisis, further border closures and associated travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons travelling via the Greece-Macedonia border should confirm the status of their intended border crossing point prior to departure.

MEXICO(INFLUENZA(H1N1)) - According to reports on 3 March, a countrywide outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) has killed at least 68 people, and infected 945 others in Mexico, since late October 2015. The rapid spread of the disease has been attributed to a shortage of flu medication during the country's annual flu season, which coincides with its winter months from October to April. Authorities have launched an extensive health campaign to combat infections. Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, is a subtype of the influenza A virus and is believed to be a combination of the swine, human and avian flu viruses. The H1N1 virus can manifest as typical influenza-like symptoms or severe and even fatal pneumonia. Those at risk of contracting the disease are typically persons in close contact with swine, poultry or other infected persons. Authorities have launched an extensive health campaign to combat infections. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the world was post-pandemic for H1N1 in 2010, the virus still circulates during the autumn and winter seasons in various countries around the world. Heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of crime and kidnapping and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict. Persons currently in the country are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, in addition to monitoring local health-related developments. Clients who exhibit any of the aforementioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately.

CHINA(NORTH EASTERN REGION) - The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued a yellow alert for severe smog levels across parts of north eastern China on 3 March. The advisory is in place for the cities of Beijing and Tianjin, as well as parts of the Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, Liaoning, and Shandong provinces. The alert, which is the second highest level on a four-tiered system, is set to remain in place until at least 4 March. Air pollution is a major concern in China, particularly during the winter season from November to March. Heavy smog frequently results in air and road travel disruptions when visibility becomes limited. There are also a number of associated health concerns related to the pollution. Those at highest risk include the elderly, children and persons suffering from respiratory ailments. Clients in or planning to travel to China in the coming days are advised to consult the CMA website (http://www.cma.gov.cn/) for updates on the current advisory. All directives issued by the local authorities should be adhered to. Furthermore, persons intending to use air travel should contact their airline or travel provider prior to departure to check the status of their flight(s). Persons in smog-affected areas who are experiencing respiratory issues are advised to consult with a medical practitioner immediately.

ANGOLA(LUBANGO) - A flash flood, caused by heavy rains, has left at least 24 people dead in Angola's south western town of Lubango, in the Huila province. According to reports on 2 March, the casualties occurred amid a flash flood in a local market, after a bridge collapsed in the low-income Tchioco neighbourhood following the overflowing of the Capitao river. Dozens of people are reportedly missing. Angola's rainy season extends from November to April, and incidents of localised flooding are fairly common during this period. As further inclement weather, including thunderstorms, has been forecast until 8 March, further flood-related casualties and damage to infrastructure remain a possibility. In this event, disruptions to transport as well as water and electricity utilities should be expected. Clients in Lubango are advised to monitor weather developments closely and follow any advisories issued by local authorities. In addition, caution should be exercised in flood-prone areas, particularly low-lying areas to the north and west of the airport in Lubango.

PERU - Peru has been affected by adverse weather conditions in recent days, which has resulted in flooding and landslides in places. The military has been deployed to several regions, including Piura, Arequipa and Huanuco, to assist local recovery efforts. The route (Carretera Central) between the capital, Lima, and Chanchamayo has been disrupted recently following flooding of the Rimac River. Flooding has also left five people dead in the southern Puno area. The country's weather agency, SENAMHI, has warned of further heavy rainfall during the course of the week of 29 February to 6 March. Media reports indicate that the heavy rain may be concentrated in the Huarochiri, Canta, Oyon and Yauyos provinces, located in the wider Lima Region, and that rainfall here will inundate rivers flowing towards the coast. Specifically, there are concerns that the Rimac River and the Chillon River could flood further and once again inundate parts of the Carretera Central and a number of districts in Lima, including Chosica, Chaclacayo, San Martin de Porres and Ate. In the far north, there are also concerns that the Tumbes River could overflow and impact on local communities. The recent adverse weather is unusual for the country. The authorities, cited in local media, have indicated that the El Nino weather phenomenon is the cause of the recent increase in rainfall levels. The risk to persons in-country is considered highest in elevated regions, due to the risk of landslides, and low-lying areas, including near major rivers. Flooding is also expected to continue to disrupt road travel in places, particularly outside of major cities and towns. Disruptions to power supply may also occur at times. Persons in or planning to travel to Peru over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Weather warnings are also available on the SENAMHI website (http://www.senamhi.gob.pe/). Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions.

SYRIA - A countrywide power outage has been reported in Syria on 3 March. The cause of the power outage, which also affected internet services across all provinces, is currently unknown; however, repair work is reported to be underway. Internet services have since been reconnected, but electricity services remain cut off. Power outages are a common occurrence in war-torn Syria and are usually caused by rebel groups opposed to the government. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria due to ongoing conflict and the elevated threats of terrorism and kidnapping. Persons currently in Syria should anticipate disruptions to electronic-based services at this time. Furthermore, clients are advised to be cognisant of the possibility of increased criminal activity at this time. It is advisable to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure that houses and/or places of accommodation are secured.

GUATEMALA(CHIMALTENANGO, ESCUINTLA & SACATEPEQUEZ DEPARTMENTS) - According to latest reports, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) in Guatemala has issued an orange alert for Volcan de Fuego, following an eruption on 2 March. The warning, which is the third highest on a four-tiered scale, has not been accompanied by any evacuation orders. Airline authorities have been advised to monitor the status of volcanic ash in the atmosphere due to the risk that resultant poor visibility may pose to aviation services. The aforementioned alert level is set to be reassessed by CONRED later on 3 March, as ash emissions from the volcano start to decrease. This is the fourth recorded eruption of Volcan de Fuego this year. It should be noted that the continued and/or escalating volcanic activity of Fuego may prompt localised travel and utility disruptions, as well as evacuations, in the Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepequez departments. Clients in Guatemala are advised to avoid the immediate vicinity of Volcan de Fuego and monitor local media for advisories over the immediate-term. The directives of the authorities should be closely adhered to. Persons travelling by air to or from Guatemala over the near-term are advised to check the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure.

THAILAND(YALA PROVINCE) - At least four people were killed in separate shooting incidents in Thailand's southern Yala province on 2 March. The shooting incidents come amid an uptick in insurgent-related violence in recent weeks, and were reported in the Yaha district. The victims include a Buddhist and three Muslim residents. Although the assailants remain unknown, unconfirmed reports suggest the three Muslim victims were perceived to be government collaborators. These latest incidents can be attributed to the ongoing violent separatist campaign in the southern provinces, and serve to underscore the persistently insecure security dynamic in the affected area. There has been an uptick in related violence in the south. The provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani have been plagued by decades of ethnically and religiously motivated violence, which stems from allegations of isolation and discrimination against Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. Although attacks normally target security forces, civilians (particularly Buddhists) have also been targeted. Given the ongoing nature of the conflict, further similar incidents cannot be discounted. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risks of conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Persons currently in the area should adhere to the directives of authorities and are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security measures at all times.

INDONESIA(JAKARTA) - Security has been heightened in anticipation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit (OIC), expected to take place in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on 6 and 7 March. Authorities have initiated security drills in preparation for the summit, due to take place at the Jakarta Convention Centre (Balai Sidang Jakarta), located in central Jakarta. Additionally, troop deployments from the Vital Object Security and Sabhara rapid response units will be stationed in the vicinity of the convention centre; at least 4,000 response personnel have been mobilised. Increased security measures, including police checkpoints and random identification checks, are expected for the duration of the summit, particularly in but not limited to the vicinity of the convention centre, where the majority of events are set to take place. Given the prominence of the summit, which is set to take place amid heightened tensions surrounding terrorism and perceived levels of increased Islamic radicalisation in the country, the possibility of interest groups using the event as a convenient platform to voice their grievances cannot be discounted. As a result of these heightened security measures, travel delays are possible. Clients in Jakarta on the affected days are advised to monitor local developments, avoid all possible protest action as a precaution against civil unrest, and make provision for longer travel time between destinations.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - A flash flood, caused by heavy rains, has left at least 24 people dead in Angola's south western town of Lubango, in the Huila province. According to reports on 2 March, the casualties occurred amid a flash flood in a local market, after a bridge collapsed in the low-income Tchioco neighbourhood following the overflowing of the Capitao river. Dozens of people are reportedly missing. Angola's rainy season extends from November to April, and incidents of localised flooding are fairly common during this period. As further inclement weather, including thunderstorms, has been forecast until 8 March, further flood-related casualties and damage to infrastructure remain a possibility. In this event, disruptions to transport as well as water and electricity utilities should be expected. Clients in Lubango are advised to monitor weather developments closely and follow any advisories issued by local authorities. In addition, caution should be exercised in flood-prone areas, particularly low-lying areas to the north and west of the airport in Lubango.

NIGERIA - Fuel shortages are being reported throughout Nigeria. Long queues have been reported outside filling stations in most cities, with fuel prices up by as much as 45 percent as sellers take advantage of the supply crises. The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on 2 march threatened mass protest action if the government does not address the shortages. The shortage is reportedly coinciding with ongoing power outages that have been affecting the country in recent weeks due to a reduction in power supply affecting the national electricity grid. The fuel shortages are likely to cause travel disruptions in the country. Reports indicate that the crisis was due to petroleum importing firms being unable to pay for imports due to foreign currency reserve shortages. Reports also indicate that bottlenecks at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) fuel depots are causing additional shortages due to limitations imposed on daily amounts leaving the depot by truck. The situation is likely to be exacerbated by the ongoing electricity supply problems, as the use of generators further impact on fuel supplies countrywide. Such disruptions may possibly result in outbreaks of civil unrest if the issue is not resolved in the short-term. The NNPC has however stated that the fuel shortages will ease within the week as supplies enter through the port in Lagos. Clients in Nigeria are advised to keep itineraries flexible and where possible, to stockpile fuel, particularly if undertaking intercity travel using a self-driven vehicle. All protests and demonstrations should be avoided as a precaution.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - The nationalist Ataka party has called for a demonstration, entitled 'I am Bulgarian', in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, on 3 March. Demonstrators are expected to gather at the National Palace of Culture, off Patriarh Evtimiy boulevard, from 11:30 local time before proceeding to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at 12:00, where they are expected to rally. It is unclear how well attended the upcoming demonstration will be; however, there is a risk of clashes at all events involving supporters of the nationalist Ataka party. Accordingly, a significant deployment of security forces is expected to accompany the gathering. Local travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest area are also to be anticipated. Clients in Sofia are advised to avoid the vicinity of the upcoming protest as the possibility of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, clients should make allowances for road travel delays and plan accordingly.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC(SANTO DOMINGO) - A protest march is expected to be held in the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo, on 3 March. Health sector workers will march from the Hospital Universitario Maternidad Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia to the Palacio Nacional from 10:00 local time. The protesters are demanding higher wages, pension improvements and additional government funding for the health sector. The march, should it proceed, is likely to be well attended. Road travel disruptions in the affected area are likely. The risk of violent altercations is considered low. Clients in Santo Domingo on 3 March should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Caution is advised if travelling in or near the anticipated protest route.

MEXICO(VILLAHERMOSA) - The National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) has called for a protest in Villahermosa, the regional capital of Tabasco state in Mexico, on 4 March. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza de Armas, although the exact time of the protest has not been disclosed. The protest has been organised to denounce the dismissal of hundreds of teachers in Tabasco state as well as other education reforms. Teachers unions frequently hold protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms; these are generally well supported. The upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated near the affected area of the city. Clients in Villahermosa on 4 March are advised to avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions. It should be noted that heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of crime and kidnapping and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict.

CHILE(SANTIAGO) - A protest over increasing transport fares has been organised in Chile's capital, Santiago, on 4 March. The protest will be held at Plaza Baquedano (also known as Plaza Italia) at 19:00 local time. The protest is expected to be well attended; as such, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Plaza Baquedano. The upcoming protest is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Santiago on 4 March are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

PAKISTAN - (Update) Additional protest action is expected on 4 March in urban centres across Pakistan over the 29 February execution of Mumtaz Qadri. Although details remain unclear, well-attended protest action by supporters of hardline Islamist civic groups and political parties is likely following Muslim midday prayers on the day. Qadri shot and killed the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer, in 2011 over his calls to reform Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws. In response to Qadri's 29 February execution, well-attended protests were reported in the capital, Islamabad, as well as in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi and Muzaffarabad. In the latter city, protesters are estimated to have numbered 50,000. Although largely peaceful, demonstrators are said to have blocked Shahrah-e-Faisal Boulevard in the vicinity of Karachi's Jinnah International Airport as well as the main road between Rawalpindi and Islamabad; they were dispersed using force. Rallies in support of Qadri are likely to cause significant road travel delays in the vicinity of any protest sites. Additionally, the possibility of clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to most of Pakistan, and against all travel to other parts of the country. Clients in Pakistan on 4 March are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

HONDURAS(TEGUCIGALPA) - The ruling National Party of Honduras will hold its annual convention in Honduras' capital, Tegucigalpa, on 5 and 6 March. The convention, which takes place ahead of the country's 2017 presidential election, will be held at Villa Olimpica and is expected to include the selection of a presidential candidate. Additionally, a ceremony marking the 114th anniversary of the formation of the National Party will be held at Parque La Leona at 07:00 local time on 6 March. The convention and related events are likely to draw large groups of supporters of current president Juan Orlando Hernandez. A previous ban on presidential term limits, in which presidents were only allowed to serve one term, was annulled by the supreme court in April 2015, possibly paving the way for Hernandez to serve a second term in 2017. The president has been criticised by opposition groupings who argue that the ousting of former president Manuel Zelaya in 2009 was a direct result of his campaign to have presidential term limits removed. In addition, since 2015 Honduras has been affected by numerous anti-government protests against alleged corruption and maladministration associated with the Hernandez administration. In light of this, although no protests have been called thus far, rival demonstrations between supporters of Hernandez and members of the opposition remain a possibility. The risk of violence at any upcoming protests cannot be discounted. Clients in Tegucigalpa on 5 and 6 March are advised to monitor local media for updates on any upcoming demonstrations. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

VENEZUELA - Commemorative ceremonies and other public events marking the third anniversary of the death former president, Hugo Chavez, are anticipated countrywide in Venezuela on 5 and 6 March. The main events are expected to centre on the capital, Caracas. The ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) has organised events for both days. On 6 March, a motorised march has been organised from the Military Hospital to the Military Academy in the Fuerte Tiuna area of Caracas. Details pertaining to events on 5 March have not been disclosed. The upcoming events will likely result in disruptions in major cities in Venezuela, particularly Caracas. It should be noted that the events will take place amid Venezuela's ongoing economic crisis and recent political tensions between the PSUV and the opposition Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD). Opposition protesters are likely to attempt to disturb official memorial events in an effort to attract greater attention to their grievances. Demonstrations are likely to be repressed forcefully by security officials. In light of this, the possibility of clashes between rival protesters as well as security forces is credible. Clients in Venezuela on 5 and 6 March are advised to monitor local media for updates on further information on the upcoming events and potential protests. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for the anticipated disruptions.

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