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Optimism reigned in London at World Travel Market last week as the global travel trade convened to celebrate a return to travel after three pandemic-plagued years – and to chart its future.

After all, as author and TV traveller Levison Wood – dubbed “Britain’s best-loved adventurer” – told delegates in a keynote address, travel is more than seeing new sights; rather it’s a means to sustainability and giving back, a bridge to peace, and to seeing the best in other people.

Still, Wood’s noble sentiment was overshadowed by delegates simply enthused to be back at work again and doing what they did – without restrictions – before travel was halted.

Business experts, industry leaders, and other key tourism movers and shakers from across the world were on all hand – though Destination Canada and Brand USA were notably absent, the former planning its own Showcase at Canada House in London this week. (Visit Florida, Orlando and Las Vegas led a much smaller US pavilion than usual).

The show at the ExCel Centre – now a long-time venue of the annual event – kicked off with key travel trends on Monday, where sustainability was a major theme, and the keynote for Wood, who shared anecdotes from his unique trekking travels to a delighted audience. The Responsible Tourism Awards saw businesses receive accolades for their commitment to people, sustainability and eco credentials.

On Tuesday, tourism ministers and dignitaries from across the globe came together for the Ministers’ Summit, while people queued round the block to be entertained by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, the youngest-ever investor on Dragons’ Den and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, as he shared the secrets to his success on the Future Stage.

Inclusion was a key theme of Day Three, on Wednesday, when equality, diversion and inclusion was seen as a positive way to address the post-pandemic recruitment crisis and market to a wider client base. Sustainability sessions saw a call for an industry-wide single certification system to avoid ‘greenwashing.’

On the Technology Stage, the packed program of tech sessions covered everything from personalization and big data to blockchain, the real prospects of space travel, and the talent crisis that’s currently affecting the sector.

Middle Eastern destinations and suppliers, including premier partner Saudi Arabia, led more than 3,000 exhibitors on the trade show floor with typically elaborate and opulent displays, while destinations from Trinidad and Tobago to Uganda and Iran sent first-time or returning exhibitors.

However, it was the jammed aisles of ExCel – nearly 36,000 attendees, double last year, walked through the door – where masks were as rare as the sun during a rainy week in London, that truly marked a return to the vibrant “good old days” of WTM – 2019 and before.

Goway Travel Sr. VP Craig Canvin described last year’s hybrid WTM (virtual and in-person) as much smaller and subdued, with delegates in a “much more exploratory mood.”

By comparison, this year’s bustling event was a welcome opportunity to make up for lost time and to reconnect – in person – with current and prospective business partners after so long apart.

Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director, WTM London, said: “Attendance at this year’s World Travel Market was fantastic! WTM London is a microcosm of the travel sector – where participation mirrors industry sentiment – it’s encouraging to see this level of engagement as tourism reaches towards full recovery, and of course demonstrates the importance of face-to-face events.”

Such was the importance of being able to reconnect with its partners, representing more than 110 countries around the world, that Goway sent four senior execs to the show.

“WTM is an extremely important show, and this was more about the excitement of the return to travel – and what’s to come!” Canvin told Travel Industry Today.

And, chimed in Goway Groups Only VP Shirley Rourke, “It was great to see so much optimism!”

RELATED STORY: No Canada – Destination Canada skips World Travel Market

NO, CANADA!: Destination Canada skips World Travel Market

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Call it the celebration before the celebration (FIFA World Cup 2022) as MSC Cruises lit up the sky in Doha, Qatar last night (Sunday) during the official naming ceremony of its newest ship, MSC World Europa.

Travel Industry Today was on hand as Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson and CEO Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani officially blessed the new MSC flagship and cut the ribbon to christen the ship with the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle against the bow.

On hand were dignitaries, travel industry partners, including Qatar Airways, and media from around the world.

Highlights of the evening included local entertainment, an amazing drone show and a performance by singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, followed by a fireworks display.

The 6,762-passenger MSC World Europa is the line’s biggest ship, spanning 22 decks and sporting 2,626 staterooms. The ship is touted to be the one of the most environment-friendly vessels at sea and the first in the MSC fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas.

After serving as a “floating hotel” during World Cup 2022, MSC World Europa will spend its inaugural season offering seven-day cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Doha. She will then head to the Mediterranean for summer 2023.

For more on MSC and its new flagship watch for upcoming issues of Travel Industry Today.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sandals Resorts founder, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, has been honoured by Frontier Airlines with the naming of a new aircraft to be delivered in 2023. Citing his work to strengthen and foster tourism in Jamaica, the carrier will name the plane tail “Stewart the Red-Billed Streamertail,” also incorporating Jamaica’s national bird to Frontier’s signature plane tails program.

The new design was unveiled by Frontier Airlines President and CEO Barry Biffle at a recent ceremonial event held at Sandals Montego Bay.

“Sharing Jamaica with the world was my father’s joy and our hearts are filled with immense pride with the introduction of ‘Stewart the Red-Billed Streamertail’ to the Frontier fleet. I know that my dad would be so proud to have our Jamaican ‘doctor bird’ flying once again,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

He added, “Thank you, Frontier – we are honoured that you have chosen to pay tribute to him in this extraordinary way. His legendary spirit will now continue to soar over his beloved Jamaica.”

“We present this new design in recognition of the work that Mr. Stewart, and indeed the entire Stewart family, has done for tourism in Jamaica,” said Biffle.

A fierce champion of tourism to Jamaica since entering the industry in 1981, Butch Stewart’s leadership helped resurrect Jamaica’s travel industry at the time, earning him the respect of his peers and the admiration of his countrymen. He was elected President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica in 1989 and was inducted in its “Hall of Fame” in 1995.

He also served as a Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board for a decade and as President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association in the mid-80s, ably balanced government and private sector priorities, reconciled the concerns of large and small Jamaican hotels and raised public understanding of the tourism industry. Understanding the critical need for consistent lift to his island destination, in 1994, Stewart led a group of investors to take leadership of Air Jamaica, the Caribbean’s largest regionally based carrier.

Meanwhile, in recognizing his own work as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Adam Stewart was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 2022 graduation ceremony of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus earlier this month (photo).

“I am humbled and so proud to be recognized by The UWI for the work I am passionate about,” he said. “My father… taught me that opportunity is a gift not to be wasted. His tenacity and drive to make life better not only for himself and his family, but for his employees, community and country gave me the firsthand understanding of what is possible when people are given a chance. I accept this degree with a full heart and the promise to continue to earn the confidence this illustrious body has placed in me.”

Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett stated: “Not only has (Adam) so ably carried the mantle passed on by his late father, Hon. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, but he has been taking the leading chain in the Caribbean to even greater heights.”

Among his many activities, Stewart is founder and President of the non-profit Sandals Foundation aimed at making a difference in the Caribbean communities where Sandals Resorts operates. All monies contributed by the public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean. He is also founder and active Chairman of the local non-profit ‘We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital,’ which raises funds to improve hospital facilities and chairs the country’s Tourism Linkages Council, which seeks to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local suppliers, making the strength of tourism work for all.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Not again: Another massive COVID outbreak on a cruise ship. Also last week, Hurricane Nicole hammered the eastern seaboard, Bermuda dropped travel restrictions, Air Canada rolled out several onboard enhancements, Hilton Hotels hit a major milestone in Mexico, and Canada Jetlines revealed its first international routes.

NEWS

More than 800 passengers aboard the Majestic Princess reportedly contracted COVID during a cruise from New Zealand to Australia last week. About 4,600 passengers and crew were aboard the ship, which arrived in Sydney on Saturday, with the affected passengers held in isolation. Carnival officials said most of the cases were mild or asymptomatic while Australian officials assured they were well prepared to deal with the situation, which immediately drew comparisons to the outbreak on Ruby Princess in early 2020, where 28 people died and around 900 people tested positive for the virus.

Heavy rain from the Hurricane Nicole covered the eastern United States from Georgia to the Canadian border hitting Florida’s coast particularly hard. Dozens of hotel and condominium towers as tall as 22 stories were declared uninhabitable in Daytona Beach Shores and New Smyrna Beach after seawater undercut their foundations. Just six weeks earlier, Hurricane Ian caused an initial round of damage that contributed to problems from Nicole.

Gerry Schwartz, founder of Toronto-based private equity firm Onex Corp., which counts WestJet among its diverse portfolio of operating companies, is stepping down from his role as CEO of the company after nearly 40 years. The billionaire, who turns 81 this month, will remain chairman of Onex. Veteran Onex executive Bobby Le Blanc will take over the top job. Onex purchased WestJet in 2019 for $5 billion.

BORDERS

The Bermuda government has announced the elimination of the travel authorization (TA) process some three weeks earlier than originally scheduled – a move that will streamline the overall travel experience for visitors. From Nov. 14, visitors instead will be required to complete the Bermuda Arrival Card, a free, digital arrival form to capture visitor data.

BY THE NUMBERS

Despite the Chetamon wildfire, Jasper National Park saw a huge rebound this summer and came close to pre-pandemic visitation numbers, reports Parks Canada. The figures show that September brought in the highest number of visitors to the park for that month with 360,803 while August’s visitation rate was the park’s second highest ever attendance for that month with 473,267, a number that was just shy of the 2019 record of 495,704 visitations.

AIR

Alaska Airlines is exercising options to purchase 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (photo) for delivery between 2024 and 2027, growing the airline’s confirmed 737 MAX fleet from 94 to 146. Alaska also secured rights for 105 more planes through 2030, ensuring access to sufficient aircraft for fleet replacement and growth. This agreement represents the largest commitment for future aircraft in the airline’s history.

Las Vegas has been announced as Canada Jetlines’ first international route, starting service Jan. 19 from Toronto Pearson. Multiple frequencies will be available weekly. Also starting Jan. 19 will be two flights a week from Toronto to Melbourne, Central Florida. The routes will follow the launch of Canada Jetlines service between YYZ and YVR in December.

Upgraded dining in Economy, more in-flight entertainment, and connectivity options, and enriched Premium offerings are among a comprehensive range of enhancements being rolled out by Air Canada starting this month. Customers will see new and restored services in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and in Premium cabins onboard, a new Economy Class dining service with a celebrity chef entree internationally plus new Bistro choices in North America. And in a first for a Canadian airline, complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi for Premium Rouge passengers.

WestJet is adding four-times weekly service between Terrace, BC, and Calgary, beginning Dec. 1. The route will operate four times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, on WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft.

DEALS

More than 700 trips spanning the globe, including Antarctica, are included in G Adventures’ annual Cyber Sale, now running through Nov. 30. Travellers can save up to 30% off select trips offered by the tour operator when travelling by April 30. Select departures departing May 1-June 20, 2023, qualify for 10% off.

With the holiday travel season approaching, Plaza Premium Lounge is offering Canadians up to 50% off lounge passes across its global network. The collection of holiday passes can be booked between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, starting at US$89 for two visits. Meanwhile, the PPL Pass Canada, from US$151, offers frequent flyers five or 10 visits to any Plaza Premium lounge in Canada. Last but not least, guests can save up to 15% off ALLWAYS, the bespoke airport concierge service that includes baggage handling, security fast lane access, immigration-designated assistance, and limousine transfer to buggy service, to ensure a smooth coordination at every point in the airport.

HOTELS

Hilton opened its 200th hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America, the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, a 173-room luxury resort set on 40 hectares of coastline. Also representing Hilton’s second Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Mexico, the milestone caps off a strong decade of Hilton’s continued growth in the region, during which the company opened approximately 75% of its current portfolio of hotels, expanded its presence across 15 of Hilton’s distinct brands and welcomed guests in 28 countries.

New hotel operator, Legendary Hotels and Resorts, will be entering the Icelandic hospitality market over the next two years, with ambitious plans to construct, purchase, or rebrand a portfolio of 12 hotels. The first hotel has already been purchased in Southern Iceland, with a full rebrand to begin early in 2023. Properties will feature flexible check-in and check-out times, free high-speed wireless Internet, a variety of amenities and home comforts, along with seamless airport transfer.

RESORTS

Blue Diamond Resorts Starfish St. Lucia resort re-opened on Nov. 1 after a temporary pause to operation. Located on the white-sand shores of Rodney Bay, the 140-room family resort is surrounded by the lush landscapes with rooms offering views of the resort’s gardens or the bay, modernized amenities, a variety of dining options and bars, play area for kids, spa, and fitness centre at the neighbouring resort, as well as exclusive beachfront venues for weddings and honeymoons.

The only all-inclusive resort on the secluded island of San Salvador, Bahamas, Club Med Columbus has officially reopened its doors for the winter season ahead. Guests can expect to find newly refreshed two-story bungalows, new dining concepts, enhanced wellness and scuba experiences. A playground for watersport enthusiasts, activities like sailing, waterskiing, and kayaking are includes, along with flyboarding, tennis (on brand new courts) and destination experiences including new quad tours.

CRUISE

Carnival Luminosa arrived in Queensland, Australia marking the first ship from the fleet to be homeported in Brisbane. The ship set sail on her first cruise on Nov. 6 and will operate 28 sailings through April 13, 2023, visiting 60 ports of call across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific including Airlie Beach and The Great Barrier Reef.

Silversea Cruises has confirmed its return to Asia, with four ships – Silver Shadow Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, and Silver Muse – scheduled to sail in the region this winter. The intimate, 596-guest Silver Muse will become the cruise line’s first ship to sail in Asia since March 2020 when she departs Singapore on Dec. 2 calling in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, among other destinations, while Silver Shadow follows on Dec. 20 from Mumbai to Singapore. Silversea’s Asia season will comprise 25 voyages ranging from 10 to 20 days.

TOURS

G Adventures believes that 2023 is going to be a big year for adventure travel. With this in mind, the tour operator is introducing more than 20 new itineraries, ranging from four to 12 days designed to allow guests to get off the beaten path and get active in some for the world’s most beautiful locations, from Iceland to Morocco. All trios share G Adventures’ commitment to local cultural experiences and ensuring the local communities visited benefit from hosting travellers. For a full list of options, see G’s website.

PONANT is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys on a series of co-branded sailings for 2023 and 2024. Each of the itineraries will be led by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts – whether an art historian, a solar astrophysicist, or an international relations expert – whose expertise and knowledge will shed new light on a destination and deepen travellers’ immersion in place. Among the new sailings is a nine-day circumnavigation of Sicily on Le Champlain, April 14-22, 2024.

THEME PARKS

Ahead of Black Friday (Nov. 25), Discovery Cove in Orlando has announced its biggest sale of the year, with savings of up to 50% off reservations to visit the all-inclusive day resort where visitors can swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, strut alongside flamingos, and more.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Marriott Bonvoy has launched a sweepstake for meeting planners to win up to one million Marriott Bonvoy points with their One Million Reasons to Meet sweepstakes. From Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, meeting planners can enter online for a chance to win the grand prize, as well as instant prizes such as exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments, MBV Boutique gifts and points of various denominations.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has named Bill Knowlton as recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022. The seasoned travel professional and leader, best known for his 30-plus year tenure at Jonview Canada, has spent more than five decades in the industry. TIAC will honour Knowlton with the award at a gala ceremony on Nov. 23 during its Tourism Congress 2022, as well as unveiling the winners of annual Canadian Tourism Awards.

DESTINATIONS

A new Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary app is now available, providing information about the sanctuary’s 9,800 sq. km of waters surrounding the Keys. The Marine Sanctuary Explorer app describes the sanctuary’s more than 50 marine zones with easy-to-read guidelines about allowed activities. GPS-enabled technology alerts users when approaching the sanctuary’s no-wake and other managed zones and delivers real-time information about rules and regulations. The app is free to download for Apple and Android devices.

2023 has been dubbed “The Year of Events” in St. Martin. During a recent Toronto visit, Saint-Martin Tourism Office Director Aida Weinum highlighted a packed schedule of events, including the SXM Festival, Carnaval, Love Days Festival, and the Oualichi Festival. The popular Festival de Gastronomie, a foodie-focused celebration, typically takes place in November and includes a BBQ and mixology competition, cooking workshops, and a culinary village realized with participation by Michelin-starred chefs.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1793, the Louvre Palace in Paris was opened as a public museum.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News