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IATA Annual General Assembly to Take Place in Doha Qatar

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IATA Annual General Assembly to Take Place in Doha Qatar - QATARTOURISM.org - TRAVELINDEXDoha, Qatar, March 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit will take place 19-21 June 2022 in Doha, Qatar, hosted by Qatar Airways. This will be the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar; the first being in 2014.

Originally, the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit were planned for the same dates in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, hosted by China Eastern Airlines. The decision to change the venue reflects continuing COVID-19 related restrictions on travel to China.

“It is deeply disappointing that we are a not able to meet in Shanghai as planned. In the meantime, we are pleased to be returning to the dynamic aviation hub of Doha and the warm hospitality for which Qatar Airways, our host airline, has become famous. This year’s AGM will be an important opportunity for aviation’s leaders to reflect on the shifting political, economic, and technological realities facing air travel as the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic gathers pace,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Africa’s Travel Indaba to Showcase Continent Diverse Tourism Offerings

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Africa’s Travel Indaba to Showcase Continent Diverse Tourism Offerings - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXDurban, South Africa, March 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Africa’s Travel Indaba set to host continent’s biggest leisure show. With the return of tourism activities in Africa having seen a leap in the first quarter of the year, the continent’s tourism sector is bracing itself to once again conduct business at the upcoming Africa’s Travel Indaba.

The successful hosting of the 16th Meetings Africa event by South Africa has sent a strong signal to the world about the readiness of Africa, buoying the confidence of many to set sight on the leisure show.

Slated to take place from the 2nd -5th May 2022 in Durban, South Africa, the leading leisure show in the Africa region will be looking to take off from where the successful MeetingsAfrica held in Johannesburg earlier this year.

The show, according to the organizers is to offer the tourism sector the opportune platform to showcase to the world what is on offer at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022, a trade show that has established itself as the continent’s premier tourism trade platform.

South African Tourism is looking to rally the continent and welcome back international delegates from various parts of the world to reconnect and share the real success stories of resilience, whilst demonstrating Africa’s world-class tourism products that will continue to give travellers an unforgettable experience.

According to the Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo Africa’s Travel Indaba is South Africa Tourism’s marquee leisure show.

He expressed his willingness and pleasure to welcome back participants and share ideas.

“This is our signature leisure tourism trade show and we are thrilled that we, as a tourism sector, can once again gather in person, network, share ideas and do business that will contribute to the much-needed recovery,” Mrs Nlapo-Kotse said.

“We know from our research and connections with partners and consumers that travellers increasingly want to live their lives to the fullest again but that they are looking for reassurance that it is indeed safe to travel. With globally-benchmarked health and safety protocols in place, all travellers (domestic, regional and international) can have the comfort of knowing that they will be safe while enjoying their time in South Africa. Africa’s Travel Indaba is our showcase of all that South Africa and Team Africa has to offer, ranging from quality assured accommodation establishments, adventure, relaxation, lifestyle events, and culture and heritage-inspired experiences and products” concludes Kotze-Nhlapo.

There will be insightful educational and information sharing sessions throughout the three days anchored on innovation, ideas, new trends and solutions to the challenges that will accelerate the recovery and growth of the tourism sector.

Globally selected and vetted quality buyers;

· An effective online diary and matchmaking system, that closely pairs buyers’ needs with exhibitors’ offerings in order to ensure a more efficient and productive trade show;

While registration for exhibitors is already open, early-bird discounts will be available to exhibitors who confirm their participation by 31 March 2022.

leisure travel is set to continue on its recovery paths throughout the remainder of 2022, with South Africa, in particular, benefiting from its upcoming events to Msanzi.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Eight Inc. Appoints Charles Reed Anderson as Principal in Singapore

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Eight Inc. Appoints Charles Reed Anderson as Principal in Singapore - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, March 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Experience design firm Eight Inc. has appointed Charles Reed Anderson as Strategy Principal, based out of its Singapore studio. As one of Asia’s leading technology industry innovators and thought leaders, Anderson will advise the firm’s clients on how to use a human-centric approach to transform the way they market, deploy and support their solutions.

During his 13 years in Singapore, Anderson has been a valued advisor to influential decision makers across Asia’s smart cities, IoT, prop-tech and connectivity (e.g. 5G) ecosystems. He has a unique ability to separate industry hype from reality, rooted in his deep knowledge of emerging technologies and understanding of the market. He will report to Tim Kobe, Founder & CEO of Eight Inc.

“Charles has an outstanding record of delivering real human and business value across the technology sector.“ said Kobe. “He is highly adept at cutting through industry noise, helping clients not only to identify their opportunities to do more for customers—but to actually do so.”

Anderson has previously advised industry leaders including Bosch, JLL, Nokia, Taipei City, Telstra, and the World Bank Group on how to source and drive the adoption of innovative solutions. He has also led innovation initiatives at leading telecoms operators, including Vodafone, O2 and BT, and served as a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company.

A prominent keynote speaker, Anderson has presented at over 250 industry events globally, sharing candid insights on IoT, smart cities, prop-tech, digital transformation and 5G. He hosts the TechBurst Asia podcast, serves on the Advisory Board of the Global Organization of Smart Cities, and is a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University’s Smart City Research Center in Seoul.

“Emerging technologies have the capability to transform the way we work, live and play, but they often fail to live up to the hype.” said Anderson. “The problem isn’t with the technologies, it’s with the human side of the industry, which is what attracted me to Eight.”

“Eight has designed human experiences that build bonds between consumers and brands for over 30 years. It’s time to take that same human-centric approach and revolutionize enterprise businesses, technology vendors and smart cities as well.”

Eight Inc. is a global creative collective that specializes in designing innovative, integrated human experiences. Its 200+ business creatives and strategic designers collaborate across 11 studios, 7 time zones, and 3 continents. It has 5 Asia Pacific studios: Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Terre Blanche Hosts 6th Edition of Terre Blanche Ladies Open

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Terre Blanche Hosts 6th Edition of Terre Blanche Ladies Open - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - TRAVELINDEXTourrettes, Côte d’Azur, France, March 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / For its 6th edition, Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort has partnered with the French Federation of Golf to present the Terre Blanche Ladies Open, from Thursday 31st March to Saturday 2nd April 2022, with the Official Pro-Am on Wednesday 30th March.

Now one of the major tournaments on the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS), Terre Blanche welcomes 96 professional players from more than 20 different countries. Offering a prize of 40,000EUR, this unique tournament at Terre Blanche will take place on the resorts GEO certified 18-hole course Le Riou, one of the most prestigious and exclusive in Europe. At the end of this season, the top 6 players in the final ranking will gain access to the famous Ladies European Tour.

In preparation for the tournament, an Opening Pro-Am will take place on Tuesday 29th March, a day before the Official Pro-Am. This is a prime opportunity for up-and-coming golfers to take on the challenging course designed by ex-Ryder Cup player and renowned Welsh architect Dave Thomas, while admiring the magnificent Provencal landscape.

To enhance the experience of playing alongside some of Europe’s most talented golfers on Le Riou, Terre Blanche has created an exclusive package to ensure golfers enjoy the most of Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort.

About Terre Blanche
Located in the heart of Provence’s Côte d’Azur, just 30 minutes from Cannes and 45 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, Terre Blanche’s unrivalled location provides the gateway to the Riviera, enabling guests to experience the charm and character of Provence along with the chic ambience of the Côte d’Azur. The 750-acre luxury resort is a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ and of European Tour Destinations, and as the only property of its kind in the region, provides refined hospitality rooted in authenticity and nature.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Shaping the Future of Mountain Tourism

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Shaping the Future of Mountain Tourism - TRAVELINDEXAndorra la Vella, Andorra, March 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The UNWTO 11th World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism was held 23-25 March in Andorra, and was celebrated onsite by over 400 attendees from 13 countries. The hybrid event was re-convened after a two-year delay due to the pandemic.

Andorra-la-Vella Congress Center at the heart of the historical district of the capital hosted the event. In time, bright sunshine broke the gloomy weather, and the spring flowers beckoned to welcome international guests.

The Minister of Tourism and Telecommunications of Andorra, H.E. Mr. Jordi Torres Falcó opened the Congress by stating Andorra’s strong position in preserving natural resources: “We cannot dissociate snow and mountain tourism from the preservation of resources and sustainability.”

He shared the many challenges faced by Andorra, including seasonality and the efforts in expanding the tourism offerings beyond the winter season. In his closing remarks, he was pleased the event covered key issues that would shape the future of mountain tourism. He considered the Congress’ objectives achieved, and the industry generated synergy for moving forward. With better industry efforts and improvements, he sincerely welcomed broader markets and all tourists to visit Andorra.

Describing the general context of the three “major crises” faced by the sector—Covid-19, climate change, and the war in Ukraine—Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UNWTO stated, “at the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism, we can show the world that tourism is united, and that our sector can offer answers and generate the confidence that we all need in such difficult times.”

He appraised Andorra as an example of developing into a year-round destination through more offerings such as other sports, gastronomy, and music. For the next Congress, he suggested adding a new theme of health, wellness, and spa. He referred to the ministers’ visit to a village in a parish, Ordino, and amplified the significance of “Best Tourism Villages” worldwide in facilitating and achieving the SDGs. Mountain tourism is associated with mountain villages and communities, and the “Best Tourism Village” induction provides a mechanism to guide villages to better achieve the SDGs.

A two-hour, high-level round table included five tourism ministers who discussed various destination issues. Attended were H.E. Mr. Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Telecommunications of Andorra; H.E. Mr. Dauren Abayev, Minister of Culture and Sports of Kazakhstan; H.E. Mr. Simon Zajc, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Slovenia (joined online); H.E. Mr. Fernando Valdés, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain; and H.E. Mrs. Sofia Zacharaki, Vice Minister of Tourism of Greece. H.E. Mr. Massimo Garavaglia, Italian Minister of Tourism, participated through a video message.

The ministers on stage addressed climate change and how to adapt to it, seasonality of mountain tourism, community engagement, and how to offer authentic and quality products, boost country image and tourists’ perceptions, social and economic impact, sustainability, and more. The session was moderated by the head of Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness of the UNWTO, Sandra Carvao.

Carvao and Rosalaura Romeo, coordinator of FAO’s Mountain Alliance projects jointly presented the key outcomes of the report Mountain tourism- Towards a more sustainable path, which was developed within the framework of the U.N. International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development. The first part of the report was released in December 2021 (Mountain tourism – towards a more sustainable path (fao.org)). Ms. Carvao also shared several case studies, which highlighted food tourism, nature-based tourism, innovation and digitalization, and governance models and policies, etc.

Andorra has seven parishes, and Canillo is the host parish for the 11th edition of the Congress. At the closing ceremony, H.E. Mr. Francesc Camp Torres, Mayor of Canillo, stated that the conference fulfilled its role by providing new ideas, perspectives, and best practices for the Andorran industry to listen and to learn from. Big data applications and other technology developments were well shared, and the next step should be for the industry to take action and to implement them. He advocated the changes and stated that a destination could not grow unless changes were to be made.

The two-day dialogue with more than 30 international speakers covered a broad range of topics including fighting climate change, innovation and digitalization, seasonality, responsible travel, etc. About 20 leading industry experts from eight countries shared their technological insights and expertise.

Discussions were dedicated to technology and gastronomy, including the digital transformation and how big data, artificial intelligence, and virtual innovation have been allies to adapt to the new future; and how to use gastronomy as a practical platform to engage the local community and to contribute to increasing year-round tourism and developing authentic experiences. Four official languages were used during the Congress: English, Spanish, French and Catalan. The sessions will soon be made available online and will be played alternately in the floor language.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex from Andorra la Vella.

Haybina is an international travel industry reporter and has been reporting in both Chinese and English. Linkedin

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket’s Iconic Heritage Mansion Listed on Airbnb

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Phuket's Iconic Heritage Mansion Listed on Airbnb - VISITPHUKET.org - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, March 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / To celebrate the Thai New Year and welcome international travelers back to Thailand, the Governor’s Mansion in Phuket – the largest icon of Sino-Portuguese baroque architecture – will be listed on Airbnb for the ultimate designer stay. Renowned for its magnificent beaches and rich cultural heritage, Phuket has long been an incredible draw for millions of travelers from around the world. The lush tropical island is now leading the way for Thailand’s long-anticipated travel rebound.

As the country gears up for its biggest cultural festival, Songkran, one group of four lucky guests will get to soak up the vibrant festivities with an island getaway of a lifetime, only on Airbnb. The majestic Governor’s Mansion will be bookable on Airbnb. Bookings open at 9:00 PM ET on April 4, 2022 (9:00 AM SGT/ 8:00 AM ICT on April 5, 2022). Travelers from Thailand or any of the countries that currently allow international travel to and from Thailand can apply.

Guests will be hosted by popular Phuket-born model-actress Patricia Tanchanok Good who rose to fame in one of Netflix’s most popular Thai dramas last year, Girl From Nowhere 2, and national ambassador for royal Thai cuisine and Blue Elephant founder, master chef Nooror Somany Steppe. Programming for this special stay is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Built at the end of King Rama V’s era by successful local businessman Pra Pitak Chinpracha, the 119-year-old Governor’s Mansion welcomed many out-of-town dignitaries and remains one of several neoclassical heritage mansions on Phuket today. The sprawling white and mustard heritage home is located in the historic heart of Old Phuket Town, and has been exquisitely restored to preserve its original fixtures, including richly patterned tiles and teakwood floors. Its first floor is now home to the Blue Elephant Restaurant – a Michelin Plate awardee and long-running stalwart of Thailand’s culinary industry.

On the second floor, renowned Thai designer Saran Yen Panya has created a memorable, visually stunning space that pays homage to Thailand’s rich heritage and buzzing contemporary design scene. The stay features statement pieces by Yothaka – widely revered as Thailand’s master of design – in addition to bespoke handcrafted items by up-and-coming designers Kitt Ta Khon, Masaya, Sumphat Gallery, Thaniya and Mo Jirachaisakul, paired with Phuketian antiques from some of the island’s most distinguished homes and museums.

Guests will be immersed in a quintessentially Phuketian experience, including:
– A personal welcome at check-in by Thai superstar Patricia ‘Good’ Tanchanok, who will share her favorite hidden gems in Phuket and tips for exploring the island
Exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on the Mansion’s expansive second floor, including a private reception lounge and living room
– A bespoke, multi-course ‘Songkran’ tasting menu prepared and hosted by master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe
– A scuba diving and snorkeling adventure around the sparkling reefs and islands that dot the Andaman Sea
– A gibbon rehabilitation social impact experience in Phuket’s last rainforest, Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Sanctuary

About the Designers
Saran Yen Panya is one of Thailand’s most pre-eminent young designers and visual artists. Awarded Young Designer of the Year by Wallpaper Magazine Thailand and ELLE Decor, Saran is the co-founder of 56thStudio where he promotes local brands, designers and makers through creative experiences and storytelling. Saran was a TED speaker at TedX Chiang Mai, and has exhibited at Paris Design Week, Berlin’s Illustrative Art Festival and miart in Milan.

About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Azerai Welcomes Back Overseas Visitors to Vietnam

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Azerai Welcomes Back Overseas Visitors to Vietnam - TRAVELINDEXHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam, March 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / As Vietnam lifts the last of its travel restrictions for international visitors, one of Southeast Asia’s most ambitious new luxury hotel groups is rolling out a welcome mat that leads to new accommodation, pursuits and packages.

Vietnam announced the end of travel restrictions on March 16 after being closed for two years due to COVID-19. International visitors now only need to present a negative RT-PCR issued within 72 hours before departure for Vietnam or a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of departure and certified by a competent authority in the issuing country.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an elegant and secluded oceanfront retreat in southeastern Vietnam, launched in November 2020 while the country’s borders were closed due to the pandemic.

Now that Vietnam has announced the end of quarantine and other restrictions, overseas visitors can experience the 46-key resort and its pristine five-kilometer white sand beach for the first time. Azerai Ke Ga Bay is located 180 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City and features a mix of contemporary suites and private-pool suites set amid lush gardens.

All three of Azerai Resorts’ properties in Vietnam—the others include Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta and Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital—have rolled out special offerings that cater to travelers’ renewed desire for privacy, exclusivity and space.

The properties have also each unveiled a suite of unique experiences to explore the local surroundings and be more fully immersed in the culture.

Azerai Can Tho earlier this year introduced one- and two-bedroom private pool villas to complement the resort’s existing three-, four- and five-bedroom villas, offering spacious and private new accommodation options for groups of all sizes, from couples to extended families.

The villas range from 636sqm (Pool Villas) to 784sqm (River Pool Villa) to an expansive 1,583 sqm (Mekong Pool Villa) and include dedicated villa hosts who can help to personalize the guest experience. And, of course, villa guests have access to all of the resort’s world-class amenities and culinary offerings, in addition to private luxury boat cruises in the Mekong Delta, lavish picnics under the resort’s mature banyan trees and other local excursions and activities.

Azerai La Residence, Hue debuted an elegant 55-foot (17-meter) cruise boat in 2021, offering guests one of the most stylish and sophisticated ways to experience the Perfume River in central Vietnam. With its classic hardwood trim and bright red accents, as well as spacious private lounge areas in the front and back, the new boat provides a stark contrast to the crowded and noisy dragon boats so commonly seen in Hue.

The new vessel, locally built, accommodates up to 16 passengers and embarks on three types of excursions: an afternoon tea cruise, a sunset cocktail cruise and a dinner cruise. The covered middle section of the boat serves as a dining room by night and sightseeing deck by day.

For more information on applying for an e-visa visit ​​the official website. Citizens of 13 countries qualify for visa exemptions and can visit for up to 15 days regardless of passport type and entry purpose.

The latest conditions for entry into Vietnam should be confirmed with the nearest Vietnamese consulate and/or through a booking agent to ensure compatibility.

About Azerai Resorts
Azerai is a new story and brand of resorts offering guests simple elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Middle East Members Focus on Tourism Sustainable Recovery

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UNWTO-Middle East Members Focus on Tourism Sustainable Recovery - TRAVELINDEXCairo, Egypt, March 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has successfully celebrated the 48th session of its Regional Commission for the Middle East. Returning to Egypt for the third time since 2018, the Commission addressed the pressing challenges faced by tourism and looked to the future as the sector’s recovery gathers pace across the region.

According to the latest UNWTO data, international arrivals to destinations in the Middle East were 52% higher in January than in the same month of 2021. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili told Members that the return of tourism represented a chance to reassert the values of the sector as a pillar of peace and prosperity, particularly given the background of economic uncertainty and an armed conflict in Europe.

In his report, the Secretary-General provided an overview of UNWTO’s work in the Middle East and globally for the past year. The report also focused on UNWTO’s strategic objectives and core priorities for the year ahead, including making tourism smarter, promoting green investments and entrepreneurship, supporting education and jobs, building resilience and protecting natural and cultural heritage. In the coming year, several new projects will be directed out of the UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East, opened in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May 2021. The office will focus on guiding sustainable tourism recovery in the region, with a focus on rural development and on innovation, education and investments.

Across the Middle East, tourism is growing in size and relevance, driving recovery and promoting sustainable development

Mr Pololikashvili said: “Across the Middle East, tourism is growing in size and relevance, driving recovery and promoting sustainable development. UNWTO’s Members in the region are committed to realizing the unique potential of tourism, and the Organization is committed to working closely with its Members around innovation, sustainability, jobs and education as our shared priorities.”

UNWTO’s enhanced presence across the region was highlighted through reference to a wide range of country-specific projects and partnerships, including online training in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, a special statistics workshop in Bahrain, crisis communications training in Lebanon and an action plan on women’s empowerment in Jordan.

Sustainability and capacity building

Members warmly welcomed updates on UNWTO’s actions in the region, designed to help the sector become more inclusive, sustainable and resilient. Through the Green Hotel Revitalization Programme, UNWTO is working with the International Finance Corporation to train more than 30 hotels in Egypt in adopting sustainability practices and reducing their carbon footprints. UNWTO is also stepping up capacity building across the region, with a focus on gender equality and youth empowerment.

In Cairo, delegates were provided with a comprehensive overview of the Organization’s work in this area, including through the creation of a UNWTO Knowledge Lab for the region and through the provision of a new range of training and educational courses in the Arabic language, most notably through a new e-learning project being implemented in partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom will fund 1,300 scholarships for students from 13 Members States, to foster human capital development and youth empowerment across the region.

Strengthening high-level ties

UNWTO informed about the close collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab Tourism Organization, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Islamic Development Bank.

Welcoming such collaboration, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt credited the Regional Commission as a platform to draw a roadmap for the sector’s future. He said: “Basing our work on UNWTO’s guidelines, we protected jobs through the crisis and now are now in a strong position to recover and grow back better. Ahead of Egypt’s hosting of the COP27 climate summit, we will continue to make tourism a pillar of sustainability, as well as a vital protector of our famous heritage and culture.”

Members decided that the 49th Regional Commission for the Middle East will be held in Jordan in 2023, while Lebanon will host the 50th meeting in 2024.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cornell Launches Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Online Course

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Cornell Launches Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Online Course - TRAVELFOUNDATION.org - TRAVELINDEXIthaca, New York, United States, March 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / An online course program developed by Cornell University in partnership with the Travel Foundation will be the first-of-its-kind to equip destination professionals with new knowledge and skills urgently needed to manage tourism in the 21st Century. The comprehensive, 40-hour course is borne out of analysis from the partners’ 2019 report, Destinations at Risk: The Invisible Burden of Tourism, which highlighted a gap in fostering the talent, capacity, and leadership required to manage the greener and more efficient and equitable destinations of the future.

The Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Course program will be available through eCornell starting Autumn/Fall 2022 and will help today’s global tourism professionals develop many of the new skills needed in the market, including impact management, climate action planning and financing, risk profiling, and community engagement.

The program is being developed by the SC Johnson College of Business’ Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program (STAMP) in partnership with global NGO the Travel Foundation, with financial support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

At least 1,000 participants, from target countries where affordability might otherwise be a barrier to enrolment, will be granted free access to the program through a process supported by the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations (UNWTO). The intention is for additional scholarships to be made available in future, through collaborations with global partners.

The online program will feature award-winning faculty and practitioners who will share destination management expertise from across the globe on urgent themes including climate change and overtourism; downloadable tools that can be applied directly in professional settings; as well as research from top experts on cutting-edge destination management issues. Program content includes:

– An overview of the global tourism economy and the value it brings.
– Measuring the “Invisible Burden of Tourism” – the unaccounted-for impacts of tourism.
– Managing the Invisible Burden.
– Managing climate impacts.
– Defining and achieving key economic development goals.
– Equitable and inclusive management of tourism’s shared assets.
– Developing dedicated destination management capacity.
– Applying sustainable destination management tools and concepts to critical real-life case studies from the tourism sector

The online program is designed for a global audience, including: national and local government tourism officials, staff at Destination Marketing and Management Organisations (DMOs), and others in related public, private, and non-profit fields related to tourism destination management and stewardship.

“Our Invisible Burden report documented how destinations have struggled to manage the growth and impacts of tourism, and exposed the urgent need for new technical skills, knowledge and tools,” said Principal Instructor and Managing Director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program (STAMP), Megan Epler Wood. “While public sector organizations are increasingly aware of the need to manage tourism demand and destination assets, rather than simply promote destinations, there is little knowledge or capacity within those organizations to make such a transition. Cornell’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Management program aims to address this gap and build professional development in this neglected field.”

Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation, said: “This program, coming from a top-flight Ivy League institution, has huge potential to transform how destinations are managed, and I’m delighted we can continue our partnership with the team at Cornell. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to share our experiences and resources as part of the course content, and to ensure the free scholarship places remove any financial barrier for destinations, particularly those in the Global South. Our mission is to support destinations in the greatest need of stewardship to ensure they have the capacity to fully benefit from tourism, and this course will become a vital part of our approach.”

Natalia Bayona, Director of Innovation, Education and Investments at the UNWTO, said: “Online education is here to scale up the way people are educated. Tourism is the top employer of youth. Nonetheless 50% of them only have secondary-level education. Today, more than ever, we need added value programs full of innovation and sustainability to help those brilliant minds to have a better career and build a professional path in tourism. At the World Tourism Organization we are keen to help our Member States do this.” Successful completion of the online program will include recognition from Cornell University.

About the Travel Foundation
The Travel Foundation is a leading global NGO that works in partnership with governments, businesses, and communities to develop and manage tourism in a way that maximises the benefits for communities and the environment. Founded in 2003, it has since worked in nearly 30 countries around the world.

About Cornell STAMP
As a program of the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program (STAMP) is developing a global knowledge base, online professional and student training, as well as the research and technical support for destinations to more effectively manage tourism assets in the face of endemic poverty, ecosystem degradation, climate change and public health crises.

About eCornell
eCornell is Cornell University’s external education unit which provides online professional and executive development to students around the world. Over 100+ award-winning professional certificate programs are offered in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are developed by Cornell University faculty with practical insights and tangible outcomes in mind in collaboration with experts worldwide.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ascott Thailand Annouces Reopening of Citadines Sukhumvit 8

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Ascott Thailand Annouces Reopening of Citadines Sukhumvit 8 - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, March 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business subsidiary, The Ascott, announces that the Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok has completed its renovation and reopened for business with SHA Plus+ accreditation. With its new rooms, public spaces, and lobby, this renovated apart-hotel is ready to welcome all visitors back and make all stay even more enjoyable for a restful recharge.

Situated in a tranquil residential area of the city centre, this apart-hotel is an ideal base to explore Bangkok’s attractions. It’s close to parks, office buildings, shopping malls, and restaurants, and it offers a free tuk-tuk shuttle service between the residence and other popular destinations. The location is ideal for both business and pleasure travellers who want to see Bangkok’s many different attractions.

“We are excited to welcome back the newly renovated Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok, and show our guests what it’s like to benefit from a living experience that prioritises comfort and offers the flexibility of personalised services to suit each resident’s lifestyle. We can’t wait to see what our guests think.” said Mr. Brian Tan, Country General Manager for Ascott in Thailand and Laos.

Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok offers 130 stylish units of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with a fully-equipped kitchenette and separate living areas. There is a fitness area, an outdoor pool, and business facilities, among many other things that make this apart-hotel unique.

About The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand Investment. It is one of the leading international lodging owner-operators with properties across Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its portfolio of serviced apartment, coliving and hotel brands includes Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello, Fox Lite and POP!.

About CapitaLand Investment Limited
Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 September 2021, CLI had about S$120.8 billion of real estate assets under management, and about S$84.3 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and 30 private funds across the Asia-Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover integrated developments, retail, office, lodging and new economy sectors such as business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.

CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through its full stack of investment management and operating capabilities. As the listed investment management business arm of the CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm. Being a part of the well-established CapitaLand ecosystem differentiates CLI from other REIMs.

As part of the CapitaLand Group, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does. As a responsible real estate company, CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News