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Innovative Debt Financing to Close Digital Access Gap

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Innovative Debt Financing to Close Digital Access Gap

Geneva, Switzerland, September 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum and the EDISON Alliance announced the publication of a Guidebook to Digital Inclusion Bond Financing to increase awareness and encourage innovative debt financing to address inequality and digital deserts and accelerate investment in digital inclusion.

Business, government, and civil society recognize the societal and economic imperative to invest in digital inclusion is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Digital inclusion bonds can have a pivotal impact on building a more prosperous and equitable world.

The Guidebook illustrates the process for issuing digital inclusion bonds; appropriate use of proceeds; evaluating projects for investment; conforming with applicable market frameworks for sustainable and social financing, including the International Capital Markets Social Bond Principles; and reporting and independent verification that performance targets or KPIs are being achieved.

A World Economic Forum Agenda Blog co-authored by Verizon Communications’ Bill Horton, and Vista Equity Partners’ Burke Norton explores further the topic.

Burke Norton, Senior Managing Director, Vista Equity Partners says: “The innovative and sustainable financing frameworks that have been successfully used to date can be leveraged to meet the global challenge of digital inclusion, potentially unlocking hundreds of billions of dollars of investment capital. Digital inclusion bond financing can enable commitments to digital inclusion projects and KPIs that may relate to broadband infrastructure and affordable access, digital skills training, financial inclusion, and access to quality healthcare and education, among other priorities.”

Bill Horton, Senior Vice President, Verizon Communications Inc. says: “As part of its mission to accelerate digital inclusion, the Alliance strives to help unleash substantial financing to fund digital inclusion projects at scale, across all sectors, and to equip policymakers with tools, datasets and evidence-based recommendations related to digital inclusion. The EDISON Alliance is publishing today a Guidebook to Digital Inclusion Bond Financing to increase awareness and understanding, and encourage the use of innovative debt financing to address inequality and digital deserts and accelerate investment in digital inclusion”.

Isabelle Mauro, Head of Digital Communications Industry, World Economic Forum says: “With 3.6 billion people still not online, the pandemic has sharply highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide global to offer equal opportunities to all. There is a tremendous opportunity for businesses, governments, NGOs, and investors to invest in digital inclusion and all the economic and social benefits that it brings, including increased financial inclusion and prosperity and access to quality healthcare, education, and other services. The EDISON Alliance has been looking at new innovative financing models to raise capital, including guiding organizations on best approaches to issue bonds that will fund digital inclusion at scale.”

The EDISON Alliance is a global movement launched in January 2021 by the World Economic Forum to boost digital inclusion. It brings together leaders from the public and private sectors from different industries to harness the potential of affordable and accessible digital solutions, ensuring that we don’t leave anyone behind in the digital economy.

The EDISON Alliance is a unique opportunity for industry and governments to jointly scale existing initiatives, empower policymakers through leading practices, and pioneer innovative financial models to unlock capital at scale and ensure everyone gets online. 

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SpaceFund Invests in Hydrosat

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SpaceFund Invests in Hydrosat - TRAVELINDEXHouston, Texas, United States, September 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SpaceFund is excited to announce our recent impact investment in Hydrosat. While we consider almost any investment in opening the Frontier to be an impact investment, as we believe that many of the near and long term solutions to the issues challenging humanity will be found in space, Hydrosat fits neatly into the center of what many beyond the space movement consider as a company whose work will have a direct impact on human life.

Company Description:
To maximize the output of farmlands, it is critical that farmers have the maximum amount of data about the health of their crops. Hydrosat’s unique data and analytical capabilities provide the vital information growers need, proven to increase crop yields and conserve water. Satellite imagery is the most cost-effective way to gather information about farming conditions, but the existing sensors in space provide data that are only lagging indicators of crop health. In other words, current information provides insight into what has happened in a given field, whereas Hydrosat’s information is predictive about what will happen in the future, thus allowing farmers to calibrate their plans and improve outcomes. Hydrosat’s thermal infrared sensor is the key to this capability. Today many companies use a calculation from data available for free from NASA satellites called Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), to provide farmers with information about their crops, but it has limitations as a predictive tool. Hydrosat is launching a new thermal infrared sensor to collect temperature data that will increase the predictive power of satellite imagery in agriculture and other industries.

Recent Company Milestones: 

  • In July 2020, Hydrosat received a €3.735M contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) “to develop an operational processor that meets commercial requirements for agriculture, in both crop yield estimations and irrigation decision support applications.”
  • The company also received $798,519 in SBIR grants from the U.S. Air Force to use low Earth orbit (LEO) thermal imagery with higher resolution and faster repeat cycle, providing better and more up-to-date information for flight planners. “This would ensure better mission safety to our Airmen while protecting multi-million dollar assets from poor landing conditions. The Hydrosat solution is being designed to serve the agriculture industry, yet its capabilities are also aligned with Air Force needs, allowing the Service to benefit from a system that would spread cost and risk while accelerating development.”
  • The company expects to launch its first sensor aboard a SpaceX rocket in Q4 2022, with Loft Orbital working as the satellite bus provider and integration partner.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TIME FOR A CHANGE: Travel groups ‘link arms’ in call for action

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Nothing short of the continued support of governments and harmonized and recalibrated COVID-19 travel protocols are necessary to save the global travel industry in the present and secure its future, says a panel of prominent association presidents that includes ACTA Canada president Wendy Paradis.

Hosted last week by The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) on its Facebook page, the live panel event also featured representatives of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), which collectively represent hundreds of thousands of people who work at travel agencies and related businesses around the world.

Broadly speaking, the association heads aimed to “link arms” to present a united front in calling for government leaders globally to align and make opening borders an immediate priority.

Citing World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data from 2019 showing that travel and tourism was one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for 10.4% of global GDP (US$9.2 trillion), 10.6% of all jobs (334 million), and responsible for creating one of every four new jobs across the world, the panel noted the “catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector – of which travel agencies, tour operators and other travel-reliant small businesses are a critical part.”

Among the group’s demands is standardized entry requirements regarding vaccine verification, testing, and other safeguards. This standardization is urgently needed, said ASTA’s Zane Kirby who says existing protocols are “unwieldy and untenable.”

“There’s a patchwork of constantly changing rules and regulations that depress demand, confuse the travelling public, and… can sometimes strand travellers,” he said, adding that the global travel industry must continue to come together to adds its voice to ask for more transparency from governments so that the industry can understand the rules and conditions imposed on travellers.

As an example, he pointed to current bans on American travellers in Europe, stating: “There are 175 million citizens of the United States who have been vaccinated, but right now around the world they are being treated as though they pose the same risk as travellers to foreign lands as those who are unvaccinated. And we think that needs to change. The threat level… needs to come up to where the science is, which is that you are far less likely to get or to spread the virus or be hospitalized (when vaccinated).

“They have to follow their own science,” he continued. “What they’ve told us for months and months is that vaccination makes life better and will allow you to return to activities that you love to do – especially travel. So, if that’s the case, there should be at least a two-tier system of threat analysis. The diagnostic equipment that governments have now has to change and it has to get more sophisticated.

“Put a system in place that recognizes vaccination and allow those who are vaccinated to travel more freely!”

Paradis meanwhile lamented a particular Canadian conundrum involving mixed vaccine doses, which was encouraged in this country, but not accepted elsewhere, as needing resolution.

Kirby went on to declare that the travel industry continues to need “industry specific relief” from governments, a notion that the panel supported.

Noting that until August, Canada has had “some of the tightest restrictions in the world,” Paradis said that travel agency revenue across the country is down 90% compared to 2019 and that more than 65% of travel agents are currently furloughed. Moreover, she added, “We as travel agencies are for the most part shuttered until these international borders open up and blanket travel restrictions are eased… (And until) that happens, we are in critical need of continued financial aid.”

Pointing out that most government aid programs in Canada are slated to end in October, she added, “Clearly it does not make sense to reduce any aid programs for hardest-hit sectors like travel agencies. We are looking for grants (and subsidy programs); our industry is so in debt we cannot take on more debt… We need to survive so that we can recover! We need these aid programs to not only continue but be enhanced over the next six months.”

ECTAA’s Eric Dresin believes the world is entering a new period in the pandemic. “I’m not sure if we’re getting out of it, but for sure we can’t use the tools we’ve been using up to now; and we need something to help the industry get back the conditions to bring people back to travel,” he says.

To that end, the five associations (ASTA, ABTA, ACTA, CHTA and ECTAA) have joined forces to urge government leaders around the world to create an aligned and synchronized response to the current state of the pandemic by:

1) Expeditiously developing clear vaccine and testing standards

2) Loosening entry restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers; and

3) Providing the needed economic relief to the travel agency sector “suffering for too long the bitter consequences of travel’s hard-stop brought on by the pandemic.”

“The value of and need for travel advisors and agents in today’s world given the intense complexity of travel,” they say, “is vital now more than ever as consumers around the world attempt to recover from this pandemic with certainty and confidence.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CUBA EASES TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

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In preparation for the winter season and taking into consideration that by November, 92.5 percent of the population will be vaccinated, The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba announced the opening of all the tourist destinations in Cuba and more relaxed entry protocols as of November 15th, 2021.

The new rules will focus on the surveillance of symptomatic patients, temperature screening and diagnostic test performed at random. This means: NO covid test prior entering Cuba and NO PCR upon arrival at the Cuban airport (which in the past was completed to 100 % of the passengers).

The new protocols establish Canadian incoming travellers must show that they are fully vaccinated or, if they are not vaccinated, they must submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Cuba.

The PCR test Canadians need to re-enter back in Canada is done right at the hotels and it costs US $30:00 (payable locally by visa or debit/visa).

The Cuban tourism authorities announced the opening of the local tourism market and the cancelling of the quarantine for passengers staying in private rental homes (B&Bs), additionally, locals can stay at tourist facilities shared by international visitors.

Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto noted that Cuba has done an incredible job vaccinating its people including children as young as two years old. “We are the first country in the world to administer Covid 19 vaccines to toddlers”, he said; “ the vaccination program in Cuba, the strengthening of the health and safety protocols in all tourists’ facilities and the high vaccination rate in Canada have made possible these openings”.

According to Gomez “the fact that Cuba is relaxing the rules and that the tourists will be allowed to travel around and enjoy our beautiful country is very exciting and very good news at the time when Canadians are looking forward to returning to normal and are planning their winter travels”.

The Cuba Tourist Board represents the Ministry of Tourism in Canada. It provides general travel information to Canadians who would like to visit the island.

Email: info@gocuba.ca

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Sept. 6-10, 2021

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The Canadian border cracked opened a little more, airlines started flying again from YTZ, ACV hosted a virtual product launch, WestJet jumped on the staff vax bandwagon, and other pandemic-related items (surprise!) dominate last week’s news round-up.

NEWS

Fully vaccinated foreign visitors are once again able to enter Canada. Effective Sept. 7, travellers who receive their second dose of vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival and who show proof of a negative molecular test for COVID-19 that’s no more than 72 hours old can enter without quarantine. They are also required to use the ArriveCAN app or online web portal to upload their vaccination details.

All WestJet Group employees, current and future, will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, says the company. Employees who are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or other reasons will be accommodated, but others must attest to their vaccination status by Sept. 24 and/or be fully vaccinated by Oct. 30 or face unpaid leave or termination of employment. As part of its vaccine mandate, the airline will not provide testing as an alternative to vaccination.

After months of struggle and speculation over its long-term future, Philippine Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York. The company will need court approval for its plans to trim liabilities by US$2 billion by restructuring and reducing its fleet by a quarter.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Billy Bishop celebrated the return of Porter Airlines flights with a water cannon salute.

Air Canada and Porter Airlines are flying again from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). For the former, the resumption of service at the island airport features five daily Air Canada Jazz return flights to Montreal aboard De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Porter also resumed service from the island on Sept. 9 with flights to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay. Other destinations starting within the next 10 days are Halifax, Quebec City, St. John’s, and Moncton, and Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC will return on Sept. 17. Flights to other year-round destinations are set to resume as of Oct. 6.

Also flying again is Air Canada Rouge, which resumed service last week with flights between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando, and Regina, with other destinations being introduced in September to include Cancun and Tampa.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

Seabourn has updated the restart of one of its remaining ships, Seabourn Quest, in time for the summer season in the Mediterranean on May 10, 2022. The ship will resume service in Europe, where it will spend its summer season homeporting from Venice, Italy. The ship will visit countries in the Adriatic and Ionian seas through mid-July before turning west and north to explore coastal destinations across Spain, Portugal, France and the UK. The revised restart date also means the brand is cancelling its 2021-22 Antarctica and South America season on Seabourn Quest, which also includes the Amazon region. The line is currently operating two of the five ships in its fleet, Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Ovation.

BY THE NUMBERS

Transat AT Inc. reports it lost $138.1 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $45.1 million in the same quarter last year. Revenue in what was the company’s third quarter totalled $12.5 million, up from $9.5 million a year ago. Transat began a gradual resumption of flying on July 30 after suspending operations on Jan. 29. The company has said it plans to offer flights to nearly 50 cities this winter.

AIR

WestJet has launched WestJet Link service connecting Calgary and Dawson Creek, BC. The new service operates four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Air Canada has unveiled an expanded Travel Ready hub to help customers plan and prepare for upcoming trips. The interactive online tool allows users to easily find information on necessary travel documentation, COVID-19 test requirements, testing locations, and country travel restrictions for any global destination.

Emirates is offering travellers to or through Dubai a free Emirates Expo Day Pass for use during Expo 2020 Dubai. And to further encourage travellers to maximize their time in the city and during the Expo and the UAE Golden Jubilee, Skywards loyalty program members will be eligible to earn one Skywards Mile for every minute spent in Dubai with the airlines’ special ‘Mile-A-Minute’ offer. The world’s fair begins Oct. 1 and continues through March 31, 2022.

DEALS

In celebrations of its new non-stop service between Toronto (YYZ) and Kingston, Jamaica, which will operate twice weekly beginning Dec. 8, Swoop is offering a limited quantity of introductory one-way fares between Kingston and Toronto starting from just $129 all-in.

TOURS

With the aim of continuing its development of customer-centric content, Sunwing has launched a new “Best of the Best List” highlighting its best resorts across popular sun destinations, the most luxurious room categories, top beaches, and more. The new program will be unveiled every year in the fall and is based on a combination of guest reviews and travel expert recommendations. This year’s list can be viewed HERE.

The Travel Corporations’ (TTC) guided tour brands, Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold, have announced an extension of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all adult guests. The new policy, requiring clients to show documented proof of having received two doses of approved vaccines from either Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, or one dose from Johnson & Johnson (all completed 15 days prior to travel) came into effect on Sept. 1 and will remain until at least Dec. 31, 2022.

HOTELS

Delray Beach, Florida, has a new Hilton. The 141-room Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District in the centre of town. Highlights of the property include an expansive rooftop pool deck with a restaurant and bar, lush landscaping, a robust wellness program and state-of-the-art fitness centre, plus immersive art installations throughout the public spaces.

Due to open in February in Chicago is the LaSalle Hotel, a luxury property located in the centre of The Loop. The hotel will occupy the top five floors of the historic building at 208 S. LaSalle, adjacent to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and promises to offer business and leisure travellers the “timeless elegance” of the original LaSalle Hotel, which opened in 1909 to much acclaim as “Chicago’s finest hotel.” Amenities include a signature restaurant and lounge; 232 luxury suites and oversized guestrooms, featuring elegant furnishings, millwork, cabinetry, and large marble-clad bathrooms; a library retreat and a solarium adjacent to the hotel lobby; state-of-the-art fitness centre; plus extensive ballroom and meeting space. Bookings are now open.

RESORTS

Royalton Luxury Resorts’ newest all-inclusive property, Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa, re-opened on Oct. 1. Overlooking Tamarind Bay with direct access to two of the island’s best white-sand beaches, the resort features 269 well-appointed rooms with rain showers, soaker tubs, and handcrafted DreamBed mattresses; 24-hour room service; complimentary non-motorized water sports; free high-speed Wi-Fi resort-wide; a world-class spa; and more.

Now open for its inaugural summer season, Club Med La Rosière, the brand’s newest resort in the French Alps, will welcome guests for its first winter season later this year. Situated in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, the all-inclusive ski resort offers sweeping 180-degree views of the surrounding region and unlimited ski-in/ski-out access in the heart of Espace San Bernardo, well-known for its sunshine and snow cover. A variety of accommodations, include interconnecting rooms for large groups, includes 395 units projecting the cozy atmosphere of a refined alpine Chalet.

CRUISE

Oceania Cruises has unveiled the Inaugural Season of voyage itineraries for Vista, the line’s newest ship. The 18 inaugural season voyages commence in April 2023 and will span more than 24 countries across four continents, from Asia to North America. Previews can be found online at OceaniaCruises.com and will open for sale this week (Sept. 15).

Crystal Cruises’ 2022 “Grand Voyage, Caribbean Idylls & Mediterranean Masterpieces” on Crystal Serenity will depart Jan. 17, 2022, from Miami, concluding in Los Angeles 132 days later on May 29. The destination-rich itinerary will call in 82 ports in 32 countries and includes 11 overnights in such cities as Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Naples and Cannes, as well as island enclaves of St. Barts, Madeira, the Canary Islands. This new Grand Voyage replaces the line’s 2022 World Cruise, which was cancelled because many countries on the original itinerary remain uncertain in their ability to welcome guests back at this time.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Universal Studios reports it will open its first theme park in China in the country’s capital on Sept. 20. Under construction since 2016, the theme park has received strong backing from Beijing authorities, including the extension of one of the city’s main subway lines to the site. Along with rides, shows, restaurants and exhibits, the resort features a pair of hotels. The project will complement Universal’s other two Asian parks in Japan and Singapore.

EVENTS

Air Canada Vacations VP Nino Montagnese

More than a thousand people attended Air Canada Vacations 2nd annual virtual DreamMakers product launch Sept. 9. Attendees had the opportunity to take part in training, connect with ACV staff and get the latest company news, take a virtual fam, meet dozens of suppliers on the “trade show floor,” and, of course win prizes. ACV VP Nino Montagnese was on hand (virtually) to greet agents and vowed, “Next year we will go back to our full product launch –so we can see you live!”

Sept. 17: A new series of live, virtual training sessions from Sandals will debut on Sept.17 featuring the all-inclusive chain’s new resort in Curaçao (opening April 2022) as the first featured topic. The “Take 10” presentations will take place every Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. EDT through Nov. 19 and feature a grand prize contest for those who attend all 10 sessions. Upcoming dates and topics also include Beaches Turks & Caicos, Sept. 24; Sandals Grenada, Oct. 1; and Celebrating Sandals 40th Anniversary, Oct. 8. Register .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Tim Paul has joined Discover the World Canada as Senior Manager focused on Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP). The Calgary native and former Westjetter has 20 years of aviation and travel industry experience, including roles in customer service, B2B marketing, inside sales, and digital travel agent platforms at the airline. He was also a member of the travel agent advisory board at WestJet and possesses an “in-depth understanding of a travel agents’ DNA and expectations,” says Discover the World Canada director Jane Clementino. Paul can be contacted at Tim@discovertheworld.ca.

DESTINATIONS

A new Tourism Vaccination Task Force in Jamaica is helping ensure vaccinations for all 170,000 tourism workers on the island, including individuals working in hotels, villas and guest houses, attractions, airports, cruise ports, craft markets, as well as ground transportation operators. The program started Aug. 30 and continues at additional sites across the country.

Through Oct. 15, the ‘Kids Free Florida Keys’ value-added program will allow kids under 12 to take part in a host of experiences at no cost when accompanied by one paying adult. Offers apply to select attractions, tours, watersports and other offerings, such as restaurant perks. Go to KidsFreeFloridaKeys.com to download the coupons.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aloft Bangkok Joins Food Delivery Service Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand

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Aloft Bangkok Joins Food Delivery Service Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand - TRAVELINDEXMarriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today promotes its food delivery and takeaway service in Bangkok with the launch of its two signature restaurants e.g. Re:fuel by Aloft and brews & ‘ques by Crave through Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand, the latest delivery and takeaway service allowing guests to order their favourite meals from a wide range of restaurants at Marriott’s hotels and resorts in Thailand and have them delivered straight to their home or workplace.

Aloft Bangkok’s specialty restaurants Re:fuel by Aloft and brews & ‘ques by Crave Join Bangkok’s latest food delivery and takeaway service, Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand

Delivering delicious Thai and Asian flavors right at your doorstep, Re:fuel by Aloft is delighting the palate with authentic local Thai food and mouthwatering Asian signature dishes in line with the best hygiene and safety standards.

brews & ‘ques by Crave is bringing all guests the signature BBQ concept where guests can indulge in scrumptious delicacies featuring vibrant flavors from the grill and smoke menus.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points on takeaway offers. Whatever the occasion, every diner can create great home-dining experiences with their family, friends or colleagues, wherever they are.

Special deal during the launch period, guests can enjoy 10% off when ordering direct. With a minimum order of THB 400, guests also can get free delivery within 3 km radius from the hotel.

Available daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., for delivery orders and takeaway services, please call 02 207 7000, add LINE https://lin.ee/ZE9eT (@AloftBangkok)

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Swiss Luxury Hotel Chedi Andermatt to Accept Crypto Payments

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Swiss Luxury Hotel Chedi Andermatt to Accept Crypto Payments - TRAVELINDEXAndermatt, Switzerland, September 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / At the reception of The Chedi Andermatt hotel, it is now possible to pay with cryptocurrencies. The Swiss luxury hotel The Chedi Andermatt will reportedly start accepting cryptocurrency payments from its guests for its services. Located in Swiss Alps, the luxury hotel will allow its guests to make payment in both Bitcoin and Ethereum, reported BloombergQuint.

As part of this effort, the hotel has teamed up with Swiss crypto service provider Bitcoin Suisse and payment-service provider Worldline. Other cryptocurrencies would be considered by The Chedi Andermatt in future, according to the publication.

The luxury hotel will allow its guests to make payments in Bitcoin and Ethereum. According to the official report, this luxury residence under the management of Sami Sawiris now allows its guests to settle their bills with Bitcoin and Ethereum. The company added that in the near future, it plans to add other cryptocurrencies as well.

The company stated it began considering taking cryptocurrencies as payment four years ago but it wanted to make sure transactions would be safe and that price fluctuations can be avoided.

Partnership with Worldline and Bitcoin Suisse

The best suite at the five-star hotel, approximately a 110 kilometers drive from Zurich, can cost thousands of dollars per night, and the hotel announced it is partnering with payment-service provider Worldline as well as Swiss crypto service provider Bitcoin Suisse for the effort. Payments by crypto will be immediately converted into Swiss francs once they are confirmed.

Jean-Yves Blatt, General Manager at the Chedi said the company is “making a clear statement to our hotel guests that we are open to new technologies and at the same time offer a new payment experience as an additional service.”

The first European hotel chain that started accepting cryptocurrencies as payment was the Pavilions Hotels & Resorts in June this year. According to its recent report, the hotel is now accepting over 40 different digital currencies.

About The Chedi Andermatt
Surrounded by the natural, year-round beauty of the Swiss Alps, The Chedi Andermatt nestles elegantly among the ski chalets of Andermatt, a village of timeless charms in the Urseren Valley. An effortless two-hour train ride from Zurich brings our guests straight to the idyllic heart of Andermatt, directly opposite the hotel. For GHM’s first Swiss property, the Asian brand synonymous with style, service and serenity, chose renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy to design these 123 spacious guest rooms and suites. Traditional materials such as warm woods and natural stone create intimate yet visually striking accommodations while the extensive facilities include fine restaurants and cosy lounges, a ski-in living room with sports boutique, comprehensive spa and wellness centre with a tranquil retreat of hydrothermal baths and a duo of swimming pools against the stunning outdoor Alpine landscape.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Koh Samui’s Fishermen Village Debuts New Beach Bar

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Koh Samui’s Fishermen Village Debuts New Beach Bar - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, September 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / After the island’s discovery more than a century ago, stories of fishermen, sailors, and sea traders who found the island as a harbour against monsoons and high seas live on in the local folklore. A.Shore at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, the latest addition to Koh Samui’s vibrant beach life, takes inspiration from this alluring blend of heritage, the stunning Gulf of Siam coastline and rustic aesthetics of the neighbouring fishermen’s village.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels and Prestigious Hotel Awards in Koh Samui and Thailand at Top25Hotels.com

A.Shore Beach Bar is a haven where the islands trendsetters can find refuge and relax with a glass of a refreshing beverage and a plate of simple, wholesome food. Putting a 21st century spin on the idea of a tropical paradise, the rustic looking bar is peppered with Instagram-friendly spots, the furniture and furnishings are made from reclaimed wood, including a boat that before getting a new lease on life as a glamourous beach sofa was a hard-working fishing vessel. Set on a whitewashed deck, swings, beanbags and beach beds create an inviting display against the shimmering backdrop of Bophut’s stunning white sand beach.

Matching the décor, the menu is stylish yet informal and centres on the rustic Mediterranean fare with Asian influences. For lunch, think light appetisers, flavoursome main courses, and various grilled fish and seafood ideally suited to be enjoyed in a stunning open-air setting. Featuring signature dishes such as a fresh Samui Seafood Platter, Guacamole Ciabattas or a Tofu Satay Baguette. Cool down with refreshing drinks such as the A.Shore signature cocktail Sabai Sabai, which includes Mekhong whiskey, sweet basil leaves, lime juice, ginger ale, Angostura bitter and syrup. Kids can also enjoy a Unicorn Loaded Shake – a bubblegum flavoured milkshake topped with candy canes, sprinkles and whipped cream.

As the day progresses and guests settle into sumptuous beanbags, sunset-coloured Sangria in hand, the upbeat tunes and soft roll of the waves start humming in perfect unison. A.Shore promises varied music programming with guest DJs – guaranteed to ensure time spent with family and friends is worth every second. For those who prefer to simply kick back with a drink and trade stories, there are sundowner sessions, guest bartender days, as well as local collaborations for art and culinary experiences that will support the local artisan community.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels and Prestigious Hotel Awards in Koh Samui and Thailand at Top25Hotels.com

Come for the swing, stay for the beach bar – located on the shore of Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, A.Shore Beach Bar is open every day from 10.00 am until sundown.

About Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 35 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Portugal, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and South America.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TAT Spread Happiness & Built Confidence for Tourists & Communities with Happy Paradise Campaign

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TAT Spread Happiness & Built Confidence for Tourists & Communities with Happy Paradise Campaign - TRAVELINDEXThe Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched the Happy Paradise Campaign to present tourism products and services, bringing impressions and new experiences to tourists in the Phuket Sandbox programme through the Happy Paradise Campaign while supporting the local communities and local culture.

Giving Happy Paradise Welcome Kit & Happy Paradise Souvenir to the Phuket Sandbox Tourists.

The reopening program of the pilot provinces to welcome back international visitors started with the Phuket Sandbox programme on the past July 1, 2021. To July 31, 2021, there are about 14,000 tourists in the Phuket Sandbox programme which generates more than 829-million-baht income. In order to bring impressions to tourists and support the communities, TAT has launched the Happy Paradise Campaign to welcome tourists back, bringing impressions and confidence in traveling in Thailand, as well as spreading income to southern local communities and tourism entrepreneurs in the Sealed Routes: Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha-Ngan.

Happy Paradise by TAT Tourism Authority of ThailandThe Happy Paradise Campaign presents tourism products and services while attaching importance to establishments awarded the safety and health standard under the SHA+ symbol through various Happy Paradise activities. One of the activities is giving 1,000 Happy Paradise Welcome Kits to international visitors who arrived in Phuket on 12-14 August 2021. The welcome kit consists of the Tourism Ambassador 2021 Special Edition badge and the Journal Book. Tourists can get a special discount by showing the badge to participating establishments in the Sealed Routes.

Moreover, all tourists who stay in SHA+ hotels are also given the Happy Paradise Souvenirs which are a unique local product from southern communities:

1. Manorah beaded keychain from Phatthalung,
2. Pandanus phone bag from Krabi,
3. Batik notebook from Phuket,
4. Rubber tree phone/picture holder from Trang,
5. Batik pants from Phuket,
6. Batik mat from Krabi,
7. Batik face mask with pearls straps from Phuket, and
8. Batik face mask with Manorah beads straps from Phatthalung.

Happy Paradise by TAT Tourism Authority of ThailandThe Happy Paradise activity also includes the shows to spread local southern culture through the Manorah Dance and Ron Rae Dance. The shows was held on 18-23 August, 2021, at the designated hotels. Last but not least, the Happy Paradise Campaign holds an online activity for tourists to participate in. Check into tourist attractions in Phuket, take photos of the Happy Paradise souvenir, and post it on social media with the hashtag #ThailandHappyParadise to get a chance to win prizes.

TAT is confident that the Happy Paradise Campaign will be another factor to help support and recover Thailand’s tourism industry, as well as generating income under a performance that focuses on safe tourism and helping the communities to stay strong.

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First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Innovation and Partnerships Make Wine Tourism Driver Rural Development

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Innovation and Partnerships Make Wine Tourism Driver Rural Development - TOP25VINEYARDS - TOP25WINES - TRAVELINDEXMonsaraz, Alentejo, Portugal, September 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Innovation, partnerships and enhanced coordination are essential for making wine tourism a driver of rural development. That was the takeaway message from the 5th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism, held this week in Alentejo, Portugal, around the theme “Wine Tourism – a driver for rural development.”

Aligning with the central focus of World Tourism Day 2021, due to be celebrated 27 September, the Conference brough public and private sector stakeholders together to identify ways to maximise the sector’s potential contributions to inclusive growth. Also on the agenda was advancing digital transformation, marketing and promotion and the conservation of nature through a thriving wine tourism sector. Around 150 people attended the conference in person, with many more joining virtually to hear from a wide range of experts, from wine producers and distributors to tour operators, destinations and media.

Connecting tourists to territories

Wine tourism and its connection with the territory, local products and traditions opens new opportunities to advance jobs and inclusiveness in rural areas

Opening the event, UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili: “The pandemic has strengthened the role of tourism in advancing rural development. Wine tourism and its connection with the territory, local products and traditions opens new opportunities to advance jobs and inclusiveness in rural areas”.

Joining Secretary-General Pololikashvili for high-level panel discussions were Rita Marques, Secretary of State of Tourism of Portugal, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, State Secretary to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Sofia Zaharaki, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Greece and Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.

The Minister of State, Economy and Digital Transition for Portugal, Pedro Siza Vieira, affirmed: “Wine tourism is at the forefront of our National Plan for Tourism. Its mission is to reach more visitors, from more countries, around the year, all over Portugal.” He also announced the launch of the Portuguese Wine Tourism website and a first Wine & Travel Week to be held in Porto, in February 2022.

Growing demand for authentic experiences

Wine tourism is in increasing demand as consumers look for more open-air experiences in rural areas in the post-pandemic era. The conference stressed the importance of developing the whole tourism value chain to complement the activities at the wineries as a means to create more jobs and businesses, promote local products and improve the visitor experience.

Mayor of Reguengos de Monsaraz, José Calixto added: “Local Authorities play a decisive role in enhancing the built and intangible heritage of winegrowing territories. For Reguengos de Monsaraz, this conference was the most important moment of the Vine and Wine history in the largest wine-producing regions in Portugal and will provide a further boost to rural development.”

The Conference was held on 8-10 September 2021, in the village of Monsaraz in the Alentejo region, in collaboration with the Government of Portugal, Turismo de Portugal and the Municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz. The Italian village of Alba in Region Piemonte will host the 2022 edition of the UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism.

The Minister of Tourism of Italy, Massimo Garavaglia, said “The wine and food sector is increasingly proving to be a fundamental lever for Italian tourism. And it will be even more so in the future. For these reasons, the appointment next year in Italy of the sixth edition of the World Conference of Wine Tourism is doubly important.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News