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Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary Nominated for Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the World

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Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary Nominated for Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the World - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, August 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Kamalaya has been one of the top destinations for people seeking to improve their health and well-being for the last 15 years and is delighted to be recognized as one of the leaders in the world with this prestigious nomination at Top25 Hotels.

“It is a joy and an honor for the whole team to be counted among the best hotels in the world. Kamalaya has stayed open during this whole challenging time, and each one of our fantastic hosts truly deserves this nomination“, says Bruce Ryde, Kamalaya’s General Manager. “And while we watch the world slowly recover, we become increasingly aware of how much we need physical and emotional balance. Therefore, I am happy to announce that we can bring the authentic Kamalaya experience to your own home while you are waiting to travel to Thailand. We called it ‘Kamalaya Connect’ because it allows everyone to take full advantage of the legendary holistic wellness expertise. Our online platform provides access to custom-made wellness programs and educational courses, personalized support from expert practitioners and one-on-one consultations, engaging podcasts and helpful life-hacks on health, food, and wellness. The only thing that’s missing is the beach.”

How does it work?

Kamalaya’s approach to wellness has always been holistic, considering every aspect of a guest’s health. Body, heart, and mind are all given careful attention to achieve optimal goals. And exactly like at Kamalaya Koh Samui, at the beginning of a Kamalaya Connect journey, guests decide on which area of their life they want to focus on: increase physical energy and strength, relieve stress and anxiety, or find a new peace of mind.

There are four wellness programs to choose from: Emotional Transformation, Fit for Life, Immune Support and Weight Management. Each program consists of tailormade one-on-one sessions and depending on the choice, they include personal mentoring and stress management, individual meditation, yoga, Pilates, physiotherapy exercises and breathing classes, nutritional guidance, and mindfulness training. Together with a wellness expert, a schedule is set up to follow the program – just like someone would at Kamalaya Koh Samui.

Wellness programs start from USD 684, or guests may prefer to instead book select wellness consultations, which start at USD 86. All Kamalaya Connect bookings can be made directly online.

With this wonderful worldwide recognition of our wellness expertise, our hosts are looking forward to welcoming guests from near and far to discover for themselves the magic of Kamalaya.

About Kamalaya Koh Samui
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa is a multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary located on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. Founded by John and Karina Stewart in 2005, Kamalaya offers a synergistic wellness experience that helps people reconnect to life’s potential and achieve optimal wellbeing. It integrates healing therapies from East and West, a beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy gourmet cuisine and a variety of results-oriented wellness programs ranging from Detoxification to Stress & Burnout, as well as Healthy Lifestyle, Yoga Synergy and Emotional Balance. Kamalaya’s latest wellness program ‘Immunity & Resilience’ was launched in May 2020. It is dedicated to support physical health and resilience of heart and mind. More info: www.kamalaya.com

About Top25Hotels.com – World’s Best Luxury Hotels
Top25Hotels.com is a collection of exceptional hotels, resorts, eco-lodges, retreats and private islands featuring the top 25 luxury properties in the world and each destination. Top25Hotels.com by Travelindex is the world’s only rating system based on natural language processing technology combined with human expertise. The ratings and rankings are synthesized by a proprietary, artificial intelligence algorithm and re-assessed by some of the world’s top hospitality experts. The company puts a priority on the integration of reliable data with human discernment to make trusted information accessible to all.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wellness Centre at PGA Catalunya Offers Immunity Support Programme

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Wellness Centre at PGA Catalunya Offers Immunity Support Programme - TRAVELINDEXGirona, Spain, August 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Set in 540 hectares of Mediterranean forest featuring stunning woodlands and lakes, PGA Catalunya offers a truly holistic experience that integrates physical and mental health into a space that nurtures fulfilment through golf, leisure, and low-density living. The Resort’s new Wellness Centre which opened in early 2021, meets guests’ needs in a holistic and personalised way, whether they are seeking an escape from the stresses of everyday life or looking to make a conscious shift towards a healthier lifestyle, focusing on healing techniques accelerated by high-tech therapy.

The Wellness Centre is located beside the 5-star Hotel Camiral in the heart of the resort, its design – crafted by the renowned Lagula Arquitectes – takes inspiration from the Japanese principles of unaltered natural beauty, quiet solitude, and simplicity, blending seamlessly with the landscape and surrounding gardens.

The Wellness Centre offers a variety of day and residential programmes, focused on Celebration and Vitality concepts, such as detox, immune boosting, sports recovery, and anti-ageing whilst being thoughtfully crafted to reflect guests’ needs, interests and time. All the programmes offer access to integrated treatments, therapies, and experiences within a relaxed, spacious environment where guests can feel the tangible benefits immediately.

The Immunity Support Programme is a blissful two-day treatment plan designed to stimulate and support your immune system by boosting the circulation and delivering vitamins and minerals at a cellular level. The experts have carefully combined traditional hands-on treatments, including the signature hammam treatment and hot/cold movement based on Kneipp therapy, with cutting-edge therapies and vitamin infusions to support the immune system’s optimal functionality in a uniquely powerful way.

The two-day programme includes:
– Signature hammam experience
– 60-minute massage of your choice
– Intravenous vitamin infusion featuring a highly efficient blend of vitamins and minerals designed to provide immediate support. Provided by NADclinic London.
– Five further high-tech therapy sessions
– Access to all areas of the Wellness Centre
– 2x night stay at 5-star Hotel Camiral

About PGA Catalunya Gold and Wellness:
PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness is placed in 540 hectares of Mediterranean forest and located just one hour from Barcelona, with many national and international road, rail and air connections and just 20 minutes from the historic town of Girona. Travel seamlessly from Catalunya’s cultural hub or Girona’s culinary quarter with our private chauffeurs or take advantage of our airport transfer service and arrive straight from Girona-Costa Brava airport, just 6km away.

With golf and wellness at its centre, PGA Catalunya is a retreat for families, friends and individuals looking to reconnect with nature and embrace a little adventure.

Active pursuits, including two of Spain’s finest golf courses, a luxury 5-star hotel, Hotel Camiral alongside exceptional experiences and activities for all abilities in the surrounding nature challenge your body and mind, while explorers can take to the skies and the seas. At the heart is the Wellness Centre (opened in 2021): a holistic sanctuary with treatments personalised to the needs of your mind, body and soul. Locally sourced, seasonal produce is in abundance paired with a fresh serving of Mediterranean cuisine to complement a healthy lifestyle.

PGA Catalunya offers a selection of villa plots for sale, enabling owners the option to undertake their own project in keeping with the architectural concept of the resort, or letting the experienced Resort team take care of the construction of their dream villa. In addition to this, PGA Catalunya offers a variety of ready to live luxury villas designed by award winning architects. Each villa is unique yet instantly recognizable by its modern design and perfect integration with the natural surroundings, offering comfort and wellbeing with a Mediterranean lifestyle. Leading the way in next-generation “wellbeing/wellness” architecture and property design, PGA Catalunya unveiled its latest luxury real estate offering – the WELL Villa concept designed to provide the homeowner with a true holistic living experience.

The Residents’ Club offers owners a dedicated team to assist with any enquiries, as well as access to extensive facilities including a 20m outdoor pool with spacious terrace, solarium, children’s pool and latest generation Technogym fitness room. Residents can also enjoy fresh produce all year around from the Kitchen Garden where they can collect their own vegetables and fruits accompanied by PGA Catalunya’s resident biologist.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Africa Travel and Tourism Summit to Promote Intra-Africa Tourism

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Africa Travel and Tourism Summit to Promote Intra-Africa Tourism - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXJohannesburg, South Africa, August 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Department of Tourism and South African Tourism will host the first ever Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit, which is set to take place from 19th to 21st September 2021, coinciding with Tourism Month in South Africa.

Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit aims to be a catalyst for engagement on the current state of tourism on the African continent. Taking into account challenges facing the global tourism industry, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will, through various engagement sessions, gather the tourism sector to share insights and ideas to explore collaborative efforts that can lead to recovery.

With an array of issues currently facing the sector, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit aims to attract African community delegates, African Tourism Ministers, industry Associations, Tourism Boards, Destination Marketing Organisations as well as various partners across the tourism value chain.

Some of the major topics for discussion at the Summit include aviation, innovation, technology, the health and safety protocols currently in place, as well as the continent’s positioning post the COVID-19 pandemic for the African continent.

SA Tourism’s Acting CEO, Sthembiso Dlamini, highlighted that the African continent is resilient and that this Summit is important as it will contribute towards picking up the momentum within the sector, as it works towards an inclusive recovery.

“The COVID-19 pandemic may have dealt tourism, both business and leisure tourism, a heavy blow, but we are now in the recovery phase, and a summit of this nature is critical in ensuring that we are aligned as a continent whilst reigniting the tourism industry,” says Dlamini.

The Summit will be hosted in a hybrid format, over a two-day period. Delegates will have the option of attending virtually, or at identified venues across South Africa, or at three additional locations on the rest of the African continent, pending COVID-19 lockdown regulations. All venues will have COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.

“We have opted for the hybrid format in order for us, as a continent, to lead the way in demonstrating how tourism can be enjoyed safely whilst adhering to health protocols. It is important that we are diligent in reigniting the sector, as it contributes significantly to the African economy,” adds Dlamini.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism as well as South African Tourism were not able to host the MICE-focused Meetings Africa and leisure-focused Africa’s Travel Indaba 2021 editions which usually take place in February and May annually.
While Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit should not be seen as a replacement, it does provide a platform to showcase the African continent’s leisure tourism offerings and business event capabilities.

“In the absence of Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2020 and 2021, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit is an innovative initiative for promoting intra-Africa tourism and also for sharing insights into the “state of readiness” for South Africa and the rest Africa to welcome the world during and post-COVID-19 pandemic,” says Kwakye Donkor, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Tourism Partners.

“I commend South African Tourism and the South African National Convention Bureau, for once again, showing commitment and leadership in tourism promotion across the continent. It will be so great to meet traditional and emerging trade partners again during the Summit. Well done to Team South Africa Tourism! We look forward to a very fruitful Summit,” concluded Donkor.

The SA Tourism Acting CEO also emphasised that Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will act as a think tank for the continent, creating a platform for Africa’s tourism leaders to create solutions for Africa and contribute to global solutions for the industry.

Committed to ongoing transformation and development of the South African tourism industry, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will feature a dedicated day to empower SMMEs in the sector on 19 September 2021, as a precursor to the two-day conference which takes place on 20th and 21st September 2021.

Open to delegates from all countries, this Summit is an invitation to the world to join in as the African continent not only gears itself for recovery, but also to share in the African story.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

T.O. TOURISM RECOVERY HITS NEW HEIGHTS

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John Tory found his new Toronto experience walking around the top rim of the CN Tower. The mayor’s adventurous stunt kicked off “Never Have I Ever, T.O.,” a collaborative tourism recovery campaign launched in support of Toronto’s visitor economy that calls on locals and visitors to join a citywide game and explore Toronto in new ways.

“Never have I ever gone 356 m. up the CN Tower and walked around outside. It’s an experience of a lifetime and I’m looking forward to. Sort of,” Tory laughed before strapping on the harnesses along with his eldest son John.

The Destination Toronto campaign, conducted in close collaboration with the City of Toronto, BIAs, and businesses across all sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry as a collective show of support comes at a time when Toronto’s tourism and hospitality industry continues its critically needed reopening and recovery.

The $4.2-million marketing campaign, targeting social media, digital, television and out-of-home advertising, is a play on the popular game of the same name that encourages locals and visitors from regional drive markets in Ontario and Quebec to try experiences of all kinds throughout the city – and inspire others to do the same using #NeverHaveIEverTO.

In effect through Oct. 20, the recovery-focused campaign promotes many of the businesses and experiences hardest hit from the global pandemic including hotels, attractions, tours, and the city’s culinary scene. As more restrictions are lifted and re-openings take place, other hardest hit sectors will be added alongside the campaign’s evolution.

The campaign asks locals and visitors to “find your ‘Never Have I Ever’” experience in Toronto, from visiting an iconic attraction for the first time or taking their first hotel staycation, to sipping cocktails on a newly discovered patio or trying a new cuisine at one of the city’s eclectic restaurants.

“Never Have I Ever, TO is part of a citywide conversation to get Toronto back on its feet by encouraging all of us to take a fresh look at our own city and explore Toronto’s unique experiences,” said Scott Beck, President & CEO, Destination Toronto. “There is no full economic recovery until travel returns, and that recovery starts with us. It’s time for locals and visitors from nearby cities to take in the experiences we may have walked by time and time again, or to rediscover the experiences we’ve missed since the start of the pandemic.”

The campaign also includes My Toronto Pass – a new mobile passport featuring offers on attractions, tours, experiences and more for locals and visitors, alike.

Toronto Mayor John Tory kicked off the campaign by finding his own ‘Never Have I Ever’ moment at the top of the city at the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, and shared the video.

“Toronto is a unique city filled with many experiences, and things to do. During the past year and a half, our entire city has made tremendous sacrifices to keep each other and our city safe but now we are given an opportunity to explore all that our city has to offer,” he said.

Never Have I Ever, TO also takes advantage of new and existing ways locals and visitors can venture further and explore including the City of Toronto’s ShowLoveTO initiatives like ActiveTO, CafeTO, StrollTO and the recently announced DineTOgether, the City’s new restaurant program. From Sept. 17 to Oct. 3, DineTOgether showcases the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s restaurants and encourages residents to patronize local eateries through a feature menu available by takeout, delivery, patio dining and/or indoor dining.

More info can be found HERE.

Toronto Mayor John Tory

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Aug. 16-20, 2021

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Canadian airports get federal funds for COVID testing, Hyatt Hotels has agreed to buy AMResorts, Disney World eases its mask mandate, and a majority of Canadians back vaccine certificates.

NEWS

The US land border will remain closed to Canadians and Mexicans until at least Sept. 21. The US Department of Homeland Security says restrictions on non-essential travel at all land and ferry border crossings will remain in effect to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant. The restrictions, which have been in place since March 2020, had been set to expire Saturday.

Federal officials in the US are extending until Jan. 18 a requirement that people on airline flights and public transportation wear face masks, a rule intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Transportation Security Administration was scheduled to enforce the rule until Sept. 13.

Ottawa has launched a new funding program for the country’s major airports to invest in COVID-19 testing and screening infrastructure. Twenty-six facilities across the country are eligible to tap the $81.6 million Biosecurity Funding Stream to aid in the recovery and re-start of travel.

BY THE NUMBERS

76% of respondents to a survey by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies said they would strongly or somewhat support a vaccine passport like the one Quebec is implementing. Quebecers are even more supportive of the measure, with 81% saying they are in favour of the plan, which will apply in places like bars, concerts, and festivals where there are lots of people in a confined space.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

The Vancouver Aquarium has officially re-opened. Along with a new 4D Theatre Experience, the Aquarium also unveiled its Marine Mammal Rescue Exhibit, a feature that showcases the Aquarium’s work in rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals on B.C.’s coast.

Norwegian continued its “Great Cruise Comeback” with departures out of Seattle (to Alaska) and Miami. The cruise line also floated the Norwegian Prima from drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the new vessel touched water. It will sail next summer.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

International travellers will have to wait until early 2022 before being able to visit New Zealand as the South Pacific nation delays exercises caution in reopening its borders due to the pandemic.

AIR

WestJet has reinstated its Calgary-Paris route, making it the only non-stop between the cities. The French capital joins London and Amsterdam on WestJet’s Calgary network. The Paris flights are weekly through Oct. 31 and mark the resumption of the carrier’s codeshare with Air France.

Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Flair Airlines announced a new base at Edmonton International Airport accompanied by an expansion of service that will bring four new non-stop US destinations to the city. The new Edmonton-US routes will start Dec. 16 and include non-stop service to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Palm Springs, and Hollywood Burbank through the Spring. Flair is also expanding its domestic network from Edmonton. In addition to existing winter service to Kitchener-Waterloo, Vancouver, Abbotsford and Toronto, Flair is expanding its current summer service from Kelowna and Victoria to extend throughout the winter season.

Porter Airlines is introducing a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for staff to support a safe and healthy workplace for employees and passengers. Aligning with Porter’s restart of service on Sept. 8, team members must be fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the start of their shift.

DEALS

Lifestyle hotel brand B Hotels & Resorts’ “BSummer” promotion offers special rates and perks on stays now through Sept. 30, at the brand’s collection of upscale resorts in top Florida destinations, including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and the Keys. Nightly rates start at US$99.

TOURS

The Globus family of brands – consisting of Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms – has extended pre-trip Health & Safety Protocols, including requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (14 days prior to embarkation) to join any vacation in its portfolio, for travel through March 2022. Moving forward, Globus says it will advise all travellers of vaccine implications or changes with advance notice. Accepted vaccines include those authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health Canada, European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC) or an official government body.

Australian-owned adventure expedition operator Aurora Expeditions has joined Virtuoso as one of the newest suppliers of its exclusive global preferred partner portfolio to expand and reach a new global audience. The small-group, expedition-style travel company voyages to some of the wildest places on Earth, including Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, the Arctic (European and Canadian), Alaska, the Russian Far East, Costa Rica, Baja California and West Papua.

CRUISE

Princess Cruises Alaska

The newly announced 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours program from Princess Cruises went on sale last week, featuring six Medallion Class ships, including the cruise line’s newest Discovery Princess, returning to Alaska for a second season. There are 145 departures, 14 unique itineraries, five glacier viewing experiences and four departure ports, including Vancouver.

All guests travelling with Uniworld River Cruises must now show documented proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson), with the final dose administered no less than two weeks prior to the start of their cruise/tour. The policy will be in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2021. In addition to the proof of vaccination, guests will still be required to wear a mask while walking around public areas, such as the corridors or the lobby, and when the required distancing to others cannot be maintained. Masks can be taken off when seated in the lounge and restaurant. While onshore, all guests and crew are subject to local mask guidelines.

HOTELS

The ribbon has been cut at Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York, a new hotel that connects with Resorts World New York City casinos. The eight-story, luxury hotel in Queens has 400 high-tech guestrooms, a popular Sugar Factory Restaurant, fitness centre, state-of-the-art conference and meeting spaces, and 6,500 onsite slots and electronic table games. The centerpiece of the property is a soaring grand lobby, suited for art exhibits, events and musical performances.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans opened Aug. 18. Located in the city’s artsy Warehouse District, the new hotel delivers thoughtful yet playful references to the city and hotel features multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the 13th-floor bar, Dreamboat; a cocktail lounge; The Pool Club, a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar; Commons Club, the brand’s flagship restaurant, bar and lounge;, and Funny Library Coffee Shop—plus various meeting and event spaces.

RESORTS

AMResorts has introduced a new master brand designed to bring its six resort chains together under one name – AMR Collection. The strategic repositioning is designed to help both agents and guests easily identify the brand that best news their needs. AMR Collection includes Secrets, Dreams and Breathless Resorts & Spas, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts and Sunscape Resorts & Spas, with the portfolio representing 102 properties across 36 beachfront destinations and eight countries, including new entries in St. Martin and Macao Beach in the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, Hyatt Hotels Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Apple Leisure Group (ALG), including AMResorts. The US$2.7-billion acquisition, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approval, will enable Hyatt to boost its presence in the luxury resort sector and immediately double its global resorts footprint with the addition of almost 100 ALG properties.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Disney World is now allowing visitors to choose whether or not to wear face coverings in outdoor lines, outdoor theatre and outdoor attractions. Masks had been required previously. Face coverings will remain optional in outdoor common areas. They will still be required for visitors aged two and up at all indoor locations, such as restaurants, theatres, and transportation with the exception of ferry boats.

AGENT EDUCATION

With Italy re-opening to tourism and Air Canada having started service again last month, the Italian National Tourist Board invites travel agents to join its “Travel to Italy” training academy. The course is designed to provide travel advisors with the “inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to create unforgettable itineraries to sell (and upsell) clients for their trips to the land of ‘La dolce vita.’” Nine free modules range from food and wine to art cities, outdoor activities, and getting around the country. Upon completion of the course, advisors receive the designation of “Italy Specialist” along with a certificate to prove to clients that they are experts in the destination. To register, click HERE.

FAMS

Medinet Habu Temple, Egypt

Egypt, Nov. 10-18: Toronto-based NARAT’s unique ‘In Agatha Christie’s Footsteps Egypt & Sudan FAM’ will showcase the Middle East through the famed English author’s experience and comes ahead of next year’s Disney film adaptation of “Death on the Nile.” Designed to promotes the launch of the NARAT’s 2022 Egypt programs tied to Agatha Christie experiences, the FAM will showcases such iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, the new Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Valley of the Kings; and historic Luxor, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Philae and Karnak, the latter via a Dahabiya Nile cruise. Agens can also extend the trip to include the Abu Simbel, the Red Sea, and neighbouring Sudan. Priced at US$1,959, the FAM includes international (ex Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver) and domestic flights, five-star hotel and cruise accommodations, touring with a Canadian tour director and Egyptologist guide, and meals. One companion, subject to space availability, is welcome. For info, call 1-877-By-NARAT (296-2728) or email fams@narat.org.

EVENTS

Aug. 24: On Tuesday, the Jamaica Tourist Board in Canada has invited special guests from award-winning social media agency Pinch Social to host a professional development session designed specifically for travel specialists. The special skill-building session of the JTB’s weekly “Irie Hour” broadcast will take place at 2:30 p.m. EST and focus on how agents can use and optimize various social media platforms for their business to enhance their online presence, reach new clients, and achieve success in the new consumer travel environment. The JTB says it’s a great way for agents to attend a typically pricey workshop for free. Register for the event HERE.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Switzerland Tourism (ST) has announced the promotion of Divine Bonga to Head of Media and Communications North America starting Sept. 1. In her new role, Bonga will be managing the communications strategy for the tourism board and lead teams in New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. Bonga succeeds Ursula Beamish-Mader, who managed media relations in Canada for over 30 years and, additionally, led the North American media department for Swiss Tourism for the last decade. Taking over the Toronto-based role of Media Relations Project Manager Canada effective Aug. 26 is Laura Fairweather. She has 25 years experience in PR with Four Season Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont, and the Canadian Tourism Commission.

DESTINATIONS

Tickets for Expo 2020 Dubai, a six-month world’s fair (Oct. 1-March 31, 2022) are now on sale. One-day tickets are priced at AED 95 (CDN $32; multi-day tickets, offering unrestricted entry for 30 consecutive days, are priced at AED 195 ($167). Seniors (60-plus), those under the age of 18, and students holding a valid student ID from any academic institution in the world will be given free entry.

Tickets include access to all pavilions, events, and live performances, featuring up to 60 live events each day. They can be purchased via authorized ticket resellers around the world (including online travel agents, tour operators, hotel groups and airlines), or at https://www.expo2020dubai.com

Peru’s new National Archeological Museum, opened this summer, marks 200 years of independence for the South American nation. Known as MUNA, the museum is located in Pachacamac, just south-east of Lima, and focuses on the preservation and conservation of the country’s immense cultural heritage. The five-storey museum was conceived to house 500,000 Inca and pre-Inca pieces, which have not been exhibited in the past for lack of a suitable place. Initially, the museum will offer temporary exhibitions and a significant cultural program, with permanent exhibitions being unveiled in 2024 to coincide with the bicentennial of the Battle of Ayacucho.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Hotels Invests in Technological Transformation

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Dusit Hotels Invests in Technological Transformation - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, August 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has completed the first stage of its most significant technologi-cal transformation project to date – including investing in the latest cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and Data Management soft-ware to drive group-wide efficiency across its five business units (Hotels and Resorts, Hospitality Education, Food, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services) and leverage big data to create exceptional consumer experiences and identify new business opportunities in line with Dusit’s three-pronged strategy for balance, expansion, and diversification.

Hospitality company’s accelerated overhaul of its legacy core systems and software will help to drive efficiency, increase business resilience, and lay the foundation for long-term value creation across all of its business units.

Carried out as part of Dusit’s strategic roadmap for technological transformation, which was first announced in January 2019 and expedited to increase business resilience in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project encompasses the entire Dusit group, including 24 different enti-ties across 17 countries.

The state-of-the-art cloud-based software Dusit is implementing includes SAP S/4HANA, which includes centralised processes for everything from finance and accounting to inventory and purchasing on a single, unified ERP solution; Microsoft Azure, for secure data storage and management; and Cendyn, for efficient group-wide CRM. The new ERP system is now live, with the integrated CRM and Data Management elements set to be introduced later this year

“While investing in such a significant project during this uncertain period may seem against the grain, for swift post-pandemic recovery we must deeply understand the needs of consumers and how we can best meet and, most importantly, exceed their expectations with our various services and products, and investment in this area is of critical importance,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “During the pandemic, personalisation has become a key expectation across so many industries – especially hospitality – and digital-savvy consumers have demonstrated a growing need for highly customised experiences that they can enjoy on their terms. Key to meeting these expectations is data. And the more effectively and efficiently we can collect and use data, the greater our ability to create products, services and experiences that make our customers feel exceptional.”

Throughout the pandemic, which has significantly impacted Dusit’s core hotel business, the company has optimised its operations around total revenue generation, rather than cost-cutting, and innovated its way through the challenges by seeking ways to leverage its existing strengths and resources to create additional experience, convenience, and value for its guests and customers.

Chief among its efforts has been the introduction of four new pillars of Dusit Graciousness –Service (personalised and gracious), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), and Sustainability (social, eco-nomic, and environmental) – and creating new experiences in each of these areas.

“Our company, like many others, has had to transform our organisation and rethink our capabili-ties to enhance our resiliency and deliver not only short-term financial improvement, but also long-term value creation through innovation, efficiency, and agility,” said Ms Suthumpun. “From a product standpoint, we have also had to swiftly yet considerately reimagine our services and put the infrastructure in place to ensure our hotels and resorts can suitably cater to accelerated trends – and ultimately achieve long-term success.

“The new real-time, centralised solutions we have invested in as part of our significant group-wide technological transformation will expedite our efforts in these areas, allowing us to deliver the value-driven experiences our existing guests and customers expect and deserve, efficiently identify new market segments, and ultimately position our properties for long-term value creation to the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Making further use of digital technology, Dusit recently expanded into e-commerce by launching dedicated stores on the popular LINE Shopping and LazMall platforms.

Aimed at consumers in Thailand and featuring attractive promotions on stays, meals and fitness experiences at Dusit Hotels and Resorts throughout the kingdom, the online shops continue Du-sit’s efforts to establish new sources of recurring domestic revenue while the country’s borders are closed to international travel.

“While the effects of the pandemic will be felt for some time, we firmly believe that travel will come back stronger than ever when the COVID-19 situation improves,” said Ms Suthumpun. “And we are confident that our technological transformation and new customer offerings will contribute significantly to driving short- and long-term business, extending our market reach, and cementing the competitive advantage of Dusit Hotels and Resorts and our other business units worldwide.”

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Ex-change of Thailand. Building on its two core areas of business – Hotels & Resorts and Hospitality Education – the company has expanded its operations over the past four years to comprise five business units. The additional units include Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Today, the company’s property portfolio comprises more than 300 distinctive hotels, resorts and luxury villas operating under six brands across 17 countries worldwide, as well as two leading hospitality colleges with campuses in Thailand and the Philippines. Following a three-pronged strategy for sustainable growth, including balance, expansion and diversification, the company has recently expanded into food production, on-demand hospitality services, and property development to reach new markets and add further recurring streams of revenue to the company.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA: Blocked Airline Funds Could Slow Recovery

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IATA: Blocked Airline Funds Could Slow Recovery

Geneva, Switzerland, August 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to abide by international agreements and treaty obligations to enable airlines to repatriate close to nearly $1 billion in blocked funds from the sale of tickets, cargo space, and other activities.

“Governments are preventing nearly $1 billion of airline revenues from being repatriated. This contravenes international conventions and could slow the recovery of travel and tourism in affected markets as the airline industry struggles to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Airlines will not be able to provide reliable connectivity if they cannot rely on local revenues to support operations. That is why it is critical for all governments to prioritize ensuring that funds can be repatriated efficiently. Now is not the time to score an ‘own goal’ by putting vital air connectivity at risk,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Approximately $963 million in airline funds are being blocked from repatriation in nearly 20 countries. Four countries: Bangladesh ($146.1 million), Lebanon ($175.5 million), Nigeria ($143.8 million), and Zimbabwe ($142.7 million), account for over 60% of this total, although there has been positive progress in reducing blocked funds in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe of late.

“We encourage governments to work with industry to resolve the issues that are preventing airlines from repatriating funds. This will enable aviation to provide the connectivity needed to sustain jobs and energize economies as they recover from COVID-19,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Saudi Arabia Tourism Opens South-East Asia Office in Malaysia

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Saudi Arabia Tourism Opens South-East Asia Office in Malaysia - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Saudi Tourism Authority has opened a commercial office in Malaysia covering the South-East Asia region as part of its strategy to engage the travel trade to raise awareness of the destination in key source markets in the region.

The Malaysia office will be responsible for trade and consumer marketing activities, expanding the reach and relevance of Saudi’s tourism offer and working with tour operators, travel agents and other industry stakeholders to build awareness and drive conversion in line with Saudi Tourism Authority’s strategy and mission.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, go to TourismSaudiArabia.com

Saudi Tourism Authority’s new office is being set up with the support of aviation and destination marketing representative company, Aviareps Malaysia, as its in-market representative covering the South-east Asia region.

“We are confident that Saudi’s diverse offering will be appealing to all demographics from the region,” said Shazlin Ahmad, country manager for STA in South East Asia. “We have already begun outreach into the South-east Asia’s tourism trade ecosystem and the response has been very positive. We are actively seeking opportunities to co-invest with partners who are keen to add Saudi as an exciting new destination in their portfolio.”

Since opening its borders to international tourism in September 2019, Saudi rapidly established itself as the fastest growing tourism destination in the world, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Despite the global shutdown of leisure tourism in the wake of the pandemic, STA continued to invest to prepare the destination for a return to normalcy. An international brand awareness campaign launched at the beginning of 2021 extends across 26 countries and 13 languages, with significant investment in outdoor, broadcast and digital advertising.

Saudi Arabia reopened to vaccinated international visitors at the beginning of August.

To support the tourism trade ecosystem, STA is introducing Saudi Expert, a comprehensive digital platform providing partner companies such as DMCs, tour operators and other stakeholders with data, insights, destination information and creative assets in real-time to help build their businesses.

Saudi Tourism Authority now has representative offices in eleven markets serving 21 countries, with an eventual goal of having 15 offices around the world.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket Tourism Leaders Hail Approval of Sputnik Vaccine

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Phuket Tourism Leaders Hail Approval of Sputnik Vaccine

Phuket, Thailand, August 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism stakeholders in Phuket are heralding the landmark approval of the Sputnik vaccine by the Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) that is set to unleash the Russian market on the southern Thai island. Industry eyes a portion of the 700,000-plus direct-to-Phuket Russian arrivals over a five-month period (November-March) as the so-called “snowbirds” plan their return.

Phuket has for years been a very popular destination with Russian travellers, peaking in 2019 with over 700,000 arrivals in a short five-month period in 2019, all arriving on direct flights from the Russian Federation. A total of 1.4 million Russians visited Phuket in 2019.

The traditional snowbird period from November to March is when temperatures drop severely in Russia and also in many parts of northern Europe, signaling travelers to take flight for the tropical chimes and clear blue skies of Phuket.

“This is great news for Phuket. It’s time to go beyond the Sandbox and build a foundation for a broader tourism initiative,” said Phuket Tourist Association President, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam. “The industry can now get back to basics and focus on the northern European winter season. This is a big opportunity for Phuket. These are our legacy markets.”

Laguna Phuket, an integrated destination in the popular Bangtao Beach area, consisting of seven hotels, a Bangkok Hospital operated PCR test-centre and acres of open spaces, gardens and lagoons, has already been a beneficiary of the Phuket Sandbox given its safe haven reputation, but this is a major step up according to its Managing Director, Ravi Chandran.

• Discover the Phuklet’s Best Luxury Hotels and Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

“The acceptance of the Sputnik vaccine is a game-changer for Phuket,” he said. “The outbound Russian market is the biggest one in the world outside of China and the timing is perfect with the high season starting in November this year. Phuket Sandbox has proven to be a success and this will now take these achievements to greater heights still for all hotels, tourism stakeholders and the local community on the island.”

Since July 1, over 300,000 hotel rooms have been booked up until the end of August by international visitors arriving via the Phuket Sandbox initiative a number expected to rapidly rise as the high season approaches. Scheduled and chartered Russian carriers are expected to arrive in Phuket from October 2021.

Talking about ‘ready-made’ market potential, C9 Hotelworks Managing Director, Bill Barnett said “coming into the 2021 winter wonderland, and changing marketplace, the Russians, who typically have a 11-12-night average length of stay, are a perfect fit for the Sandbox.”

Laguna Phuket, in association with Delivering Asia Communications and C9 Hotelworks, will be hosting a special one-hour online virtual event featuring representatives from government, tour operators, hotels and airlines on September 9 at 3pm to discuss the impending arrival of the Russian market to Phuket.

About Laguna Phuket
Laguna Phuket resort is home to 7 deluxe hotels; Angsana Laguna Phuket, Angsana Villas Resort Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort and SAii Laguna Phuket – all sharing 1,000 acres of tropical parkland along a 3-kilometre stretch of the pristine Bangtao Beach. Facilities and services include 18-hole award winning golf course, world-renowned spas, shopping village, tour operators and MICE-certified event and facilitator teams. With inter-resort transportation allowing guests to travel anywhere within minutes via shuttle bus or ferry.

For attractive Phuket Sandbox hotel packages, visit Top25Hotels.com

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BBTF Annoucing 2022 Edition for June 2022

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BBTF Annoucing 2022 Edition for June 2022

Bali, Indonesia, August 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / With traveling becoming more and more accessible to anyone, people now explore further than the boundaries of their own home and go off the beaten path. Major destinations around the globe are still on demand. However, people now hunger for new exotic destinations and somewhere they can really enjoy their holiday without having to face hundreds of fellow tourists.

Indonesia, being an Archipelago, offers hundreds of destinations, from the unique historical sites to the tranquility of an exclusive island getaway, from the beautiful sunrise over the highest peak to the beautiful underwater scenery, there are a lot of options available to different types of travelers. BALI & BEYOND TRAVEL FAIR (BBTF) recognized this and organized its first travel fair back in year 2014 to help to promote these unique destinations to potential buyers from around the globe. This year, the 8th BBTF, to be held from 14 – 18 June 2022, aims to further promote these destinations to the world and open up new business opportunities for the participants after global pandemic.

So why should you join the BBTF 2022 event? Here is one of many reasons why you should participate the BBTF 2022 event in Bali :

BBTF IS INDONESIA’S LEADING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM FAIR
The event is fully endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia and since it’s the beginning, BBTF has grown further and reached its status as the leading international travel and tourism fair in Indonesia, in par – if not better – with similar travel fairs around the world.

Come and join the BBTF 2022 event and be a part of Indonesia’s Leading International Travel and Tourism Fair.

BBTF Secretariat Office
Jalan Raya Puputan ¬ 41, Renon
Denpasar 80235, Bali, Indonesia
Tel. (+62 361) 445 7111 or 445 7700
Fax. (+62 361) 244 263
E-mail : seller@bbtf.co.id or buyer@bbtf.co.id or info@bbtf.co.id

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News