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NO SURPRISE: North American inbound tourism spend down

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Destinations across North America – USA, Mexico and Canada – are at different stages of tourism development. However, one common factor is that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 have been hard felt for each respective tourism economy.

Data and analytics company, GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Tourism Destination Market Insight: North America (2021)’, found that total international arrivals to the region declined 67% year-on-year in 2020 and inbound expenditure by 74.1%. North America’s forecast recovery follows the general global travel consensus that domestic tourism will recover first (2022), but international arrivals will not recover until 2024. Forecasts for inbound tourism expenditure, however, suggest this will not surpass pre-pandemic levels until after 2025.

Johanna Bonhill-Smith, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, says, “COVID-19 can still be identified as the greatest threat to growth within the travel sector, and in North America this is no different.

“The loss of inbound tourist spending in 2020 (-74.1%) to North America was significant. GlobalData’s forecast suggest this is not expected to fully recover until after 2025, and this will be one of the greatest factors affecting economic recovery for the region over the next few years.”

One of the major benefits of inbound tourism is spending, which can boost economic revenues, stimulate employment and act as a catalyst for infrastructure development. Each destination does hold a strong domestic tourism offering, but this cannot be relied upon alone to offset the collapse of international travel.

“Travel to North America from other destinations worldwide can be expensive. GlobalData’s survey* found that 23% of global respondents have reduced their household budgets in the past year and 27% have ‘somewhat’ reduced them. Reduced budgets mean less expenditure on recreation affecting the ability to travel. Budget constraints are going to be more important in purchasing travel experiences over the next few years, which could jeopardize North America’s tourism recovery in comparison to other regions worldwide.” Said Bonhill-Smith.

Due to proximity, connectivity and competing low-cost carrier (LCC) operators, travel between the US, Canada and Mexico can be relatively low-cost, spurring travel across the destinations. Intraregional travel will be vital in North America’s tourism recovery. Each destination already relies heavily on neighboring destinations as important sources for economic income.

Bonhill-Smith notes, “From vast natural landscapes including coastal areas, national parks and mountain ranges to bustling cities full of cultural landmarks, North America benefits from a strong tourism offering. Therefore, there is a wide range of pull factors that lures visitors worldwide for leisure and business. In addition to attractive destinations to visit, its sizable VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market is also a strong feature. Collaboration between destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and government bodies will be vital to ensure economic relief for the region going forward.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Seychelles to Welcome Back Cruise Ships in November 2021

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Seychelles to Welcome Back Cruise Ships in November 2021

Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, August 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Launching the 2021-2022 cruise season on November 14, 2021, will be the MS Island Sky, the first cruise vessel to sail to Seychelles since the closure of the destination to cruise ships in March 2020. As per the decision taken by the country’s authorities in March 2021 relating to the size of the vessels and limiting their carrying passenger capacity, Seychelles will only be welcoming smaller vessels with a maximum of 300 passengers.

• Discover the Seychelles with VisitSeychelles.org, a World of Magical Islands by Travelindex, go to VisitSeychelles.org

Island Sky, operated by London-based Noble Caledonia, is a relatively small cruise ship with a carrying capacity of 118 passengers; a regular sight in the Seychelles waters prior to the pandemic, she will be calling at four of the Seychelles outer islands, namely Aldabra, Assomption, Farquhar and Cosmoledo. MS Island Sky will be followed by other small cruise ships throughout the season.

The Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Mr Alan Renaud, has said that throughout 2020, working in collaboration with the health authorities, tourism department, the port authority, and the tourism industry, the department, have implemented new procedures to allow the safe resumption of cruise ship visits to Seychelles.

PS Renaud said that to facilitate the restart of cruise ship operations, the Department of Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine has developed a COVID-19 Company and Cruise Ship Checklist for cruise ship operators, and a parallel COVID-19 Port Management Plan for the authorities to be introduced next month. The complementary documents have been based on guidance published jointly by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention Control (ECDC) and endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and adopt a goal-based approach, identifying measures to be taken on board ships and ashore to ensure safe operations.

“The documents outline the respective responsibilities of local agencies and the cruise ships in relation to COVID-19 matters, identification of critical resources and personnel, the passenger and terminal arrangements at all ports of call, the contingencies in case of a COVID-19 outbreak, the protection of communities visited by the ship, and, generally, the coordination between cruises and ports in relation to COVID-19,” PS Renaud said.

The department will also be rolling out a maritime version of the present travel authorization system, which will be adapted to the cruise ships and yachts, serving simultaneously as a health protection system as well as an enhanced border control system for incoming vessels. The maritime edition will be integrated with the ships’ systems and make it a seamless, paperless, touchless process for both embarking and disembarking guests and the ships themselves.

PS Renaud said enormous care and rigour were taken with the measures as every cruise ship is a large and extended gathering, bearing the theoretical risk of starting a super-spreading event. He stated that, however, the risk of such an event is now greatly mitigated thanks to developments over the past year, such as the successful vaccination campaigns around the world and new measures implemented by industry, which have dramatically changed the risk calculation, making many countries feel ready to open up to the cruise industry again.

“First, the cruise ship operators must implement rigorous standards, developed in consultation with the ECDC, IMO, and other industry groups, and we require their procedures and evidence of having completed drills, to be externally verified by qualified organizations prior to arrival in Seychelles. Second, because the cruise ships are smaller and have additionally reduced the number of passengers on board, any event on board will be proportional in size to an international flight. Finally, and most importantly, vaccinations are now standard for cruise ship passengers and their operating crew, and the abundant accumulation of evidence of the impact of vaccinations has shown that where vaccinations are prevalent, breakouts are manageable, as relatively few people will require hospitalization. Putting everything in balance, we feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but we must not let our guards down, and the protection of our communities is still paramount and this is addressed in the standards,” PS Renaud said.

On her part, the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs Sherin Francis stated, “The reopening of the cruise ship season is another milestone for our destination. I am happy that all relevant actors have ensured that due precautions have been taken to facilitate this exercise in a safe manner.”

• Discover the Seychelles with VisitSeychelles.org, a World of Magical Islands by Travelindex, go to VisitSeychelles.org

Port Victoria recorded 39 cruise ship calls during the 2019/2020 season, with a total of 63,442 passengers and 18,499 crew (of which 11,375 disembarked and 10,990 embarked). The last vessel to call before the season was forced to close prematurely was the Bougainville, operated by the Compagnie Du Ponant on March 11, 2020.

Since the announcement earlier this year that Seychelles would be reopening its vast ocean territory to cruise liners, cruise shipping lines along with their partners in Seychelles have been hard at work, planning voyages, itineraries and on-shore programmes, with calls scheduled from November 2021 right through to February 2024.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Expresses Condolences to the People of Haiti

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WTTC Expresses Condolences to the People of Haiti

London, United Kingdom, August 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC said: “The thoughts of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and its Members are with those who have been affected by the terrible hurricane in Haiti which has taken so many lives, and devasted thousands of families.

“We send our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected, and a message of sympathy to the Government.

“WTTC and the global Travel & Tourism sector stand beside the people of Haiti and its government during this difficult time.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA Calls on States to Follow WHO Guidance on Cross-Border Travel

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IATA Calls on States to Follow WHO Guidance on Cross-Border Travel

Geneva, Switzerland, August 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on states to follow new guidance on travel from the World Health Organization (WHO). The guidance recommends a “risk-based approach” to implementing measures related to COVID-19 and international travel. It will be presented to the WHO COVID-19 International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Thursday 15 July.

Specifically, WHO recommended that governments:

  • Do not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a mandatory condition for entry or exit
  • Remove measures such as testing and/or quarantine requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated or have had a confirmed previous COVID-19 infection within the past six months
  • Ensure alternative pathways for unvaccinated individuals through testing so that they are able to travel internationally. The WHO recommends rRT-PCR tests or antigen detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for this purpose.
  • Only implement test and/or quarantine measures for international travelers “on a risk-based manner” with policies on testing and quarantine regularly reviewed to ensure they are lifted when no longer necessary.

“These commonsense, risk-based recommendations from WHO, if followed by states, will allow for international air travel to resume while minimizing the chance of importing COVID-19. As WHO notes—and as the latest UK testing data proves—international travelers are not a high-risk group in terms of COVID-19. Out of 1.65 million tests carried out on arriving international passengers in the UK since February, only 1.4% were positive for COVID-19. It’s long past time for governments to incorporate data into risk-based decision-making process for re-opening borders,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

WHO also called on states to communicate “in a timely and adequate manner” any changes to international health-related measures and requirements. “Consumers face a maze of confusing, uncoordinated and fast-changing border entry rules that discourage them from traveling, causing economic hardship across those employed in the travel and tourism sector. According to our latest passenger survey, 70% of recent travelers thought the rules were a challenge to understand,” said Walsh.

Additionally, WHO encouraged states to look at bilateral, multilateral, and regional agreements, particularly among neighboring counties, “with the aim of facilitating the recovery of key socioeconomic activities” including tourism, for which international travel plays a vital role.

“The pandemic has put more than 46 million jobs, normally supported by aviation, at risk. By incorporating these latest WHO recommendations into their border opening strategies, states can begin to reverse the economic damage of the past 18 months and put the world on the road to recovery,“ said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rethink Financial Inclusion with Principles from the Edison Alliance

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Rethink Financial Inclusion with Principles from the Edison Alliance

Geneva, Switzerland, August 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The pandemic has accelerated the trend toward greater digitization. However, it also underscored the risk that a lack of broadband internet access, affordable tools, and the know-how to use them safely and securely creates a digital divide. A new set of Principles offers a vision that makes digitally-led financial inclusion a natural outcome of an innovative and competitive financial system.

“The pandemic has accelerated digitization and made it clear that being connected to the digital economy is necessary for communities to survive and to thrive. The future of finance is digital by default, and this broad-based and adaptive set of principles provide a framework for everyone in the ecosystem to prioritize financial inclusion – embedding inclusion by design, ensuring commercial viability, and creating regulatory environments that foster trust while encouraging innovation. The principles will drive consensus-building conversations across the public and private sectors, to help ensure that people can reach their potential and economic growth is inclusive.” Michael Froman, Vice Chairman and President – Strategic Growth, Mastercard

“With 1.7 billion adults remaining unbanked, bridging the digital gap on financial inclusion is one of the priority areas of the EDISON alliances, alongside bridging digital inclusion in education and health care. The EDISON Alliance is a global movement launched in January 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.” Isabelle Mauro, Head of Digital Communications Industry, World Economic Forum

The seven Principles are:

  1. Inclusive by design: embedding inclusion as a principle in designing all policies, regulations, supervisory practices, products, services, security procedures, technologies, and infrastructure.
  2. Integrated System: enabling integrated ecosystems that supply high quality, differentiated and interoperable products, and services for all.
  3. Digitally led: promoting safe and efficient digital payments and finance ecosystems that democratize access to the formal financial system through enabling infrastructure, regulations, products, and services.
  4. Economically sustainable: providing and maintaining quality payments and markets infrastructure, investing in innovation, keeping pace with consumer needs and demand, and ensuring the value created is appropriately shared between consumers, producers, and intermediaries.
  5. Informed by data: using data from digital transactions safely and responsibly to design financial inclusion policies, regulations, products, and services.
  6. Trusted: cultivating trust by educating and protecting consumers; ensuring transparency of laws, regulations, products, services and data practices; providing reliable infrastructure; and implementing rigorous privacy and cybersecurity frameworks.
  7. Effectively regulated: adopting a non-discriminatory technology-neutral, principle-based and risk-based approach to regulation and supervision that is committed to the standard of proportionality and transparency.

The “Shared Principles for an Inclusive Financial System” white paper has been developed by the World Economic Forum’s EDISON Alliance. It has been led by World Economic Forum and Mastercard, with contributions from other EDISON Champions, including Barclays, Western Union, GSMA, Vista Equity Partners, and UNECA.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

HITTING THE HIGH LIFE AT WHISTLER

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To relieve my pent-up frustration at not being able to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions, I booked a trip to Whistler in August for some mountain golf and other alpine pleasures. Whistler kicked up its already world-class reputation when it co-hosted (with Vancouver) the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

In early 1960s, most folks opined that developing Whistler as a ski resort was ridiculous—too stormy, too isolated, no services or road links. The list went on. But Whistler had remarkable terrain—voluptuous slopes that dropped nearly a vertical mile to the valley floor, hundreds of acres of old growth forest—and a plethora of snow.

Franz Wilhelmsen and a cohort of mountain enthusiasts ignored the naysayers and carved a network of ski trails out of the bush. Today, Whistler is considered one of the premier mountain resort destinations in the world with two mile-high peaks (Whistler and Blackcomb) linked via a pedestrian-only village. It has become four-season success story by which now most others in North America are judged and often modelled upon.

Set into the skyscraping mountains of the Coast Range, the town has an irrepressible spirit that matches its surroundings. Things have changed quite a bit since the early days when what is now the centre of Whistler Village was a garbage dump where the bears foraged. The bears are still there but those early days when skiers swigged beer out of their ski boots have changed considerably. Whistler, the top ski, snowboarding and mountain biking resort in North America has also ascended to the heights of one of Canada’s best golf destinations

Going for Gold

While Olympians in Tokyo were going for Gold, I was too, but my Gold involved the super perks and pampering offered to guests in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Gold level. Fairmont spent more than $14 million, creating a boutique hotel within its existing property. Guests receive all sorts of extra benefits starting with concierge check-in at the totally renovated eighth-floor Gold Lounge. There’s an outdoor patio, perfect for sipping your morning cappuccino and enjoying the breakfast offerings created by Chef Isabel Chung. Chef makes her jams from BC fruit and honey comes from the hotel’s rooftop hives. Breakfast offerings include charcuterie, cheese, smoked salmon, yogurt, fruit, warm from-the-oven pastries, and daily hot specials served in Covid-friendly individual sized serving dishes.

Tea, finger sandwiches and pastries are served mid-afternoon and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. guests may indulge in gourmet hors d’oeuvres, an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie and more sweet treats. The honour bar well-stocked martini and gin-and-tonic stations. The lounge with its overstuffed leather couches makes a comfortable extension to the guest rooms, each with electric fireplace, soaker tub and a sensory aromatherapy experience with Skinjay, an all-natural essential oil pod that diffuses through the showerhead. Choose your scent according to your mood: sleep, detox (after too many martinis!), party or play.

Golf Nirvana

I chose “play.” First on my hit list was the Chateau Whistler Golf Club, where unlike the other Whistler area courses, you really do climb up and down 400 feet of dramatic alpine terrain.

“We listened to the land and harmonized with nature,” says its creator, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. An engineering marvel, the course, carved out of the bench lands of Blackcomb Mountain, traverses “Billy goat” steep ledges, gushing glacier-fed streams, massive granite outcroppings and mighty Douglas firs.

The first five holes present an uphill battle with several creeks transecting the fairways. Try to concentrate on your swing but you will be distracted by the spectacular mountain views, possible bear sightings and giddying alpine air. The eighth signature hole plays downhill to a green set off by a crystal-clear lake and a massive granite cliff. The Chateau Whistler course is a true beauty queen with outstanding views in every direction.

Smack dab in the centre of the village, The Whistler Golf Club, built in 1983, is the granddaddy of the Whistler area courses. It was also Arnold Palmer’s first Canadian design.

“It’s a Palmer design with a Whistler attitude, “remarks sales manager, Ro Davies. Indeed, classic rock music piped from the clubhouse, the high five you’ll get from the starter and marshals who will help you find errant balls are all part of the Whistler G.C. vibe.

The 6,700-yard, par-71 course is set amongst ancient cedars, majestic fir trees, winding streams and nine lakes. The Club received the designation of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, in part for staff’s extensive environmental initiatives. Their efforts have had a direct impact on both the Crabapple Creek trout population and local bear population through enhancements of their wildlife habitats, outreach and education and chemical use reduction. You might spy a small cub taking a stroll around the patio.

The signature 16th hole, called The Gallery, is a knockout with elevated tees and a carry over a sparkling lake and then a winding river. In the spring of 2021, The Gallery was expanded to provide seating for joggers, walkers and cyclists on nearby trails to enjoy the views and applaud good tee shots.

Just down the road, Nicklaus North, designed by the Golden Bear himself, meanders alongside glacier-fed Green Lake. Jack Nicklaus deliberately designed it to be fun, with roomy fairways and enormous greens. That said, there are over 50 bunkers and water on 15 holes to be avoided. The par-threes here are very strong, especially the signature 17th that plays alongside Green Lake. Although Nicklaus ‘s company has built almost 300 courses in 40 countries, only four are Nicklaus Signature tracts and one of those is Nicklaus North.

Après Golf Food and Fun

R&R at the Spa
Scandinave Spas are designed so guests may relax and rejuvenate. The prescribed routine: spend about ten minutes warming your body in a sauna, eucalyptus-scented steam bath, hot tub or thermal waterfall. Heating the body increases blood circulation, which, in turn, cleanses by promoting the elimination of toxins. Then it’s time to close the skin’s pores by cooling off beneath a bracing Nordic waterfall or a dip in a cold tub. The third part of Scandinave’s routine is chill-out time. Snooze in the solarium, swing in a hammock or cozy up by the outdoor fire with a good book and a cup of organic tea.
www.scandinave.com

The One & Only Bearfoot

Where else can you saber a bottle of Champagne and drink it with a platter of freshly shucked oysters? Wait, the fun has just begun. Don a parka and sample four exotic vodkas from a choice of 50 from around the globe in the Ketel One Ice Room where the temperature is ideal for savouring the clear liquor. An evening at Bearfoot Bistro is never dull. Their latest creation may just be the world’s best martini. With no apologies to James Bond, their Vesper cocktail is neither shaken nor stirred, but made in a copper pot with liquid nitrogen. It’s so cold its almost viscous, but the booze has not been diluted with ice. Now sample some of the finest and most innovative cuisine in Whistler from Chef Melissa Craig. Finish the night off with a tableside preparation of ‘nitro” ice cream—the best molecular cuisine you’ll ever taste.
ww.bearfootbistro.com

Ready to Go?
Stay and play golf/hotel packages
www.chateau-whistler.com/offers/whistler-bc-golf-travel-package

All about Whistler
www.whistler.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Aug. 9-13, 2021

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Vaccine certificates for travel will soon be available for Canadians, TravCorp brands guests must vaccinate before travel, flights arrivals from India get pushed back again, the US border opened (in one direction at least), and Queen Elizabeth (the ship, not the British monarch) is sailing again.

NEWS

Fully vaccinated Canadians will soon be able to get a government document that will certify their COVID-19 vaccine history for the purpose of international travel. The vaccine certificate, expected to be ready by the fall, will be digital, with an option for those who can’t have or don’t want a digital certificate.

The Canadian land border opened to vaccinated Americans on Aug. 9. Border wait times were not deemed to be too bad at some locations, while lengthy bottlenecks were in evidence at others. No word on when Canadians can cross the other way.

Expedia Group has announced that every purchase made through its mobile apps will result in a donation to help UNICEF’s global COVID-19 response, which endeavours to distribute safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments in over 180 countries. Participating Expedia brands include Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, ebookers, and CheapTickets.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth returned to sailing on Friday (Aug. 13) after a 17-month break. Following a series of UK voyages, international sailings will begin in October with a cruise from Southampton to Amsterdam followed by a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands and Madeira in November.

US-headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has welcomed back the 342-guest flagship Wind Surf to the sea. The largest sailing ship in the world recently departed from Barcelona on an eight-day voyage to Lisbon, stopping at ports including Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Almería, Málaga, Gibraltar, and Cadiz. Four of the line’s six yachts are now back in the water cruising.

Air Canada will resume flights to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Nov. 1, having suspended its service when the Canadian border closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The islands returned to cruising on Aug. 7 with the arrival Seabourn Odyssey in Bequia.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

Citing the latest public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada has restricted all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India until Sept. 21. The agency is also extending the requirement related to third-country pre-departure COVID-19 molecular tests for travellers to Canada from India via an indirect route. This means that passengers who depart India to Canada via an indirect route will continue to be required to obtain a valid COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country – other than India – before continuing their journey to Canada.

With new COVID-19 cases surging in Louisiana, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival won’t be returning this year after all, organizers say. The festival, which traditionally is held in the spring, had been scheduled to run Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 15-17 this year after being canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The festival is expected to return to its original time frame next year, April 29-May 8.

BY THE NUMBERS

As part of a commitment to address climate change and protect biodiversity, Parks Canada is mobilizing to plant 150,000 trees this summer in up to 18 national parks from coast to coast. This includes planting 2,500 trees in Fundy National Park this year alone.

AIR

Two new winter services from Air Canada will depart from Quebec City: Flights to Fort Lauderdale will start on Nov. 19 and flights to Orlando on Dec. 17. Starting Dec. 4, Air Canada will also be offering more flights to Punta Cana and Cancun.

On Nov. 4, WestJet will launch new non-stop service between Calgary and Seattle. Flights will operate four times weekly on WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft and will increase to two-times daily on May 19, 2022.

Eurowings Discover has been added to Aeroplan’s roster of more than 40 airline travel partners. Eurowings Discover is the new leisure carrier of the Lufthansa Group with operating bases in Frankfurt and Munich, Germany. It serves several international destinations in Africa, North America, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

West Africa

CRUISE

West Africa and its unique archipelagos – the Bissagos Islands and Cape Verde – have been added to a growing list of new warm-weather destinations for Hurtigruten Expeditions. The 13-day itinerary includes four countries: Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal, with ‘MS Spitsbergen’ based out of Dakar. The expansion follows the cruise line’s recent launch announcement of year-round expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands starting early 2022. Besides its first-ever African expedition cruises, Hurtigruten will also introduce a series of itineraries to the Canary Islands and Madeira for the 22/23 seasons.

‘Oasis of the Seas’ will lead the next group of Royal Caribbean ships to return to service with a Sept. 5 departure to The Bahamas from New York. A dozen more ships will sail out throughout the fall and winter across the globe, from Alaska to Australia by May of 2022 giving the cruise line its full complement of ships.

TOURS

The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) guided tour brands have announced a Covid-19 vaccination requirement for all adult guests, effective Sept. 1. Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold’s new policy requires clients to show documented proof of having received two doses of approved Covid-19 vaccines from either Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, or one dose from Johnson & Johnson. The final dose of the vaccine must have been administered a minimum of 15 days prior to their departure and the policy will remain in effect until at least Dec. 31. Clients will need to provide the proof to their Wellbeing Director, Travel Director, Trip Manager or Travelling Concierge before joining the tour and also upon arrival at their destination. They will additionally need to comply with specific PCR testing requirements imposed by airlines and/or the destinations, which may differ from country to country.

RESORTS

Almost 100 Olympians from the islands where Sandals Resorts International operates have been gifted complimentary vacation stays by the company. 2020 Olympians who medaled in the just-concluded Tokyo Games will each receive one complimentary no-limit on nights’ stay, in the highest room category at any Sandals or Beaches resort across the region complete with luxury BMW transfers from their home to the resort of choice. In addition, all athletes who represented their country in the Olympics in any event will receive four-night vacations at a Sandals Resort in their home island.

Upon reopening Sept. 1 and after an extensive renovation project, AMResorts’ Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa in Mexico will undergo a name change to Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya.

HOTELS

Markham Hilton

With safety and hygiene becoming an area of increased focus for the hospitality industry, The Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre and Spa has introduced a fully touchless device using ultraviolet-C ray technology to keep guests’ cell phones as clean as possible.

The Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia is now open and ready for guests. Not only is the hotel the first Hilton Garden in Wales, but it is also one of the largest hotels in North Wales with 106 rooms. Located on the site of Adventure Parc Snowdonia and home to Wave Garden Spa, it is ideal for travellers seeking active and well-being holidays and for exploring the surrounding scenic region.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

LEGOLAND New York Resort has officially opened. Along with a themed 250-room hotel, the attraction features seven LEGO lands: Brick Street, Bricktopia, LEGO NINJAGO World, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, MINILAND, and LEGO Pirates. The park also features the first LEGO Factory Adventure ride, which transforms riders into LEGO Minifigures, plus signature rides such as the Dragon coaster and LEGO NINJAGO The Ride. Kids can also earn their very own LEGOLAND Driver’s License at Driving School, team up to save the day at Fire Rescue Academy, and catch LEGO movies in 4D at Palace Cinema. The attraction is located in Goshen, NY, about 90 minutes north of New York City.

AGENT EDUCATION

A comprehensive e-learning platform for Canadian travel agents called ‘MSC Masters’ has been launched by MSC Cruises. The digital program comprises interactive modules, videos, tutorials about MSC Book, and generally provides a deeper insight into the cruise line and its itineraries. Agents who enrol will progressively earn rewards to eventually become an MSC Cruises Master. As an additional incentive for agents, 10 $200 or 20 $100 gift cards will be drawn for those who successfully complete the exam by Aug. 31. Agents can find out more from their BDM, Inside Sales, or by visiting https://www.mscbook.com

The Los Cabos Tourism Board has a new full-service destination portal designed to complement its agent specialist program and create a one-stop shop for travel advisors to access all the information they need to sell the Mexican destination. The Los Cabos Specialist site offers an up-to-date educational platform, loyalty program, downloadable resources like guides, maps, videos, and images, and a B2B marketplace, where hotels service provides have their own booths. Graduates from the previous training program are invited to creating a password on the new portal and enroll in the recently revised and expanded Los Cabos Specialist training program. For more information, visit .

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Sunwing has announced a writing contest in conjunction with global multi-platform entertainment company Wattpad. Winners will receive an all-inclusive vacation for two at a Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino property. The #MissedMilestones Writing Contest is designed to curate a collection of firsthand stories from customers featuring, in 500 words or less, travel moments and milestones that they missed out on during the pandemic, including how they would celebrate those moments in the tropics. The contest runs until Aug. 14 and rules can be found on Wattpad’s website, which will also post winning stories.

EVENTS

Canada’s premier marketplace for the tourism industry, Rendez-vous Canada, will return in a new hybrid format next year. Hosted by Destination Canada and TIAC, and set for May 23-27 in Toronto, RVC+ 2022 will bring back in-person attendance, while also incorporating a virtual component, creating more opportunities for industry delegates to engage and make appointments with international buyers, travel trade media and Destination Marketing Companies (DMC).

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Travel Agent Next Door has named luxury cruise line Seabourn to approved supplier status for the host agency.

Dr. Ernest Hilarie is Saint Lucia’s new Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information. The former diplomat was sworn in on Aug. 5.

DESTINATIONS

France is now requiring people (including tourists) to show a QR code proving they have a special virus pass before they can visit restaurants and cafés or travel across the country, including on high-speed, intercity, and night trains as well as on long-distance travels by plane or bus. The special pass is issued to people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have proof of a recent recovery from the virus or who have a recent negative test. Similar measures were also introduced last week in Italy.

Opened July 30, the Niagara Parks Power Station is a new landmark attraction just south of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls. By day, visitors explore the preserved interior of the historic power station, transformed with new exhibits and guest amenities. Beginning Sept 3 each night, an immersive sight and sound experience “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed” will bring the building to life. The first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station was completed in 1905 to produce hydroelectricity by leveraging the power of the Niagara River.

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First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Capri Palace Jumeirah Unveils Second Exclusive Dior Pop Up

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Capri Palace Jumeirah Unveils Second Exclusive Dior Pop Up - TOP25Hotels.com - TRAVELINDEXCapri, Italy, August 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Capri Palace Jumeirah, the stunning retreat on the glamorous island of Capri, recently re-opened its doors to offer guests an idyllic coastal sanctuary for the summer months.More than just a hotel, the iconic property is a transformative experience where Jumeirah’s renowned hospitality meets exquisite spaces and spectacular dining, coupled with special activations curated each season for a truly unique and inspiring stay.

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

This year, as a continuation of its exclusive partnership with luxury French Maison Dior, Capri Palace Jumeirah is home to an exclusive pop-up store at its popular celebrity hangout Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club. Set against sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline, the dedicated space showcases the reimagined Dioriviera capsule collection by celebrated designer Maria Grazia Chiuri. Guests will be wowed by the eye-catching hues of the Fall 2021 line, featuring blue, chartreuse and raspberry, chosen to evoke sunny getaways and life’s sweet pleasures, the perfect ode to la Dolce Vita that is so beautifully brought to life at Capri Palace Jumeirah. The collection invites guests to discover must-haves by Dior Maison alongside icons of Dioriviera collection. In a nod to the summer getaway offered by Capri Palace Jumeirah, the collection will also feature exclusive marinière sailor tops bearing the name of Capri, as well as fans and pillows, while visitors can admire a one-of-a-kind surfboard and Vespa adorned with the “Christian Dior” signature.

The hotel has also collaborated with Studio Trisorio, a popular art gallery based in Naples, to exhibit a specially curated collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, video and digital installations, perfectly complementing the contemporary art installations dotted throughout the hotel.

Ideally placed in the bustling town of Anacapri, one of the most exclusive and unspoiled parts of the island, Capri Palace Jumeirah stands high up on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Naples. A perfect embodiment of the Italian Dolce Vita, it is designed in the style of an eighteenth-century Neapolitan palazzo. The elegantly appointed 68 hotel rooms feature white, blue and neutral tones, while ceramic tiles and bespoke furniture evoke the sense of an Italian family home, exuding a sense of familiarity with the surrounding locale. The hotel is also home to a wealth of exceptional culinary experiences, including the two Michelin starred signature restaurant L’Olivo and Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club, a treasure trove of flavours with the most beautiful terrace on the island.

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

Health and safety remain Jumeirah’s top priority. All its hotels and restaurants are implementing the highest safety and hygiene standards and following local Government directives to ensure that guests and colleagues are in safe hands. As a result of these measures, 13 of Jumeirah’s properties, including Capri Palace Jumeirah, have been awarded the Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing and inspection services. Furthermore, the island of Capri has been declared COVID-free, with over 90% of residents and all tourism sector employees having received the first dose of the vaccine or being fully vaccinated. The hotel is also organising PCR tests for any guests who need one, with results provided within 24 hours.

Prices start from €725 Euros per night for a classic room. Assistance with private transfers by speedboat or helicopter leaving from Naples or Sorrento can be arranged.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ASEANTA Partners Virtual Platform to Amplify Business Opportunities

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ASEANTA Partners Virtual Platform to Amplify Business Opportunities - VISITASEAN.org - TRAVELINDEXPutrajaya, Malaysia, August 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has signed an agreement with Malaysia-based analytics and big data company Fusionex to develop ASEANTA Travel Exchange (ATEX), a comprehensive virtual exhibition and engagement platform, to help facilitate an inclusive business environment and provide greater access to new markets.

• Discover the ASEAN Countries with VisitASEAN.org, the platform for accessing the entire tourism sector of the ASEAN Region, go to VisitASEAN.org

By leveraging ATEX to pivot from physical to virtual during this pandemic, ASEANTA will be able to seamlessly improve accessibility, connection and engagement while removing the restrictions of time and space through virtual exhibitions, webinars, digital marketing campaigns, and more.

Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, president of ASEANTA, said that the collaboration between ASEANTA and Fusionex will help “take tourism in the region to new levels and to firmly establish (South-east Asia) as one of the most viable and attractive tourism destinations in the world”.

Powered by Fusionex technologies, the platform is expected to go live in 4Q2021, offering a suite of innovative solutions to empower ASEANTA in organising virtual events while driving meaningful and measurable online interactions.

The platform offers an intelligent B2B matchmaking feature that connects local enterprises with global businesses, thereby expanding market reach. Travel and tourism players can also leverage the platform’s global distribution system to conduct secure and uninterrupted business transactions.

In addition, the platform enables businesses to showcase their offerings via virtual booths, facilitate pitching sessions through live streaming, provide real-time reporting capabilities as well as performance monitoring and measurement features. It will also allow enterprises to capitalise on AI-powered digital marketing tools to tailor personalised campaigns.

ATEX enables ASEANTA to not only create engaging online events but also generate vital business prospects and develop networking opportunities in a data-driven way.

Nigel Wong, secretary-general at ASEANTA, shared that the association will leverage the platform to organise virtual talks and seminars for its members, with attendees being able to interact with speakers. As well, there will be static travel-related content curated by ASEANTA in a variety of formats.

• Discover the ASEAN Countries with VisitASEAN.org, the platform for accessing the entire tourism sector of the ASEAN Region, go to VisitASEAN.org

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2022 and its B2B Travex will be hosted by the Cambodian government in Sihanoukville from January 16-22.

Thong Rathasak, chairman of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations and director general for tourism development and international cooperation at Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, shared that the ATF 2022 might take on a hybrid format, but nothing is set in stone yet.

Wong shared that the ATEX would complement the B2B travel exchange component by providing industry players with an extended opportunity to continue leveraging the awareness generated about the ASEAN member countries through the ATF and other similar regional events online.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Listen to the Music: W Hotels Announces Rising Latinx Performer Elsa y Elmar as Latest W Records Artist

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W Hotels Worldwide today announced Elsa y Elmar as the latest artist to create exclusive music for W Records, the iconic hotel brand’s private record label. Today marks the release of Elsa y Elmar’s cover of the hit song “Adiós Amor,” made popular by award-winning Mexican singer, Christian Nodal. The Colombian-born artist joins fellow W Records alums Japanese Breakfast, Amber Mark, Roosevelt and Perfume Genius as the first Latinx artist on the imprint.

The first of the two singles, “Adiós Amor,” drops today both digitally and via limited edition runs of vinyl, and was recorded in a W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature, on-site recording studio, at W Hollywood. W guests and fans can see Elsa y Elmar perform an intimate set at W Mexico City on August 24, 2021 as she showcases listener favorites, her soft and gentle spin on “Adiós Amor,” as well as a new, original W Records track that will be released at midnight.

“Recording in the W Sound Suite at W Hollywood was such a fun experience,” said Elsa y Elmar. “The setting was perfect, the vibe was right, and all my needs were taken care of while I did what I love doing the most: making music. Los Angeles is such an intense and inspiring city, and the W Sound Suite is an oasis of creativity in the middle of Hollywood.”

As with all W Records collaborations, the label will once again support a cause that is important to both W Hotels and the artist. 100% of proceeds from the streaming of the two Elsa y Elmar tracks will benefit La Casita de San Ángel, a Mexico City-based organization that partners with companies to find productive, steady employment for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or neurological damage.

Elsa y Elmar is a recognized bilingual singer-songwriter from Colombia who currently resides in Mexico City. She was discovered by W Records in February 2020 and, within days, had Elsa record her two tracks for the record prior to signing with Sony Music Mexico last year. Elsa y Elmar’s “spiritual pop” music has resonated with music lovers everywhere as she has over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is currently the 8th most-listened-to Colombian female artist on the popular streaming service.

“We’re thrilled to finally release Elsa y Elmar’s music to the world after sharing in her creative process in the W Sound Suite at W Hollywood,” said Carly Van Sickle, Senior Director, Global Brand Marketing, W Hotels Worldwide. “It’s been an amazing journey and we’re honored to see Elsa y Elmar’s latest creation come to life as W Records’ first Latinx artist, joining a lineup that includes some of the most exciting breakthrough artists in music today like Roosevelt and Japanese Breakfast.”

LISTEN TO “ADIÓS AMOR” HERE

Listen to these W Records Releases:
Japanese Breakfast – “Essentially”
Japanese Breakfast – “Head Over Heels”
Amber Mark – “High On Your Love”
Amber Mark – “Can You Hear Me (ReWork)”
Perfume Genius – “Alan (Rework)”
Perfume Genius – “Not For Me”
Roosevelt – “Falling Back”
Roosevelt – “Everywhere”

About W Records
W Records is an award-winning record label and resource for artists selected by W Hotels and their music industry partners. From recording to release, W Records supports artists through every step of development, providing recording space, mixing and mastering and finally, distribution of the new sound via live performances, streaming and vinyl production. Tracks for W Records are recorded, naturally, in W Sound Suites (the brand’s signature, on-site recording studios). Tracks from each artist are released through W Records both digitally and via limited edition runs of vinyl which are gifted to tastemakers, DJs and W fans as a throwback way to enjoy new/next music.

Production Notes
W Records is supporting emerging artists on the tipping point of worldwide fame with production, distribution, and live performances. Each artist lays down tracks in a W Sound Suite (either W Hollywood, W Barcelona, W Bali or W Seattle) and records a cover as well as an original track. Once the tracks are mixed and mastered, W releases a limited-edition run of vinyl which are sent to DJs, tastemakers as well as music-loving Marriott Bonvoy members.

The Liner Notes
The W brand’s long-standing relationships with music industry partners, promoters, media and influencers helps W Records artists cut through an overcrowded market. Artists get direct exposure to more than 150 million Marriott Bonvoy members, providing a huge audience from the start. W Records is in part overseen by Giant Step, the marketing agency that has created award-winning campaigns for brands like Intel, Samsung and ABSOLUT. Like W, Giant Step has a true passion for music and is a recognized brand within the industry having worked with many notable artists over the years including Amy Winehouse, Janelle Monae, Lady Gaga and Daft Punk. The W Records team and capabilities are similar to a small but powerful independent label. W Records is supported by both in-house and music-centric PR teams between SEQUEL (W brand) and Grandstand Media, non-commercial radio promotion from co-sign, along with Giant Step’s marketing team adding DJ, tastemaker and influencer marketing to the program’s scope and D Music Marketing, a Miami based music marketing agency with an expertise in LATAM in radio, PR and digital marketing. Global distribution is provided by AWAL (Tom Misch, 3LAU) which connects W Records with audiences through top streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Deezer. This combination of a nimble label team with the marketing power of W Hotels and Marriott International creates a unique and exciting prospect for the artists working with W Records to amplify their sound on a global scale.

To learn more about W Hotels and music, visit w-hotels.marriott.com and follow @whotels and #WRecords on Instagram, and to stay up to date with Elsa y Elmar head to elsayelmar.com and follow her on Instagram at @elsayelmar. To book your own recording session at a W Sound Suite, visit: W Bali, W Barcelona, W Hollywood, W Seattle.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for over two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Elizabeth Bishop
Marriott International
Elizabeth.Bishop@marriottluxurybrands.com

Alexandra Marín
SEQUEL
amarin@sequel-inc.com
201.779.1886

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News