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Fairfield by Marriott Celebrates Its Brand Debut in Vietnam with the Opening of Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong

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Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong, celebrating the brand’s debut in Vietnam. Located in the Binh Duong province and inspired by the beauty of simplicity and warm hospitality, the 181-room hotel delivers an inviting and seamless experience, poised to become the destination-of-choice for travelers in southern Vietnam.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Fairfield by Marriott to Vietnam with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “The opening marks the fifth brand entry within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio into the fast-growing country of Vietnam – a testament to our focus on bringing a diversified portfolio for different types of travelers. We look forward to expanding our portfolio further across Vietnam to offer new accommodations in attractive destinations.”

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Located in the one of the largest business parks in the province and home to almost 70 international manufacturing companies, Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong is an ideal base for local entrepreneurs and international business travellers. Guests who are looking to explore the destination can easily access popular tourist hotspots including Song Be Golf Resort, Dai Nam Tourist Complex and Hoi Khanh Pagoda. The hotel is within a 45-minute drive from the country’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City and 20-minute drive from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

“Fairfield by Marriott ensures that guests can count on The Fairfield Promise – from the hotel’s level of service to accommodations, if a guest is ever not satisfied with their stay, Fairfield will make it right,” said Diane Mayer, Vice President & Global Brand Manager for Classic Select Brands, Marriott International. “With the opening of Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong, we are very excited to introduce the warm hospitality of Fairfield to travelers in Vietnam.”

Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong features 181 spacious, modern and well-equipped rooms with separate work and rest areas. The property’s public spaces feature the “modern calm” aesthetic of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, which encompasses open layouts, multifunctional spaces and natural light. The hotel features two signature restaurants and bar. ORYZAA, the all-day dining restaurant, presents a fresh take on local Vietnamese delicacies and Western classics, featuring the first international breakfast buffet in the area and an à la carte menu of Asian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Guests who are looking to relax after a long day can enjoy cocktails by the poolside at The Pool Bar.

The hotel also features 120 square meters of function space, suitable for meetings, conferences and social events. Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong will have access to an array of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and open-air pool bar. Guests can maintain their daily routines at the 24/7 fitness center and shop for daily essentials at The Market, a 24-hour convenience store in the hotel.

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“Fairfield by Marriott is a trusted choice for guests seeking a peaceful sleep, nutritious meals and warm service with a friendly smile. Not only is it an excellent option for business travelers, but Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong will also build a bridge between visitors and local residents, by encouraging the exploration of southern Vietnam’s authentic culture, cuisine and natural scenery,” said Sherman Almeida, Hotel Manager of Fairfield by Marriott South Binh Duong. “We look forward to welcoming business and leisure travelers to experience our warm hospitality and uplifting spaces.”

About Fairfield by Marriott
Fairfield by Marriott was founded on the principles of warm, trusted service and friendly hospitality inspired by its unique heritage as the namesake of the Marriott family retreat, the Fairfield Farm. Its contemporary, uplifting design provides an effortless experience for guests to maintain their routines while on the road. Evoking the feelings of calming simplicity, Fairfield offers thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites that provide separate quality living, working and sleeping areas. With over 1,150 properties in 13 countries and territories, Fairfield 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 enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit Fairfield.marriott.com .

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,600 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 133 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:
CUC VO (Ms.)
Assistant Marcom Manager
Fairfeld by Marriott South Binh Duong
T. +84.274 378 7300
M. +84 901 333 187
E. Cuc.Vo@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:July 5-9, 2021

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Notable news from last week includes Flair flights to the United States, AmaWaterways aspirations in Colombia, Porter plans starting Sept. 8, and earnest hopes that the federal government will set a tourism restart plan in motion before a fall election.

NEWS

Travel and tourism leaders in Canada are urging the federal government to announce a comprehensive re-opening plan before calling an election. “We all know that an election means a pause on all government activity. Canadians and Canadian businesses deserve to know what re-opening looks like long before a federal election is called,” says Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable coalition.

Contiki is a reporting a booking surge of more than 60% in the past month, with clients primarily choosing destinations in Europe and Asia and departures (92%) in 2022. The most popular international destinations are Greece, Italy, and Thailand, while shorter, more sustainable adventures are also an emerging trend, says the tour operator, which is currently offering 20% off worldwide trips.

The Government of Canada is investing $31.5 million to build a new air terminal building at the Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport. A further $10.5 million will come from the Government of the Northwest Territories to help replace the existing, aging terminal with a modern building that will improve overall capacity and enhance structural capacity to adapt to climate change impacts, natural disasters, and extreme weather events. The main level will include a public space, baggage systems, concessions, and air carrier operations.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Porter Airlines will officially return to the skies on Sept. 8, nearly 18 months after suspending flights due to COVID-19 public health and travel restrictions. The flight schedule is returning in phases, with the initial group of Canadian destinations being Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, St. John’s, NL, Thunder Bay and Toronto. US destinations Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington follow on Sept. 17. As such, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, from which Porter operates, says it will begin operations on Sept. 8 as well.

The last route suspended by VIA Rail due to COVID-19, the Ocean, will be resuming service starting Aug. 11. As it had been done for the other VIA Rail services, the return to operation will occur progressively beginning with one weekly round trip.

Cirque du Soleil says five live shows are being added to its schedule for the coming months as it returns from pandemic closures. All of them will be in the US where Cirque’s “Michael Jackson One” begins new shows in Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Aug. 19 and “the Beatles Love” will reopen at the Mirage Aug. 26. “Alegria” will reopen in Houston starting Nov. 18 while the Cirque-associated Blue Man Group is planning a return to Chicago and New York on Aug. 18 and Sept. 3, adding to its restart in Las Vegas. Canada will trail behind with “Kooz” playing at the Old Port of Montreal beginning on April 28, 2022.

BY THE NUMBERS

Only 564 visitors arrived from Canada in May, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. This is compared to 20 visitors in May 2020, but 26,424 visitors (-97.9%) in May 2019.

AIR

Flair Airlines is entering the US market, part of an ambitious five-year expansion plan. The Edmonton-based ultra low-cost carrier says it will launch service from Canada to Fort Lauderdale; Orlando; Phoenix; Hollywood-Burbank and Palm Springs, Ca., and Las Vegas on Oct. 31.

Swoop has announced new non-stop service from Victoria to Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta, the latter launching Oct. 31 with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays. Non-stop flights to Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) are now on sale with the airline set to offer non-stop service once weekly on Sundays.

Small and medium sized businesses that sign up for Emirates Business Rewards corporate loyalty account by July 27 will receive a bonus of 10,000 rewards points, which is the equivalent of one economy class return ticket to selected destinations in Europe.

DEALS

Two new booking incentives from Virgin Hotels offer savings this summer for clients seeking “the best, most lux, exhilarating experience” at brand properties in the US, including Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, Las Vegas and the soon to debut Virgin Hotels New Orleans. ‘Perfectly Planned’ gives 15% off for stays booked seven nights or more in advance, while up to 20% will be discounted for two-plus nights with the ‘Stay Awhile’ package.’ The rates are in effect through Sept. 13.

TOURS

Colombia

Luxury river cruise operator AmaWaterways has announced a partnership with Metropolitan Touring to introduce a new river cruise in Colombia. Starting in December 2023, guests will combine shore and onboard experiences, the latter on a new custom-built, all-suite, eco-friendly river cruise ship. Clients will be able to choose from two seven-night itineraries with pre- and post-cruise land programs exploring the Magdalena River. Full itinerary details are forthcoming.

Through Sept. 30, Goway is offering savings and vacation perks on all new bookings to Thailand, including hotel discounts, dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, Thai massages, yoga sessions, and excursions throughout the kingdom. Thailand is reopening its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers to Phuket and Koh Samui without quarantine requirements, starting in Phuket, with other destinations to follow.

RAIL

Rail Europe has opened ticket sales for the new OUIGO high-speed train network in Spain on its B2B platforms. The network services the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza and Tarragona.

HOTELS

The historic, revival-style building once known as the headquarters of the iconic Chicago and North Western Railway is soon to become a dual-branded Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop (Canopy Chicago) and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop (HGI Central Loop). The new combined 350-room hotels are expected to open in late summer at 226 W. Jackson, featuring on-site F&B outlets, on-site fitness centre, unique event spaces, and an outdoor terrace space shared between both.

Marriott International has opened Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest, marking the brand’s debut in Hungary. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Matild Palace has undergone a meticulous five-year transformation to become a 130-guestroom luxury hotel.

RESORTS

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) commemorated the life of late founder and chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart in a series of on-property and digital happenings timed to honour his July 6 birthday. On property, each resort was presented with a specially framed photograph of the founder displayed in a prominent position for viewing by guests, team members, and visitors. In addition, each resort has introduced an “Ocean Lookout,” a favourite spot identified at each hotel that was special to Stewart for its stunning views of the sea. The Lookouts are accompanied by a plaque quoting Stewart: “My idea of luxury is being by the sea…”

CRUISE

S.S. São Gabriel, the newest member of Unique Boutique River Cruises’ fleet debuted on June 27 on the Douro River in Portugal after a christening ceremony that include company president and CEO Ellen Bettridge. The new “super ship” promptly set sail on an 11-day journey through Portugal and Spain and including the UNESCO-recognized Douro River Valley.

Holland America Line is gearing up to restart cruising out of Port of San Diego in California beginning with a season of cruises to Mexico, Hawaii, and along the California coast aboard Koningsdam and Zuiderdam. The cruise line has expanded the season with the addition of six new cruise departures for Zuiderdam and two new cruises on Koningsdam, offering a total of 40 cruises from San Diego from September through April 2022.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Universal Orlando Resort reports it unwrap its 2021 Holidays celebrations starting Nov. 13 with 51 days of holiday traditions in store. Further details will be released in coming months, but in the meantime, guests booking by Sept. 8 for travel Aug. 16-Dec. 16 will save 30% on a four-day hotel/ticket package.

EVENTS

July 14, 22: Air Canada Vacations is hosting upcoming webinars to update the trade on a couple of its hotel partners. On July 14 at 11 a.m. (French) and 1 p.m. (English) EDT, the tour operator and Sandals will focus on the latter’s Emerald Bay resort in the Bahamas, while on July 22 at 11 a.m. PDT (English only), the focus is Highgate properties in Hawaii. Contact ACV for registration details.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

To mark its new partnership with Silversea Cruises, Air Canada Vacations is offering a 2% bonus for new bookings made by July 26. Sailings can take place through 2023 and all categories apply.

Travel advisors are encouraged to take a trip down memory lane and write a short story about their most unforgettable Jamaican memories and experiences for a chance to win one of three cash prizes courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board. The Jamaica Short Story contest is open until Aug 15; agent can enter their stories (1,000 words or less) HERE.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

WestJet has announced the appointment of a new Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. Diederik Pen, will join the airline’s executive leadership team in the early fall, following the completion of the immigration process. At that time, acting interim COO, Robert Antoniuk will take on a new role as Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer. Pen has more than 25 years of aviation-industry experience in the Asia-Pacific and European regions and joins WestJet most recently from Wizz Air where he was chief operations officer.

DESTINATIONS

Malahat Skywalk

The newest all-age outdoor experience on Vancouver Island, Malahat SkyWalk, will open on July 15. Located 35 minutes north of Victoria, the SkyWalk will immerse visitors in nature and local indigenous culture along a 600 m. elevated walkway through an Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest, leading to a 10-storey, architecturally inspiring spiral tower lookout – the first of its kind in BC. Rising 250 m. above sea level, guests will have 360-degree views as far as the US, and including Finlayson Arm, Saanich Inlet, Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker and the Coast Mountain range. There is also an adventure net and 20-m. spiral side for the daring.

Fully vaccinated adult travellers (21 days prior to arrival) are now welcome in Anguilla; children under the age of 18 years and women who are pregnant are exempt from the requirement. International travellers must apply for entry permission on the island’s web site and must submit a negative COVID-19PCR test taken three to five days prior to arrival, with proof uploaded onto an entry application. More information is available on the web site or by emailing visitanguilla@gov.ai.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Netflix Showcasing Elite Havens Most Amazing Vacation Rentals in New Series

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Netflix Showcasing Elite Havens Most Amazing Vacation Rentals in New Series

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, July 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / NoKu Beach House in Bali, which features in the first episode of the new reality series, is just one of the more than 300 high-end holiday rentals that Elite Havens offers across Indonesia, India, Japan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia and a subsidiary of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has seen the quality of its offerings celebrated in a new Netflix reality series, The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.

The show, which premiered on 18 June 2021 and is now available for viewing to more than 208 million subscribers worldwide, sees hosts Mr Luis D. Ortiz (Million Dollar Listing), Ms Megan Batoon, and Ms Jo Franco (travel content creators) showcase remarkable properties around the globe and the life-changing experiences they have to offer.

A large portion of the first episode is devoted to NoKu Beach House, a sublime beachfront getaway in Seminyak, Bali, which is managed as part of Elite Havens’ hand-picked portfolio of close to 300 fully staffed private luxury havens throughout Asia.

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed interior designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley, and surrounded by an immaculate tropical garden, the private six-bedroom residence boasts a beach-facing plunge pool, a tennis court, and an outdoor cinema and spa. Guests also benefit from a full fleet of professional in-villa staff, including personal butlers, massage therapists, and a private chef who prepares customised gourmet meals.

“NoKu Beach House serves as a wonderful showcase of the Elite Havens experience and the bespoke services our distinctive properties have to offer,” said Ms Maya Rigg, CEO, Elite Havens. “We are delighted this stunning villa has been featured in Netlix’s exciting new show – especially as host Luis D Ortiz, who spends his life around luxury properties, described it as ‘luxury at its best.’ In the post COVID-19 world, luxury villas provide the perfect secluded and safe hideaway for travellers seeking a highly personalised holiday experience. And as the first episode of The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals highlights, Elite Havens has everything in place to exceed guest expectations with bespoke services, stunning locations, and unrivalled local insight.”

Established in 1998, Elite Havens performs integrated marketing, reservations, concierge and management services for luxury villas across Indonesia, India, Japan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Dusit International acquired the company in 2018 as part of its three-pronged strategy for balance, diversification, and expansion. This strategy includes providing broadened experiences for customers beyond Dusit’s traditional hotel brand line up in the midscale through to luxury segments.

In Dusit’s home base of Thailand, Elite Havens offers a wide range of secluded and luxury villas on the paradise islands of Phuket and Koh Samui. From three-bedroom residences in prime beachside locations, to a 20-bedroom mansion set within a sprawling garden, each property promises to offer unfaltering service standards; professional, highly trained villa staff; and the personalised services of the Elite Concierge.

Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International, said, “Leveraging our rich experience in operating full-service hotels for more than 70 years, Elite Havens gives travellers a unique opportunity to stay in some incredible private residences while enjoying the same gracious hospitality for which our legacy brands are renowned. With stunning locations and incredible designs, Elite Havens’ spacious properties are ideal for groups of friends and families seeking highly customised, secluded vacations at exceptional value for money. Thanks to Elite Havens’ unrivalled community links, they promise to offer unique journeys of self-discovery too. Netflix’s new show highlights the distinct appeal of this fast-growing segment of the lodging spectrum, and we are delighted that Elite Havens’ offerings have been named among the world’s best.”

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange 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 15 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.

About Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals and Management
Elite Havens is Asia’s market leader in high-end holiday rentals, with a spectacular, hand-picked portfolio of close to 300 private luxury havens in Bali, Lombok, Nusa Lembongan, Phuket, Koh Samui, Sri Lanka, Japan, India and the Maldives. Inspired accommodation on offer ranges from absolute beachfront to mountain lodges, traditional to design chic and honeymoon hideaways to stunning wedding venues. Each Elite Havens’ guest has access to the Elite Concierge, gourmet dining, luxury provisioning and modern facilities to ensure an indulgent and memorable experience. Elite Havens is part of Dusit International.

About The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is a Netflix reality series created by George Verschoor and Will Spjut. The show takes viewers on the journey of a lifetime, as hosts Luis D. Ortiz (Million Dollar Listing), Megan Batoon and Jo Franco (travel content creators) explore and live in some of the dreamiest properties ever built. With an eye for every budget and style of travel, these three experts explore vacation homes that range from affordable treehouses to exclusive private islands, and from unforgettable igloos to gourmet getaways, giving viewers a glimpse of the life-changing experiences that they have to offer.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO: Digital Tools to Revitalize Tourism

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UNWTO: Digital Tools to Revitalize Tourism

Porto, Portugal, July 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) continues to energize the restart of tourism based on sustainability and innovation. An agreement with MUST Travel & Tech places a digital tool at the service of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of the sector with a view to sustainability. Presented during the UNWTO Mayors’ Forum in Porto, Portugal, the tool is an opportunity for the advancement of smart cities, as well as destinations that incorporate technology and innovation in their development.

Already operating in 60 countries, MUST aggregates all the information of interest to travellers in one place. By also integrating key information and analysis from UNWTO, it aims to become a leading tourism application and generate opportunities for destinations.

Technology at the service of development

We welcome innovative ideas and technologies that allow the creation of global and regional innovation ecosystems aimed at accelerating the recovery of tourism for development

Visibility provided through technological tools is an opportunity for those who, along the entire value chain of the sector, require support to restart their activity, from new destinations around rural communities, to destinations with a high degree of infrastructure development.

“We welcome innovative ideas and technologies that allow the creation of global and regional innovation ecosystems aimed at accelerating the recovery of tourism for development,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili upon signing the agreement.

For his part, the CEO of MUST, Pablo López, highlighted that “technology enhances the productivity and resilience of companies. The implementation of digital solutions in line with new trends in the tourism sector allows us to develop a differentiated, personalized and safe tourism product that is more focused on behaviour patterns and the management of spaces that will undoubtedly contribute to the recovery of a key activity for the economy in general”.

Shared objectives

A distinctive element will be the contribution of tourism intelligence from the UNWTO to the users of the tool. In this way, relevant and verified content is combined with data for making informed and evidence-based decisions.

The agreement provides for cooperation in the execution of projects that include, among others:

  • Supporting the digital transformation of tourism service providers.
  • Fostering tourism development and promotion in a sustainable and inclusive way.
  • Boosting innovation in the practices of reservation and consumption of tourism experiences and activities.
  • Encouraging the creation of quality content with a focus on cultural heritage and the authenticity of the destination to be promoted.
  • Promoting and disseminate the UNWTO “Best Tourism Villages” programme on the MUST platform as well as other programmes or events of the Organization.
  • Promoting programmes related to innovation, education and investments that are useful for tourism destinations of mutual interest.

The agreement between UNWTO and MUST will be in place until the end of 2024.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ITB Berlin 2022: Focus on Restart and Recovery

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ITB Berlin 2022: Focus on Restart and Recovery

Berlin, Germany, July 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show releases details of a hybrid concept and for taking part in the live event from 9 to 13 March 2022 in Berlin. Demand is high for the annual business highlight of the international travel industry. In March 2022 ITB Berlin – The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show – is planning an in-person edition of the event whose success story spans more than 50 years – to which virtual elements will be added.

As part of a three-phase trade show concept, the run-up will consist mainly of matchmaking and appointments. During the actual event ITB Berlin will provide a platform for business, networking, content and dialogue, and with its physical and hybrid trade show stands will create a setting for successful participation in the event. After ITB Berlin, over a period of one to two days the virtual Business Days will round off the concept with virtual appointments and livestreams.

As early as February 2022, access will be available to a virtual trade show platform where exhibitors, trade visitors and the media can make advance contact and find relevant content. The focus of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show will be on Saxony, the Official Partner Destination, which at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 March 2022 on the eve of the event will open ITB Berlin with a festive gala at the CityCube Berlin, which will also be livestreamed. On Wednesday, 9 March, the Berlin Exhibition Grounds will open their doors to exhibitors, trade visitors and the media, observing the latest hygiene rules and a safety concept which ITB Berlin will coordinate with the local authorities and will previously test. On Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 March anyone from the Berlin/Brandenburg region with a lust for travel is also invited to the display halls where they can get ideas and inspiration for their next holidays.

Remote trade show stands and the Digital ITB Business Days supplement the hybrid trade show experience

Anyone wishing to attend ITB but unable to be in Berlin due to travel restrictions can join ITB Berlin live during the event by booking one of the new remote hybrid trade show stands through our Messe Berlin subsidiary CSG. Additional information is available in the week after ITB Berlin the virtual ITB platform will host one to two special Digital ITB Business Days, enabling exhibitors and buyers to meet at a technically user-friendly virtual trade show, where they can meet the appointments they were unable to at the live event.

“With ITB Berlin NOW we were able to offer the industry a sophisticated alternative format during the interim in spring 2021“, said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin. “However, it also became clear to us all that, as we know, nothing can compare with a face-to-face meeting. It therefore gives us all the more pleasure to physically welcome the global travel industry back to Berlin in 2022. Our expanded virtual formats featuring livestreaming and the Digital Business Days will take the show to a new level by combining the best elements of the physical and virtual world.”

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2022 will take place from Wednesday, 9 to Sunday, 13 March as an in-person event in Berlin and will include virtual trade show elements such as the two-day Digital ITB Business Days after the event. From Wednesday to Friday ITB Berlin will be open to trade visitors only. ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Parallel with the show the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday, 9 to Saturday, 12 March 2022. It will take place physically and virtually and feature livestreams along with a 24-hour programme. For exhibitors, trade visitors and the media, participation in the convention is included in the price of a ticket. 3,513 exhibitors from 120 countries were represented at the virtual edition of ITB Berlin NOW 2021 for the duration of the event. Some 65,700 users visited the new online platform, around two-thirds of whom were from abroad. In 2019 a total of 10,000 exhibitors from 181 countries displayed their products and services to 160,000 visitors, including 113,500 trade visitors.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Inaugural Top 25 Restaurants Phuket Edition Launched

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Inaugural Top 25 Restaurants Phuket Edition Launched - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, July 9, 2021 – In-time for the re-opening of Phuket, and with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Travelindex formally launched the Phuket Edition of its prestigious restaurant guide; the Top 25 Restaurants Phuket – the Master Affluent Dining Guide on Phuket, now in 6 key gastronomy destinations across Asia Pacific.

The Top 25 Restaurants Guide Phuket brings together not only gourmet dining but the best of all cuisines, with every establishment chosen first and foremost for the quality of cooking and food served. From Michelin-star quality tasting menus to exquisite and original Peranakan food or the best grilled seafood you’ll ever have, Phuket has become a premier gourmet destination.

The diversity of Phuket’s cuisine is reflected in the rankings at Top 25 Restaurants Phuket; from the classic French and Italian to hyper-local and authentic Phuket food restaurants.

Top25Restaurants.com is celebrating exquisite dining in each city highlighting its the culinary diversity, as well as new trends and chefs supporting local community products. Top 25 Restaurants contributes to the prestige of the local dining scene and, with the integration into the Travelindex global ecosystem, to attract more visitors and tourists to the destination.

To ensure its credibility and impartiality of its ranking, the “Top 25 Restaurants Guide Phuket” is based on a world-leading rating system, the Restaurant Rating Index (RRI). RRI is an artificial intelligence based, decentralized appraisal mechanism combining behavioral analytics and human expertise from some of the world’s top culinary experts.

Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder of Top25Restaurants Guide series, stated: “We are committed to support the gastronomy and hospitality sectors in Phuket by leveraging digital technology and our online expertise. We aim not only to help restaurants in the recovering process from the Covid pandemic downturn but also to educated people to eat better and live better, while at the same time improving the drawing power of the Thai culinary culture and tradition.”

With the Phuket Sandbox programme in effect, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects 100,000 foreign tourists to visit Phuket in the Third Quarter of 2021 from July to September, generating 8.9 billion Baht in revenue for the local economy. A number of major airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways International (THAI) are already reconnecting Phuket with world cities like London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore with direct flights.

Restaurants in Phuket can feature at no costs in the “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket” guide by filling out the submission form here:

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA: Marginal Improvements in May Travel Demand

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IATA: Marginal Improvements in May Travel Demand

Geneva, Switzerland, July 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that both international and domestic travel demand showed marginal improvements in May 2021, compared to the prior month, but traffic remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Recovery in international traffic in particular continued to be stymied by extensive government travel restrictions.

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to May 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.

  • Total demand for air travel in May 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 62.7% compared to May 2019. That was a gain over the 65.2% decline recorded in April 2021 versus April 2019.
  • International passenger demand in May was 85.1% below May 2019, a small step-up from the 87.2% decline recorded in April 2021 versus two years ago. All regions with the exception of Asia-Pacific contributed to this modest improvement.
  • Total domestic demand was down 23.9% versus pre-crisis levels (May 2019), slightly improved over April 2021, when domestic traffic was down 25.5% versus the 2019 period. China and Russia traffic continue to be in in positive growth territory compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, while India and Japan saw significant deterioration amid new variants and outbreaks.

“We are starting to see positive developments, with some international markets opening to vaccinated travelers. The Northern Hemisphere summer travel season is now fully arrived. And it is disappointing that more governments are not moving more rapidly to use data to drive border opening strategies that would help revive tourism jobs and reunite families,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

  • European carriers’ May international traffic declined 84.7% versus May 2019, improved from the 87.7% decrease in April compared to the same month in 2019. Capacity dropped 75.7% and load factor fell 31.3 percentage points to 52.9%.
  • Asia-Pacific airlines saw their May international traffic fall 94.3% compared to May 2019, fractionally worse than the 94.2% drop registered in April 2021 versus April 2019. The region experienced the steepest traffic declines for a tenth consecutive month. Capacity was down 86.4% and the load factor sank 45.5 percentage points to 33.2%, the lowest among regions.
  • Middle Eastern airlines experienced an 81.3% demand drop in May compared to May 2019, slightly bettering the 82.9% decrease in April, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 63.7%, and load factor fell 35.3 percentage points to 37.7%.
  • North American carriers’ May demand fell 74.4% compared to the 2019 period, an improvement over the 77.6% decline in April versus two years ago. Capacity sagged 58.5%, and load factor dropped 32.2 percentage points to 51.7%.
  • Latin American airlines saw a 75.1% demand drop in May, compared to the same month in 2019, notably improved over the 80.9% decline in April compared to April 2019. May capacity was down 69.9% and load factor decreased 14.6 percentage points to 69.5%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the eighth consecutive month.
  • African airlines’ traffic fell 71.4% in May versus May two years ago, a gain from the 75.6% decline in April compared to April 2019. May capacity declined 61.8% versus May 2019, and load factor dropped 16.9 percentage points to 50.2%.
  • India’s domestic traffic fell 71.0% in May compared to May 2019 amid the emergence of the new and more contagious “Delta” variant. This compared to a 42% decline registered in April versus the same month two years ago.
  • Brazil’s domestic traffic rebounded from a 60.9% decline in April versus the same month in 2019, to a 44% decline in May, as travel restrictions were eased.

The Bottom Line

“To paraphrase an old saying, when you think that all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Too many governments continue to act as if the only tool in their anti-COVID-19 arsenal is a blanket border closure or an arrival quarantine. In fact, research from leading medical organizations around the globe confirms that vaccinated travelers pose very little risk to the local population(i) while data show that pre-departure testing largely removes the risk of unvaccinated travelers importing COVID-19(ii).

“It is long past time for governments to start responding to this information with more nuanced data-driven risk-based strategies. These will minimize the chance of importing COVID-19 while allowing the world to reopen to travel and all the opportunities it brings to reconnect with loved ones, to realize business opportunities, to explore the world or take a well-deserved vacation,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A TRUFFLE-HUNTING ADVENTURE IN UMBRIA: Unearthing the diamonds of the gourmet world

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I’m walking through Pettino’s truffle-rich forests and pastures at the base of a mountain. Leading the way are four specially trained dogs – Pucci, Pippo, Vespa and Enea – and hot on their heels are the truffle hunters Luciano and Bruno, armed with small picks and a leather bag for the loot.

Truffle hunting is a centuries-old daily tradition in Umbria. “It’s an everyday part of our lives,” says Bruno. “We go out almost every day. We are the caretakers of the truffle mountain and forests, and the keepers of many generations of recipes. We eat truffles, we produce condiments from them, we sell them. This is how we live.” It’s a beautiful and simple way of life – the secluded Umbrian mountains, the ancestral hamlet that’s been home to truffle hunters since the 15th century.

Today, next to the river, we’re in search of white truffles, the rare bulbous tuber that cannot be cultivated in the same way as its black counterpart. Pucci disappears into the undergrowth, quickly followed by Bruno, her handler. He produces his vanghino, a specialist excavation tool, and unearths an onion-size white truffle. This excites Pucci as she knows what’s coming – a treat in the form of some dried pasta.

Truffles exude a chemical that imitates the mammalian reproductive pheromones, so for an animal, just sniffing it is akin to being drugged. Initially, female pigs were used to find truffles, but when they latch onto its aroma, they’re driven wild and often end up eating their finds. This gave rise to the training and use of truffle-hunting dogs, usually traditional water breeds such as pointers, spaniels and setters, which by law must be highly trained. In theory, they can be of any age, although the best results are attained in three- to six-month-old pups.

Bruno has just started telling me about the price per kilo for black truffles – in excess of £250 – when he hears frantic digging among the trees and sets off in search of Pippo. Moments later, he emerges from beneath the undergrowth, holding an egg-size white truffle between his thumb and index finger. “This,” he says, “is ten times the value of black truffles.” He hands it to me, and I feel its weight in my palm, smell its luscious, slightly garlicky scent, which Bruno tells me is ideal for enhancing the flavour of any dish.

We find just a handful of truffles in our hour-long trek, so the dogs are transported to the nearby estate of San Pietro a Pettine, which is higher up the mountain. Here, we’ll set out to find black truffles, which are buried among roots in select patches of hillside oak and hazelnut groves.

Umbria is the single largest producer of truffles in Italy. In meeting the worldwide demand of international chefs, professional truffle hunters can earn up to £20,000 a season, passing their finds through a series of highly competitive and carefully guarded truffle-market channels before reaching their destinations abroad.

Today, however, our truffles are only going as far as the estate’s restaurant, La Cucina, where the chef Alicia Capuricci uses them to prepare a delicious lunch for us. We start with an egg that has been slow poached for 90 minutes, coated in panko, deep-fried, then served atop creamy mashed potato. This is accompanied by a parmigiana fondue and a heavy handful of white truffle shavings (the very ones we have just brought in from the woods), which taste oaky, nutty and a little earthy, with back notes of olives. “Black truffles’ spores smell stronger than the flavour, but even the strongest will never overpower other ingredients on the plate,” says Alicia, who uses the fungi like a vegetable, shaving it onto just about anything – including ice cream.

Later, at La Pintura, my farmhouse retreat near Trevi, Nonna Ciarletti is making dinner. I’m sitting at a battered 10-seater wooden table, beside a slow-burning log fire, in the company of Gianfranco Ciarletti, my host and a fourth-generation olive farmer. Together, we dine on a harmonious mix of brochettes of meat toasted on open coals, wafers of cured ham, topped off with lashings of home-grown olive oil. Then the soul food makes an appearance – a dense vegetable broth with a fistful of grated truffles and a liberal sprinkling of parmesan cheese, plus a good glug of olive oil. Silence descends on the farmhouse as we lose ourselves in truffle heaven… 

Umbria: the ultimate foodie guide

Where to make traditional pasta: In the picture-postcard village of Scheggino, clamber down a flight of narrow stone steps to Restaurant Osteria Baciafemmine, where the chef Elisa Valentini will demonstrate the pasta-making process to interested visitors. “The region’s typical pasta is umbrici, made from flour and water,” she explains. “After kneading the dough, it is rolled out, then hand-cut into a cord-like spaghetti strips. Of course, the ideal condiment for our umbricelli is truffles.”

Where to celebrate truffles: On 4 and 5 April, Scheggino plays host to the Diamante Nero festival. Browse stalls groaning under the weight of fresh truffles, buy truffle marmalades, oils and other condiments, sample local products such as cheese, lentils and saffron, and discover traditional crafts such as handwoven fabrics. There are also numerous cooking demonstrations and tastings, and hands-on activities for kids, but the highlight of the weekend is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for a giant truffle frittata.

Where to learn more about truffles: Visit the Museo del Tartufo Urbani in Scheggino to delve into the history surrounding its ‘black diamonds’; and while you’re there, stock up on all your truffle requirements in the excellent museum shop.
Where to stay: Castello di Monticelli, near Perugia, is a preserved sixth-century fortress turned boutique hotel festooned with mediaeval characteristics in each of its 26 suites – expect fireplaces, terracotta floors, oak ceiling beams and chestnut windows that frame views of the valley and Perugia in the distance. It’s surrounded by two acres of gardens and terraces; six acres of forest and a large patch of land where organic produce is grown. Alternatively, for a more rustic experience, stay at La Pintura, which offers refined farmhouse-style accommodation on a working olive farm. On offer are four comfortable en-suite rooms, dressed in handmade bed linens and curtains.

How to get there: Get a flight to London Heathrow then a cheap connecting flight either via Ryanair, which flies to Perugia three times a week from London Stansted Airport; alternatively, later this summer, British Airways will launch a new route from Heathrow.

www.umbriatourism.it

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PEI PUB A CLAM DUNK

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You won’t often hear me say this, but it’s not always about the beer. In fact, in this case, it’s about the clams – marvellous mollusks from PEI, served and savoured at the treasured island establishment, Clam Diggers. And if you don’t believe me, believe renowned Canadian chef (and islander) Michael Smith, who raves about the place.

Located in Cardigan on the island’s east end, near Brudenell provincial park and about 45 km from Charlottetown, the ‘beach house and restaurant,’ which has also been called a waterfront pub, is known for its seafood – a veritable best of the best in a Canadian mecca for ocean bounty.

Familiar Food Network contributor Smith – now an innkeeper on the island and cookbook author, and who has in the past served as ambassador for PEI tourism at events in Toronto, where I’ve met him on a few occasions – was quoted in a recent article by Jeremy Reed as going so far as to call the “steamers” served at Clam Diggers “the epitome of perfection and simplicity.” They are served in white wine, butter, garlic and cream, and Smith says, “I’ll fight ya for slurping rights at the bottom of the bowl.”

Also lauded by patrons are the fried clams, as well as other local favourites and Clam Digger classics like haddock and chips, fried scallops, mussels, lobster roll, crab cakes, maple salmon, and, of course, lobster (in season). Some of the items are served together in combo “bake” plates.

 

Clam Diggers

Not a seafood fan? Not to worry, there are also burgers, sandwiches, and wraps, salads, pasta, steak, even poutine and mac & cheese.

And accompanying local craft beer (Gahan) on tap, including during afternoon happy hour (3-5 p.m.), is pub fare like wings, nachos, sweet potato fries, and fish tacos.

Any of the choices can be enjoyed indoors or, better still, out, on a large patio deck, overlooking the water, where guests can watch fishing and lobster boats glide by and catch the harbour lights and sunset in the evening, or wander on a lighted boardwalk. Indeed, the restaurant’s well-deserved motto is: “Come for the food, stay for the view.”

Located at 6864 Water St. in Cardigan, Clam Diggers is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., 9 on Fridays and Saturdays

Clam Diggers

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Jim Morrison still lights our fire

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On the 50th anniversary of his death, Jim Morrison is still lighting the fires of fans, who turned out to pay homage to the erstwhile Lizard King at Pere-Lachaise cemetery in eastern Paris this week.

I once made a similar pilgrimage, though my visit was more in the “things to do in Paris” category than devotion to The Doors, Morrison’s legendary band. And the experience was certainly worth it, I can report, if for no other reason than the beauty of the place and experience of following the curious maize through the cemetery to get to the grave, which would be unfindable without graffiti arrows and markings scrawled on other tombs by fans. (To be honest, these desecrations are disappointing).

At the same time, Morrison’s rather inglorious tomb status – tiny and placed several rows back from the path – suggests that in death he is no more important than his neighbours, and, in fact, he is just one of a host of historically famous names to call the cemetery eternal home – Chopin, Moliere, Proust, Balzac, Piaf, and Oscar Wilde, amongst others.

But unlike the others, his grave – marked with the inscription “true to his own spirit” – is decorated with graffiti and the subject of a makeshift shrine.
Morrison famously died in Paris on July 3, 1971, at age 27 at the height of a career that had delivered, with The Doors, hits like “Light My Fire,” “Hello I Love You,” “Touch Me,” and “Riders on the Storm.”

There was also the infamous 1967 appearance on the Ed Sullivan show where the band were ordered to change the lyrics to “Light My Fire” – considered inappropriate – but sang them live anyway earning Sullivan’s fury and a lifetime ban from the show. And, of course, Morrison’s high-profile drug- and alcohol-fuelled escapades, which ultimately led to his demise.

As such, his status as a mythic, mystic figure for rock fans has never waned. On the 20th anniversary of his death in 1991, the Oliver Stone-directed biopic “The Doors” was released, starring Val Kilmer as Morrison. And in 2021, for many, the flame still burns.

Lyrics

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on, fire

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on, fire yeah

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on, fire yeah

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News