Global Travel News

UNWTO Sets Shared Goals and Opportunities for Tourism in Paraguay

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UNWTO Sets Shared Goals and Opportunities for Tourism in Paraguay - TRAVELINDEXAsunción, Paraguay, August 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The President of Paraguay Mario Abdo Benitez, welcomed this week UNWTO’s support as the county works to make tourism a central pillar of economic growth and social opportunity.

Leading an official UNWTO delegation to Paraguay, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Abdo Benitez to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities for tourism in Paraguay and identify ways of working together to grow and the sector in both size and relevance. Paraguay currently serves as Chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas and is a member of its Executive Council. Such an active role in the mission of UNWTO underscores the government’s commitment to establishing the country as one of the region’s top tourist destinations and the sector as a driver of sustainable development.

The task of the National Government is to promote Paraguay as a destination

Making tourism a priority for Paraguay

Secretary-General Pololikashvili noted that Paraguay is already “on the world map as a destination”, and that, working together, UNWTO and the government can “make this beautiful country better known and make tourism a priority for creating jobs and opportunities for economic growth”.

Opening a special session on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Tourism, held against the backdrop of the UNWTO visit, President Mario Abdo Benítez, said: “The task of the National Government is to promote Paraguay as a destination as part of our strategy to generate income, strengthen our culture and give opportunity to a large number of young people who, as the UNWTO Secretary General said, have the potential to be tourism’s greatest strength.”

Alongside meeting with the President, the UNWTO delegation also met with Minister of Tourism for Paraguay Sofía Montiel de Afara, with the National Tourism Advisory Council of Paraguay, as well as with representatives from the World Bank and from across the private sector. The presence of high-level representatives from the Ministries of the Interior, of Industry and Commerce and of Education and Sciences, underlined the cross-cutting importance of tourism for Paraguay and for the wider region. The Minister of Tourism stated her desire to build on her Ministry’s existing work with UNWTO and develop a new series of capacity-building initiatives to guide tourism in sector out of the pandemic and towards a more resilient future.

Youth empowerment and rural development

Reflecting one of UNWTO’s core priorities, as illustrated by the recent inaugural Global Youth Tourism Summit, Secretary-General Pololikashvili also met with young tourism leaders and advocates from every part of Paraguay to hear their thoughts on the future of the sector and to ensure that they are part of the decision-making process. The UNWTO delegation also visited the historic community of San Cosme y San Damián, named one of UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages in 2021 in recognition of its significance preserving the country’s unique cultural heritage and as a provider of rural development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ZeroAvia to Develop Zero-Emission Flights for The Red Sea Development Company

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ZeroAvia to Develop Zero-Emission Flights for The Red Sea Development Company - TRAVELINDEX - NETZERO.taxHollister, CA, United States, July 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ZeroAvia will explore converting Cessna Caravan Seaplanes using its hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, already flight tested in six-seat PAX airframe and with 19-seat testbed flight at Farnborough International Airshow, July 21, 2022: ZeroAvia, the leader in developing zero-emission solutions for commercial aviation, today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to partner with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) to test and develop zero-emission travel across a new luxury tourism destination with a focus on environmental sustainability and regeneration.

TRSDC plans to operate a fleet of around 30 seaplane variants of the Cessna Caravan to transport guests across the destination. ZeroAvia has been commissioned to explore retrofitting the planes with its powertrain technology and test its viability for offering clean, commercial travel.

Under the deal, TRSDC and ZeroAvia will work together to develop the technology, including collaborating on a roadmap for delivering the production, supply and infrastructure necessary to support hydrogen-powered air travel in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership is part of TRSDC’s ambition to offer fully sustainable connectivity across its destination, including zero-emission flights.

John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC, said:

“In order to achieve our ambitions, we’ve had to become much more than a real estate developer. We are an incubator of ideas, leveraging the most innovative concepts and technologies to help us deliver a new archetype for tourism, which pushes beyond sustainability to deliver regeneration for people and planet. Clean, green transport is fundamental to realizing that aim, which is why we’re working with forward-thinking partners such as ZeroAvia, to bring about a new way of travelling.”

James Peck, VP Business Development at ZeroAvia, said:

“TRSDC recognizes the potential of zero-emission propulsion in ensuring that travel across the resort plays its part in the overall sustainability ambitions of the project. Trialing ZeroAvia’s 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrains for the Caravan means tourists could be taking these zero-emission flights to the destination by the middle of this decade.”

ZeroAvia has identified hydrogen-electric powertrains—where fuel cells use hydrogen in a chemical reaction to generate electricity which powers electric motors—as the most practical, economical, and furthest reaching solution for reducing aviation’s climate change and clean air impacts. The development of the 600kW powertrain is part of Project HyFlyer II, supported in part by an Aerospace Technology Institute grant from the UK Government.

Andreas Flourou, Executive Director, Operations – Mobility at TRSDC, said:

“As we gear up to welcome our first guests early next year, the topic of smart and sustainable mobility is a hot one. We are actively engaging with industry-leading partners to help us identify and deliver the solutions we need spanning land, sea and air transportation. ZeroAvia is a leader in supplying zero-emission aircraft and we’re excited to bring them on board as a valuable partner as we seek to create the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destination.”

TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury, regenerative tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. The company mandate has recently evolved, and the portfolio of projects being developed by the organization is expanding, most recently with the acquisition of AMAALA, further north on the Red Sea coast.

ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric propulsion solutions as the most practical, economical, and furthest reaching solution for reducing aviation’s climate change and clean air impacts. This starts with a 600kW system, targeting certification to support commercial operations of 9–19 seat aircraft, including the Cessna Caravan, flying 300 nautical miles as early as 2024. The company is concurrently working on a powertrain for 40–80 seat aircraft with up to 1,000 nm range for market entry in 2026.

About ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia is a leader in zero-emission aviation, focused on hydrogen-electric aviation solutions to address a variety of markets, initially targeting a 300-mile range in 10–20 seat aircraft by 2024, and up to 1000-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2026. Based in the UK and USA, ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for its two-prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA, passed significant flight test milestones, secured a number of key partnerships with major aircraft OEMs and major global airlines, and is on track for commercial operations in 2024. The company’s expanding UK operations are supported by grants from UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, and ZeroAvia is part of the UK Government’s Jet Zero Council.

About TRSDC
The Red Sea Development Company is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury, regenerative tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

The project is being developed over 28,000 km2 of pristine lands and waters along Saudi Arabia’s west coast and includes a vast archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands. The destination also features sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural and heritage sites. It is designed to include hotels, residential properties, leisure, commercial and entertainment amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure that emphasizes renewable energy and water conservation and re-use, as well as a circular waste management system to achieve zero waste to landfill.

Activity for the first phase of development is well underway and is on track to be completed by the end of 2023. The project has surpassed significant milestones, with over 1,000 contracts signed to date, worth in excess SAR 25 bn ($6.7 bn).

The 100-hectare Landscape Nursery, which will provide more than 25 million plants for The Red Sea Project and AMAALA, is now fully operational. There are more than 20,000 workers currently on-site and 90km of new roads are now complete. The Construction Village and the Waste Management Centre are both fully operational and development is progressing well at the Coastal Village, which will be home to around 14,000 people who will eventually work at the destination.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury Hotel Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern to Open in September

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Luxury Hotel Mandarin Oriental Palace to Open in September - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXLuzern, Switzerland, July 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Be amongst the first to experience the spectacular restoration of this iconic historic palace with enticing opening offers. Following a meticulous renovation, Lucerne’s iconic Belle Époque landmark will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern on 24 September 2022. Enjoying a commanding location on the shores of Lake Lucerne, a stone’s throw from the old town and with spectacular views over the Swiss Alps, the hotel will set a new benchmark for contemporary elegance, legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality.

• Discover Switzerland and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Local architects Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles were the creative talents responsible for the elaborate renovation. They have delivered a contemporary design, inspired by the legendary beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscapes, while preserving the rich history and heritage of this landmark Belle Époque building. The overall stunning result is also a tribute to the Swiss entrepreneur Franz Josef Bucher who realized his dream of a Mediterranean retreat when he originally built the house in 1906.

Rooms and Suites

The hotel features 136 elegant and spacious guestrooms including 48 of the city`s largest suites. Inspired by the beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscape combined with the colour palette of the Mediterranean, the designers have succeeded in creating a unique fusion of the hotel’s original grandeur, contemporary elegance and the quality and attention to detail for which Switzerland is renowned.

Highlights include two Panoramic Rooftop Terrace Suites with magnificent 360-degree lake and mountain views, as well as the luxurious Presidential Suite which offers 133 sqm of captivating lifestyle experiences. Most of the guestrooms have private balconies or terraces and all are equipped with amenities by Diptyque, Dyson hair products as well as Bose sound systems.

Restaurants & Bars

The hotel will become an epicurean destination within the city, offering four restaurants and bars under the patronage of Michelin star experienced Executive Chef Gilad Peled, which will impress with their variety and quality. MOzern Bar & Brasserie is an ideal all-day-dining meeting point for locals and international visitors, offering Asian cuisine, all-time classics, afternoon tea and exciting cocktails. Overlooking Lake Lucerne, Quai 10 awaits visitors with al fresco dining and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine. Inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings and focusing on local seasonal highlights, Colonnade offers modern French Haute cuisine. Finally, Mizūmi will feature exclusive and refined Japanese craftsmanship, set in an intimate six-seat dining environment. Both Colonnade and Mizūmi will open in the first quarter of 2023.

Wellness & Spa

SPA Bellefontaine creates a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with unrivalled face and body treatments provided by this renowned beauty brand. An expansive wellness area offers sauna, steam bath, experiential showers and a relaxation room. In addition, a state of the art Fitness Salon with high-end equipment by Life Fitness is available 24 hours for hotel guests.

Events & Celebrations

With its stunning lakeside location, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern is the ideal venue for meetings, private celebrations and unforgettable social events. Each of the four newly renovated venues is flooded with natural light and provides the latest technology.

Of note is the Salon Alpine, a hidden historical gem with original Belle Époque décor dating back to 1906 and the Edelweiss Ballroom which offers unparalleled lake and garden views.

“Nearly three years after announcing Mandarin Oriental’s arrival in Lucerne, we are getting ready to welcome our first guests to this historic, local monument that has now been transformed,” said General Manager Christian Wildhaber. “The Palace has been deeply rooted in the local community since 1906 and we look forward to welcoming the local community back to their home on the lake. My team and I are looking forward to delighting locals and visitors from all over the world with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned service.”

Opening Offers

To celebrate the opening, the hotel is offering two bespoke welcome packages for guests to enjoy, Be the First To Stay and The Ultimate Suite Experience, starting at CHF 700 per night.

Both offers include guaranteed lake vistas from elegantly renovated rooms or the city`s largest suites as well as a rich daily breakfast for two and a CHF 100 (CHF 150 for suites) dining credit. Both provide complimentary access to the nearby “Museum Sammlung Rosengart”, known for impressive works by a variety of European artists including Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. Suite guests additionally benefit from a Champagne welcome, complimentary valet parking and a momento to take home, reflecting the beauty of Lucerne and the historic hotel. Offers are bookable from now and are subject to availability.

• Discover Switzerland and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Ideally located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, with breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern provides contemporary elegance, legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality in the city’s beautifully restored Belle Époque landmark. The building, which dates back to 1906, presents 136 elegant and contemporary rooms and suites, most of which have private balconies or terraces. Set to become an epicurean destination, the hotel will feature a wide range of culinary offerings from MOzern Brasserie & Bar for all-day dining, afternoon tea and innovative cocktails; al-fresco dining on the lake terrace at Quai 10; contemporary French haute cuisine at Colonnade and traditional Japanese omakase style dining at the six-seat Mizūmi (Colonnade and Mizūmi will open in Q1 2023). An expansive wellness and fitness area provide well-being opportunities for guests, while SPA Bellefontaine creates a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with unrivalled treatments. Private and professional events will benefit from the creative settings of four unique rooms, including Salon Alpine with original décor elements from the hotel’s historic past.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Radisson Hotel Group to Expand Exponentially in APAC

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Radisson Hotel Group to Expand Exponentially its APAC Footprint - TRAVELINDEXShanghai, China, July 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / APAC Expansion Plan will see RHG target multi-brand expansion from over 400 properties across the region, to over 2,000 hotels and resorts by 2025. Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced its APAC Expansion Plan – a major initiative that will unleash the power of its diverse brands and partnerships to drive 400% growth across the Asia Pacific region by 2025.

The APAC Expansion Plan will enable Radisson Hotel Group to increase its regional footprint in Asia Pacific. By 2025, it will add 1,700 hotels and resorts to its current portfolio of over 400 properties. It will aim to achieve this through a combination of organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, master license agreements, and leases in key locations.

Focused on five strategic growth markets, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, the plan builds on existing initiatives to harness the vast potential of China with Jin Jiang and its subsidiaries, both as a destination and an important source of outbound business. In India, Radisson Hotel Group is one of the most recognized and respected hospitality companies, with a portfolio of 100+ properties in operation across more than 60 locations nationwide. To further propel its holding in the Indian market, the Group will leverage its deep existing relationships and seek new strategic partnerships to strengthen its status as the hotel provider of choice in the country.

In Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australasia, the establishment of new dedicated Business Units in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, and Sydney will see the Group build local development and operations teams that offer local language and expert support capabilities in core markets, strengthening Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to the Expansion Plan.

As a result of bolstering its on-the-ground presence in these markets, owners will have access to an expanded collection of brands. The Group has a portfolio of nine distinct brands, and a recently announced brand extension, Radisson Individuals Retreats for the Indian market.

In select markets across Asia Pacific, the Group has rights to develop and manage the 7 Days and Metropolo brands, through individual master license agreements with affiliates of Jin Jiang. Targeting its upscale and mid-scale growth segments, in Australasia and select markets in Southeast Asia the Group has also retained exclusive license rights to develop and manage the Golden Tulip brand from Louvre Hotels Group and additional (non-exclusive) rights to the Kyriad and Campanile brands. India, Indonesia and Korea remain under the direct management of Louvre Hotels Group.

With new or revitalized brands in the portfolio ranging from economy to luxury, Radisson Hotel Group will now be able to customize its development strategy to partner with owners and investors in every market segment and location.

On the APAC Expansion Plan, Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group commented, “Our plans for the APAC region represent one of the most important milestones in our company’s history. Focusing on Asia Pacific’s most dynamic destinations and introducing multiple new brand options will present outstanding opportunities for expansion. Asia is home to many of the world’s largest populations and fastest-growing economies; as the world reopens, travelers from across Asia will play a pivotal role in the global recovery. We look forward to working with our parent company, Jin Jiang International, and all of our partners around the region as we usher in an exciting new era of hospitality.”

The APAC Expansion Plan represents the latest phase of Radisson Hotel Group’s five-year transformation strategy. The company has already undertaken significant investments and rolled out new brand architecture, state-of-the-art IT systems and more personalized guest experiences, as it strives to become one of the top three hotel companies to owners, guests, and talent.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dart Acquires Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

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Dart Acquires Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla - TRAVELINDEXBarnes Bay, Anguilla, July 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Dart today announced the addition of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla to its luxury hotel portfolio. Dart acquired the property from an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group. Located on 35 elevated acres spanning the beaches of Meads Bay and Barnes Bay, the resort is known for its sea views at every turn and 181 generously sized and diverse accommodations from clifftop guest rooms to expansive oceanfront villas.

“Dart has a longstanding conviction in the strength of the Four Seasons brand, its ability to create enduring value throughout its luxury hotels and resorts and focus on its people and the delivery of exceptional guest experiences,” said Mark VanDevelde, Dart’s Chief Executive. “We look forward to collaborating with Four Seasons and the exceptional management and staff of this resort to continue to enhance the world class experiences of guests and residence owners and, alongside the government of Anguilla, contribute to the prosperity of the Anguillan community.”

Dart’s growing hospitality portfolio centres on five-star resorts including The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman as well as the Conrad Orlando at Evermore, an 1,100-acre resort community developed by U.S.-based Dart Interests and opening in 2023.

“Anguilla is a strongly positioned destination poised for continued success, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla has proven itself as a brand and market leader in performance and guest experience,” said Jackie Doak, Director within Dart. “The global hospitality industry has been through challenging times recently; however, as a result of the hard work and dedication of the Four Seasons management and staff, they have established the resort as a perennial favourite among luxury travellers to the Caribbean.”

Executives from Dart, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Starwood Capital Group celebrated the transaction with honoured guests from the government of Anguilla at a reception held in one of the resort’s beachfront villas.

“On behalf of the people of Anguilla, we extend a warm welcome to Dart and its investment in our luxury tourism market,” said the Honourable Premier Ellis Webster. “Attracting an innovative investor such as Dart is a testament to confidence in Anguilla’s economy and the extraordinary product created by Four Seasons, Starwood Capital Group and the Anguillan staff responsible for the stellar experiences that keep guests returning to our island year after year.”

The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haydn Hughes shared in the welcoming of Dart by noting, “We are excited about this revolutionary step to realising a reimagined Anguilla and its overall tourism product. We have seen much positive contributions to our positioning by Starwood Capital Group and the Four Seasons brand that will only take on greater heights with our relationship with Dart. It’s a new and great day for Anguilla and all who love our island home.”

About Dart
Dart is a privately held global investment and development organisation. Dart’s real estate interests encompass hospitality, commercial office, retail, entertainment and infrastructure. Properties in the Cayman Islands include the 685-acre town of Camana Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort and Residences, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, The Residences at Seafire, the North Sound Golf Club and the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. Over 20 years ago the company’s first investment in the Cayman Islands was a 26-acre nursery that cultivates native plants and trees for its properties, signifying Dart’s belief that landscape and open spaces are as important to human connectivity as are the built environments. Beyond Cayman, Dart owns and develops properties in 12 U.S. markets including the 1,100 acre Evermore Resort in Orlando. For 25 years Dart has been preserving hundreds of thousands of acres of land for conservation in areas of the Patagonia region in South America, New Zealand, Portugal, British Columbia, Central Florida forest habitats, the Jamaican Blue Mountains and the Cayman Islands. Though its long-term vision, Dart creates a legacy of generational value and opportunities for shared prosperity in communities around the world. For more information visit dart.ky.

About Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Encircled by sugar-sand Barnes Bay and Meads Bay beaches with clear turquoise sea, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is located along the northwestern shore of the island offering 3,200 feet of pristine beachfront and sweeping views of the breaking surf. The 35-acre resort features 181 private accommodations to include expansive villas (up to 6,185 square feet), townhomes, penthouses, residences, suites, and guestrooms. With an average guest room size of 2,200 square feet including private pools, hot tubs, and direct access to the beach, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla continues to be recognized as one of the Caribbean’s premier resorts. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis courts, complimentary water activities, 3 resort pools and more than 100 private pools.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES: How does Canada rate?

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TIME magazine has revealed its fourth annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, highlighting 50 extraordinary travel destinations around the globe. Spoiler alert: Two of them are Canadian.

The list, which is detailed in this week’s double edition of the magazine (cover date July 25/Aug. 1) does not rank the destinations, however the cover/cover story honour was given to Dolni Morava, Czech Republic, which boasts the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, Sky Bridge 721, plus another curiously configured structure (like a twisty roller coaster ride), Sky Walk, on a hill in the Czech countryside, about 200 km east of Prague.

Of the 2022 list, TIME editors write: “As persistent as the challenges of life in 2022 is the hope that understanding and human connection can be found through travel. So, with much of the global population now vaccinated against COVID-19, world travellers are again hitting the road – and the skies. The hospitality industry is reopening and excited to safely welcome them and revitalize local communities.”

To compile this year’s collection of top spots, the magazine solicited nominations of places from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

The result: 50 far-flung and familiar spots, from the Great Barrier Reef, where visitors can see undersea wonders while participating in conservation efforts, to the ultra-high-tech city of Seoul. Many of the destinations are charting a path to economic recovery, such as The Philippines’ Boracay Island, which had been closed for years due to over tourism and then the COVID-19 pandemic

Here are some of the highlights:

Dolni Morava, Czech Republic – “After a few years of grounded travel, take it up a notch by walking the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, a new sky-high architectural marvel in the Czech Republic. Sky Bridge 721, which opened in May after two years of construction, is a new attraction named for the 721 m. it spans in the foothills of the Jeseniky Mountains. Hanging more than 95 m. above the cloud-shrouded valley and the Mlynsky Stream, it offers panoramic views on a heart-pumping walkway that is less than 4 ft. wide. No climbing or skiing skills are needed to get your mountain high here. Bragging rights will only require a dose of courage to walk across the bridge.”

Miami, Fla. – “Miami is emerging as the US’s capital of cool. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix in May drew a spectacular cross section of VIPs and celebrities to witness Formula One stateside…To soak up the sun, the Underline is a new outdoor park on the city’s Riverfront, opening in phases through 2025. The first section is Brickell Backyard, a half-mile stretch of bike paths and public spaces (think yoga and live music) underneath the Miami Metrorail, which just won Architizer’s A+ Award for Architecture and Urban Transformation.”

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia – “Bali is bringing the heat this year with numerous openings, including the kind of big-¬ticket luxury resorts and wellness experiences that make it the ideal escape for those looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. The long-¬anticipated Raffles Bali opened late last year in Jimbaran Bay, where guests enjoy the attention of a “well-being butler,” who does everything from drawing a bath with rose petals to providing aloe for over–sunned skin. Watch the sunset on the spectacular outdoor terrace of the Writers Bar, Bali Sling in hand.”

Rapa Nui, Chile – “The storied island of Rapa Nui finally reopens to tourists after more than two years on Aug. 1. Famous for the iconic massive and mysterious Moai sculptures crafted by its first inhabitants, Rapa Nui, located roughly halfway between Santiago and Tahiti, has been a Chilean territory since 1888… The closure of Rapa Nui to tourism because of COVID-19 affected both its economy and the frequency of food deliveries, so islanders have seized the opportunity to expand traditional and sustainable agricultural practices, especially for taro and guava. Once Rapa Nui reopens, don’t miss idyllic Anakena Beach – where Rapa Nui’s first King landed – and keep your eye out for hawksbill and green turtles… Tourism will restart slowly; some of the first to see Rapa Nui’s sculptures will be passengers aboard Silversea’s Silver Explorer and Silver Whisper, which stop in Rapa Nui in November and December on cruises between Chile and the South Pacific”

Skelleftea, Sweden – “Exciting new offerings have pushed this quaint Swedish city into must-see territory. Though it lies just 125 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Skelleftea emanates undeniable warmth. A parade of timbered buildings line the main promenade, punctuated by the newly opened Wood Hotel – one of the largest structures in the world built entirely of its eponymous material. At the restaurant Bryggargatan, Michelin-caliber Nordic cuisine is plated without pretension. Sometimes the warmth is literal: downtown now boasts heated sidewalks during the frigid Scandinavian winter.”

Calabria, Italy – “Calabria is one of the most overlooked Italian destinations –underdeveloped and unfairly dogged by a louche reputation. (Easy Jet was forced to apologize after a 2020 ad cheekily promoted it as a land of “Mafia activity.”) The province, spanning the toe of the Italian boot, is home to breathtaking beaches, stunning mountain vistas, ancient hilltop villages, and unique, spicy cuisine. Last year a group of enterprising and passionate hiking guides knitted the landscape into a three-day cross-¬country trek, starting in the beach paradise of Soverato on the Ionian coast and ending about 34 miles west, in the 14th century fortress town of Pizzo on the Tyrrhenian Sea.”

San Francisco, Ca. – “San Francisco’s incredible scenery, cultural institutions, and diverse culinary offerings are all making major strides this year. This July, the Presidio of San Francisco, located in Golden Gate national park, debuted Presidio Tunnel Tops, a 5.7-hectare outdoor park expansion built on top of old highway tunnels with unfettered views of the Golden Gate Bridge.”

Seoul, Korea – “Seoul is considered one of the world’s leading ‘smart’ cities, and now is the first city government to integrate with the Metaverse, earmarking $3.3 million of South Korea’s $187 million investment for the development of a virtual communication ecosystem tentatively called Metaverse Seoul….It is also working toward launching a Virtual Tourist Zone, which will allow registered users with VR headsets to view the city’s top attractions, such as the Deoksugung Palace, Gwanghwamun Plaza, and Namdaemun Market.”

Park City, Utah – “The charming ski town rose to fame hosting the annual Sundance Film Festival, a star-studded celebs-in-snow-boots event, but is now growing into a major winter and summer destination on par with Aspen… But it’s not all upscale accommodations, new restaurants, and ski-in ski-out at this beloved winter escape: the city is enticing summer visitors with golfing, hiking, fly-¬fishing, and mountain-biking opportunities set on a mesmerizing backdrop.”

Portland, Oregon – “Portland continues to expand on its commitment to planet earth, with new infrastructure for bikers and walkers. The Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge opens July 31 and will connect the Central Eastside and Lloyd neighborhoods; the new, earthquake-¬resilient Ned Flanders Crossing pedestrian bridge (The Simpsons creator Matt Groening was raised in Portland) connects the Northwest and Pearl districts; and Tilikum Crossing carries trains, buses, streetcars, cyclists, and pedestrians over the Willamette River.”

Marseille, France

Marseilles, France – “France’s second largest city is fast becoming one of southern Europe’s leading cultural destinations, with the June opening of the Cosquer Méditerranée… The attraction houses a full-scale replica of the famous Grotte Cosquer, a cave in the city’s scenic Calanques National Park that prehistoric people etched with artwork before it was eventually submerged underwater…Any trip to France is incomplete without sufficient gastronomy, and Marseilles’ food scene is carving out its own identity. Europe’s first 100% solar-¬powered restaurant, Le Présage, has taken root in a leafy corner of the Technopôle de Château Gombert.”

Portree, Scotland – “The Isle of Skye has a stunning Scottish landscape characterized by coastal cliffs, craggy hills, and medieval castles, and its and its capital of Portree (pop. 2,300) is just as inviting as it is rugged. For generations, city-weary Glaswegians have been escaping here on weekends, drawn by idyllic scenery and relative proximity. Now it’s casting a wider net, welcoming a post pandemic influx of American visitors.”

And here’s what TIME has to say about its Canadian entrees:

Toronto – “The capital of Ontario – a multi-dimensional, forward-thinking, diverse city – is experiencing a growth spurt, thanks to a slate of new hotel openings, including W Toronto. But even beyond hospitality, Toronto is a city begging to be discovered and appreciated. On deck this year: the Frida Immersive Dream, from the creators of the immersive Van Gogh exhibit; ArtworxTO, a year-long initiative showcasing Toronto’s diversity as it supports its local artists; and the Toronto Biennial of Art, featuring citywide programming intended to inspire global conversations. And just in time for summer, the Lake Shore Inflatable Water Park debuted, adding a family-friendly attraction right off the shore of Ontario Place. In between excursions, lounge in CIBC Square Park, an elevated park—the city’s first, in an ongoing effort to create green spaces amid skyscrapers – complete with public wi-fi and spectacular city views.”

Tofino, BC – “On the windswept west coast of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island lies tiny Tofino, a former fishing village and the traditional home of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth people, now a bustling community surrounded by the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Wildlife tours, forest hiking, and walks along wide sandy beaches reconnect people with nature. Powerful winter storms produce ocean swells, creating epic storm-¬watching opportunities and a thriving cold-water surfing scene.”

See the full list HERE.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Laying low in Phnom Penh

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has dug deep to add a new facet to the destination’s vibrant bar scene with Metropole Underground: the first subterranean bar in the Cambodian capital. Inspired by the louche, chic vibe of early 20th Century Paris, Metropole Underground is a unique addition to the Phnom Penh’s famously lively bar scene.

Discreetly located in the basement of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, the city’s newest international branded luxury hotel, the sophisticated space offers premium drinks, light gourmet bites, and nightly live entertainment spanning bands and DJ beats.

The bar is inspired by the glory days of Parisian art-deco and the French capital’s metro system, with replicas of cast iron detailing from the original Paris Metro integrated into the space and transformed into sculptural and decorative elements.

The result is a compelling blend of European and Khmer influences.

Metropole Underground is the first subterranean bar in Cambodia’s capital

“Phnom Penh is widely known for the vibrancy of its bar scene. Therefore, we are proud that we can add something new to the mix with Metropole Underground,” said Herman Kemp, GM of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. “When you step down into the basement it’s really like entering a different world.”

The new Metropole Underground completes a varied lineup of options for revelry, or relaxation at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh.

As conceptually intriguing as Metropole Underground is The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar tucked away in the eaves of the Colonial House – a lemon-coloured royal villa dating back to 1900 that is a centrepiece of the property. The bar specializes in handcrafted cocktails and grand cru wines.

Another social hotspot is FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, spanning the rooftop on level 14, where guests are treated to grilled seafood and meats, refreshing cocktails, and energizing DJ performances whilst soaking up inspiring views of the Royal Palace, the Mekong River, and the city skyline.

The interior design of Metropole Underground is inspired by the louche, chic vibe of early 20th Century Paris

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: When the weather is hot…

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“In the Summertime,” the debut single in 1970 by British Band Mungo Jerry – the guy with the chops was actually named Ray Dorset – is still a seasonal classic and ranks as one of the best-selling singles of all time having sold more than 30 million copies.

No surprise then that the ode to the casual, carefree days of summer (when the world wasn’t melting, or burning), was a No. 1 hit in many countries around the globe, including spending a couple of weeks at the top of the charts here in Canada.

Not bad for a tune that Dorset says he in wrote in about 10 minutes in his spare time from his day job.

Beyond the infectious melody, the unique song featured a skiffle shuffle and jug band instruments – banjo, stand-up base and, of course, an actual jug – and a few indecipherable lines that require a lyric search (which we have helpfully provided below).

Then there was Dorset (often assumed to be the Jerry of Mungo Jerry) rocking the mini afro and massive mutton-chop sideburns (and big teeth, thb).

All together it was a recipe for success – and made for a classic song not to be forgotten.

Lyrics

In the summertime, when the weather is hot
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s right
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find

If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane, do a turn or return to 25
When the sun goes down, you can make it
Make it good in a lay-by

We’re no threat, people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine, we go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy, life’s for living
Yeah, that’s our philosophy

Sing along with us
Dee-dee-dee, dee-dee
Dah-dah-dah, dah-dah
Yeah, we’re hap-happy
Dah dah-dah
Dee-dah-do, dee-dah-do, dah-do-dah
Yeah, dah-do, dah-dah-dah
Dah-dah-dah, do-dah-dah
Alright

When the winter’s here, yeah, it’s party time
Bring your bottle, wear your bright clothes
It’ll soon be summertime
And we’ll sing again, we’ll go driving
Or maybe we’ll settle down
If she’s rich, if she’s nice, bring your friends
And we’ll all go into town

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott, RIDA, and Ares Announce the Construction of Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center

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Gaylord Pacific Rendering
Gaylord Pacific Rendering

Marriott International, Inc. today announced the commencement of construction on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center (the “Gaylord Pacific”). A ceremony was held this morning on the 500+ acre Chula Vista Bayfront, site of the anticipated 1.8 million-square-foot Gaylord Pacific. The event was attended by the Gaylord Pacific’s developers RIDA Development Corporation (“RIDA Development”) and Ares Management (“Ares”), finance partners, officials from the City of Chula Vista, Port of San Diego, and State of California, Marriott executives, group customers, and other project supporters.

“We are thrilled to announce the growth of the Gaylord Hotels brand with the addition of the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center,” said Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International. “Adding a West Coast group destination of this scale and quality to Marriott’s portfolio will provide our customers the exceptional meetings and events service and design that the Gaylord Hotels brand is known for in a highly desired, premier Southern California location.”

Marriott International will manage the resort and convention center under a long-term management agreement. Russ Mitchell, most recently Director of Sales and Marketing at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, will serve as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Gaylord Pacific and will lead a team with the goal of pre-booking more than 1.5 million room nights prior to opening.

The Gaylord Pacific is anticipated to have 1,600 hotel rooms, including 89 spacious suites with 12 Presidential suites. The project is expected to welcome its first guests in the summer of 2025 and to serve as a key component of the Chula Vista Bayfront, located in Chula Vista and within close proximity to San Diego. The resort will offer 360-degree views with San Diego Bay to the west and Chula Vista Marina to the south providing unobstructed views across the bay and on to the Pacific Ocean.

Master of Ceremonies for the event, Ira Mitzner, CEO of RIDA Development Corp, stated, “The closing of the Gaylord construction loan and the commencement of construction will bring over 10,000 construction jobs and over 4,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs to the state of California. This $1.275 billion project represents the finest of public-private partnership and will create a strong and unique economic engine for the City of Chula Vista, Port of San Diego, and State of California for many decades to come.”

“We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Gaylord Pacific and the further expansion of our collaboration with RIDA Development and Marriott,” said Andrew Holm, Partner in Ares Real Estate. “We are pleased to have the support from the City of Chula Vista, Port of San Diego, and the State of California, and we look forward to working closely with them to realize the potential benefits for stakeholders in the community.”

Marriott, together with the owner and development led by RIDA Development and a Real Estate fund managed by Ares Management, announced the closing on a $685 million construction loan from Wells Fargo Bank as co-lead arranger for a nine-bank consortium, including co-lead arranger Bank of America, documentation agents: Fifth Third Bank, Scotia Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and participants: Frost Bank, Goldman Sachs, MidFirst Bank, and Taiwan Business Bank.

A construction loan from JPMorgan Chase Bank as sole lead arranger in the amount of $383 million was secured by the City and Port to support the public investment in the project.

Gaylord Pacific is expected to offer nine signature dining options with more than 418,746 square feet of indoor and outdoor convention center space, inclusive of a flexible 143,553-square-feet, carpeted exhibit hall, up to 62 technologically advanced breakout and conference rooms, five outdoor event lawns and terraces. Plans for the hotel include an expansive, glass lobby atrium with spectacular views of the San Diego Bay along with nine restaurants and bars, full-service Relâche signature spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort is also slated to feature a premium outdoor waterpark complex with water slides, a full wave pool, adult and kid’s pools, and a lazy river as well as ample pool seating and cabanas.“

Chula Vista deserves the best economic opportunities, and we have always believed our city is worthy of a world-class bayfront. Many years of effort have brought us to this point and I am overjoyed this day has finally come,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “The economic impacts of this investment will reverberate throughout our city and region with the temporary construction jobs but also the 4,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs that will be created.” Located in sunny Southern California, the Chula Vista Bayfront is a waterfront site located seven miles south of downtown San Diego. The Chula Vista Bayfront will serve as a mixed-use development, to be built in phases over several years. The potential economic impact of the project is estimated at more than $14 billion of economic activity for the State of California. “We celebrate our partnership with RIDA Chula Vista, LLC on this historic day, as we break ground on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center on the Chula Vista Bayfront,” said Port of San Diego Chairman Dan Malcolm. “As a public-private partnership, this is a model of how government agencies and the private sector can work together. This world-class project will fulfill the great potential of this waterfront site — attracting visitors from throughout the State of California and beyond and creating massive economic impact for our region.”

“The Chula Vista Bayfront in Southern California provides unmatched waterfront views, and a unique blend of urban amenities and coastal access. As the largest undeveloped waterfront site on the West Coast, and with proximity to San Diego and the U.S.-Mexico border, our bayfront is attracting national attention as we continue executing a fully approved, shovel-ready master plan,” said Port of San Diego Commissioner Ann Moore, who represents Chula Vista on the seven-member board. “Our selected partner, RIDA Chula Vista, LLC, is developing the bayfront’s most high-profile and desirable site – a defining project for this cherished destination. Our region warmly welcomes the construction of the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, and we look forward to seeing it take shape along our bayfront skyline.”

Luke Charlton, Chief Operating Officer of RIDA Development Corporation, summarized today’s event as follows: “Today’s groundbreaking is the culmination of decades of planning that the City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego led with tremendous foresight; knowing the potential that the Bayfront held could only be realized when this complex public private partnership was completed and the catalyst project, Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center was under construction. We are grateful for the partnership and support of Ares, Marriott, the Port, the City, and our lenders as we build the future of the Bayfront and are proud to bring this world class convention resort to Southern California.”

Marriott International currently operates five Gaylord Hotels across Nashville, Tennessee; Kissimmee, Florida; Grapevine, Texas; National Harbor, Maryland; and Aurora, Colorado.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 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 www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Gaylord Hotels Gaylord Hotels, part of the Marriott portfolio of brands, offers extraordinary environments with everything in one place—diverse dining options, full-service spas, pools, top-notch entertainment, shopping and more. Locations include Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida; Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland; and Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, CO. About RIDA Development Corporation RIDA Development Corporation has achieved an international reputation for creating innovative, high-quality, and successful real estate ventures. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, and founded in 1974 by David Mitzner, RIDA operates major divisions in California, Texas, Florida, and Europe. RIDA is currently managing and developing retail, office, distribution, residential, hotel and mixed-use land developments with a value in excess of $7 billion. As one of the nation’s most active conference hotel developers, RIDA’s projects have earned it a reputation as one of the industry’s leading development organizations. For more information, please visit www.ridadev.com.

About Ares Management Corporation
Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of March 31, 2022, Ares Management Corporation’s global platform had approximately $325 billion of assets under management, with over 2,100 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

Media Contact
Elynsey Price
elynsey.price@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dining Out During a Pandemic

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Dining Out During a Pandemic - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25 RESTAURANTSHong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, July 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / COVID-19 has devastated the global restaurant industry. Developing effective strategies to recover from this major blow will be crucial in the coming months and years. One such strategy, according to Professor Brian King and co-researchers, may be media coverage. Public confidence in eating out can only be regained if and when restaurants and diners cooperate to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as through sanitation- and hygiene-related measures. However, the precise influence of the media on the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours of diners has not been properly characterised. With crucial implications for the global restaurant industry, this timely study explores the potential of media messages to encourage COVID-19 preventive behaviours among restaurant-goers in Taiwan.

Restaurants have had a rough ride during the past couple of years, with grievous losses in both sales and jobs. “Consumers have shown extreme reluctance to dine out”, note the researchers, “due to lockdowns, social distancing measures, and general caution towards places where people congregate”. In Taiwan, food and beverage sales saw the steepest drop ever recorded in 2020. Clearly, restaurants in Taiwan and beyond must now regain lost ground and salvage what remains following the crisis.

Improvements are anticipated as restaurants finally begin to resume operations. “Strong, pent-up consumer demand has been forecast as dining room doors start re-opening”, the authors report. Yet public confidence in dining out can only be restored if and when measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19, such as hand-washing and social distancing, are fully implemented. This will require effort from diners as well as restaurants.

“However, customers are reluctant to change their habits”, the researchers warn, “thereby challenging the effectiveness of restaurant efforts to communicate their COVID-19 preventive measures”. If communication is key, the media may offer a useful channel. By making people more aware of the risk posed by COVID-19, the researchers hypothesise, media coverage may encourage restaurant-goers to behave prudently to reduce that risk.

So far, however, this topic has received surprisingly little attention in the literature. To fill this gap, the researchers set out to determine whether the preventive behaviours of restaurant-goers in Taiwan were influenced by exposure and attention to media coverage of COVID-19. “Understanding public perceptions of COVID-19 risks that have been acquired through media is critical for shaping future behavioural changes”, say the authors. Their findings enhance our understanding of “the deployment of media by and about hospitality in managing crises”.

In the absence of first-hand knowledge of COVID-19, individuals usually turn to the media for advice. Restaurant-goers are no exception. Many people in Taiwan, for example, have encountered guidance on dining out that has been released to the media by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. This public health body recommends “choosing restaurants that enact prevention and safety measures”, report the researchers.

Other than fulfilling their duty to disseminate practical public health information, media outlets can magnify “the importance of what the public sees and/or hears in the news”. This, explain the authors, can bring about intense emotional reactions, such as fear. Reports that emphasise certain components of an issue can also stimulate public interest in and attention to those components.

Attention to media is distinct from simple media “exposure”. These two dimensions of media engagement could play completely different roles in shaping risk perceptions and preventative behaviours. It is thus essential to scrutinise the effects of both. “Media exposure measures whether individuals have come into contact with some form of media”, assert the authors, “whereas media attention provides a more deliberate measurement of content”. Yet few studies have compared the effects of media attention and exposure, usually opting to examine one or the other.

Noting the lack of research on the impact of media communications on the hospitality industry, the researchers sought to determine how media exposure and media attention, respectively, affected the preventive behaviours of restaurant customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To gain more detailed insights, they also probed the roles of risk perception and fear in these relationships. Using the established Stimulus–Organism–Response model, the researchers predicted that exposure and attention to media coverage of COVID-19 would affect customers’ preventive behaviours through affective and cognitive pathways (fear and perceived risk).

In May 2020, the researchers administered a survey in Taiwan. Given the pandemic situation, the survey was completed online to limit face-to-face contact. The participants were 366 adults living in Taiwan. Most dined out one to three times per month (48.1%), followed by four to six times per month (23.3%).

In the 32-question survey, the respondents were quizzed about their fear of COVID-19 and their perceptions of the risks associated with the virus. Their views on risk-prevention behaviours in restaurants were also recorded. For example, the diners were asked to indicate the extent to which they agreed with the following statements: “While dining out in a restaurant, I try to wash my hands or use hand sanitizer more often to prevent the risk of COVID-19 infection” and “I am willing to choose restaurants that follow preventative measures”. Finally, to assess the respondents’ COVID-19 media exposure, they were asked to indicate the frequency with which they engaged with traditional media, including newspapers, radio and TV, as well as new media, such as social networking sites. Media attention was measured by asking the respondents to describe their interest in and attention to media reports on COVID-19.

As expected, greater exposure to COVID-19 media coverage increased customers’ fear of the disease and their perception of the associated risks. This was also true for media attention, such that consumers who paid more attention to COVID-19 content reported more fear and perceived risk. These findings suggest that media coverage of the pandemic not only elicits an emotional response, fear, but also has the power to shape more rational or logic-based responses, such as risk perception.

Risk perception was further magnified by fear of COVID. “Because fear is one of the strongest emotions, it is unsurprising that the perceived seriousness of COVID-19 risks is magnified when it is present”, say the authors. In turn, this fear-induced increase in perceived risk boosted customers’ adoption of preventive behaviours in restaurants.

Interestingly, only customers’ perceptions of the risks posed by COVID-19 – not their fear of COVID-19 – directly contributed to their preventive actions. Therefore, “the management of health crises should take into account the cognitive responses of restaurant consumers”, say the researchers.

A key difference between media attention and media exposure was identified. Paying attention to COVID-19-related information resulted in more fear and perceived risk than simply being exposed to such information. This shows that these constructs should indeed be treated separately by researchers and practitioners investigating the role of media engagement in managing crises in the hospitality industry.

More generally, this work could help restaurants to develop media communication strategies that ensure appropriate preventive behaviours, using both new and traditional media channels. Restaurant businesses will benefit greatly from this, as “the incidence of restaurant closures may fall when governments, health authorities, and consumers are assured about careful and deliberate operations”, add the authors.

In examining both exposure and attention to media coverage of COVID-19 risk, this study affords timely and actionable guidance for both restaurants and policy makers on developing communication strategies to ensure customers’ compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures. Effective and targeted media coverage is especially valuable today, as the restaurant industry takes its first steps on the path to recovery, because its success will rely heavily on public confidence. Taking a wider perspective, strategies for encouraging customers to proactively safeguard themselves and others against COVID-19 will aid not only restaurants but every sector of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Sung, Yung-Kun, Hu, Hsin-Hui Sunny, and King, Brian (2021). Restaurant Preventive Behaviors and the Role of Media during a Pandemic. International Journal of Hospitality Management, Vol. 95, 102906.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News