Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Feb. 13-17, 2023

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Last week, ACTA continued its letter writing campaign for federal support; the Jamaica Tourist Board was on the road in Canadian cities; WestJet unveiled its summer service, including big Edmonton news; Machu Picchu re-opened; and a Mexican airline announced it was ending operations.

NEWS

ACTA is asking travel agents again to send letters to their Member of Parliament in support of its recommendations on the federal Tourism Growth Strategy (TSG) that urge support for travel agents. To help make sending a letter quick and easy, TIAC has posted a link to find MP contact details and a letter template HERE.

ACTA also held its first meeting with its newly appointed 2023 Independent Travel Agent Advisory Group (ITAAG), a body tasked with advising ACTA on advocacy issues specific to independent travel agents.

A NEXUS enrolment centre has been opened in Maine, at the Houlton-Woodstock, NB, border. Applicants are now able to schedule an interview on the CBP’s Trusted Traveller Portal; officials from both countries will work together to conduct joint interviews.

Machu Picchu has reopened after being closed nearly a month ago amid anti-government protests. The move came after agreements between authorities in Peru with social groups and the local tourism industry to guarantee the security of the famed tourist attraction and transport services. The closure of the Inca-era stone citadel in Peru’s southeastern jungle on Jan. 21 forced the government to airlift more than 400 tourists from Machu Picchu to the city of Cusco by helicopter.

BY THE NUMBERS

Following strong annual percentage increases in international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to Asia in 2022, predictions now are for a return to pre-COVID levels this year, with growth momentum slowly moderating in strength to 2025 as pent-up demand gradually eases. PATA estimates 713 million IVAs in 2023 representing a 254% increase over last year.

AIR

WestJet has unveiled 20 new routes and three new destinations – Minneapolis, Detroit and Washington DC (Dulles) – to the airline’s summer schedule, which features what the carrier calls its “largest expansion in history” out of Edmonton. In addition to the new destinations, WestJet’s summer network additions also feature new routes from Western Canada to Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Nashville and Seattle, plus increased frequencies and options to travel from coast-to-coast and enhanced regional connectivity with the resumption of non-stop flights and increased frequencies in the West.

Direct service between Ottawa and Charlottetown will be launched by Porter Airlines on May 17. The new daily, non-stop route – available initially until the last week of October – is to be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft and marks the only daily non-stop service between the cities.

Canada Jetlines reports that travel agents in Canada are now able to view and book Canada Jetlines seat inventory via the Sabre Global Distribution System.

The small Mexican airline Aeromar is closing down due to financial problems after failing to recover from a pandemic downturn. The regional carrier operated 21 routes in Mexico and flew to McAllen and Laredo in Texas and Havana, Cuba. It specialized in flying routes between Mexico City and beach resorts.

DEALS

Air Canada Vacations is offering up to 30% off select flight and hotel packages to Orlando, when booking by March 5 for travel dates through Dec. 31.

The “Treat Yourself, On Us” wave season offer from Cunard is available through March 28 for select voyages from May 16 to Jan. 3, 2025, across the entire fleet – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the line’s newest ship Queen Anne. The offer includes an onboard credit up to US$2,000 per stateroom and discounts of up to 30% for all fares.

TOUR OPERATORS

Six major tour brands under The Travel Corporation umbrella – Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, and Contiki – have now aligned under one rewards program: Global Tour Rewards. The unification merges all current  TTC Tour Brands loyalty programs into one place, with the benefit of providing travel sellers “a highly marketable angle to re-engage past guests, cross-sell brands within the portfolio and encourage clients to travel again.”

 Air Canada Vacations launched a new dedicated support program for independent travel advisors. ACV@Home is designed to provide assistance, creative tools, and training to help grow the community for travel professionals working from home. The tour operator is further introducing an awards program to recognize top-producing home-based agents.

HOTELS

Sonesta International Hotels, the 8th largest hospitality company in the US, announced that during 2022 it added 74 properties to its franchised portfolio. The new properties further expand Sonesta’s global presence and include more than 8,500 guest rooms.

Open while undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation, the once famed Artisan Hotel Boutique in Las Vegas is evolving into The Lexi – Elevations Hotels and Resorts new 64-room hotel that will be the first in Las Vegas to embrace the idea of cannabis-friendly hospitality.  Located close to the Las Vegas Strip, The Lexi is embracing its “small and cheeky” mentality, and will feature all new guest rooms, including an entire fourth floor that will be designated cannabis-friendly. While recognizing and normalizing the idea of cannabis in travel, The Lexi is also set on creating a premium hospitality concept, an inspired culinary and cocktail program, and launching a spring/summer pool party season.

RESORTS

Sunwing is touting the renovated and reopened Riu Santa Fe in Los Cabos, Mexico, which recently celebrated its milestone 25th anniversary.  Guests will discover a bright new modern lobby with a renovated reception desk, now including separate check-in and check-out areas, along with new concierge facilities. The 1,300-room resort also boasts more two-bedroom garden view accommodations, and all resort rooms, aside from those built during RIU’s 2018 expansion, have been refurbished. Other upgrades include a new pool with a swim up bar, and additional food options.

The new Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar has begun accepting reservations in anticipation of its opening this spring. The chain’s second resort in Doha has 161 luxury, seaside one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with fully amenities (including kitchens and laundry) that can be booked for days or months. Additional options include a private beach a two pools on lushly landscaped grounds, spa, gym, expansive kids facility, and seven restaurants.

CRUISE

Shaquille O’Neal

On Valentine’s Day, thousands of couples symbolically renewed their vows while sailing on Carnival Cruise Line voyages during special onboard ceremonies virtually officiated by Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. The cruise line says this year’s fleetwide event was its largest-ever Vow Renewal at Sea.

Expanding its itineraries to include Europe’s Rhine, Rhône, and Saône rivers for 2023, Riverside Luxury Cruises has expanded its fleet with the addition of the luxury vessels MS Bach, MS Ravel, MS Mahler, and MS Debussy. The season starts in April on the Danube. Agents can earn 21% commission for all 2023 booking and take advantage of special FAM rates. Visit www.riverside-cruises/TA.

RAIL

After more than two years off the tracks, the Amtrak Cascades service connecting the three Pacific Northwest cities of Vancouver, Seattle and Portland will be fully operational by March. Limited service between Seattle and Vancouver resumed last September. The current daily trip departs at 7:45 am and arrives at Pacific Central Station at 11:45 am. Beginning on March 7, a second round-trip service from Portland to Vancouver will be re-introduced, meaning the service will now run at pre-pandemic schedules. The train is set to leave Portland at 3 p.m. and arrive in Vancouver at 11 p.m. Passengers will be able to book the second daily train at the end of February when Amtrak’s schedules are finalized.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Canadian residents can now take advantage of the “Get 2 Days Free with a 3-Day, 2-Park Ticket” offer at Universal Orlando Resort. Available for booking until Dec. 9 for travel any time in 2023, the offers starts as low as US$234.99 per adult, plus tax and allows guests spend five full days at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the price of a 3-Day ticket. And for $35 more, guests can upgrade their ticket to include access to Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park.

Rapids Waterpark, South Florida’s largest water park, has announced a new ride coming this – ‘Mega Mayhem MAYHEM, Dueling Water Coaster.’ The new West Palm Beach attraction is the first of its kind in Florida and one of only six in the world. It will stand 16.5 m. and race 255 m. long per lane. This water coaster features two side-by-side flumes where riders speed down twists and high-banked turns as they are propelled uphill by a unique blast jet propulsion technology at a max speed of up to 35 kph.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Launched on Valentine’s Day, Globus’s “For the Love” booking incentive gives travel counsellors $50 for every Globus tour booked between Feb. 14 and March 17, plus enters the agent for a chance to win a Choice Touring Italy trip (“Veni, Vidi, Vidi: Umbria & Tuscany by Design) for two.

Access+ is the new-and-improved travel platform by TravelBrands newly enhanced Access+ all-in-one platform includes an improved hotel search widget, dynamic fly & drive packages and dynamic cancellation penalties. Loyalty Rewards points have also been integrated into the booking flow, and it’s now possible to book river cruises online, amongst other efficiency features. To celebrate, thousands of prizes, including Loyalty Rewards points, future travel vouchers, and a cruise for two are being awarded. For each new booking made Feb. 13-26, agents will receive one game play to scratch and win plus a chance to win 100,000 Loyalty Rewards points. Travel agents can still log into Access until Feb. 28.

EVENTS

JTB’s Racquel Queensborough (far left) and Dan Hamilton with travel advisors during a recent Jamaica Night at the Halifax Tower Hotel

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) was on the road this month travelling across the country to meet with more than 100 Canadian travel advisors during ‘Jamaica Night’ events in Winnipeg and Halifax. These regional events featured destination updates from the JTB’s Canadian sales team, prize giveaways and island-inspired entertainment. Attendees donned their Jamaica colours and were invited to get in the irie spirit while enjoying tropical cocktails, Caribbean cuisine. and live music, as well as to meet hotel partners and tour operators, including Couples Resorts, Sandals, Moon Palace, ACV, Transat, and WestJet Vacations.

Unique Vacations Canada is introducing another avenue for travel advisors learn more about Sandals and Beaches resorts with “The Sandals Scoop,” a new series of brief, casual one-on-one chats with various general managers across the chains. from Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Created exclusively for the Canadian market, the series debuts today with Sandals Emerald Bay GM Jeremy Mutton who will provide insider tips and discuss why the Exuma, Bahamas, property is the “perfect blend of seclusion and sophistication for Canadian couples.” The webinar takes places Feb. 21 from 1 to 1:15 p.m. Register HERE.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Tahiti Tourisme North America has signed a deal with Reps4Rent to provide a dedicated Canadian trade & marketing associate. With a background in sales and as a travel advisor, bilingual Gail Lea Scullion is now the primary contact for The Islands of Tahiti for Canadian to engage with travel agents across the country. Her role is to build relationships with the trade, support the Tahiti Specialist Program, conduct Tahiti Tuesday training webinars, organize FAMS and support Tahiti Tourisme’s promotion and communications initiatives. She can be reached at gscullion@tahititourisme.com.

UK carbon calculation and positive compensation company specializing in the travel industry Trees4Travel has advanced its North American expansion with the appointment of Canada-based Fiona Barclay, a well-known industry figure, most recently director, supplier management North America at CWT Vacations. Her role will be to drive Trees4Travel’s partnerships for sustainability with businesses across the region and its messaging that “it is possible to make travel planet and people positive.”

DESTINATIONS

The new OLG Stage at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ont., is set to open, providing a new entertainment venue for the Falls and Southern Ontario. On Feb. 25, Billy Joel inaugurates the 5,000-seat facility, which boasts state-of-the-art technology, outstanding acoustics, and seat that are never more 45 m. away from the stage.

Visit Tampa Bay (VTB) has launched the third edition of its Tampa Gay Guide, which details a host of LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses across the many districts within the destination as well as events such as the Tampa Pride Parade, Pride on the River, and the Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. With a steady influx of LGBTQ+ travellers, the first edition of the Tampa Gay Guide was launched in 2019 to showcase Florida city’s diversity.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 2013, American Airlines and US Airways agreed to merge in an US$11-billion deal that would create the world’s biggest airline. It was approved in December and the combined carrier is named American Airlines Group Inc.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi Lands Prestigious 5-Star Rating from Forbes

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Metropole Hanoi Lands Prestigious 5-Star Rating from Forbes - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXHanoi, Vietnam, February 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Historic luxury hotel earns top level of recognition for fourth consecutive year. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has earned a prestigious rating from Forbes Travel Guide for a fourth consecutive year, garnering praise as a “supremely beautiful hotel” that “draws deeply from a century of stories to weave a rich, nostalgic guest experience.”

Forbes Travel Guide, established in 1958, then known as Mobil Travel Guide, is the oldest travel guide in the United States and the creator of the original Five-Star rating system for hotels. The ratings are among the most highly respected in the global hotel industry.

The Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition— is meant to designate “outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.”

Metropole Hanoi is one of only two hotels in Vietnam to earn the Five-Star rating—and the only hotel in Hanoi to receive the highest-level distinction. Three other hotels in Vietnam were awarded Four-Star ratings.

The Metropole’s luxurious accommodation and historic facilities drew much praise in the 2023 guide, while its warm, personalized and attentive service—top determinants in the Forbes Travel Guide ratings—helped secure the Five-Star mark.

“The Metropole ambassadors know they are caretakers of an historic Grand Dame and that the service provided must in many ways exceed expectations,” said General Manager William Haandrikman. “This Five-Star rating from Forbes affirms that we are all working hard on service delivery.”

Forbes Travel Guide’s inspectors wrote in their review of the hotel: “Every corner is a compelling photo opportunity, especially in the gleaming historic wing and all-white inner courtyard.”

Metropole Hanoi’s Path of History (and wartime bunker) tour are also spotlighted in Forbes Travel Guide’s review, while afternoon tea at Le Club Bar, coffee at La Terrasse and cocktails at Bamboo Bar are described as experiences that have evolved into “must-do Hanoi traditions.”

Le Spa du Metropole drew further accolades as “a sublime urban retreat … ensconced in what feels more like an elegant residence than a wellness center.”

For their evaluations, inspectors pay their own way and stay anonymously as typical guests for at least two nights. Forbes Travel Guide bills itself as one of only two independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality, the other one being TOP25 Hotels with its Hotel Rating Index since 2013.

For booking or other information, please call +84 24 3826 6919.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 364 rooms. The historic Metropole wing has 106 guestrooms and three Legendary Suites. The suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham) and have access to the Club Lounge.

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spices Garden offers the ultimate in Vietnamese gastronomy; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous chocolate buffet and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND
Sofitel Legend is an illustrious selection of heritage luxury hotels where the best of past and present converge. Set within beautiful and culturally rich destinations, each legendary retreat is both timeless and elegant, delivering lavish settings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts matched with impeccable service for the ultimate luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels entice worldly travelers who are all drawn to these beloved places of grandeur for their storied past, architectural beauty, sweeping vistas and enchanting ambience. Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Hotel Industry Consultancy Launched in Vietnam

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New Hotel Industry Consultancy Launched in Vietnam - TRAVELINDEXHoi An, Vietnam, February 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / A new hotel business consultancy, Wafaifo Optimisers, has been launched in Vietnam to serve hoteliers in the country and across Indochina. Apart from advising independent hoteliers on how to be profitable in a post-Covid travel era, Wafaifo Optimisers are also drawing on many years of big brand hotel experience to run their own ambitious hotel project.

The three initial Optimisers will draw on many years’ of hotel industry expertise of its co-founders: Wafaifo Hospitality Managing Director, Mr. Pieter van der Hoeven, Commercial Director, Mr. Mikkel Krantz, and Deputy Managing Director, Ms Uyen Ngo.

The Wafaifo Optimisers aim to appeal to local hotel owners in Indochina who want to emphasise local experiences for guests, maintain international quality hotel standards, and build profitability in a post-Covid-19 tourism era of growth.

The Optimisers’ goal is to help hotel owners assess and evaluate the relationship that the hotel may have with a management company. The Optimisers will make sure that the right brand is on a hotel. They will help determine if an owner is ready to run the property themselves, or would be better served with an international brand.

On sales and distribution, the Wafaifo Optimisers believe that with technological developments, efficient sales distribution doesn’t necessarily have to rely on major online travel agent platforms such as Booking, Expedia, Hotelbeds, Agoda and others, which can take over 20% in commissions.

“Wafaifo Optimers will help independent hotels by conducting impartial, clear-eyed analysis of the hotel’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities,” said Mr van der Hoeven.

“Our aim is to empower hotel owners on strategic direction. With the owner, we will clinically evaluate whether the hotel is best served with a brand or operating independently. We will advise on pricing and positioning, create standard operating procedures and make sure the hotel meets the specific needs of its target markets,” he said.

In addition to ensuring that hotels are compliant with health and safety requirements and relevant tour operator needs, the Optimisers can also make recommendations on food and beverage, spa, guest services, housekeeping, sales and marketing policies, and more.

“The needs and expectations of, for example, Western, Japanese, Indian and local guests vary,” said Mr van der Hoeven. “We will advise the hotel owner so that he or she can maximise results in an affordable and efficient way.”

After researching the hotel sector across Indochina, Mr Krantz said that many hotel owners are questioning whether hotel management contracts still provide optimum profits – in particular the benefits of loyalty programmes, which are always being re-invented.

“In these situations, Wafaifo Optimisers can come in and evaluate the hotel’s operations. We can then show the owners how they could potentially do it better and maximise results,” he said.

With new sales distribution channels and direct booking websites, there are global, regional and local opportunities like never before, said Mr Krantz, adding that Wafaifo Optimisers are independent and can appeal to all sizes of hotel operations and budgets.

The consultancy launches at an optimistic time when Vietnam’s GDP growth for 2022 was 8.02% (the highest rate since 1997), neighbouring China has lifted its Covid-related travel restrictions, and Vietnam Airlines reported that it carried 18 million passengers in 2022, up from 6.1 million in 2021.

In 2023, the Vietnamese government also plans to spend heavily on infrastructure developments that will boost domestic road and air connectivity.

On tourism arrivals in early 2023, Vietnam is seeing strong growth from relatively new markets such as India, the Middle East, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Against this backdrop, Wafaifo Optimisers are also developing the all-new Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, which is scheduled to open in the heritage city in central Vietnam in January 2024.

The new consultancy has also launched a monthly market insight report on the latest hotel developments, GDP, aviation and topline travel industry news from Vietnam and the region. The intelligence they gather informs their policy recommendations to hoteliers.

Hoteliers and others can subscribe to Wafaifo Optimisers monthly market insight reports.

(The name, Wafaifo, derives from “wa” from water, and “faifo”, is the historical name of Hoi An.)

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Strong comeback for the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show

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Strong comeback for the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAFRICA.orgBerlin, February 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Around 90 per cent of the available stand area is occupied – The multi-purpose hall hub27, which is fully booked, is the destination hot spot – Debut for the German marketplace – Cultural tourism organisers are represented in the Culture Lounge – High participation in the Travel Technology, Mobility and Cruise segments

A fitting live comeback: following the break due to the pandemic and taking as its slogan ‘Open for Change’, ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is back as an in-person event from 7 to 9 March 2023, with domestic and international exhibitors present in large numbers. Around 90 per cent of the available display area is already booked. This year’s ITB Berlin is for the first time taking place for trade visitors only and is accompanied by the prestigious ITB Berlin Convention. Selected programme items will be streamed on the supporting online platform at ITBxplore.

New multi-purpose hall – hub27

At ITB Berlin 2023 the destination hot spot is hub27, the new multi-purpose hall, which is fully booked. Georgia, the official host country of ITB Berlin, is strongly represented, as are Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Poland, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Berlin, Brandenburg and Deutsche Bahn, along with various airports from around Germany. The ITB Blogger Base, the place to head for all international travel bloggers, is also located in hub27.

The stand of the German National Tourism Board (DZT) features the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. The German federal states of Bavaria, Bremen (including Bremerhaven), Hesse and Lower Saxony are represented on their own stands in Hall 6.2. Spherie is a company taking part for the first time and will present spectacular drone images.

High international participation

Demand for places is high among Greek exhibitors, who are represented in Hall 1.1. Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, Malta and Bosnia, all located in Hall 1.2, are also represented in large numbers again. Albania, whose exhibitors are spread over three halls (including Hall 1.1), is also present in large numbers. In Hall 2.1, participation by Spain’s tourism industry is also impressive and features the large stands of Turespaña and the Costa del Sol. Turkey is presenting its tourism products in Halls 3.1b and 3.2a. The Business Travel (VDR association) and MICE (VDVO association) segments have always been important at ITB Berlin and this year are also represented on large stands in Hall 3.1.

In Halls 22 and 23 visitors can also expect large representations from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, Surinam, Uruguay and the Caribbean islands Aruba, Curacao, Martinique, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Barbados and the Dominican Republic.

This year, Hall 21 is completely devoted to sub-Saharan countries, including South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Zambia. This year, a number of African countries, among them Ethiopia, Rwanda, Guinea and Senegal, are located in Hall 22.

Representations from the USA and Canada are exhibiting in Hall 3.1, along with Israel. Following a break, the Condor airline is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1. International representations in the ITB Career Center, Adventure / Responsible Tourism and Youth Travel segments are featured in Hall 4.1. The new ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1b will be hosting presentations, discussions and networking events under the headings Adventure Travel, Responsible Tourism and Tourism Careers.

Another innovation in Hall 4.1 is the LGBTQ+ Pavilion. Exhibitors there include Visit Malta, which will present this year’s Europride, and Communitat Valenciana, which will be represented at the Gay Games 2026, as well as Visit Buenos Aires and Visit Tampa Bay. The Munich Tourism Board, Proudly Portugal, IGLTA, TOMONTOUR and the Florida Keys and Key West are also represented with stands.

As in previous years, Arab countries from North Africa and the Middle East are strongly represented, with Egypt, Morocco, Qatar and Oman located in Hall 4.2, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and newcomer Saudi Arabia in Hall 3.2b. This year, Saudi Arabia is the largest exhibitor at ITB Berlin. Its co-exhibitors include NEOM, the giant smart city project in the desert. Lebanon is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.2.

In Halls 5.2a and 5.2b the focus is on India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia and Haiti. Bhutan is among those back at the largest marketplace for the international travel industry. The Meet The Pacific stand is new and features the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu. VisitLuxembourg, the Dutch Tourism Board and visit.brussels from the Benelux countries are represented in Hall 6.2b.

In Hall 9, Airbnb Germany is exhibiting for the first time at ITB Berlin, as are Gorgeous Smiling Hotels GmbH, Hard Rock International and HomeToGo GmbH. Other exhibitors in this hall include B&B Hotels Germany GmbH, Wheego share.rent.abo, DRIVALIA, Green Motion, and the hotel chains NH, Marriott, Best Western, Hilton and Steigenberger. This is also the first time the Hyatt Inclusive Collection is represented at ITB Berlin, in Hall 22.

As in previous years, the Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Ireland are strongly represented in Hall 20. The UK also has a large stand again. Among individual exhibitors, Greenland Travel is on the same area as in previous years, as are Bero Berlin, Via Hansa, GJ Travel and Icelandair. Visitors to the stand of myPostcard can mail postcards for free to ITB Berlin. The following are newcomers to the show: St. Giles Hotels, V.O.S. Aps, Gainwell Sports, the Tour Partner Group, Holiday Tours Iceland, Manchester City FC, made in 2010, Boatservice Sightseeing As, Aavasaksa Lapland, as well as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, an initiative of the European Commission.

In the Asia Hall (26a/b), the destinations awaiting visitors are Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Tokyo, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. China is represented by the provinces Zhejiang and Huangshan.

Numerous exhibitors in the Travel Technology and Mobility segments and from the cruise sector

The Travel Technology and Mobility segments are back with large numbers of exhibitors. All the Travel Technology halls are fully booked. This is where exhibitors such as GIATA, Sabre, Amadeus and Peakwork combine proven concepts with innovative ideas – true to the slogan ’Open for Change’. The eTravel World in Hall 6.1 is also larger than in previous years and features many startups and an extended eTravel Stage. Among the tech companies taking part are ASKSUITE TECNOLOGIA LTDA, Blastness, BUSINESS FRANCE, Spain Travel Tech, HiJiffy, Hotelmize, mTrip and Qtravel.ai.

International airlines, cruise liners and tour operators are represented with their products in Hall 25. Exhibitors from the resurgent cruise sector in particular are represented in record numbers at ITB Berlin 2023. MSC Cruises, Explorer Journeys, VIVA Cruises and United Rivers are taking part for the first time with their own stands, while regular exhibitors such as Holland America Line, nicko cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines are well represented again.

Medical Tourism has its own hall

A large number of exhibitors in the Medical & Health Tourism Hall (26c) are from Turkey. Numerous new clinics as well as medical hotels and destinations are represented there. This made it possible to occupy the entire hall with medical & health exhibitors and the stage programme.

German marketplace marks its debut and the Culture Lounge features cultural tourism organisers

Hall 6.2 is where the Culture Lounge, a large display area for cultural tourism organisers, can be found. Among the close to 50 co-exhibitors are several European museums, festivals, cultural regions and trusts.

This year, the German marketplace is marking its debut in Hall 6.2. Exhibitors there include the Semperoper Dresden, Ferienpark Weissenhäuser Strand, Hirmer Hospitality, Flughafen Hamburg GmbH, Harzer Schmalspurbahnen GmbH, Wirtschaftsförderung & Technologietransfer GmbH, Stöcker Flughafen GmbH & Co. KG, ProAir-Charter-Transport GmbH, Phoenix des Lumières, ZEIT Verlagsgruppe and TÜV Rheinland.

A new feature this year is the Street Food Market in Hall 7.2c where visitors can take a culinary tour and fully enjoy international cuisine.

Luxury travel segment HOME of LUXURY by ITB

23 exhibitors from the luxury travel market are represented at the Marshall Haus on the exhibition grounds, including Serverin’s Resort & Spa, FUORITINERARIO and Quark Expeditions, along with media members from Luxus Insider and Connoisseur Circle.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2023 will take place from Tuesday, 7 March, to Thursday, 9 March, as a pure B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. The internationally renowned ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel to the show and will be held live on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds – selected sessions will be streamed on ITBxplore. The ITB Berlin convention is the world’s largest travel industry event of its kind. In 2022 it took place as a virtual event on the brand’s website itb .com and registered 60,700 attendees from 125 countries who took part in more than 100 sessions featuring 223 speakers. In 2022, under the heading ’TRVLX by ITB’, ITB Berlin has planned a series of B2B networking events in European markets – the kick-off event took place in May in Georgia. Before the pandemic at ITB Berlin 2019, around 10,000 exhibitors from 181 countries displayed their products and services to some 160,000 visitors, including 113,500 trade visitors.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

King Power Mahanakhon Presents Bird’s Eye Views of Bangkok

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King Power Mahanakhon Presents Bird's Eye Views of Bangkok - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, February 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / It’s All Possible program concept embraces soaring views on the 78th floor Skywalk and a lifestyle centre to captivate visitors in the heart of the capital. King Power Mahanakhon, Bangkok’s new landmark destination, kicks off 2023 with a new program concept: ‘IT’S ALL POSSIBLE’ offering four types of experiences—EAT PLAY STAY SHOP. Visitors from all over the world will enjoy the charms of Bangkok by checking into the Mahanakhon’s coolest hang-out spots, restaurants, concept stores, and world-class hotels.

This was recently launched at the grand opening of the King Power Mahanakhon, a development project managed by the King Power Group. Designed as a multi-purpose building in a modern architectural style, the Mahanakhon functions as a lifestyle centre in many aspects. It houses luxury hotels namely The Ritz-Carlton Residence and the Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, a joint venture between King Power Group and the Standard group to establish the Standard’s first flagship hotel in Asia. It is also home to Firster, a multistore of world-class beauty and lifestyle projects; and the towering Mahanakhon Sky Walk, the highest observation platform in Bangkok at 314 metres above ground level.

The building also comprises The Mahanakhon Cube Lifestyle mall which includes Mahanakhon Eatery, a joint dining area served by seven leading restaurants in the cross-dining format; Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon Cube, a hub of the country’s leading street food vendors; The Big Board, Thailand’s first sports bar; and other lifestyle services such as beauty parlors and clinics, fitness clubs etc.

Mr. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, King Power Group’s CEO, said “One of King Power’s business strategies is to branch out its duty-free core business into relevant tourism businesses. By developing King Power Mahanakhon into Bangkok’s landmark destination, the group’s business portfolio will expand and therefore be able to synergise with other businesses under King Power’s management. Ultimately, it will contribute concretely to the profile of the country’s tourism industry.”

Under this plan, King Power Mahanakhon will be continuously developed and transformed into a significant tourist destination to help boost Bangkok’s capacity in attracting tourists. With a strategic location in CBD area, King Power Mahanakhon is conveniently served by Chong Nonsi BTS station. Its signature Observation Deck on the 78th floor is considered the best viewing platform in the country.

Overlooking the majestic Chao Phraya river, the building is a unique attraction along the same vein as other lofty world-famous attractions such as the London Eye in England, the Eiffel Tower in France, or the Petronas building in Malaysia.

Developed as the lifestyle centre that showcases Bangkok’s unique identity, King Power Mahanakhon is primed to be the capital’s landmark destination appealing to local and foreign visitors alike. With this vision, the Mahanakhon aims to promote the country’s tourism which corresponds to the government’s post-COVID tourism stimulus package for economic improvement.

While Ms. Amber Asher, CEO of The Standard International, said, “Our grand opening event helps showcase the capability of King Power Group’s tourism businesses which have always been steadfast and ready for expansion. This undoubtedly benefits Thailand’s tourism industry. The development of this landmark destination boasts an outstanding location, the unique Outdoor Observation Deck, and the lifestyle centre with harmonious yet diverse cultures so unique to Bangkok. We’re confident that King Power Mahanakhon will become one of the landmark destinations that has a strong potential in attracting tourists, foreigners and locals alike, to experience Bangkok’s charms. By joining hands with THE STANDARD group in the development of the hotel The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, our first flagship hotel in Asia, King Power Mahanakhon will become Bangkok’s Iconic World Class Landmark Destination that increases the value of Thailand’s tourism industry.”

Since the opening of the country’s borders in late 2022, there has been a steady increase in tourists checking in to King Power Mahanakhon. Today, both Thai and foreign tourists visit the Mahanakhon in the thousands—at least 1,300 visitors a day with 5% Thai and 95% international visitors such as Saudi Arabia, South Korea and India. The most popular activity is walking on the Glass Tray, a challenging check-in point for those daring to have the once-in-the-lifetime experience.

About King Power Mahanakhon
King Power Mahanakhon is a development project managed by King Power Group. Designed as a multi-purpose building in a modern architectural style, the Mahanakhon functions as a lifestyle centre in many aspects. It houses luxury hotels namely The Ritz-Carlton Residence, and the Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, a joint venture between King Power Group and the Standard group to establish the Standard’s first flagship hotel in Asia. It is also home to Firster, a multistore of world-class beauty and lifestyle projects; Mahanakhon Sky Walk, the highest observation platform at 314 metres above ground level. The building also comprises Mahanakhon Cube Lifestyle mall which includes Mahanakhon Eatery, a joint dining area served by seven leading restaurants in the cross-dining format; Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon Cube, a hub of the country’s leading street food vendors; The Big Board, Thailand’s first sports bar; and other lifestyle services such as beauty parlors and clinics, fitness clubs etc. The Mahanakhon is set to be the landmark destination for tourists to savour the charms of Bangkok, all in one place.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Radisson Announces New Hotel in Nigeria with Radisson Collection in Abuja

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Radisson Announces New Hotel in Nigeria with Radisson Collection in AbujaAbuja, Nigeria, February 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Radisson Hotel Group is bringing its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection, to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city and governmental powerhouse. Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja Nigeria marks the Group’s 9th hotel and 3rd Radisson Collection in the country, placing it firmly on track to achieve 15 hotels in Nigeria by 2025.

Located next to the Presidential Palace in Maitama District, one of the most sought after and exclusive areas in Abuja, the hotel will be a 45-minute drive from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the country’s second busiest airport after Lagos. In proximity to the hotel is the city’s most popular market, Wuse market, Jabai Boat Club, a water based recreational facility and family entertainment center, and Abuja National Mosque, also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, built in 1984.

The new-build, 249 room hotel will be the city’s first luxury hotel in Abuja, with an expansive range of rooms, from standard rooms and apartments to lofts and presidential suites. Spanning across almost 3000 square meters, the meeting spaces of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja Nigeria will consist of a dividable conference hall, five meeting rooms, a board room, as well as a pre-function area.

Erwan Garnier, Senior Director, Development, Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “With a vast potential for significant scale, both Nigeria and its capital city, Abuja have been identified as key markets within our robust development strategy to reach 150 hotels across Africa within the next five years. It is an honor to kick start the year by introducing our beloved luxury lifestyle brand for experience-driven travelers to the city of Abuja as its first luxury hotel.”

Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited, leaders in the hospitality industry with whom we currently operate three hotels in Lagos. 65% of our hotel owners have more than one property with Radisson Hotel Group, which is a testament to our commendable owner retention.”

Radisson Collection hotels are made up of iconic properties in unique locations. Each hotel is authentic to the destination while offering brand’s hallmarks of signature dining, local art, and experiences to create genuine connections. The wide-ranging dining outlets of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja Nigeria will consist of a lobby lounge and coffee bar, as well as a business class lounge providing the ideal menu and venue for a quick meal or business meeting. The all-day dining, specialty, and roof top restaurants will offer tailored and unforgettable dining experiences. To unwind, guests will be able to relax on the pool deck and bar or enjoy their favorite workout or treatment at the onsite fitness and wellness facilities. The hotel’s onsite night club will be a new addition to Abuja’s social scene.

Asiwaju Tajudeen Owoyemi, Chairman of Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited, said, “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Radisson Hotel Group with the addition of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja to our collective portfolio. Together, we will be uplifting the hospitality landscape of Abuja by debuting a luxury lifestyle hotel offering like no other within the city.”

About Radisson Hotel Group
The Radisson family of brands can be found around the world in more than 120 countries, with currently over 1,700 hotels in operation and under development. Radisson Hotel Group operates the business in EMEA and APAC with over 1,100 hotels in operation and under development. The international hotel group is rapidly growing with a plan to double the portfolio by 2025. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

About Radisson Collection
Radisson Collection is a luxury lifestyle collection of iconic properties located in unique locations. While the character of each Radisson Collection hotel feels authentic to its location, all of them offer the ultimate template for contemporary living – united by bespoke design and exceptional experiences across dining, fitness, wellness and sustainability. Designed for guests and locals alike, each Radisson Collection hotel is defined by the guests who visit them. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson Collection by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson Collection is part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A BRIDGE NOT FAR: Touring and tips along Britain’s Great West Way

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It may not be as recognizable a name yet as the Cotswolds or Yorkshire, but England’s Great West Way tourism route – which runs west from London to Bristol and the Welsh border – already encompasses many of the country’s must-see sights, including Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath, as well as attractions like Hampton Court Palace and Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), and Kew Gardens.

Encompassing 805 km. of navigable routes, the Great West Way can be travelled by bike, road, rail, canal, or on foot (or a combination of all five), making the route – unveiled in 2018 – the first of its kind in the UK.

Designed to help visitors easily discover and have a quintessentially English experience, the tour route presents a plethora of gardens, pubs, tearooms, breweries, and vineyards, not to mention lush landscapes, bustling market towns, “chocolate box” villages, and three UNESCO World Heritage sites – all coming together to give “a taste of real England” – or as GWW promoters say: “England undiluted (and) concentrated.”

Based on Ireland’s successful Wild Atlantic Way, the Great West Way can also be broken down into a range of themed itineraries and trails, including heritage, food and drink, countryside, film tourism, and more.

Regional tourism types also point out that by staying along the route, visitors can see sites before (and after) the London day-trip visitors come and go.

With so many of England’s attractions dotted along the route, 2023 promises to be filled with a full slate of activities, anniversaries, and special events. Here’s a just a small sampling of some of the new and notable happenings on Great West Way throughout 2023 (including tips for the trade, and based on a recent FAM visit, some Travel Industry Today tested and suggested experiences on the route):

Royal Connections

2023 is a great year to visit the Great West Way. Starting with the King’s Coronation over the bank holiday weekend May 6-8, there will be a host of Royal celebratory events throughout the year:

• Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle (May 7) – Broadcast by the BBC, this special Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.

• Royal Windsor Horse Show (May 11-14) – Attendees can join the royal razzamatazz at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where royals attend and compete, as well as watch show jumping and military spectaculars as the Household Cavalry performs to music.

• Royal Ascot Racecourse (June 20-24) – England’s most famous, and grandest, horse-racing event, with four days of races each kicked off by a royal carriage parade. Steeped in elegance, the atmosphere found across the Royal Meeting’s five-days creates the perfect day out. Group tours, tickets, and hospitality packages are available.

Anniversaries

Concorde, Aerospace Bristol

• 2023 marks the 650th anniversary of Bristol becoming a city. There will be many festivals and events celebrating Bristol 650 throughout the year.

• Aerospace Bristol is celebrating 20th anniversary of Concorde’s final flight in 2003. Visitors can step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde ever to fly – which landed for the final time at nearby Filton and enjoy a range of celebratory events and activities, including new group tours and packages.

Walking, Festivals & Music

As well as its natural scenery, cultural scene, and friendly locals, the Great West Way is known for its many festivals and events. Agents may consider including the following events as suggestions on itineraries for visitors travelling over these dates:

• The first Reading Walks Festival launches this year, May 10-14, with over 40 guided walks ranging in length from an hour’s gentle walk to 40 km. along the St James’ Way. Taking place across five days, the festival brings to life the stories, heritage, wildlife, and landscapes of Reading and the surrounding countryside.

• Vale of Pewsey has three new multi-day long-distance walking, cycling, and riding routes, highlighting where to stay, eat and drink, and transfer options. Check out the Pewsey Vale Circular Way (120-km walk/cycle), Mid Wilts Way (8-80 km) and Kennet & Avon Canal (38-80-km walk).

• North Wessex Downs Walking Festival (June 2-11) – A celebration of the stunning landscapes, gorgeous scenery, and top-class walking country.

• Forest Live at Westonbirt/ The National Arboretum (June 8-11) – Held in beautiful forest locations, Forest Live is a major live music series of summer concerts across the country. At Westonbirt there is everything required for a great night out – a relaxed atmosphere, spectacular backdrops and great music from artists including Jack Savoretti and Tom Grennan.

• Bristol Harbour Festival (July 15-16) – The city’s prime, maritime event attracts around 250,000 visitors each year through its popular mix of attractions. There’s a world-class circus and on-water activities, music, family entertainment, food stalls and, of course, the many ships that come into the harbour for the event.

New Garden Tours

• The National Garden Scheme (NGS) offers exceptional gardens, from extensive country landscapes and romantic cottage gardens to urban hideaways and ancient woodlands. Check out the NGS Wiltshire ebooklet NGS Wiltshire 2023 which details gardens open for groups by prior arrangement.

• Bowood House & Gardens (mid April-early June) – New woodland garden guided tours will see visitors surrounded by carpets of bluebells and swathes of magnolias in April, and in May and June there are breathtaking displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, with over 30 hardy hybrids, some previously thought to be extinct.

• Iford Manor Gardens, in Bradford on Avon, is now offering exclusive champagne guided tours of the garden with the owner and kitchen supper clubs on Friday evenings with a five-course tasting menu and live music.

Our Way

Some Travel Industry Today tested and suggested experiences):

Hampton Court Palace

• Hampton Court Palace – Closer to London than many realize (on the Thames near Richmond), the famous Tudor palace is just a hop, skip and half-hour train ride from Waterloo station, then another five-minute walk. The home of Henry VIII is amazing any time, but the Tulip Festivals (April 14-May 1) is especially fragrant, while summer fests feature concerts and other outdoor events. Rotating exhibitions are also a constant; on our visit, there was the excellent “Windsor Beauties,” exploring defined beauty in the 17th century and how they have inspired new portraits of creative talents from the Black British Queer community.

• Kew Gardens – In the same neighbourhood as Hampton Court on the western outskirts of London, Kew houses the world’s most diverse collection of living plants, which has resulted to UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is also a world-leading scientific research centre. Whether visitors are keen to walk around themed gardens, go up high on the treetop walkway, or explore the glasshouses, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is a great place to escape it all, just 30 minutes from central London.

• Bombay Sapphire Distillery (London Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire) – A must for gin-lovers, visits begin with a trip to the Turbine Bar for a complimentary G&T, before heading to the Cinema Room to be immersed in all things Bombay Sapphire. A guided tour follows, with stops in the glasshouses, interactive and Botanical Dry Room, and learning about the infusion distillation process used to make the gin.

• Watership Down Inn (Priory Lane, Freefolk, Whitchurch) – Dating to the 19th century, the award-winning gastro pub is nestled at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, overlooking the head waters of the Test Valley and just south of the famed Watership Down. Ideal for lunch before or after the nearby gin tour, it serves locally brewed ales and on our visit: Best. Ham sandwich. Ever.

• The Old Bell Hotel (Abbey Row, Malmesbury, Wiltshire) – Located in the charming Cotswolds town of Malmesbury, the Old Bell Hotel enjoys a prime location next door to Malmesbury Abbey, Abbey House Manor, and quaint shops and restaurants. The market town is the oldest borough in England and the Grade 1 listed hotel is said to be the oldest in the country dating back to 1220. Nearly three dozen rooms are individually designed and furnished with colourful wallcoverings, and interesting antiques and art. The onsite Saints & Sinners restaurant celebrates Cotswold produce and three lounges make a perfect setting for a quiet drink or afternoon tea. The covered and heated outdoor Tyger Bar patio is open year-round.

• Mary Shelly’s House of Frankenstein (Bath) – Showing a different side of the famous Roman Spa town, award-winning Frankenstein House examines the unconventional and tragic life of author Shelly, who wrote much of classic gothic novel in the town. Fun and informative, the attraction extends over four floors, bursting with unusual artefacts, ominous soundtracks, bespoke smells and special effects, and a 2.5-m. animatronic creature, authentically reproduced exactly as Shelley described. Jane Austin and Bridgerton are also big in Bath.

• Bristol Packet Boat Trips (Wapping Wharf) – The fascinating history and contemporary culture of Bristol’s Floating Harbour is revealed on a 45-minute small boat tour, departing Wapping Wharf. Tours in covered low boats sail from beside Brunel’s SS Great Britain museum ship, which is one of Bristol’s top attractions.

• KASK Wine (51 North St., Bedminster/Bristol) – Unique, sustainable wines selected for their minimal intervention and sourced for unique flavours from independent growers are perfectly paired with a selection of local cheeses for an unexpected experience in the British maritime city. Ideal for a pre-drink before dinner. The surrounding neighbourhood is also known for its incredible murals – a Bristol specialty (including three by favourite son, Banksy)

Bristol is known for it’s colourful murals

Discoverer Pass

The Great West Way Discoverer Pass is the best and most relaxing way to explore the route by rail, allowing unlimited off-peak train and bus travel between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, with options to branch off in the Thames Valley, Cotswolds, and Wiltshire – all with just a single ticket.

Travel trade

For more information, including info on the Discoverer pass, an interactive map, insider tips, events calendar, or for help in creating customizable itineraries, travel agents can visit HERE; also visitwiltshire.co.uk/GreatWestWay.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Mamma Mia! Live from London’s amazing ‘ABBA Voyage’

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It’s a shame that ABBA never sang “The Time Warp” as it would be the perfect intro to the “ABBA Voyage” show now playing in London – a concert performance that transports concertgoers back to the 1970s via incredible avatars that are indistinguishable from the real members of the Swedish pop super troopers.

“You think your eyes are playing tricks on you,” VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates told me as I headed off to the smash show, which takes place Thursday to Mondays at a purpose-built venue located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London’s East End (DLR station Pudding Mill Lane).

Indeed. Through a technical process that saw the members of the band – Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anna-Frid (ABBA, get it?) – perform their songs in a studio wearing motion capture suits (banner photo), then digitally replaced with their younger selves.

ABBAtars

Beamed to London, the ‘ABBAtars’ perform “live” on stage (to be clear, not on screen), playing close to two dozen songs to a surprisingly all-age audience of 3,000 every night, sweat glistening from their faces on the giant screen backdrop. Bjorn’s guitar strumming, in perfect synch, doesn’t miss a chord. The voices were lifted from the original versions of the songs.

The characters even address the audience, pausing in appropriate places for laughter or applause, though miraculously quick costume changes perhaps give the gig away a little.

A real-live 10-piece band and backup singers perform for real live, even taking centre stage at one point for their own solo.

The irrepressible feel-good show – who doesn’t know the words to almost every ABBA song, from “Mamma Mia” to “Waterloo” and “Fernando” to “Dancing Queen”? – could have taken place in 1979, the year the avatars represent.

Instead, it demonstrates the enduring popularity of the band, which has remained alive in the 40-plus years since the quartet – now in their 70s – last performed in 1981. The only thing that could have made it better is if ABBA had defied aging for real.

ABBA Voyage, which debuted in May 2022, has already been extended until January 2024 and is expected to continue until 2025 when the venue is scheduled to be converted into housing. There is talk the show will soon appear in other cities, like Las Vegas.

There are plenty of great videos on YouTube showing how the state-of-the-art show was made (undoubtedly game-changing technology for the concert industry – imagine Elvis, or a Beatles “reunion” of their younger selves?).

In the meantime, this trailer gives a brief glimpse of the show. ABBA Voyage is performed Monday, Thursday, and Friday evenings at 7.45 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. VIP and group ticket options are available to travel providers.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Hotels Expands in Bangkok with New Hotel Next to Iconic Chatuchak Market

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Best Western Hotels Expands in Bangkok with New Hotel Next to Iconic Chatuchak Market - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, February 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts (BWHR) has expanded its footprint in Bangkok with the opening of Best Western Chatuchak, an exciting new hotel that puts guests just steps from the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market, in one of the city’s most exciting emerging districts.

Perfectly positioned in North Bangkok, just 100 meters from Kamphaeng Phet MRT subway station, Best Western Chatuchak is easily accessible from all parts of this dynamic city. Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Bangkok’s new main rail terminal, and Don Mueang International Airport are just a short distance away, making this a convenient place to stay for domestic and international travelers alike.

Guests can unwind in a selection of 192-stylish rooms and suites, each of which comes fully equipped with signature king or twin beds, contemporary interiors, a working desk and views of the city. Modern amenities include a 43-inch HDTV and entertainment system, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower.

Best Western Chatuchak is set to become a major hub for meeting planners. This highly accessible hotel features world-class function space including a naturally-lit ballroom with 280 square meters of pillar-free floorspace and soaring 8.4-meter-high ceilings, allowing it to accommodate 300 guests. This sophisticated venue also extends out onto a 3,200-square meter outdoor terrace and garden, which sets the stage for glamorous alfresco receptions, and a separate meeting room can accommodate up to 100 people. This makes the hotel ideal for all types of corporate and social gathering, including weddings. The excellent local transport and large onsite parking lot mean that all delegates can come and go with ease.

“We are delighted to introduce Best Western Chatuchak to our guests from around the world. Located on the doorstep of Chatuchak Market, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors every weekend, this is a great option for retail lovers and culture seekers. It will also become an important venue for conferences, events and weddings, establishing a new frontier in Bangkok’s thriving meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Just moments from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and fully connected with urban transport links, Best Western Chatuchak represents another important milestone in the development of this up-and-coming urban district,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group®.

The opening of Best Western Chatuchak reaffirms BWHR’s position as one of the leading hospitality companies in Bangkok. The company now offers eight hotels in Thailand’s dynamic capital city, covering six of its diverse brands.

For more information about BWHR in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel company within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Orlando Crowned Largest Tourism City Destination in America

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Orlando Crowned Largest Tourism City Destination in America - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAMERICA.orgOrlando, Florida, United States, February 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today revealed Orlando is predicted to be the largest U.S. Travel and Tourism city destination in 2022 with an economic contribution of over $31 billion, representing 20% of the city’s total GDP and recovering above 2019 levels by $2.7 billion.

The Cities Economic Impact Report, sponsored by Visa and researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analyzed key Travel & Tourism metrics across 82 cities around the world, including contribution to GDP, employment and traveler spend.

The report studied the sector’s impact in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Honolulu.

Las Vegas followed Orlando as the second largest Travel & Tourism market in the U.S. with a direct GDP contribution of $23 billion last year, surpassing the 2019 baseline by 5.3%.

Miami made the top city destinations list with a heroic GDP comeback last year of $11.1 billion that exceeded pre-pandemic contributions by 5% despite a devastating 56% drop in economic contribution from the sector in 2020.

New York City and Los Angeles also landed in the top U.S. rankings for 2022 with Travel & Tourism GDPs valued at $21.1 billion and $11 billion respectively, showing strong signs of closing the gap to 2019 levels.

“It was a fightback year for cities across the country in 2022. Destinations like Orlando, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas are back stronger than ever before thanks to the relaxation of pandemic restrictions and a strong rebound of consumer confidence.” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.

“Other popular holiday destinations like San Francisco, Honolulu and Washington D.C. are following suit with growing sector GDP contributions that are well on their way to recovering from peak pandemic lows as they build up their industry workforce and cultivate a flourishing base of international travelers.”

Domestic Travelers Dominate Visitor Spending in Major U.S. City Destinations

In 2019, domestic travelers made up an 84.6% share of Travel & Tourism spending in the U.S. – that number increased to more than 95% in 2021. Travel hubs like Orlando, Miami and Las Vegas continued to benefit from strong domestic spending last year to surpass 2019 marks by 19% on average.

In Washington D.C., domestic visitors provided $5.27 billion to the local economy in 2022, 85% of pre-pandemic revenue. Honolulu and San Francisco were not far behind with spending reaching $4.7 billion and $3.41 billion, respectively.

Despite a strong domestic traveler market, pressure created by the slower-than-expected international traveler spending return in the U.S. continued to drive a performance gap in the overall economic recovery of many city destinations last year. The combined international visitor spend across the nine US cities analyzed was 35% below 2019 levels.

Orlando was the only major city destination to maintain its industry edge with international visitors, surpassing 2019 spending by almost 20% in 2022.

Positive Trends for Travel & Tourism Employment in 2022

New York City’s direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to jobs grew by almost 32% between 2020 and 2022, representing an increase of more than 59,200 filled positions.

Las Vegas displayed equally impressive employment gains year-over-year, climbing out of a record low of 163,800 jobs in 2020 to round out 2022 with more than 206,000 industry positions.

While employment across Travel & Tourism in major city destinations continues to rise after the devastating loss of thousands of jobs in the industry throughout the country in 2020, many top markets are still struggling to meet or exceed 2019 job levels despite positive macro-GDP growth.

In 2022, Chicago was the only major city destination with direct contribution of Travel & Tourism jobs outstripping 2019 employment levels, reaching 178,200 jobs last year (a more than 20,000 increase from 2019).

The Travel & Tourism sector overcame significant long-haul hurdles and is poised to emerge even stronger going into 2023 as a critical driver for economic prosperity. By fostering private and public sector collaboration to reintegrate the workforce and attract new talent that meets consumer demand while encouraging open borders, the industry can continue to meet and exceed record economic development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News