Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Missing Mac, a New Orleans legend

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The late great Mac Rebbenack, aka Dr. John, was the epitome of a New Orleans artist, combining, blues, jazz, funk, and R&B into that irrepressible, inimitable blend of music that could only come from the Big Easy.

In fact, Mac himself could only have come from the Louisiana city, having been born there, apprenticing with another New Orleans great, Professor Longhair, and channeling local voodoo tradition (including his stage name) into his persona and early performances.

Rebbenack died in 2019 after a 60-year career and will be remembered for his distinctive voice on such hits as “Right Place Wrong Time” and “Such a Night” (the latter sampled here), plus six Grammy awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

We miss Mac, but the music lives on.

Lyrics

Such a night, it’s such a night
Sweet confusion under the moonlight
Such a night, such a night
To steal away, the time is right

Your eyes caught mine, and at a glance
You let me know that this was my chance
But you came here with my best friend Jim
And here I am, tryin’ to steal you away from him

Oh, but if I don’t do it, you know somebody else will
If I don’t do it, you know somebody else will
If I don’t do it, you know somebody else will
If I don’t do it, you know somebody else will

And it’s such a night, it’s such a night
Sweet confusion under the moonlight
It’s such a night, such a night
To steal away, the time is right

Yeah, I couldn’t believe my ear
And my heart just skipped a beat
When you told me to take you walkin’ down the street
Oh, yeah, you came here with my best friend Jim
Here I am, I’m stealin’ you away from him

Oh, but if I don’t do it, you know somebody else will
If I don’t do it, you know somebody else will
If I don’t do it, you know somebody else will
If I don’t do it, you know somebody else will

‘Cause it’s such a night

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism to Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels in Some Regions

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UNWTO - Tourism to Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels in Some Regions - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, January 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / After stronger than expected recovery in 2022, this year could see international tourist arrivals return to pre-pandemic levels in Europe and the Middle East. Tourists are nonetheless expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home in response to the challenging economic climate.

Based on UNWTO’s forward-looking scenarios for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels this year, depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, the ongoing recovery of travel in Asia and the Pacific and the evolution of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, among other factors.

All regions bouncing back

UNWTO anticipates a strong year for the sector even in the face of diverse challenges including the economic situation and continued geopolitical uncertainty

According to new data UNWTO, more than 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022 – double the number recorded in 2021 though still 63% of pre-pandemic levels. Every global region recorded notable increases in international tourist numbers. The Middle East enjoyed the strongest relative increase as arrivals climbed to 83% of pre-pandemic numbers. Europe reached nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels as it welcomed 585 million arrivals in 2022. Africa and the Americas both recovered about 65% of their pre-pandemic visitors, while Asia and the Pacific reached only 23%, due to stronger pandemic-related restrictions which have started to be removed only in recent months. The first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of 2023 also analyses performance by region and looks at top performers in 2022, including several destinations which have already recovered 2019 levels.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “A new year brings more reason for optimism for global tourism. UNWTO anticipates a strong year for the sector even in the face of diverse challenges including the economic situation and continued geopolitical uncertainty. Economic factors may influence how people travel in 2023 and UNWTO expects demand for domestic and regional travel to remain strong and help drive the sector’s wider recovery.”

Chinese tourists set to return

UNWTO foresees the recovery to continue throughout 2023 even as the sector faces up to economic, health and geopolitical challenges. The recent lifting of COVID-19 related travel restrictions in China, the world’s largest outbound market in 2019, is a significant step for the recovery of the tourism sector in Asia and the Pacific and worldwide. In the short term, the resumption of travel from China is likely to benefit Asian destinations in particular. However, this will be shaped by the availability and cost of air travel, visa regulations and COVID-19 related restrictions in the destinations.  By mid-January a total of 32 countries had imposed specific travel restrictions related to travel from China, mostly in Asia and Europe.

At the same time, strong demand from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the region and beyond. Europe will continue to enjoy strong travel flows from the US, partly due to a weaker euro versus the US dollar.

Notable increases in international tourism receipts have been recorded across most destinations, in several cases higher than their growth in arrivals. This has been supported by the increase in average spending per trip due to longer periods of stay, the willingness by travelers to spend more in their destination and higher travel costs due to inflation. However, economic situation could translate into tourists adopting a more cautious attitude in 2023, with reduced spending, shorter trips and travel closer to home.

Furthermore, continued uncertainty caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine and other mounting geopolitical tensions, as well as health challenges related to COVID-19 also represent downside risks and could weigh on tourism’s recovery in the months ahead.

The latest UNWTO Confidence Index shows cautious optimism for January-April, higher than the same period in 2022. This optimism is backed by the opening up in Asia and strong spending numbers in 2022 from both traditional and emerging tourism source markets, with France, Germany and Italy as well as Qatar, India and Saudi Arabia all posting strong results.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bintan Resorts Launch New Weekday Deals

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Bintan Resorts Launch New Weekday Deals - TRAVELINDEXBintan Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia, January 18, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bintan Resorts, along with Bintan Resort Ferries and participating resorts in Bintan, have launched a new promotion for travellers to Bintan called Let’s Go Bintan – Great Weekday Deals.

Participating resorts and partners include ANMON, Cassia Bintan, Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel, Grand Lagoi Hotel by Willson, Natra Bintan, Nirwana Resort Hotel, Pantai Indah Lagoi Bintan, Bintan Resort Ferries and Bintan Resorts Tour.

This promotion is valid for weekday travel only (Sunday through Thursday) and is now open for booking and valid for travel between 1 February 2023 till 31 May 2023. Promotion deals include room accommodation at participating resorts, 2-way sea (Singapore/Bintan by ferry) and land transfers, and choice of Bintan Mangrove Discovery Tour or Sand Dune and Blue Lake Tour. Prices start from as low as SGD 149.00 per person. Children below the age of 11 years old get to enjoy the said tours free of charge and adults also enjoy free activities in Lagoi Bay.

“This promotion is designed for travellers wanting a quick tropical getaway, but also avoiding the weekend and holiday crowds” said Mr Abdul Wahab, Group General Manager, Bintan Resort Cakrawala. “Great deals have been offered by our resort and attraction partners, and one can come over and truly enjoy the idyllic and tranquil getaway that Bintan is for quality time with family, friends and loved ones” he continued.

To enjoy these weekday deals and to find out more details and make a booking, travellers should contact the following appointed travel agents:

Bintan Holiday
+65 9783 2528

LittleWalk Asia
+65 8857 1747

WeekendGoWhere
+65 9852 3592

About Bintan Resorts
Bintan Resorts is a multi-award winning, integrated beach resort destination that is host to 19 independent beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as an ever- expanding range of recreational facilities and attractions. It covers the entire northern coast of Bintan Island and is located just 60 minutes away via a catamaran ferry ride from Singapore, easily accessible for those looking for the perfect tropical beach getaway.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Tourism Forum Pushes Innovation Centre Stage

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Thailand Tourism Forum Pushes Innovation Centre Stage - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILANDBangkok, Thailand, January 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / As Thailand’s tourism industry powers its way into an accelerated period of recovery, with international arrivals pouring in and China poised to create the next big wave, what’s the ensuing step for the Kingdom? The world has changed over the last three years so how is Thailand innovating to reshape the sector or is it back to the days of mass tourism?

Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF 2023) returned to Bangkok on Monday 16th January 2023 for its 12th annual edition to debate the issues and inspire future concepts. Running under the theme “Innovation in Hospitality”, the creative half-day event featured top-level speakers and discussions on key issues set to influence the industry in the months and years to come.

An 800-strong crowd of travel and hospitality professionals took part and heard how Thailand’s tourism machine needs to reinvent itself and become a pioneering force in branding, design and technology if it is to emerge stronger and more sustainable in the post-pandemic era.

Following an opening address by Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, the event’s organiser, who explained “Why Thailand Must Innovate”, the forum’s keynote speaker took to the stage. Wallapa Traisorat, CEO & President of Asset World Corporation (AWC), Thailand’s leading hotel owner and developer, tackled the topic of “Creating a New Hospitality Landscape with Brands”.

Other important issues on the agenda included “Disruption and Change in Hotel Technology & Distribution” with Liz Perkins, Hilton’s Vice President of Revenue Management & Commercial Services for Asia Pacific, “Rethinking Thai Design Culture” with Ho Ren Yung, Banyan Tree’s Senior Vice President of Brand & Commercial, and the “Challenges of Being a Hotel Owner” with Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of Proud Real Estate. Delegates were provided with an update on Thai hotel transactions and financing by JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group and an analysis of the competitiveness of the Thai hotel industry by STR Global, before Greenview founder Eric Ricaurte revealed his vision for the “Hotel of the Future”.

The major challenge that demands attention, according to C9’s Bill Barnett is people, or the lack of them wanting to return the hospitality industry post Covid when over 1.45 million tourism jobs were lost. “Where’s our pipeline of people? This is what will create success for the next generation. Thais no longer want to work in hotels so our mission must be how can we innovate products and bring the best and brightest people back to the industry. We have to pay higher wages. Now is the time for Thailand’s hotels to change,” said Mr Barnett.

The point was reiterated by Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director, Proud Real Estate PLC who said that Covid was a real wake-up call for owners about how to take care of their people.

Ms. Wallapa Traisorat, CEO & President of AWC, argued that product and brand integration was the key innovation for the future. “For us it is all about creating happiness,” she said. “We are all searching for how we can be fulfilled and I believe we need to look into partnerships with brands to create unique projects that are integrated with the destination and bring local communities into the hotel experience. It should be an integrated customer journey.”

For Liz Perkins, Vice President of Revenue Management & Commercial Services for Hilton APAC, the most important thing is to create the right balance between technology and people. “The key is to successfully merge physical and digital to create seamless travel. During Covid we invested in technology. For example, we introduced digital keys for a fast track check-in. Customers can still go to reception but what we are doing differently is giving customers choice.”

“For me innovation comes from constraints,” added Ho Ren Yung, Senior Vice President – Brand and Commercial, Banyan Tree Group. “We created the pool villa concept as we were not on the beach 30 years ago. Now we are introducing a product with no walls or doors to bring nature in.”

For more information, please visit www.thailandtourismforum.com

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Laguna Golf Lang Co Renews Membership of Elite Club

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Laguna Golf Lang Co Renews Membership of Elite Club - TRAVELINDEXLang Co, Vietnam, January 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Laguna Golf Lang Co, one of Vietnam’s leading clubs, has strengthened its ties with the Asian Tour by renewing its status as an Asian Tour Destination until 2025.

An exclusive network of 12 elite golf clubs with direct ties to the Asian Tour, the Asian Tour Destinations collective was founded as a vehicle to help grow the game and accelerate the recovery of golf tourism in the region.

As well as Laguna Golf Lang Co, whose Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout is regarded among the best in Vietnam, the collective includes clubs in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, and Singapore.

The other current member golf clubs are Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club in Malaysia, Parahyangan Golf in Indonesia, Sapporo Country Club, and The North Country Golf Club in Japan, Black Mountain Golf Club, Aquella Golf & Country Club, and Laguna Golf Phuket in Thailand, Angkor Golf Resort in Cambodia, and Classic Golf & Country Club in India.

According to Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner, and CEO of the Asian Tour, “the main objective of Asian Tour Destinations is to provide an affiliate membership program between the associated venues and the Asian Tour, to drive sustainable growth and development for the betterment of golf in the region as a whole.

Being a part of the Asian Tour Destinations network means that each venue is certified Tour calibre and operates a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests under tournament-ready conditions all-year-round. The Asian Tour has also been a longtime supporter of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final which is hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Golf Lang Co each year.

Indeed, the Faldo Series has announced that it will return to Laguna Lang Co for the next four years as it names the integrated resort — which is also home to award-winning accommodations Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co — as the “Home of the Faldo Series Asia”.

The benefits of being involved in the Asian Tour Destinations collective are myriad. Asian Tour members will be able to play and practice at each venue, allowing for the members at each club to enjoy direct engagement with the region’s best golfers.

“Vietnam’s golf scene is going from strength to strength following the pandemic,” said Adam Calver, Director of Golf & Destination Marketing at Laguna Lang Co. “Asian Tour Destinations is a perfect fit for us. We are committed to help grow the game here and we have some of the best beachfront accommodation in Vietnam to support that strategy.”

The new partnership is another indication of the willingness of Laguna Golf Lang Co to deploy a “team ethic” to enhance Asia’s golf appeal. The club already plays a leading role in the Vietnam Golf Coast, a destination marketing effort involving top clubs in Central Vietnam that is geared towards cementing the area’s status as one of Asia’s leading places for play.

“Asia’s reputation as a golf destination is as bright as it has ever been,” added Calver. “Together we can showcase all these great courses as well as the compelling tourism activities available along Vietnam’s Golf Coast.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Pattern Joins United States Tour Operators Association

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Global Insurtech MGA Pattern has started 2023 on a high note by joining the professional trade association, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

USTOA members represent some of the top names in travel and tourism and account for a sizable portion of the tour operator market in North America.

Meitav Harpaz, Co-founder and CEO of Pattern Insurance, says, “It’s fantastic to be part of this incredible trade association, particularly at a time when the travel industry is regaining momentum. We look forward to sharing our platform, which is helping many operators build and strengthen their customer trust with embedded insurance.”

Travel operators are familiar with the conversation around insurance and the post-Covid demand for travel insurance. In a recent report, the AAA found that 50% of consumers are now more likely to purchase travel insurance than before the pandemic. Joining USTOA enables Pattern to educate and collaborate with members. Working with Pattern, they can easily embed relevant bespoke insurance into the customer pathway.

Luis Maravi, Director of Membership & Programming adds, “We’re thrilled to welcome Pattern into the USTOA family. The travel market is always evolving, and it’s exciting to see the demand for instant compensation set to take center stage within the next decade. Travel insurance offers very relevant benefits before and during travel, so it’s an ideal match to bring both insurance and the tour operator industry together.”

Pattern’s platform helps operators to offer relevant insurance, embedding the propositions into the booking pathway. Pattern’s state-of-the-art AI-driven technology enhances real-time customer engagement at the point of sale, with relevant protection offers creating peace of mind for the consumer while increasing conversion and ancillary revenues for the distributor.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A Chinese New Year Feast at 57th Street Bangkok

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A Chinese New Year Feast at 57th Street Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, January 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bring in the Lunar New Year with your favorite Chinese dishes at 57th Street, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. On Sunday January 22, 2023, we feature a luscious buffet spread to celebrate Chinese New Year in a delectable style.

Discover Chinese delicacies from succulent Lobster Szechuan sauce, seafood on ice, crispy pork, homemade roasted duck and BBQ pork, mouthwatering Chinese seafood soup, Dim Sum station to classic Peking duck. Special dishes do not end here as our chefs also prepare delicious drunken chicken, Hokkien noodles, stir-fried fish maw with seafood as well as XO fried rice. As always, our buffet includes Thai and international dishes, plus Chinese specialties desserts.

Experience extravagant seafood dinner buffet with Chinese highlights on January 22, 2023 from Noon to 3:00 pm. The price is THB 1,499 net per person.

Enjoy the best home style dining experience in Bangkok at 57th Street, the all-day dining restaurant located at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit’s lobby level. International dinner buffet open daily from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm. For further information and reservation, please call 02-797 -0000 or email diningbangkok@marriott.com.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A Breath of Fresh Air for Luxury Hotels

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A Breath of Fresh Air for Luxury Hotels - TRAVELINDEXTrees, potted plants and “green walls” may not be conventional forms of interior design, but with growing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly hospitality, hotels are upping their efforts to incorporate “green atmospherics” into their indoor spaces. Whilst people’s behaviour is known to be shaped by their physical surroundings, the specific effects of living plants, scent, air quality, natural light and green spaces are not yet known. Focusing on the luxury hotel sector, Professor Jin-Soo Lee of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-researchers explored the influence of various dimensions of green atmospherics on the well-being and behavioural intentions of hotel guests and employees. Their findings could help luxury hotel managers deliver a more enjoyable experience for guests and take better care of their employees while also reducing their environmental impact.

The hotel sector is a major contributor to pollution, waste and environmental damage. Hotels not only generate large volumes of greenhouse gases, grey water and food waste but also consume substantial natural resources. As the tourism industry continues to grow, so does the need to provide more eco-friendly lodging for travellers. Rising to this challenge, many hotels are making moves to minimise their environmental impact by implementing green initiatives, which simultaneously meet the growing customer demand for sustainable hospitality. Increasingly, the researchers note, “individuals embrace sustainability as not only a design preference, but also a moral code”.

“Green atmospherics” describes a healthy, eco-friendly physical environment. Hotels keen to foster green atmospherics might furnish their indoor spaces with living trees, potted plants, green rest areas, fresh air, natural light and good ventilation. “Visitors and employees in a hotel are therefore interacting with various elements of its green indoor atmospherics”, say the researchers. According to previous studies, interacting with green and healthy atmospherics can boost guests’ positive experiences of hotels. Indoor atmospherics may influence cognitive, emotional and physical responses as well as behaviours such as retention, loyalty and word-of-mouth intention.

According to the researchers, the beneficial effects of green atmospherics can be explained by the “stimulus organism response theory”, which formed the backdrop of this research. This theory holds that environmental attributes act as stimuli that influence a person’s mental state, which in turn affects their behaviour. “In particular,” say the authors, “environmental psychologists argue that positive behaviours derive from individuals’ well-being and happiness through positive experiences”. Accordingly, green indoor atmospherics are likely to foster positive responses and behaviours in hotel guests.

In modern society, the chance to connect with nature is usually joyfully welcomed, with intuitive links to mental well-being. In hotels, green atmospherics are conducive to a positive state of mind that results in a greater sense of well-being. Mental well-being is “a crucial concept for both patrons and workers”, emphasise the authors. For instance, employees are more willing to work in places that promote their well-being. The authors hypothesised that green atmospherics in hotels enhance the mental well-being of both hotel guests and employees.

In turn, mental well-being is known to affect decision making and behaviour. Research has found that mental well-being significantly predicts hotel employees’ green behaviour. “Mental well-being brings diverse outcomes that are beneficial to the company”, say the authors. These outcomes can include an enhanced sense of belonging, loyalty and purchase/recommendation intentions and behaviours. Building on these findings, the researchers aimed to determine how mental well-being affects the behavioural intentions of hotel guests and employees.

Finally, the researchers considered the role of “place dependence”, defined as a sense of deep connection with spaces that meet one’s functional and emotional needs. “Travellers who feel comfortable and familiar with a place are likely to have strong place dependence or attachment and to revisit the place”, explain the authors. Mental well-being has been found to determine place dependence, which can in turn affect customers’ purchase intentions, loyalty, and other behaviours. To explore these connections in greater depth, the researchers investigated the influence of mental well-being on place dependence and how place dependence can in turn affect behavioural intentions in the context of green atmospherics in hotels.

In an elegant two-phase experiment, the researchers explored the nuanced relationships between elements of green atmospherics and the well-being, place dependence and behavioural intentions of hotel employees and guests. In Phase 1, focus group discussions with five hotel guests, five hotel employees and three hospitality management professors revealed seven important attributes of green indoor atmospherics, which were assigned to three major categories: green ambient conditions (air quality, scent, natural light), green items (e.g. living plants) and green spaces/areas (e.g. green rest areas).

Phase 2 was a field survey conducted at luxury hotels in South Korean cities. Over 10 days, 253 hotel guests with a mean age of 35 were recruited from different indoor spaces in their hotels to complete a questionnaire. Data from 247 employees, aged 32.5 on average, were also collected on site from the same luxury hotels. All of the participants completed a questionnaire that measured their mental well-being, place dependence and behavioural intentions.

A key novel contribution of this study lies in its categorisation of the attributes of green indoor atmospherics in luxury hotels into green ambient conditions, green items and green spaces/areas. The researchers found that these constructs influenced the formation of mental well-being, place dependence and behavioural intentions among hotel guests and hotel employees. Supporting stimulus organism response theory, this finding highlights “the role of green indoor atmospherics in inducing guests’ and employees’ mental well-being perception”, say the researchers, “which leads to increased place dependence and behavioural intentions”.

Mental well-being and place dependence not only directly triggered behavioural intentions but also indirectly influenced behavioural intentions by maximising the influence of green indoor atmospherics. Through targeted efforts to enhance mental well-being and place dependence, say the authors, hotels could optimise their use of green ambient conditions, green items and green spaces/areas. “This will fortify the effect of these concepts in building guest and employee intentions to remain with the hotel, say positive things about the hotel, and have loyalty to the hotel.”

The power of green atmospherics to make guests feel healthy and happy, and the pivotal role of mental well-being, highlights a unique opportunity for hotels. “Offering mental well-being to hotel guests and hotel employees is a vital step for the increased intentions to remain with the hotel, say positive things about the hotel, and be loyal to the hotel”, clarify the authors. Managers could diversify their efforts to enhance guests’ and employees’ well-being by, for example, improving social interactions for guests through leisure facility discounts and strengthening social relationships between colleagues through team building activities.

The final noteworthy finding is that of the three dimensions of green atmospherics, green ambient conditions most strongly influenced guests’ well-being, whereas these three dimensions had more or less equal effects on the mental well-being of employees. “It is thus essential for luxury hotel proprietors to focus more on fortifying the ambient conditions within the hotel and its performance in order to attain a stronger level of mental well-being among their guests”, note the researchers. Additionally, at a similar level of mental well-being, guests more actively built behavioural intentions than employees did.

This insightful study identifies mental well-being as a key driver of the influence of green atmospherics in hotels on behavioural intentions, particularly those of guests. The findings also indicate a clear need to tailor strategies for promoting green atmospherics to different groups. “To effectively enhance mental well-being and behavioural intentions”, conclude the authors, “luxury hotel proprietors should develop and use tactics that are different for guests and for employees”. The insights afforded by this study also have exciting implications for creating green atmospherics in other indoor service settings, such as restaurants and cruise ships.

Han, Heesup, Lee, Jin-Soo, and Koo, Bonhak (2021). Impact of Green Atmospherics on Guest and Employee Well-Being Response, Place Dependence, and Behavior in the Luxury Hotel Sector. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Vol. 29, Issue 10, pp. 1613-1634.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ON LOCATION: The scoop on Swoop’s new VRA service, and other Cuba tidbits

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With an onboard toast of ceremonial (and symbolic) Gatorade, plus pre-flight goodies for passengers, Swoop launched inaugural no-frills service to Cuba with a full complement of passengers (including Travel Industry Today) headed for sunny Varadero, departing chilly Toronto on W0652.

The flight – welcomed with a fire truck salute upon arrival – represented the “ultra not-expensive” (in Swoop vernacular) carrier’s initial foray to both Varadero and Cuba and also marked the first ultra low-cost flight (ULCC) service from Canada to the island in general.

“We have a beautiful country that’s waiting for you. We’re really excited about today (Jan. 11),” Cuba Tourist Board Canadian director Lessner Gomez declared to passengers during pre-flight remarks.

He added, “Canadians love Cuba and Cuba loves Canadians.”

Gomez said he was already looking forward two more potential Swoop service to his country, noting that discussions for the current Mon.-Wed.-Fri. flights began in 2020, but launch was delayed by the pandemic.

Swoop’s low-cost service will appeal to travellers – including Cuban citizens and expats – who don’t need an all-inclusive package or prefer other accommodation options, such as private homes and Airbnbs, Gomez added.

Flying to Varadero airport also provides easy access to Havana, creating great opportunities for short getaways to the colourful, historic capital after only a three-hour flight.

Air-only prices with Swoop start at $159 one way (bag fees and discretionary buy-on-board options extra).

Julie Pondant of Swoop similarly touted the attractiveness of the airline’s “unbundled” fares for a certain segment of the market, but noted that packages can still be booked.

Cuba Tourist Board’s Lessner Gomez and Karen Puebla, with Swoop’s Julie Pondant

Departing the same day as Punta Cana flights from Hamilton, Swoop’s entry into Cuba is another step in a whirlwind journey that began when WestJet launched the ULCC in 2018 with only two planes and two destinations. Now, it boasts 16 aircraft and 26 destinations (including 13 from YYZ).

“It’s been really busy, an amazing four-and-a-half years (since launch),” said Swoop marketing exec Kelly Steward, adding, “and there are no signs of slowing down.”

Indeed, on Jan. 1, Swoop registered its single largest travel day, operating 64 flights and carrying 10,268 travellers.

And as for Cuba, Steward declared, “We are confident it will be a success.”

Pondant says adding Cuba to Swoop’s destination roster is an important part of the airline’s growth curve, explaining, “We know it’s an important destination for Canadians and we know the demand is there.”

Flying to Varadero – Cuba’s most popular destination for Canadians – is a natural first step, but also gives access to nearby Havana, she adds.

Further, Swoop’s unbundled model will appeal to those looking for non-traditional Cuba travellers, such as students, backpackers, and multi-destination visitors.

“It adds to the (travel) options,” she says

With Swoop, passengers pay a base fare, plus discretionary add-ons – luggage, carry-on (one small personal item like a purse is free), food and drinks, and Internet. (Onboard amenities can be purchased by credit card inflight). Note: Paying for bags in advance is up to 40% less than at check-in).

Packages, as noted, are still available, through WestJet Vacations (with Swoop airfares).

Being part of WestJet is also offers another “huge” advantage for Swoop, which can transfer passengers onto the mainline carrier if necessary in case of delays or cancellations, says Pondant. In Cuba/Varadero, mainline WestJet offer three-times-weekly service on alternate days to Swoop.

With ultimate flexibility and unbundled fares, “what we’re selling,” concludes Pondant, “is that you really have an option to do it another way.”

Cuba report

Lessner, meanwhile, is confident that the entry of Swoop into the Cuban market will help the tourist board’s aim of welcoming one million Canadian visitors in 2023 – a number approaching pre pandemic levels in 2019.

And these visitors will discover, he assures, a new-look Cuba that was not idle during the travel pause, with the opening of both new destinations on the island to visit and new hotels in Havana.

Canadians can also now buy gift cards at banks (up to the equivalent of $5,000 in Cuban pesos) to pay for products and services such as restaurants and shops – “even cigars.”

Old town Havana

For those in (or in proximity to) Varadero, a visit to Havana is a must. The lively city can be toured on a day trip (2-1/2 hours by bus). Other options include Jeep tours (including swimming in a cave); drive-your-own jet boat (river) excursions; catamaran outings; and a crocodile farm/Taino village (by boat) attraction on the Zapata peninsula (lunch in the restaurant is exceptional), amongst many more, most of which can be arranged through one’s hotel.

For its part, Varadero – always known for long stretch of amazing sugar-white sand beach and turquoise water – has come a long way in recent years with a plethora of bars and restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and craft market, many located in the new central “Boulevard” and recently constructed marina district, the latter built for an expected influx of Americans who “never came” (an improving relationship with Cuba during the Obama regime soured again under Trump and the US embargo is still in place).

Internet service is improving and was largely trouble free during our stay at the Melia Internacional, a sparkling new version of the popular property that was rebuilt in 2019 (but was largely unused during the pandemic).

Travel tips

• Canadians can visit Cuba visa-free, subject to filling out a tourist card distributed on the plane. There are no current COVID-10 restrictions.

• Money in Cuba is complicated: Canadian credit cards are accepted (but exchange rates may not be favourable); small bills in Canadian or US are welcome (no coins), especially for tips, and some shops/services accept Cdn. currency. It is recommended to exchange only small amounts into Cuban pesos as they can’t be changed back. (Black market exchanges with more favourable rates are not uncommon but conducted at one’s own discretion).

• Visiting Havana from Varadero is possible and common via inter-city bus (not affiliated with a tour company); hiring a local driver – not least with a vintage car – is another popular option, not just for Havana.

• Russians tourists were still in evidence, but not surprisingly in much reduced numbers, not least because most army-eligible men can’t leave the country. Interestingly, most signage is in English, Spanish, and Russian. Canadians, however, are still the kings of Cuba, and catered to accordingly by locals. (Even carved wooden CFL team beer mugs of all things can be purchased at the Varadero craft market, perhaps making a personal Saskatchewan Roughriders mug the oddest Cuban souvenir you’re ever likely to buy!)

• Recommended local guide: Enrique Casanova, Havana Tours, ecasanova663@gmail.com .

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Andaz Debuts in Thailand With Opening of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach

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Andaz Brand Debuts in Thailand With Opening of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach - TOP25HOTELS-THAILAND - TRAVELINDEXJomtien, Pattaya, Thailand, January 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The lush and tropical beachfront retreat offers well-traveled explorers and families a welcoming, invigorating destination to reconnect with nature and discover authentic Thai culture. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, marking the debut of the Andaz brand in Thailand. Nestled across over 15 acres (6.4 hectares) of stunning beachfront land, amid mature trees and gardens overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this luxury lifestyle resort provides a myriad of ways for guests to express their personal style and connect with the local culture and nature, from destination excursions to authentic dining, wellness and family activities.

“With the growing demand for immersive, authentic experiences among luxury travelers, we are delighted by the launch of the vibrant Andaz brand in Thailand, one of the world’s most appealing destinations,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is our first Andaz resort in Thailand, adding to the brand’s growing portfolio in the region, which now includes properties located in Bali, Delhi, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Tokyo and Xiamen.”

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is a tranquil oceanfront sanctuary on Tawanron Beach – known as “Sunset Beach” for its magnificent sunset views – located between the popular holiday hub of Jomtien and the charming fishing village of Bang Saray and is within a 10-minute drive from most of Pattaya’s scenic and tourism hotspots such as the beautiful rolling green countryside, lakes, wineries, world-class golf courses and cafes. Less than two hours by car from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, the resort is in the Na Jomtien area which is poised to become a luxury lifestyle leisure destination as part of the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor development.

Beachfront Infinity Pool
“While celebrating the spirit of exploration and the individuality of each guest and immersed in an unspoiled beachside setting, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach offers low-rise clusters of rooms, suites and villas, shady courtyards, sparkling pools and creative event spaces, all of which reflect the dynamic charm of this up-and-coming destination,” said Ranjeet Y. Rajebhosale, general manager, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach. “Through collaborations with local brands like the wellness provider, PAÑPURI, and artisans, we hope to create riveting experiences that will help guests reconnect with nature and discover Thai culture.”

Concept and Design
Surrounded by mature, landscaped gardens with conserved, century-old trees, the distinctively local yet modern design of the resort is inspired by the site’s history as a private estate. Conceived by award-winning Thai architecture firm A49 and PIA interiors, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach warmly greets guests with an awe-inspiring raintree and reflective pond upon arrival within the Raintree Court, which is the heart and soul of the resort where travelers can meet, unwind and socialize. This barrier-free space features restaurants with interactive show kitchens and an herb garden, where guests can receive a personalized tour, along with additional distinctive experiences and programming for travelers looking to fulfil their curiosities and stimulate their senses. Exquisite Thai teakwood houses – all of which have been given a new lease on life using reclaimed wood materials from storied traditional Thai wooden houses – are nestled under the tropical foliage, while natural, locally sourced and handmade materials and artwork have been incorporated throughout the resort.

Guestrooms and Suites
Set in low-rise clustered buildings, the 204 rooms, suites, and villas, which start from 538 square feet (50 square meters), are adorned with locally influenced interiors, walk-in rain showers and a balcony or terrace with a relaxing daybed. Spread throughout the gardens, guests can experience a sense of discovery as they explore the lush landscape. A variety of accommodation options cater to a wide range of occasions and guests, from multi-generational families to couples and individuals. The Lagoon Access Rooms invite guests to step straight into the rippling waters of the resort pool, while the Pool Suites allow guests to cool down with a private dip at any time of day, and the Beachfront Suites are set directly on the soft sand.

Set to open in the coming months, two heritage-inspired houses form the resort’s most highly prized accommodation that are ideal for multi-generational families and intimate celebrations – a duplex four-bedroom Manor House and a breath-taking six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House, each of which offers luxurious living with private pools, courtyards, butler service and ocean views.

Dining and Entertainment
The resort’s six distinct restaurants and bars feature local, seasonal, and sustainable produce, including tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices from the onsite organic garden. A vibrant beachfront restaurant serving fresh local seafood, Fish Club offers light poolside bites at lunch, refreshing cocktails at sunset, immersive contemporary dinners and late-night drinks with live DJ sets. Wok Wok serves traditional Thai comfort food and authentic regional flavors in a casual environment, La Cucina is a trattoria-style Italian restaurant where guests can savor delicious pastas and freshly baked pizzas with Italian wines, while Village Butcher is a classic steakhouse where diners can enjoy charcoal-grilled steaks alongside a wide selection of wines. The Teak Lounge invites guests to sit back and enjoy refreshments under the magnificent raintree, and the soon-to-open Ruen Thai is a traditional, charming teahouse adorned with Thai silks and classical floor seating, allowing guests to sit back and recharge in a tranquil space surrounded by nature.

Wellness
Three outdoor swimming pools provide endless opportunities for relaxation, including a peaceful lap pool, a freeform family pool next to the bright Sanuk Sanuk kids’ club, and a beachfront pool overlooking the beautiful beach that sets the stage for sunset cocktails and sparkling DJ parties. Nestled amid the verdant gardens, PAÑPURI Spa is a collaboration with the exclusive Thai wellness brand – which also created the resort’s uniquely scented bathroom amenities – offering a luxurious haven of wellness where guests can experience soothing therapies with organic skincare products. The 24-hour fitness center features the latest Technogym equipment and a rejuvenating yoga room.

Social Spaces
The naturally lit 3,229-square foot (300-square meter) Garden Pavilion will bring every social or corporate event to life with its floor-to-ceiling windows, versatile pre-function foyer, outdoor terrace and show kitchen. Ruen Thai, the restored two-level heritage building, can be transformed into an exquisite setting for more intimate occasions.

For more information and full terms or to book a stay, please call +66 38 221 234.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,200 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 72 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Residence Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, and JdV by Hyatt™; and the Inclusive Collection, including Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Vivid Hotels & Resorts®, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.

About Andaz
Global in scale while local in perspective, the Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels weaves the sights, sounds, and tastes of each property’s surroundings for a distinctively local experience. Through thoughtful, unscripted service tailored for travelers, Andaz hotels enable guests to go beyond the familiar and satiate their curiosity while immersing them in the spirit of the eclectic culture around them. There are currently 25 Andaz hotels: Andaz 5th Avenue in New York, Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Napa, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Andaz Savannah, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz London Liverpool Street, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Andaz Singapore, Andaz Delhi, Andaz Xintiandi in Shanghai, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, Andaz Seoul Gangnam, Andaz Xiamen, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Andaz Dubai The Palm, Andaz Shenzhen Bay, Andaz Bali and Andaz Prague.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News