Global Travel News

MSC INTRODUCES WORLD EUROPA IN STYLE

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Call it the celebration before the celebration (FIFA World Cup 2022) as MSC Cruises lit up the sky in Doha, Qatar last night (Sunday) during the official naming ceremony of its newest ship, MSC World Europa.

Travel Industry Today was on hand as Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson and CEO Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani officially blessed the new MSC flagship and cut the ribbon to christen the ship with the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle against the bow.

On hand were dignitaries, travel industry partners, including Qatar Airways, and media from around the world.

Highlights of the evening included local entertainment, an amazing drone show and a performance by singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, followed by a fireworks display.

Naming ceremony/ photo – Ivan Sarfatti

The 6,762-passenger MSC World Europa is the line’s biggest ship, spanning 22 decks and sporting 2,626 staterooms. The ship is touted to be the one of the most environment-friendly vessels at sea and the first in the MSC fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas.

After serving as a “floating hotel” during World Cup 2022, MSC World Europa will spend its inaugural season offering seven-day cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Doha. She will then head to the Mediterranean for summer 2023.

For more on MSC and its new flagship watch for upcoming issues of Travel Industry Today.

MSC World Europa arrives in Doha/ photo – MSC Cruises

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BUTCH STEWART’S SPIRIT WILL ‘CONTINUE TO SOAR’

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Sandals Resorts founder, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, has been honoured by Frontier Airlines with the naming of a new aircraft to be delivered in 2023. Citing his work to strengthen and foster tourism in Jamaica, the carrier will name the plane tail “Stewart the Red-Billed Streamertail,” also incorporating Jamaica’s national bird to Frontier’s signature plane tails program.

The new design was unveiled by Frontier Airlines President and CEO Barry Biffle at a recent ceremonial event held at Sandals Montego Bay.

“Sharing Jamaica with the world was my father’s joy and our hearts are filled with immense pride with the introduction of ‘Stewart the Red-Billed Streamertail’ to the Frontier fleet. I know that my dad would be so proud to have our Jamaican ‘doctor bird’ flying once again,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

He added, “Thank you, Frontier – we are honoured that you have chosen to pay tribute to him in this extraordinary way. His legendary spirit will now continue to soar over his beloved Jamaica.”

“We present this new design in recognition of the work that Mr. Stewart, and indeed the entire Stewart family, has done for tourism in Jamaica,” said Biffle.

A fierce champion of tourism to Jamaica since entering the industry in 1981, Butch Stewart’s leadership helped resurrect Jamaica’s travel industry at the time, earning him the respect of his peers and the admiration of his countrymen. He was elected President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica in 1989 and was inducted in its “Hall of Fame” in 1995.

He also served as a Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board for a decade and as President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association in the mid-80s, ably balanced government and private sector priorities, reconciled the concerns of large and small Jamaican hotels and raised public understanding of the tourism industry. Understanding the critical need for consistent lift to his island destination, in 1994, Stewart led a group of investors to take leadership of Air Jamaica, the Caribbean’s largest regionally based carrier.

Meanwhile, in recognizing his own work as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Adam Stewart was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 2022 graduation ceremony of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus earlier this month (photo).

“I am humbled and so proud to be recognized by The UWI for the work I am passionate about,” he said. “My father… taught me that opportunity is a gift not to be wasted. His tenacity and drive to make life better not only for himself and his family, but for his employees, community and country gave me the firsthand understanding of what is possible when people are given a chance. I accept this degree with a full heart and the promise to continue to earn the confidence this illustrious body has placed in me.”

Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett stated: “Not only has (Adam) so ably carried the mantle passed on by his late father, Hon. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, but he has been taking the leading chain in the Caribbean to even greater heights.”

Among his many activities, Stewart is founder and President of the non-profit Sandals Foundation aimed at making a difference in the Caribbean communities where Sandals Resorts operates. All monies contributed by the public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean. He is also founder and active Chairman of the local non-profit ‘We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital,’ which raises funds to improve hospital facilities and chairs the country’s Tourism Linkages Council, which seeks to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local suppliers, making the strength of tourism work for all.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Nov. 04-11, 2022

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Not again: Another massive COVID outbreak on a cruise ship. Also last week, Hurricane Nicole hammered the eastern seaboard, Bermuda dropped travel restrictions, Air Canada rolled out several onboard enhancements, Hilton Hotels hit a major milestone in Mexico, and Canada Jetlines revealed its first international routes.

NEWS

More than 800 passengers aboard the Majestic Princess reportedly contracted COVID during a cruise from New Zealand to Australia last week. About 4,600 passengers and crew were aboard the ship, which arrived in Sydney on Saturday, with the affected passengers held in isolation. Carnival officials said most of the cases were mild or asymptomatic while Australian officials assured they were well prepared to deal with the situation, which immediately drew comparisons to the outbreak on Ruby Princess in early 2020, where 28 people died and around 900 people tested positive for the virus.

Heavy rain from the Hurricane Nicole covered the eastern United States from Georgia to the Canadian border hitting Florida’s coast particularly hard. Dozens of hotel and condominium towers as tall as 22 stories were declared uninhabitable in Daytona Beach Shores and New Smyrna Beach after seawater undercut their foundations. Just six weeks earlier, Hurricane Ian caused an initial round of damage that contributed to problems from Nicole.

Gerry Schwartz, founder of Toronto-based private equity firm Onex Corp., which counts WestJet among its diverse portfolio of operating companies, is stepping down from his role as CEO of the company after nearly 40 years. The billionaire, who turns 81 this month, will remain chairman of Onex. Veteran Onex executive Bobby Le Blanc will take over the top job. Onex purchased WestJet in 2019 for $5 billion.

BORDERS

The Bermuda government has announced the elimination of the travel authorization (TA) process some three weeks earlier than originally scheduled – a move that will streamline the overall travel experience for visitors. From Nov. 14, visitors instead will be required to complete the Bermuda Arrival Card, a free, digital arrival form to capture visitor data.

BY THE NUMBERS

Despite the Chetamon wildfire, Jasper National Park saw a huge rebound this summer and came close to pre-pandemic visitation numbers, reports Parks Canada. The figures show that September brought in the highest number of visitors to the park for that month with 360,803 while August’s visitation rate was the park’s second highest ever attendance for that month with 473,267, a number that was just shy of the 2019 record of 495,704 visitations.

AIR

Alaska Airlines is exercising options to purchase 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (photo) for delivery between 2024 and 2027, growing the airline’s confirmed 737 MAX fleet from 94 to 146. Alaska also secured rights for 105 more planes through 2030, ensuring access to sufficient aircraft for fleet replacement and growth. This agreement represents the largest commitment for future aircraft in the airline’s history.

Las Vegas has been announced as Canada Jetlines’ first international route, starting service Jan. 19 from Toronto Pearson. Multiple frequencies will be available weekly. Also starting Jan. 19 will be two flights a week from Toronto to Melbourne, Central Florida. The routes will follow the launch of Canada Jetlines service between YYZ and YVR in December.

Upgraded dining in Economy, more in-flight entertainment, and connectivity options, and enriched Premium offerings are among a comprehensive range of enhancements being rolled out by Air Canada starting this month. Customers will see new and restored services in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and in Premium cabins onboard, a new Economy Class dining service with a celebrity chef entree internationally plus new Bistro choices in North America. And in a first for a Canadian airline, complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi for Premium Rouge passengers.

WestJet is adding four-times weekly service between Terrace, BC, and Calgary, beginning Dec. 1. The route will operate four times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, on WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft.

DEALS

More than 700 trips spanning the globe, including Antarctica, are included in G Adventures’ annual Cyber Sale, now running through Nov. 30. Travellers can save up to 30% off select trips offered by the tour operator when travelling by April 30. Select departures departing May 1-June 20, 2023, qualify for 10% off.

With the holiday travel season approaching, Plaza Premium Lounge is offering Canadians up to 50% off lounge passes across its global network. The collection of holiday passes can be booked between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, starting at US$89 for two visits. Meanwhile, the PPL Pass Canada, from US$151, offers frequent flyers five or 10 visits to any Plaza Premium lounge in Canada. Last but not least, guests can save up to 15% off ALLWAYS, the bespoke airport concierge service that includes baggage handling, security fast lane access, immigration-designated assistance, and limousine transfer to buggy service, to ensure a smooth coordination at every point in the airport.

HOTELS

Hilton opened its 200th hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America, the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, a 173-room luxury resort set on 40 hectares of coastline. Also representing Hilton’s second Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Mexico, the milestone caps off a strong decade of Hilton’s continued growth in the region, during which the company opened approximately 75% of its current portfolio of hotels, expanded its presence across 15 of Hilton’s distinct brands and welcomed guests in 28 countries.

New hotel operator, Legendary Hotels and Resorts, will be entering the Icelandic hospitality market over the next two years, with ambitious plans to construct, purchase, or rebrand a portfolio of 12 hotels. The first hotel has already been purchased in Southern Iceland, with a full rebrand to begin early in 2023. Properties will feature flexible check-in and check-out times, free high-speed wireless Internet, a variety of amenities and home comforts, along with seamless airport transfer.

RESORTS

Blue Diamond Resorts Starfish St. Lucia resort re-opened on Nov. 1 after a temporary pause to operation. Located on the white-sand shores of Rodney Bay, the 140-room family resort is surrounded by the lush landscapes with rooms offering views of the resort’s gardens or the bay, modernized amenities, a variety of dining options and bars, play area for kids, spa, and fitness centre at the neighbouring resort, as well as exclusive beachfront venues for weddings and honeymoons.

The only all-inclusive resort on the secluded island of San Salvador, Bahamas, Club Med Columbus has officially reopened its doors for the winter season ahead. Guests can expect to find newly refreshed two-story bungalows, new dining concepts, enhanced wellness and scuba experiences. A playground for watersport enthusiasts, activities like sailing, waterskiing, and kayaking are includes, along with flyboarding, tennis (on brand new courts) and destination experiences including new quad tours.

CRUISE

Carnival Luminosa arrived in Queensland, Australia marking the first ship from the fleet to be homeported in Brisbane. The ship set sail on her first cruise on Nov. 6 and will operate 28 sailings through April 13, 2023, visiting 60 ports of call across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific including Airlie Beach and The Great Barrier Reef.

Silversea Cruises has confirmed its return to Asia, with four ships – Silver Shadow Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, and Silver Muse – scheduled to sail in the region this winter. The intimate, 596-guest Silver Muse will become the cruise line’s first ship to sail in Asia since March 2020 when she departs Singapore on Dec. 2 calling in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, among other destinations, while Silver Shadow follows on Dec. 20 from Mumbai to Singapore. Silversea’s Asia season will comprise 25 voyages ranging from 10 to 20 days.

TOURS

Marrakesh, Morocco

G Adventures believes that 2023 is going to be a big year for adventure travel. With this in mind, the tour operator is introducing more than 20 new itineraries, ranging from four to 12 days designed to allow guests to get off the beaten path and get active in some for the world’s most beautiful locations, from Iceland to Morocco. All trios share G Adventures’ commitment to local cultural experiences and ensuring the local communities visited benefit from hosting travellers. For a full list of options, see G’s website.

PONANT is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys on a series of co-branded sailings for 2023 and 2024. Each of the itineraries will be led by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts – whether an art historian, a solar astrophysicist, or an international relations expert – whose expertise and knowledge will shed new light on a destination and deepen travellers’ immersion in place. Among the new sailings is a nine-day circumnavigation of Sicily on Le Champlain, April 14-22, 2024.

THEME PARKS

Ahead of Black Friday (Nov. 25), Discovery Cove in Orlando has announced its biggest sale of the year, with savings of up to 50% off reservations to visit the all-inclusive day resort where visitors can swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, strut alongside flamingos, and more.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Marriott Bonvoy has launched a sweepstake for meeting planners to win up to one million Marriott Bonvoy points with their One Million Reasons to Meet sweepstakes. From Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, meeting planners can enter online for a chance to win the grand prize, as well as instant prizes such as exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments, MBV Boutique gifts and points of various denominations.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has named Bill Knowlton as recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022. The seasoned travel professional and leader, best known for his 30-plus year tenure at Jonview Canada, has spent more than five decades in the industry. TIAC will honour Knowlton with the award at a gala ceremony on Nov. 23 during its Tourism Congress 2022, as well as unveiling the winners of annual Canadian Tourism Awards.

DESTINATIONS

A new Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary app is now available, providing information about the sanctuary’s 9,800 sq. km of waters surrounding the Keys. The Marine Sanctuary Explorer app describes the sanctuary’s more than 50 marine zones with easy-to-read guidelines about allowed activities. GPS-enabled technology alerts users when approaching the sanctuary’s no-wake and other managed zones and delivers real-time information about rules and regulations. The app is free to download for Apple and Android devices.

2023 has been dubbed “The Year of Events” in St. Martin. During a recent Toronto visit, Saint-Martin Tourism Office Director Aida Weinum highlighted a packed schedule of events, including the SXM Festival, Carnaval, Love Days Festival, and the Oualichi Festival. The popular Festival de Gastronomie, a foodie-focused celebration, typically takes place in November and includes a BBQ and mixology competition, cooking workshops, and a culinary village realized with participation by Michelin-starred chefs.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1793, the Louvre Palace in Paris was opened as a public museum.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Radisson Hotel Growth in Thailand with First Radisson Individuals in Pattaya

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Pattaya, Thailand, November 10, 2022 /TRAVELINDEX / Lewit Hotel Pattaya, a member of Radisson Individuals becomes the Group’s inaugural property on the Eastern Seaboard, as diverse development and flexible business models stimulate growth in APAC

Radisson Hotel Group has reached an important milestone in its expansion strategy in Thailand with the signing of Lewit Hotel Pattaya, a member of Radisson Individuals, which marks the brand’s launch in Pattaya, a vibrant beachfront destination on the country’s rapidly emerging Eastern Seaboard.

This modern upscale property will be the group’s first Radisson Individuals hotel when it opens in February 2023 and will operate under a brand affiliation agreement with Land Able Co. Ltd. This further underscores Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to driving growth through a range of flexible business models and building a diverse portfolio of high-quality managed and franchised properties.

Lewit Hotel Pattaya, a member of Radisson Individuals is a contemporary hotel located less than ten minutes from the peaceful Jomtien beach, yet still within easy reach of the city’s upbeat attractions and activities.

The 100-room hotel features a modern design that helps guests feel at ease with comfortable bedding, a comprehensive range of in-room amenities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can dine at the all-day restaurant that serves buffet breakfast in the morning, and a delightful selection of Thai and international cuisine for lunch and dinner.

The hotel is well-equipped with family-friendly facilities such as a glass-walled infinity pool with a waterslide and sundeck, and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. Bicycles are also available for guests to explore the local area, including Yin Yom Beach which is just a short ride away and offers spectacular sunset views.

For business travelers, two meeting rooms and a pre-function area are perfectly suited to small and medium-sized gatherings, such as strategy meetings, training sessions, team-building and more. The hotel is a short drive from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi International Airport, as well as the regional hub of U-Tapao Airport, making it easily accessible for domestic and international travelers alike.

The strength of Radisson Individuals, Radisson Hotel Group’s affiliation brand, is that it simultaneously caters to the rising demand from modern travelers for authentic, individual hospitality that meets international standards, while also intuitively meeting the requirement from owners and small chains for global scale and support, without losing their independence. This fully flexible concept is suited to all types of hotels and resorts, including new-builds and conversions, and can be easily adapted to franchise and management agreements.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Lewit Hotel Pattaya, a member of Radisson Individuals. This is a major milestone for our company as it demonstrates how we are successfully diversifying our portfolio with new resort locations that will further accelerate our expansion in Asia Pacific. Owners today are seeking the market expertise and brand affiliation that Radisson Hotel Group offers, and we see projects that are converted, franchised, and soft-branded playing a pivotal role in our future growth,” said David Nguyen, Managing Director, Indochina and Strategic Partnerships, South East Asia & Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.

“Radisson Hotel Group has a proven track record of achieving strong results and high levels of guest satisfaction in the hospitality industry, thanks to its robust and flexible in-market support that has a keen understanding of our property’s unique needs. This partnership represents the start of an exciting new era for Lewit Hotel Pattaya, a member of Radisson Individuals, and we look to leverage the expertise and global scale of Radisson Hotel Group as we prepare to welcome guests from all around the world as Thailand enters its first full high season for three years,” commented Ms. Sarinya Ruennuch, Director, Land Able Co. Ltd.

The signing of Lewit Hotel Pattaya, a member of Radisson Individuals marks the latest development in the Group’s wider growth strategy as it targets to double its operating portfolio in Thailand by 2023.

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 1,000 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 international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to its guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for its guests, meeting planners, and travel agents 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.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. The Safety Protocol is an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group’s Safety and Security program ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

ABOUT RADISSON INDIVIDUALS
Radisson Individuals is a brand that allows hotel properties to maintain and promote their unique characteristics and personalities by focusing on one-of-a kind locations and experiences, whilst meeting the high standards of quality and service that guests have come to expect from the Radisson Hotel Group. It is a complement brand to the other existing brands in the portfolio, and an ideal first step for individual hotels with strong service scores who may be considering transitioning to one of the other successful core brands at a later stage. Radisson Individuals properties are located in key business and leisure destinations.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Transformed at UNWTO Ministers Summit

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London, United Kingdom, November 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / “Our job is to create jobs,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili told tourism sector leaders as education, sustainability, and governance took centre stage at the Ministers’ Summit at the World Travel Market.

This consolidated platform for public and private sector leaders addresses tourism’s most pressing issues and sets the agenda for the years ahead. Held around the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, the 16th Summit gathered Ministers and high-level delegates from 19 countries, alongside business leaders. Reflecting the heightened relevance of tourism for cross-cutting economic and social wellbeing, this year’s edition was the most successful to date.

Opening the event, Secretary-General Pololikashvili emphasized the unique opportunity to transform the sector. However, with UNWTO data showing that global tourism now at around 70% of pre-pandemic levels, “the window of opportunity will not stay open forever. We need to rethink tourism: as a provider of jobs, an economic pillar, and, against the backdrop of COP27, as a solution to the climate emergency”.

Education, jobs key to tourism’s future
We need to rethink tourism: as a provider of jobs, an economic pillar, and, against the backdrop of COP27, as a solution to the climate emergency
Presenting an overview of UNWTO’s work leading the transformation of tourism, Secretary-General Pololikashvili focused on investing in sustainable infrastructure and in people, most notably through quality education and providing decent jobs. Echoing UNWTO’s position, Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Markets, noted that “a post-pandemic world has revealed exciting opportunities, and given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconsider tourism and ask ourselves how we can rebuild and better prepare for the future”. Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which co-organizes the Summit with UNWTO, emphasized the “talent, speed and capital” of the private sector.

Global expertise for common challenges
The roundtable brought together Ministers of Tourism from every global region. Each provided unique insights from their own countries. Opening, His Excellency, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stressed putting “sustainability above everything”, also noting his country’s focus on innovation and youth. Highlighting the importance of diversifying national tourism sectors, including through domestic and rural tourism, and creating new products were Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism for the Maldives, the Minister for Portugal, Rita Marques, and the Minister for Egypt, Ahmed Issa.

Picking up on the theme of Rethinking Tourism, the Minister of Tourism for Croatia Nikolina Brnjac, noted that this would require an “evolution” towards measuring success by greater sustainability”. Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism for Mauritius Steven Obeegadoo, emphasized its ability to promote peace, adding “We need to look beyond tourism to rebuild tourism.” Also contributing to discussions were the Ministers from Bahrain, Costa Rica Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Philippines, and Sri Lanka.

Representing tourism’s vast and broad private sector, Expedia and the Radisson Hotel Group outlined their proactive work achieving greater sustainability, as well as highlighting the sector’s ability to provide decent jobs and lifelong career progression for people everywhere.

Tourism’s unprecedented political relevance
While the Summit promoted diversity of thought, background and experiences, a focus on tourism’s unique power as a driver of sustainability and as a promoter of peace and understanding proved a common theme. High-level participants emphasized that now is the time for the tourism sector to focus more on cooperation rather than competition. Ministers also acknowledged UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili’s call for tourism to be mainstreamed within the political agenda and for greater collaboration between ministries of tourism and those of economy, business and environment.

Trusted data to inform debate

UNWTO’s trusted data provided the context for discussions. Building on the Organization’s status as the leading provider of global tourism intelligence, the World Travel Market will also host the launch of the new Travel Trends Report 2023, produced by UNWTO in partnership with leading broadcaster Euronews.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE SLOW ROAD TO THE FRENCH ALPS

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“Be patient, slow down,” I reminded myself as we neared the summit of the Col de la Colombiere in the French Alps, a climb that’s been ridden 23 times in the Tour de France. And, trust me, they don’t include it so regularly in the world’s most famous race because it’s easy. The Colombiere is a 17.6-km. challenge with an average gradient of 6.5%. (There’s a sign every kilometer that lets you know the gradient for the upcoming kilometer.)

I’m not a professional cyclist and was struggling. Up ahead was Mike Booth, my new cycling companion. Booth, a charming and chatty Brit who lives near the base of Mont Blanc, has ridden the Colombiere more than 50 times and wasn’t even breathing hard.

“Let him go,” I told myself. “It’s not a race.”

Over the past week, I’d ridden several other nearby cols (mountain-pass roads) by myself and had devised a simple but hard-to-maintain strategy: patience. “Take your time,” I had to remind myself once or twice a kilometer. “Relax and enjoy these amazing Alpine views… Hey look, cows!”

Booth was one of the reasons I was in the Haute Savoie (northern) region of the French Alps, based first in Annecy and now Cluses.

I’ve cycled in several French regions over the years and was struggling to decide where to go for my first post-COVID adventure. Alsace Lorrain was tempting, maybe the French Riviera. Then, I discovered Booth’s breathebike.com website and the videos of him climbing the area’s most famous cols, including the Colombiere. The scenery was stunning, and Booth made climbing look so darn easy.

I emailed him a few rounds of questions, he answered. “The Alps it is,” I said, and booked a flight to Paris, made hotel reservations in Annecy and Cluses, and rented an all-carbon bike from Annecy Bike Rentals. Then I made arrangements to meet Booth outside my hotel in Cluses, and off we went to the nearby base of the Colombiere.

Booth first climbed this mountain in 2007, soon after he and his wife, Judith, moved here from England. They initially ran a bed-and-breakfast chalet in Les Houches, at the base of Mont Blanc, a romantic-sounding notion that turns out to be more work than romance.

“I suffered the first time,” Booth, 54, said of the initial ascent. He’d done a little racing in his younger days, but hadn’t ridden in several years and had put on some weight. “I was hopelessly unfit and completely in the wrong gear,” he said.

He’s now extremely fit and in the right gear.

Since they sold their bed-and-breakfast in 2017, Booth has become a bike-tour organizer, including rides around Mont Blanc, and a trek from Geneva to Nice.

Annecy, which sits picturesquely on the northern edge of Lake Annecy, is a popular tourist destination. It has scores of hotels for every price range.

Col de la Colombiere in the French Alps

Cluses? Not so much. It’s a much smaller, less visited town, but with a surprising number of cafés and restaurants, and it’s surrounded by mountains. My room at the Hotel National, in the centre of town, had mountain views out the window.

Then again, every town, village and city in the Haute Savoie is surrounded by the Alps. They’re everywhere, beckoning cyclists to test their ability to climb the cols made famous in the Tour de France.

The first half the Colombiere climb is mostly through forests, with a few views through the trees down to the towns that line the valley. Then, you emerge from the woods into the town of Le Reposoir, and the Alpine view you’ve traveled and climbed so far to see.

Le Reposoir means “resting place,” and this is the perfect spot to stop at a café or restaurant for a well-deserved break and some nourishment before the second, more difficult half of the climb. The valley is spread out before you, with timbered chalets edging their way up the slopes in neat rows.

This is where the real climbing begins, starting with a series of S-turns you can see from Le Reposoir. Then, you ride along a steep ridge of the Colombiere.

And then, the final kilometer, the steepest of the ride at 11%. “Uh oh,” I told myself. “Slow down, you’re almost there.”

Any slower though and I might tip over.

To my left was a valley with mountains covered in triangle-shaped pine trees on the other side. Up and to my right were the craggy, steep slopes of the Colombiere.

It took a while, but I made it to the top, and just sort of stopped and stared at everything all around me. The pain of the effort was instantly gone, replaced by a sense of accomplishment, enhanced by the view.

We weren’t alone. A lot of people had made their way up the Colombiere, in cars, on motorcycles and on bicycles.

If you’re not a cyclist, there’s still a lot to do in this region. There’s hiking trails and skiing everywhere. Albertville, the host city of the 1992 Winter Olympics, is near Annecy. The area also claims to be the birthplace of paragliding, and I saw several up above.

I took the mandatory selfie with the summit sign in the background. Then we headed back down the way we had just climbed, to Cluses. I’m not an especially brave descender, but it sure was fun flying down the mountain.

“I still can’t believe I live here and get to wake up every morning with a view of Mont Blanc,” Booth said before he pedaled home. I stood there, outside my hotel, surrounded by the Alps, thinking how lucky I was just to be here.

Three days later, my final one in Cluses, I climbed the Colombiere again. Slowly.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Gordon the great

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It was only a stray line in the paper recently, but it hit like hammer: Gordon Lightfoot was performing at a small venue in Oakville, Ont. on the weekend. To be sure, the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter hasn’t been entirely out of the news in recent years, but the about-to-be 84-year-old (Nov. 17) is still going strong filled me with delight.

Indeed, Lightfoot was once declared dead in an infamous 2010 hoax perpetrated on Twitter.

Considered by many to be Canada’s greatest songwriter, Orillia, Ontario-born Lightfoot helped define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and ‘70s, also scoring on the country charts.

Countless hits like the heart-rending “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Canadian Railroad Trilogy,” “That’s What You Get for Loving Me,” “Carefree Highway,” “Rainy Day People,” and, of course, the incomparable “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” – The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down/ Of the big lake they call ‘Gitche Gumee’/ The lake it is said, never gives up her dead/ When the skies of November turn gloomy – read like a quintessential Canadian playbook.

No wonder then that Gordon the Great has been inducted into the Canadian Music and Country halls of fames and into Canada’s Walk of Fame, received the Order of Canada, and even put on a stamp (along with Anne Murray, Paul Anka, and Joni Mitchell).

South of the border, he has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in a New York City and a movement exists to have him recognized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

If you’re wondering, I haven’t forgotten his sensational No. 1 hit “Sundown” – the first song Lightfoot song I remember hearing – which we present here (from 1974, the year it was released):

Lyrics

I can see her lyin’ back in her satin dress
In a room where ya do what ya don’t confess
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
She’s been lookin’ like a queen in a sailor’s dream
And she don’t always say what she really means
Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feelin’ better when I’m feelin’ no pain
Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feelin’ better when I’m feelin’ no pain

I can picture every move that a man could make
Getting lost in her lovin’ is your first mistake
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it’s a sin
When I feel like I’m winnin’ when I’m losin again

I can see her lookin’ fast in her faded jeans
She’s a hard lovin’ woman, got me feelin’ mean
Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feelin’ better when I’m feelin’ no pain
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin’ ’round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it’s a sin
When I feel like I’m winnin’ when I’m losin’ again

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RELAX. BREATHE OUT: Spirit to widen seats

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At time when it seems every inch of cabin space is precious, Spirit Airlines in the US is introducing a new wider seat. The ultra low-fare airline unveiled its latest state-of-the-art Vector Light seat at the recent Apex Expo 2022 event in Long Beach, Ca.

Designed to be wider and offer extra cushion and other comfortable features to enhance the guest experience, the redesigned interior will be installed on Spirit’s new aircraft deliveries starting in late January 2023. In total, 33 new A320 Family aircraft are planned for delivery throughout 2023.

Among the features:

More Room: Each seat will gain a half-inch of width. The new seat technology unlocks previously unused space with a design that fits closer to the wall of the aircraft, creating an opportunity to increase seat width. This innovation also supports the optimization of cabin operations by adding the extra room without removing space from the aisle to ensure fast boarding and deplaning for Guests. Spirit’s middle seats will continue to be an inch wider than aisle and window seats.

Spirit also continues to champion innovative curved seatback designs that unlock space at the knee level. This additional space amounts to about two more inches of knee space compared to flatback seats on legacy airlines with the same pitch. These extra pockets of space are omitted in the standard industry “pitch” metric, which is focused on flatback seats. So, Guests have more personal space than what the “pitch” measurement indicates.

Vector 1 prototypes

More Comfort: All seats will now have more cushion and newly added headrests. Big Front Seats are seeing changes in design to include more cushion, nearly an inch more pre-recline, easier to reach tray tables and a wider seatback.

More Fuel-Efficient: The new seats come with an incremental environmental benefit as well. Even with the new features, the weight of each new Vector Light seat will amount to a decrease of nearly 11 ounces per seat thanks to advances in seat frame technology. These small changes have outsized effects in a large-scale operation, resulting in sizable reductions of fuel burn across the fleet.

“Our cabin refresh in 2019 was a significant enhancement in the guest experience, and these new seats are another great step forward in increasing value for our guests,” says Spirit VP Lania Rittenhouse.

Spirit has 33 new planes projected for delivery in 2023.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Michelin-star Restaurant Savelberg Launches New Experience Menu

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Michelin-star Restaurant Savelberg Launches New Experience Menu - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Savelberg restaurant Bangkok launching a new menu, “Savelberg Experience”, and with prices starting at THB 2,800, it’s a relatively inexpensive introduction to modern French fine dining gastronomy in Bangkok.

Created by Michelin-star chef Henk Savelberg, the “Savelberg Experience” course menu is designed to reflect Chef Henk’s culinary mastery.

The experience journey includes:
– the signature Faberge Egg, in which he uses “Veal Tenderloin” to make the classic “Veal Tartare” mixed with “Granny Smith Green apples” and “Tomatsu Soy Sauce” from Netherland. The Chef use the combination of “Crème Fraiche” and “Royal Oscietar caviar” which give it more refreshing, then lush buttery, long aftertaste, and crisp with aroma to complete the dish.
– Scallop with pumpkin, pumpkin seed vinaigrette,apricot:
Pan fried Scallop paired with pumpkin beurre noisette purée. The chef top the scallop up with pumpkin seed and truffle vinaigrette to give more texture , nutty, crunchies and more fragrance on the truffle side then finish with the sweet taste of grilled apricot to get more complexity.
– Turbot with fennel, finger lime, veronique, grape, salicornia, trout roe:
Poached Turbot with grilled and fresh fennel goes well with “Veronique sauce” French White wine base sauce that go together with seafood , The Chef add finger lime and trout roe to balance out the flavors.
– Quail Roulade with foie gras, cranberry jam, cabbage roll, truffle jus:
Quail roulade with foie gras and Australian winter black truffle that go together with sweet and sour cranberry jam to balance out the taste also Chef finish up by add cabbage roll and truffle jus to make the dish even more flavorful.
– Hitachiwagyu Beef A5, Jerusalem artichoke, pearl onion, broccolini, beef jus:
Charcoal grilled Hitachiwagyu A5 beef from Ibaraki, Japan. Served with grilled Jerusalem artichoke, pearl onion confit and finish with beef jus that we put “Tomasu” soya sauce from Holland to give more sweet and salty.
– Mango:
Fresh Local Mango “Nam Dok Mai” one of the best Thai Mango with the sweetest taste, Madagascar vanilla mousse, passion fruit crèmeux, jasmine tea foam, mango sheet, caramel macadamia for a special crunch.

Savelberg restaurant Bangkok is one of the top restaurants and award winner at TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok.

Savelberg Bangkok, 136/1 Yen Akat 2, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: +66 2252 8001, Email: reservation@savelbergth.com, Web: www.savelbergth.com

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Pattern Insurance Welcomes Ido Hertz as VP of Products

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The former Agoda Head of International Travel Recovery Products will accelerate product innovation at the insurtech. Global Insurtech MGA, Pattern, is delighted to announce Ido Hertz has joined the Tel Aviv office as VP of Products, as it continues its rapid growth in the global embedded insurance market.

Ido Hertz brings more than 20 years of experience in the tech industry to the role, where he will oversee the company’s product vision, strategy, and execution.

Most recently, Ido was based in Asia as the Head of International Travel Recovery Products for Agoda, where he spearheaded company-wide initiatives and addressed the changing needs of travelers during the pandemic.

“My breadth of product experience from telecom, consumer goods and IT, as well as travel, means I can bring real innovation to Pattern as VP of Products. ,” shares Hertz. “I have closely followed Pattern’s impressive growth as a comprehensive embedded insurance solution. I look forward to working with the team to reshape the future of insurance and travel in a new exciting way.”

Meitav Harpaz, CEO and Co-Founder of Pattern, adds, “Ido is a fantastic addition to our growing team. His expertise in product management makes him the perfect fit to drive our next phase of innovation. Pattern’s vision is to protect consumers’ purchases and co-create personalized insurance offerings, seamlessly integrating into the customer journey. I know Ido can help us achieve this on an even larger scale.”

Pattern Insurance is a fast-growing global InsurTech MGA that empowers online travel, recreation, and events companies to design, build and distribute innovative insurance offerings seamlessly in their customer journey. Pattern leverages emerging technology and data to create an amazing customer experience. Pattern works to eliminate all the reasons insurance gets a bad reputation. Pattern operates globally with offices in Silicon Valley, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv. Their products are integrated into leading brands, including Amadeus, Lastminute.com, Liknoss, Gulliver, Invia, Issta and Variety Cruises.

Pattern
Pattern is a global InsurTech MGA that empowers online travel, recreation, and events companies to design, build and distribute innovative insurance offerings seamlessly in their customer journey. Pattern protections address risks associated with a change of plans, travel disruption, inclement weather and medical assistance, amongst others, to build consumer confidence and boost revenues. Patterns parametric protections dispense customer compensation automatically when an event is triggered.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News