Global Travel News

Real Club de Golf El Prat Receives Biosphere Certificate

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TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - Real Club de Golf El Prat Receives Biosphere Certificate - TRAVELINDEXTerrassa-Barcelona, Spain, July 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Real Club de Golf El Prat gains the Biosphere distinction thanks to its continuous work based on its dynamic corporate sustainability management plan. The certification and distinction Biosphere of the program “Commitment to Tourism Sustainability Destination Barcelona Biosphere”, was given to Real Club de Golf El Prat because of all the effort put into making the business of golf a sustainable one.

The project, born in 2017, has been led by the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR), the Barcelona Business bureau, the Barcelona Council, and the Barcelona’s Tourism Bureau.

Its goal is to recognize those companies that work towards a respectful management of the resources of the environment and the culture as well as a social and economic return to the city of Barcelona. The Commitment is based on a methodology that works around the 17 goals of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda.

What is more, the Real Club de Golf El Prat, has also obtained the Safe Travels certificate. This certificate is the first one approved worldwide, and allows companies, entities and destinations that carry out prevention and hygiene actions against COVID-19, to be recognized in any country in the world, with the aim of generating safe spaces for travellers.

The commitment to the Biosphere responds both to the desire to promote more sensible tourism by tour operators, as well as to the wish of visitors to travel respecting the environment as much as possible. The deployment of these measures means a new kind of tourism, which increases the competitiveness of Barcelona as a destination, formed by the Capital and the 12 counties of its province.

The Destination Barcelona receives the Platinum Certification

Destination Barcelona has today become the first destination in the world to receive the Platinum Certification thanks to the commitment of its institutions to promote a kind of tourism that is respectful and committed to the environment. In 2011, Barcelona was the first urban destination in the world to obtain the Biosphere certification. The Biosphere Platinum distinction recognizes not only the commitment of the administration to ensure that companies make sustainable efforts, but also that those companies execute the changes that the Commitment ensures.
Real Club de Golf El Prat is proud to be part of a movement that promotes quality tourism while taking care of the environment.

– Among the large number of tournaments organized at El Prat there are competitions such as the Audi Tournament, Audemars Piguet Tournament, or internationally amateur championships such as the Barcelona Championship or the Kings’s Cup that can only be played in high-level courses as the Real Club de Golf El Prat.
– Dating back to 1912, Real Club de Golf El Prat is one of the most renowned clubs in Spain and was granted ‘Real’ or royal status, by King Alfonso XIII after his visit.
– The renowned club has hosted the Spanish Open on 10 occasions: 1956, 1959, 1963, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2015.
– The current 45 holes were designed by Greg Norman over an exciting mix of three highly acclaimed courses: the Pink – highly positioned in the most trusted and authoritative international rankings – Yellow and Green.
– It is listed Top20 by Golf World magazine’s coveted ‘Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe’ rankings and also by National Club Golfer’s ‘Top 100 Golf Resorts in Continental Europe’.
– The multi-award-winning El Prat was recently named as one of the 125 Platinum Clubs of the World – Five Star Private Club, as well as being granted the Golden Plaque of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit.
– It has played host to more than 250 top-level national and international championships, including European Tour events, with top stars of the calibre of Sergio Garcia, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, José María Olazábal and Tommy Fleetwood taking part.
– The club has hosted some of the biggest names in golf, with Spanish legends Severiano Ballesteros and José Maria Olazábal, eight-time Major winner Tom Watson and European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn among its roll call of previous winners, while Masters champion Sergio Garcia and Pablo Larrazábal are both members.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ALPAC Capital becomes Euronews Majority Shareholder

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ALPAC Capital becomes Euronews Majority Shareholder - TRAVELINDEXLyon, France, July 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The acquisition of the majority of the capital of Euronews by ALPAC Capital, announced in December 2021, has been finalised, following the approval of the investment by the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and the Recovery. ALPAC Capital is an investment fund manager based in Portugal, owned by Pedro Vargas David and Luís Santos.

Recognising the unique European DNA of Euronews and the full potential of the company, ALPAC intends to strengthen the European identity of the Euronews project, in particular by deepening the dialogue with Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission in Brussels, and by continuing the media’s digitalisation process, as well as its diversification efforts.

“I am very pleased to see ALPAC acquire a stake in Euronews. We firmly believe in the need to amplify Euronews’ voice in the European media landscape, and even beyond the continent’s borders,” says Pedro Vargas David. “Europe has experienced times of instability in the past decade: financial, sanitary and now military crises, which, not so long ago, would have been practically unthinkable. The European Union has thus played an even more central role in our lives. For the EU, as it is our wish, to be more efficient and strong, it must be even more democratic and responsible: none of this is possible without a strong and free press”, the CEO of ALPAC Capital adds.

Pedro Vargas David goes on to say: “Euronews’ European and independent offer must not only be supported but also reinforced” and specifies that “this is the meaning and the purpose of ALPAC’s investment”.

The Portuguese journalist Graça Franco, former director of news at Rádio Renascença and until very recently Ombudswoman at RTP (Portugal’s public television), has been appointed Chair of Euronews’ Editorial Council.

The Editorial Council is responsible for discussing all matters and studying all actions and decisions relating to the editorial line and editorial quality of Euronews, in particular with regard to compliance with its editorial charter, Euronews’ news policies and guidelines, and the strategic guiding principles defined in this respect.

Commenting on her appointment, Graça Franco says: “Euronews has for nearly three decades now provided a public service mission and will continue to do so.”

“Europe and the world are changing and it is time to try to better explain matters, to fight fake news and to continue to uphold Euronews’ principles, which, even after so many years, are still very relevant“, underlines the journalist, who takes on the role of “guardian” of the media’s guiding principles. “I consider this role to be somewhat of a continuity of my Ombudswoman role. It is the most honourable role that one can be entrusted with: to fight for the freedom of their peers”.

The recent appointment of Guillaume Dubois, former CEO of BFM TV and Director of Broadcasting of LCI – two of France’s leading news channels – as CEO of the group is part of this dynamic which aims to achieve break-even for the company by 2023. “The new impetus given by the arrival of ALPAC Capital will allow Euronews to further develop and improve its television and digital offering,” says Guillaume Dubois.

“The war in Ukraine reminds us how important it is for people to be able to rely on trustworthy, high-quality news, specialised on European issues in a broad sense“, adds the Euronews’ CEO.

Euronews is a leading European news media, broadcast 24/7, available in 17 languages. Recognised for the credibility of its content, Euronews is broadcast in 160 countries and more than 400 million households worldwide, reaching more than 145 million people every month, both on television and on digital platforms, according to the Global Web Index.

About Euronews
Euronews is a leading international news channel and one of the best known and most trusted news brands operating across Europe. Worldwide, Euronews is broadcast in 160 countries and distributed in over 400 million homes – including 67% of homes in the European Union + UK. Every month, Euronews reaches over 140 million people, both on TV and digital platforms, according to the Global Web Index (2020).

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Young People Must Be Active Participants to Restart Tourism

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UNWTO Young People Must Be Active Participants to Restart Tourism - TRAVELINDEXSorrento, Italy, July 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Young people have always been an integral part of tourism. Countless destinations, in every global region, depend on them to support businesses and livelihoods, and the return of young travellers as the world opens up again brings hope for many millions of people. At the same time, young people also make up a significant proportion of the tourism workforce. Indeed, our sector is one of the leading providers of youth empowerment, providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or academic attainment.

UNWTO recognizes the importance of youth. For this reason, youth empowerment, including through offering education and training opportunities as well as access to decent jobs, is one of our key priorities. But we are committed to going even further. Young people must not only be beneficiaries of tourism’s restart, but they must also be active participants in it. Now is the time to bring young voices on board as we make big decisions that will set the course for our sector for years to come.

The first UNWTO Global Youth Tourism Summit confirmed that the young talent is there. So too is the determination to make a difference. For one week in Italy, we brought together some of the brightest young minds, to hear their concerns, but above all, their vision for the sector. This was a landmark first – for the young people, for UNWTO and for the tourism sector as a whole. It put young people in the driving seat. And it gave them a unique opportunity to engage directly with the sector’s leaders, including business heads and Ministers of Tourism.

Young people must not only be beneficiaries of tourism’s restart, but they must also be active participants in it

Out of the week came the Sorrento Call to Action, a call from the young participants to have a greater say in the decisions that will affect them whether as tourists themselves or as beneficiaries of the sector. While only signed by the delegates present in Sorrento, it is a true representation of the determination of global youth not to be left on the side-lines anymore. It also makes clear the priorities of the next generation of tourists and tourism leaders, namely accelerating the shift towards greater sustainability, most notably through the development and promotion of green transport, for greater inclusion and respect for human rights, and finally ensuring that the benefits tourism delivers are enjoyed as widely and fairly as possible.

To put these ideas and ambitions into action, young people need to be given a seat at the decision-making table. Youth-led organizations need to be invited to monitor and assess the development of tourism and, if necessary, be in a position where they can hold governments and businesses to account.

Every part of the wide global tourism ecosystem will benefit enormously from embracing the power of youth. Right now, the planet is home to around 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10-24— the largest generation of youth in human history. Almost 90% of them live in developing countries, and in many of them they make up the majority of the population. It’s here that they can make the biggest difference, and tourism is without doubt the most powerful vehicle to drive transformation and growth.

As World Tourism Day 2022 makes clear in its theme, we now have an opportunity to rethink tourism – where we are and where we are going. Young people must be active protagonists in this vital process. The climate action movement has shown what can be achieved if young voices are brought on board. Here, young activists have helped set the agenda and pushed governments to raise their ambitions. Tourism must now do the same, and UNWTO is ready to lead by example.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Barefoot Elegance at Sala Beach House on Dolphin Coast

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Barefoot Elegance at Sala Beach House on Dolphin Coast - SOUTHAFRICATOURISM.org - TRAVELINDEXDurban, South Africa, July 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The exquisite new Sala Beach House opens on South Africa’s Dolphin Coast. South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coastline has an exciting new boutique hotel – the effortlessly stylish Sala Beach House which opens this month.

Sala (meaning “stay” in Zulu) is an intimate, privately owned & run boutique hotel nestled between Ballito and Shaka’s Rock and offers breathtaking, uninterrupted ocean views Dolphin Coast, with private beach access to the protected tidal pool and gorgeous, sandy sheltered swimming beach at Thompson’s Bay.

The property comprises a main house with four luxury guestrooms, three incredibly spacious suites sharing the use of 2 pools, as well as a separate, self-contained 3-bedroom private villa with its own pool.

Soft textured furnishings and muted tones partner perfectly with carefully selected contemporary, natural furnishings and décor. The mood and balance set is one of rest, relaxation, sea air and sunshine.

No expense has been spared with in-room amenities and conveniences – from coffee makers to USB ports and international sockets (in abundance on both sides of the bed – this excites us !)

We are sure this new hideaway will fast become a firm favourite with singles and couples wanting a smaller, boutique offering and the coastal surrounding. However, with just 10 rooms, Sala Beach House is also the perfect sole use location for celebrations and multi-generational gatherings too.

Sala’s prime location guarantees “wow” factor as a backdrop to its infinity pool, yoga deck and fire pit. Just twenty minutes from King Shaka International Airport, Sala Beach is positioned as the perfect ‘beach’ partner for a safari pairing in northern Zululand.

The Sala Spa will be launching in August and promises to deliver rejuvenation and relaxation with signature treatments and locally sourced amenities.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cooling Tower Showcases Japanese Kushikatsu

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Cooling Tower Showcases Japanese Kushikatsu - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit showcases Japanese Kushikatsu at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar Kushikatsu is a Japanese style deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. Come and try our selection of Crispy Chicken, Pork, Quail Egg, Prawn, Salmon and Champignon mushroom Kushikatsu. Pair them with your favourite drink at Cooling Tower.

THB 420++ per set
Available at Cooling Tower in July – September

Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar
Level 34, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Monday – Sunday: 5:00 pm – Midnight
Happy Hour: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aloft Bangkok Unveils Savor + Staycation Promotion

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Aloft Bangkok Unveils Savor + Staycation Promotion - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today unveils its latest rooms promotion ‘Savor + Staycation’ allowing guests to staycation in style in the heart of Bangkok with 1-hour free flow drinks, hotel food credit and many more.

Available to stay during Thursday – Monday until 30 September 2022 only, price starts from THB 3,399++ and guest can enjoy daily food credit of THB 500, 1-hour free flow drinks at W XYZ bar during 4 PM until late, 20% off food, beverage & laundry and many more.

Just steps from vibrant attractions, nightlife, clubs and bars, Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is an urban gem in a stimulating travel destination. The hotel features loft-inspired rooms and suites with tech-smart features, free Wi-Fi, platform beds and panoramic views of the Bangkok cityscape. The prime location on Sukhumvit Road places the excitement of Soi 11 at your doorstep; guest can also take advantage of the free hotel shuttle to the Nana BTS SkyTrain and MRT subway stations for easy access to celebrated attractions.

Guest eligible to use Rao Tiew Duay Gun to benefit from this deal while rediscovering Bangkok at this stunning Sukhumvit hotel, other terms and conditions may apply.

To book this promotion, please visit https://www.marriott.com/offers/savor-staycation-off-51797?propertycode=bkkal

For more information, please call 02 207 7000

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ONE LOVE: An evening at the Bob Marley One Love Experience

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Marking the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence, The Bob Marley One Love Experience has come to Toronto and the Jamaica Tourist Board held a VIP event last week for agents, partners and media to enjoy the exhibit at their own pace, fully appreciate the experience, and feel the love. The refreshments were delicious, the Bob Marley cocktail packed a punch, and the music …

The exhibition is comprised of various sized rooms and concept spaces that pay tribute to both Bob Marley and to Jamaica. I’m not going to go into detail – this is something you want to experience yourself – but there’s lots of opportunity for pictures, selfies, or just sitting and taking in the atmosphere. Headphones with Marley’s music simply add to the mood.

Coming out the exhibit we headed in a large hall with images being projected on the walls, live music by Dave McClaughin on the saxophone, and lots of refreshments.

Dan Hamilton, Consul General Lincoln Downer, Dina Bertolo, Maureen Barnes Smith, Angella Bennett

Jamaica Tourist Board’s District Sales manager Dan Hamilton, welcomed the group, noting that celebrations for Jamaica60 were being held in the Greater Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara areas. “Most notably,” he said, “will be the special illumination of Niagara Falls on August 6th, so I’m expecting to see you there.”

There are also church services, flag-raising ceremonies in Toronto; Hamilton; Mississauga; London, Ontario; Oshawa; Markham and Brampton … so far.

There will also be sporting and cultural events and details can be found at www.jamaica60to.com or www.jamaica60to.ca.

Hamilton also took the opportunity to thank the sponsors and partners in the Diamond Jubilee.

Consul General for Jamaica Lincoln Downer also welcomed the group and, spoke of Bob Marley’s influence and the overcoming of adversity.

Dina Bertolo VP of Product for Air Canada vacations and Maureen Barnes Smith, Sandals VP Sales and Marketing also spoke of their relationships with Jamaica. Barnes Smith noting that Sandals was “in the middle of our 40th anniversary, this year. We’re so proud.” Add that to Jamaica’s 60th anniversary she joked and you have 100 years.

In her remarks Angela Bennett, Regional Director for JTB Canada said, “In the words of the honorable Robert Nesta Marley, ‘One thing about music, when it hits, you feel no pain.’

“Bob Marley is a legend, a global icon, who truly had the power and the presence to use his immense musical and storytelling talents to change the world. Over his short life, he impacted so many and his legend lives on. Bob Marley is the very essence of Jamaica, Reggae is Jamaica, and Jamaica is Reggae. Here tonight, through this immersive exhibition, we were able to bring the energy and the spirit on Bob Marley and his music directly to you. You have been able to sense the man behind the icon, and you were able to view memorabilia and photos not previously shared in public.”

Bennet continued, “You would’ve experienced the positive vibes of the music room, a lush One Love Forest, and the Beautiful Life Zone, which celebrates all of Marley’s passion for football and family. This celebration is especially meaningful to the Jamaica Tourist Board, as this year we all know Jamaicans around the world will celebrate 60 years of independence, let’s give it up for Jamaica. Preparations in both Jamaica and Canada are in high gear.”

“In celebrating Jamaica’s 60, our theme is reigniting a nation, and we want to thank all the Jamaica 60 sponsors here tonight that have helped us to encourage all Jamaicans living in Canada to come home, rediscover their roots, and reignite your passion for Jamaican culture. To all our trade partners, visitors, and guests here this evening, we invite you to come back with a Jamaica that you can find in all of us.”

Closing, she invited the guests to “feel the beautiful vibes of Jamaica, the island, and Bob Marley, in this One Love Experience, here in Toronto, it’s here until the 14th of August, so invite your family and friends to immerse themselves in this great icon, and also, a chance to win a trip to Jamaica.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: July 4-8, 2022

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Despite the disappearing Internet, the world of travel continued to turn last week as their world dubious delay honours for Canadian airlines and airports, Sunwing sparred with its pilots, ACTA offered to help agents explain travel delays, one airline declared bankruptcy and another was sued, and NCL altered testing protocols, among other noteworthy items.

NEWS

Sunwing pilots filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board last week, claiming that the airline bargained in bad faith as it already knew it would be acquired by WestJet. Sunwing refuted the assertion.

ACTA developed a bilingual letter template and social media content that travel agencies and independent travel agents can share with clients to help explain airport long wait times and travel delays, schedule changes, and cancellations. Agents are free to use and edit these materials, such as placing their own logo on the social media content. No attribution to ACTA is required. Download content HERE

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has filed for bankruptcy in the United States, warning a walkout by 1,000 pilots a day earlier had put the future of the carrier at risk. The move adds to the likelihood of travel chaos across Europe as the summer vacation period begins. Meanwhile, British Airways said it will cancel hundreds more summer flights in a bid to ease travel disruptions.

Several environmental groups have launched legal action against Dutch airline KLM over advertisements that promoted flying as a sustainable form of travel. The groups claim KLM violated European consumer law by misleading customers with ads and a carbon offset program that “give a false impression over the sustainability of its flights and plans to address its climate harm.”

Effective Aug. 1, Norwegian Cruise Line is dropping a requirement that passengers test negative for COVID-19 before sailing unless it is required by local rules – destinations that still include Canada, the US, Canada, Bermuda, and Greece.
Norwegian, which has its headquarters in Miami, operates the Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas lines.

BORDERS

South African Tourism has welcomed the end of all COVID-19 restrictions after South Africa’s cabinet recently concluded that they had served their purpose.
AIR

Lynx Air says it welcomes small dogs and cats – in-cabin! For a one-way fee of $59, travellers will be able to bring their pets in addition to a personal item. Passengers are encouraged to book their cats and small dogs at the time of booking, as the number of pets permitted on flights is limited.

Starting in 2024, Oman Air will join oneworld, further strengthening the airline alliance’s position in the Middle East.

Avianca has become the first airline in South America to launch a comprehensive, concierge-style flight shopping tool. Dubbed “SmartAlerts,” the tool enables guests to input their desired routes and preferred travel dates and receive real time fare alerts without needing to check the site every day.

BY THE NUMBERS

Canadian airlines and airports claimed top spots in flight delays over the July long weekend, notching more than nearly any other around the world. Air Canada ranked No. 1 in delays on Saturday and Sunday as two-thirds of its flights – 717 trips in total – landed late, according to tracking service FlightAware. At 67 percent on Sunday, it was more than 14 percentage points above the three carriers tied for second place, two of which are Air Canada-affiliated. WestJet and budget subsidiary Swoop placed third and fourth at 55%.

Meanwhile, on the airport front, Toronto’s Pearson claimed the No. 2 after 53% of departures were held up, below only Guangzhou’s main airport in China. Pearson beat out Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Montreal’s airport placed sixth Sunday at 43% of takeoffs delayed, on par with London’s Heathrow, according to FlightAware figures.

DEALS

The “Christmas in July” sale by Collette encourages customers to “give the gift of travel” with special offers on a host of tours, including Christmas markets, river cruising, and more. Travel must take place Sept 1 to April 30, 2023. Use the offer code JOLLYJULY for bookings made by July 18.

Clients booking a Margaritaville at Sea cruise sailing through Sept. 30 can take advantage of the cruise line’s ‘Kids Sail Free’ offer. And parents bringing the kids will no doubt appreciate receiving five complimentary drinks onboard plus a $50 spa credit.

TOURS

TravelBrands reports it has completed an integration to go live with NextTrip, opening immediate access to search, discover, and book vacation rentals through NextTrip’s cloud-based booking engine, ConNextions. TravelBrands’ network of over 22,000 travel agents and their customers will now be able to book from ConNextions global inventory of vacation and alternative lodging rental (ALR) properties. NextTrip’s ConNextions supports instant confirmation of ALR reservations, allowing TravelBrands’ travel agents the power to simultaneously book complete travel packages, including air, car, and tours, rather than waiting hours or even days for confirmation as is typical in the vacation rental market.

Goway reports it has hit 10,000 members on its private Facebook group for travel agents. The site offers a convenient platform for travel professionals to ask questions, discuss travel topics, and get instant feedback from Goway’s team of destination specialists as well as the broader travel community. Goway’s sales team regularly posts daily tips, insights, and travel deals, and offers real-time updates about the company and the wider travel industry. Membership is restricted to industry professionals and vetted by Goway’s sales team. Members can also get exclusive updates on FAMs, webinars, and bonus incentives, making it a great way to stay in touch with Goway and fellow travel professionals. As a thank you to members, Australia bookings made during July and August can qualify for a bonus $25 on their GowayPro Rewards Card.

HOTELS

To inspire a worldwide culture of inclusion, Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America have created the Pride Bazaar, which aims to bridge cultures, inspire discovery, and connect people, places, and purpose across the region. Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino is partnering with Bernardo Medina, a renowned LGBTQ+ artist in Puerto Rico, to create a Pride travel tote which will be sold at the hotel with proceeds being donated to True Self Foundation, a local non-profit organization that promotes the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community.

A recent study by Mars Petcare and Hilton reports that over half of Canadian pet owners say that health benefits are key reasons to travel with pets: 55% find mental health benefits such as stress relief, and 53% say travelling with their pets boosts their physical activity. Meanwhile, 21% of Canadian pet owners would be more likely to take a vacation if they can bring their pet. Hilton’s lists seven pet-friendly brands in its portfolio: Canopy, Embassy Suites, Garden Inn, Hampton, Tru, Homewood Suites, and Home2 Suites.

RESORTS

Catering to increased demand for both all-inclusive family travel and wellness experiences, Club Med reports that it is deploying its new Mini Club Med + children’s programming across its resort portfolio in North America, Asia, and Europe. While the kids are busy, parents can take advantage of unique and immersive wellness experiences under Club Med’s new Wellness Fusion concept.

Now open, Royal Uno All Inclusive Resort & Spa is the latest resort from Royal Resorts. The 540 rooms and suites resort is designed to provide an “Authentic Cancun” experience with a blend of classic hospitality, contemporary chic, signature dining, and activities for all ages. The elevated all-inclusive resort features an extensive array of amenities including two oversized pools, a children’s pool with a water play area, Alea Spa, watersports, swim-up bar and beach bar, Uno Kids Club and a Family Room for video games and movies, and more. The resort also features nine restaurants and bars serving international, Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisine, a café, and a Grab & Go counter

CRUISE
For its 150th anniversary, April 18, 2023, Holland America Line, is adding a second commemorative transatlantic crossing aboard the Rotterdam (photo) to the schedule of celebratory events. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on April 3, 2023, the 16-night itinerary will sail to Rotterdam, retracing in reverse the company’s first voyage in the 1870s. The journey includes eight days at sea and calls in New York, and Plymouth and Dover (London), UK, before arriving April 18 — anniversary day – in the Netherlands for an overnight full of festivities. To accommodate the new departure, three voyages were cancelled, and all guests and their travel advisors were notified. Bookings open July 14. The first 150th anniversary crossing departs Rotterdam Oct. 15, exactly 150 years to the date of the departure of Rotterdam I’s maiden voyage.

A print version of AmaWaterways new 2023 Europe brochure is now available, highlighted by the debut of what the company says is the longest ever river experience, its “Seven River Journey,” which takes guess through 14 countries over the course of 45 or 46 nights. Copies can be ordered HERE.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

The new Travel Agent Specialist Program by SATA Azores Airlines gives counsellors the opportunity to learn about the Portuguese carrier and the destinations it serves, as well as win great prizes. The program is divided into four lessons: SATA Azores Airlines, The Azores, Madeira, and Other Destinations, each divided into short categories that are quick and easy to complete. An introductory promotion through July 31 enters agents for a monthly draw for a $25 gift card, as well as into the grand prize draw for a ticket to the Azores from Toronto, for each unit complete. Go to sataspecialist.com.

EVENTS

A series of weekly product and supplier training is underway at Trevello (TPI). For eight weeks, advisors will have many opportunities to refresh their knowledge in prep for a busy fall season ahead, with input from partners such as Intrepid, Celebrity, Transat, G Adventures, to name a few. Summer school sessions happen weekly on Thursdays at 3 pm EDT. For more info, email pr@trevello.com.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

After two years at the helm of ACITA (Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors), Judith Coates has announced that she will be stepping down. “On June 28, we celebrated our two-year anniversary, and reflected on all that has been accomplished,” said Coates. “We have a lot to be proud of and have come really far as a grass-roots organization.”

Company veteran Christian Leibl-Cote has been promoted to Executive VP, Global Business at Collette, the Rhode Island-based tour operator which has a Canadian office in Mississauga. He joins Collette’s executive team responsible for strategic global partnerships and new business development.

VoX International has announced several staff moves, including the retirement of Gerlinde Perera, VP Client Services who has been with VoX for 20 years; she will continue to pitch in on some projects including assisting with key client events. Related moves include the promotions of Erin Oddleifson to Director Marketing and Client Services, taking over many of Perera’s responsibilities, and Lana Lubon to Events Manager.

DESTINATIONS
The 10th anniversary of Miami’s popular South Beach Seafood Festival will be served up Oct. 19-22 with special programming, including a $10,000 chef prize, and popular live musical guests. The four-day festival, which also marks the start of stone crab season (photo), is a curated culinary showcase that couples South Florida’s bounty of seafood with the region’s most notable chefs and restaurants. Tickets are now available sobefoodfest.com.

The US National Park Service has nearly completed a $25-million renovation of the 100-year-old Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, adding new services and design to enhance the visitor experience. The renovation includes the rehabilitation of the undercroft portion of the Memorial where visitors will now be able to view the foundations that anchor the memorial bedrock and see graffiti of the construction workers who built it in the early 20th century. The improved existing visitor services on the mezzanine level has improved accessibility, expanded visitor interpretation spaces and exhibits.

LAST WEEK IN HISTORY

In 1943, Trans-Canada Air Lines inaugurated transatlantic service. The airline was founded in 1937 and renamed Air Canada in 1965.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WHO STAYS WHERE?

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New research on Airbnb rentals around the world reveals the travel destinations with the largest offerings of potential Airbnb stays, which locations offer the most expensive and most affordable Airbnb rates on average. Not much of a surprise – London, Paris and New York City lead the way. Unfortunately, no Canadian city makes the top 20.

The research reveals:
• London has as many as 34,135 active rentals on the market. With almost 10,000 more Airbnbs than any other city, London has by far the most choice for travellers and the endless list of things to do.

• Paris takes second place it a great destination for travellers who don’t want to shoulder the expense of costly hotel rooms. With so many sights to see, from the top of the Eiffel Tower to the art-filled halls of the Louvre, a trip to Paris is an incredibly photogenic experience.

• Ranking third as the city with the most Airbnbs, New York City is also the 8th city with the most expensive Airbnb rates, honoring its reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the world.

• Miami is crowned 19th on the rankings, with around 12,000 stays, that’s a small supply compared to the 58,000 hotel rooms on the market. However, the 20% share of Airbnb units is the fourth-highest of any city, behind only New York, L.A. and San Francisco.

Further study insights:

• Since 2019, the number of active Airbnb rentals has fallen across the board, with the total number of listings for the top 10 destinations falling from 303,535 to 209,682, which equals to a 30.92% drop.

• The city with the highest density of Airbnbs is Pattaya, Thailand, where there are 79.25 active rentals on the market for every 1,000 people living there.

• Ankara, Turkey, has the cheapest average daily rate for Airbnbs, with travellers paying as little as $26.67 per night

• Las Vegas is the most expensive place in our study to stay in an Airbnb, with average daily rates of $290

Get all the details  HERE

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: The Dead South, a Saskatchewan sensation

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Every once in a while one discovers a band/video that literally stops you in your tracks and declare, “What the fudge, how did I not know about this?” Such is the case of with The Dead South, a simply irrepressible folk-bluegrass outfit from the unlikely shores of Saskatchewan (Regina to be precise) that has been kicking around now (unbeknownst to most I suspect) for a full decade.

The two-time Juno award winner in the roots category describes itself as “a rock band without a drummer, a bluegrass band without a fiddler… (that) speeds like a train past polite definitions of acoustic music into the grittier, rowdier spaces of the bluegrass world.”

The four-piece string band is built on a taut configuration of cello, mandolin, banjo, and guitar, with songs uniquely ranging from a “dark and foreboding” treatment of “You Are My Sunshine” to The Doors’ “People Are Strange,” plus their own compositions, which have prompted comparisons to Mumford and Sons.

Beyond the music, the band produces truly remarkable videos, like the one we’re including here for “In Hell We’ll Be In Good Company.”

Not sure how they do it, but consider our socks knocked off.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News