Global Travel News

Meliá Hotels International Expands in Thailand

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Meliá Hotels International Expands in Thailand - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, March 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The leading Spanish hotel group is proud to announce the opening of Meliá Chiang Mai as part of its expansion in Thailand . Thailand has proven to be a sought-after destination for travellers looking for unique experiences and Meliá Hotels International is delighted to be partnering with local companies and expanding its presence with the opening of multiple new hotels, including Meliá Chiang Mai set to open this April.

The property, a striking urban hotel by the River Ping, owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC), will be an ideal urban retreat for those looking to explore the city’s touristic attractions including markets and Buddhist temples.

With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s history and culture, blended with a contemporary flair, the hotel will be housed in a striking 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building. Meliá Chiang Mai will feature two restaurants, two bars and one lounge where guests will be able to indulge in diverse cuisine and cocktails, and even soak up panoramic city views from the Executive Lounge on the 21st floor. Other facilities include Meliá’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre, swimming pool, ballroom and four other meeting spaces, and a kids and teens club ensure it is an ideal hotel for leisure and business travellers alike.

The new hotels in Thailand will join to the existing Meliá Koh Samui, which debuted on January 10th, 2020 with a nautical theme underscored by boat suites made from refurbished merchant vessels and the beautiful five-star resort Meliá Phuket Mai Khao – that opened on November 19th, 2021 – owned by Thailand’s leading residential real estate developer Phuket Villa Group.

“Following the hugely successful opening of Meliá Koh Samui, ranked TripAdvisor’s number one hotel in Koh Samui, Meliá’s new properties will be incredible additions to our portfolio. Thailand has huge potential, and we look forward to working with local brands to enhance their offers and make travellers discover this country,” said Mr Ignacio Martin, Area Managing Director South East Asia of Meliá Hotels International.

“Through our partnership with Spain’s leading hotel group, we are thankful that we can significantly contribute to Phuket’s recovery in the wake of COVID-19 by creating much-needed jobs for the local tourism sector and setting a new benchmark for hospitality on Thailand’s largest island,” said Mr Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group’s Managing Director.

“With its exceptional location in the heart of Chiang Mai and an unparalleled array of facilities, Meliá Chiang Mai is a landmark project of our strategic roll-out of the Meliá brand in Thailand, in line with AWC’s growth-led strategy. Partnering with Meliá has allowed us to set a new benchmark for Thai hospitality and together, we aim to build a better future for Thailand’s tourism landscape and economy,” said Mrs Wallapa Traisorat, Meliá Chiang Mai’s owner and AWC’s CEO and President.

These new hotels highlight Meliá’s presence in Thailand and will pave the way for further new openings in 2023; INNSiDE Bangkok Sukhumvit (scheduled to open at the beginning of the year), which will be the first INNSiDE hotel in the country; Meliá Phuket Kharon, a resort surrounded by 64,000 square-metres of untouched tropical woodland; and Melia Bangkok Bang-Na, a 315-room hotel planned to open in 2025.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá and Sol by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2022 (Silver Class distinction). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA Strong Demand Recovery in January for Airlines

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IATA Strong Demand Recovery in January for Airlines - AIRLINEHUB.comGeneva, Switzerland, March 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel slowed for both domestic and international in January 2022 compared to December 2021, owing to the imposition of travel restrictions following the emergence of Omicron last November.

Note: We are returning to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted. Owing to the low traffic base in 2021, some markets will show very high year-on-year growth rates, even if the size of these markets is still significantly smaller than they were in 2019.

– Total demand for air travel in January 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was up 82.3% compared to January 2021. However, it was down 4.9% compared to the previous month (December 2021) on a seasonally adjusted basis.

– January domestic air travel was up 41.5% compared to the year-ago period but fell 7.2% compared to December 2021 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

– International RPKs rose 165.6% versus January 2021 but fell by 2.2% month-on-month between December 2021 and January 2022 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

“The recovery in air travel continued in January, despite hitting a speed bump called Omicron. Strengthened border controls did not stop the spread of the variant. But where population immunity was strong, the public health systems were not overwhelmed. Many governments are now adjusting COVID-19 polices to align with those for other endemic viruses. This includes lifting travel restrictions that have had such a devastating impact on lives, economies and the freedom to travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

– European carriers’ January international traffic rose 225.1% versus January 2021, which was up slightly compared to a 223.3% increase in December 2021 versus the same month in 2020. Capacity rose 129.9% and load factor climbed 19.4 percentage points to 66.4%.

– Asia-Pacific airlines saw their January international traffic climb 124.4% compared to January 2021, down significantly from the 138.5% gain registered in December 2021 versus December 2020. Capacity rose 54.4% and the load factor was up 14.7 percentage points to 47.0%, still the lowest among regions.

– Middle Eastern airlines had a 145.0% demand rise in January compared to January 2021, well down compared to the 178.2% increase in December 2021, versus the same month in 2020. January capacity rose 71.7% versus the year-ago period, and load factor climbed 17.5 percentage points to 58.6%.

– North American carriers experienced a 148.8% traffic rise in January versus the 2021 period, significantly decreased versus the 185.4% rise in December 2021 compared to December 2020. Capacity rose 78.0%, and load factor climbed 17.0 percentage points to 59.9%.

– Latin American airlines saw a 157.0% rise in January traffic, compared to the same month in 2021, an upturn over the 150.8% rise in December 2021 compared to December 2020. January capacity rose 91.2% and load factor increased 19.4 percentage points to 75.7%, which easily was the highest load factor among the regions for the 16th consecutive month.

– African airlines’ traffic rose 17.9% in January 2022 versus a year ago, a slowdown compared to the 26.3% year-over-year increase recorded in December 2021. January 2022 capacity was up 6.3% and load factor climbed 6.0 percentage points to 60.5%.

– Japan’s domestic demand was 107%, which was the fastest year-on-year growth recorded, although on a seasonally adjusted basis, January 2022 traffic slipped 4.1% from December.

– India’s domestic RPKs fell by 18% year-on-year in January , which the biggest decline recorded for any of the domestic markets tracked by IATA. On a month-on-month basis, seasonally adjusted RPKs dropped by nearly 45% between December and January.

2022 vs 2019

Despite the strong traffic growth recorded in January 2022 compared to a year ago, passenger demand remains far below pre-COVID-19 levels. Total RPKs in January were down 49.6% compared to January 2019. International traffic was down 62.4%, with domestic traffic off by 26.5%.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

January figures do not include any impact from the Russia-Ukraine conflict which began at the end of February. The resulting sanctions and airspace closures are expected to have a negative impact on travel, primarily among neighboring countries.

The Ukraine market accounted for 3.3% of European passenger traffic and 0.8% of global traffic in 2021.

The Russian international market represented 5.7% of European traffic (excluding Russia domestic market) and 1.3% of global traffic in 2021.

Airspace closures have led to rerouting or cancellations of flights on some routes, mostly in the Europe-Asia but also in Asia-North America market. This impact is mitigated owing to greatly diminished flight activity since borders in Asia were largely closed owing to COVID-19. In 2021, RPKs flown between Asia-North America and Asia-Europe accounted for 3.0%, and 4.5%, respectively, of global international RPKs.

In addition to these disruptions, the sudden spike in fuel prices is putting pressure on airline costs. “When we made our most recent industry financial forecast last autumn, we expected the airline industry to lose $11.6 billion in 2022 with jet fuel at $78/barrel and fuel accounting for 20% of costs. As of 4 March, jet fuel is trading at over $140/barrel. Absorbing such a massive hit on costs just as the industry is struggling to cut losses as it emerges from the two-year COVID-19 crisis is a huge challenge. If the jet fuel price stays that high, then over time, it is reasonable to expect that it will be reflected in airline yields,” said Walsh.

The Bottom Line

“The past few weeks have seen a dramatic shift by many governments around the world to ease or remove COVID-19-related travel restrictions and requirements as the disease enters its endemic phase. It’s vital that this process continue and even accelerate, to more quickly restore damaged global supply chains and enable people to resume their lives. One step to encourage a return to normality is to remove mask mandates for air travel. It makes no sense to continue to require masks on airplanes when they are no longer being required in shopping malls, theatres or offices. Aircraft are equipped with highly sophisticated hospital quality filtration systems and have much higher air flow and air exchange rates than most other indoor environments where mask mandates already have been removed,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

JTB Signs MOU with GSTC for Sustainable Tourism Strategy

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JTB Signs MOU with GSTC for Sustainable Tourism Strategy - TRAVELINDEXTokyo, Japan, March 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / On the occasion of its 110th anniversary, JTB Corp., one of the travel and tourism industry leaders, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and became a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). By signing an MOU with the GSTC, JTB further accelerates its sustainability initiatives in its business domain, promoting sustainability strategies based on more global standards and refine JTB’s management and business to a level that can continue to coexist with the social and natural environment.

In collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), JTB announces sustainable tourism strategy on its 110th anniversary. JTB plans to bring positive enhancement of sustainability through its extensive market reach, stretching over 215 offices in 87 cities located in 37 countries/regions.

Improving JTB Business and Supply Chain Using the GSTC Criteria

JTB will expand its social, economic, cultural and environmental information, products and solutions based on the GSTC Criteria, and expand its customers’ sustainability options. In addition, JTB will deepen its customers’ understanding, such as addressing sustainability at the places we visit, recognizing issues, and raising awareness.

JTB will strengthen cooperation with hotels and destination management companies (DMCs) that are certified by GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies, along with formulating a new policy related to supply chains.

Next Generation of Sustainability Practitioners

In cooperation with the GSTC, JTB plans to provide training to enable employees, suppliers and related stakeholders who are tourism operators to gain knowledge of the GSTC Criteria and to apply it in their operations.

JTB will also put emphasis on inspiring the next generation of JTB’s workforce to offer increasingly sustainable products and services.

Commenting on the JTB-GSTC MOU

“A growing number of businesses around the world are expanding their sustainability initiatives in alignment with GSTC global criteria. It is clear to JTB that the time is ripe to step up the pace of the industry’s journey towards sustainability in the domestic Japan market and beyond. Through an exhaustive materiality assessment, JTB has identified the following three sustainability priorities: (1) Enriching the Human Experience, (2) Nurturing our Surroundings, and (3) Engaged Partnering. Our MOU with GSTC establishes the framework for a powerful, far-reaching sustainability partnership that will guide JTB’s sustainability efforts in the months and years to come. Working closely with GSTC, JTB is committed to bringing its management and operations into alignment with GSTC’s global standards in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of its business and the markets and communities in which it operates,” says Eijiro Yamakita, CEO and President of JTB Corp.

“GSTC well recognizes the importance of JTB in the marketplace and we are delighted to support their continued enhancement of sustainable approaches to their business practices,” says Randy Durband, GSTC CEO. “We look forward to a productive collaboration.”

“JTB’s sustainability strategy is expected to bring significant changes to the Asia-based tourism businesses. I have no doubt that the capacity building of their human resources and cooperation with suppliers and partners will in the near future present a model for the tourism industry in Asia and will further promote sustainability in all tourism industries globally” says Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC Director Asia-Pacific.

About GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but it accredits those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

About JTB Corp.
Today’s JTB traces its roots back to Japan Tourist Bureau, an agency formed in 1912 for the purpose of servicing the ticketing needs of foreign tourists in Japan. Over the span of its first 100 years, JTB steadily evolved into a travel and tourism industry leader. JTB Corp. and JTB Group, hereafter referred to as “JTB”, is an entity in the field of tourism, providing the service of travel agents, tour operators, land operators, consultation services and providing tourism educational service, legally registered in Japan and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with branch offices all over Japan, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America. Through vision, integrity, innovation, and unsurpassed know-how, the JTB Group consistently creates unparalleled value for its stakeholders.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sassy Weddings at Aloft Bangkok

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Sassy Weddings at Aloft Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, March 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today launches its wedding, engagement and after-party offers for guests to host their Bangkok sassy weddings and special events with the most unique experience starting from THB 1,000 per person.

Offers include:

  • Engagement ceremony from THB 45,000 net
  • Wedding ceremony (Minimum 50 guests) from THB 1,000 net per person (Cocktail), THB 1,200 net per person (International buffet)
  • After-party at W XYZ bar or an event room from THB 1,000 net per person

Guests also can see more about wedding offers at Aloft Bangkok via website.

Centrally located, urban-chic Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 hotel provides the most amazing views of the Bangkok skyline as the backdrop to the wedding ceremony. Guests can celebrate with style on the rooftop pool or in the total event space of 5,360 sq ft that can accommodate up to 80 persons following the social distancing guidelines, and with a dedicated team of wedding planning specialists ready to take care of all requests.

  • Centrally located with Tuk-Tuk shuttle service to Nana BTS SkyTrain and MRT Subway stations
  • Three dining destinations, including an international all-day dining restaurant, Crave
  • Rooftop pool and hot tub with 24-hour fitness centre access
  • Modern luxury rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views

Surrounded by a happening metropolitan center filled with a mix of business and shopping districts, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 is designed for global travelers who love open spaces, open thinking, and open expression. This is where travel creates possibilities. Where style is necessary. Connectivity keeps up with all guests. Social scenes are vibrant, and the only direction is forward. Let Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit 11 electrify your festivities and leave you with the experience of a lifetime.

Another event not to be missed! Guests can attend the Marriott International’s wedding fair ‘Marry Me at Marriott – A Wedding and honeymoon showcase’ from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. during 19-20 March 2022 at The St. Regis Bangkok and receive a special discount of 20% when book during the fair.

Take advantage of unique wedding packages to marry in the center of the city with spectacular views and elegant venues. Reach out to us now to start planning your magical wedding call 02 207 7000

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Maia Resort Quy Nhon Welcomes Passionate Foodies

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Maia Resort Quy Nhon Welcomes Passionate Foodies - TOP25RESTAURANTS - TRAVELINDEXHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam, March 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Fusion’s first culinary-focused resort in Vietnam is now fully open. Understanding that the journey to any traveler’s heart often requires a detour through the stomach, Fusion opened Maia Resort Quy Nhon as a gastronomically-driven, 94-villa resort in a relatively untrodden destination along Vietnam’s southern coast.

Fusion’s newest property had a soft launch in late 2020. Due to the pandemic, the resort only recently celebrated its grand opening in December 2021, as it cut the ribbon on the final villas.

The latest ‘Maia’ brand expands on Fusion’s original wellness focus by bringing in another important factor in a trip away – food. Maia guests have the choice of dinner or lunch, in addition to the complimentary breakfast; or an indulgent spa therapy, as part of the nightly rate.

The property also offers a range of signature culinary experiences including Once Upon a Table, a four-course chef’s table style experience at their intimate dining destination ad hoc; Barefoot Destination Dining overlooking the ocean; a private BBQ with a personal chef served up in the guest’s villa; an in-villa high tea service; and Breakfast by Design, which among many choices includes the option of an Insta-worthy floating breakfast tray.

“Gastronomy is often one of the most integral parts of a holiday as it has the capability to transform the unknown into a comforting and familial experience”, said Marc Bittner, General Manager of Maia Resort Quy Nhon. “At Maia, we aim to take guests beyond the familiar and introduce them to a selection of regional specialties while featuring the hallmarks of Vietnamese gastronomy”.

If guests are more wellness-inclined they can opt for a daily spa treatment, instead of half board. Vēla spa, is a ten-treatment-room oasis that draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape with natural design elements including granite, teak wood, and flora indigenous to the location. The ecologically-minded spa follows a jungle to jar concept with treatments built around local ingredients.

The property features an expansive pool and fitness center stocked with the latest international standard equipment.

Maia has two restaurants, Vị and ad hoc, along with an open-air pool bar. The casual all-day dining option Vị, which translates as taste, can host up to 146 guests, with indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant has a local focus celebrating the abundant seafood and produce of the region. Live cooking stations are just as eye-catching as the view out over Phuong Mai Bay. The interiors also take inspiration from the environs and the decor was produced mostly by local artisans.

ad hoc is a more intimate affair that can host a maximum of 96 diners, inside and outside, at a time. The head chef scours the local markets daily to find ingredients for a menu that changes often. The restaurant offers a communal dining experience, akin to gathering for a feast with family.

The 94 villas range in size from one and three bedroom villas, most with private plunge pools and gardens. Accommodation options range from 61-square-meters for a semi-detached villa to a palatial 264-square-meters for the Three Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa. The interiors all follow an earthy color palette, with pops of various ocean hues throughout. The link to the earth continues throughout the property with the use of reclaimed elements such as preserved driftwood, copper, and rattan making up the core materials used for the overall design.

The property is located on the shores of Phuong Mai Bay in Quy Nhon, an area that has managed to retain its local charm and has been under the radar of most travelers to Vietnam, despite being just an hour’s flight from the country’s commercial hub, Ho Chi Minh City.

The entry category of room starts at USD 185 net per night, inclusive of half board or one spa treatment per adult per room.

https://quynhon.maiaresorts.com/

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC on Removal of Tests for Fully Vaccinated Travellers to Saudi Arabia

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WTTC on Removal of Tests for Fully Vaccinated Travellers to Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 10, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Lifting flight bans will provide a “significant boost” to businesses across the country. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council said: “WTTC welcomes the government’s decision to remove testing for those who are fully vaccinated travelling to the Kingdom. This move, alongside lifting flight bans to and from many countries, will provide a significant boost to businesses across the country.

“The Saudi Arabian government recognises the importance of our sector and has shown total commitment to the recovery of Travel and Tourism both nationally and globally. It has shown strong leadership throughout the crisis and is making an unprecedented investment in Travel and Tourism.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Taj Hotels Launches Third Hotel in United Arab Emirates

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Taj Hotels Launches Third Hotel in United Arab Emirates

The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 10, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Indian Hotels Company’s iconic brand, Taj, today announces the opening of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm in Dubai. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the city skyline, the luxury beachfront resort is located in the heart of Palm Jumeirah. This is the third Taj branded hotel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

• Discover Dubai and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “This opening is in line with our strong focus to be present in global growth markets. With the addition of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, IHCL expands to strengthen its footprint in Dubai. We are honoured to partner with the Arenco Group to bring Taj’s signature hospitality to Palm Jumeirah, one of the world’s most exciting destinations.”

Reflecting the very best of Taj, the resort offers 325 elegantly styled rooms and suites, an array of culinary experiences and holistic wellness at the award winning Jiva spa; replete with a private beach and the longest pool in Palm Jumeirah. This island hideaway’s contemporary interiors by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) weaves in traditional craftsmanship and is influenced by its surroundings. Guests can embark on a sensorial culinary journey across the resort’s many dining options. Be it inspired Indian fine dining at Varq; a unique gastropub experience at the Roaring Rabbit; Arabesque atmosphere at Raia, the rooftop bar & lounge; Palm Kitchen, which brings alive the flavours of international fare; or The Coast, a beachside bistro offering coastal delicacies; there is something for everybody at the city’s all new dining destination.

Ranjit Phillipose, Area Director – Middle East and General Manager Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, said, “We are thrilled to welcome our guests to Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, the latest addition to Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle, dining and cityscape. This island oasis will allow guests to create memories of a lifetime as they immerse themselves in the sincere care and warmth that Taj is synonymous with.”

Jiva, the all-natural spa inspired by traditional Indian healing techniques, features treatments including Ayurveda, Indian therapies, yoga, meditation and more. The Popsicle Kids Club, with a dedicated shallow water pool and a playground, makes it the perfect getaway for families with children. Two expansive ballrooms and multiple meeting rooms are ideal for conferences, social events, and weddings.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL has four Taj hotels in UAE including one under development.

To celebrate the opening of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, guests can avail of an exclusive opening rate starting from AED 1200++ per room per night.

• Discover Dubai and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

About Taj
Established in 1903, Taj is The Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) iconic brand for the world’s most discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences in luxury and has been rated as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Hospitality Brand as per Brand Finance 2021. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.

The unique portfolio comprises hotels across the globe including presence in India, North America, United Kingdom, Africa, Middle East, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Montreux Jazz Festival – They All Came Out To Montreux

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Montreux Jazz Festival – They All Came Out To Montreux

Montreux, Switzerland, March 10, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Documentary mini-series on the extraordinary story of Claude Nobs and the Montreux Jazz Festival, presented by BMG Films, Beyond TNC, Radio Télévision Suisse, Montreux Sounds & Montreux Media Ventures.

Directed by British filmmaker Oliver Murray, the documentary retraces the incredible story of Claude Nobs and his now legendary event, the Montreux Jazz Festival. The three episodes will have their world premiere on 20 March 2022 at 8.45pm on RTS 2, after which it will be made available online at PlaySuisse and distributed abroad.

With over 70 performances and testimonials from: David Bowie, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Deep Purple, Aretha Franklin, Gilberto Gil, Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, Alicia Keys, Questlove, Quincy Jones, John Mclaughlin, Marcus Miller, Prince, Rag’n’Bone Man, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, Nina Simone, Sting, Shania Twain, Jack White and many more.

Three one-hour episodes, more than 40 testimonies, 30 concert performances and a variety of previously unseen images: never before has a documentary of this magnitude been made on the history of Claude Nobs and the Montreux Jazz Festival. By immersing the audience in the Festival’s exceptional archives, They all came out to Montreux offers a breath-taking panorama of half a century of music history. In total, more than thirty concert excerpts, from the 1960s to the present day, are included in the documentary.

Although the artists occupy a prominent place in the series, the main protagonist of this incredible story is obviously Claude Nobs, nicknamed Funky Claude by Deep Purple. We discover how he managed to transform a small Swiss town into an unmissable live music event, out of love for his region and for jazz. The documentary tells the story of Claude’s journey from his childhood and the challenges he had to face in a society often hostile to his projects and his personality, considered too different at the time. Narrated by a host of artists, relatives and sometimes by Claude himself, the series paints a portrait of an extraordinary and visionary character.

An International Documentary Directed by Oliver Murray

They all came out to Montreux is the third documentary by British director Oliver Murray, who has previously made films about Ronnie Scott, founder of the famous London jazz club, and Bill Wyman, bassist of the Rolling Stones. It was while working with Wyman that Oliver Murray first heard the name Montreux:

“Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman told me that the greatest moment of his career was playing the Montreux Jazz Festival with his heroes Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. That’s how I discovered the amazing extent of the Montreux audiovisual archives.”

Oliver Murray
Oliver Murray and the production teams faced a major challenge in making this series during the covid crisis: interviews with artists and relatives of Claude Nobs were conducted remotely around the world, while production was managed between Switzerland, London, Paris and Sydney.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO to Hold Emergency General Assembly on Russian Membership

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UNWTO to Hold Emergency General Assembly on Russian Membership - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, March 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The UNWTO Executive Council has decided to hold an extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly to address the suspension of the membership of the Russian Federation. The first ever Extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly will be convened in the coming days. This was the first time in the history of UNWTO that the Executive Council met to address a request to consider suspending a Member from the Organization.

Held in Madrid at the request of several UNWTO Members, the Executive Council met amid ongoing global concern and condemnation for the unilateral actions of the Russian Federation.

“War is never a solution! Not now, and not ever. But it is evident that not everybody is committed to this ideal,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. He added: “For this reason, UNWTO – and me as the voice of the Organization – must be loud and clear: If you are a Member, then you commit to our rules. And you must embrace our values. So, when Members go against our goals, there must be consequences.”

War is never a solution! Not now, and not ever. But it is evident that not everybody is committed to this ideal

The aggression against Ukraine is inconsistent with the United Nations Charter and contravenes the fundamental aim of the UNWTO as enshrined in Article 3 of its Statutes, which states the “promotion and development of tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights”, as the fundamental principles of the Organization.

Strengthening global governance

UNWTO stands fully behind the resolution of the UN General Assembly and the vote of the UN Human Rights Council. The sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders must be upheld, and the call of the United Nations for peaceful resolution of the conflict, must be followed.

Last week, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a Resolution demanding that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders”. The UNGA reaffirmed the paramount importance of the UN Charter in the promotion of law among nations.

Also last week, the UN Human Rights Council condemned the actions of the Russian Federation “in the strongest possible terms”. Its members voted in favour of establishing a special commission to investigate alleged human rights violations including possible war crimes in Ukraine.

In accordance with its Statutes, the UNWTO General Assembly alone has the sovereign responsibility to decide on the suspension of membership of any Member State, if it found that the Member persists in a policy contrary to the fundamental aims of the Organization, as enshrined in article 3 of its Statutes.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meetings Africa Returns in Style

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Meetings Africa Returns in Style - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXJohannesburg, South Africa, March 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / If there is one thing that Meetings Africa can do, it is to create opportunities to reignite Africa’s economy so that it can grow back stronger than ever before.

This was the consensus at a pulsating Meetings Africa trade floor opening ceremony on 1st March at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. The 16th edition of Africa’s premier business events show – a flagship of the South African National Conventions Bureau (SANCB) – has brought together some 161 buyers and 216 exhibitors from 13 African countries.

Speaking at the trade floor opening, Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, said that Meetings Africa presents an opportunity to collectively review and realign our African business events industry – one that embraces the increasing interconnectedness of trade and tourism. “Opening trade corridors across the continent must also open pathways for intra-African tourism to thrive, and vice versa. It is us – the African business events sector that have to be intentional and strategic in ensuring that we leverage this mutual benefit between trade and tourism.”

Sisulu added that the business events industry accelerates progress as it is a platform for sharing information and collective engagement. “This, in turn, results in innovation and re-invention which are key for economic and professional development and advancement.”

She does not doubt that the industry will be able to recuperate swiftly after a dormant two years. “During our Global Brand campaign launch on Monday evening, we shared with you how we have risen time and time again, from many episodes of destruction and devastation of continent’s history. We shared our ability in always being able to rise with pride and resilience- that is the essence of Africanism. It is our ability to live again and build back better that sets us apart.”

Building Africa’s brand together

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, SANCB’s Chief Conventions Bureau Officer, said Meetings Africa will play a part in our sector’s recovery mainly by focusing on regional buyers to align with South Africa’s Tourism Industry Recovery Plan, which focuses on domestic and regional recovery first. It will also look at reintroducing international buyers to Africa as the Covid travel restrictions are eased. “Platforms like these allow us to come together as Africa. In our sector, while we are in competition, we are also in co-operation. And then of course, we need to build on our brand together go out there and tell the world that Africa is ready.”

She said bidding – a process by which a country competes against others to attract international events – can be a tool that will encourage collaborative efforts among African countries. “It is a collaborative effort to go out there and bid for these big events. With our culture of sharing, we as a continent have the opportunity to rotate meetings among each other. We can help build that knowledge economy on the continent.”

She said the business events industry is the catalyst to get the world to open up its borders again. “After two years of shutting our imaginary national borders to each other, now is the time to allow for a freedom of movement. Sharing minds and economies does not mean we sit behind our desks and stare at each other through screens. It means being able to travel from one place to another freely so as to create and grow relationships.”

She added that Africa can start the business events economy rolling by using its African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) as a springboard to achieving a shared economy. The AcFTA was signed into existence in 2018 and was effectively underway in January 2021. It will push all African countries towards greater collaboration with each other so as to boost trade and tourism.

First published at VoyageAfriq

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News