Global Travel News

Marriott International Plans Further Asia Pacific Expansion with 1000th Property Anticipated to Open in 2022

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Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou
W Sydney

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced its plans to further expand its portfolio across Asia Pacific, targeting to open its 1000th property in the region in late 2022. The company expects to open nearly 100 properties in the region this year. With a vision to deliver exceptional and distinctive travel experiences, Marriott is committed to bringing the benefits of good travel to its guests, owners and communities in Asia Pacific.

Craig S. Smith, Group President, International for Marriott International, said, “I am very pleased with our 2021 development results in Asia Pacific. We have worked closely with our owners throughout the last two years to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic, adapt quickly, and grow. Last year in Asia Pacific, we signed two new development deals a week on average, with deals signed in 13 different markets across the region. This year, we expect to continue to drive demand and growth which is a testament to our talented teams committed to operational excellence, and the relationships we have with the customers we’re privileged to serve and the developers, owners, franchisees and partners we’re honored to do business with.”

In line with the company’s recent update around key trends shaping hospitality development, Asia Pacific sees similar trends poising Marriott to further grow in the region.

Luxury Demand Continues to Boom in Greater China
According to research by ILTM Asia Pacific, Greater China’s affluent population contributes to half of Asia Pacific’s total spending on airfare and lodging. Affluent travelers in Greater China continue to look for luxury travel in new and emerging destinations. Greater China remains an engine for the company’s growth, as it accounts for more than half of the company’s anticipated luxury openings in Asia Pacific in 2022. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its highly curated portfolio in Greater China, debuting its first rare estate in the historic Jiuzhaigou valley later this year. Additional expected luxury openings in 2022 include JW Marriott Hotel Changsha and W Macau – Studio City.

Leisure Demand Paving the Way for Travel Recovery
Research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) suggests that leisure travel demand has been booming at an accelerating rate. In 2022, as leisure demand continues to outpace business travel, Marriott is poised to strengthen its presence across several leisure destinations. In South Korea, the company expects to bring its JW Marriott brand to Jeju with the opening of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa in May 2022. The expected opening of W Sydney in late 2022 will mark the third W hotel in Australia.

With wellness and well-being remaining a continued priority for many travelers, the company’s leading wellness brand, Westin Hotels & Resorts, is expected to celebrate two new debuts in Yokohama and Cam Ranh in 2022.

Select Service Brands Cement Their Position in Asia Pacific
Marriott’s select service portfolio is driving momentum for growth, providing a wide-range of amenities and offerings across well-established brands such as Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, AC Hotels and Moxy Hotels. In Greater China, the openings of select service hotels will further expand consumers’ travel choices, bringing guests a diverse range of experiences in emerging Chinese destinations. Four Points by Sheraton expects to continue its growth with five planned openings throughout the year, while Moxy Hotels anticipates continuing to share its playful spirit in destinations such as Suzhou and Xi’an.

Outside of Greater China, the company expects to debut its AC Hotels brand in Korea with AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam and in Australia with AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank. In Japan, Fairfield by Marriott expects to continue to strengthen its presence with six new properties planned to open across Nara, Hokkaido and Hyogo along ‘Michi-no-Eki’ roadside stations aimed at revitalizing the country’s local sightseeing spots and well-hidden rural destinations.

Marriott Bonvoy Builds Meaningful Connections with Members
Marriott is committed to inspiring travel and strengthening its relationship with its more than 55 million Marriott Bonvoy members in the region. In 2021, Marriott Bonvoy introduced several innovative initiatives:

  • “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy” kicked off the company’s aspiration to provide meaningful travel experiences. The program is set to expand in 2022 with a range of curated, purpose-driven experiences available across hotels and resorts in the region.
  • Marriott Bonvoy launched two co-branded credit cards in South Korea, Marriott Bonvoy® The Best Shinhan Card and Marriott Bonvoy® The Classic Shinhan Card, providing travelers new ways to earn their points through daily spend.
  • The company entered into a strategic collaboration with Rakuten connecting Rakuten members to Marriott Bonvoy’s unparalleled experiences.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to unit growth; our growth pipeline; expected hotel openings; development trends and expectations; consumer demand trends and expectations; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including those we identify below and other risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K. Risks that could affect forward-looking statements in this press release include the duration and scope of COVID-19, including the availability and distribution of effective vaccines or treatments; the pandemic’s short and longer-term impact on the demand for travel, transient and group business, and levels of consumer confidence; actions governments, businesses and individuals have taken or may take in response to the pandemic, including limiting, banning, or cautioning against travel and/or in-person gatherings or imposing occupancy or other restrictions on lodging or other facilities; the impact of the pandemic and actions taken in response to the pandemic on global and regional economies, travel, and economic activity, including the duration and magnitude of the pandemic’s impact on unemployment rates and consumer discretionary spending; the ability of our owners and franchisees to successfully navigate the impacts of COVID-19; the pace of recovery when the pandemic subsides and any dislocations in recovery as a result of resurgences of the pandemic; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the effects of steps we and our property owners and franchisees have taken and may continue to take to reduce operating costs and/or enhance certain health and cleanliness protocols at our hotels; the impacts of our employee furloughs and reduced work week schedules, our voluntary transition program and our other restructuring activities; competitive conditions in the lodging industry and in the labor market; relationships with customers and property owners; and the availability of capital to finance hotel growth and refurbishment. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Vivacious Venues for Valentine’s Day around Southeast Asia

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Vivacious Venues for Valentine's Day around Southeast Asia - TRAVELINDEXBanyan Tree Samui – The spectacular venue of Saffron Restaurant at Banyan Tree Samui proves an idyllic panoramic vista of the sea and all the ingredients for romance this Valentine’s with a signature 3-Course Degustation Set Menu (THB 1,800 nett per person). Alternatively, a 6-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner on the Beach is also available (THB 5,500 nett per person, including one 200ml bottle of Moet & Chandon Rose) or an afternoon Valentine’s High Tea Set (THB 1,699 nett for 2 persons). Couples may also want to indulge in a special Art of Romance spa package at any time throughout the month of February – the choice of a 30-min body scrub, a 60-min body massage or a 30-minute Romance Bath plus one complimentary Wellbeing Sanctuary activity (12,000 THB per couple).

Raffles Le Royal
Opened in 1929, this vintage-era hotel is the perfect spot for an exquisitely classical Valentine’s Day dinner for those in the Cambodian capital. Couples staying at Le Royal between the 12th and 15th of February will enjoy a promotional rate of US$415 per night, which includes a Romantic Champagne Dinner for two at the recently launched Le Phnom 1929 restaurant, one bottle of Deutz Champagne, and a daily complimentary Champagne Breakfast for two. As an extra touch, Valentine’s guests will be welcomed upon arrival with the hotel bar’s signature Femme Fatale cocktail, famously created for US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy when she visited in the 1960s. Walk-in guests can also book a Valentine’s Day set dinner ($140 per couple)

For reservations: Tel +855 23 981 888 | +855 16 700 468 (Telegram or Whatsapp)
Valentine’s Dinner only: Tel: +855 23 981 888

Alma Resort Cam Ranh
Overlooking Long Beach, Alma offers Valentine’s Day experiences ranging from a private boat tour on a lagoon to a candle-lit seafood barbeque with roses. Breakfast in a floating heart-shaped tray at a private pavilion pool features the likes of fruit, sweets, bubbles and a rose. Couples will learn about the life of the local fishermen, watch the sunset and savor snacks, drinks and a Vietnamese BBQ dinner on a private boat on nearby Thuy Trieu Lagoon. Another dinner option involves a private chef and waiter setting up a table with candles and roses and serving the private seafood barbecue with red wine on the resort’s hill with spectacular beach views. Romantic movies will also air at Alma Cinema accompanied with snacks and sweets. Call +84 258 399 1666.

Meliá Koh Samui
The first Meliá resort to debut in Thailand will serve a gourmet five-course dinner in a private sala this Valentine’s Day on the sands of peaceful Choeng Mon Beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Served from 7pm and priced at THB 4800 (USD 144.40) per couple, or THB 7980 (USD 240) with wine pairing, Meliá Koh Samui’s indulgent experience begins with ‘63˚C Egg’ served with pata negra, potato, black truffle and chives, and then fresh raw Fin de Claire Oysters with raspberry, salmon roe and caviar, followed by trout with green apple, cucumber and fennel. The star attractions are the Canadian lobster bisque served with Jerusalem artichoke and tarragon and Black Angus sour vide with carrots, beets and duck fat potato. The intimate dinner ends with Valrhona served with forest berries, hazelnut and salted caramel. For further information or to make a reservation, call +66 (0) 77 938 899

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao
Situated on Phuket’s secluded Mai Khao Beach overlooking the Andaman Sea, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao will celebrate its first Valentine’s Day with a private beach barbeque dinner.  The resort, which opened on December 1, 2021, will serve a Western four-course “surf and turf” themed dinner for two with the likes of lobster, wagyu beef, truffle and oysters. Staged at the resort’s lawn adjacent to the sand, the dinner comes with a complimentary nitro cocktail and optional wine and champagne. The intimate affair starts at 6pm to make the most of Mai Khao beach’s spectacular sunset and is priced at THB 5,900++ (USD 178++) per couple for dinner only, THB 6,900++ (USD 208++) per couple for an additional welcome cocktail and bottle of wine, and THB 9,900++ (USD 299++) for an additional welcome cocktail and bottle of champagne.  For more information or to make a reservation, please call +66 76 563 550

Banyan Tree Krabi
An intimate candlelit dinner will be on the Valentine’s Day menu at this splendid new resort on tranquil Tubkaek Beach in Krabi. Situated on the hotel’s beach lawn with a spectacular vista of the towering karst cliffs that jut from the sea in Than Bok Khorani national marine park, a special three-course set meal will be served as diners are serenaded by a trio. The price of 7,999 THB per couple includes dining, a bottle of Bottega Gold Prosecco, and one long-stemmed rose. For more information or reservations, call (075) 811 888

Azerai La Residence, Hue
In Vietnam’s former imperial capital, sweethearts can enjoy a romantic dinner for two overlooking the fabled Perfume River at Azerai La Residence, Hue. The multi-course Valentine’s Day menu starts with a local specialty, Lang Co oyster and saffron soup, followed by seared sea scallop with honey-lime dressing and crispy vegetables. The main course offers a choice of pan-fried sea bass with arugula salad, purple potato mashed and black olive salsa or a grilled Australian striploin marinated with lemongrass, sauteed baby bok-choy, roasted Da Lat potato and mushroom sauce. Dessert is coffee ice cream. The Valentine’s Day menu is priced at VND 590,000 per person. For more information or to make a booking, call +84 (0) 234 3837 475.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Celebrate the holiday of love on Feb. 14 with two special dining options at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. At angelina, the hotel’s cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World cuisine restaurant, the exclusive 5-course  “From angelina with Love” dinner (VND 2.7 million per person) includes fine de claire oysters, pumpkin velouté, pan-roasted halibut, wagyu beef sirloin and a special dessert featuring American cherry mousse, Valhrona chocolate and passion fruit sorbet. High-end French restaurant Le Beaulieu’s 5-course “Essence of Romance” menu (VND 3.2 million per person) includes a baked fine de claire oyster with avocado and caviar, coconut lobster bisque, pan-seared foie gras, wagyu beef tenderloin, and sweet surprises to share for dessert. For more information or to make a reservation call +84 24 3826 6919

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UK Economy Suffered £7billion Losses as Tourism Hit by Omicron Restrictions

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WTTC - UK Economy Suffered £7billion Losses as Tourism Hit by Omicron Restrictions - TRAVELINDEX

London, United Kingdom, February 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Ineffective travel restrictions imposed by the UK Government to combat Omicron caused an estimated £7bn loss to the UK economy last year, due to a massive drop in contributions from the country’s embattled Travel & Tourism sector, according to WTTC.

The attack on Travel & Tourism at the end of last year until January 2022 proved ineffective at halting Omicron and devastating for the sector.

The new figures come from research carried out by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, and has been at the forefront in leading the private sector in the efforts to safely restart international travel.

It also revealed that the global Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the global economy lost an estimated £25.7bn – due to the impact of worldwide travel restrictions introduced to combat the spread of the new variant.

The £7bn loss in contributions from the sector to the UK economy comes as the country finally begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Imposing unnecessary travel restrictions to ‘deal’ with Omicron was not backed by science and cost the UK economy £7bn in lost revenues.

“Travel is opening up worldwide. If the UK is going to start to repair its economy, it needs to keep borders open.”

The Travel & Tourism sector is a vital component of the country’s economic well-being, responsible for creating much-need jobs and a significant contributor to the treasury.

The impact of nearly two years of worldwide travel restrictions on both the sector in particular and the economy generally has continued to linger.

According to WTTC’s 2021 Economic Impact Report, the number of those employed in the UK Travel & Tourism sector fell from 4.27 million in 2019, to 3.96 million in 2020 – a fall of 7.2%.

In 2019, before the pandemic stopped travel in its tracks, the Travel & Tourism sector generated nearly $9.2 trillion to the global economy.

The following year, the pandemic brought the sector to an almost complete standstill, causing a massive 49.1% drop, representing a severe loss of nearly $4.5 trillion.

However, the rebound of the sector means losses have narrowed, with WTTC research showing the global Travel & Tourism sector could grow to $8.6 trillion this year, just 6.4% behind pre-pandemic levels.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Dawn for Uganda’s Tourism as New Destination Brand is Launched

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New Dawn for Uganda’s Tourism as New Destination Brand is Launched - TRAVELINDEX

Kampala, Uganda, February 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / As the world starts to recover from the effects of the pandemic and opening up borders and skies to global tourism, Uganda, has refreshed its tourism destination brand promise, with the unveiling of a new brand identity that promises both domestic, regional and global tourists, an adventure of a lifetime.

The new brand Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, draws upon Uganda’s global reputation as one of the most endowed destinations, famous for its thousands of plant and wildlife attractions, as well as vast and beautiful landscapes, temperate climate, warm people, and cultural diversity.

• For a relax stay in Kampala, within easy reach of the Central Business District, stay at Glenville Suites. Book direct at the best available…

The brand identity—Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, was unveiled on Friday, 21st January 2022, by the country’s president, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The president was assisted by Col. Rtd Tom Butime, Hon Martin Bahinduka Mugarra and Ms. Doreen Katusiime, the Cabinet, State Minister and Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, respectively. The Brand was developed by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda’s tourism marketing and regulatory agency.

The Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Lilly Ajarova and her Deputy, Mr. Bradford Ochieng; and the Board Chairman, Hon. Daudi Migereko together with board members, hosted the unveiling, held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

Explaining the new brand promise, Ajarova, said that the new brand promise seeks to re-emphasize Uganda’s rare and precious range of tourism attractions to the world, thereby earning destination Uganda competitive market share.

“Uganda is no doubt beautiful. Beautiful beyond measure. Yes, everyone knew that Uganda is and has always been the Pearl of Africa, – but there was a lack of clarity and consistency on, if Uganda is the Pearl of Africa- what pearls does it have to offer for each of the various travel segments and preferences,” she said, adding: “To win the marketplace; to achieve our Number One objective of “Sustainably Promoting Uganda as a Competitive Tourism Destination for Inclusive Development” it was therefore important that all stakeholders are aligned on what makes us the Pearl of Africa and how do we unpack that to the various travel markets/segments around the world.”

“Explore, Uganda the Pearl of Africa is an invitation to our tourists- both domestic, regional and international to rediscover the magnificence of the Pearl. We are promising and inviting them to Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, for ADVENTURE OF THEIR LIFETIME,” she said.

Before the new brand, there were a number of campaigns by various stakeholders, most of which were built around “Visit Uganda” as a call to action, something that Ajarova says did not appropriately capture the uniqueness of Uganda’s attractions.

“If you think about it, when you invite someone to visit you, you are simply asking them to check on you, maybe for a few days. But an invitation to EXPLORE is really about inviting someone to indulge themselves. To spoil themselves; to delve into; to deep-dive; to discover and rediscover- the depth, range and variety of attractions in the pearl,” Ms Ajarova further explained.

Speaking at the launch, President Museveni urged beckoned the world to Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa saying that, the uniqueness of her attractions guaranteed a better experience and higher return on investment. He particularly extolled Uganda’s unique terrain, that made the country a “roof of Africa” where Lake Victoria sits, giving birth to the Mighty River Nile that flows through various Ugandan lakes on its way to Alexandria in Egypt.

He also highlighted Uganda’s abundant vegetation, temperate climate, variety of wildlife, strategic location on the Equator, cultural diversity, community tourism, peace and security, among others.

He also said, Uganda’s unique place in anthropogeny as the birthplace of humankind should be studied, documented and sold as a tourist attraction. Mr. Museveni welcomed the new brand promise and recognized Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) for the imaginative repackaging of Uganda’s tourism value proposition.

“Uganda is a very nice place, but it needed a group to talk about it; to inform the world,” he said adding: “I am very happy with the new group headed by our daughter Ajarova…. I salute that group. You can see they are putting a lot of imagination into what they are doing.”

“I congratulate the board by led by Hon. Daudi Migereko (Chairman) and others. I also congratulate the Ministry, under Col. Rtd. Tom Butime,” he said.

Rebuilding, Restarting Tourism And Positioning Uganda As The Most Competitive Destination In Africa

The rebranding is an essential component of UTB’s Strategic Plan (FY 2020/21 – 2024/25) that seeks to “Sustainably Promote Uganda as a Competitive Tourism Destination for Inclusive Development” with a strategic goal to “sustainably increase the volume and value of tourism in Uganda.”

Under this plan, UTB is pursuing 5 major objectives, namely:

i) To Increase Tourist Arrivals
ii) To Increase Investment and Job Creation in The Tourism Sector

iii) Increase The Competitiveness of the Tourism Destination
iv) To Improve Collection and Access to Tourism Information
v) To Improve Internal Efficiency and Effectiveness

From the above objectives, UTB, expects, by 2024/25 to work with all stakeholders to restart, rebuild and deliver to market tourism experiences that will help Uganda to:

vi) Recover from the impact of the pandemic that saw us lose up to USD1 billion in revenue in 2020, reach the pre-pandemic levels of USD 1.45 billion and grow that further to USD 1.862 billion
vii) Recover the contribution of tourism to total employment at 667,600 people (6.3% of total employment)
viii) Increase inbound tourism revenues per visitor from USD1,036 to USD1,500
ix) Recover the average number of International Tourist arrivals from the U.S, Europe, Middle East, China and Japan at 225,300 tourists
x) Increase the proportion of leisure to total tourists from 20.1% to 30%
xi) Increase the number of direct flight routes to Europe and Asia from 6 to 30

Col Rtd. Tom Butime said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Uganda was on a strong and positive trajectory, reading in Foreign Exchange earnings and accounting for 7.7% of GDP and about 6.3% of all formal employment in the country.
“The launch of the Brand is part of a response to the recovery after this dreadful pandemic. We are getting back into the market with a unified message and a clear promise and call to action. The launch of the Destination Brand is both vital to the restarting and rebuilding of the tourism sector as it provides a positive, recognizable and firm assurance of the beauty we radiate as a people and landscape of Uganda,” he said.

“The Destination Brand and the marketing activities that shall follow it are not in isolation. They complement other existing initiatives by the government to improve our product offering, improve the consumer experience and therefore widen opportunities for the private sector as well as quicken the pace of recovery. These measures, most of which are part of the Tourism Development Programme of the National Development Programme (NDP) III, include increased marketing efforts, the development of tourism infrastructure, addressing human-wildlife conflict and diversifying our product offer. There are also several initiatives being undertaken at the regional integration level, aimed at enhancing our competitiveness as a Destination,” added Butime.

He also underscored the need to help the Private Sector manage the financial burden through affordable financing options, expanding the marketing support campaign and developing competitive products on the world market.

Concerted stakeholder engagement

Hon. Migereko, the board chairman, thanked the national steering committee that was central to the development of the brand, led by Dr. Patrick Bitature, and reaffirmed UTB’s commitment to work with all stakeholders, to realise the full benefits of the renewed brand and the associated tourism marketing efforts.
“The launch of this destination brand is bound to benefit the entire country, provided after this launch all key stakeholders can consistently work hard to render our tourism products competitive and attractive; to enhance the image of destination Uganda; to scale up the quality of services and positive messages to give the brand its worth as well as improve the ease of doing business,” he said.

“It is going to be our duty at Uganda Tourism Board to ensure that we come up with requisite strategies and to reach out to all stakeholders both in and out of the Tourism value chain so that they can fully participate in this business but are also supported to register reasonable returns on whatever they invest,” he added.

• For a relax stay in Kampala, within easy reach of the Central Business District, stay at Glenville Suites. Book direct at the best available…

About Uganda Tourism Board
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is a statutory organisation established in 1994 mandated to promote and market Uganda domestically, across the region and internationally, promote quality assurance in tourist facilities through training, grading and classification, promote tourism investment, support and act as liaison for the private sector in tourism development. The broader goals of the Board are to increase the contribution of tourism earnings and GDP; improve Uganda’s competitiveness as an international tourism destination; and increase Uganda’s share of Africa’s and World tourism market. UTB aims to create inclusive opportunities for the tourism sector through market transformation.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit Celebrates Love

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Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit Celebrates Love - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, February 2022 Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar and Plate Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit unveil curated celebration menus to mark Valentine’s Day.

Enjoy a 4-course set meal throughout the day at Plate Restaurant. Salmon & Kale Caesar Salad kicks off the meal alongside hearty Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil. The main course is a classic French Duck Confit. End the meal with Cherry Bossa, one of Tuxedo’s Dessert of the Month. A union of cherries in various forms, chocolate Sable and raspberry ganache.

THB 1,680++ per couple inclusive of two glasses of bubbles
THB 890++ per person
Date: 14 February 2022
Time: 11:30 am to 8.00 pm
Menu: qrco.de/bci8sV

Romance is best celebrated with an evening sunset and rooftop views. Celebrate with us at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar with a specially curated menu for sharing alongside live jazz music. Menu highlights are fresh oysters, paprika prawns and chermoula chicken.

THB 2,999++ per couple inclusive of a bottle of bubbles
Date: 12-14 February 2022
Time: 5:30 pm to 11.00 pm
Menu: qrco.de/bchQKr

Early bird special: THB 2,999 net per couple when book and pay within 12 February 2022

Planning a special Valentine’s Day celebration? Come for a Romantic Valentine Package. Package includes 1-night stay in Deluxe Room and Romance in the Sky dinner at Cooling Tower for 2 persons, only THB 5,199++

For more information and reservation please contact us at 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Time to End US Pre-Departure Testing for Fully Vaccinated Travelers

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Time to End US Pre-Departure Testing for Fully Vaccinated Travelers - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, February 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in partnership with Airlines for America (A4A) and 28 US and international aviation and travel and tourism stakeholder groups, urged the US government to remove the pre-departure testing requirement for fully vaccinated air travelers flying to the US.

The vaccinated traveler population adds no additional risks to the domestic US population. Increased immunity levels, the pervasiveness of COVID-19 in all 50 US states, rising vaccination rates and new therapeutics, all point to removing the testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers.

“The experience of Omicron has made it clear that travel restrictions have little to no impact in terms of preventing its spread. Moreover, as Omicron is already broadly present across the US, fully vaccinated travelers bring no extra risk to the local population. International travelers should face no additional screening requirements than what is applied to domestic travel. In fact, at this stage of the pandemic, travel should be managed in the same way as access to shopping malls, restaurants or offices,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

More than 74.3 million people — meaning at least 22% of the US population — have had COVID-19, and that is almost certainly an undercount owing to asymptomatic infections and limited testing early in the pandemic. When combined with an adult population that is 74% fully vaccinated, it is clear that the US is developing very high levels of population immunity.

The organizations also noted that the EU has recommended that its member states remove COVID-19 travel restrictions for travel within the EU, and the United Kingdom has announced the removal of COVID-19 pre-departure testing for vaccinated air travellers to enter the country. The UK concluded that the cost to both passengers and airlines of the testing mandate could no longer be justified as there was no evidence the regime protected the population from COVID-19.

Recent research by Oxera and Edge Health in Italy, Finland, and the UK all support the conclusion that travel measures do little to control the spread of COVID-19 when it is already broadly present in the local population. The studies found that, if implemented at a very early stage, travel restrictions may at best delay the peak of a new wave by a few days and marginally reduce the number of cases.

Furthermore, IATA’s most recent air traveler survey showed that 62% of respondents support removing a testing requirement for those who are fully vaccinated.

“Removing the pre-departure testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers will greatly support the recovery of travel and aviation in the US and globally without increasing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in the US population. There is no use in closing the barn door after the horse has bolted,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Yacht Show to Be Staged in Gulf of Thailand

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Thailand Yacht Show to Be Staged in Gulf of Thailand - TOP25 YACHTS - TRAVELINDEX

Pattaya, Thailand, February 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The first part of the 6th edition of the government-initiated Thailand Yacht Show will be staged in the Gulf of Thailand, with the second part to follow in Phuket later in the year

TYS 2022 will be the first boat show to take place in Asia for over two years – a welcome event indeed, something that the whole industry has been eagerly looking forward to.

Sales of yachts and boats have skyrocketed in Asia during the pandemic, and Thailand is no exception, with the local market having at last woken up to the pleasure – and safety – of the boating lifestyle. People from Bangkok and other major cities have flocking to the easily accessible waters and islands around Pattaya in record numbers, and Thai dealers and distributors of the world’s best-known boating brands, as well as steadily increasing number of local boat builders, suppliers, and service companies, want to capitalize on this new market on the Eastern Seabord and the Thai Riviera.

The long-awaited 6th edition, postponed from January 2021, and all future annual editions, will take place in two venues at different times of the season. The Gulf of Thailand event in Pattaya will focus mainly on production yachts, with as many superyachts as are available in the area.

The Phuket event, which will take place in December at the beginning of the next high season, will similarly cover the whole industry, but will have a major focus on the fleet of foreign-owned superyachts that are expected to arrive from November to spend the winter chartering in Thailand in future – thanks to the new superyacht charter license.

The two shows between them will attract thousands of newly-interested boat buyers from Bangkok, and yacht charterers from all over the world when the pandemic finally passes, as well as the hundreds of businesses that make up the leisure boating industry community in Thailand and the region.

Since 2016, the Thailand Yacht Show has provided a professional platform for the world’s major boating brands, brokers, dealers, suppliers, and leisure marine service providers, as well as the luxury lifestyle products that complement the yachting world and the people who frequent it. Industry leaders can meet plenty of new buyers from the newly interested but so far uninitiated affluent lifestyle-seekers, and at the same time expand their business network in South East Asia.

The 2022 Pattaya edition is already showing all the signs of seeing significant numbers of qualified visitors coming for the weekend, particularly from Bangkok (who, by and large, haven’t wanted to travel to the various boat shows in Phuket in the past). Special features will include the re-furbished Ocean Marina Yacht Club, a diving exhibition, live sailing and boating experiences plus sea trials on high-quality charter yachts.

For brand visibility and credibility, exhibiting at the Thailand Yacht Show affords you and your business a unique opportunity. Whether you are looking to establish your presence in the region or expand your business in this rapidly-developing new market, TYS provides a powerful platform for meeting new customers, reaching out to your existing clientele, and helping you to build a more established and prominent business.

As well as the exceptional line-up of yachts – 22 have already been booked in and we are expecting over 50 – there will be many famous luxury products on display, as well as an extensive programme of family-friendly activities spanning the entire weekend. Visitors and exhibitors alike can look forward to live music, entertainment, a variety of water sports, helicopter rides, and diving instruction. We will be presenting new exhibitors and partners each week from now on, along with some important announcements about the development of the industry here.

The two-show format will make the Thailand Yacht Show bigger, more representative of the whole of the industry, and far more easily accessible to visitors from all over Thailand, as well as to exhibitors from all parts of the industry. Thailand is the natural destination for the Asian Yachting Lifestyle Community, and TYS is the long-term marketing platform for the region’s yachting industry. We invite you to be part of it.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Leadership at Skal International to Act on Industry Challenges

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New Leadership at Skal International to Act on Industry Challenges - TRAVELINDEXMalaga, Spain, February 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Skal International Executive Board Members met in Little Rock, AR, on January 26, 2022, to conduct their first Executive Board meeting and held three-day meeting sessions working on the strategic plan for 2022.

Skal International has had a new leadership since January 01, 2022. The new leadership was elected by the membership on December 20, 2022. The elections for the 2022 board have been conducted via election buddy with a record-high number of delegations. Skal International membership elected Burcin Turkkan, the senior VP of 2021, as the new Skal International World President. Burcin Turkkan is the first female executive elected on the SI EB representing the USA. She is also the youngest female World President Skal International has ever elected since 1934.

Skal International membership also elected the other executive board members in the following order: Juan Steta – Senior VP from Mexico; Marja Eela-Kaskinen, Director from Finland; Annette Cardenas, Director from Panama; Denise Scrafton, Director from Australia. In addition to SI EC members, the SI EB has the ISC President Julie Dabaly, from Kenya, interim Vice President Hulya Aslantas from Turkey, and the CEO Daniela Otero, from Spain on the Executive board.

‘I am honored for being elected as the World President by the membership of Skal International. The pandemic has taken a big toll on the travel and tourism industry globally. Representing 40 categories within the industry with over 12,500 members around the globe, in 2022, Skal International is looking to take on the global issues our members and the challenges industry is facing, working together with global organizations and NGOs. Skal international is ready to increase global partnerships and work actively with partners on executing projects, said Turkkan, World President 2022, Skal International.

Thirty days in office, President Turkkan initiated 8 Committees to address industry challenges and global issues, grow membership, increase visibility, and support the Skal International Executive Board in achieving the set goals for 2022. Members in the organization are invited to volunteer in these Committees with the Presidential Theme set for the year: “We are Stronger Together as One. ‘As being an organization with 88 years of history, we are looking into restructuring and the modernization of the governance, better fiscal and financial policies along with strategic growth of membership globally.’ Added Turkkan, World President 2022, Skal International.

About Skal International
Founded in 1934, Skal International is the largest tourism association globally and the only one representing all sectors of the Tourism Industry. With headquarters based in Torremolinos, Spain, Skal has membership on every continent globally with 320 clubs across 98 countries and over 12,500 professional Manager and Executive members. Most of the largest Tourism Companies in the world are members of Skal.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Jan. 31-Feb. 04, 2022

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In last week’s “news,” Niagara-on-the-Lake introduced a new hotel tax, ACTA a new focus on diversity, Exotic Journeys a new look, Outer Shores a new BC lodge, Sandals a new webinar on its newest resort (Curaçao), and BranchUp unveiled a new, but familiar face.

NEWS

After years of deliberation, false starts and delays, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. councillors have approved the implementation of a controversial municipal accommodation tax. The 2% levy is set to begin on July 1. Initially, it will only apply to rentals with five or more rooms – mainly hotels – but most B&Bs and short-term rentals are expected to be added in the future.

Direct international flights to Bali have resumed for the first time in two years as Indonesia opens the resort island to foreign travellers from all countries, though mandatory quarantine remains in place. Garuda Indonesia operated its first flight in two years from Tokyo and Singapore Airlines will introduce a regular direct route to and from Denpasar in Bali starting Feb. 16.

AT THE BORDER

The Government of Aruba has eased entry requirements for all visitors. Effective Feb. 3, visitors have the option of presenting status of COVID-19 booster vaccination, or negative results from an antigen test taken one day prior or a PCR test up to a maximum of three days prior to travelling. s must be uploaded as part of Aruba’s Embarkation/Debarkation Card process no earlier than three days before arrival. Visitors between the ages of 12 and 17 can enter Aruba with a completed primary series with no booster. Full details on the web site.

DELAYED

The famed Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will be held in late April rather than the final weekend of February, as the number of coronavirus cases in Brazil spikes and the omicron variant spreads across the country.

BY THE NUMBERS

In a sign that travel is back in the US and “ahead of schedule,” Visit Tampa Bay has announced record-setting 2021 numbers that included revenue in excess of US$758 million, an increase of over $50 million or a 7.1% increase on the previous best numbers set in 2019. Additionally, tourist development taxes collected by Hillsborough County in January (for hotel stays in December) totalled $4,495,484, a 32.8% increase over the previous record for January, set in FY 2020.

AIR

Starting in May and operating weekly until the beginning of September, Sunwing’s summer domestic program will commence for its 17th consecutive year. Flights will depart daily between Toronto and Vancouver, starting May 17 until Sept. 7; between Toronto and St. John’s from Monday to Friday, starting June 20 until Sept. 7; between Toronto and Gander on Tuesday and Fridays, starting June 21 through Sept. 6; and between Toronto and Stephenville on Wednesdays, June 22-Sept. 7.

Turkish Airlines reports that it has started to use sustainable aviation fuel on its flights. Aviation fuel obtained from sustainable sources was used for the first time on TK1823 flight that departed from Istanbul Airport for Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport on Feb. 2. While sustainable fuel will be used for one day a week on the chosen route, there are plans in place to use it on different routes on a wider scale.

DEALS

The “Great Escape Sale” from Sunwing offers hot deals on warm weather breaks in destinations across the destination. The offer, which encompasses all travel styles, is available for booking through Feb. 28 for departures by April 30.

Up to $7,000 off select voyages is available to river cruisers with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ ‘Cruise Back Into Travel’ offer. Bookings, valid through Feb. 28, must be paid in full.

American Queen Voyages is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an extra 10% savings on the already reduced rates of the cruise line’s ‘Winter Savings Event.’ Guests booking on select sailings will see fares beginning at US$2,599 when booked by Feb. 28. Eligible sailings include Memphis to St. Louis on the American Duchess, Detroit to Montréal on Ocean Navigator, and Vancouver to Sitka on Ocean Victory.

HOTELS
The owners of niche adventure travel company Outer Shore Expeditions are adding to their portfolio with the opening of Outer Shores Lodge this spring. Bordering Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia, the six-bedroom, two cabin lodge features a great room with stone fireplace, dining room, library, indoor steam shower, and workshop space. Each of the cabins is fully self-contained with a full kitchen and fireplace. Guests will enjoy daily locally sourced meals and guided excursions on hikes, by kayak, or by boat. They can also explore the historic boardwalk town of Bamfield, take in sunsets and local wildlife, and explore lush rainforests and stunning west coast beaches. Full-service packages including excursions are available.

When island hopping from Nassau, Canadian travellers prebooking a minimum four-night stay at a participating Bahamas Out Island property will receive one free airline or ferry ticket. Deadline for bookings is Feb. 14. For details and participating resorts, click HERE.

TOURS

TravelBrands’ Exotik Journeys is celebrating 45th anniversary with a new look and expanded offerings detailed in seven new brochures: The Exotik Explorer; Ocean Explorer; Self-drive Explorer: The best of USA; Self-drive Explorer: The best of Canada; Escorted Tours Explorer; Explorer Canada Holidays; and Explorer Winter Holidays. Belize is also being introduced as a new destination. Additionally, both, both travel agents and their clients will get a chance to be rewarded with a variety of incentives (see “Agent Incentives” below). TravelBrands is planning a virtual event (agents and clients) in March to mark the milestone with details to come.

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has added online travel agency Exoticca to its list of preferred partners. Founded in 2015, Exoticca offers affordable itineraries that are in between 100% escorted and a la carte tours. Over 300 destinations tours are available to meet the needs of small groups, private tours, and solo travellers on every budget.

CRUISE

Currently sailing in Baja, Mexico, and Hawaii, UnCruise Adventures reports that its post-pandemic comeback will continue with Alaska cruises starting April 8. Seven and 14-night departures will include 14 different itineraries spread across seven vessels and continuing through Oct. 8 – the longest Alaska season in the company’s history.

To honour and thank first responders and healthcare workers – including Canadians – Holland America Line is extending its Military Appreciation Offer to members of these communities with US$100 onboard spending money. The bonus credit is available for select ‘Have It All’ cruise bookings to a variety of destinations through May 2022. Reservations must be made by March 15.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Mardi Gras kicked off this weekend at Universal Orlando and continues with festival-themed events through April 24. Park guests will find live concerts (including the Barenaked Ladies on Feb. 19), a spectacular Mardi Gras parade, Bourbon Street brass bands performing throughout the park, and savoury cuisine inspired by diverse flavours from around the world. The event is included in the price of admission.

RESORTS
Landmark Resort, one of the largest resorts in the Myrtle Beach, SC, area, will open a massive new waterpark this summer. The expansive 910-sq.-m. facility will be located on Ocean Boulevard opposite the over 500-room Landmark Resort and will be exclusive for guests who stay through the on-site rental program. A massive overhaul of the resort’s H2OASIS Waterpark, the brand-new facility will feature an array of slides and water play features, including three 12-m. tall enclosed 80-cm.-diameter slides will stretch 72 m. with 1,500 litres of rushing water flowing down each slide every minute.

After completing a US$55-million renovation, Sandals Royal Bahamian is now welcoming back guests to the luxurious, 404-room all-inclusive resort and private offshore island. Highlights of the resort’s enhancements include new swim-up suites and private villas, upgraded restaurants and five new dining venues, as well as new entertainment offerings.

AGENT EDUCATION

Visit Orlando has launched a reimagined Orlando Travel Academy, featuring new interactive sales tools, resources for travel, and corresponding app. The e-learning platform offers travel advisors quick and easy access to sales planning resources, including digital brochures, maps, itineraries and an on-demand training curriculum and graduates can also tap into discount offers ranging from 50% off select theme park tickets to 40% off room rates.

ACTA is embracing diversity and inclusion at the association with a series of measures designed to help expand awareness and actions in the Canadian travel industry. These include the launch of new courses for the trade; a partnership with the “Canadian Diversity Initiative”; a new in-house committee; and signing the BlackNorth Initiative Pledge. For more information on the courses, click HERE

FAMS & INCENTIVES

TravelBrands Encore Cruises’ ‘Valentine’s Dinner on Us’ campaign gives agents the opportunity to receive a $25 Uber Eats e-gift card for all cruise bookings made. The promotion applies to any new cruise booking made through Feb. 10. The offer is applicable to any sailing in any category, and with all Encore cruise line partners. The $25 Uber Eats e-gift card is applicable on every cruise file that is reserved and deposited or paid in full during the booking window.

Travel agents will earn an extra 4,500 Loyalty Rewards Points per passenger for all destinations on individual bookings made with Exotic Journeys through March 31. Agents will also earn 2X Loyalty Rewards Points until Oct. 31, 2022, on group bookings for Canadian destinations. A grand prize of 45,000 Loyalty Rewards Points will be awarded to one lucky agent. Every booking made is a chance to win.

EVENTS

Feb. 10: In advance of the opening of the new Sandals Royal Curaçao on April 14, Canadian travel advisors are invited to participate in a live webinar with Sandals Resorts, American Airlines, and the Curaçao Tourist Board on Thursday. Created especially for the Canadian market, the hour-long webinar starting at 1 p.m. EST will be led by Lorna Richards, National Training Manager, Unique Vacations Canada Inc., and features special guests from American Airlines and the Curaçao Tourist Board. To register, click .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Arriving: Canadian travel industry veteran Doug Patterson has joined BranchUp, a Canadian company that offers free turnkey marketing solutions for travel advisors. Best known for his long tenure at Trafalgar Tours in Toronto, Patterson will start his role as National Director – Sales and Travel Advisor Engagement for the company on Feb. 7. He can be reached at DPatterson@BranchUp.com .

Moving on: After over 15 years at Club Med Canada, Meetings & Events Business Development Manager Quebec Annie Archambault is leaving the company effective Feb. 11. Club Med says she has been “a valued member of the sales team since 2006 (and) proved integral in promoting the brand and exponentially increasing the volume of business in the Québec market.”

Moving up: Chris Lynes has been named President of Corporate Traveller for the Americas. The Toronto-based executive is a 21-year veteran of the Flight Centre Travel Group where he has held leadership roles throughout the business including Area Leader, Brand Leader, and most recently as Sr. VP. Corporate Brands in Canada. Lynes will be responsible for the continued evolution of CT Americas regional business, in addition to developing the company’s new “glocal” structure.

DESTINATIONS

A new epicurean festival, the Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE), will take place May 11-15, bringing together talented chefs from Anguilla and around the world for five days of curated experiences at a host of island hotels and resorts. The event will feature three signature events: the opening night Ultimate Barefoot Luxury Party at Cap Juluca; an afternoon Rosé Soirée party at Malliouhana; and a Caribbean beach barbeque on Meads Bay where local grill-masters will offer up freshly grilled seafood and ribs, while members of the island’s competitive culinary team battle in a mystery basket competition. For more information and package purchases, priced from US$425, click HERE.

Throughout this year and next Vilnius, Lithuania, will be conducting number of city-wide cultural, educational, and art events to celebrate its 700th anniversary in 2023. In 1323 Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, mentioned the city for the first time in his letters to foreign merchants and craftsmen, and the date, Jan. 25, has been attributed to the official origins of Vilnius as a city. Events for the 700th anniversary next year are designed to highlight the colourful history of the capital and strengthen ties between city residents and visitors.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

First Global Youth Tourism Summit Gets Underway

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UNWTO - First Global Youth Tourism Summit Gets Underway - TRAVELINDEXSorrento, Italy, February 5, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili has joined the Minister of Tourism of Italy Massimo Garavaglia to officially launch the first Global Youth Tourism Summit.

Set to take place in Sorrento, Italy from 27 June to 3 July, the Summit will bring children and youth from every global region together, giving them a platform to share their vision and hopes for the sector. In line with UNWTO’s commitment to youth empowerment, the initiative will also allow participants to network with leaders from the worlds of politics and business, making them a part of the decision-making process as tourism fulfils its potential as a driver of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Welcoming the first participants, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized that “tourism is a proven source of opportunity for young people – in cities and in rural communities, from every educational background and in every global region.”

Tourism is a proven source of opportunity for young people – in cities and in rural communities, from every educational background and in every global region

Minister of Tourism Garavaglia added: “Young people can play a major role in overcoming the crisis facing the tourism sector. They can also be an active agent of recovery and change and play a leading role in the transition to a more sustainable tourism, which is an essential if we want to achieve sustainable development. We are all looking forward to welcoming you to wonderful Sorrento.”

The young participants were also greeted by the UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism and celebrated football star Didier Drogba, who encouraged them to be the protagonists of tourism’s future and wished them all the best for the upcoming activities.

Online learning and sector-wide expertise

The launch of the Global Youth Tourism Summit coincides with the European Year of Youth. The GYTS series will include several webinars during which the participants will to learn about tourism and sustainability, culture and gastronomy, innovation and climate action, and other relevant topics.

The Italian national tourism agency (ENIT) and the regionof  Campania joined forces with the Ministry to support the implementation of the first edition of the Global Youth Tourism Summit. Private stakeholders, including the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education, have also recognized the importance of the initiative.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News