Global Travel News

Azerai Ke Ga Bay Introduces Golf Packages at New PGA NovaWorld

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Azerai Ke Ga Bay Introduces Golf Packages at New PGA NovaWorld - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - TRAVELINDEXKe Ga Bay, Vietnam, November 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Two new championship-level golf courses designed by legendary Australian golfer Greg Norman are opening this year in southeastern Vietnam, and Azerai Ke Ga Bay is ready to help guests hit the fairways. Resort set for Nov. 12 reopening, following the easing of COVID-related restrictions.

The secluded 46-key resort, which sits on a pristine five-kilometer stretch of white sand overlooking the East Sea, is set to reopen on Nov. 12 following the easing of COVID-related restrictions in Vietnam.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, located only 30 minutes by car from the new PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, just down the beautiful coastline, has introduced a special package—the first of several planned—that includes 18 holes of golf, along with other benefits at the resort.

The Norman-designed courses feature 36 total holes. The 18-hole PGA Ocean Course opened in April 2021 as one of the longest tracks in Vietnam, at 7,400 yards (par 72), and plays along the picturesque Phan Thiet Bay. The second 18-hole course is scheduled to debut later this year.

The new “Tee Off Time” golf package at Azerai Ke Ga Bay features a two-night stay in a Deluxe Suite with a garden view, daily breakfast for two persons, and a golf round of 18 holes for two adults (including green fee, caddy fee, shared buggy and roundtrip transfers to and from the golf course) on the PGA Ocean Course.

The package also includes a priority upgrade to a higher room category (depending on availability), daily afternoon tea from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, and complimentary Wifi throughout the resort, among other perks.

PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet is home to a spacious, 4,000-square-meter clubhouse selling food and beverages (including alcohol), as well as golf equipment and apparel. The golf complex is part of the larger $5-billion (USD) NovaWorld Phan Thiet development, which includes a theme park and water park, a 7,000-seat indoor arena, a 3,500-seat tennis arena, and more, spread over an area of 1,000 hectares.

Located 180km east of Ho Chi Minh City (a 3.5-hour drive by car), Azerai Ke Ga Bay opened in November 2020 as part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s portfolio and offers a combination of suites and private-pool suites.

Since March 2020, Azerai Resorts has implemented stricter health and hygiene measures at all of its properties, including temperature screenings at check-in, hand sanitizers in all public areas, increased cleaning frequencies in rooms and public areas, and more. Azerai will continue to operate with the highest possible safety standards and follow the latest guidelines from local health and government authorities.

ABOUT AZERAI
Azerai is a new story and brand of resorts offering guests simple elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay marks the brand’s first beach resort, and follows Azerai La Residence, Hue, a historic city resort overlooking the Perfume River in Vietnam’s former imperial capital, and Azerai Can Tho, a peaceful retreat set on a lush islet in the Mekong Delta.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GreenClub and GEO Foundation Collaboration to Drive Golf Sustainability

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GreenClub and GEO Foundation Collaboration to Drive Golf Sustainability - TRAVELINDEXDublin, Ireland, November 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Renewable energy specialists GreenClub has taken its long-term commitment to improving sustainability in the golf industry to new heights by forming a new partnership with GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf.

The exciting development will see the two organisations collaborate closely to promote sustainability across a range of different platforms and markets, commencing in the UK.

As well as driving increased awareness for sustainability through newsletters and print, digital and social media, the new collaboration will see GreenClub align their advisory services with the online OnCourse® programme for sustainable club and course management, as well as the recognition GEO provides for sustainable golf – spanning nature, resources, communities and climate action. They will also work together at a variety of events including webinars and conferences.

An international non-profit organisation, GEO Foundation is dedicated to helping accelerate sustainability and climate action in and through golf around the world, working collaboratively to help the sport embrace environmental and social issues and become widely acclaimed for its role.

Jonathan Smith, founder and executive director of GEO Foundation, said: “It is imperative that the golf industry works collaboratively to deliver innovative solutions for climate action. We are excited about GreenClub joining the growing number of partners who provide innovation and services for sustainable golf and, in particular, helping more clubs and facilities on their sustainability journey.”

Launched last autumn, GreenClub works with the golf and leisure sector to help venues to realise their sustainable goals.

London Golf Club – host of this summer’s Cazoo Classic on the European Tour – and Roganstown Hotel & Country Club in Ireland just two of the clubs to have benefitted from the consultants’ expertise, and GreenClub chief executive Liam Greasley believes the new GEO agreement will be instrumental in helping to create a number of new opportunities for the company.

He said: “Golf clubs can gain a huge amount by focusing their attention on energy – where it comes from; what they can generate themselves; how they can future proof their facility; and how they can reduce consumption, costs and emissions.

“We’d encourage clubs to embrace the specialist advisory support that we can provide and the custom-built programmes available which, together, can accelerate their progress as efficient and sustainable businesses.

“We are delighted to be working closely with GEO Foundation as a sustainable golf innovator and solution provider dovetailing services with their programmes and connecting our clients with the growing sustainable golf community.”

A principal partner of the PGA, GreenClub is committed to promoting long-term sustainability and carbon neutrality, and their objective continues to gather pace on several fronts.

As well as their consultation services to assess current and future needs of any business as they seek to reduce their carbon emissions, venues can also become generators of their own green renewable energy by utilising renewable energy options. In some cases, any surplus energy can then be sold to the local market, rather than back to the grid.

In addition, GreenClub unveiled a 10-point plan earlier this month which it is urging golf clubs and venues to adopt so that they can start their journey towards ultimately becoming ‘net zero.’ The eco-checklist covers all parts of everyday life and features a number of simple measures that not only promote a greener future but can also benefit venues financially.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO and Instagram Partner to Help Destinations Recover and Rediscover

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UNWTO and Instagram Partner to Help Destinations Recover and Rediscover - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, November 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO and Instagram have joined forces to produce a ‘Tourism Recovery Playbook’, and so help destinations and business harness the power of digital and visual storytelling to reach new audiences and return to growth.

This first ever partnership with Instagram forms part of UNWTO’s wider shift towards harnessing the power of digital innovation to drive the restart of tourism, especially local and sustainable tourism. It also represents Instagram’s recognition of tourism as a leading provider of livelihoods and global opportunity, welcoming UNWTO as partners in a first structured effort to use the platform as a tool to help kickstart the sector’s recovery. The partnership was announced against the backdrop of World Travel Market in London, the leading tourism trade fair where UNWTO brings together political and business leaders, and after of UNWTO amplifying tourism’s unified response to the climate emergency at the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Expert insights into storytelling for tourism

UNWTO’s partnership with Instagram will show that safe, responsible travel is possible, and to illustrate how just one tourist can make a big difference

The Recovery Playbook provides insights into making the most of the platform, from producing Reels to showcase destinations to using Guides and other tools to illustrate how the sector is ready to welcome tourists back safely and responsibly. It also explores the best ways to encourage renewed local travel, while raising environmental awareness. Alongside best practice and tips on effective tourism storytelling, the publication also features case studies of small businesses and destinations have successfully used Instagram to connect with key audiences during the pandemic.

In his foreword to the Tourism Recovery Playbook, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “As parts of the world begin cautiously opening up again, now is the time to be creative in showing why tourism matters – for individuals, for our communities and for our planet. UNWTO’s partnership with Instagram will show that safe, responsible travel is possible, and to illustrate how just one tourist can make a big difference.”

“We know countless small businesses and destinations are ready to welcome the world back to their doorsteps,” said Asya Kislyuk, Policy Programs Manager at Instagram. “Instagram is proud to provide a playbook for people to help make it happen when the time is right – safely
and sustainably.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Advancing UNWTO’s digital shift

This first collaboration with Instagram builds on UNWTO’s ongoing turn towards greater use of digital tools and visual storytelling to make clear the relevance and importance of tourism to economies, societies, and planet. The Organization has accelerated this shift in its efforts to scale up Member support and enable them to better seize the advantages of digital communications platforms.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Utopia Corporation Appoints Three Senior Executives for Expansion

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Utopia Corporation Appoints Three Senior Executives for Expansion

Phuket, Thailand, November 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX  / Utopia Corporation, one of the leading real estate developers in Phuket, has appointed three high-ranking executives to further drive its continued success and accomplish future goals. Nalina Suranakarin has been appointed Chief Brand Officer of Utopia Corporation and its subsidiaries. Ivo Tzvetkov assumes the position of Chief Operating Officer for Utopia Hospitality Group (UHG) , a subsidiary company of UCORP, while Praisie Huang is named UHG’s Chief Growth Officer. The executive trio will join forces to lead Utopia Hospitality Group (UHG), a new hospitality brand under UCORP. The flagship brand will have an official launch soon with an ambition to elevate the hospitality industry in Southeast Asia to the next pinnacle of exclusivity and attraction for travellers.

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

Reinforcing the executive team with the right personnel is instrumental to the growth of Utopia Corporation as it will soon launch Utopia Hospitality Group as its flagship hospitality brand. UHG aspires to deliver brand new experiences for smart and savvy travellers in upper strata from premium midscale level up to ultra-luxury. UHG promises a getaway that is accessible yet lives up to international standards and plans to open many brand new properties as well as rebrand and renovate existing properties in 2022.

The highlight of UHG’s master plan is to build two epic landmarks in two prime locations in the north and south of Phuket. “Bay of Icons” will become the new destination for investors and high-end travellers from across the world. Situated on Ao Po Bay on the northern coastline of Phuket, it features cutting-edge facilities and exclusive services to cater to a luxurious lifestyle. To be located on Nai Harn beach on the southern coastline of Phuket, “Utopia Dream” (unofficial name) is an entertainment complex packed with world-class leisure activities. And at the helm of this ambitious plan, are three newly appointed executives of UHG.

As UCORP’s Chief Brand Officer (CBO), Nalina “Note” Suranakarin is a veteran in brand management with ten years of experience in the luxury lifestyle sector and her life-long passion and knowledge in gourmet, superb service and creative concoctions that her globe-trotting lifestyle has brought along. Nalina will play a pivotal role in managing and overseeing the brand strategy and marketing activities of UCORP, UHG and its subsidiary companies. She’ll also be creating a network of partnerships among all UHG resorts and hotels with the ultimate goal of creating the best brand for UCORP through partnerships with other global brands in the future.

UHG Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ivo Tzvetkov has three decades of working in the hospitality industry under his belt. His tenures in Europe, Asia and the Middle East especially with Marriott International make him well-equipped to oversee hotels and other businesses endeavours under UHG. Following his appointment, he’s responsible for implementing hygiene and safety measures at every UHG resort and hotel to provide safe accommodation at a high standard for travellers during the Covid-19 pandemic and comply with guidelines set out by Thai authorities.

As UHG’s Chief Growth Officer, Praisie Huang is an expert in sale from Singapore. With 15 years of working experience with global hospitality brands such as Dusit, Marriott and Accor, Huang has overseen many record-high sales. Her high professionalism will be a key to UHG success as she oversees sales, e-commerce and worldwide distribution as UHG grows from strength to strength.

UCORP CEO Hachi Yin said, ” We’re very glad to welcome Nalina, Ivo and Praisie to the UCORP superhero team. They are the right candidates for us because we search for the best of their respective expertise to join us. We looking for executives with proven records of success who are creative and able to think outside the box. We believe that these experts in their respective fields will elevate our organizations to the next level and contribute to a steady future of UCORP as a leading property development company and UHG as a property operations and hotel management company through our new brands.”

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

Currently, Utopia Corporation has developed ten projects which contain 2,000 units across 120,000sqm of area. Together they are valued at eight billion baht. Every project is based on a boundary-pushing slogan of “Dare to Dream” to accommodate the modern lifestyle of the new generation driven by technology and social media and stimulate new markets in the industry. Utopia’s extensive portfolio reflects its very strong financial standing and its aim to create new markets in the real estate industry.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Launches Groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap for Tourism

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WTTC Launches Groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap for Tourism

Glasgow, Scotland, UK, November 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Major new initiative will set the path for businesses in their quest to net zero. As world leaders gather in Glasgow for COP26 to discuss concrete actions to solve the climate crises, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched an ambitious and groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap, to guide the global Travel & Tourism sector in its battle against the climate crisis.

WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, developed the roadmap in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Accenture.

The roadmap provides concrete guidelines and recommendations to help guide Travel & Tourism businesses on their journey towards net zero.

By providing milestones for meaningful climate action and emissions reduction for different industries within the sector, the roadmap sets out the challenges ahead and how the Travel & Tourism sector can decarbonise and reach net zero by 2050.

This report shows how the sector is greatly impacted by climate change as it affects destinations around the world, but as with many other sectors, it is also responsible for an estimated 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

The sector therefore has a key role to play in fighting climate change, which will require heightened ambitions and differentiated decarbonisation approaches, as outlined in the roadmap.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said:

“I am delighted to announce our pioneering Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism. It helps travel industries reach individual targets to reduce our carbon footprint.

“Many destinations are affected by the impacts of climate change with rising sea levels, deforestation and the loss of animal and plant species. Communities that rely on tourism are first in line to see the impact and wanting to do something about it.

“The Travel & Tourism sector is taking this opportunity to be a catalyst for change. We have a responsibility towards our people and planet.

“It is absolutely critical that the private and public sector we work collectively to achieve the Paris Agreement and prevent the global rise in temperatures.

“Our sector can be part of the change that is urgently required to mitigate impacts and adapt to the threats posed by climate change.”

Emily Weiss, Managing Director and Head of Accenture’s Travel Industry Group globally, said:

“As the travel industry resets after a tough few years, there is an incredible opportunity to rebuild responsibly and accelerate the shift towards a net-zero future for the sector.

“The Net Zero Roadmap offers a pragmatic but ambitious course of action that will help the industry create real and visible targets to reduce its carbon impact, providing the transparency that consumers demand. Crucially, it identifies the big levers where travel can turn a corner on emissions and provides the building blocks to create meaningful change.”

The roadmap presents a new target framework with decarbonisation corridors, which groups Travel & Tourism businesses into three clusters, depending on their emission profiles and the difficulty of abating their GHG emissions.

Certain industries may achieve net zero before 2050 if more ambitious targets are set and different decarbonisation approaches are followed.

The detailed roadmap includes key decarbonisation levers and corresponding actions for five key industries of the Travel & Tourism sector: accommodation, tour operators, aviation, cruise, and tourism intermediaries such as online travel agents (OTAs) and metasearch engines.

Acknowledging that different industries face different challenges to decarbonise, the roadmap calls on businesses to increase their ambitions where possible and provides detailed recommendations for five areas:

  1. Set baselines and emission targets now to achieve individual and sector goals
  2. Monitor and report progress regularly
  3. Collaborate within and across industries and government
  4. Provide finance and investment required for the transition
  5. Raise awareness and build knowledge and capabilities on climate change.

This roadmap calls upon world leaders to give Travel & Tourism the same level of support offered to other sectors and gives recommendations to governments on how they can support the sector, which before the pandemic represented 10.4% of the global GDP (US$9.2 trillion), in addressing climate challenges and its goals to achieve a net zero future.

The collaborative process included key organisations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Travalyst, and SHA (Sustainable Hospitality Alliance), among others.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alain St.Ange Presents the Guba Nana Yaa Asantewaa Entertainment Mogul Award

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Alain St.Ange Presents the Guba Nana Yaa Asantewaa Entertainment Mogul Award

Accra, Ghana, November 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The GUBA Awards 2021 has just been held and it was pleasing to see Alain St.Ange in Ghana to present the The GUBA Nana Yaa Asantewaa Entertainment Mogul Award. Alain St.Ange who was the popular former Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine and the well known and respected tourism personality who was one of the two African Candidates for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in the 2017 elections . St.Ange was also one of the three candidates for the Seychelles Presidential elections of 2020.

Many who were at the grand evening celebrations of Tuesday night have expressed satisfaction to have seen Alain St.Ange fly to Ghana to be part of the African Awards event. Comments posted even had one from former Tourism Minister of Ghana, the Right Hon Catherine Abelema Afeku who said in a post on Social media “Yes Alain was splendid. It was great to see you Alain. You make us all proud in the Tourism Industry”. Tourism professionals from Ghana posted a series of photos of Alain St.Ange’s participation at the Ghana Awards even.

When he took to the stage in the massive entertainment venue of Ghana former Minister St.Ange said:- “The GUBA Nana Yaa Asantewaa Entertainment Mogul celebrates a courageous and resilient woman who has been a major player in the entertainment industry and has revolutionized the industry with ground-breaking concepts. The GUBA Nana Yaa Asantewaa Entertainment Mogul goes to none other than actress and brand ambassador Nana Ama McBrown” before inviting everyone to see a testimonial video on the awardee.

Nana Ama McBrown is a very popular Ghanaian show Bizz personality and loved as a Princess of the Country. She is a Ghanaian actress, TV presenter and a music writer. She rose to prominence for her role in television series Tentacles. Later, she found mainstream success following her role in the Twi-language movie “Asoreba”. She is currently the host of television cooking show McBrown Kitchen and entertainment talk show United Showbiz on UTV.

Aba Blankson of the USA was on stage with St.Ange to do the honours for this award ceremony and was the one who invited Nana Ama McBrown to the stage to receive her award.

The GUBA Awards has been recognising and moving Africans to the limelight for well over a decade. It is Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE who is the founder of the GUBA Awards and she was on hand in Ghana with the Who’s Who of Ghana who had assembled in great numbers to see the ceremony take place for the first time in Ghana and brought to the country a long list of influential personalities who are all part of the diaspora. The first such award ceremony was held in 2019 in the USA and was attended by H.E. Nana Afuko-Addo, the President of Ghana, H. E. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, the President of ECOWAS Commission among many other dignitaries.

“Today Marks 100 years of your legacy. Keep resting in Perfect Peace Nana Yaa Asantewaa. Thank you for your bravery, resilience and courage!!! Ghanaians will ever be grateful to Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Asante Warrior Queen Mother, whose activism and military tactics contributed to the liberation of her people and country. Her roles in Ghana spurred nationalist ideals in other parts of the West African sub-region, which resulted in many of the countries gaining independence” said Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE when she addressed the gathering after the Republic’s First Lady had herself gone on stage to also present an award.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Asia Unveils 11.11 Sale with 11 Full Days of 50% Discounts

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Best Western Asia Unveils 11.11 Sale with 11 Full Days of 50% Discounts - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts will wow travel lovers once again this month with the launch of its 11.11 Sale, which offers 11 full days of fantastic discounts with up to 50% off at hotels and resorts in many exciting destinations all across Asia.

Available to book from 9 to 19 November 2021, for stays through 31 March 2022, this enticing promotion ensures the lowest available rates, starting from less than USD 30 per night! So, whether you’re craving a blissful beachfront break, a chic city staycation or an energizing out-of-town escape, Best Western Hotels & Resorts can provide the perfect deal for your next getaway.

Amazing rates of under USD 30 per night can be booked at a wide range of world-class midscale hotels in many highly desirable Asian locations, such as Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in bustling Bangkok, Best Western Patong Beach in beautiful Phuket, and Best Western Kuta Villa in blissful Bali. Whichever property you choose, every booking will include complimentary Wi-Fi, creating seamless, stress-free escapes.

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2 promises stylish stays in the heart of Bangkok, while SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western AC Luxe in Angeles City will keep you fully connected in the Philippines. These two contemporary hotels are both offering rates of under USD 50 per night in the 11.11 Sale, and offer personalized service, exceptional amenities and the warm welcome you expect from SureStay Plus®.

If you’re seeking a refined travel experience, Best Western Premier® invites you to enjoy “The Premier Life” in some of Asia’s most extraordinary destinations. Highlights include Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, the brand-new waterfront hotel overlooking the stunning seascape of Ha Long Bay, Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa on Phuket’s golden coast, and Best Western Premier Panbil, a spectacular landmark in the heart of Batam.

Wherever you choose to travel, Best Western ensures the highest standards of health and hygiene with our “We Care CleanSM” program, which is based on expert advice from governmental agencies and independent bodies. This comprehensive program addresses every aspect of the in-stay experience, from guest room and common area cleanliness to contactless procedures and more, while maintaining our industry-leading guest service.

Be sure to check out the 11.11 Sale from Best Western Hotels & Resorts! This unmissable promotion is available for bookings made from 9 to 19 November 2021 only, for stays taken through 31 March 2022.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operate.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Unites with Tourism Organizations in Tackling Global Climate Crisis

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WTTC Unites with Tourism Organizations in Tackling Global Climate Crisis

London, United Kingdom, November 8, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, has joined forces with governments, Travel & Tourism organizations and businesses around the world in support of the Glasgow Declaration, a global initiative to tackle climate crisis.

The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is a call for all stakeholders to show leadership and drive action to address climate change.

While collectively, the Travel & Tourism sector supports the aspirations expressed in the declaration, industries within the sector face different challenges, and timelines to reach these goals may vary.

We support each of our member companies in their individual pathways to ultimately achieving the reductions in emissions that will help protect life on our planet.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are delighted to add WTTC to the list of supporters of the Glasgow Declaration.

“WTTC will support its members to achieve their individual climate initiatives over time and set up individual climate action plans.

“This is the time to show leadership and unity and the Declaration is an opportunity to come together towards these common ambitions.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sabre Retail Intelligence Enables Airlines to Grow Through Personalized Retailing

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Sabre Retail Intelligence Enables Airlines to Grow Through Personalized Retailing

Southlake, Texas, United States, November 8, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Sabre Corporation, the leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, today announced the release of the first two products in the company’s Retail Intelligence suite: Sabre Air Price IQ™ and Sabre Ancillary IQ™ for the dynamic pricing of airfare and ancillaries, respectively.

Sabre Retail Intelligence is an innovative product suite that enables airlines to deliver a more personalized travel offers in both traditional and NDC channels. Powered by Sabre Travel AI™ – an innovative capability that integrates Sabre technology with Google Cloud’s state-of-the-art AI technology and advanced machine-learning services – Retail Intelligence will allow airlines to dynamically provide offers to travelers based on preferences, marketplace insights and purchase probability, creating a more personalized and better traveler experience.

“We are facing a rapidly changing world and the travel ecosystem looks very different than it did just 18 months ago,” said Wade Jones, chief product officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “Traveler expectations for relevant and personalized offers are growing, and airlines are more focused than ever on becoming sophisticated retailers. Relying on traditional strategies based on historical data patterns isn’t enough – airlines need intelligent solutions driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning. This is what we are offering with Sabre’s Retail Intelligence suite of products.”

Sabre Air Price IQ increases airlines’ pricing agility and precision by allowing airlines to adapt quickly to changing marketplace conditions. Considering traveler segment and trip intent from the shopping request, the product supports an airline’s efforts to maximize revenue opportunities while providing a seamless experience to travelers.

Sabre Ancillary IQ uses machine learning to present ancillary offers based on multiple factors, including real-time shopping data and purchase probability to increase incremental revenue opportunities and traveler satisfaction. As a result, airlines can deliver increased value and more choice to their travelers.

Both products can help airlines increase revenue opportunity by adapting quickly to changing marketplace conditions while enhancing customer satisfaction by offering travelers the personalized offers that are just right for them. The products are expected to deliver airlines an uplift in incremental revenue of up to three percent when combined with upcoming products being added to the Retail Intelligence suite in 2022.[1]

“As travel retailing becomes more complex to meet increasingly sophisticated consumer expectations, the rules-based technology in use across the industry today will no longer deliver satisfactory results,” said Sundar Narasimhan, president, Sabre Labs and Product Strategy. “To truly modernize travel retailing, the industry requires intelligent systems that allow for continuous learning and scaling at speed. At Sabre, we are focused on equipping our customers with those AI-based solutions that will modernize the way we shop, book and experience travel, delivering incremental value for our customers and the travelers they serve.”

Sabre’s strategic partnership with Google established the Sabre + Google Innovation Framework, pairing Sabre’s travel industry experience with Google Cloud’s advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, creating Sabre Travel AI. Utilizing this industry-first capability, Sabre will enable its current products with advanced machine-learning and artificial intelligence to power the retailing experience of the future in travel. The two companies are working to co-develop innovative new technology to bring customers modern, data-driven, omni-channel solutions that enable highly personalized traveler experiences.

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveller experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Nov. 1-5, 2021

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A tax credit for Ontario staycations; more Canadian airports have been given the green light for foreign flights; it’s time to vax up on VIA; and Canadians return to Grenada highlight this week’s round up of last week.

NEWS

Ontario’s government is proposing a new temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022. This new Personal Income Tax credit would provide eligible Ontario residents with support of 20% on eligible 2022 accommodation expenses in Ontario of up to $1,000 for an individual or $2,000 for a family. In total, the credit is expected to provide support of an estimated $270 million in 2022 to about 1.85 million Ontario families. The credit would provide up to a maximum of $200 for an individual and $400 for a family.

The federal government has green-lighted eight more regional airports to accept international flights effective Nov. 30. The move ends an eight-month ban for the facilities in Victoria, Abbottsford and Kelowna, BC; Saskatoon and Regina, Sask.; Waterloo and Hamilton, Ont.; and St. John’s, Nfld., which join 10 other airports already open to traffic from abroad.

Mandatory vaccination is now in effect at VIA Rail in line with the Transport Canada regulations. Effective Oct. 30, the policy requires everyone 12 years of age and older onboard trains to show proof of vaccination; however, to allow passengers time to become fully vaccinated, there will be a one-month transition period, ending Nov. 30, during which passengers will be able to travel if they show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel time.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

A busy week for border re-openings saw Australia, Thailand, and Israel open or re-open their borders in some fashion. Later this month, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia intend to follow suit.

Swoop resumed international flight operations at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport on Nov. 1 with the departure of flight WO 728 bound for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, followed by the return of non-stop flights to Puerto Vallarta on Nov. 4. Next up, new destinations Cancun on Dec. 3, and Orlando (Sanford) on Dec. 11. From Toronto, Swoop swooped down to St. Petersburg-Clearwater on Nov. 5.

Grenada Tourism Authority, CEO, Petra Roach (c) with Captain John Petropoulos, third from left, and Air Canada flight crew.

Grenada welcomed the return of air service from Canada for the first time in a year on Oct. 31, with Air Canada flight 1066 touching down on the Spice Island with 169 passengers. To stimulate demand for the twice weekly flights from Toronto (Sundays, Wednesdays), the Grenada Tourism Authority has embarked on a marketing campaign employing traditional, digital, and social media tactics in the Canadian market with Air Canada and TravelBrands/Red Tag. Travel agents who book vacations to Grenada will receive five times the regular loyalty points during the campaign. In 2019, Grenada welcomed a total of 17,911 Canadians.

AIR

WestJet launched its newest route connecting passengers for the first time between Calgary and Seattle on Nov. 4.

Air Transat has reached an offtake agreement for 90% of the sustainable e-fuel produced by SAF+ in its first plant over the first 15 years of operation. The agreement, which also includes support for the project’s development, confirms Air Transat’s desire to reduce its environmental footprint and continue its actions to combat climate change by becoming the first airline in Canada to reserve a significant volume of e-fuel over a long period of time, says the airline.

Ultra low-cost carrier Flair Airlines will boost its 2022 schedule with the addition of twice weekly non-stop service between Winnipeg and Regina as well as Winnipeg and Saskatoon. Twice-weekly service begins April 14 and 16 respectively.

BY THE NUMBERS

Air Canada reported a loss of $640 million in its latest quarter, however its operating revenue still nearly tripled compared with a year ago. Revenue totalled $2.10 billion, up from $757 million in the same quarter last year. The airline increased its capacity in the quarter as measured by available seat miles by 87% compared with the third quarter of 2020, however it was still down 66% when compared with the third quarter of 2019. In its outlook, Air Canada says it plans to increase its fourth-quarter capacity by about 135% compared with the same quarter in 2020, however, but still down 47% from 2019.

DEALS

Australian adventure travel company Aurora Expeditions will be resuming operations in Antarctica in 2022 with voyages commencing from Punta Arenas, Chile, in January. Re-introductory incentives include no single supplements on cabins on select Antarctic Expeditions between January-March as well as 15% off all voyages during the same time period.

Through Nov. 30, Celeystal Cruises, which sails in the Greek Islands and Eastern Med is offering cruises starting at US$379 (representing up to 40% off) on select 2022 all-inclusive cruises. Children also sail for free and there is no single supplement for solo travellers. Reduced rates are also available for third and fourth adult guests. Mandatory vaccination policy is in effect.

TOURS

Starting Dec. 16, Air Canada Vacations will introduce a twice-weekly non-stop route from Toronto to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The country’s capital and cultural core is the oldest city in the Caribbean and ACV offers eight different hotel options, plus seven-night city and beach combos.

Goway is celebrating Dubai Expo 2020 by offering free stopovers to Dubai on vacations for travellers connecting on to destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Goway’s free stopovers to Dubai include two nights in Dubai as well as a pass to the Dubai Expo, which is running through March 31, 2022. In partnership with Dubai Tourism, Goway is also offering competitive pricing on vacations to Dubai, which includes multi-day passes to the Expo, as well as trips up the Burj Khalifa, shopping experiences, and desert safaris. Goway notes that it also offers a popular “Explore Dubai Women’s Tour” for female travellers.

HOTELS

The 27-floor, 456-room Daytona Grande, a new oceanfront luxury resort, opened a number of rooms this summer with a full opening planned for later this year. The property is located at 422 North Atlantic Ave in Daytona Beach just north of the Ocean Center convention complex. Meanwhile, the oceanfront 12-story Max Beach Resort is scheduled to open in early 2022 with condo-style residential suites featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, fully equipped kitchens and private outdoor living spaces. Located just south of the Boardwalk and Pier area, the property plans to combine the best that a vacation rental has to offer with the amenities of a high-end resort hotel including a beachfront café and bar, and top floor sky lounge.

Opening in preview on Nov. 9, The Reykjavik EDITION promises the first truly luxury hotel experience in the Icelandic capital. Designed as a vibrant and sophisticated urban hub, the 253-room hotel offers a comprehensive line-up of bars, restaurant, nightclub, and a modern social wellness concept that channels the country’s signature hot springs, mineral waters, and natural fjords.

RESORTS
In a sign of the times, Palm Island Resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has purchased its own PCR testing machine in an effort to alleviate the current 48-hour quarantine that the St. Vincent government has placed on travellers, as well as to facilitate exit screenings. The resort says that due to limited resources in SVG, local hoteliers are taking COVID safety precautions into their own hands to ensure seamless travel for their guests and to ensure safety for staff. The cost of testing is US$125 p.p.

Hyatt Hotels has completed its previously announced deal to acquire leading luxury resort-management services, travel, and hospitality group Apple Leisure Group (ALG), which will notably enable the hotel company to double its global resorts footprint through the addition of ALG’s AMR Collection brand portfolio (AMResorts), comprising approximately 100 hotels and resorts operating in 10 countries. Hyatt currently offers eight all-inclusives in the Caribbean and Mexico under the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara names, while the AMR Collection includes the Secrets, Dreams, Zoetry, Breathess, Alua, and Sunscape resort brands.

CRUISE

There’s still room on the Carnival Mardi Gras’ Nov. 20 sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring renowned chef and television personality Emeril Lagasse. It will be the first time Lagasse sees his Emeril’s Bistro on the Carnival flagship. While on board, the chef will be a special guest at the morning show in the ship’s Grand Central atrium and mingle with guests at his Bistro 1396 restaurant. He’ll also host a cooking class and be a special guest at a special Chef’s Table dinner with proceeds going to charity.

For a limited time, Holland America Line is allowing kids aged five to 17 to sail for free as third and fourth guests as a in a stateroom. The offer is good for selected cruises through spring 2022 and includes sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, California, Europe, and Canada/New England.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Now open, Walt Disney Swan Reserve is a new 14-story hotel positioned adjacent to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in the middle of Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring 349 spacious and versatile guest rooms – including 151 suites – with floor-to-ceiling views of the resort, the property is located within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Amenities include Amare, the signature Mediterranean restaurant; a grab-n-go café; scenic pool area with elevated deck and fire pit; and an array of Walt Disney World guest benefits, including early entry and extended evening hours at the theme parks.

Holiday festivities at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure get underway Nov. 13 and include the return of the popular “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” an exclusive guided tour available on select dates starting Nov. 21. Seasonal themes and activities continue through Jan. 2.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

The Advanced Commission Program for travel professionals by Collette is now permanent. Originally launched in September of 2020 and set to expire at the end of the year, the program allows travel professionals to receive a portion of the full commission amount based on type of booking (excluding groups); better still, Collette will not recall the advanced commission payments if a client chooses to cancel. Advisors can earn advanced commission on all tours in its newly released 2022-23 Worldwide Travel Guide with $100 per booking for land-only bookings; $125 per booking for land and air bookings; and $200 per booking for any reservation that includes Collette’s Travel Protection Plan.

EVENTS

On Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. EST, PromPeru is hosting the webinar “Wildlife destinations in the jungle of Peru,” featuring two local partners that offer experiences in the north or south Amazon region. One lucky advisor will receive a $125 Amazon Gift Card just for attending. Click .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Former co-founder and CEO of Canada 3000 Airlines Angus Kinnear died in the Dominican Republic late last month of complications from COVID-19. The retired airline executive was a pivotal figure in Canadian travel, tourism, and aviation. Founded as Air 2000 in 1988 (the name was changed the following year), Canada 3000 had become Canada’s largest charter carrier by 1991. In November 2001 it collapsed after the downturn in air travel following the events of Sept. 11.

e-Travel Technologies has announced the appointment of Dianne Jackson as its new Vice President Client Success. Effective Nov. 1, Jackson, formerly of Red Label Vacations/Merit, will lead the company’s global team of analysts as well as develop its commercial strategy, including all national and international markets. Jackson has over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, including senior roles at CAA, Expedia Affiliate Network, Allianz Global Assistance, and First Choice Canada (Signature Vacations).

DESTINATIONS

Beginning Jan. 8, 2022, all commercial establishments in Costa Rica will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Proof of vaccination must be verified by means of a QR code or a “COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card,” and will apply to all individuals aged 12 and older. Commercial establishments include hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars, adventure tourism services, casinos, stores, museums, and gymnasiums.

During a session at World Travel Market entitled “Building Back Better for Destination Resilience,” the boss of Visit Cornwall – one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations – joked that he wanted to change the tourist board’s name to “Don’t Visit Cornwall” after it struggled to cope with the huge influx of visitors this summer. Visit Cornwall CEO and Marketing Director Malcolm Bell did say, however, that marketing money would no longer be spent on encouraging people to visit during the summer. “We will concentrate all efforts on marketing Cornwall in winter. Not the shoulders, but in the winter,” he told delegates.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News