Global Travel News

Leaders Urged to Shape Sustainable and Inclusive Future Together

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Leaders Urged to Shape Sustainable and Inclusive Future Together - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum’s fifth Sustainable Development Impact Summit was brought to a close today by Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum. Calling climate change “one of the most urgent challenges of our lifetime” he thanked the more than 2,300 participants for their work to move projects forward across the more than 100 sessions.

“Exiting the pandemic stronger than we entered it can only happen if stakeholders work together,” he said. “Important strides were made these past four days that give me so much hope – it has truly been an impact summit. I am confident that if we continue to raise our ambition and work together, we can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

In his closing remarks, Brende spoke of the need to share know-how, partner on innovation and coordinate on advancing global priorities.

COP26 in Glasgow and the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022 in Davos-Klosters will be focal points for leaders to show impact and demonstrate how they are moving towards global goals.

The Sustainable Development Impact Summit was designed around four pillars: Revitalizing Economies; Advancing an Inclusive Recovery; Scaling up Climate Action; and Shaping Future Food Systems. Here are the key outcomes:

– A little over two years ago, the Forum committed to developing a set of universal environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics to help companies practice stakeholder capitalism. Over 50 companies are now using these Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics and over 100 support the initiative worldwide.
– The EDISON Alliance committed to building affordable digital access to healthcare, finance and education for 1 billion people by 2025.
– Airlines, airports, fuel suppliers and other industry stakeholders aim for 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 to help one of the most carbon-heavy sectors get to net-zero by 2050.
– Some 150 organizations and industry leaders signed a Call to Action urging governments to enable a full decarbonization of shipping by 2050.
– The Partnership for Global LGBTI Equality launched a self-assessment tool to help companies identify actions to meet UN standards of conduct.
– The Forum’s Partnering for Racial Justice in Business Coalition now comprises 60 organizations, representing over 7 million employees.
– Alongside the first ever UN Food Systems Summit, the Forum’s Food Systems team announced the Digital Food Systems Coalition, the 100 Million Farmers platform to help develop a more inclusive and sustainable food system for all and co-hosted the innovation track with Mercy Corps.
– Over 20 companies have pledged to conserve, restore and grow more than 2.5 billion trees in over 40 countries as part of the 1t.org global pledge process.
– The Forum’s Scale360 project, which creates products with multiple lifecycles instead of single use, expanded from two to 20 countries.
– Cambodia established a Closing the Skills Gap Accelerator, joining a global network of 11 countries addressing skills gaps and the future of work.
– Finland joined the Global Learning Network to contribute its expertise in closing education gaps.
– The Food Action Alliance has expanded to 20 countries and is working on local and national flagships that improve sustainability and inclusivity.
– The Forum’s innovation platform, UpLink, announced that its innovators helped advance projects that captured 39 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, brought safe drinking water to 2.7 million people and created 133,000 jobs. It also announced four new cohorts and two new challenges.
– The Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action launched the Blue Food Partnership and two other initiatives to strengthen ocean resilience.
– The Mangroves Working Group will conserve and restore these forests by building a “blue” carbon market.
– Pakistan became the latest country to step-up in the fight against plastic pollution, joining Indonesia, Ghana, Nigeria and Viet Nam in the Global Plastic Action Partnership.
– The New Generation Industry Leaders community will transform perceptions around industrial companies and inspire new generations to seek work in industrial sectors.
– Cities have a new free resource to help them reduce emissions faster and make urban life more climate-friendly, courtesy of the Net-Zero Carbon Cities project.
– The new Global Health Equity Network will work across public and private sectors to boost access to health and well-being initiatives.
– The Forum played a critical role with the Race to Zero Coalition in mobilizing almost 30% of the health sector to commit to net-zero targets by 2050.
– The Lung Ambition Alliance and the Forum launched the Global Lung Cancer Collaboration to eliminate the disease and ensure the future sustainability of health systems.

Sustainable Development Impact Summit
The meeting brought together global leaders from business, government, and civil society under the theme, Shaping an Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Recovery. It focused on new technologies, policies and partnerships to advance cooperation, accelerate progress and highlight tangible solutions to our global challenges.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SUNx Malta Signs The Glasgow Tourism Declaration

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SUNx Malta Signs The Glasgow Tourism Declaration - TRAVELINDEXValletta, Malta, September 28, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Glasgow Tourism Declaration is a great start to improve sector climate response, and we are pleased to be an early signatory. It moves in the right direction, but it has to go further and it has to go faster. It builds on previous UNWTO Tourism & Climate Declarations in Djerba in 2003 and Davos in 2007. All good and well intentioned, but now we need much more to help to avert the “Code Red” Climate Crisis that all UN states are facing.

To fully respond to the science and the extreme weather calamities around the world we need a DASH-2-Zero if we are to cross the finishing line in time. The Glasgow goal of a Net Carbon Zero travel industry by 2050 should shift to 2030, with a hard stop of all greenhouse gas emissions (carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, and methane compounds) by 2050. This will be our focus.

What is very positive is the emphasis on measurement and recorded reduction in emissions by companies and communities and we stand ready to support the Glasgow process with the SUNx Malta Climate Friendly Travel Registry, which is linked directly to the main UN Global Climate Action Portal.

About SUNx Malta
SUNx is an EU based, not-for-profit organisation, established as a legacy for Maurice Strong, climate and sustainability pioneer and partnered with the government of Malta.

SUNx Malta created the ‘Green & Clean, Climate Friendly Travel System’ which is designed to help Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform to the new Climate Economy. The programme is based on reducing carbon, meeting Sustainable Development Goals, and matching the Paris 1.5C trajectory. It is action and education focused – supporting today’s companies and communities to deliver on their climate ambitions and encouraging tomorrow’s young leaders to prepare for rewarding careers across the travel sector. Its co-founder and President is Professor Geoffrey Lipman.

SUNx Malta is calling for a DASH-2-Zero for the influential Travel & Tourism sector. Pushing for further action faster. Yes, to Net Zero Carbon, but by 2030 and a commitment to NO Greenhouse gases by 2050. DASH means Declare & Act with Support & Hope. SUNx Malta is training 100,000 young Strong Climate Champions across all UN States by 2030. Together with our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-17) partners we are offering a UNFCCC linked Registry of Accelerated Ambition and support for Climate Friendly companies and communities.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE ART OF REBRANDING: Fort Lauderdale tourism unveils new look

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The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau has a new look, taking the name Visit Lauderdale and introducing the destination tagline ‘Everyone Under the Sun.’ The rebrand of the South Florida destination is designed to reflect the diversity and welcoming nature of the Greater Fort Lauderdale region.

To illustrate new brand, Visit Lauderdale commissioned internationally renowned airbrush artist Avi Ram, a Greater Fort Lauderdale resident, to paint a new ‘Everyone Under the Sun’ mural, which is on display at the entrance of the W Fort Lauderdale hotel. Ram is known for camouflaging human figures with body paint who then emerge to bring the art to life.

An activation for the Visit Lauderdale brand launch featured painted models representing the area’s diverse communities including LGBT+, Black and disabled. The mural, which stands alone without the camouflaged figures, is meant to show the beauty of Greater Fort Lauderdale and the face of Mother Nature welcoming all to experience the area’s natural beauty.

The brand launch also included the debut of the official Visit Lauderdale Everyone Under the Sun beer, crafted by Fort Lauderdale’s Gulf Stream Brewing Company.

Flags displaying the new Visit Lauderdale logo are flying high from hotels, the Water Taxi, on airboats out in the Everglades, and at many other Broward County locations.

“One of my goals when I took over as head of Broward tourism five years ago was to rebrand the organization and our destination to better support our community through tourism jobs and the positive economic impact it brings,” says Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “We have an incredibly diverse and inclusive community that is welcoming to literally everyone under the sun, and that message is now infused into all of our marketing as we invite people to Visit Lauderdale.”

Tourism leaders will continue to focus their efforts on marketing the entire Greater Fort Lauderdale region as a top destination for travellers, meetings and convention attendees and sports groups – just with a new name. The name Visit Lauderdale went through extensive consumer focus group testing and consistently emerged as the favourite of people interested in Greater Fort Lauderdale area vacations. It will serve as a call to action in destination ads inviting people to Visit Lauderdale and experience not only the area’s beautiful beaches, but all the great people and places between the beaches and the Everglades.

“We have 31 municipalities in Broward County, all of which are unique and alive with their own culture, flavour and activities,” adds Ritter. “Our largest city, Fort Lauderdale, is just one of those 31 cities, but the name Lauderdale is the most recognizable. It helps us put the entire Broward County area on the map for visitors.”

Tourism leaders say the trend for destination marketing organizations is to use shorter names, often with the word ‘visit’ in the title because it says plainly that what their mission is – to encourage people to visit. Those visitors coming for vacations, conventions and sporting events leave lots of money in the community and support jobs.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SECOND SUMMER IN PROVINCETOWN: Events, Festivals and Weather 

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Insiders know that fall is the best time of year to visit Provincetown. The New England resort town known for its dramatic light, extraordinary beaches, and all things LGBTQ. From classic events and arts festivals to a brand new food and wine festival, Provincetown’s legendary “Second Summer” is the ideal time to visit.

ArtProvincetown Festival, October 8-10, 2021
The first annual ArtProvincetown Festival  will include museums, galleries, studios and a marketplace for artists and craftsmen. Aimed at artists, collectors, designers, and fans of the arts in all forms, the Festival will feature receptions and parties with special hosts. The mission of the ArtProvincetown Festival is to highlight the diverse and beautiful art that Ptown has to offer. Note that the Washashore Music & Arts Festival is happening the same weekend and will have crossover events.

Washashore Music & Arts Festival, October 8-10, 2021
The Washashore Music & Arts Festival  is an annual gathering celebrating the union of live music, queer artists, good beer, and the everlasting singularity of Provincetown. People who attend Washashore Festival will be compelled to participate in Provincetown Brewing Co.’s commitment to #draftivism: giving back to progressive causes while having a good time. Events will be held at Provincetown Brewing Co., Crown & Anchor, Red Room (formerly Velvet Lounge), and other venues. The event is presented by Provincetown Brewing Co. and executive produced by Live from Provincetown and NYA Presents.

Monumental Yard Sale, October 9-11, 2021
Shopping in Ptown hits an all-time high during the annual Monumental Yard Sale Weekend, which will be held on Indigenous Peoples Weekend, October 9-11, 2021. Each year, town residents, as well as retail shops, participate in the unusual sale where visitors can find one-of-kind treasures lining the sidewalks and yards all over town. It’s also a great time to visit Ptown’s independently-owned boutiques that offer home goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts and antiques, as well as more than 50 galleries displaying fine art, here in America’s oldest continuous art colony.

Women’s Week October 11-17, 2021
With over 150 events for women, including music, comedy, dance parties, film screenings, dune tours, sails, food events, sports events, and more, Women’s Week once again brings thousands of women together—singles and couples alike. Every year there is the Community Dinner, which features performances.

Single Women’s Weekend October 13-16, 2021
The annual Single Women’s Weekend,  postponed from May, is now scheduled for October. It’s designed to be a fast, fun way for single lesbians to meet other single lesbians – live and in person. Registration includes Friday’s Meet & Greet, Friday’s Speed Dating and Saturday’s Toys of Eros Workshop.

Fantasia Fair, October 17-24, 2021
Since 1975, Fantasia Fair (a.k.a. Fan Fair) https://fanfair.info/ has been acclaimed as the original transgender event. It offers anyone who identifies as trans (and even those who don’t) a place to gather. Daily keynote speakers and workshops are a big part of the week-long schedule. There are also fashion shows, formal banquets, lunches, and a cabaret/talent show. It’s an immersive, week-long event, the longest-running transgender event in the world.

Halloween Weekend October 29-31, 2021
One of the biggest events in October, Halloween is the best night of the year to don costumes and play on Commercial Street. Expect flash mobs, performances, and lots of parties. Halloween also overlaps with Spooky Bear Weekend. which includes themed parties, shows and a farewell brunch.

Provincetown Food & Wine Festival, November 4-7, 2021
The new festival, created to celebrate local chefs and restaurants is planned to be an annual event. The schedule includes a Tuscan Wine Tasting & Seminar, Afternoon Tasting & Social, Italian Fine Wine Dinner, Amalfi Coast Wine Dinner, Celebrating Women, GRAND Tasting and Champagne Drag Brunch. Participating restaurants and hotels include Strangers & Saints, The Crown & Anchor, Pilgrim House, Masthead Resort & Cottages, Provincetown Brewing Company, Café Heaven, Tin Pan Alley, Post Office Café and Cabaret, and Perry’s Fine Wine & Liquors. Details at Provincetown Food & Wine Festival.

Getting There

Provincetown lies 60 miles out to sea at the tip of Cape Cod. Visitors are drawn to this remote swath of land for its beaches, restaurants and its charming art galleries and shops. They come for the luxurious guesthouses and the boutique inns. A favorite LGBTQ+ destination, the town is known for celebrating individuality and freedom of expression.

Provincetown has a rich creative history as the oldest continuous art colony in the country and the birthplace of modern American Theater. Each season offers visitors something new, something different, and Provincetown beckons any time of year. Provincetown is a two-hour drive from Boston and five hours from New York. It can be reached by Peter Pan Bus Lines from Boston, via Cape Air flights from Boston’s Logan Airport and Westchester County Airport in New York, and by scheduled 90-minute ferry service from downtown Boston.

Visit https://ptowntourism.com/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Tourism Day Celebrations 2021 – Tourism for Inclusive Growth

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World Tourism Day Celebrations 2021 – Tourism for Inclusive Growth

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, September 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been hit. And marginalized groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all. The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on the Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, and Africa go to cotedivoiretourisme.com

UNWTO has therefore designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on Tourism for Inclusive Growth. This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person. UNWTO invites its Member States, as well as non-members, sister UN agencies, businesses and individuals to celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.

World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on 27 September, is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UNWTO Secretary-General, UNWTO: “The human desire to travel and explore is universal, which is why tourism must be open for everyone to enjoy. So too must the many social and economic benefits that tourism brings be available to everybody. World Tourism Day 2021 highlights the power of ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’. By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business.”

By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business.

World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later.
Establishment of World Tourism Day

It was at its third session (Torremolinos, Spain, September 1979), that the UNWTO General Assembly decided to institute World Tourism Day, commencing in the year 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on the Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, and Africa go to cotedivoiretourisme.com

The timing of World Tourism Day is particularly appropriate in that it comes at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Questex Launches Hotec F&B Virtual Conference

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Questex Launches Hotec F&B Virtual Conference

New York, New York, United States, September 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Hotel Management and Bar & Restaurant—two publications under the Questex Hospitality umbrella—are partnering to host the first-ever Hotec F&B virtual conference in early December.

The two companies have a network of senior purchasing professionals and suppliers in both the hotel and the food-and-beverage spaces and will join forces to bring top buyers and designers together with suppliers of food- and beverage-related products and solutions in one-on-one meetings.

For the past 20 years, Hotec Events have connected hotel buyers, designers and suppliers through live individual meetings and networking opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Hotec went virtual and connected attendees through an online platform.

This event will expand Hotec’s virtual meeting experience to the F&B space. Attendees will be able to learn which buyers/suppliers are attending in advance and review company profiles, preselect who they would like to meet using an advanced appointment system, preview a unique meeting schedule and spend 17 minutes of uninterrupted time with each buyer or supplier.

Hotec F&B will run from Dec. 8-9, 2021. Each day’s activities will run from 9 a.m. to noon so that designers, buyers and suppliers can go back to work for the afternoon.

Learn more about Hotec F&B and apply to attend at HotecFNB

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Sept. 20-24, 2021

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Last week saw the government, and the travel lobby, get back to work after the election; US Travel successfully conduct its trade show, IPW; Goway and Air Canada Vacations launch new brochures; and Canada lift its ban on flights from India.

NEWS

Canada’s ban on flights from India, in place since April, expired at 23:59 EDT yesterday (Sept. 26). Arriving eligible travellers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test from the approved Genestrings Laboratory at the Delhi airport taken within 18 hours of the scheduled departure of their direct flight to Canada.

Both ACTA and TIAC have vowed to continue to work with and lobby the newly re-elected Liberal government to continue to offer financial aid to travel and tourism business and individuals through May of 2022. Other issues include vaccinations and labour shortages.

US Travel’s 52nd annual IPW took place in Las Vegas last week with close to 2,600 attendees from 52 countries. Smaller than usual – “more like a large Florida Huddle” – was nevertheless the first large scale travel event to be held in the US since the start of the pandemic. Next year the show moves to Orlando in June with hopes that by then the COVID crisis will be a thing of the past.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Regent Seven Seas Cruises began its first voyage in just under 18 months on Sept. 11 with new ship Seven Seas Splendor cruising from Southampton, England. The next ship in the fleet to resume sailing will be Seven Seas Explorer on Oct. 15, from Trieste, Italy. Seven Seas Mariner will resume sailing Dec. 18 from Miami, as will Seven Seas Navigator on Jan. 6, 2022. Lastly, Seven Seas Voyager will return on Feb. 15 from Barcelona, Spain.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

Key West’s iconic Fantasy Fest parade and street fair on Duval Street will not take place this year due to the continuing COVID crisis. However, many of its Oct. 22-31 festival’s scheduled events, including signature events like the Headdress Ball and Pet Masquerade will continue, while encouraging attendees to abide by COVID protection protocols. Organizers of the Zombie Bike Ride and the fundraising campaign to elect the festival king and queen cancelled their events last weekend, citing COVID concerns. Key West’s popular Masquerade March, scheduled Oct. 29, is also currently on hold.

AIR

Air Canada will begin non-stop service between Vancouver and Santa Ana in Orange County, Ca., starting Oct. 2. Flights will initially be four times per week, with plans to increase to daily service in 2022.

Starting Dec. 9, Swoop will add new service between Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to its winter schedule.

The US Justice Department and officials in six states have filed a lawsuit to block a partnership formed by American Airlines and JetBlue, claiming that it will reduce competition and lead to higher fares.

DEALS

The ‘All Aboard!’ promo from Air Transat gives travellers 20% off base fares (eco budget and eco standard) on flights to the United States, the South, and within Canada when booked by Sept. 30 for travel Oct. 1-April 30, 2022. To take advantage of the offer, travel agents must first make the booking and then send an email to promocodeabc@transat.com to request the file adjustment for their clients. Use the promo code AIR20.

To celebrate the resumption of its direct flights from Toronto Dublin on Sept. 18, Aer Lingus is offering round-trip fares to Canadians starting at $399 roundtrip. Bookings must be made by Oct. 7 for travel Oct. 1 to Feb. 17, 2022. Service four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).

TOURS

A new, interactive digital travel brochure is now available from Goway. Titled “Your Next Journey: The Best of Goway Travel,” the collection is designed to aggregate travel ideas from across all the tour operator’s destination regions in one place, presented with a new design and simplified presentation. Hundreds of travel ideas have been curated by Goway destination specialists, including tips, insights, and photos, and have been standardized in terms of accommodation level and travel style. As well, all pages have embedded links back to Goway’s main website, ensuring that it’s easy for travellers and travel professionals to get more information. The brochure can be found on Goway’s website or Issuu, and agents can earn a $25 bonus by taking a quiz .

2022 is on track to be a record, rebound year, says the Globus family of Brands, prompting the company to release a “robust” list of guaranteed departures for next year designed to give travel advisors and clients a confidence boost that travel’s long road to recovery is nearing its end.

HOTELS

Set to open this fall, The Gabriel South Beach in Miami is a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton and is designed to reflect the 1930s golden age of glamour. Located at 640 Ocean Drive, the sprawling property is the sister property to The Gabriel Miami located in downtown Miami. Boasting the greatest linear footage on Miami Beach’s most iconic street, the historic property has 132 guest rooms and suites and two pools, including a show-stopping, glass bottom pool on the roof overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to two destination restaurants, Meet Dalia and Meet Mia, by INK Entertainment, a hospitality and entertainment company that is headquartered in Toronto.

Now open in Washington, DC, the new Kimpton Banneker Hotel is located on 16th St. NW and features 144 spacious guest rooms. For dining, Le SeL is an intimate and relaxed French bistro, and a year-round rooftop bar and open-air deck offers spectacular views of the Washington Monument and the White House.

RESORTS

Sandals reports that since the onset of the pandemic, hundreds of Canadian travel advisors have taken advantage of its free Sandals Car Wrap program. But none have utilized the marketing tool to the extent as TPI’s Kim Paquette, who became the first agent in Canada to wrap an RV (photo). The Ottawa agent “has taken her mobile marketing to the next level… and now drives a moving billboard, literally and figuratively,” says Sandals, which adds that it will also wrap boats and golf carts too, in addition to cars. The program provides a US$3,000 value at no cost to the travel advisor.

Both Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort and Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort in Mexico are undergoing renovations to guest rooms following recent weather events. Estimated completion date is Nov. 30.

CRUISE

Royal Caribbean International has announced the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, will debut in the US and Europe. The highly anticipated ship is set to sail from its home in Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on March 4, 2022, before making its way to Barcelona and Rome to kick off summer vacations in May. The Wonder will feature eight distinct “neighbourhoods,” including new features such as the Suite Neighbourhood, a cantilevered pool bar named The Vue, and Wonder Playscape – an interactive, open-air kids’ play area with expansive views.

The latest addition to Avalon Waterways “Storyteller Series” is American band Sister Hazel. The “All For You” cruise invites “Hazelnuts” to discover the Rhine River with the band, who will take part in book-signings, Q&A sessions, and, of course, performances – not to mention, casual interaction with guests. The eight-day Mainz-Amsterdam cruise takes place Sept.6-13, 2022. Other Storyteller cruises will include Candace Bushnell, Cheryl Strayed, Gillian Flynn, Edwin McCain, and Christopher Moore. Diana Gabaldon’s (“Outlander”) cruise, departing Oct. 30, 2021, has sold-out.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

After more than a year of waiting, Cirque du Soleil and Disney have announced that “Drawn to Life” is scheduled to open on Nov. 18. The new family-friendly show coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., was scheduled to open in March 2020, but delayed due to the pandemic. The collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering will take residency at Disney Springs in Orlando with tickets on sale now on the Cirque web site.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Seventeen top cruise lines are featured in TravelBrands’ cheeky “We’re Full of Ships” campaign, which offers guests free perks such as free prepaid gratuities, onboard credits, reduced deposits, and additional savings on cruise fares. And travel agents will earn 5x Loyalty Rewards Points for any three-day or longer cruises booked online with participating cruise lines by Oct. 1. They can also make a $250 bonus commission for any new group booking with a minimum of five staterooms.

EVENTS

Sept 28: WestJet and WestJet Vacations are hosting a virtual showcase on Tuesday at from 1 to 3 p.m. EST, for agents to learn what new with the company and its preferred hotel partners and tourist boards. The agenda includes various breakout sessions, networking in a virtual lounge and the opportunity to win prizes by collecting Xperience Points. Sessions and insights include agent resource site and self-serve options; reciprocal frequent flyer program with Delta; network and pricing revenue management; Distribution 101; corporate programs; fireside chat with agency and specialty sales; and Travel Ready series and Safety Above All protocols; online chat with hotel partners. For questions, email salesevents@westjet.com; to register, click HERE.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Jamaica Tourist Board has announced the winners of its recent short story contest, which invited Canadian travel agents to share memories and anecdotes of favourite visits to the island and capturing its unique spirit and vibe. First place winner was David Humphrey of Travel Experts, who wrote about visiting the James Bond-inspired GoldenEye resort; second was Sandra Williams-Reid, TTI Travel; and third, Larry Canniff, Expedia Cruiseshipcenter. More news can be found on the JTB Travel Agent Facebook page.

BY THE NUMBERS

This year’s Air Canada Vacations sun brochure was released to the trade last week featuring packages in 42 sunny destinations with over 550 mostly all-inclusive hotels to choose from (including 35 new additions), three exclusive resorts and 35 semi-exclusive resorts. For those looking to set sail again, the tour operator offers more than 100 cruises, including the addition of the Silversea Cruise Line. Aeroplan members will find exclusive perks at 184 hotels and there are 124 Play Collection resorts. Early- and group-booking Incentives are available for early and group bookings, as well as a weddings.

DESTINATIONS
The Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel in Dubai is set to get rolling Oct. 21. The largest observation wheel in the world will provide incredible city and Bluewaters’ Island views at 250 metres in the air. This attraction will be able to carry 1,750 passengers in air-conditioned cabins and offers additional experiences such as dinner or drinks with a private bartender. Cost is $35 p.p.

If you happen to find yourself in Nashville, Tenn. at the beginning of next month, be sure to peel away to nearby Centerville for the National Banana Pudding Festival (Oct. 2-3). Admission is free and “The Puddin’ Path” lets guests sample 10 scrumptious banana pudding recipes for just $5.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO as Co-Organizer of Barcelona Future of Tourism World Summit

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UNWTO as Co-Organizer of Barcelona Future of Tourism World Summit - TRAVELINDEXBarcelona, Catalonia, Spain, September 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO will be a co-organizer of the Future of Tourism World Summit, presented by the Advanced Leadership Foundation and the INCYDE Foundation of the Spanish Chambers of Commerce with the support of Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Provincial Council and the Zona Franca Consortium (CZFB). The event will be held in a hybrid format on October 26 and 27 at La Llotja de Mar and will bring together more than 80 speakers from 70 countries.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

After announcing their incorporation as co-organizers of the summit, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed that it represents “an opportunity to rethink tourism development, ensuring the fairer distribution of its benefits and advancing the transition towards a carbon-neutral and more socially resilient tourism economy.”

An opportunity to rethink tourism development, ensuring the fairer distribution of its benefits and advancing the transition towards a carbon-neutral and more socially resilient tourism economy

For two days, experts will explore creative ways out of the crisis caused by the pandemic. They will also address issues related to sustainability, cultural identities, accessible tourism, wine tourism and personalized travel experiences, among others.

The event will be attended by 20 Ministers of Tourism from around the world, alongside former heads of state and government, as well as representatives of international organizations, business associations and global knowledge networks, including UNWTO, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the International Youth Organization (IYO), the Organization of American States (OAS), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission (EC).

The aim of the Future of Tourism World Summit is to find solutions to the challenges facing tourism worldwide in the aftermath of COVID-19, to develop collaborative systems to turn this crisis into an opportunity for shared progress and to contribute to the global economic reactivation of the sector.

The event will culminate in the signing of the Barcelona Declaration, which aims to become an international benchmark, establishing a framework for a new, more ethical and sustainable tourism model.

First forum on the future of post-pandemic tourism

The vice-president of the Advanced Leadership Foundation, Jorge Brown, explained that the summit aims to make tourism visible as “a central driver of the economy in all countries worldwide” and “must take measures to adapt to all contemporary challenges, especially after the pandemic”. “It is the first forum exclusively dedicated to addressing the future of tourism, and we are gathering leading decision-makers from all over the world,” he added. Brown also stressed that they have chosen to host the Summit in Barcelona because it is a “dynamic, diverse and inspiring city that looks to the future as an opportunity, while at the same time embracing its history.”

For the president of the INCYDE Foundation, José Luis Bonet, this Summit is “a sign of our ability to promote a global debate on how tourism can contribute to making the whole planet prosper in a sustainable and inclusive way, and of Spain’s firm commitment to UNWTO, whose headquarters are located in our country”. According to Bonet, “this summit means turning Barcelona, one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, into an area for reflection, debate and the generation of new proposals for the recovery, modernization and reinvention of tourism, a position that will be extraordinarily reinforced with the signing of the Barcelona Declaration.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The forum also aims to identify and promote leadership in the tourism sector to contribute to the future of the economy. As part of the summit, there will be an international call for 300 leaders who will be trained during the two days of the congress and then virtually for a further 12 months. The selected participants will work to replicate the knowledge they have learned, as well as to seek new allies for the Barcelona Declaration.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Switzerland and more Countries to Adopt WTTC Safe Travels Stamp

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Switzerland and more Countries to Adopt WTTC Safe Travels Stamp - SUISSETOURISME.com - TRAVELINDEXZurich, Switzerland, September 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / More than 400 destinations around the world now proudly hold the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, with New Zealand, Switzerland, and Oman among the latest major destinations to adopt the globally recognised stamp. 400 destinations around the world now hold the globally recognised stamp.

WTTC, which has been continuously leading the private sector in the efforts to rebuild global consumer confidence and encourage the return of safe international travel, made history when it launched the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp just over one year ago.

The stamp, which has been crucial to restoring confidence in travellers and revive the global Travel & Tourism sector, has now also been adopted by major destination countries such as Trinidad & Tobago, Madagascar, Samoa and Réunion Island.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC said: “We are delighted that our Safe Travels stamp continues to go from strength to strength and has been adopted by destinations from every corner of the world.

“From Portugal to Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka to Slovenia, Thailand to Tunisia, our stamp is now recognised around the globe. This is testimony to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in making our stamp work for both destinations and holidaymakers.

“This sets a standard of health and safety protocols so visitors can travel safe in the knowledge that a destination is following the highest standards.”

According to WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report (EIR), in 2019, Travel & Tourism contributed 10.4% to global GDP and supported 334 million jobs (one in 10 jobs across the world). However, following a year of global lockdowns and closed borders, some 62 million jobs in Travel & Tourism were lost around the world, and the sector’s contribution to global GDP slumped by US$4.5 trillion (-49.1%).

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort Reopens with Wellness Wellbeing Program

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Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort Reopens with Wellness Wellbeing Program

Blue Bay Marine Park, Mauritius, September 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The beautiful Indian Ocean island of Mauritius offers the perfect antidote to lockdown-weary travelers and is reopening to vaccinated travelers for quarantine free travel on October 1st. With exquisite natural scenery, miles of jaw dropping coastline and unrivalled experiences, the island is the destination of choice for discerning guests seeking a combination of luxurious adventure and holistic wellness. One of the newest properties on the island, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is welcoming back guests with the introduction of daily activities focused on wellness and active wellbeing and the launch of its brand-new pool villas.

• Discover exceptional spas, wellness retreats and medical spas in the world and each destination – TOP25 Spas.

Upon reopening, the Resort will become a choice destination for those looking for an active and relaxing holiday with a daily schedule of multiple immersive activities. Guests can enjoy activities such as nearby guided forest walks, local cultural tours, snorkeling in the Blue Bay marine park, plus a selection of wellness therapies ranging from yoga, meditation, tai chi and stretching to de-stress and unwind in pure natural surroundings amplified by nature.

For those looking for a tailormade programme also incorporating spa, the new three, five and seven-day packages offer a series of therapeutic experiences making use of the award-winning spa and fitness facilities at Anantara Iko Mauritius and connecting guests to the rugged scenery of the locale. The full seven day ‘Back to Basics’ package includes a wide selection of personalised experiences for guests to pick from and can also be adapted for shorter stays.

A haven of modern tranquillity, the Anantara Spa forms a pivotal role in the wellness retreats of any length stay and guests are invited to surrender to the expert hands of highly experienced therapists to pamper and wind down. Indulgent treatments include Shirodhara Massage and Avant-garde musicotherapy to counter balance the effects of regular exercise on tired limbs. The 90-minute Anantara Signature Massage combines indigenous ingredients such as locally sourced salt scrubs and essential oils infused with flora and fauna native to the island. A schedule of spa therapies is included within each of the programmes.

Delectable dining is the pièce de résistance of any five-star retreat, and Anantara Iko Mauritius delivers all this, whilst showcasing the eclectic mix of cuisines from the island’s cauldron of cultures. Foodies will be satiated with daily wellness smoothies and a wide variety of healthy breakfast options on offer at the all-day dining Horizon, whilst vegans and fitness enthusiasts will delight at Bon Manzer offering innovative clean eating; for luxurious dining experiences, Sea.Fire.Salt offers signature seafood and grill with divine Indian ocean views with a feet in the sand option.

The luxury five-star resort is also delighted to soon unveil its Two- and Four-Bedroom Anantara Pool Villas, which are set within tropical gardens and combine modernity with indigenous design in homage to the serene surroundings of the southeast coast of Mauritius.

The new Anantara Pool Villas offer the luxury of flexibility, with in-villa check in and private entrances – guests simply choose between soaking up the sun on the spacious deck, taking a dip in their private pool, or just relaxing ensconced in privacy and luxury. With 270 sqm of space, the Two-Bedroom Pool Villa has all the comfort and amenities required to provide a perfect balance of togetherness and alone time. Generously sized at 395 sqm, the Four-Bedroom Pool Villa is perfect for a multi-generational family holiday allowing loved ones to reunite in absolute comfort while retaining a true sense of tranquillity and escapism.

Nestled in luscious and secluded surroundings, the Anantara Pool Villas are exquisitely designed with a continuation of the resort’s laid back luxe colour scheme and textiles. Inspired by the pristine white sands and accented with pops of tropical colour reflecting the sparkling shades of the Indian Ocean, golden beaches, amber sunsets, green sugar cane fields and rare corals. Indigenous materials honour the warmth and detail of local Mauritian architecture and craftmanship. Spaciously designed, each villa features a comfortable living space with a smart TV, a fully-equipped kitchenette and an alfresco dining area for feasts prepared by a private chef.

A tailor-made experience awaits with a personal butler on hand to cater to guests’ every need, from organising a private breakfast on a desert island or making restaurant reservations, to arranging cultural tours in the nearby cultural and historic town of Mahebourg together with in-room spa treatments.

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas has something for everyone – foodies, history buffs, nature lovers, and adventurers. Book a Two-Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa with special rates from USD 692 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, bookable by the end of October 2021, and experience sophisticated luxury, exclusive privacy and ultimate relaxation under the tropical sun of Mauritius. Wellness packages start from USD 475 for the perfect combination of discovery and relaxation.

• Discover exceptional spas, wellness retreats and medical spas in the world and each destination – TOP25 Spas.

About Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning properties located in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mozambique, Tunisia, Zambia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Portugal and Spain, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News