Global Travel News

Aloft Hotels Turns Up the Volume on Breakfast with New Menu Across More Than 150 North American Hotels

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Today, Aloft Hotels, the innovative brand for music enthusiasts and tech-savvy travelers part of Marriott Bonvoy’s diverse portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announces a rebooted breakfast concept at over 150 hotels across North America, beginning this November with a full rollout by January 2022.

Driven by recent insights gathered by Aloft Hotels from guests and hotel owners, the new breakfast concept is purposefully designed to meet the needs of today’s next-Gen travelers, complete with plant-based menu items and more on-the-go options, catering to the socially conscious and transient lifestyle. Aloft’s breakfast is part of Re:fuel by Aloft℠, the 24/7 one-stop shop for snacks and bites.

“Aloft’s new breakfast concept was rebooted with current consumer tastes and preferences in mind. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity for us to holistically reassess how we can deliver a fun breakfast experience to our guests with emphasis on quality and speed,” said Jeff Tomczek, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brands at Marriott International. “Rather than scaling back F&B, we wanted to introduce a new, differentiated Re:fuel breakfast menu that is tasty and convenient so that both business and leisure travelers stay satisfied while on the road.”

Breakfast Vibes are High with a New Twist on Sweet & Savory Favorites

For the first time since the brand’s launch in 2008, Aloft is offering a plant-based menu option. The Plant-Based Sandwich features Beyond Meat’s signature breakfast sausage, along with its JUST egg patty and savory vegetables on an everything bagel.

Also on the menu is the Egg & Chorizo Wrap, which includes hash browns, cheddar and fire roasted salsa, and The OG B.E.C. sandwich combining bacon, fried egg, and cheddar with roasted tomato and spinach on a brioche bun – both made with cage-free eggs. Travelers can also munch on the Funfetti and Maple-Glazed Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese icing or The Breakfast Biscuit, a homestyle buttermilk biscuit sandwich with pork sausage and egg from certified woman/BIPOC-owned Mason Dixie.

The enhanced breakfast menu also serves up Nutella Waffles with mixed berries and powdered sugar, gluten-free Baked Bacon Egg Bites, and Steel Cut Oatmeal topped with dried fruit.

A New Hot Sauce Bar Heats Things Up

Re:fuel is getting saucy with a new fiery hot sauce bar featuring Yellowbird, the cult-favorite, Texas-born-and-based sauce brand. According to recent Instacart purchase data[1], hot sauce is one of the most popular condiments online shoppers buy in many U.S. cities – in fact, the grocery delivery service reportedly delivered enough hot sauce to fill 14,000 kiddie pools over the past year. Travelers who like it hot can top off their breakfast with a choice of organic Sriracha, Serrano, Habanero, or Ghost Pepper hot sauce.

New Grab-and-Go Options Make Busy Mornings a Breeze

Aloft’s grab-and-go offering has expanded to include fast and fresh breakfast that make for a delicious dive into the day, including superfood options like the immune-boosting Sambazon Açaí Bowls and Dragon Fruit Coconut Chia Oats, as well as Chobani yogurt parfaits, baked goods and more.

Guests Can Perk Up with Cold Brew Made with Oatly

In collaboration with Oatly, the original Swedish oat drink company, Aloft is debuting cold brew for the first time with flavors including Signature Toasted Marshmallow, French Vanilla and Roasted Hazelnut for a morning mood boost.

The Aloft breakfast menu is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s enhanced suite of offerings, which invites more possibilities that propel the guest experience from ordinary to extraordinary than ever before. With its vast network of 30 leading brands and endless experiences, Marriott Bonvoy is a catalyst for transforming one’s view of the world – giving meaning through travel, sparking connection, and fueling understanding.

For more information about Aloft Hotels and Re:fuel, please visit https://aloft-hotels.marriott.com. Join the conversation @alofthotels and #AloftHotels.

About Aloft Hotels®
Aloft Hotels currently operates more than 200 hotels in 29 countries and territories. Catering to a tech-savvy, music-loving crowd, the brand offers vibrant, eclectic spaces that thrive off bringing people together. A brand for music lovers and music makers alike, Aloft is best known for its emphasis on innovative music programming through its Live at Aloft platform. Signature brand amenities include WXYZ® bar, Re:mix® lounge, grab-and-go breakfast concept Re:fuel by Aloft®, and pet-friendly program Arf® (Animals R Fun). Aloft moves to its own beat – it is Different. By Design. – using technology and design to enhance experiences and evolve with the needs of its guests. For more information, visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Aloft is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy encompasses Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands – including the largest collection of luxury properties, award-winning loyalty program, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, online retail shop with 13 branded boutiques, and access to endless experiences – all available through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app. Members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from JP Morgan Chase and American Express. For more information about Marriott Bonvoy or to enroll in the loyalty program for free and receive member benefits, visit marriottbonvoy.com and to download the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app, visit mobile-app.marriott.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

[1]https://www.instacart.com/company/company-updates/controversial-condiments-a-dip-dive-into-americas-love-hate-relationship-with-saucy-spreads/

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Travel Foundation Formalises Relationship with Tourism Declares to Catalyse Climate Action

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Travel Foundation Formalises Relationship with Tourism Declares to Catalyse Climate Action - TRAVELINDEXGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, November 4, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / At the COP26 Climate Summit this week, Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, an initiative to support climate action, will announce it has become the flagship climate programme of the Travel Foundation. In addition, the Travel Foundation will unveil its unique role in providing ongoing support for the newly launched “Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism”, working in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of the United Nations.

Both announcements place the Travel Foundation, a leading tourism NGO, at the forefront of efforts to ensure tourism businesses and destinations can rapidly decarbonise, adapt to climate change and support ecosystem regeneration. The Travel Foundation and UNWTO are now pursuing high-impact partnerships to accelerate the aims of the Tourism Declares initiative and the ambitions of the Glasgow Declaration at the scale needed to meet global climate goals.

The launch of the Glasgow Declaration at COP26 on 4 November marks a significant milestone for climate action in tourism. Both Tourism Declares and the Travel Foundation were members of the five-party Drafting Committee for the Declaration – a global commitment for all organisations in travel and tourism to cut sector emissions in half by 2030, to align climate action plans across five “pathways”, and to report publicly on progress made.

All organisations in travel and tourism are encouraged to support the Declaration, and Tourism Declares’ role will be to advocate for, and catalyse, accelerated climate action with an emphasis on climate equity and resilience, and the needs of destination communities.

By bringing Tourism Declares within its organisation and partnering with UNWTO to steward the Glasgow Declaration initiative forward, the Travel Foundation cements its leading role as a go-to organisation for climate action in tourism. It will initiate a programme of activities focused on activities such as:

– Publishing an annual progress report for the Glasgow Declaration, providing analysis on who has signed the Declaration, and how they are advancing with their commitments.
– Developing consistent, sector-wide approaches to carbon measurement and reporting.
– Road-testing new ways to tackle the complex, shared responsibilities under ‘scope 3’ (value chain) emissions, which largely occur within destinations.
– Strengthening collaboration and community – for instance through the Tourism Declares online community and volunteer network, and the planned formation of regional hubs.
– Building the capacity of Glasgow Declaration signatories, and scaling the necessary knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed for sector-wide change

The Travel Foundation will also lead the coordination of an Advisory Committee for the Glasgow Declaration that will convene within the framework of the UN’s One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme to ensure that diversity, equity and climate science are at the heart of this initiative. The climate reporting process linked to the Glasgow Declaration will also be managed through the One Planet Network.

Jeremy Smith, co-founder of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, said:
“The Glasgow Declaration isn’t just a pledge – it is a commitment to take action to halve tourism’s emissions by 2030, and to report on progress made each year. It’s vital we start with the right ambition, but then the hard work really begins. Being part of the Travel Foundation allows us to take our efforts to the next level for global impact.”

Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation, said:
“We know we must collaborate and scale-up like never before, connecting both ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ approaches by galvanising community action and creating levers for change across governments and corporations. Tourism’s transition to climate positive is also about tourism’s transformation more generally, shifting to a more equitable model that balances the needs of residents and businesses while managing and reducing its burden on destinations.”

The Travel Foundation and Tourism Declares will be participating in an official COP26 online event to mark the launch of the Glasgow Declaration, on Thursday 4 November at 14:00 – 1600 GMT alongside partners VisitScotland, NECSTouR and the Future of Tourism Coalition. You can register to join and take part in the discussion at

About the Travel Foundation
The Travel Foundation is a leading global NGO that works in partnership with governments, businesses, and communities to develop and manage tourism in a way that maximises the benefits for communities and the environment. Founded in 2003, it has since worked in nearly 30 countries around the world.

About Tourism Declares
Launched in January 2020, Tourism Declares a global community of nearly 400 tourism organisations, companies and professionals, all committed to delivering a Climate Action Plan aligned with the need to cut emissions in half by 2030.

About the Glasgow Declaration
The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism will be launched on 4 November at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow. The drafting committee composed of representatives from UNWTO, UNEP, Tourism Declares, the Travel Foundation and VisitScotland with wider consultation.

About the COP26 event
On the occasion of the COP26 Climate Summit and the launch of the “Glasgow Declaration”, VisitScotland, Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, NECSTouR and The Future of Tourism Coalition are hosting an interactive, online event exploring the actions and enablers needed to achieve Net Zero in tourism. The event will take place on Thursday 4 November from 2.00pm – 4.00pm GMT.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Experience New Waterfront Hotel Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long

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Experience New Waterfront Hotel Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long - TRAVELINDEXHa Long Bay, Vietnam, November 4, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts latest property in Vietnam, the brand-new 1,008 room and suite Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, is now open and welcoming travelers for refined travel experiences in the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage destination of Ha Long Bay.

Nestled on the coast at Ha Long city (“Descending Dragon”) in Quảng Ninh Province, northeast Vietnam, Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is a spectacular waterfront hotel that overlooks the iconic, island-studded seascape. Initially open every weekend during November onwards, this 31-story property is the perfect place to stay for those visiting Ha Long for leisure and business.

Travelers who want to experience this exceptional hotel and explore the local area can take advantage of the “Perfect Staycation” offer, which promises unbeatable rates, half-board dining and other exclusive benefits. Available to book from now until 31 December 2021, for stays through 31 March 2022, this enticing offer from Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long will treat you and your loved ones to a stylish staycation, complete with daily international breakfast buffet, a set lunch or dinner, and a free upgrade to the next available room category. Every stay will also be extended with early 12pm check-in and late 6pm check-out.

Guests at the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long can expect outstanding accommodation in its 1,008 spacious rooms and suites, featuring private balconies with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. Blending timeless Vietnamese style décor with contemporary flair and upscale amenities, each room has been meticulously designed to exude an enchanting ambiance.

Highlights of the rooms and suites at the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long include:

Premier Rooms: Elegantly furnished with rich woods and colorful accents, the 38-square meter Premier Rooms reflect the joy of modern comfort in every corner of living space. Out on the private balcony, guests can see soothing views of the bay and its iconic limestone islands.

Premier Studios: Styled with warm hues, wooden flooring and tasteful furnishings, each Premier Studio features an open-plan living space and plush king-size bed. The balcony and large picture window highlight the scenic bay views while adding an air of spaciousness to every stay.

Premier Suites: These tempting two-bedroom suites promise the perfect seaside retreat. Guests can make themselves at home in the spacious living areas, adorned with modern luxury and home comforts. With 68 square meters of space, it can accommodate three adults and two children, while the private balcony offers panoramic bay views.

‘The Premier Life’ experience at Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is further elevated by world-class facilities such as a heated indoor pool and seasonal outdoor lap pool, a fully-equipped fitness center, kids’ club and a spa, which is scheduled to open in 2022. The hotel’s two onsite restaurants and lobby bar offer a variety of culinary delights, including Vietnamese, Asian and international cuisines. An executive lounge, business center and meeting facilities with video conferencing also enable corporate guests to stay fully connected. So, whether you’re planning a serene solo escape, a fun-filled friends’ getaway or a relaxing family retreat, Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is sure to satisfy your holiday cravings.

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long ensures the highest standards of health and hygiene with Best Western’s We Care CleanSM program, which is based on expert advice from governmental agencies and independent bodies. This comprehensive program addresses every aspect of the hotel experience, from guest room and common area cleanliness to contactless procedures and more, while maintaining our industry-leading guest service.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the “Perfect Staycation” at Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long. This exclusive offer is available to book from 27 October to 31 December 2021, for stays until 31 March 2022. Rates start from just USD 135 per room per night!

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 TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 Reopens its Popular Weekend Seafood Dinner Buffet

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Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 Reopens its Popular Weekend Seafood Dinner Buffet - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today unveils its culinary reopening scene by allowing guests to enjoy weekend seafood dinner buffet at Crave, the signature restaurant on 8th floor.

Featuring stunning view of Bangkok skyline in one of Sukhumvit’s busiest areas, Crave restaurant is the hotel’s dining destination on soi 11 in Bangkok and is calling for all seafood lovers to enjoy talk of the town weekend seafood buffet dinner on the coming Friday 12 November 2021 onwards from 6 p.m. until 10.00 p.m.

Offering many types of delicious cuisines, guests can satisfy the appetite with a variety of fresh seafood displayed on cold station including crabs, prawns, rock lobsters, oysters, mussels. From the hot kitchen, guests can indulge with fresh pasta and signature dishes prepared live by the chefs. In addition, guests can also enjoy a selection of grilled meat cuts, steamed salmon, dim sum and signature Thai dishes, desserts and many more.

For limited time only, the buffet is priced at only THB 750 per person (From normal price of THB 1,200 per person) and is available every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. To book, please call 02 207 7000

Weekend seafood buffet dinner at Crave restaurant opens every Friday and Saturday with reduced seating capacity in order to maintain social distancing as the health and safety of our guests is our top priority.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aloft Bangkok Promotes Bringing Vibrance Back to Bangkok with Special Rates

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Aloft Bangkok Promotes Bringing Vibrance Back to Bangkok with Special Rates - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today offers special rooms promotion for travelers to return to Bangkok this November.

Stay at the heart of Sukhumvit and enjoy the best deals with rates starting from THB 1,121++ (room only). In addition, guests will get full flexibility to choose the 24 hours of stay for example check-in at 6 p.m. on the day of arrival and guests can check-out at 6 p.m. on the day of departure. Guests can book from now until 20 November 2021 for stays from 5 November 2021 until 31 March 2022.

Featuring loft-inspired rooms and suites with tech-smart features, free Wi-Fi, platform beds and panoramic views of the Bangkok cityscape, Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11’s prime location on Sukhumvit road places the excitement of Soi 11 at your doorstep; guests can also take advantage of the complimentary hotel Tuk-Tuk shuttle to Nana BTS SkyTrain and MRT subway stations for easy access to celebrated attractions.

Guests can make a reservation by using the promotional code YQ1 via https://tinyurl.com/3hm7wudf This offer is also applicable with the Rao Tiew Duay Gun campaign offer. For more information, please call 02 2077000

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Azerai Can Tho Introduces New GM Nicolas Pillet Ahead of Reopening

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Azerai Can Tho Introduces New GM Nicolas Pillet Ahead of Reopening - TRAVELINDEXCan Tho, Vietnam, November 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX /  Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta has appointed Nicolas Pillet as its new General Manager, as the resort announced plans to reopen on Nov. 12 following the easing of COVID-related restrictions in Vietnam. Azerai Can Tho Introduces New GM Nicolas Pillet Ahead of Nov. 12 Reopening.

Pillet, a French national, brings a strong culinary background to Azerai Can Tho, having studied cuisine as part of his hospitality education in Nantes. Pillet has worked with several internationally recognized brands in his career, including the Eastern & Oriental Express, where he was GM of Southeast Asia’s only luxury sleeper train, and most recently as the GM of Amanoi, the Aman property in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam.

“Nicolas is a hands-on general manager who works closely with his team to ensure that service is maintained at the highest possible standards. He enjoys exploring ways to integrate the local community into the resort by creating new experiences that exceed guests’ expectations,” said Henry Gray, the Executive Director of Azerai Resorts.

Set on a private islet that is accessible only by boat, Azerai Can Tho is located only three hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City. The resort is secluded but close to the city of Can Tho, and the campus is lush with greenery and mature banyan trees. The resort covers an area of more than eight hectares, with 60 rooms and five spacious pool villas that deliver residential-style accommodation offering privacy, comfort and extra-personal service for families and groups traveling together.

Azerai Can Tho was named one of the “Top 25 Resorts in Asia” (No. 13) in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards last month, becoming one of only six properties in Vietnam to make the popular “best-of” list. The awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

The resort has earned a growing reputation as one of southern Vietnam’s most unique wellness destinations. Earlier this year, it introduced monthly Pilates retreats in a new studio featuring the latest in allegro reformer equipment (six machines) in a sleekly designed, well-lit space with vaulted hardwood ceilings. It also hosts four- and six-day yoga retreats that include dynamic hatha yoga and status asanas sessions, a river cruise, healthy meals, spa treatments, live cooking sessions and more.

As one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations, Azerai Can Tho launched a series of unique dining events last year featuring local and international chefs. The resort is home to two formal dining venues. The Cafe serves traditional Vietnamese and Western-style breakfasts; regional Vietnamese cuisine, sandwiches and salads for lunch; and tapas-style dinner with new and old world wines. The Grill offers imported meats and local seafood in a relaxed and informal setting.

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

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Business Travel Spend to Reach Two Thirds of Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2022

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Business Travel Spend to Reach Two Thirds of Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2022

London, United Kingdom, November 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Worldwide business travel spending looks set to rise by more than a quarter this year and reach two thirds of pre-pandemic levels by 2022, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Corporate travel in the Middle East and Asia Pacific set to lead the way with fastest recovery.

The forecast comes in a major new WTTC report in collaboration with McKinsey & Company called ‘Adapting to Endemic Covid-19: The Outlook for Business Travel’.

It draws on research, analysis and in-depth interviews with Travel & Tourism business leaders to enable organisations to prepare for corporate travel in the post-pandemic world.

Business travel was disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and has been slower to resume. Given that business travel is vital for many sectors of the global economy, it is important that all stakeholders join forces to find solutions to aid its recovery.

According to the new report, the modest boost for business travel with global business travel spend rising 26% this year will be followed by a further rise of 34% in 2022.

But this comes in the wake of a 61% collapse in business travel spend in 2020, following the imposition of extensive travel restrictions with considerable regional differences in the bounce back around the world.

To speed up the recovery of business travel, the report recommends businesses adjust their revenue models, expand geographic focus, and improve digital services.

The shared challenge of restoring business travel will also depend on ongoing collaboration and partnerships across the private and public sectors and nurturing new relationships.

Julia Simpson, WTTC CEO & President, said: “Business travel is starting to pick up. We expect to see two thirds back by the end of 2022.

“Business travel has been seriously hit but our research shows room for optimism with Asia Pacific and Middle East first off the starting blocks”.

Considering this year and next, WTTC data shows which regions around the world are leading the revival in business travel, led by the Middle East:

  1. Middle East – Business spending is set to rise by 49% this year, stronger than leisure spending at 36%, followed by a 32% rise next year
  2. Asia-Pacific – Business spending is set to rise by 32% this year, and 41% next year
  3. Europe – Set to rise by 36% this year, stronger than leisure spending at 26%, followed by a 28% rise next year
  4. Africa – Spending is set to rise by 36% this year, slightly stronger than leisure spending at 35%, followed by a 23% rise next year
  5. Americas – Business spending is expected to rise by 14% this year, and by 35% in 2022.

The report details how global travel-related spending declined significantly from 2019 to 2020, as a result of COVID-19 and the ongoing restrictions to international mobility.

Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector suffered losses of almost US$4.5 trillion, and more than 62 million people lost their jobs. Domestic visitor spending decreased by 45 percent, while international visitor spending fell by an unprecedented 69.4 percent.

WTTC’s report also shows significant changes over the past 18 months, particularly in demand, supply, and the overall operating environment which affect business travel.

Demand for business travel has been slower to recover than leisure and corporate policies continue to influence business travel demand according to national travel restrictions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also been a catalyst for change, driving the move to digital and so changing the supply for possible business travel as hybrid events become the new norm.

The operating environment has also become more opaque with a greater need for clarity around the rules and regulations necessary to allow unimpeded international travel.

However, some sectors have fared better than others with early rebounders including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and construction companies while service-orientated and knowledge industries including healthcare, education, and professional services are likely to experience longer-term disruption.

The report emphasises the continuing importance of business travel and the spend it generates for global economic growth.

Analysis shows that in 2019, most major countries depended on business travel for 20% of their tourism, 75 to 85% of which was domestic.

Although business travel represented only 21.4% of global travel in 2019, it was responsible for the highest spending in many destinations, making it essential for the recovery of the entire travel sector and for its many stakeholders.

Business travel is an important part of the service offering for airlines and high-end hotels and essential for generating much of their revenues.

Before the pandemic, business travel accounted for around 70% of all global revenue for high-end hotel chains while between 55 and 75% of airline profits came from business travellers, who made up around 12% of passengers.

Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Trip.com, said: “In China, business travel is booming very fast. Trip.com Group’s corporate travel business is actually one of our fastest growing segments, so people still need to see each other to conduct a business and close the deals. We remain positive that once business is back to normal, we expect even stronger growth compared to the pre COVID level.”

Chris Nassetta, President & CEO Hilton, said: “A return to business travel will be critical in our industry’s recovery from the pandemic.

“We’re continuing to see incremental progress and this report illustrates just how important business travel is to the global economy. Travel and tourism will continue to drive progress for millions around the world – especially as people begin traveling again.”

Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports International, said: “The loss of mobility experienced by billions of people during the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the immense social and economic contribution that travel and tourism brings to the global population.  Whilst the proliferation of digital communications is set to transform the way we do business, it has also proven that so many aspects of our lives are dependent on level of social interaction uniquely afforded by the ability to travel.

“The industry must adapt to the new world in a more innovative, value driven and sustainable way and the initiative by WTTC sets out clear road map for the future.”

Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company, said: “Bringing back business travel is a critical component of New York City’s continued economic recovery. It’s reassuring to see the deliberate focus on this import segment by the WTTC, and we support all efforts under way to further encourage the resumption of this vital source of visitation. As one of the world’s most iconic business capitals, we are committed to nurturing this segment and highlighting the many advantages of meeting in person in New York City.”

Paul Abbott, Chief Executive, American Express Global Business Travel, said: “We have now seen what a world without travel looks like. Businesses struggle, GDP capitulates, unemployment rockets and mental health issues soar. A world without travel is less prosperous, less tolerant and lacks the excitement and serendipity that gives us our energy. For all these reasons, we can be very confident about the future of business travel.

“Pent-up demand for travel is already turning into a release of human energy across the world. Travel is a force for good. It is the engine room of the economy, driving commerce and innovation. At the same time, travel underpins social progress by breaking down cultural barriers and helping build respect and understanding.”

WTTC believes while business travel will return, its uneven recovery will have important implications across the global Travel & Tourism sector, making private public partnerships even more important in the months and years ahead.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Highlights Gastronomy Tourism as Driver of Rural Development

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UNWTO Highlights Gastronomy Tourism as Driver of Rural Development

Bruges, Flanders, Belgium, November 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Some of the world’s top chefs joined restaurateurs and local and regional leaders to advance gastronomy tourism as a driver of rural development and opportunity.

The 6th edition of the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held in Bruges, Flanders (Belgium, 31 October to 2 November), focused on the sector’s unique ability to support rural businesses, create jobs and protect and promote culture and heritage. For the first time, the Forum, organized by UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) included a special session dedicated to African Gastronomy, recognizing its potential as a tool of socio-economic development and for helping destinations across the continent enhance their distinct branding and market themselves to new audiences. The session concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UNWTO and Chefs in Africa.

Gastronomy tourism adds vitality to rural communities, supports small, local food producers and strengthens their position in the market

Opening the Forum, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Gastronomy tourism adds vitality to rural communities, supports small, local food producers and strengthens their position in the market contributing to add value to the tourism experience while promoting the preservation and development of local produce and know how.”

Joxe Mari Aizega, General Manager of the Basque Culinary Center, said: “Gastronomy tourism offers a unique opportunity to promote economic growth of rural communities. It is a way of involving the various agents of the gastronomy value chain, and promoting economic and social development from farm to table.”

Flemish Minister Matthias Diependaele said : “With the gastronomy and tourism sectors at a turning point, we believe it is necessary to move towards gastronomy tourism with added value for our destinations, our residents, our local entrepreneurs as well as the visitors. We are happy to have come together with leaders from all over the world to exchange experiences and get inspired to poise the way towards a sustainable future for the gastronomy tourism sector.”

The Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw added : “I am very honoured that our city was chosen to be the host city for this important congress on tourism gastronomy.  Even before the coronavirus pandemic, Bruges opted for a sustainable tourism story in which we explicitly opt for ‘better’ rather than for ‘more’. A positive and sustainable story which we write together with our visitors, residents and entrepreneurs.”

To ensure that gastronomy tourism can grow as a driver of rural development, participants recognized the need to strengthen coordination between tourism, agricultural and rural development policies at the global, national, and local levels. Alongside this, the forum also focused on best ways of designing gastronomy tourism strategies and practices that ensure the sustainable use of resources, the promotion of local products and know-how, and on responsible consumption.

Also in Bruges, UNWTO showcased the talented entrepreneurs who are rising to the challenges posed by the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation along the gastronomy tourism value chain. Selected startups focused on taking climate action, reducing waste, creating sustainable communities, protecting ecosystems, amongst others, pitched their ideas to the Forum’s participants.  The startups included Faroo (Italy), Rutopia (Mexico), Apadrina un Olivo (Spain), Katla Aero (Sweden) and KITRO (Switzerland).

The next edition of the Forum will be held in Nara, Japan in 2022.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainable First Signs Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism as Launch Partner

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Sustainable First Signs Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism as Launch PartnerLondon, United Kingdom, November 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Sustainable First announced today that it has become a signatory and launch partner of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

The Declaration unites travel and tourism behind a common set of pathways for climate action, aligning the sector with global commitments and catalysing collaborative solutions to the many challenges facing businesses and destinations globally.

The Glasgow Declaration will be officially launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) on the 4th of November 2021 and encourages the acceleration of climate action in tourism by securing commitments to reduce emissions in tourism by at least 50% over the next decade, and achieve Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.

“The time for climate action is now and everyone in the industry has an important role to play. We work closely with the brilliant UNWTO and UNEP team that lead the One Planet Network programme and are thrilled to be launch partners of this important initiative.

The message is clear, we need a unified approach from the sector in order to accelerate climate action and therefore we extend the invitation to every tourism Business, Destination or Supporting Organisation to join us signing the Declaration and be a part of the solution.” said Mafalda Borea, CEO of Sustainable First.

The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism brings together the latest research and global expertise to galvanise climate action. It will be hosted within the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme’s website, supported by Recommended Actions for tourism stakeholders across the world to consider as part of their action planning, alongside other resources. As the declaration states: “A just transition to Net Zero before 2050 will only be possible if tourism’s recovery accelerates the adoption of sustainable consumption and production, and redefines our future success to consider not only economic value but rather the regeneration of ecosystems, biodiversity and communities.”

The need for a globally consistent approach for climate action in tourism has been made clear, notably through research into CO2 emissions carried out by UNWTO/ITF  and released at the UNFCCC COP25 in December 2019. This showed that transport-related emissions from tourism were forecast to increase by 25% by 2030 from 2016 levels, against the current ambition scenario. One  Planet  Vision  for  a  responsible  recovery  of  the  tourism  sector

In  2020, the One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector  was  adopted  with  the aim  of  emerging  from  the  COVID-19 crisis both  stronger  and  more  sustainable.  Climate  action  is  a  central element  of  the  Vision,  which  calls  for  monitoring  and  reporting  CO2  emissions  from  tourism,  promoting the introduction of science-based targets, accelerating the decarbonisation of tourism operations, and engaging the tourism sector in carbon removal.

About  Sustainable First
Sustainable First is a sustainable tourism platform that features truly sustainable tourism destinations, accommodations & businesses and links the impact their initiatives have in their local communities to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals they are working towards.

Sustainable First inspires actions and strategies for moving towards a more sustainable pattern of development in tourism providing prosperity and opportunities for all. #BeSustainableFirst

About  the  One  Planet  Network  Sustainable  Tourism Programme
The  One  Planet  Sustainable  Tourism Programme  has  the  overall  objective  to  enhance  the  sustainable development impacts of the tourism sector by 2030,  by  developing,  promoting  and  scaling  up  sustainable consumption  and  production practices  that  boost  the  efficient  use  of natural  resources  while  producing less  waste  and  addressing  the  challenges  of  climate  change,  loss  of  biodiversity  and  pollution.  The Sustainable  Tourism  Programme  is  part  of  the  One  Planet  network,  a  multi-stakeholder  partnership  to implement  SDG  12  on Sustainable  Consumption and  Production.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A Feast for the Senses: W Hotels Starts a New Scene with the Debut of W Xiamen

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W Xiamen HEAT Bar

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the opening of W Xiamen. Owned by Powerlong Group, the hotel is set in Xiamen’s trendy, downtown East Business District where sunset reveals an edgy, creative street culture and an upscale dining scene. This makes it the ideal locale for a design-led hotel that provides guests the ultimate insider access to all the design, fashion, fuel and music in its destination.

“Xiamen is a dynamic and highly charged city with a youthful energy and drive that is an ideal fit for the W Hotels brand,” said Tom Jarrold, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Our playful and intriguing nature comes to life through immersive art and design, Happenings like live music performances and our Whatever/Whenever service, which we know will be embraced by local creatives and international travelers alike.”

Look + Listen
The hotel’s design by Hirsch Bedner Associates pays tribute to Xiamen’s tropical surroundings, natural beauty of its harbor and its transformation from an industrial port city to a modern music mecca. Here, the mixing of people over millennia has inspired an idiosyncratic culture that embraces wildly varied musical forms and young, rebellious attitudes which W Xiamen captures through show-stopping digital installations and specially commissioned art pieces.

At W the Store, the iconic look of Gaojia opera singers is reimagined as contemporary art, with hypnotic faces rendered in oil paint on curved metal walls. Before stepping into the Living Room (W’s signature take on the lobby), guests find themselves in an electric forest made of neon glass pillars, their hushed stillness contrasted with sudden bursts of flute notes played every time guests approach the lobby centerpiece — an interactive art piece inspired by the musical instruments displayed at a local organ museum.

Among the highlights of W Xiamen’s 293 guest rooms and suites are feature walls that use digitally rendered artworks to bring the city’s tropical nature indoors by means of RGB (red-green-blue) illustrations that work as a color puzzle with pieces falling into place once the ambient light shifts from one color to the next, as well as consoles and coffee tables inspired by Bo Bing, a popular local dice game. The Extreme WOW Suite is a 262-square-meter contemporary art-filled venue that sets the scene for private parties. An expansive entertainment area is anchored by a plush L-shaped sofa, and the suite’s party trick activates with a flick of a switch, amping up the drama with underwater ripples across the room.

Touch + Taste
W Xiamen’s four distinctive dining concepts are set to captivate travelers and locals with innovative fare and eclectic beverage offerings. At HEAT, the destination bar by WET (the pool), music curator Marc Lussier spins as guests sip on Champagne in a hot tub. On the menu are modern street food-inspired bar bites and cocktails that pay homage to the island’s ancient Amoy heritage. Nestled within the lobby-level Living Room is SOUNDSCAPE, a socially-responsible community hub to recharge with organic brews and healthy beverages to the soundtrack of W-curated music.

Thrill-seekers can dive into a fusion of Cantonese and Minnan flavors at MIN YEN, which hosts private Cognac tastings paired with mystery menus. For all-day dining, all roads lead to NINE, an upscale food hall by day with nine interactive stations that tempt with fresh baked goods and handmade noodles during the day. At night, NINE serves premium steaks and seafood. In the afternoons, a sophisticated HI TEA @ NINE highlights Fujian’s tea culture with a selection of rare infusions, along with customized craft beers.

GATHER
The hotel’s 1,000 square-meter Great Room with avant-garde art and cutting-edge technology features a 110-square-meter LED screen, the largest in the city, to create events like no other. Color-changing starburst ceiling bulbs add extra sparkle to every celebration. W Xiamen also offers highly customizable Studios for smaller events with décor featuring floral resin tables and abstract oil paintings, a reminder that art and commerce often go hand in hand.

DETOX.RETOX.REPEAT.
At FIT, W Xiamen’s 24/7 fitness center, a dramatic speaker wall keeps both casual gym-goers and fitness obsessives in the groove. WET — a rainbow-hued aqualand — features a mosaic wall reflecting gently filtered sunlight, sending a prism of lilacs and canary yellows dancing on the surface of the pool. AWAY SPA sits on the highest floor and offers a tranquil antidote to Xiamen’s hustle and bustle with calming spaces inspired by a colony of egrets. In addition to couple’s massages, manicures and pedicures, the hotel’s signature spa treatment, Egret Does Massage soothes the body and mind with a pampering foot ritual followed by the gentle application of essential oils using feathers in a light motion resembling an egret’s flight.

“With W’s arrival in Xiamen, luxury-minded jetsetters with a passion for music and design will find all the things that make Xiamen such a compelling destination,” said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “To make it possible for the local and international tastemakers to experience this forward-looking city through W lens, we distilled the most exciting sounds, flavors and ideas and interpreted them through iconic design, visionary dining and carefully-curated music.”

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit wxiamen.com.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for over two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,800 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News