Global Travel News

Expert Strategist to Oversee Nova Asset Management’s Development

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Expert Strategist to Oversee Nova Asset Management’s Development - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Patrick Basset, former Accor Regional COO, joins NOVA Asset Management to Lead Post-Covid Recovery. As countries across Southeast Asia begin to announce plans for a larger-scale opening to international guests, NOVA Asset Management is positioning itself for the anticipated surge in demand by bringing on board former Accor Southeast & Northeast Asia Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Basset, as a Senior Partner.

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

“Patrick will bring a whole new set of perspectives to the table,” said Alexandre Bystrzejewski, Managing Director at NOVA. “The recovery starts now and it is essential to have someone of his experience, vision, and thoughts on board to accompany our clients throughout the entire hospitality journey. Patrick not only brings his formidable know-how with him, but also an amazing record of successful strategic thinking and strong relationships with both owners and operators which will certainly be beneficial for us and our clients.”

The architect of Accor’s success in Southeast Asia

The move represents a significant boost for NOVA, as Patrick brings more than 30 years’ experience in leading and driving growth for Accor in the region, taking a company with just 50 properties and helping to create a behemoth with more than 1,200. As the post-pandemic recovery gathers pace, this strong background makes Patrick an ideal fit to oversee development and strategy for NOVA and its clients.

“I have spent most of my professional life in big organizations and I’m excited to join NOVA Asset Management – a vibrant, established hospitality consulting platform that has a diverse and dynamic portfolio of assets under management. Not only do we share common backgrounds and culture, but we also share a common mission – that is to support and secure hotel owners’ interests during the entire development and management cycle,” said Patrick.

Frederic Garnier, Executive Vice President at NOVA is equally confident that the acquisition of Patrick’s services will allow the organization to excel in the coming months. “Having a deep understanding of the industry is crucial in making ‘right decisions’ at the ‘right time’, and this is what we do at NOVA,” he said. “By leveraging Patrick’s extensive experience, we can help clients navigate through challenges as they arise, or even better, anticipate them.”

Tourism sector set for rebound

The indications are that tourism will come back, and NOVA believes that when it does, there will be millions of travelers choosing Southeast Asia as their destination, where NOVA operates and benefits from a thorough understanding of what types of positioning and/or brands will lead to the most successful investments.

Patrick comments, “I understand the key challenges that hotel owners and investors face. Some invest for monetary reasons, while some others are in it for the legacy that they’ll leave behind. Whatever the reason, not everyone has this type of in-house experience, especially when it comes to select one of the numerous brands available on the market, to ensure it will fit the right product and the actual market demand. And I think that I have been fortunate to develop a deep and multi-faceted understanding of those markets and commercial challenges from all stakeholders’ perspectives.”

“I can’t help fix the condition of the market, but we at NOVA can help owners and developers navigate the waters. How can you get through this recovery? By using our skills and proven methods to design and implement both short term tactics and long term strategies to achieve your objectives,” Patrick elaborated.

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

About NOVA Asset Management
Nova Asset Management, with offices in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Singapore, is a 360-degree Asset Management company that represents and provides expert services to its clients and partners in making strategic decisions for their real estate investments, development or re-development needs, and operations including hotels and mixed-use properties, education centers, and restaurants.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Yacht Show 2nd Annual Event in Gulf of Thailand

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Thailand Yacht Show 2nd Annual Event in Gulf of Thailand - TRAVELINDEXPattaya, Thailand, November 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / In line with the dramatic recent resurgence of the leisure boating industry – boosted, somewhat perversely perhaps, by the two-year pandemic – the organisers of the Thailand Yacht Show are delighted to announce a significant development in their yacht show portfolio. Verventia have just agreed a new partnership with the owners of Ocean Marina in Pattaya to build an important extension of Thailand’s very own, six-year-old Yacht Show – a second annual showcase in the beautiful Gulf of Thailand, just down the road from Bangkok, next door to the emerging boating markets in Cambodia and Vietnam, and a short sail from the massive potential of Hainan, Hong Kong and Greater China.

With the enthusiastic support of local and regional dealers of the best-known global yachting brands, as well as Thailand’s government – all very keen to see the leisure boating industry expand on the Eastern seaboard – the Thailand Yacht Show from next year onwards will be staged in both Phuket and Pattaya. The two parts of the show are being carefully planned in consultation with its long-standing exhibitors, and especially with regards to timing; in a normal year, they will likely be held at different ends of the season – at the beginning, in November, in Pattaya, and towards the end, in March, in Phuket.

For next year, however, things are still far from being normal; organisers Verventia are keeping their promise to be cautious, watching the ongoing pandemic-related tourism restrictions carefully, hopeful like everyone of their gradual easing, but listening to and liaising closely with both industry and government stakeholders before making any premature declarations. If all goes as well as is currently hoped, both events are now looking likely to take place in March/April – avoiding the Songkran festivities, of course.

Napong Paripontpochanapisuti, Managing Director of Ocean Property Company, the owners and operators of Ocean Marina, said today: “There is very strong demand for boating in the Gulf of Thailand now, especially from people living in and around Bangkok, and we can only see this getting stronger. Ocean Marina has for many years been leading the drive to grow boating here, and the idea of a professionally-run boat show going forwards is exactly what we need to take things to the next level.”

He continued: “We are therefore highly delighted to be working with the organisers of the Thailand Yacht Show for a second, very important, part of their well-established international event. We like their plans to bring in new boating consumers from China, Vietnam, Korea and the whole of the north-eastern part of the region via the shores of the Gulf – this is exactly what our clients in the industry on the Eastern Seaboard want to hear. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration with Verventia, and are very excited about how things are developing on this side of Thailand as well as in Phuket, and in the whole region generally.”

The Phuket show will feature many of the luxury superyachts that will be coming in bigger and bigger numbers every year, now that the infamous superyacht charter license has finally been brought into the field of play – thanks to the unflagging efforts of Verventia and the superyacht committee of the TMBA over the past 6 years since the launch of TYS, which was initiated by the government for this very purpose. .

Simpson Marine, a founding partner of the Thailand Yacht Show and all Verventia’s three regional shows, is invariably the biggest exhibitor, and next year for the long-awaited 6th edition of TYS will have an extraordinary display of at least 10 yachts, showcasing the latest models from Aquila, Beneteau, Bluegame, Fairline, Lagoon and Sanlorenzo.

Simpson Marine Country Manager for Thailand, Howard Prime, said: “This is the news we’ve been waiting for. We’ve all been through a pretty difficult time over the past couple of years, but I have to say sales are picking up well now – and I believe this is reflected by many of our colleagues in the yachting industry. We’ve all been waiting for the Bangkok market for boating to open up, and now it’s finally starting to happen. The idea of keeping the continuity of one professional yacht show but spread over the two main destinations in Thailand is an excellent one. We applaud the decision of Ocean Marina to keep the faith and bring in the region’s best boat show organisers to help drive the market here as well as in Phuket.”

Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia, is also highly encouraged: “Whilst all our exhibitors have thankfully been doing extraordinarily well over the past 18 months, it has been very hard for us, having had to cancel no less than 5 shows. But this new agreement with Ocean Marina achieves an important strategic objective – the crucial break-through for our exhibitors into the Bangkok and Rest-of-Thailand markets that we’ve been trying to attract to Phuket for the past 6 years.” Asked by many professional observers – even one from the USA – to comment on the latest attempt to sabotage TYS and start another new show in Phuket, Treadwell responded: “All our wonderful exhibitors have said it all for us over the last few months. We don’t need to say anything more.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From G20 to COP26 UNWTO Through Critical Week

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From G20 to COP26 UNWTO Through Critical Week - TRAVELINDEXGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, November 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / At the start of a crucial week for global governance, tourism’s relevance will be part of the discussions at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), just as it was in Rome when G20 leaders met to coordinate plans for sustainable and inclusive recovery.

In Italy, UNWTO succeeded in placing tourism’s importance in the spotlight. The leaders of some of the world’s biggest economies endorsed the G20 Rome Guidelines for the Future of Tourism, committing themselves to taking action to fulfil its objectives, particularly to accelerate the return of safe and seamless travel and the digital transformation of the sector.

The G20 represent 70% of world tourism and are in a natural position to lead tourism’s recovery

The G20 Rome Leaders’ Declaration states: “We will continue to support a rapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector”, with a special emphasis on “safe mobility and seamless travel and sustainability and digitalization.” Concluding the G20 leaders called on their Ministers of Tourism to build on exiting collaboration with UNWTO and other international organizations.

From Rome to London

“The G20 represent 70% of world tourism and are in a natural position to lead tourism’s recovery”, UNWTO Secretary-General said. Mr Pololikashvili stressed the need for “coordination, strong actions, political and financial support for tourism’s transition to greater inclusivity and sustainability, which we will be addressing tomorrow at our Minsters’ Summit during World Travel Market in London.”

‘Investing in Tourism’s Sustainable Future’ is the theme for this year’s Ministers’ Summit on 2 November, organized by UNWTO, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and WTM, gathering over 20 tourism ministers leading private sector operators. In London, UNWTO will make clear that tourism will only be able to recover and meet its climate action commitments if it is given the proper political and financial backing.

With the importance of funding and investments made clear, and with the G20 Tourism Ministers also having welcomed the Recommendations for the Transition to a Green Travel and Tourism Economy, developed by UNWTO and the G20 Tourism Working Group, the focus will then shift to Glasgow later this week. UNWTO will play an active role in climate action discussions and will launch the Glasgow Declaration, a commitment to accelerating the sector’s shift to net-zero. The Declaration already counts on more than 150 signatories from every part of the sector and of every size.

Tourism’s voice at COP26

Tourism is now an established part of the UN agenda, recognized for its ability to contribute to all the Sustainable Development Goals. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UNWTO will be bridging the gap between governments and the private sector to ensure tourism lives up to its climate action responsibilities.

Leading the main tourism related event at COP26, UNWTO has gathered hundreds of private sector operators from across the world to commit to the Glasgow Declaration.  Spearheaded by UNWTO, this Declaration is aimed at aligning the diverse tourism sector behind a single, overarching goal of halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050 at the latest. The Declaration is to be implemented in collaboration with the Travel Foundation and within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SANDALS LIFTS CURTAIN ON NEW-LOOK NASSAU RESORT

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Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has revealed details of the new-look Sandals Royal Bahamian resort in Nassau, scheduled to re-open on Jan. 27 after a multi-million-dollar transformation. From new rooms to a beach lounge area and private island hideaway, the re-imagined resort has been three years in the making.

Designed to celebrate the “easy-going spirit of The Bahamas” through locally inspired experiences and “a thoughtful, modern approach to luxury,” the expansive resort, spa and private island also reflects a larger strategy across the Sandals organization to authentically showcase the unique Caribbean destinations where its resorts operate, according to SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

The reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian will feature:

• New suites & Island Village: Sandals Royal Bahamian has elevated its array of accommodation options with the addition of the brand’s iconic river suites in the freshly named East & West Bays, over 200 fully renovated rooms and suites, and the all-new Island Village. The new pastel-colored village was inspired by the Bahamian archipelago and features butler style villas each named after an island in The Bahamas with their own private pool.

• Coconut Grove: A new addition to the property is Coconut Grove, an expansive lounge area extending Bahamian beach vibes to the centre of the resort both day and night. Shaded by coconut palms, the new setting boasts chic seating options, live music & entertainment, unparalleled views of the sea and three all-new food trucks. All Sandals ‘firsts,’ guests can grab a sweet treat or coffee at Sweets n Tings, indulge in locally inspired Bahamian fusion cuisine and fresh seafood at Coco Queen, or opt for an Italian classic at Bahama Mamma Mia.

• Private Island hideaway: Deserted beaches and colourful coral reefs await at the resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay. Couples can sail to the island hideaway and spend the day reconnecting on the quiet shores featuring a beach bar, whimsical seating, outdoor shower, and new restaurant, Aralia House, serving up fresh seafood from boat to table and authentic Caribbean delicacies.

• Early check-Ins and traditional evening ritual: For early arrivals, Sandals Royal Bahamian welcomes early check-ins with their new programming, The Breakaway. Upon arrival, a dedicated hostess will lead guests to the relaxation lounge with a signature cocktail in-hand to freshen up and head straight to the pool while taking care of the rest. At sunset, couples can participate in a traditional conch blowing ritual said to welcome love and good fortune. The ritual is accompanied by rake and scrape music and Bahamian cocktails with a sea breeze.

• New dining options: Sandals Royal Bahamian will introduce five new restaurants, including La Plume for French cuisine; traditional British Pub The Queen’s Pearl; Kanoo for cuisine that celebrates the Caribbean region, Butch’s Island Chop House for hand-cut steaks, fish fillets and seafood prepared to order, and fresh sushi spot Soy. In all, Sandals Royal Bahamian will have a total of 13 dining options.

“We’re dialing up the luxury and leaning into the easy-going spirit of The Bahamas…” says Stewart. “From an entirely new village of pastel-coloured private villas and Coconut Grove, our innovative new outdoor lounge and entertainment area to our offshore island that has been transformed to a romantic hideaway, every moment, every point of guest touch and experience embodies this beautiful destination.”

Coconut Grove, Sandals Royal Bahamian

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

In Time for Thailand’s Reopening Travelindex Launches TOP25 Hotels Phuket

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In Time for Thailand’s Reopening Travelindex Launches TOP25 Hotels Phuket Edition - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, November 1, 2021 – In-time for today’s re-opening of Thailand and with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Travelindex formally launched the Phuket Edition of its prestigious hotel guide; the TOP25 Hotels Phuket – Phuket’s Best Luxury Hotels and Hotel Awards.

The TOP25 Hotel Guide Phuket brings together not only exceptional hotels but the best beach resorts, luxury wellness retreats, green hotels and superior villas. Each property chosen first and foremost for the quality of service, unique location and outstanding facilities.

The diversity of Phuket’s accommodation offering is reflected in this exclusive selection, allowing TOP25Hotels.com to celebrate the hospitality sector in Phuket and to showcase efforts by hotel managers in sustainability and in their support for the local communities. TOP25 Hotels Phuket contributes to the prestige of the local accommodation landscape and, with the integration into the Travelindex global ecosystem, to attract more visitors and tourists to the destination.

To ensure its credibility and impartiality of its ranking, the “TOP25 Hotels Phuket Edition” is based on a world-leading rating system, the Hotel Rating Index (HRI). HRI is an artificial intelligence based, decentralized appraisal mechanism combining behavioral analytics and human expertise from some of the world’s top travel and hospitality experts.

Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Guide series, stated: “We are committed to support the hospitality sectors in Phuket by leveraging digital technology and our online expertise. We aim not only to help hotels in the recovering process from the Covid pandemic downturn but also to educated people to appreciate accommodation providers’ efforts in sustainability, while at the same time improving the drawing power of Phuket as Thailand’s and Asia’s premier holiday destination.”

With the re-opening of Thailand’s borders to travelers from 63 countries, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects a great number of foreign tourists to visit Phuket. A number of major airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways International (THAI) are already reconnecting Phuket with world cities like London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore with direct flights.

Hotels and accommodation providers in Phuket can feature at no costs in the “TOP25 Hotels Phuket” guide by filling out the hotel nomination form here:

Contact information
TOP25 Hotels International
Ms. Nicole Lim, Media Relations
Email: media@top25restaurants.com
Web: www.top25hotels.com/phuket/

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Saudi-backed Super Golf League with Greg Norman Announced

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Saudi-backed Super Golf League with Greg Norman Announced

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Saudi-backed league will start as a 10-event series on the Asian Tour and the locations for the events are Asia, Europe, and, of course, the Middle East. Greg Norman will be the CEO of the LIV Golf Investments, which is connected to this series. Meanwhile, the majority shareholder of LIV Golf Investments is the Public Investment Fund, which is also investing arm of the Saudi Arabian government.

• Discover the World’s Best Golf Courses at TOP25 Golf Courses.

Norman said the investment of at least $200m in prize money over the next 10 years “is only the beginning” amid persistent rumours that he will also become the commissioner of a new Saudi-funded breakaway golf league. LIV Golf Investments is a new company backed by the Private Investment Fund which operates on behalf of the government of Saudi Arabia.

The Asian Tour will be the launch vehicle, as they won’t need any approval for the world ranking points. Because launching a new Tour would force them to get approval through OWGR. The announcement follows a recent 10-year partnership between the Asian Tour and Golf Saudi, which runs the Saudi International, an event formerly part of the European Tour.

There has been no announcement of specific player commitments. And PGA Tour players will likely still need tour approval as this is still a non-PGA Tour event. So it will be interesting to see how things play out over the next few days as this was just a warm-up announcement. In addition, there are a few things that will be announced in the coming weeks.

• Discover the World’s Best Golf Courses at TOP25 Golf Courses.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Appointed to Manage Qatar’s Host Country Real Estate Operations

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Accor Appointed to Manage Qatar’s Host Country Real Estate Operations

Doha, Qatar, November 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the required infrastructure, host country planning and operations, and legacy projects for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, has signed an agreement with Accor, a world-leading hospitality Group, to manage operations and deliver services to Qatar’s host country real estate portfolio through the end of 2022.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Qatar and the FIFA World Cup 2022, go to VisitQatar.org

The agreement was signed in Doha, Qatar, in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. H.E. Ali Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance and Chairman, Katara Hospitality, and H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General, were also in attendance.

Engineer Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office, and Vice Chairman, Technical Delivery Office, signed the agreement alongside Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, and Katara Hospitality’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Humphries.

The agreement will see Accor provide personnel to operate what will be the largest serviced real estate operation in the world, and include front office (check-in/check-out), operational supplies and equipment as well as housekeeping services among others. The agreement will make use of the country’s full real estate portfolio, further illustrating Qatar’s commitment to sustainability.

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC said: “This groundbreaking agreement is another example of how Qatar’s approach is truly historic – not only in terms of setting the highest delivery standards, but also for legacy planning. By making full use of existing residential apartments and villas in Qatar, we can offer visitors a range of affordable and comfortable options; while also ensuring we have a sustainable hotel market that does not leave Qatar with excess permanent hotel rooms post-2022.”

Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office, and Vice Chairman, Technical Delivery Office, said: “Today’s signing represents a significant step in our promise to deliver a wide range of affordable and exciting options to visitors traveling to Qatar. This agreement will enhance the overall experience for every visitor staying in the country and ensure that everyone receives the truly memorable, hospitable welcome for which Qatar and the Arab world is renowned.”

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, said: “The entire team is thrilled to have been selected to manage and provide services to Qatar’s exciting real estate portfolio. We share the region’s excitement for the coming year and look forward to welcoming visitors, and ensuring they have a comfortable and memorable stay in the country.”
Download presskit Download press release

About the SC
Established in 2011 by the State of Qatar, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) is responsible for the delivery of the required infrastructure and host country planning and operations for Qatar to host an amazing and historic FIFA World Cup 2022™ that accelerates progress towards achieving national development goals and creates a lasting legacy for Qatar, the region and the world.

The stadiums, non-competition venues and other infrastructure the SC and our stakeholders are delivering will contribute to a compact and connected FIFA World Cup™ with sustainability and accessibility at its heart. After the tournament, the stadiums and surrounding precincts will become vibrant hubs of community life – an integral part of the legacy we are building.

Working closely with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, the SC is also responsible for FIFA World Cup 2022™ host country planning and operations. Families and groups of fans arriving from around the world will experience a secure, human-centred tournament that both celebrates and exemplifies the hospitality for which Qatar and the region are known.

Finally, through programmes including Generation Amazing, Challenge 22 and Workers’ Welfare, and initiatives such as Community Engagement and the Josoor Institute, the SC harnesses the power of football to stimulate human, social, economic and environmental development in communities across Qatar, the region and around the world.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Qatar and the FIFA World Cup 2022, go to VisitQatar.org

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more.

Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a creative hospitality company with a global portfolio of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. 68 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Oct. 25-29, 2021

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In last week’s news: Canada finally lifts its warning against non-essential travel, but not all the way; Air Canada introduces COVID-19 test kits; the pandemic claims Pandaw Cruises; Israel eyes rep-opening; and Goway looks south of the border…

NEWS

The travel industry is welcoming what it calls the federal government’s “long overdue” move to lift a global advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside the country. But disappointment continues that cruising, according to the feds, is still taboo.

Goway reports that is has partnered with the Signature Travel Network in order to expand its reach in the US. Signature Travel Network has over 11,000 members and is considered a trusted name in the travel industry.

Mississauga’s Sunmed Holidays Inc. had its registration under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 revoked effective Oct. 29. Sunmed Holidays operated as both a travel retailer and travel wholesaler, and primarily sold tours to the Mediterranean. TICO states: “This travel agency and tour operator is no longer in business.”

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Israeli leaders have recommended reopening the country to fully vaccinated tourists beginning on Nov. 1, over 18 months after Israel closed its borders to most foreign visitors due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office said that foreigners who were fully vaccinated less than six months ago, or who have received a booster shot more recently, will be eligible to enter the country.

Qantas Airways has brought forward its plans to restart international travel from Sydney as Australian prime minister Scott Morrison predicted tourists would be welcomed back to Australia this year, well ahead of the originally expected date in 2022, or even later.

Air Canada has restarted service to Martinique from Martinique (Oct. 30) after several months of interruption of service due to the pandemic. A direct weekly flight from (YUL) will be operate with a two-class 169-seat B-737 aircraft.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

Popular river cruise operator Pandaw Cruises says it has ‘no alternative but to cease river cruise operations’ following a prolonged break in operations due to the pandemic and with little hope in sight as much of Southeast Asia still closed to tourism. Pandaw has cancelled all its Asian river cruises with key Mekong cruises in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos having been at a standstill due to border closures and the political situation in Myanmar further affecting the business. Pandaw apparently had a good volume of bookings for 2022, but was unable to secure necessary funding for operations or essential refurbishments of its ships

AIR

Transat exec Joseph Adamo, joined Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport; Geneviève Guilbault, Quebec Deputy Premier; Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism; and Robert Mercure, General Manager of Destination Québec cité to announce new London flights from YQB.

Four new routes will be added to its Air Transat’s 2022 summer flight program. For the first time ever, the airline will serve San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam airports from Montreal, as well as offering an exclusive direct flight between Quebec City and London. Routes to Fort Lauderdale and Miami will also go year-round.

This winter, WestJet is set to restore service and connectivity to more than 95 destinations across the airline’s domestic, transborder, sun, and international network as of December. Highlights include the addition of seven returning flights from Toronto for a total of non-stop service to 55 destinations, as well as 61 destinations from Calgary, 24 from Edmonton, non-stops from Winnipeg to Cancun, Orlando and Regina, and peak holiday flights between Kelowna and YYZ.

Air Canada has introduced (for sale) new testing products, including portable self-administered COVID-19 molecular and antigen test kits, through a partnership with Switch Health, a Canadian-based healthcare company. Using the Switch Health COVID-19 RT-LAMP Kit, customers can test themselves while travelling abroad prior to their flight to Canada to meet Canadian testing entry requirements without the need to visit a foreign COVID-19 testing clinic. The tests are conducted under the remote supervision of a Telehealth professional from Switch Health and include an electronic report suitable for travel. Preferred pricing is available for Aeroplan members. See HERE for details.

TOURS

Bran Castle

With Halloween in mind, Insight Vacations notes that its 18-day “Treasures of the Balkans” tour features a private after-hours visit to Bran Castle, dubbed Dracula’s Castle, in Transylvania. The medieval fortress, dating to 1388, is perched on 60 m.-high rock and features soaring towers and turrets. A local expert tells the tale of Count Dracula and the life of Queen Marie of Romania, the granddaughter of England’s Queen Victoria who was the last royal resident of the castle from 1920 to 1938. Guests may have the opportunity to explore the castle’s secret and underground passages as well. The tour ends with dinner at Queen Marie’s Tea House.

Air Canada Vacations and Uplift have announced a partnership bringing flexible payment options to Canadians seeking to book their next vacation getaway. Travellers can pay for their trips over time with Uplift on the ACV web site.

HOTELS

Located at the corner of King St. and Blue Jays Way in the heart of downtown, the King Blue Hotel Toronto is now open. Utilizing the exterior of the historic Canadian Westinghouse Company Building, the new hotel has 118 sleek and contemporary guestrooms, including seven suites, ideal for both business or leisure travellers. Guest amenities include a deluxe indoor swimming pool, modern fully equipped fitness centre, rooftop terrace, and pet-friendly rooms.

Nestled on Bay Harbor on the edge of Biscayne Bay within walking distance to the beaches of Bal Harbour, the Altair Hotel is Miami Beach’s newest luxury hotel. Overlooking nearby golf courses and the Intracoastal Waterway, the 96-room boutique property offers an intimate hotel experience with resort-like amenities, including a rooftop pool and whirlpool, fitness centre, concierge services, and access to bicycles, scooters, kayaks, and paddleboards. A high-end kosher restaurant and dining program will soon be added.

RESORTS

Following Cuba’s announcement of the gradual reopening of borders as of Nov. 15, the Iberostar Group has begun to plan a schedule of re-openings for the coming months. Today (Nov. 1), will see the re-opening of Iberostar Grand Packard, Iberostar Selection Bella Vista Varadero, Iberostar Selection Ensenachos, Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Ensenachos, and Iberostar Daiquiri. On Dec. 1, Iberostar Bella Costa, in Varadero, and Iberostar Selection Holguín will reopen, along with the Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Holguín. Some other openings include, on Dec. 22, Iberostar Playa Alameda and Iberostar Heritage Grand Trinidad, and Iberostar Selection Playa Pilar, in Cayo Guillermo, in January.

Set to open on Nov. 13, the Ventus Ha’ at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort will be the third property at the El Cid’s Riviera Maya complex in Mexico and eighth resort overall. The all-inclusive resort will have 150 rooms and suites with private terraces, plus two restaurants and bars (including rooftop), and wellness/fitness centre. Guests can also utilize facilities at the neighbouring sister hotels.

CRUISE

US health officials have extended for nearly three more months the rules that cruise ships must follow to sail during the pandemic, after which cruise lines will be allowed, starting to Jan. 15, 2022, to move to a voluntary program to detect and control the spread of COVID-19 on their ships.

More than 150 destinations in 65 countries and the chance to visit 11 great wonders of the world are on tap for guests on the 2023-24 world cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Sea. Bookings can now be made for the “Ultimate World Cruise,”, which will sail roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023, and continue through Sept. 10, 2024. With 57 destinations that are new to the cruise line, highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. The cruise can also be broken into four shorter regional segments of two to three months each.

EVENTS

Nov. 10-18: TL Network Canada is hosting three in-person events this Fall: Nov. 10 – Toronto West (Delta Toronto Airport); Nov. 17 – Edmonton (Delta Edmonton South); and Nov. 16 – Vancouver (JW Marriott Parq Vancouver). The regional conference will feature educational sessions and training, workshops, panels, a one-hour trade show and dinner with game show and prizes. Space is limited.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Travel Alberta reports the reappointment of three members to its board of directors, including the redesignation of Linda Southern-Heathcott as chair, along with welcoming two new members, Ryan Robb and Gail Stepanik-Keber.

Sandals Resorts’ Executive Chairman Adam Stewart has joined the executive committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council. His induction represents “the actionable change and strides forward made by Stewart throughout his time in the industry.” The WTTC represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector and members include 200 CEOs, chairs, and presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies.

DESTINATIONS

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) says its continued lobbying efforts have resulted in improved access and half-price testing on island for Canadians, who are required to obtain a negative PCR result in order to return home. Canadian visitors to Jamaica will be able to book their required pre-departure COVID-19 molecular test directly through Baywest Wellness Clinic and Technological Solutions Ltd. (TSL) for US$75 (inclusive of taxes), a reduction of more than 50% off the previous PCR testing price. Visitors must schedule their test through a dedicated online laboratory portal in order to qualify for the exclusive rate. Tourists staying at a licensed hotel in Jamaica’s Resilient Corridors can schedule a PCR test to be conducted on property via a convenient concierge service.

This year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is a month-long hybrid celebration kicking off today (Nov. 1). For overseas friends, the fest presents a line-up of online experiences, such as the “Sustainable Cocktail” online masterclass hosted by Agung Prabowo of Penicillin bar, winner of Asia’s 50 Best Sustainable Bar Award for 2021. Master chefs from top Chinese restaurants across the city also will spearhead the “Chinese Omakase by Master Chefs” program. More events and ticket details can be found on the Discover Hong Kong website.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CEOs Urge World Leaders to Do More Together in Race to Net Zero

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CEOs Urge World Leaders to Do More Together in Race to Net Zero

Geneva, Switzerland, October 31, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, hosted by the World Economic Forum, appealed to governments and world leaders to leverage COP26 as their best chance to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

Signatories propose concrete steps to world leaders that would help businesses accelerate their emission reductions, scale up innovations and achieve a net-zero and nature-positive world by 2050.

“This letter sends a clear signal days before world leaders meet in Glasgow to agree measures that can safeguard our climate,” said Antonia Gawel, Head of Climate Action Platform, at the World Economic Forum. “Chief executives are committed to ambitious, and science aligned climate action, and welcome bold policies to accelerate decarbonization efforts around the world at the outset of this critical decade.”

“The World Economic Forum Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders has grown to over 100 members, said Christian Mumenthaler, Group Chief Executive Officer, Swiss Re. “The private sector is playing a huge role in climate leadership by pressing for action along its value chains. With more collaboration across industries, we can accelerate the green transition.”

“For me this is personal, I will double my efforts and expect businesses, government and society to do the same,” said Jesper Brodin, Chief Executive Officer, Ingka Group | IKEA. “We will achieve and transition to a net-zero future that is good for both people and the planet, by working together. That is why we encourage more CEO’s to join us at the World Economic Forum Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders in the progress towards a new economy where everyone can be a winner.”

Following the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, COP26 will provide a platform for members of the Alliance, world leaders, government officials and representatives of the NGO community, to tackle the climate crisis together.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ITB Asia 2021 Virtual Closes on High with 42,100 Business Meetings

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ITB Asia 2021 Virtual Closes on High with 42,100 Business Meetings

Singapore, Singapore, October 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Today marks the successful conclusion of the extensive event programme, networking opportunities and business-driven discussions at ITB Asia 2021. For the first time, Asia’s leading travel trade show spanned an entire week, and as usual covered both current and forward-looking leisure, MICE, corporate travel and travel technology topics.

• Discover Singapore with VisitSingapore.org, a World of Passion, go to VisitSingapore.org

An impressive 42,100 business meetings and exchanges were recorded throughout the week, representing an increase of 31 percent from 2020. The event hosted over 900 buyers and 400 sponsors & exhibitors from around the world who participated in the show’s vibrant agenda of conferences and networking sessions, supported by leading global companies and destinations, including Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Busan Tourism Organisation, Business Events Perth, Danang Center for Tourism Promotion, Department of Information and Tourism,Taipei City Government, Far East Hospitality, Frasers Hospitality, Goyang Convention Bureau, Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation, Jeju Convention Bureau, Leningrad Region, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Bureau, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Organisation, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Melia Hotels Group, St. Petersburg Convention Bureau, United Airlines, Worldhotels Collection, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Yokohama Convention Bureau.

The show featured more than 3,200 exhibitor showcases, creating a favorable marketplace for buyers and sellers to engage in meaningful business meetings and discussions. Asia’s leading travel trade show, which was eagerly awaited by the industry, was hosted virtually on the well-established online platform, ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community).

Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB Asia shared: “We are proud that with this year’s virtual ITB Asia, we were once again able to provide a unique meeting platform for the travel industry in surely one of the most challenging times. I am very pleased with the outcome of the show. Building on our experience with the virtual edition last year, we were able to further expand the event format and give our clients more opportunities for interactive engagements with the travel community. We look forward to welcoming the industry back in-person in Singapore from 19 – 21 October 2022, bringing back human connections through face-to-face business meetings and networking sessions. I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank this year’s Elite Partners, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and the Saudi Tourism Authority, for their support and cooperation over the past months”.

Recovery and growth of travel represented the 2021 conference theme

Under the overarching theme of “The Decade Ahead: Braving New Realities in Travel”, this year’s conference programme delivered captivating insights on how to lead the industry towards recovery and growth, setting the tone for the changes that the industry is likely to see in the next months. Over 150 key industry experts delivered fascinating insights at the keynote sessions, as well as focused topics for the MICE and Corporate segment, Leisure Travel, the Travel Tech space and Tours, Activities & Attractions amongst others.

With the virtual format of the trade show, over 250 sessions have been made available on-demand for all registered delegates to view and watch again till 28 November 2021.

Next year’s edition of ITB Asia is scheduled to take place as an in-person event in Singapore from 19-21 October 2022. Stand registration for ITB Asia 2022 is available through this link.

• Discover Singapore with VisitSingapore.org, a World of Passion, go to VisitSingapore.org

About ITB Asia
ITB Asia, Asia’s leading travel trade show, is organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. The annual B2B trade show and convention will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also MICE and corporate travel. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities and travel technology companies are all expected to attend.

ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry for forging new partnerships and strengthening existing business relationships with the most important players in the region.

About MICE Show Asia
MICE Show Asia is the premier MICE event in Asia where incentive travel, meetings and events industries come together to connect and build the future of MICE. The annual business-to-business trade show and convention featured industry suppliers, meetings & events professionals to up-and-coming MICE innovators from a wide range of disciplines, sectors and all levels of seniority. The show is co-located with ITB Asia and Travel Tech Asia.

About Travel Tech Asia
Travel Tech Asia is the premier travel technology show in Asia. The trade show is where latest technologies, emerging trends, leading travel brands and innovative start-ups are all at one place to create the new possibilities of travel. From travel tech suppliers, innovative start-ups and leading travel brands who are at the forefront of the industry transformation, Travel Tech Asia welcomes attendees from all levels of seniority across a wide range of disciplines and sectors in the travel industry. The conference will be co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News