Global Travel News

Russian Tour Operators Gear Up for Phuket High Season with Sandbox Breaks

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Russian Tour Operators Gear Up for Phuket High Season with Sandbox Breaks

Phuket, Thailand, September 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Phuket’s tourism industry can look forward to a stronger high season, as Russian travellers prepare to swap their cold winter weather for a sun-soaked Sandbox escape, a recent webinar has learned. In the “Phuket Sandbox: Russia’s Winter Wonderland” event, Russian outbound tour operators expressed their belief that many of their clients are longing to return to Phuket. They warned however, that some key factors were still restricting the destination’s full potential.

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and the Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Held on Thursday 9th September 2021, the webinar was organised by C9 Hotelworks and Delivering Asia Communications (DAC), and hosted by Laguna Resorts & Hotels. It was attended by a wide range of industry experts, including top tour operators, leading hoteliers, airline executives and representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and there was a general feeling of optimism about the upcoming peak season in Phuket.

Prior to the global pandemic, Russia was one of Phuket’s biggest source markets. In 2019, over 700,000 visitors arrived direct from Russia, and while that level is unlikely to be matched in the near future, hoteliers and tour operators are confident that the coming months will see the start of a recovery.

This belief is driven by the fact that, effective 1st September 2021, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health added Russia’s Sputnik to its list of approved vaccines, which will enable thousands of Russian citizens to take part in the Phuket Sandbox programme. Ravi Chandran, CEO of Laguna Resorts & Hotels, called this move a “huge boost to the Sandbox”.

“It adds stability and continuity to the Sandbox concept and it will give a lot of the other European countries – and other countries around the world – confidence in the concept, when they see a big player like Russia participating,” Mr. Chandran told the webinar. He added that arrival numbers would probably start slowly, before “building up in November and December, once more airlines launch flights”. The first Aeroflot flight is due to depart on 4th October 2021.

To drive Phuket’s rebound, Khanittha Phanworawat, Director of the TAT’s Moscow Office, revealed that her team is now ramping up its promotional efforts in Russia.

“The Phuket Sandbox is our main agenda for the travel trade,” Ms. Khanittha stated. “We explained the concept to Russian tour operators at an event in Moscow in September. B2B online workshops have also connected Thai hoteliers and suppliers with Russian agents, and we have set up a dedicated Russian language website to provide the latest information for travel to Thailand.”

Tour operators said they were hopeful that Russian ‘snow birds’ would flock back to Phuket this winter. Salim Akbas, Product Purchasing Manager (Southern Thailand) for ODEON Tourism, said that Russia was a “really good fit for the Sandbox” due to the 14-day length-of-stay requirement, which is similar to the usual vacation duration preferred by Russian travellers, and their strong appetite for Thailand’s beaches and food. The “7+7” extension of the Sandbox will also enable visitors to experience more parts of the Kingdom, with the option of combining Phuket with destinations such as Khao Lak, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi.

Mr. Akbas stressed however, that rates need to remain moderate to make sure that potential customers do not head elsewhere. “It’s recovery season, so [hoteliers need to] make the price point right. Everyone wants to make profit, but this might not be the right time. If we miss one more high season, the competition might become too strong. Dubai for example, will be an alternative destination,” he warned.

Olga Na Takuatoong, Deputy Managing Director of Exotic Voyage, a luxury Russian tour operator, agreed that suppliers need to use promotional rates to drive the revival. “Sun, sand and sea are still the priority for Russian travellers. They need to be in a warm place in the winter and Phuket has everything they need. During the pandemic, a lot of Russian customers went to the Maldives, Dubai, the Seychelles or other countries. To attract customers back, I would recommend that Phuket’s hospitality sector needs to maintain their promotional rates, and not try to increase them,” she commented.

With the launch of the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 programme and the acceptance of the Sputnik vaccine as a condition of entry, it seems that Phuket is taking the right steps to regaining the Russian market. What also seems clear however, is that a price-led return will be critical to restoring confidence, and that some travel restrictions may have to be lifted in order to entice travellers away from rival destinations.

Launched on 1st July 2021, the Phuket Sandbox allows fully-vaccinated international travellers from 60+ countries and territories worldwide to enjoy quarantine-free stays in the “Pearl of the Andaman”, if they fly direct to the island, stay in approved accommodation, and take regular PCR tests during the stay.

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and the Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

A dedicated PCR test centre now has been set up within Laguna Phuket, the integrated resort that features seven world-class, SHA Plus-certified resorts, plus a wide range of restaurants, bars, spas, boutique shopping, private yachting and water sports, all nestled within 1,000 acres of sparkling lagoons and verdant parkland, with a 3km stretch of pristine beach at Bangtao Bay. Golfers can tee-off at the 18-hole Laguna Golf Phuket, which was named as “Thailand’s Best Golf Course” at the World Golf Awards. This means that international guests, including Russian nationals, can enjoy safe, serene and secluded Sandbox stays at Laguna Phuket.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Adds Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection to Its Sun-Drenched Portfolio in Greece

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Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Spacious accommodations with breathtaking sea views at Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection
GEORGE FAKAROS™ UNIQUE IMAGING

Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy’s diverse and dynamic portfolio of independent hotels championing individuality, welcomes Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection, to its growing portfolio. Located on the sun-kissed shores of the turquoise Ionian Sea, the stunning hotel offers an exclusive, bohemian experience, bringing together world-class dining, serene wellness facilities, and family adventures.

Situated on the Greek island’s western coast, along the famous blue flag-awarded Glyfada beach, the hotel is enclosed by a magical landscape at the roots of the pine-covered cliffs above. Only a 20-minute drive from Corfu International Airport and Old Town Corfu, a UNESCO World heritage site, guests have prime access to explore the very best of the island.

“We are thrilled to expand our offering of one-of-a-kind hotels in Greece and to debut Autograph Collection on the paradisical island of Corfu,” said Jennifer Connell, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Autograph Collection. “Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and we are confident that the combination of Corfu’s natural beauty with Autograph Collection Hotels’ passion for design, will make Domes of Corfu one of the country’s leading leisure resorts.”

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Picturesque sea views from guestrooms and suites at Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection
GEORGE FAKAROS™ UNIQUE IMAGING

A Modern, Bohemian Design
Elegantly designed with domed architecture, Domes of Corfu features 233 guestrooms and suites each with its own private patio or veranda that reveal lightly scented gardens of blue jacaranda flower trees throughout. The hotel’s modern design aesthetic and stone-hued earthy interiors feature natural materials found in local surroundings.

World Class Dining on Ionian Shores
Offering an unparalleled variety of food and drink destinations with four signature dining concepts and four bars, guests can sample a fusion of local organically sourced cuisine, along with timeless international dishes. The hotel’s largest restaurant, Agora, serves traditional Mediterranean fare with beautiful sea views across the bay. For fine dining, guests can enjoy Frourio offering Italian-Greek fusion dishes and Psarotaverva which serves the freshest catch of the day. Additionally, in the heart of the resort, guests can find the acclaimed Core Spianada, an open-air, multifunctional modernist approach to the ancient Greek gathering place, agora, that seamlessly fuses modern pop-up shopping with street food, socializing, engaging art, and a unique line-up of showstopping events.

Entertainment For All Ages
The resort’s KiEPOS Kids Club is an oasis for children between the ages of four months to 12 years where the multilingual qualified staff are trained to British OFSTED standards and guided by a custom, Montessori inspired programme of unique activities. A designated leisure space for tweens and teens features all the latest entertainment and special events for well-travelled young adults to socialize whilst enjoying a comprehensive water-sports programme including water skiing, canoeing, and scuba diving, available for all ages to try.

Dive Into the Wealth of Facilities
Domes of Corfu features three pools with adult-only areas, and the award-winning Soma Spa for renewal through indigenous ancient rituals. In addition, the property offers guests a myriad of uniquely creative activities for bonding with loved ones, from trekking tours of ancient sites to secluded beach cruises, and themed music events in co-operation with the Ionian University of Music. The property reinvents hospitality with a set of unique concepts, including the ‘Haute Living Selection (HLS)’; a collection of ultra-luxe accommodations with bespoke offerings, concierge service, and a 24/7 lounge, where all-inclusive becomes all exclusive for privileged HLS guests only.

Domes of Corfu joins Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu as the second property on the island of Corfu within Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Guests can enjoy the advantages of Marriott Bonvoy’s award-winning travel program where members enjoy exclusive benefits including free Wi-Fi, member-only rates, and contactless experience with the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app, achieve elite status recognition and earn points toward free nights at roughly 7,800 properties around the world and the more than 30,000 premium home rentals with every qualifying stay.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cfuak-domes-of-corfu-autograph-collection.

Media Contacts
Georgie Noble
Director, Consumer PR, EMEA, Marriott International
Georgie.Noble@marriott.com

About Autograph Collection Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its over 235 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across 40 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion, inspired by a clear vision, soul and story that makes it individual and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection properties offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore on social via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to be inspired by immersive moments that are #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection Hotels 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 Domes Resorts
Domes Resorts is amongst the fastest growing luxury hospitality groups in Greece, with a number of new projects in its pipeline. The group is comprised of the legendary Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, the cosmopolitan Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection, Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort on Corfu, Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection and now welcomes Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection. With a love for the destinations and driven by the thrill of sharing them with the world, Domes Resorts offer transformative experiences for cosmopolitan explorers, combined with authentic Greek hospitality and the highest international luxury accommodation standards.

Domes Resorts are developed on handpicked locations at iconic destinations and embrace their environments in every possible aspect, from local cultural experiences, to design, architecture, and community engagement. All properties are unique, award winning and known for their sophisticated design, opulent accommodation offering and fine-tuned services.

For more information visit www.domesresorts.com.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Creates Sustainable Cocktails

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Creates Sustainable Cocktails - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, September 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Cambodia’s newest five-star hotel partners with green spirits distribution company. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has become the first hotel in Cambodia to partner with ecoSPIRITS, a company that pioneers the world’s first low-carbon method of packaging and distribution for high-end spirits.

ecoSPIRITS is a closed-loop distribution system which uses a low-waste, low-carbon spirits distribution technology, thereby minimising packaging waste and transport cost, to reduce carbon footprint emissions in the spirits supply chain. By partnering with ecoSPIRITS, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh aims to reduce 40 percent of its transport and packaging carbon emissions, including single-use glass wastage.

“Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is excited to partner with ecoSPIRITS and to continue to raise the bar for socially-conscious hospitality,” said Herman Kemp, general manager of the 247-room Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, the newest and largest five-star hotel in the Cambodian capital. “This partnership will enable our flagship bar, The Attic, to extend its popular sustainable cocktail menu in which all ingredients in the cocktail have zero wastage.”

ecoSPIRITS transfers premium spirits from bulk containers into ecoTOTEs, a reusable vessel that carries 4.5 liters of spirit, which bartenders then use to sustainably refill their bottles. Once empty ecoTOTEs are returned, sanitised, fitted with tamper-proof seals and then re-distributed. ecoTOTEs can be stacked in place and are shock-resistant, reducing wastage through breakages. The company was founded in Singapore in 2018 and currently operates in a number of international markets including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, the Maldives, the United Kingdom as well as Cambodia.

The latest partnership with ecoSPIRITS is just one of several green food initiatives that Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has rolled out since it opened its doors to guests in January 2021. Some of the hotel’s other green food practices include partnerships with Eggscellent, a cage-free chicken farm in Siem Reap, Ocean Gems, a sustainable seafood company, Beyond Meat, a plant-based, vegan meat company, as well as Moo Moo Farms, a domestic dairy farm.

In addition, the hotel has a longstanding partnership with a local NGO, Eco-Soap Bank, to collect used soap from the property’s 247 guestrooms for redistribution to populations in need. After the soap is sanitized and upcycled by a team of women in Cambodia, the clean new bars are sent to vulnerable communities around Southeast Asia and Africa.

“At Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh we are committed to reducing waste and actively supporting the environment by ensuring that all of our packaging is biodegradable,” said Mr Kemp. “We also take pride in sourcing all of our top quality ingredients locally, sustainably, and making sure that we get to know our suppliers, in order to provide our guests with the best possible F&B experience.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Host Cities Make Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit a Truly African Spectacle

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Host Cities Make Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit a Truly African Spectacle - TRAVELINDEXJohannesburg, South Africa, September 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / have been confirmed as host cities for the inaugural Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit, taking place from 19-21 September 2021. The Sandton Convention Centre, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre and the Marriot Lagos Ikeja are the venues that will host the event’s numerous panel discussions, workshops and TED talks.

Centred on the theme of Re-awakening Africa, the Summit calls on all tourism players throughout the continent and all our global tourism friends and partners to reflect, reimagine and reignite the sector in a world still ravaged by COVID-19.

• Discover Africa Tourism online at TourismAfrica.org – Connecting Africa to the World

The pandemic might have dented the sector in the last 19 months, but it presents tourism with an opportunity to create something new. In the case of the Summit, South African Tourism has organised a hybrid event, meaning it is held both physically and virtually and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

The Summit includes an eclectic mix of topics that ranges from how to ease travel across borders on the continent to packaging African travel in a post-COVID world, all with the overarching message that Africa is open for business.

Chief Convention Bureau Officer at South African Tourism, Ms Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, says the Summit presents Africa with the opportunity to create a platform that will demonstrate the continent’s tenacity in rebuilding the tourism sector through knowledge and partnerships. “We must remember that African tourism belongs to all 54 nations on the continent. It means tourism stakeholders from each of those countries can come together to find ways of making travel to our continent easier and more inviting to global tourists.”

Africa’s tourism industry faces numerous challenges in its bid to rebuild. The United Nation’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) says the tourism industry is unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels until 2023 or later. Additionally, the World Travel and Tourism Council reported that Africa’s tourism sector experienced an exponential decrease of US$83-billion (R1.2-trillion) and a loss of 7.2-million jobs in 2020.

Despite these setbacks, Kotze-Nhlapo remains upbeat about the sector’s future. “Governments across Africa, as well as the African Union, are ensuring a steady rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. In South Africa, government is implementing the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan that seeks to restore the tourism economy and recover lost jobs. These are signs that Africa is gearing up for tourism. The Summit will go a long way in showcasing to the world Africa’s readiness to welcome tourists within the continent and abroad.”

Design your own Summit
A novel feature of this hybrid Summit is that you can personalise the sessions you wish to attend in any of the three host cities. Delegates outside of Africa can design their schedules according to their time zone so that they can also be a part of the Summit and benefit from all it has to offer.

Delegates can choose to attend the Summit physically or virtually. However, physical attendance is limited and not guaranteed. All venues will adhere to strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

• Discover Africa Tourism online at TourismAfrica.org – Connecting Africa to the World

You can select sessions using the Business Matchmaking tool. It will also match you with the right delegates for one-on-one sessions based on the information you have provided in your profile, thus creating a great opportunity to connect and share knowledge with fellow industry stakeholders.

Register now for Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit and be a part of a new, reawakened Africa.

About South African Tourism
South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Sthembiso Dlamini.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Innovative Debt Financing to Close Digital Access Gap

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Innovative Debt Financing to Close Digital Access Gap

Geneva, Switzerland, September 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum and the EDISON Alliance announced the publication of a Guidebook to Digital Inclusion Bond Financing to increase awareness and encourage innovative debt financing to address inequality and digital deserts and accelerate investment in digital inclusion.

Business, government, and civil society recognize the societal and economic imperative to invest in digital inclusion is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Digital inclusion bonds can have a pivotal impact on building a more prosperous and equitable world.

The Guidebook illustrates the process for issuing digital inclusion bonds; appropriate use of proceeds; evaluating projects for investment; conforming with applicable market frameworks for sustainable and social financing, including the International Capital Markets Social Bond Principles; and reporting and independent verification that performance targets or KPIs are being achieved.

A World Economic Forum Agenda Blog co-authored by Verizon Communications’ Bill Horton, and Vista Equity Partners’ Burke Norton explores further the topic.

Burke Norton, Senior Managing Director, Vista Equity Partners says: “The innovative and sustainable financing frameworks that have been successfully used to date can be leveraged to meet the global challenge of digital inclusion, potentially unlocking hundreds of billions of dollars of investment capital. Digital inclusion bond financing can enable commitments to digital inclusion projects and KPIs that may relate to broadband infrastructure and affordable access, digital skills training, financial inclusion, and access to quality healthcare and education, among other priorities.”

Bill Horton, Senior Vice President, Verizon Communications Inc. says: “As part of its mission to accelerate digital inclusion, the Alliance strives to help unleash substantial financing to fund digital inclusion projects at scale, across all sectors, and to equip policymakers with tools, datasets and evidence-based recommendations related to digital inclusion. The EDISON Alliance is publishing today a Guidebook to Digital Inclusion Bond Financing to increase awareness and understanding, and encourage the use of innovative debt financing to address inequality and digital deserts and accelerate investment in digital inclusion”.

Isabelle Mauro, Head of Digital Communications Industry, World Economic Forum says: “With 3.6 billion people still not online, the pandemic has sharply highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide global to offer equal opportunities to all. There is a tremendous opportunity for businesses, governments, NGOs, and investors to invest in digital inclusion and all the economic and social benefits that it brings, including increased financial inclusion and prosperity and access to quality healthcare, education, and other services. The EDISON Alliance has been looking at new innovative financing models to raise capital, including guiding organizations on best approaches to issue bonds that will fund digital inclusion at scale.”

The EDISON Alliance is a global movement launched in January 2021 by the World Economic Forum to boost digital inclusion. It brings together leaders from the public and private sectors from different industries to harness the potential of affordable and accessible digital solutions, ensuring that we don’t leave anyone behind in the digital economy.

The EDISON Alliance is a unique opportunity for industry and governments to jointly scale existing initiatives, empower policymakers through leading practices, and pioneer innovative financial models to unlock capital at scale and ensure everyone gets online. 

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SpaceFund Invests in Hydrosat

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SpaceFund Invests in Hydrosat - TRAVELINDEXHouston, Texas, United States, September 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SpaceFund is excited to announce our recent impact investment in Hydrosat. While we consider almost any investment in opening the Frontier to be an impact investment, as we believe that many of the near and long term solutions to the issues challenging humanity will be found in space, Hydrosat fits neatly into the center of what many beyond the space movement consider as a company whose work will have a direct impact on human life.

Company Description:
To maximize the output of farmlands, it is critical that farmers have the maximum amount of data about the health of their crops. Hydrosat’s unique data and analytical capabilities provide the vital information growers need, proven to increase crop yields and conserve water. Satellite imagery is the most cost-effective way to gather information about farming conditions, but the existing sensors in space provide data that are only lagging indicators of crop health. In other words, current information provides insight into what has happened in a given field, whereas Hydrosat’s information is predictive about what will happen in the future, thus allowing farmers to calibrate their plans and improve outcomes. Hydrosat’s thermal infrared sensor is the key to this capability. Today many companies use a calculation from data available for free from NASA satellites called Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), to provide farmers with information about their crops, but it has limitations as a predictive tool. Hydrosat is launching a new thermal infrared sensor to collect temperature data that will increase the predictive power of satellite imagery in agriculture and other industries.

Recent Company Milestones: 

  • In July 2020, Hydrosat received a €3.735M contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) “to develop an operational processor that meets commercial requirements for agriculture, in both crop yield estimations and irrigation decision support applications.”
  • The company also received $798,519 in SBIR grants from the U.S. Air Force to use low Earth orbit (LEO) thermal imagery with higher resolution and faster repeat cycle, providing better and more up-to-date information for flight planners. “This would ensure better mission safety to our Airmen while protecting multi-million dollar assets from poor landing conditions. The Hydrosat solution is being designed to serve the agriculture industry, yet its capabilities are also aligned with Air Force needs, allowing the Service to benefit from a system that would spread cost and risk while accelerating development.”
  • The company expects to launch its first sensor aboard a SpaceX rocket in Q4 2022, with Loft Orbital working as the satellite bus provider and integration partner.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TIME FOR A CHANGE: Travel groups ‘link arms’ in call for action

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Nothing short of the continued support of governments and harmonized and recalibrated COVID-19 travel protocols are necessary to save the global travel industry in the present and secure its future, says a panel of prominent association presidents that includes ACTA Canada president Wendy Paradis.

Hosted last week by The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) on its Facebook page, the live panel event also featured representatives of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), which collectively represent hundreds of thousands of people who work at travel agencies and related businesses around the world.

Broadly speaking, the association heads aimed to “link arms” to present a united front in calling for government leaders globally to align and make opening borders an immediate priority.

Citing World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data from 2019 showing that travel and tourism was one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for 10.4% of global GDP (US$9.2 trillion), 10.6% of all jobs (334 million), and responsible for creating one of every four new jobs across the world, the panel noted the “catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector – of which travel agencies, tour operators and other travel-reliant small businesses are a critical part.”

Among the group’s demands is standardized entry requirements regarding vaccine verification, testing, and other safeguards. This standardization is urgently needed, said ASTA’s Zane Kirby who says existing protocols are “unwieldy and untenable.”

“There’s a patchwork of constantly changing rules and regulations that depress demand, confuse the travelling public, and… can sometimes strand travellers,” he said, adding that the global travel industry must continue to come together to adds its voice to ask for more transparency from governments so that the industry can understand the rules and conditions imposed on travellers.

As an example, he pointed to current bans on American travellers in Europe, stating: “There are 175 million citizens of the United States who have been vaccinated, but right now around the world they are being treated as though they pose the same risk as travellers to foreign lands as those who are unvaccinated. And we think that needs to change. The threat level… needs to come up to where the science is, which is that you are far less likely to get or to spread the virus or be hospitalized (when vaccinated).

“They have to follow their own science,” he continued. “What they’ve told us for months and months is that vaccination makes life better and will allow you to return to activities that you love to do – especially travel. So, if that’s the case, there should be at least a two-tier system of threat analysis. The diagnostic equipment that governments have now has to change and it has to get more sophisticated.

“Put a system in place that recognizes vaccination and allow those who are vaccinated to travel more freely!”

Paradis meanwhile lamented a particular Canadian conundrum involving mixed vaccine doses, which was encouraged in this country, but not accepted elsewhere, as needing resolution.

Kirby went on to declare that the travel industry continues to need “industry specific relief” from governments, a notion that the panel supported.

Noting that until August, Canada has had “some of the tightest restrictions in the world,” Paradis said that travel agency revenue across the country is down 90% compared to 2019 and that more than 65% of travel agents are currently furloughed. Moreover, she added, “We as travel agencies are for the most part shuttered until these international borders open up and blanket travel restrictions are eased… (And until) that happens, we are in critical need of continued financial aid.”

Pointing out that most government aid programs in Canada are slated to end in October, she added, “Clearly it does not make sense to reduce any aid programs for hardest-hit sectors like travel agencies. We are looking for grants (and subsidy programs); our industry is so in debt we cannot take on more debt… We need to survive so that we can recover! We need these aid programs to not only continue but be enhanced over the next six months.”

ECTAA’s Eric Dresin believes the world is entering a new period in the pandemic. “I’m not sure if we’re getting out of it, but for sure we can’t use the tools we’ve been using up to now; and we need something to help the industry get back the conditions to bring people back to travel,” he says.

To that end, the five associations (ASTA, ABTA, ACTA, CHTA and ECTAA) have joined forces to urge government leaders around the world to create an aligned and synchronized response to the current state of the pandemic by:

1) Expeditiously developing clear vaccine and testing standards

2) Loosening entry restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers; and

3) Providing the needed economic relief to the travel agency sector “suffering for too long the bitter consequences of travel’s hard-stop brought on by the pandemic.”

“The value of and need for travel advisors and agents in today’s world given the intense complexity of travel,” they say, “is vital now more than ever as consumers around the world attempt to recover from this pandemic with certainty and confidence.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CUBA EASES TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

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In preparation for the winter season and taking into consideration that by November, 92.5 percent of the population will be vaccinated, The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba announced the opening of all the tourist destinations in Cuba and more relaxed entry protocols as of November 15th, 2021.

The new rules will focus on the surveillance of symptomatic patients, temperature screening and diagnostic test performed at random. This means: NO covid test prior entering Cuba and NO PCR upon arrival at the Cuban airport (which in the past was completed to 100 % of the passengers).

The new protocols establish Canadian incoming travellers must show that they are fully vaccinated or, if they are not vaccinated, they must submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Cuba.

The PCR test Canadians need to re-enter back in Canada is done right at the hotels and it costs US $30:00 (payable locally by visa or debit/visa).

The Cuban tourism authorities announced the opening of the local tourism market and the cancelling of the quarantine for passengers staying in private rental homes (B&Bs), additionally, locals can stay at tourist facilities shared by international visitors.

Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto noted that Cuba has done an incredible job vaccinating its people including children as young as two years old. “We are the first country in the world to administer Covid 19 vaccines to toddlers”, he said; “ the vaccination program in Cuba, the strengthening of the health and safety protocols in all tourists’ facilities and the high vaccination rate in Canada have made possible these openings”.

According to Gomez “the fact that Cuba is relaxing the rules and that the tourists will be allowed to travel around and enjoy our beautiful country is very exciting and very good news at the time when Canadians are looking forward to returning to normal and are planning their winter travels”.

The Cuba Tourist Board represents the Ministry of Tourism in Canada. It provides general travel information to Canadians who would like to visit the island.

Email: info@gocuba.ca

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Sept. 6-10, 2021

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The Canadian border cracked opened a little more, airlines started flying again from YTZ, ACV hosted a virtual product launch, WestJet jumped on the staff vax bandwagon, and other pandemic-related items (surprise!) dominate last week’s news round-up.

NEWS

Fully vaccinated foreign visitors are once again able to enter Canada. Effective Sept. 7, travellers who receive their second dose of vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival and who show proof of a negative molecular test for COVID-19 that’s no more than 72 hours old can enter without quarantine. They are also required to use the ArriveCAN app or online web portal to upload their vaccination details.

All WestJet Group employees, current and future, will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, says the company. Employees who are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or other reasons will be accommodated, but others must attest to their vaccination status by Sept. 24 and/or be fully vaccinated by Oct. 30 or face unpaid leave or termination of employment. As part of its vaccine mandate, the airline will not provide testing as an alternative to vaccination.

After months of struggle and speculation over its long-term future, Philippine Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York. The company will need court approval for its plans to trim liabilities by US$2 billion by restructuring and reducing its fleet by a quarter.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Billy Bishop celebrated the return of Porter Airlines flights with a water cannon salute.

Air Canada and Porter Airlines are flying again from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). For the former, the resumption of service at the island airport features five daily Air Canada Jazz return flights to Montreal aboard De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Porter also resumed service from the island on Sept. 9 with flights to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay. Other destinations starting within the next 10 days are Halifax, Quebec City, St. John’s, and Moncton, and Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC will return on Sept. 17. Flights to other year-round destinations are set to resume as of Oct. 6.

Also flying again is Air Canada Rouge, which resumed service last week with flights between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando, and Regina, with other destinations being introduced in September to include Cancun and Tampa.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

Seabourn has updated the restart of one of its remaining ships, Seabourn Quest, in time for the summer season in the Mediterranean on May 10, 2022. The ship will resume service in Europe, where it will spend its summer season homeporting from Venice, Italy. The ship will visit countries in the Adriatic and Ionian seas through mid-July before turning west and north to explore coastal destinations across Spain, Portugal, France and the UK. The revised restart date also means the brand is cancelling its 2021-22 Antarctica and South America season on Seabourn Quest, which also includes the Amazon region. The line is currently operating two of the five ships in its fleet, Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Ovation.

BY THE NUMBERS

Transat AT Inc. reports it lost $138.1 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $45.1 million in the same quarter last year. Revenue in what was the company’s third quarter totalled $12.5 million, up from $9.5 million a year ago. Transat began a gradual resumption of flying on July 30 after suspending operations on Jan. 29. The company has said it plans to offer flights to nearly 50 cities this winter.

AIR

WestJet has launched WestJet Link service connecting Calgary and Dawson Creek, BC. The new service operates four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Air Canada has unveiled an expanded Travel Ready hub to help customers plan and prepare for upcoming trips. The interactive online tool allows users to easily find information on necessary travel documentation, COVID-19 test requirements, testing locations, and country travel restrictions for any global destination.

Emirates is offering travellers to or through Dubai a free Emirates Expo Day Pass for use during Expo 2020 Dubai. And to further encourage travellers to maximize their time in the city and during the Expo and the UAE Golden Jubilee, Skywards loyalty program members will be eligible to earn one Skywards Mile for every minute spent in Dubai with the airlines’ special ‘Mile-A-Minute’ offer. The world’s fair begins Oct. 1 and continues through March 31, 2022.

DEALS

In celebrations of its new non-stop service between Toronto (YYZ) and Kingston, Jamaica, which will operate twice weekly beginning Dec. 8, Swoop is offering a limited quantity of introductory one-way fares between Kingston and Toronto starting from just $129 all-in.

TOURS

With the aim of continuing its development of customer-centric content, Sunwing has launched a new “Best of the Best List” highlighting its best resorts across popular sun destinations, the most luxurious room categories, top beaches, and more. The new program will be unveiled every year in the fall and is based on a combination of guest reviews and travel expert recommendations. This year’s list can be viewed HERE.

The Travel Corporations’ (TTC) guided tour brands, Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold, have announced an extension of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all adult guests. The new policy, requiring clients to show documented proof of having received two doses of approved vaccines from either Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, or one dose from Johnson & Johnson (all completed 15 days prior to travel) came into effect on Sept. 1 and will remain until at least Dec. 31, 2022.

HOTELS

Delray Beach, Florida, has a new Hilton. The 141-room Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District in the centre of town. Highlights of the property include an expansive rooftop pool deck with a restaurant and bar, lush landscaping, a robust wellness program and state-of-the-art fitness centre, plus immersive art installations throughout the public spaces.

Due to open in February in Chicago is the LaSalle Hotel, a luxury property located in the centre of The Loop. The hotel will occupy the top five floors of the historic building at 208 S. LaSalle, adjacent to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and promises to offer business and leisure travellers the “timeless elegance” of the original LaSalle Hotel, which opened in 1909 to much acclaim as “Chicago’s finest hotel.” Amenities include a signature restaurant and lounge; 232 luxury suites and oversized guestrooms, featuring elegant furnishings, millwork, cabinetry, and large marble-clad bathrooms; a library retreat and a solarium adjacent to the hotel lobby; state-of-the-art fitness centre; plus extensive ballroom and meeting space. Bookings are now open.

RESORTS

Royalton Luxury Resorts’ newest all-inclusive property, Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa, re-opened on Oct. 1. Overlooking Tamarind Bay with direct access to two of the island’s best white-sand beaches, the resort features 269 well-appointed rooms with rain showers, soaker tubs, and handcrafted DreamBed mattresses; 24-hour room service; complimentary non-motorized water sports; free high-speed Wi-Fi resort-wide; a world-class spa; and more.

Now open for its inaugural summer season, Club Med La Rosière, the brand’s newest resort in the French Alps, will welcome guests for its first winter season later this year. Situated in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, the all-inclusive ski resort offers sweeping 180-degree views of the surrounding region and unlimited ski-in/ski-out access in the heart of Espace San Bernardo, well-known for its sunshine and snow cover. A variety of accommodations, include interconnecting rooms for large groups, includes 395 units projecting the cozy atmosphere of a refined alpine Chalet.

CRUISE

Oceania Cruises has unveiled the Inaugural Season of voyage itineraries for Vista, the line’s newest ship. The 18 inaugural season voyages commence in April 2023 and will span more than 24 countries across four continents, from Asia to North America. Previews can be found online at OceaniaCruises.com and will open for sale this week (Sept. 15).

Crystal Cruises’ 2022 “Grand Voyage, Caribbean Idylls & Mediterranean Masterpieces” on Crystal Serenity will depart Jan. 17, 2022, from Miami, concluding in Los Angeles 132 days later on May 29. The destination-rich itinerary will call in 82 ports in 32 countries and includes 11 overnights in such cities as Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Naples and Cannes, as well as island enclaves of St. Barts, Madeira, the Canary Islands. This new Grand Voyage replaces the line’s 2022 World Cruise, which was cancelled because many countries on the original itinerary remain uncertain in their ability to welcome guests back at this time.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Universal Studios reports it will open its first theme park in China in the country’s capital on Sept. 20. Under construction since 2016, the theme park has received strong backing from Beijing authorities, including the extension of one of the city’s main subway lines to the site. Along with rides, shows, restaurants and exhibits, the resort features a pair of hotels. The project will complement Universal’s other two Asian parks in Japan and Singapore.

EVENTS

Air Canada Vacations VP Nino Montagnese

More than a thousand people attended Air Canada Vacations 2nd annual virtual DreamMakers product launch Sept. 9. Attendees had the opportunity to take part in training, connect with ACV staff and get the latest company news, take a virtual fam, meet dozens of suppliers on the “trade show floor,” and, of course win prizes. ACV VP Nino Montagnese was on hand (virtually) to greet agents and vowed, “Next year we will go back to our full product launch –so we can see you live!”

Sept. 17: A new series of live, virtual training sessions from Sandals will debut on Sept.17 featuring the all-inclusive chain’s new resort in Curaçao (opening April 2022) as the first featured topic. The “Take 10” presentations will take place every Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. EDT through Nov. 19 and feature a grand prize contest for those who attend all 10 sessions. Upcoming dates and topics also include Beaches Turks & Caicos, Sept. 24; Sandals Grenada, Oct. 1; and Celebrating Sandals 40th Anniversary, Oct. 8. Register .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Tim Paul has joined Discover the World Canada as Senior Manager focused on Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP). The Calgary native and former Westjetter has 20 years of aviation and travel industry experience, including roles in customer service, B2B marketing, inside sales, and digital travel agent platforms at the airline. He was also a member of the travel agent advisory board at WestJet and possesses an “in-depth understanding of a travel agents’ DNA and expectations,” says Discover the World Canada director Jane Clementino. Paul can be contacted at Tim@discovertheworld.ca.

DESTINATIONS

A new Tourism Vaccination Task Force in Jamaica is helping ensure vaccinations for all 170,000 tourism workers on the island, including individuals working in hotels, villas and guest houses, attractions, airports, cruise ports, craft markets, as well as ground transportation operators. The program started Aug. 30 and continues at additional sites across the country.

Through Oct. 15, the ‘Kids Free Florida Keys’ value-added program will allow kids under 12 to take part in a host of experiences at no cost when accompanied by one paying adult. Offers apply to select attractions, tours, watersports and other offerings, such as restaurant perks. Go to KidsFreeFloridaKeys.com to download the coupons.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aloft Bangkok Joins Food Delivery Service Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand

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By:

Aloft Bangkok Joins Food Delivery Service Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand - TRAVELINDEXMarriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today promotes its food delivery and takeaway service in Bangkok with the launch of its two signature restaurants e.g. Re:fuel by Aloft and brews & ‘ques by Crave through Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand, the latest delivery and takeaway service allowing guests to order their favourite meals from a wide range of restaurants at Marriott’s hotels and resorts in Thailand and have them delivered straight to their home or workplace.

Aloft Bangkok’s specialty restaurants Re:fuel by Aloft and brews & ‘ques by Crave Join Bangkok’s latest food delivery and takeaway service, Marriott Bonvoy On Wheels Thailand

Delivering delicious Thai and Asian flavors right at your doorstep, Re:fuel by Aloft is delighting the palate with authentic local Thai food and mouthwatering Asian signature dishes in line with the best hygiene and safety standards.

brews & ‘ques by Crave is bringing all guests the signature BBQ concept where guests can indulge in scrumptious delicacies featuring vibrant flavors from the grill and smoke menus.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points on takeaway offers. Whatever the occasion, every diner can create great home-dining experiences with their family, friends or colleagues, wherever they are.

Special deal during the launch period, guests can enjoy 10% off when ordering direct. With a minimum order of THB 400, guests also can get free delivery within 3 km radius from the hotel.

Available daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., for delivery orders and takeaway services, please call 02 207 7000, add LINE https://lin.ee/ZE9eT (@AloftBangkok)

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News