Global Travel News

Moving Forward Innovation Festival in Andermatt Points to Future for Tourism

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Moving Forward Innovation Festival in Andermatt Points to Future for Tourism - TOURISMSWITZERLAND.org - TRAVELINDEXAndermatt, Switzerland, November 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / While the travel and tourism sector is gradually picking up speed again, the stakeholders in this business are keen to use its current momentum to examine the sector critically; they want to think afresh about tourism and thus make it fit for the future. At the international World Tourism Forum Lucerne conference, top-level guests investigated the challenges currently facing the tourism industry and shone a light on new perspectives for the future. If this business sector is to stay successful, it must integrate its operations across a broad front and address the five key themes actively.

PAST AND FUTURE
The travel industry came to a halt very abruptly, but it is now slowly recovering, presenting us with a chance to ask ourselves some long-overdue questions: do destinations really want to go back to overtourism? To overcrowded beaches and long queues waiting for popular attractions? To “insider tip-offs” that soon become Instagram hotspots and then lose their magic? Wouldn’t it be better to replace the “back to normal” slogan with the aim of “moving forward” – to take this opportunity by the scruff of its neck so that we can make up for lost time and correct the mistakes of the past?

  • Martin Barth, President & CEO of World Tourism Forum Lucerne: “We must look forward and find our opportunities in the crisis. How we deal with the challenges we face today will determine how successful we are in the future.”
  • Niall Ferguson, historian & bestseller author: “Compared to past pandemics, the current one is not quite as dramatic if we are looking at the number of deaths. However, the economic costs of the ongoing pandemic are significantly higher because working from home is a new phenomenon that led to a substantial economic crisis.”
  • Peter Fankhauser, Director PETRAF & Ex-CEO Thomas Cook: “You need the best people who are fitting perfectly to your culture, your value system, your team and to yourself. Do not underestimate the emotional factor and take care of those connections because that is what you are holding on to when you’re falling.”

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Progress depends on a transfer of knowledge plus new and creative ideas; this will allow everyone to contribute their own specific talents and create networks for themselves – regardless of mental or physical impairments, gender, ethnicity or level of education. We must get rid of the prevailing stereotypes and embrace a more progressive understanding of organisational culture. All this calls for new, smart partnerships, joint initiatives and plans of action.

  • Aradhana Kowhala, CEO & Founder Aptamind Partners: “Despite increased awareness of gender imbalance, the number of women in the C-Suite and on boards hasn’t moved. We keep inching our way expecting breakthroughs but now it is time pair bold thinking with big commit­ments – show visible commitment and seek solutions that deliver exponential gains.”
  • Ulrich Bensel, Chief Human Resources Officer Deutsche Hospitality: “In the hospitality industry, we have left the composition of our workforce to chance until now. The goal must be for us to take a more structured approach to diversity within the company and consciously shape it with new tools. This will have a positive impact on performance.”

SUSTAINABILITY AND BIODIVERSITY
If we want to treat the natural wonders and mountain idylls advertised in our catalogues properly in future, we will have to put a higher priority once again on protecting the landscape than on maximising profit. We need clear sustainability strategies so that we can restore a healthy balance between People, Planet and Profit. As well as the financial and social aspect, we also need to think about “natural capital”. For example, our world is now more in need of new sustainability projects than hotel complexes.

  • Shannon Ghuian, Chief TreadRight & Sustainability Officer at TTC: “The very reason why we travel is at risk because we have taken it for granted. But the indication of behavioural change is twofold: We want to motivate people to come along with us on our biodiversity journey, yet we sell them holidays. We need to encourage them to take sustainability issues into consideration.”
  • Reto Ringger, Founder & CEO Globalance Bank: “Most people are confused and ask themselves whether their money and investments are part of the problem or part of the solution. What makes me optimistic is the next generation. With their small businesses and their willingness to use new technologies they are part of the solution.”

THE GENERATION GAP AND BRIDGING THE SILOS
If the next generation gets a place at the table, we can complement our existing knowledge with new ways of thinking. Talented newcomers, young professionals and start-ups are increasingly laying claim to such places. They all think quickly and like to try out new ideas, and they can keep pace with the digitalised world. They are agile and they adapt to changing circumstances in the modern world – and they are the leading figures of the future. By promoting these people, we can join forces to prepare the tourism industry to face the future – and that will benefit us all. The WTFL has integrated three new universities into its partnership network in order to develop its talent promotion activities still further; it has also entered into a strategic cooperation project with GTTP (Global Travel & Tourism Partnership), which works vigorously to support new entrants into the tourism industry workforce in more than 16 countries. It also ensures that the sector becomes more attractive for the next generation.

  • Anne Lotter, Executive Director GTTP: “The collaboration with WTFL is warmly welcomed by the Global Travel & Tourism Partnership (GTTP). We will benefit at an organizational level from WTFL’s stakeholders, including contact with industry, education, and governments. For our younger generation of travel and tourism students the Innovation Festival is hugely inspiring. They get the opportunity to witness the next steps to take in their career and hear from top professionals as well.”

INNOVATION AND LEARNING FROM OTHER INDUSTRIES  
The tourism sector is often examined in isolation, but it is actually part of an economic, social and political system. Therefore, the tourism sector must integrate itself broadly into networks, look beyond its own boundaries and take advantage of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, which could create personalised travel experiences in real time, for example. These creative, innovative and disruptive business models are already available, as the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s continuous Start-Up Screening has shown us. In order to promote this trend even more, the Forum brings highly successful sector experts, investors and young talents together at its Start-Up Innovation Camps around the world. The only way we can correct our course, set up the sector so that it can meet the needs of the future and play a leading role on innovation is if we work together.

  • Koen Deryckere, Lead Industry Networks and Programs at Accenture: “More and more companies are moving into other industries to provide end-to-end propositions. As a result, industry lines are blurring, and today’s technologies are the main driver and enabler for that.”
  • Stephanie Nägeli, Executive Board SV Group: “Revenues are sinking, but you have to continue to innovate. We need to ask ourselves: What are the opportunities in the crisis and how can we take these to accelerate disruption and to become more innovative.”

WORLD TOURISM FORUM LUCERNE THINK TANK 
Like others, the international participants in the Think Tank also grappled with the major problems and current challenges facing the industry. They see the greatest potential for optimisation in three key areas for success in the tourism industry of the future: Health & Wellbeing, Climate & Sustainability and Social Equality & Diversity.

  • Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director Twenty14Holdings: “The WTFL is a much-needed event in these challenging times to bring together the entire travel and tourism fraternity to deliberate on the sector’s quick recovery, and shape constructive dialogue around the evolving face of tourism through sustainable, inclusive and connected experiences. The ongoing pandemic has caused several shocks to the travel supply chain, and it is important for new ideas to emerge and take concrete shape through adequate industry support, for the sector to contribute to livelihood creation and socio-economic development worldwide.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Destination Mekong Hires New Executive Team

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Destination Mekong Hires New Executive Team - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMMEKONG.orgPhnom Penh, Cambodia, November 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Destination Mekong is strengthening its executive capacities towards playing a leading role in the post COVID tourism recovery in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). As the global tourism industry is slowly getting back on track, Destination Mekong (DM) is taking a new step as the regional tourism organization dedicated to championing the Lancang-Mekong region, comprising of Cambodia, PR China (Provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, as a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination.

• For the Mekong Region Tourism portal, visit TourismMekong.com

Destination Mekong officially introduced its new Executive Team at the beginning of the 2021 Destination Mekong Summit, which took place online on 21 and 22 October 2021, under the theme of “Re-start > Re- form > Re-balance”.

On this occasion, Jens Thraenhart, Founder of Destination Mekong and former Executive Director the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), presented the four members of the DM “Dream Team”:

Catherine Germier-Hamel, Gerrit Kruger, Gavin Bell, and Jens Uwe Parkitny, which all had the opportunity to share their visions and passions in taking their new responsibilities.

Thraenhart stressed that the new Executive Team was “truly world-class and made of experts in their fields, to make sure Destination Mekong can grow and aid the acceleration of the recovery in the Mekong Region”.

He stated that his “proudest accomplishment was to set up a private sector-led regional tourism board with innovative and award-winning programs and initiatives, to execute the mandate of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) to foster public-private sector cooperation.” On 1 November, Jens Thraenhart started a new career as CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Meet the new Executive Team of Destination Mekong

The appointment of Catherine Germier-Hamel as Chief Executive Officer, Gerrit Kruger as Chief Marketing Officer, and Gavin Bell as Chief Development Officer was effective 1 November. Jens Uwe Parkitny is acting as a strategic advisor in an honorary capacity.

Germier-Hamel, a Eurasian born in France with family heritage from the Mekong region, has lived in Seoul, South Korea, since 2005. Over the past 15 years, she has developed an international career as sustainable tourism development and marketing consultant, and impact entrepreneur.

Gerrit Kruger, a German national, has been involved in the management of Destination Mekong since its creation in 2017 while serving as Managing Director of Chameleon Strategies, an innovative Strategy Think Tank, and an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Since 2018, Gavin Bell, a British citizen, gained expertise over nearly 30 years of working with governments, international organizations, and the private sector on sustainable tourism initiatives based in Phnom Penh and working with the Ministry of Tourism.

Jens Uwe Parkitny, German, is a well-known tourism executive who has worked for prominent travel and hospitality brands in the Asia Pacific Region. He is the co-owner of Loikaw Lodge by the Lake in Myanmar.

Destinations Mekong setting up the next steps to fulfill its mission

Destination Mekong is currently in the process of being incorporated as a legal entity in Singapore. Its executive office will be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DM and the Ministry of Tourism, which will also assign local staff.

Over the following months, the Executive Team will focus its efforts on building a strong community of individual, corporate and institutional members and raising funds to support its operations. Its short-term action plan also includes the publication of the Experience Mekong Collection, showcasing responsible and sustainable travel experiences in the Greater Mekong Subregion, and implementing value-added services and solutions to enhance the exposure of its members.

Additionally, Destination Mekong will develop strategic partnerships with organizations sharing the same values and interests. As a start, Destination Mekong has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), to develop mutual tourism collaboration between the six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion and 20 Pacific Island countries (PICs), based on sharing information, knowledge, and best practices to foster sustainable and inclusive tourism.

During the 2021 DM Summit, the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Recovery Communications Plan “Unlimited Experiences, Unlimited Stories” was also unveiled, establishing a framework for the activities of Destination Mekong.

Committed to playing a leadership role within the global tourism community, Destination Mekong became a proud signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism launched on 4 November 2021 during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). The Glasgow Declaration encourages the acceleration of climate action in tourism by securing commitments to reduce emissions in tourism by at least 50% over the next decade and achieve Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.

The new CEO of Destination Mekong, Catherine Germier-Hamel, states that “More than ever, the global tourism industry has a unique opportunity to demonstrate its transformative power through inspiring and driving climate action. It’s not only an emergency but also a matter of human dignity.”

• For the Mekong Region Tourism portal, visit TourismMekong.com

About Destination Mekong
Destination Mekong (DM) was created in 2017 by private stakeholders of the travel and tourism industry of the Mekong region (GMS) to promote the Greater Mekong Subregion, comprising of Cambodia, PR China (Provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, as a single destination.

The overarching purpose of Destination Mekong is to champion the Mekong region as a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination. Over the past years, it has spearheaded innovative and inclusive collaboration within the public and private sectors across the six Mekong countries to inspire and engage travelers and stakeholders through authentic experiences and stories.

The core mission of Destination Mekong is to create engaging programs and solutions that build capacity, are inclusive, and promote sustainable economic development and understanding of the diversity and uniqueness of the region, contributing to social equality and poverty reduction.

Endorsed by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office in Thailand and aligned with the mandate of the regional collaborative tourism framework of the six-member governments of the Greater Mekong Sub- region, Destination Mekong has executed targeted projects and initiatives, including Mekong Moments, Mekong Memories, Mekong Deals, Mekong Mini Movie Festival, Mekong Innovative Start-ups in Tourism (MIST), Experience Mekong Collection, Mekong Heroes, and Mekong Trends, with feedback from the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG) and via public-private partnership investment structure, led by UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Almost 180,000 UK Tourism Jobs Lost if Restrictions Return

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Almost 180,000 UK Tourism Jobs Lost if Restrictions Return - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, November 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / A staggering £5.3 billion could be wiped off the value of GDP this year. Up to 180,000 jobs could be lost across the UK Travel & Tourism sector this year, if travel restrictions are reimposed this winter, according to alarming new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

WTTC, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, made the warning after an analysis which showed the impact caused by a further tightening of borders.

The figures were revealed today by Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, during the 2021 Tourism Alliance Conference, a major event where industry leaders will discuss how to rebuild the UK Travel & Tourism sector.

Further damage could be made to the already embattled sector if new restrictions are imposed, such as the new potential measures which would see all travellers requiring a booster jab before they travel overseas.

Recent reports suggest this is being considered by ministers in an attempt to increase protection from COVID-19 for the fully vaccinated.

Currently only available to the over 50’s, so far, less than 20% of population in the UK have received the booster jab. This represents a minority of those able to travel, and such a move would once again leave millions unable to go abroad, with a huge economic impact as a result.

If wide scale restrictions, such as limiting travel only to those with the booster jab were enforced in 2022, more than half a million jobs could be at stake next year.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “The very real prospect of more than 500,000 people losing their jobs across the UK Travel & Tourism sector because of unnecessary travel restrictions is a huge concern to WTTC.

“We cannot afford to let all the hard-earned progress we’ve made this year, slide back and be reversed. Too many people’s livelihoods are at risk, as well as the continuing economic recovery of the UK.”

Last year, WTTC research revealed 307,000 Travel & Tourism jobs were lost, causing misery to those whose livelihoods rely on a thriving sector.

Furthermore, a recent report by WTTC showed how severe restrictions imposed by the UK government, such as the damaging traffic light system, will see international visitor spend fall by almost 50% on 2020 figures, making the UK one of the worst performing countries in the world.

WTTC fear that any further measures which would impact the Travel & Tourism sector, could make the UK a less attractive destination amongst travellers and in turn, the UK would lose competitiveness as a result.

Further analysis from WTTC shows the government could see up to £5.3 billion wiped from the sector’s contribution to the economy before the end of 2021 if severe travel restrictions come back into force.

The global tourism body fears that if punishing restrictions were to remain locked in place for much of next year, it could result in a loss of up to £21.7 billion from the UK economy.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CHRISTMAS IS COMING: Germany fetes festive season

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Getting together again was like Christmas, literally, for the German National Tourist Office as it celebrated its first in-person trade event since the start of the pandemic at a gathering in Toronto late last week. Themed around the upcoming festive season in Germany, the tourist board also publicly unwrapped its new Canadian director, Anja Brokjans, now about six months into her tenure.

GNTO Americas director Ricarda Linder flew in from New York for the occasion, telling Travel Industry Today that she was thrilled to be able to do so again and remarked how seamless the travel experience was at Pearson – a good sign for a return to travel.

Linder shared with guests the news that fully vaccinated Canadians are welcome again (without COVID testing requirements) in Germany, which is expecting to see a strong tourism rebound in 2022, not least with the delayed Oberammergau Passion Play at last taking centre stage for its once-a-decade performances.

In the spirit of the moment, and in the glow of the first Christmas tree of the season, Brokjans introduced the evening’s theme, declaring, “The good news is: Christmas markets are back on again!” and noting that almost every town in Germany has one.

Many of the Weihnachtsmarkt/Christkindlesmarkts start as early as next week and continue until just before Christmas (in some cases a few days after).

Typical German traditions for the festive season, winter activities in the great outdoors, and selected Christmas markets are all showcased in the latest promotional campaign from the GNTO, with the hopes of providing inspiration for visits to Germany in the run-up to Christmas.

The 2021 Christmas campaign is designed to “whet the appetite for travel to Germany” by highlighting typical customs and traditions in various regions and offering fresh ideas for city breaks and cultural tourism.

In a distinct sign of the times, the tourist board also makes a point of declaring, “All the markets and travel ideas promoted in the campaign are subject to rules specifically adapted to the latest coronavirus situation, ensuring that this season will be enjoyable, safe and relaxed.”

At the heart of the ‘Christmas sparkle’ campaign is a landing page (click HERE – https://www.bit.ly/3n75uee) with links to the regularly updated websites of the biggest Christmas markets, plus activities and events during the festive season, and winter offers. The campaign began Nov. 8 via social media, programmatic advertising, search engines and newsletters, and includes activation in the Canadian market.

“Last year, Germany was able to retain its position as the leading destination for cultural and city travel for Europeans, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique atmosphere associated with the festive season in Germany’s towns, cities, and regions was a particular draw,” says German National Tourist Board CEO Petra Hedorfer. “We are delighted that the current coronavirus situation means we can open Christmas markets and welcome international visitors again at this special time of year. Our campaign offers specific tips to whet the appetite for cultural travel to Germany.”

Munster Christmas Market

Here, courtesy of the GNTO, are just some of the Christmas-time traditions in Germany that visitors can discover:

Baden-Württemberg

A leisurely tour of the extravagantly decorated royal chambers at Burg Hohenzollern, a fairytale castle located on the edge of the Swabian Alb, is a real treat at this time of year. And Schwetzingen Palace is also awash with Yuletide charm. During the festive season, light artists transform this former royal residence into a Christmas wonderland with illuminated gardens.

Bavaria

Every winter, the landlady at Hündeleskopfhütte in the Allgäu Alps prepares the two-kilometre toboggan run from her mountain restaurant. Armed with head torches, her more adventurous guests can then ride their sleds back down, but there are also torch-lit walks for those who would rather venture out on foot at night.

Berlin

Must-sees include the sparkling Christmas tree at the Brandenburg Gate, the tree-lined avenue Unter den Linden decorated with fairy lights, and the shining stars in Lichtenberg. The Christmas Garden Berlin in the Botanic Gardens is another fairytale setting with light installations and a tree with wish lists hanging from its illuminated branches.

Brandenburg

During the festive season, Potsdam, a former royal seat of power, offers a special ‘Potsdam Christmas stories’ tour. Starting at the old market square, the tour explores the historical city centre and continues to the Dutch quarter, while the guide recounts anecdotes about Baby Jesus and Father Christmas. The historical trams serving glühwein are a popular means of travel between the Christmas markets. The absolute highlight is a stroll around the ‘Blauer Lichterglanz’ Christmas village.

Bremen

At Christmas time, Germany’s bakeries are a hive of activity. The Hanseatic city of Bremen, in particular, is known for its irresistible klaben fruit loaf. This Christmas cake, which was first mentioned by Bremen’s council in 1593, is made with yeast dough, sultanas and almonds, and flavoured with cardamom. Anyone can bake this delicious cake, but only klaben made in Bremen is allowed to use ‘original,’ or genuine, in the name.

Hamburg

In Hamburg, even Christmas has a maritime edge to it. During the traditional ‘Tannenbaumwerfen,’ or conifer throwing, a barge full of trees cruises around Hamburg’s port. The trees are then thrown onto the bigger ships so that the sailors on board can enjoy Christmas even when they are far from home.

Hessen

Berlepsch Castle, perched on the hills of the Werra valley, is part of the German Fairytale Route and the perfect setting for an atmospheric Christmas market. The centuries-old fortress is a riot of traditional decorations and offers medieval music, mulled wine, street entertainers and handmade treats. The fairytale readings are a real hit with the kids, as are the fairytale days throughout the year.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

On those days when snowflakes dot the air and the low sun bathes everything in a soft light, a winter walk along one of the ten thalassotherapy trails in the seaside resort of Warnemünde, the Stoltera nature conservation area or Rostock Heath will lift your spirits. Visitors with an interest in culture should head for the Ahrenshoop art trail, a circular walk that features works by renowned artists from the Ahrenshoop artists’ colony founded in 1892.

Lower Saxony

In the run-up to Christmas, many homes in Lower Saxony are filled with the smell of baking. In Bentheim, flat cakes called schoosollen (shoe soles) are baked over an open fire, while Lüneburg Heath is known for its heidesand biscuits. On the North Sea coast, thin treats known as rullerkes or neejahskoken are made in a waffle iron and often enjoyed around New Year with a cup of East Frisian tea.

North Rhine-Westphalia

Germany’s most unusual, and possibly most beautiful, ice rink can be found at Zollverein mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Essen. Every year in December, what was once the world’s largest coal mine is transformed into a 150-m.-long ice rink along the large coking ovens and chimneys. The rink is a sparkling delight at night, while the winter village next door ensures you won’t go hungry.

Rhineland-Palatinate

A winter walk near Wasserliesch, an area renowned for its wildflowers, is particularly romantic at Christmas time. Follow the Moselsteig trail to Löschem Chapel, which stands high up on the edge of a slope and offers stunning views of the Moselle valley and the Eifel and Hunsrück mountains. Torch-lit walks around Andernach and Neuwied on the river Rhine are another popular winter activity.

Saxony

It’s always Christmas in Seiffen in the Erzgebirge mountains. The town is famous for the handcrafted Christmas pyramids, nutcrackers, angels, candle arches and incense smokers that have been made here for generations and are sold throughout the year. In the run-up to Christmas, the spa resort dons its finest festive threads and invites visitors to the Seiffen Christmas market and the Nativity play in Seiffen church, which is often depicted in regional artwork.

Saxony-Anhalt

As Christmas approaches, Magdeburg switches on 1.2 million little lights. The city is transformed into a glittering wonderland of decorated streetlights, large baubles you can walk around in, twinkling holy figures and a festively illuminated cathedral square. Elsewhere, a ride on the Harz narrow-gauge railway offers a touch of nostalgia. The historical steam engines set off from Wernigerode through a snowy winter landscape to climb Mount Brocken.

Schleswig-Holstein

Lübeck is northern Germany’s Christmas city. Home to the famous Holsten Gate and magnificent churches, this Hanseatic city is especially beautiful during the festive season. In addition to Christmas markets, there is a fairytale forest at the foot of the Church of St Mary, a Yuletide wonderland at the European Hansemuseum featuring elf huts and a kissing arch, and the ‘Lübsche Wiehnacht’ craft market. And no Christmas is complete without Lübeck’s most famous product, marzipan.

Thuringia

Lauscha, a small town in the Thuringian Forest, is the birthplace of the baubles that feature on Christmas trees around the world. Legend has it that the local glassblowers could not afford nuts and apples to decorate their Christmas trees with, so they made decorations out of glass instead. The traditional glassworks in Lauscha are open to visitors all year round, and the decorations can be bought from the workshop studios. Anyone with a particular interest in this traditional craft is encouraged to explore the 15-km Lauscha glassblowers’ trail. A romantic ride on the illuminated mountain railway through the forests of the Schwarza valley is also highly recommended.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Utopia Corporation Launched Utopia Hospitality Group

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Utopia Corporation Launched Utopia Hospitality Group

Bangkok, Thailand, November 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Utopia Hospitality Group is preparing to add a new page to the hospitality industry in Phuket by introducing a fully integrated Hospitality Ecosystem model and planning to launch a world-class fashion brand hotel to attract more travelers to Phuket. Utopia Corporation: UCORP, one of the largest real estate developers in Phuket, launched Utopia Hospitality Group: UHG, a flagship hospitality management company and it is a dynamic new player in the Asia Pacific hotel sector, with a vision to create daring concepts and lifestyle experiences that transform the world of hospitality. Its strong new vision will add a new page to the hospitality industry on Phuket Island with a business model covering a fully integrated Hospitality Ecosystem and guaranteed results through the creation of a new hotel brand with a lifestyle focus and approach that is different but meets the needs.

Mr. Hachi Yin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Utopia Corporation, revealed that for the first three quarters of 2021, despite the COVID-19 crisis, Utopia Corporation continued to lock in sales, driven by deploying the latest technologies. A transformative business plan in sync with marketing trends, consumer behaviors and demands all contributed to the success. In the fourth quarter of 2021, Utopia continues to reinforce its commitment with the launch of Utopia Hospitality Group to operate hotels and resorts.

Hachi affirms that the hospitality business is a new opportunity with high growth potential and it aligns with Utopia’s expertise as a developer that understands the diverse lifestyles of every customer segment. With its entire existing portfolio operating on a condotel/branded residence model, guests staying at their properties can enjoy a home away from home experience that conventional hotels cannot offer.

Utopia Hospitality Group (UHG), a subsidiary of Utopia Corporation, a leading real estate developer in Phuket, Thailand, is on an exciting journey that traverses the entire hospitality ecosystem from design and development to branding and operations of its own portfolio of properties.

UHG will provide the flexibility and openness to help level-up the playing field in the post-pandemic era. Developers can take advantage of attractive and accessible brands, without the strict limitations of brand standards, while also enjoying a more customizable and democratic approach to management and franchise contracts. Hoteliers will benefit from multiple levels of expertise from management and marketing services to proprietary technologies.

UHG also commits to a guaranteed income for investors. This is truly a change in the hotel and hospitality industry as an “Option” and an “Answer” for the modern hotel business.

“UHG was born with a strong vision and a bold idea, breaking the old rules to lead everyone to create a different lifestyle experience. This will completely transform the world of hospitality and tourism and help to enhance the competitive field in the new era of hospitality and tourism. Whether you are a guest or a partner, a team associate or a member of the community, UHG is committed to treating everybody fairly and respectfully. We are embarking on a journey to transform the hospitality sector and we want you to join us! We are inspired by creativity and driven by our goals. We dream, we dare, we do. We are UHG,” Hachi said.

Under the umbrella of UHG, prominent lifestyle hotel and resort brands will offer new travel experiences that meet the needs of smart travelers in the new era, including: Midscale Aparthotel Brand, Upscale Lifestyle Resort, and Ultra-Luxury. UHG will operate several new hotels including rebranding and renovation from 2022 onwards.

● Midscale Aparthotel Brand: A midscale aparthotel with the brand essence, Live Your Own Way, that merges the modern lifestyle and sense of belonging to a community experience with the comfort and a flexibility of an apartment to meet the needs of a new generation of smart travelers. The brand essence has 5 key pillars; Midscale with comfort, Flexible stay Purposeful, Design, Hip F&B concept, and Sense of community.

● Upscale Lifestyle Resort: Our 5-star resort brand occupies the space between lifestyle resort and wellbeing retreat. It recognizes having fun can also mean being healthy, drawing on the playful design expression of a lifestyle resort and blending it with the more conscious wellbeing and slow pace of a wellbeing retreat. All aligned with the slogan of ‘Live Slow, Play Well.

● Ultra-Luxury: The third brand under UHG is a collaboration with Tonino Lamborghini, the legendary luxury brand of Italy that epitomises refined luxury products and designs. The Tonino Lamborghini Boutique Hotel Phuket is the first hotel under this brand in Thailand. Located on Ao Po, overlooking the azure Andaman Sea and exotic offshore islands, scheduled to welcome guests in 2024.

UHG is fully committed to playing their part in addressing environmental and social issues. Sustainable development and management practices are integrated into their entire business ethos. By operating in an efficient and eco-sensitive way, UHG can also minimize waste, reduce costs and drive long-term benefits for the entire community, while also helping to attract the new generation of socially and environmentally conscious guests.

UHG plans to launch its new Midscale Aparthotel Brand in Q1 2022 and open its first property under this brand in Q4 2022. A second partner, a high-end fashion ultra-luxury brand will also be unveiled in Q2 2022. The Upscale Lifestyle Resort brand is set to launch in Q1 2023. All of these will be in Phuket.

Utopia Hospitality’s plan also includes the creation of two immense landmarks located in the northern and southern Phuket region. Bay of Icons is a new destination that is much sought after by high-end global investors and travelers. They are located in Ao Po Bay on the northern coast of Phuket, covering the beach surrounding the beautiful Ao Po Grand Marina Bay with a total area exceeding 20 Rai. It comprises cutting-edge facilities and several exclusive services to satisfy the luxury lifestyle.

Additionally, the “Entertainment Complex” Utopia Dream, is a mixed-use development with a low-rise condominium to be constructed in Nai Harn, the southern coast of Phuket. It will be a paragon of relaxation filled with color, happiness, and world-class entertainment activities. The total investment for these two projects, as mentioned earlier, is above 4,000 million Baht.

About Utopia Corporation
Utopia Corporation was founded in 2015 and has rapidly grown to be a top real property developer in Thailand. It currently runs Utopia Naiharn, which received Asia’s Top Emerging Hotel awarded by Now Travel Asia, including ten actual properties. Recently, it has cooperated with Tonino Lamborghini, the legendary luxury brand of Italy, well-known for its luxury products and designs, to open new hotels in Phuket under the brand Tonino Lamborghini, a first in Thailand.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MEET GOWAY 2.0: Tour operator looks ahead to next 50 years

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Despite largely having to largely skip celebrations of a 50th anniversary milestone last year while enduring the “most difficult” period he’s ever seen in the business, Bruce Hodge says he’s determined that Goway will come out of the global health crisis (and subsequent travel downturn) even stronger than it was nearly two years ago.

To that end, Hodge has invoked the words of Winston Churchill in the aftermath of WWII – “Never let a good crisis go to waste” – as an opportunity to reinvent the business he founded a half century ago for the next 50 years.

In particular, the company has spent its pandemic downtime investing heavily in new technologies, including a new phone system, online training program and customized reservation system, all designed to make its destination specialist staff better experts and its varied product line “more attractive and easier to sell.”

Hodge points to the company’s recently introduced ‘Your Next Journey: The Best of Goway Travel’ interactive digital travel brochure as encapsulating the brand’s fresh approach to “doing business in a post-pandemic world.”

He adds, “All areas of our company have been refreshed and revitalized.”

Company VP Craig Canvin says Goway’s pandemic downtime also saw a product revamp, which he says now includes over a thousand “totally reimagined” tours in the system, and now divided into three price tiers: moderate, first class and deluxe – as well as boasting consistency across all divisions, from Australia to Africa, Europe, and South America.

With an added focus on luxury experiences, which includes private guided tours, agents will have a wider range of travel styles to offer clients, he says, but at the same time still having access to Goway’s “tried and true” product.

Other enhancements include private transfers on every tour.

“We’re not just a head in a bed and bum in the seat,” Canvin says, noting that many of the tour upgrades reflect customer demands. “This is what clients have been looking for and the traveller demands – to (travel) on their own terms.”

Agents can also take advantage of Goway’s tech enhancements via a new three-way Zoom feature that allows a company destination specialist to liaise with the agent and their client, which allows the customer to be involved in the planning process.

Of the changes, Canvin says, “We’re calling it Goway 2.0,” and adds, “It sets the stage for growth.”

Goway trio: Rourke, Saba, and Norton

Accompanying the product changes are some new team members (including the recently announced addition of Rares Dumitru as National Account Manager for Canada), as well as transitional changes to the company’s senior management team, effective Jan. 1, including the promotion of Anthony Saba to VP of Downunder & South Pacific, taking over from Shirley Rourke, who becomes VP of Groups. The latter move reflects the retirement of Barbara Norton next April after 38 years at the company.

Until then, Norton and Rourke will continue to work together to reinvent Goway’s Holidays of a Lifetime program, which will be incorporated into the refreshed Groups Only division.

More changes to the new Goway “50+ management team” are expected in the New Year.

At the same time, Goway, always active south of the border, has announced a partnership with the prominent Signature Travel Network, which boasts 11,000 members, in order to expand its reach in the US.

As for the winter and into 2022, VP Canvin says bookings are booming, especially for exotic destinations, or “idyllic retreats” as Goway calls them, with the top three destinations being The Maldives, Tahiti, and Dubai, with the latter’s Expo 2020 commanding great interest. Similarly doing “extremely well” is Europe, he says.

Another trend amongst clients is staying longer and upgrading amenities, from flights to hotel rooms.

“As soon as a luxury destination opens up,” enthuses Canvin, “it is booked.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

First Review Study Report on Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan

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First Review Study Report on Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan

Macau, Macao SAR, November 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Given the new environment, new policies, new directions as well as new trends of tourism industry development, and in parallel with the Macao Special Administrative Region Government’s vision to build a world centre of tourism and leisure, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) commissioned a research institution at the end of 2020 to examine the implementation progress of the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan (referred to as the “Master Plan”) in various areas in the past five years, and work out amendments, updates, reorganization and additions to the content so that the Master Plan will correspond with the transformations of the tourism landscape and fulfill what is in store for future tourism development in Macao.

The first review study report for the Master Plan was delivered today (12 November). Relevant tasks will be strenuously worked on to make progress in the six areas as follows: enriching the variety of tourism products and facilities, fostering quality tourism, optimizing precision marketing, pushing forward urban construction, capitalizing on smart technology, as well as expanding regional and international cooperation.

Scientific assessment of Macao’s tourism industry development over the past five years
In 2015, MGTO began formulating the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan to lay the foundation and map out the direction for the future development of Macao’s tourism industry in the next 15 years (until 2030). The Master Plan was announced in 2017, proposing eight key objectives, 33 strategies, 29 planning proposals and 91 short-, medium- and long-term action plans, in line with the Macao SAR Government’s commitment to build Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure. The Master Plan comes with an evaluation mechanism for making timely adjustments to various key objectives, planning proposals and action plans in line with the latest prospect of Macao’s tourism industry.

MGTO commissioned a research institution at the end of 2020 to commence a review of the Master Plan through different research methods, scientifically and systemically soliciting opinions on tourism development from different stakeholders including residents, visitors, members of the trade, organizations, pertinent governmental departments and so forth.

90% of short-term action plans accomplished in first five years
Four major aspects were reviewed as follows: 1) examine and analyze the current situation of Macao’s tourism development; 2) a retrospective overview of the implementation progress from 2016 – 2020; 3) deepening of five key issues: contribution of tourism to the economy, regional tourism cooperation; tourism carrying capacity, diversification of visitor source markets, and smart tourism led by science and technology; 4) addition/omission/adjustment to proposed action plans and key objectives.

On review of the progress over the last five years, 68 out of 69 short-term action plans proposed by the Master Plan were unfolded and implemented while one was not applicable. Targeted goals were accomplished for 62 short-term action plans, leading to an implementation rate of 90%. 22 medium- and long-term action plans have been progressing forward as scheduled.

Introduction of 16 new action plans after review

Towards the direction guided by the Country’s new policies and plans, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are pushing forward with the implementation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while deepening regional cooperation in culture and tourism. Furthermore, the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is unfolding a new horizon for comprehensive cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao.

At the same time, the SAR Government has raised the concept of “tourism +” as a policy to promote extension of the tourism industry chain, which, coupled with the changes brought by the pandemic to the tourism environment and travel styles, has caused the internal and external landscape of Macao’s tourism industry to evolve.

Given the new tourism environment, policies, directions and trends, after going through the latest review, MGTO will keep the eight key objectives, 33 strategies and 29 planning proposals put forward in the Master Plan in 2017 unchanged in terms of direction. However, in keeping up with the transformations of the tourism environment and taking into consideration the opinions of various stakeholders and departments in charge, the achieved action plans and those in progress were revised, updated and reorganized. In consequence, 16 new action plans are introduced into the Master Plan.

After review and adjustment, the Master Plan now encompasses 91 action plans in total, comprising 77 phased plans (0 – 5 years) and 14 long-term plans (6 years or above).

Push forward “actions in focus” in six areas
The latest 91 phased and long-term action plans of the Master Plan cover six areas: tourism products and facilities, quality tourism and collaboration, precision marketing, urban construction, smart technology, as well as regional and international cooperation. By taking specific actions in focus, progress will be steered forward in the six areas.

The specific actions in focus include maritime tours, ecological tours and high-end tour products; training programs, enhance quality tourism through the training base for the Greater Bay Area, optimize public-private partnership and foster “tourism +” development; enhance cooperation with e-commerce companies and online media, leverage big data analysis on precision marketing targeting high-value visitors; develop new attractions and strengthen sea, land and air connectivity; tap into application of innovative technology to upgrade visitors’ experience and business environment; deepen tourism cooperation with Hengqin and other cities in the Greater Bay Area, and to strive for resumption of travel and people-to-people exchange with other regions, etc.

The review report also includes a forecast of key indicators and trends for 2025 for reference.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TAT and Etihad Launched Visit Thailand Year 2022

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TAT and Etihad Launched Visit Thailand Year 2022

Bangkok, Thailand, November 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently staged a special tourism marketing mission to Dubai, the UAE, that resulted in stronger ties with strategic airline partners and a wider awareness of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ in the Gulf Region.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Thailand, Visit Thailand – Be Happy, at VisitThailand.net

During the mission on 2-3 November, 2021, the TAT’s high-ranking delegation signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Etihad Airways, introduced the latest tourism marketing campaign to Emiratis and influencers in the UAE, and discussed tourism collaboration with Air Arabia and Oman Air.

Mr. Thosaporn Sirisumphand, TAT Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “Next year, 2022 will mark a new chapter for Thailand as it will be the year of ‘Visit Thailand’ where throughout the year, we will invite travellers from around the world to experience the “Amazing New Chapters” of Thailand. As such our key messages will highlight the abundance of the kingdom’s tourism products and services that will fulfil all visitors’ travel desires, because from A to Z, Thailand has it all.”

Prior to the official start of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’, Thailand is currently welcoming fully vaccinated foreign visitors from 63 countries and territories, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to enter the Kingdom without quarantine requirements under the Exemption from Quarantine (Test & Go) and the Living in the Blue Zone (17 Sandbox destinations) entry schemes, starting from 1 November, 2021.

The list of approved countries will be expanded later to cover the entire world from 1 January, 2022. Meanwhile, the “Thailand Pass” web-based system has been launched to support the “Ease of Travelling” policy, allowing foreign travellers to fill in their travel and health information and upload the related documents before travelling to Thailand.

The timing could not have been better, for TAT and Etihad Airways to support each other in promoting Thailand as a preferred destination. Both signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to form a long-term strategic partnership to develop and promote quality tourism experiences in Thailand for travellers from the Gulf Region.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “This Letter of Intent will pave the way for strategic tourism collaboration efforts between TAT and Etihad Airways with an emphasis on revenue-generating quality tourists. We expect this partnership to help strengthen the position of Thailand as a popular destination for Arab travellers from the Gulf Region.”

Under the LoI agreement, TAT and Etihad Airways will put into effect a range of joint promotions to mutually increase tourism and visibility for Thailand through the Etihad Airways global network. The promotions will focus on niche tourism markets; such as, sports tourism, luxury tourism, as well as health and wellness.

The Letter of Intent (LoI) between the TAT and Etihad Airways was signed in Dubai on 3 November, 2021, by Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Americas, and Ms. Amina Taher, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorship, Etihad Airways.

The TAT’s high-ranking delegation also discussed tourism collaboration efforts with Air Arabia and Oman Air during the marketing mission to Dubai.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Thailand, Visit Thailand – Be Happy, at VisitThailand.net

The visa-on-arrival policy for nationals in the Gulf Region coupled with the Exemption from Quarantine (Test & Go) entry scheme present prospects for both Air Arabia and Oman Air to reconsider resuming services to Thailand. Marking new development is Oman Air’s resumption of its Muscat-Bangkok service with two flights per week from 11 November, 2021.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa Unveils New Family Suites With Lofted Beds and Kid-Friendly Elements Designed to Create Family Moments

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Family suite, kids bedroom

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa today introduces its new collection of Family Suites, four suites specially created to encourage moments of family togetherness and connection. When the day is over, the Family Suites offer exclusive amenities to promote a healthier, more restful sleep for all. A part of JW Marriott’s Family by JW programming, each suite will boast two separate rooms with kid-approved loft beds, whimsical design elements and interactive surprises.

Designed by Bilkey Llinas Design, the Family Suites sleep up to nine and feature two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and full-sized, lofted bunk beds and one with a king bed with a pull-out twin sofa sleeper. The suites also include two bathrooms with tubs and separate showers as well as a living area with a guest bathroom and additional sofa bed. First-of-their-kinds for JW Marriott, the suites showcase kid-friendly elements like chalkboard walls to express creativity, a play table with a giraffe lamp and just-the-right-size blue and orange stools, as well as the perfect book nook: a cozy, circular built-in seating area with an inviting, curved orange cushion. The connecting room layout gives adults their own retreat, one still close enough to ensure quality time with little ones. Like all Family by JW offerings, the Family Suites are inspired by J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, the namesake of the JW Marriott brand, who always made time for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

“We have received requests for larger, family-style rooms at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek due to our location within the gates of Walt Disney World, our kid-friendly amenities and the ongoing trend of multigenerational travel,” said Sam Basu, General Manager of JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. “The Family Suites help fulfill this need and encourage families to spend quality time together during their stay. Along with a curated, in-room ‘Sleepy Snack’ menu prepared by our chef, these rooms promote quality rest so everyone can be recharged for another day in the Orlando sun.”

From Playtime to Bedtime, Family Suite Well-being Amenities
Even after a long day at a theme park, the excitement of a vacation makes it hard for little ones to settle their minds. To make nap and bedtime easier, the resort’s newly appointed Executive Chef Melissa Sallman has created an exclusive “Sleepy Snack” in-room dining menu to inspire sweet dreams. With healthy options for the entire family, the menu includes a berry yogurt smoothie and crackers & cheese for kids, as well as tropical fruit skewers, rosemary & sea salt roasted cashews and herbal hot tea for adults—all ingredients recommended by the Sleep Foundation to promote relaxation and a better sleep.

In addition, to encourage little ones to fall and stay asleep, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek has collaborated with Skip Hop, an innovative brand with grow-with-baby designs and must-haves that make life with little ones easier (and more fun!) for everyone. In each suite, guests will find a Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Soother Owl to lull children to dream.

“The Family Suites at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek are a first for JW Marriott and a reflection of the way families want to travel together today,” said Bruce Rohr, vice president and global brand leader of JW Marriott. “The new suites speak to the importance our brand places on family togetherness through Family by JW as well as our commitment to well-being, and will allow families to create and cherish memories with us.”

Booking is now open for the Family Suites and rates start at $999.

About JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek is luxury with a purpose, paired with inspiring architecture, contemporary design and associates who warmly welcome you and anticipate your needs. It’s a chance to connect with nature and find amenities and activities that nurture the soul. It is both approachable and authentic. An elevated experience that’s equally uplifting. A location that engages the Walt Disney World action, with pathways to harness your inner energy, find greater clarity and create mindful moments that make you feel whole. Learn more at jwmarriottorlandobonnetcreek.com.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 30 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,900 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact:
mcojb@quinn.pr

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NOT THE BEST NEWS: COVID threatens Christmas in Europe

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Nearly two years into a global health crisis that has killed more than 5 million people, infections are again sweeping across parts of Western Europe, a region with relatively high vaccination rates and good health care systems but where lockdown measures are largely a thing of the past.

The World Health Organization said coronavirus deaths rose by 10% in Europe in the past week, and an agency official declared last week that the continent was “back at the epicenter of the pandemic.” Much of that is being driven by spiralling outbreaks in Russia and Eastern Europe — where vaccination rates tend to be low — but countries in the west such as Germany and Britain recorded some of the highest new case tolls in the world.

While nations in Western Europe all have vaccination rates over 60% — and some like Portugal and Spain are much higher — that still leaves a significant portion of their populations without protection.

Dr. Bharat Pankhania, senior clinical lecturer at Exeter University College of Medicine and Health in Britain, says that the large number of unvaccinated people combined with a widespread post-lockdown resumption of socializing and a slight decline in immunity for people who got their shots months ago is driving up the pace of infections.

Thanks largely to vaccination, hospitals in Western Europe are not under the same pressure they were earlier in the pandemic, but many are still straining to handle rising numbers of COVID patients while also attempting to clear backlogs of tests and surgeries with exhausted or sick staff. Even the countries experiencing the most serious outbreaks in the region recorded far fewer deaths per person over the past four weeks than the United States did, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The question now is if countries can tamp down this latest upswing without resorting to stringent shutdowns that devastated economies, disrupted education, and weighed on mental health. Experts say probably – but authorities can’t avoid all restrictions and must boost vaccination rates.

“I think the era of locking people up in their homes is over because we now have tools to control COVID – the testing, vaccines and therapeutics,” said Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh. “So, I hope people will do the things they have to do, like put on a mask.”

Many European countries now use COVID passes – proof of full vaccination, recovery from the virus or a negative test result – to access venues like bars and restaurants. Pankhania warned that the passes can give a false sense of security since fully vaccinated people can still get infected, though their chances of dying or getting seriously sick are dramatically lower.

But restrictions don’t go much further these days, although the Dutch government on Friday announced a three-week partial lockdown.

“We have a very unpleasant message with very unpleasant and far-reaching decisions,” caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

German lawmakers are mulling legislation that would pave the way for new measures. Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced Friday that unvaccinated people in two regions will only be able to leave home for specified reasons starting Monday, and he is considering implementing similar measures nationwide. But he has said he doesn’t want to impose the restrictions on those who got the shot.

Austria is seeing one of the most serious outbreaks in Western Europe, along with Germany, which has reported a string of record-high infections in recent days.

“We have a real emergency situation right now,” said Christian Drosten, the head of virology at Berlin’s Charite Hospital, which has started cancelling scheduled surgeries.

Duesseldorf’s university hospital said last week that its ICU is full, though many facilities are struggling more with staff shortages than bed space.

Drosten said Germany must increase its vaccination rate of 67% further – and fast. But officials have balked at ordering vaccine mandates and want to avoid any blanket lockdowns.

Health Minister Jens Spahn indicated that Germany could improve its often lax enforcement of COVID pass requirements.

“If my vaccination certificate is checked more often in one day in Rome than it sometimes is in four weeks in Germany, then I think more can be done,” Spahn said recently.

The Netherlands is in a similar bind: The country announced the highest daily tally of new cases since the pandemic began Thursday, hospitals are warning the situation could get worse, but officials are reluctant to clamp down too hard. Amid these concerns, organizers in Utrecht said they couldn’t in good conscience bring tens of thousands of people together to greet Santa at the annual Sinterklaas party beloved of children.

Cities in Germany, by contrast, went ahead with outdoor Carnival celebrations last week. In Cologne celebrations continued though designated “Prince” Sven Oleff cancelled public appearances after testing positive for Covid-19 the day before the start of celebrations on November 11th.

In the United Kingdom, which lifted remaining restrictions in July and has seen big spikes as well as dips in cases since, Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists the country can “live with the virus.” The government will only reimpose restrictions if the health service comes under “unsustainable” pressure, he says.

Spain, once one of Europe’s hardest hit nations, perhaps offers an example of how the risks can be managed.

It has vaccinated 80% of its population, and while face masks are no longer mandatory outdoors, many people still wear them. While infections have ticked up slightly recently, Rafael Bengoa, one of Spain’s leading public health experts, said that given the high vaccination rate, “the virus won’t be able to dominate us again.”

Several countries are hoping that pushing harder on immunizations will get them there. Germany plans to re-open vaccination centers across the country to speed booster shots. France is also pinning its hopes on booster doses while urging holdouts to get their first shots. Italy is also expanding its booster program as numbers edge higher.

Pankhania says that no single measure will control the pandemic.

“To really control it, it has to be multi-layered … avoid crowds, avoid poorly ventilated places, be immunized, wear your mask,” he said.

National Covid Memorial Wall, London, UK

 

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News