Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2021

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Expo 2020 finally opened in Dubai; Walt Disney World kicked off 50th anniversary celebrations; Ontario pledged $100 million to help its beleaguered tourism industry; Air France says bonjour to a new plane; and new incentives from Sandals highlight last week’s news.

NEWS

Delayed a year over the coronavirus pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai opened on Friday (Oct. 1). The six-month-long international festival, which officially runs Oct. 1 to through March 31, 2022, features 190 country and thematic pavilions (including one from Canada), and highlights ranging from innovative and inspiring architecture to the world’s largest passenger lift, travel beneath a forest, and music in the gardens of the signature Al Wasl Dome, plus an extensive program of themed weeks, exhibits, workshops, performances, live shows, and more.

Virgin Galactic says the US Federal Aviation Administration has cleared it to resume launches after an investigation into why its spaceship veered off course while descending during a July flight with founder Richard Branson aboard. The company said it was advised by the FAA that corrective actions proposed by Virgin Galactic have been accepted.

Ontario is pledging to provide $100 million to eligible businesses in the province’s tourism sector to help it recover from the impact of COVID-19. The Tourism Recovery Program is designed to help businesses such as inns and lodges, boat tours, ski centres, live performance venues, cinemas, drive-in theatres, and amusement and water parks that have experienced a loss of at least 50% of eligible revenue in 2020-21 compared to 2019.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Argentina opened some of its border to tourists from Chile and Brazil on Monday for a four-day test run as cases of COVID-19 have declined. The measure applies to two crossings into the provinces of Mendoza, a wine-producing region that neighbours Chile, and Misiones, which borders Brazil hand has the famed Iguazu Falls. Visitors will still need to show they have completed a full vaccine course at least 14 days before arriving, show a recent negative PCR test and accept a fast antigen test on arriving. They won’t have to quarantine but will required to have another PCR test if they stay beyond seven days – and those who test positive would then have to quarantine.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

The Ironman World Championship will be held outside Hawaii for the first time in four decades. That is due to uncertainty over whether the Big Island will be able to host the triathlon as scheduled in February because of the coronavirus pandemic. Triathletes will instead head to St. George, Utah, to compete on May 7. Organizers plan to bring the contest back to the islands in October 2022. Ironman participants swim, ride bikes and run a marathon. The first race was held in Honolulu in the 1970 and moved to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island in 1981.

AIR

Swoop will start new non-stop service from Toronto Pearson to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) with twice weekly flights effective Dec. 5. Introductory rates are available through Oct. 15.

Air France has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220-300, the company’s latest addition to its short and medium-haul network. The most innovative and efficient single-aisle aircraft in its class, the Airbus A220-300 provides a cost reduction per seat of 10% compared to the Airbus A318 and A319 and stands out for its energy efficiency, consuming 20% less fuel than the aircraft it replaces and its CO2 emissions are also reduced by 20%. Its noise footprint is also 34% lower.

United Airlines customers can access even more COVID testing locations, including more than 3,000 new Walmart and Albertson Companies locations across the US, through the airline’s website and mobile app in the Travel Ready Center. Customers can now easily book COVID-19 testing appointments at over 3,800 total testing providers and have their results delivered within four to 48 hours of their test and directly submitted to United’s website and mobile app to be reviewed for their flight.

DEALS

Flight and cruise packages booked with Air Canada Vacations by Nov. 25 for travel through Oct. 31, 2022, offer $300 in flight credits per couple. Further, air rates can be secured before they become available in the system with pre-registration that locks in the price for cruise bookings made more than 11 months in advance, where Air Canada Vacations is unable to offer confirmed flights. ACV will contact agents 11 months prior to the departure date to confirm availability and book the required segments.

Crystal Expedition Cruises has announced an increase in ‘Book Now Savings’ to $4,000 per guest on new luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor’s singular nine-night voyage “Expedition Yachting: Caribbean Mystique” from Miami to San Juan departing Oct. 25. The itinerary features rare encounters exploring seldom-visited islands and boutique harbours only accessible to private yachts, including Great Exuma and Man of War Bay (Inagua Island), Bahamas; White Bay and Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, and Norman Island, British Virgin Islands; Gustavia, St. Barts; and Saba, Netherlands; concluding in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guests also receive a shipboard credit of $300 per guest, and reduced deposits of 15%.

TOURS

New ‘Nights Out’ evening experiences are designed to show Uniworld Boutique River Cruises guests Europe in a new light. Th five excursions include a concert in Vienna; after-hours St. Mark’s Square visit in Venice; brewery visit and tasting in Basel, private canal cruise in Amsterdam; and evening at Cochem Castle. The exclusive experiences will be implemented into Uniworld’s all-inclusive itineraries in 2023.

Expanding a policy implemented earlier this year on its European tours and cruises, Tauck will now require all guests ages 12 and over to present proof of being fully vaccinated at the start of their trip. The expanded vaccination requirement was instituted earlier this month and applies to all of Tauck’s tours and cruises worldwide.

HOTELS

The first hotel by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Peru opened its doors Oct. 1. Located in the city centre with views of the Pacific Ocean, the five-star Iberostar Selection Miraflores will be the first plastic-free hotel in Lima and presents a strong emphasis on local gastronomy, thus supporting the environment and local farming and fishing communities. A rooftop infinity pool offers stunning views of and the city and sunsets over the Pacific.

Located in the historic Crown Building on 5th Avenue in New York City, the first home of the Museum of Modern Art, Aman New York will be a luxurious sanctuary that celebrates the building’s striking architecture and significant history. Slated to open later this fall, the hotel will offer restaurants, a Garden Terrace & Bar, a private members club, the three-floor Aman Spa, and a Jazz Club and Wine Room.

RESORTS The Jumeirah Maldives is now welcoming its first guests. The all-villa luxury resort, tucked away on North Malé Atoll, is easily reachable by speedboat or seaplane from Malé Airport and provides privacy for romantic getaways, island retreats for families, and experiences to suit the more active traveller. Featuring 67 beach and over-water villas in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations. The resort’s panoramic architecture and calming interiors are designed to create an elegant contemporary ethos in harmony with the natural environment, echoing modern Mediterranean chic, and each villa features a private infinity pool and large roof-top terrace with a dedicated dining area.

A new five-star seafront resort from Ocean by H10 Hotels will open in Trelawny, Jamaica in November. The adults-only Ocean Eden Bay will feature modern rooms, a large swimming pool, upscale buffet and a-la-carte dining options, a Despacio Spa, scuba dive centre, and a complete sports and entertainment program that includes an innovative dinner-show concept with different thematic performances and culinary experiences each week. Guests who book a stay at the Ocean Eden Bay property will have full access to the services and amenities of the adjacent family-friendly Ocean Coral Spring resort.

CRUISE

Crystal has extended vaccination requirement for guests and all crew through 2022 for ocean ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony and luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor. All age-eligible guests (currently 12 and older) and all crew must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses, if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14-days prior to their embarkation date. The same protocols are in effect for Crystal River Cruises.

By late spring 2022, Holland America Line says it will have a complete fleet back to cruising with the restart of operations for Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam. Noordam will restart with a March 14, 2022, cruise in Japan; Oosterdam will begin cruising May 1 in the Mediterranean; and Westerdam will return to service May 8 in Alaska. The ships will join Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, which have returned to service or are slated to restart cruising by December 2021. Volendam and Zaandam will return in May 2022.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Oct. 1 marked the official kick-off of 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort welcoming its first guests in 1971. For the next 18 months celebrations will ensue, with every inch of the now expanded destination set to reflect the ‘magical milestone,’ including an array of new attractions, nighttime spectaculars, enhanced technological features, dining and merchandise options, and much more to mark the occasion.

EVENTS

Co-organizers Liz Akey, Kimberly Hartley and Sue Webb

Skal Toronto Club hosted an honest-to-goodness golf tournament at the Royal Ontario Club near Toronto on Sept. 27. Social distancing and a scaled-back 19th hole reflected the circumstances, but a brilliant day and 64 enthusiastic participants more than compensated. But, sadly, the team of Wolf Paunic (Trafalgar), Sonia McKeon (Uniglobe), Liz Akey (EMA Marketing), and yours truly, did not win (the foursome of Simon Spina, Joe Montalbano, Andrew Cook and Joe Ricci did). Still, as club golf chair Kimberley Hartley put it: “It was a fabulous day of camaraderie, golf, food, drink, prizes, and lots of fun.”

FAMS & INCENTIVES

As a “token of appreciation” for their work during the pandemic, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts launched several initiatives designed to reward Canadian travel advisors both previous and new bookings. All Points to Paradise rewards (redeemable for free stays) earned from 2019 to 2021 have been extended through Dec. 31, 2022. Also, for a limited time, agents will earn bonus cash commission and double P2P Points on new bookings of six nights or longer.
All bookings must be registered on the Sandals TA portal (taportal.sandals.com) within 30 days in order to qualify for each promotion.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

CAA North & East Ontario has appointed Patricia Marques as Director, Sales. A travel industry veteran with more than 18 years at CAA South Central Ontario and CAA National, Marques will be responsible for the Retail Travel Stores, Partner Relationships and Product Development, Travel Operations, Travel and Membership Call Centres, and Corporate Membership and Business Development teams. She can be reached at pmarques@caaneo.on.ca.

BY THE NUMBERS

Some members of The Travel Agent Next Door recently completed the second annual nine-week FIT TRIP fitness challenge campaign, which also raised funds for Pencils for Kids. Partner agents raised $6,980 and TTAND topped that amount up to $10,000 – enough to fund half the cost of building a school in Niger, Africa. There were over 260 TTAND participants, doing up to 50 different fitness activities and over 12,220 entries were made recording 771,180 minutes of exercise by all participants combined.

DESTINATIONS

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has introduced a new option to the extended stay Live It program. Visitors can now experience life while working remotely in Saint Lucia with a multiple entry visa for up to one year. The program was introduced earlier in 2021 for visits up to six weeks; the second phase now allows applicants to stay for up to a year with a multiple entry visa at the cost of US$75.

A drawing newly attributed to Vincent van Gogh that has never been displayed publicly before is going on show at the Amsterdam museum that bears the Dutch master’s name. The “new” Van Gogh, “Study for ‘Worn Out,’” from November 1882, is part of a Dutch private collection and was known to only a handful of people, including a few from the Van Gogh Museum. It will be on exhibit until Jan. 2, 2022.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Hotels Opens Grand Mercure in Khao Lak Thailand

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Accor Hotels Opens Grand Mercure in Khao Lak Thailand - TRAVELINDEXKhao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand, October 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Located on a secret stretch of Thailand’s Andaman Coast in the province of Phang Nga, the newly-opened Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak offers travellers a unique and tranquil beach getaway experience. The 195-room Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak is reminiscent of a traditional Thai riverside village.

Taking inspiration from the traditional riverside villages of Thailand, a canal flows throughout the resort connecting guestrooms and shared areas, whilst the leafy palm trees and lush garden provide a tropical and tranquil atmosphere.

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

The authentic beauty of southern Thai culture is captured through the resort’s interior design. Each of the 195 guestrooms and suites at Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak feature private terraces overlooking spectacular views of the canal, swimming pool, and tropical gardens. The resort offers a wide variety of room configurations.

“Around the world, Grand Mercure revisits the singularity of each destination with a fresh cultural perspective. We’re really pleased to be strengthening our presence in Southern Thailand with this beautiful new address that is deeply rooted to Thai culture through its design, dining and experiential offerings. Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak will appeal to travellers looking for an authentic experience that captures the spirit and culture of the Phang Nga province which also encourages exploration”, said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea.

The all-day dining restaurant, Patio, features a range of Asian and international dishes with live cooking stations, while the beachfront restaurant, Green Mango, offers diners a choice of authentic Southern Thai cuisine using recipes passed on through the generations. The signature dishes are served in “Pinto” or the tiffin box, which is inspired by the traditional Thai way of life, where locals would pack their home-cooked recipes in a pinto for making merit at the temple before relishing food together with family and friends while enjoying good conversation. The Soak Pool Bar is an ideal place to unwind and mingle while sampling a variety of delicious beverages and light snacks.

Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak will cater to a wide variety of guest needs. The resort features two swimming pools with garden and ocean views. Families with younger children can enjoy a range of activities at the Kids Corner or opt for a swim in the kids’ pool. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a refreshing workout while guests looking for complete rejuvenation can unwind in a range of body and facial treatments at Pran Spa. Through the healing power of results-oriented techniques and locally produced natural ingredients, the treatments thoughtfully cater to the needs of each guest. Some signature wellbeing massage offerings include Energy Recharge, an aromatherapy massage with warm Himalayan Salt compress that helps relieve fatigue, while the energizing aroma of grapefruit, ginger and clove will help easing respiratory problems.

For travellers ‘working from home’ or by the beach, the resort is equipped with a Business Corner offering computers, printing and other business services. Meetings, private parties and corporate events can be catered for at the resort’s 260 square metre meeting room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests.

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

“Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most tranquil destinations and our team are incredibly excited to finally open our doors. Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak offers a fresh cultural perspective that encourages guests to immerse themselves in Southern Thai culture. The resort’s unique dining, recreational and wellness offerings have been tailored to celebrate the local way of life, whilst offering a sophisticated experience through authentic design and multi-sensory experiences. The resort is the perfect springboard to explore the pristine Andaman coastline and we are extremely excited to welcome guests to experience our interpretation of the vibrant culture for which Thailand is renowned,” said Thomas Reupke, General Manager of Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak.

The coastal town of Khao Lak is renowned for its perfect beaches and untouched tropical nature, less than a two hour drive from Phuket international airport. Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak is located close to adventurous attractions, such as Bang Niang Market, Elephant Rehabilitation and Retirement Home, Takua Pa Old Town, Ton Chong Fah Waterfall, Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, and Elephant Fly Zipline. The world-renowned scuba diving and snorkelling hotspots of the Similan Islands are just 1.5 hours away by speedboat.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Governments Response to Delta Variant Slams August Traffic Demand

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Governments Response to Delta Variant Slams August Traffic Demand - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, October 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel decelerated in August compared to July, as government actions in response to concerns over the COVID-19 Delta variant cut deeply into domestic travel demand.

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to July 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.

– Total demand for air travel in August 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 56.0% compared to August 2019. This marked a slowdown from July, when demand was 53.0% below July 2019 levels.

– This was entirely driven by domestic markets, which were down 32.2% compared to August 2019, a major deterioration from July 2021, when traffic was down 16.1% versus two years ago. The worst impact was in China, while India and Russia were the only large markets to show a month-to-month improvement compared to July 2021.

– International passenger demand in August was 68.8% below August 2019, which was an improvement compared to the 73.1% decline recorded in July. All regions showed improvement, which was attributable to growing vaccination rates and less stringent international travel restrictions in some regions.

“August results reflect the impact of concerns over the Delta variant on domestic travel, even as international travel continued on a snail’s pace toward a full recovery that cannot happen until governments restore the freedom to travel. In that regard, the recent US announcement to lift travel restrictions from early November on fully vaccinated travelers is very good news and will bring certainty to a key market. But challenges remain, September bookings indicate a deterioration in international recovery. That’s bad news heading into the traditionally slower fourth quarter,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

– European carriers’ August international traffic declined 55.9% versus August 2019, significantly bettering the 63.2% decrease in July compared to the same month in 2019. Capacity dropped 45.0% and load factor fell 17.7 percentage points to 71.5%.

– Asia-Pacific airlines saw their August international traffic fall 93.4% compared to August 2019, barely improved over the 94.5% drop registered in July 2021 versus July 2019 as the region continues to have the strictest border control measures. Capacity dropped 85.7% and the load factor was down 44.9 percentage points to 37.9%, by far the lowest among regions.

– Middle Eastern airlines had a 69.3% demand drop in August compared to August 2019, improved upon the 73.6% decrease in July, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 55.0%, and load factor deteriorated 26.2 percentage points to 56.2%.

– North American carriers experienced a 59.0% traffic drop in August versus the 2019 period, much improved on the 61.7% decline in July compared to July 2019. Capacity sank 48.5%, and load factor dipped 18.0 percentage points to 70.3%.

– Latin American airlines saw a 63.1% drop in August traffic, compared to the same month in 2019, improved over the 68.3% decline in July compared to July 2019. August capacity fell 57.3% and load factor dropped 11.4 percentage points to 72.6%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the eleventh consecutive month.

– African airlines’ traffic fell 58.5% in August versus two years’ ago, somewhat improved over the 60.4% decline in July compared to July 2019. August capacity was down 50.1% and load factor declined 12.7% to 63.0%.

– China’s domestic traffic dropped 57.0% compared to August 2019 – a huge deterioration from the 2.5% fall in July. However, overall cases were low, and outbreaks were mostly under control by the end of August, suggesting numbers will improve in September.

– India’s domestic traffic reversed the trend, as demand fell 44.8% in August, improved from a 58.9% decline in July versus July 2019, owing to positive trends in new cases and vaccination.

The Bottom Line

“The rapid slowdown in the domestic traffic recovery in August, owing to a spike in the Delta variant shows how exposed air travel continues to be to the cycles of COVID-19. For governments that should send two messages. The first is that this is not the time to step away from continuing support of the industry, both financial and regulatory. The second is the need to apply a risk-based approach to managing borders–as passengers are already doing in making their travel decisions,” said Walsh.

Next week, leaders of the global aviation community will gather in Boston at the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, 3-5 October. “The AGM provides a powerful vote of confidence in the safety of international air travel and the health protocols that have now been in place for up to 18 months. I’ve said it before: virtual meetings are no substitute for the value delivered through the opportunity to meet face-to-face. The AGM will provide a powerful reminder of this fact.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CEOs to World Leaders: Now is the Time for Trade Reforms

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CEOs to World Leaders: Now is the Time for Trade Reforms - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, October 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Nearly 30 CEOs and Chairpersons from some of the world’s biggest companies called on governments to work through geopolitical tensions, re-engage on trade reform and refrain from protectionism.

This call to action comes at a time of significant geopolitical tensions and challenging economic dynamics. Uniquely, it brings together a diverse group of companies representing 17 countries across all five continents.

The signatories are from the following 12 sectors: retail, e-commerce, food and beverage, payments, financial sector, investors, telecommunications, chemicals, logistics, supply chain and transport, professional services, energy and commodities.

Convened by the World Economic Forum’s Trade and Investment community, business leaders called for higher global ambition for trade cooperation, including at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Meeting.

“Business leaders are sending clear signals to policy makers that change is both necessary and achievable,” said Borge Brende, President, World Economic Forum. “In this Trade for Tomorrow statement, leaders highlight the potential of trade and investment for recovery and development. They call for quick progress on health, digital, investment and environmental matters, and note that business can help with implementing reforms.”

According to a recent Ipsos-World Economic Forum survey, 75% of the global public supports expanding trade, but only half said they thought globalization was good for their country, a drop of 10 percentage points since 2019. This ambiguity reveals belief in the potential of trade for improving lives but deep unease over its current directions.

The call to action also highlights a need for deeper dialogue on trade system governance and building a level playing field, as societies reflect on what they seek from trade.

The Forum’s Future of Trade and Investment Platform brings together leaders from business, government and civil society to shape the future of trade and global economic interdependence. As a neutral space, it creates the opportunity for frank dialogue around some of the most challenging issues facing the system.

Ahead of the call to action, the community also released reports on Trade and Climate Action and Trade and Social Justice to guide leaders on crucial next steps to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

A call to action to make trade work for all

We believe trade and investment support human development and that a global recovery can be built upon a trade recovery. Governments must creatively re-engage on trade reform and refrain from protectionism.

Trade and investment empower people to exchange goods and services, find rewarding employment, enjoy consumer benefits and grow successful businesses. Trade and investment must support development and inclusion.

Through jointly upholding environmental and social standards, trade cooperation should prevent a race to the bottom and avoid harmful distortions to markets for goods and services.

Trade cooperation can improve outcomes for underrepresented members of society, including women and minorities.

It should be complemented by broader policies that support equitable outcomes, domestically and internationally, recognizing that trade and investment shocks have significant effects on livelihoods.

This includes cooperation on tax and competition regulation as well as migration and labour conditions.

International public-private cooperation should foster a resilient, efficient and inclusive trading system, building stable and coherent processes, supported by robust aid-for-trade technical assistance and capacity-building.

We call upon leaders to, by the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2021:

1 – Strengthen healthcare access by lowering tariff and administrative barriers to trade in inputs and final products, facilitating global manufacturing investment, improving supply chain transparency, removing export restraints, and discussing the relationship between intellectual property rights and access to lifesaving technologies;

2 – Conclude a meaningful electronic commerce agreement that improves access and interoperability, enables safe and efficient digital trade and data flows, promotes openness and trust, and addresses market access issues. Also, abstain from customs duties on electronic transmissions;

3 – Conclude a meaningful investment facilitation for development agreement that improves transparency and predictability, streamlines administrative procedures, reduces disputes and enhances sustainable investment;

4 – Advance meaningful environmental agreements, delivering a robust agreement on fisheries subsidies by July 2021 and reducing siloes between trade, environment and development policymaking by aligning trade action with COP26 outcomes;

5 – Effectively implement and monitor commitments, employing public-private cooperation. In so doing, pay special attention to the needs of women, MSMEs and developing countries and, where current commitments are insufficient, advance new agreements to broaden access to the benefits of trade.

6 – Trade system reforms, particularly with regards to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, the role of the WTO in a diverse trade architecture and the functions of the secretariat;

7 – Resolving level-playing-field concernswith respect to subsidies, state-owned enterprises, trade remedies, government procurement and domestic regulation across industrial, agriculture and service sectors.

Signatories

Krishan N. Balendra, Chairman, John Keells Holdings Plc

Ajay S. Banga, Executive Chairman, Mastercard

Ankiti Bose, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Zilingo Pte Ltd

Dolf van den Brink, Chief Executive Officer, HEINEKEN NV

Hussain Dawood, Group Chairman, Dawood Hercules Corporation

Börje Ekholm, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Øyvind Eriksen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aker ASA

André Esteves, Senior Partner, Banco BTG Pactual SA

Jim Fitterling, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dow

Fernando Galletti de Queiroz, Chief Executive Officer, Minerva Foods

Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Group Chief Executive, Oman Global Logistics Group SAOC

Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer, Yara International ASA

Al Kelly Jr, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Visa Inc.

Kutoane Obed Kutoane, Chief Executive Officer, Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd

Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Airport Authority (Hong Kong)

Christian Lanng, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Co-Founder, Tradeshift

Matthew Layton, Global Managing Partner, Clifford Chance LLP

Geoff Martha, Chairman & CEO, Medtronic

John M. Neill, Chairman and Group Chief Executive, Unipart Group of Companies

John Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Express

Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive, HSBC Holdings Plc

Marwan J. Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Shurooq

Aba Schubert, Chief Executive Officer, Dorae

Murat Seitnepesov, Managing Director, Integral Petroleum SA

Tarek Sultan Al Essa, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board, Agility, Kuwait

Michael Süss, Chairman, OC Oerlikon Management AG

Jean-Pascal Tricroire, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric

José Viñals, Group Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank

Jeremy Weir, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Trafigura Group Pte Ltd

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO and Netflix Partner to Rethink Screen Tourism

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UNWTO and Netflix Partner to Rethink Screen Tourism - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, October 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO and Netflix have partnered on the publication of a report which looks at the role of film and series as drivers for tourism and cultural affinity. The Global Report on Cultural Affinity and Screen Tourism explores the growing affection one has towards a particular country or culture displayed on the screen.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The findings of the research were presented in Madrid against the backdrop of the Iberseries Platino Industria – the largest international event for professionals linked to the audiovisual industry in Spanish and Portuguese.

The report’s ultimate goal is to support policymakers and key stakeholders within the tourism sector to implement policies that make their destinations attractive for audio-visual producers. At the same time, it aims to help in the building of focused strategies to promote tourism and consumption of local culture, investing in skills and training to develop the local film and creative sectors to ensure a high level of talent, infrastructure and production capacity and integrating tourism and showcasing culture at film festivals to deepen the global audiences’ knowledge.

The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism

UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Both tourism and the audiovisual sectors celebrate and promote culture, support jobs and provide opportunities in diverse locations. The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism.

Dean Garfield, Vice-President, Public Policy, Netflix: “As highlighted in this research, we have been able to demonstrate conclusively what we instinctively already believed, which is that alongside the desire to travel and visit destinations, exposure to screen content also leads to greater interest in heritage, culture, language, and developing interpersonal relationships. This truly demonstrates that the creative industries, cultural exchange, storytelling, and tourism are all interlinked and can transform the way communities perceive and connect with each other.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Following the presentation of the Global Report, experts on tourism and the audio-visual industry shared their knowledge and insights into changing trends in screen tourism, its positive impacts on strengthening cultural affinity and the role of online streaming services in promoting tourism and cultural affinity between people, cultures and countries in line with the 2030 Agenda. The event also served to underline how public-private partnerships can support destinations to promote themselves as attractive locations for audio-visual producers.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Gaylord Hotels Unveils Brand-New, Original Holiday Experience Inspired by Elf and Full Lineup of Annual Christmas Programming

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Mission Save Christmas - Candy Cane Forest.jpg
Gaylord Hotels announces its all-new, original experience, Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf(TM) as part of its 2021 Christmas lineup.

Gaylord Hotels is excited to unveil its brand-new, multi-sensory marquee Christmas experience, Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, along with its full lineup of Christmas programming that will be featured during the 2021 festive season across Gaylord Palms in Florida, Gaylord Opryland in Tennessee, Gaylord Texan in Texas, Gaylord Rockies in Colorado and Gaylord National in Maryland. Overnight and day guests are now able to pre-purchase individual tickets in anticipation of the holiday season.

Known for its iconic holiday events and activities, Christmas at Gaylord Hotels is guaranteed to bring joyful holiday cheer and an abundance of imaginative, themed, immersive environments, tons of interactive experiences and activities and exciting live entertainment designed for guests of all ages.

An All-New, Gaylord Hotels Original Experience: Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™
Representing this season’s marquee programming, Gaylord Hotels needs guests of all ages to help save Christmas! In this collaboration with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, guests will join Buddy the Elf and answer the call from Santa to help muster enough Christmas cheer to power the Kringle 3000 and help Santa’s sleigh fly. Guests will journey into Buddy’s world to help save the holiday in a multisensory experience full of fun, interactive challenges perfect for all ages: Team up with Mr. Narwhal and friends in the candy cane forest, stay ahead of the toy quota in the North Pole, prepare for Santa’s arrival at the iconic department store, and take part in an epic virtual snowball fight in Central Park. These are just a few of more than 12 interactive elements to discover in this unique experience.

MISSION: SAVE CHRISTMAS featuring ELF™ will anchor the Christmas experience at Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Opryland, Gaylord Texan, and Gaylord Rockies. Ticket prices and links.

A Gaylord Hotels Original Production, I Love Christmas Movies™, Debuts at Gaylord National
This year, Gaylord National is excited to offer I Love Christmas Movies™, an exclusive pop-up exhibition, also in collaboration with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, that allows guests to experience scenes from beloved holiday movies, including THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™ and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™, in a completely new way. As guests young and young at heart navigate the multi-sensory exhibits, they will enjoy more than 13 fully-immersive scenes, complete with replicas of film props, audio clips and more, making participants feel as if they have stepped into part of the actual story.

Immersive Environments
Gaylord Hotels offers visitors creatively immersive holiday environments where guests are immersed in environments with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling light shows, towering Christmas trees, and thousands of shimmering ornaments at every turn. Each resort features spaces where families can discover magical experiences and activities, including the Pinetop Stage, an outdoor Appalachian-esque village at Gaylord Opryland; Glacier Point, a snowy outdoor adventure area at Gaylord Rockies; Snow Factory, an icy and exhilarating mechanized snow play place at Gaylord Palms; and Christmas Villages filled with merriment at Gaylord Texan and Gaylord National.

Interactive Experiences
To spread more Christmas cheer, Gaylord Hotels offers special dining experiences where guests can meet some of the most beloved holiday characters. Visitors can enjoy Breakfast with Charlie Brown™ & Friends at Gaylord Rockies and Texan, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Breakfast at Gaylord Opryland and a themed breakfast at Gaylord Palms. At select locations, guests can interact with these characters on unique, themed scavenger hunts that will lead them on a holiday journey throughout the resort.

Gaylord Hotels offers an assortment of wintery activities so visitors can enjoy the chilly weather without leaving the resort. Guests can experience the thrills of Ice Bumper Cars, Ice and Snow Tubing, Ice Skating and more. At Gaylord Palms and Gaylord National, visitors to the Snow Factory can make and toss real snowballs to power the snowmaking machines and slide through frozen-solid conveyor belts. At Gaylord Texan’s Santa’s Snow Throw guests can use a bucket of snowballs to take aim at interactive targets constructed by the elves.

Gaylord Hotels has incorporated classic holiday activities to enhance guests’ Christmas experiences. Available at every property, families can visit Gingerbread Decorating Corner, bring imagination to life with Build-A-Bear Workshop® and take photos with Santa. A variety of other activities are also available at select locations such as the Elf Workshop where guests can create crafts and keepsakes, Sugary Sweet Storytime featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince, Christmas Carousels and more.

Throughout Gaylord Hotels, guests can enjoy other amenities such as seasonal treatments at Relâche Spa, finishing their holiday shopping in the resorts’ selection of stores and enjoy delicious meals in the properties’ many dining options. At select locations, water parks are open year-round for guests to enjoy.

Live Entertainment
Guests will be entertained by Gaylord Hotels’ lineup of captivating and thrilling live entertainment. At Gaylord Opryland visitors can see The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas in Tennessee Dinner Show performed by GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members. At Gaylord Rockies Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. Cirque: Spirit of Christmas at Gaylord Palms features dazzling acrobatics and high-flying stunts. The Greatest Story Ever Told, a musical stage show and multicultural celebration, will be performed at Gaylord Palms and Gaylord National.

Tickets and Packages
Tickets for Christmas at Gaylord Hotels and I Love Christmas Movies can be purchased at ChristmasatGaylordHotels.com. Advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events.

Guests of Gaylord Hotels can take advantage of packages that include entrance to the property’s marquee event as well as offerings that enhance their stay with additional fan-favorite holiday activities.

Christmas at Gaylord Hotels will be presented over the following dates:

  • Gaylord Opryland: November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Texan: November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Rockies: November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Palms: November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord National: November 26 – December 31, 2021

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the Christmas at Gaylord Hotels program has been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and with enhanced protocols and social distancing measure. Programming will also operate in consideration with the latest local, state and federal legislation.

For a full lineup of Christmas at Gaylord Hotels programming at each resort, please visit ChristmasatGaylordHotels.com.

ABOUT GAYLORD HOTELS
Gaylord Hotels, part of the Marriott portfolio of brands, welcomes guests to more, with extraordinary environments, diverse dining options, full-service spas, pools, top-notch entertainment, shopping and more. Locations include Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida; Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland; and Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, CO.

ABOUT WARNER BROS. THEMED ENTERTAINMENT
Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment (WBTE), part of WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, is a worldwide leader in the creation, development and licensing of location-based entertainment, live events, exhibits and theme park experiences based on WarnerMedia’s iconic characters, stories, and brands. WBTE is home to the groundbreaking global locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, WB Movie World Australia, and countless other experiences inspired by DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby, Game of Thrones, Friends and more. With best-in-class partners, WBTE allows fans around the world to physically immerse themselves inside their favorite brands and franchises.

ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, THE POLAR EXPRESS, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s21). Peanuts © 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved. © Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. © VStar Entertainment Group Newco, LLC 2021. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Media Contact:
The Brandman Agency
Michael Gartenlaub & Megan Trivelli
GaylordHotels@brandmanagency.com
(212) 683 2442

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

International Guests Expected at Innovation Festival in Andermatt

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International Guests Expected at Innovation Festival in Andermatt

Lucerne, Switzerland, October 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / For over ten years, World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) has been bringing together industry experts, CEOs, investors and start-ups, establishing itself as a prestigious global platform for exchange. By fostering cross-generational collaboration, new ideas and solutions emerge to benefit tourism today and in the future. On 15 and 16 November 2021, WTFL is hosting an “Innovation Festival” in Andermatt. Online participation will also be possible.

At the hybrid conference, well-known personalities, such as Klaus Schwab (founder of the World Economic Forum), Laura Meyer (CEO Hotelplan), Peter Fankhauser (CEO PETRAF Ltd and former CEO Thomas Cook Group), Shannon Ghuian (Chief Sustainability Officer at TTC), Marloes Knippenberg (CEO Kersten Hospitality), Koen Deryckere (Global Lead Industry Networks and Programs at Accenture) and Alex Lampert (CEO GuestReady) will discuss the tourism industry’s current challenges and demonstrate how these can be tackled with forward-thinking solutions. Innovation, a driver for development and a central factor in overcoming crises, is the focus of this two-day conference.

Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi based Twenty14 Holdings will also take the stage at the event. The Indian-origin hotel-owner and serial entrepreneur is the newest appointment to the WTFL Global Advisory Board. He was chosen this month to join the international body of renowned industry stakeholders and decision makers and will collaborate with them on solving the travel and tourism industry’s future challenges. Known for his talents as a visionary leader, an insightful entrepreneur and a socially responsible philanthropist, Ahamed will also be a valued contributor and a key solutions architect at WTFL’s Think Tank.

Innovation knows no bounds 
Society is changing and tourism must adapt to align with these broad and varied developments. Subjects such as diversity and inclusion, biodiversity, entrepreneurship and many others urgently need to become part of the conversation. For this reason, the finalists of this year’s Start-Up Innovation Camp are presenting their pitches live in front of investors and interested industry representatives at the Innovation Festival. In addition to thought-provoking keynotes and panels, various side events, such as the “Think Tank”, the “Next Generation Leaders Day” and the “Young Talent Programme” will be held (see below).

A regular exchange between generations and disciplines is the key to a successful, innovation-driven future for tourism.

Register now and get your ticket at: eveni.to/festival2021online/registration

About World Tourism Forum Lucerne
World Tourism Forum Lucerne is an exclusive platform where leading global companies from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries meet to shape a more sustainable future for tourism. It gives decision makers in-depth insights into the most important topics faced by the tourism industry and access to a unique global network. World Tourism Forum Lucerne is the only platform to integrate start-ups, next generation leaders and students into one event. Over the past ten years it has developed to become a year-round network of CEOs and thought-leaders who are advocating for positive change in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Climate Action to Support the Ja Ja Not Blah Blah Generation

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Climate Action to Support the Ja Ja Not Blah Blah Generation

Valetta, Malta, October 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Geoffrey Lipman remarks on receiving the 2021 Martha Honey Legacy Award from CREST. “I want to thank CREST for this prestigious award and to recognize the significant long time green tourism thought leadership of Martha Honey, in whose honour it is given. I’m glad we traded thoughts in the more civilized time of the early 1990s and not in the polarized, hate Infected, Trumpian world of today. It allowed us to come at the same issues from differing perspectives, with civility and decency.

I accept the Award, not so much for myself, but as an acknowledgement of the inspiration, I received back then from my friend and mentor for 25 years the late Maurice Strong – sustainability and climate activist half a century ago. And I marvel at what he achieved on the world stage.

The same Maurice Strong who organized the 1972 Earth Summit and the 1992 Rio Earth Summit – with 124 Heads of State. Who masterminded the birth of UNEP, the IPCC, the UNFCCC, the Earth Charter and Ted Turner’s billion dollar donation to the UN Foundation. And also arguably had fingerprints on the MDGs, the SDGs and the Paris Climate Accord. Just as his vision is baked into the DNA of SUNx Malta, a legacy to him in the Travel & Tourism space, an EU-based NGO, partnered with the government of Malta to advance Climate Friendly Travel

My message today, from SUNx Malta, along with my real gratitude to CREST for the Award, consists of three points, One The Climate Crisis is existential – it needs to be our primary focus. And it needs it now. This is the hottest year in recent memory, with the most disastrous impacts escalating around the world. Our current 2030 emissions trajectory is 16 % increase rather than the 50% decrease needed to stay on track to a 1.5-degree limit.

Two The Glasgow Tourism Declaration is a step in the right direction, but we have to go further, faster. We need a DASH-2-Zero, Net Zero Carbon 2030 rather than 2050 and by 2050 (3 decades away) we need No GHG. DASH stands for Declare:

Act: Support and Hope

Three our best hope is the Youth, who will as Greta Thunberg says will have to clean up our mess. Today’s young people are the Ja Ja – Yes we can generation. Not the blah blah – as Thunberg refers to ours. They will do take the tough actions needed to live with the Climate Crisis – because it’s not going away. And we must give them the Support and the Hope that they deserve.

As the Innuits say “We do not inherit the earth from our fathers, we borrow it from our children.” Thank you

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

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

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

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Red Sea Development Company Unveils Spectacular Desert Rock Mountain Resort

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The Red Sea Development Company Unveils Spectacular Desert Rock Mountain Resort

Riyadh, October 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Red Sea Development Company, the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, The Red Sea Project, has revealed design plans for its new mountain resort named Desert Rock in the beautiful wadi vistas in the west of the country. Desert Rock will integrate architecture with nature as hotel and facilities will be built into the stunning Saudi mountain landscape.

Created by the world-class architectural design firm, Oppenheim Architecture, Desert Rock is designed to protect and preserve the environment and will allow guests to connect with the nature and local culture of the region.

We wanted to create a destination that allows guests to experience Saudi Arabia’s untouched beauty. Desert Rock will provide guests with uninterrupted spectacular views while preserving the natural landscape for future generations to enjoy, said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.

“He added: “We have drawn inspiration from the surrounding environment, while providing unparalleled luxury, allowing guests to connect with nature and create memorable experiences.”

Integrating architecture with nature

Guests will enter the resort through a hidden valley nestled between the mountains. From there, they will find 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms within the mountain, a total of 60 keys, located amongst the vista, with architecture fully integrated into the rock to preserve its striking silhouette, a tribute to Oppenheim Architecture’s philosophy to build with the land, not on the land.

A range of accommodation will be available, from ground level dwellings to crevice hotel suites midway up the mountain, and a select number of excavated rooms within the rock massif itself.

To provide undisrupted views across the landscape, most roads leading into the resort will be pushed to the edge of the main wadi and hidden behind landscape mounds. This will also minimize sound and light pollution, allowing guests to fully absorb the dramatic desert landscape.

Unique resort experience

The resort will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class spa and fitness center, remote destination dining areas as well as a feature lagoon oasis. Guests will be able to hike, use dune buggies, and star gaze as part of the site-wide activities program.

The project also aims to maintain the ancient history of the site by hiring members of the local community to act as stewards of the land and provide educational tours for visitors about the local history of the area.

Sustainably constructed

As part of TRSDC’s commitment to regenerative tourism, Desert Rock will be designed to achieve the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification level.

The architecture has been designed to reduce energy consumption and regenerate native flora. Water retention and distribution systems will be used throughout the site, with harvested rainwater used to create a more green, flourishing Wadi.

Alongside this, materials excavated from the site will be used to create the infrastructure. Stone will be used for interior and exterior walls and floors, while ground stone and existing sand will be used for concrete aggregate, which is the main building material for all the architecture.

Chad Oppenheim, Founder of Oppenheim Architecture, said: “Desert Rock is one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the world, which is why we wanted to use the architecture as a way to honor and respect it. By utilizing natural materials and integrating the resort into the rock, guests can connect physically with the destination and experience Saudi Arabia’s stunning, natural beauty.”

Breaking new ground

Site preparation works have commenced, and construction began in July 2021. The Red Sea Project has already passed significant milestones on the destination and work is on track to welcome the first guests by the end of 2022, when the first hotels will open. Phase One, which includes 16 hotels in total, will complete by 2023.

Upon completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, leisure facilities and an international airport.

About The Red Sea Development Company
The Red Sea Development Company is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

The project will be developed over 28,000 km2 of pristine lands and waters along Saudi Arabia’s west coast and includes a vast archipelago of more than 90 islands. The destination also features mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural and heritage sites. The destination will include hotels, residential properties, leisure, commercial and entertainment amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure that emphasizes renewable energy and water conservation and re-use.

Activity for the first phase of development, which focuses on enabling the infrastructure to support future work, is well underway. A marine infrastructure contract awarded in July 2019 includes the construction of a 3.3 km crossing to Shurayrah (the main hub) and development has begun at the Coastal Village, which will be home to around 14,000 people who will work at the destination.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A HISTORY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD

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From one theme park, two resort hotels and two golf courses, Walt Disney World Resort has evolved into world unto itself, which, in 2021 – 50 years after opening its gates for the first time – includes four theme parks, two water parks, more than two dozen resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club properties, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, 63 holes of championship golf, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment enclave and Disney Springs, a waterfront entertainment, dining, and shopping district.

As the Florida theme park destination looks ahead to its 50th anniversary celebrations, which start today (see previous story), here’s a look back at how it all came to be:

1965

Nov. 15 – Walt Disney and his brother Roy publicly announce plans for Disney World in a press conference held in downtown Orlando, Fla.

1966

Oct. 27 – Walt Disney records a film outlining plans for the Florida Project – including details for Disney World and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).

1966

Dec. 15 – Walt Disney dies, age 65

1967

May 30 – Groundbreaking officially kicks off construction of Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney officially named the project “Walt Disney World” to ensure the world will always remember the man behind this historic dream.

1970

Jan. 16 – The Walt Disney World Preview Center opens in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., becoming the first location to welcome guests on Walt Disney World property. It features scale models and artist renderings for many of the diverse experiences being created for the “Vacation Kingdom of the World.”

1971

Oct. 1 – Walt Disney World officially opens to the public. Phase one includes Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The resort is a showplace of innovation, featuring a transportation system of monorails, watercraft, trams, and motor coaches, as well as a centralized computer network and other ground-breaking systems supporting the many guest offerings and attractions.

Oct. 25 – The Electrical Water Pageant debuts, bringing twinkling lights and a colourful synthesizer soundtrack to become a guest favourite along the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Nov. 19 – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground opens, nestled among acres of scenic pine and cypress forest and evoking the timeless beauty of the American frontier.

Magic Kingdom park entrance, 1971

1973

Dec. 15 – Walt Disney World Resort expands with a new hotel, now known as Shades of Green, and a new attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, in Adventureland.

1974

June 30 – The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue premieres at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Today, it is one of the longest-running dinner shows in American history.

1975

Jan. 15 – Tomorrowland expands with Space Mountain and GE Carousel of Progress opens, further enhancing Tomorrowland with the latter currently holding the record for longest-running stage show in the history of American theatre.

March 22 – Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village opens with 28 shops and four restaurants. It will evolve over the decades and become The Marketplace at Disney Springs.

June 7 – Walt Disney World Resort honors America’s bicentennial with America On Parade. With 50 floats and more than 200 performers paying tribute to America’s history, people and traditions, it stands as the largest daily parade ever staged in a Disney park.

July 1 – The WEDway PeopleMover (now known as Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover) is added to Tomorrowland, providing new views along its highway in the sky.

July 14 – Preliminary plans for EPCOT are announced.

1976

June 20 – Disney’s River Country water park opens next to Fort Wilderness. The popularity of River Country eventually inspires Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks.

1977

June 11 –Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Electrical Parade makes its first Florida appearance, which followed its 1972 debut at Disneyland park in California.

1979

Oct. 1 – After years of planning, construction begins on EPCOT.

1980

Sept. 23 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opens in Frontierland, expanding the mountain range at Magic Kingdom Park.

1981

Oct. 1 – A year-long Tencennial Celebration begins, bringing new entertainment to Magic Kingdom Park. Later in the year, the EPCOT Preview Center opens on Main Street, USA

1982

Oct. 1 – EPCOT opens with five Future World pavilions – Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy, World of Motion, Journey Into Imagination and The Land – and nine World Showcase pavilions representing Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, France, United Kingdom and Canada. Disney expands its legacy of work with Make-A-Wish as the first wish is granted at Walt Disney World Resort. Since 1982, more than 176,000 life-changing wishes have been granted for children facing critical illnesses in partnership with more than 250 wish-granting organizations around the globe.

1983

Dec. 16 – The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held at Magic Kingdom, starting a tradition of popular Disney After Hours events, combining special entertainment and offerings with extra time in the park.

Dec. 25 – The Walt Disney World Christmas Parade is broadcast live from Magic Kingdom on ABC, going on to become a holiday tradition and growing to include parades and performances from both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

1984

Sept. 7 – EPCOT World Showcase expands with the opening of the Morocco pavillion.

1986

Jan. 15 – The Living Seas (now The Seas with Nemo & Friends) opens at EPCOT, home to more than 200 species of sea life in a 5.7 million-gallon “ocean” of saltwater.

1987

Jan. 25 – The iconic “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial debuts. New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms is the first to shout the now-famous phrase following his team’s Super Bowl XXI victory.

1988

June 3 – EPCOT World Showcase expands with the opening of the Norway pavilion.

June 28 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa opens as the flagship of Walt Disney World Resort hotels. It’s followed Oct. 1 by Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

1989

May 1 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens with Tinseltown glamour, major entertainment attractions and behind-the-scenes looks at movie-making.

May 1 – The nighttime entertainment complex Pleasure Island opens with an array of restaurants and themed nightclubs. It will close in 2008 to make way for Disney Springs.

June 1 – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park opens, featuring a 95-foot-high mountain, eight water slides and a 2.5-acre wave pool.

1990

November – The first phase of the EPCOT Resort Area opens with the debut of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Nov. 5) and Disney’s Beach Club Resort (Nov. 19). The following year brings Walt Disney World Swan Hotel (Jan. 13) and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (June 4). All within walking distance of the theme park, the collection of resorts significantly expands lodging and convention options.

1991

November – The Disney Harvest program launches. Today this program annually collects more than 823,000 pounds of prepared, unserved food from throughout Walt Disney World Resort for distribution to more than 40 Orlando-area non-profits served by Second Harvest Food Bank.

Dec. 20 – Disney Vacation Club launches with the opening of its first resort, now called Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

1993

April 23– The Walt Disney Company dedicates 8,500 acres of land purchased at the Osceola-Polk County line to The Nature Conservancy to preserve for future generations as the Disney Wilderness Preserve.

1994

Jan. 16 – The inaugural Walt Disney World Marathon steps off, eventually growing into the popular runDisney races today.

April 29 – The inaugural EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival debuts. In the years to follow, festivals dedicated to food & wine, the arts and holidays join the lineup.

June 12 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios expands with the opening of its first new themed area, Sunset Boulevard, bringing more shops, dining, and entertainment to the park… along with the haunted thrills of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (July 22). Walt Disney World Resort continues to expand lodging options with the openings of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (May 28), Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort (April 29) and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (Nov. 1).

1995

April 1 – Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park debuts, offering winter-themed fun in a water park setting, including a 12-storey drop down the high-speed waterslide Summit Plummet.

April 22 – The Disney Conservation Fund forms to provide support for respected conservation organizations saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature. To date, the fund has directed $100 million to support non-profit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

July 15 – Disney’s Wedding Pavilion opens on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, part of a vast expansion of options for weddings and vowel renewals. Today, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons offers a wide range of nuptial and honeymoon planning around the globe.

1996

Feb. 9 – Disney Institute opens, bringing more than 60 interactive programs to guests seeking fun and self-enrichment in customized vacation experiences. In the years to follow, Disney Institute evolves into a training and professional-development organization that helps organizations be more successful using business insights and best practices of Disney parks and resorts.

July 1 – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas open along with their namesake boardwalk that brings new restaurants and nightspots to the EPCOT Resort Area.

Oct. 1 – Walt Disney World Resort celebrates its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration, new entertainment and Cinderella Castle decorated as a giant birthday cake.

1997

March 28 – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex opens. The 220-acre complex includes multiple outdoor playing fields, baseball/softball diamonds, a track & field complex, a fieldhouse and a 9,500-seat ballpark. Over the years it will grow to encompass two additional fieldhouses, an ESPN broadcast centre and even more outdoor playing fields. It will also serve as an official training site for various American and international professional teams, as well as host of several major sporting events such as the Invictus Games, the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament and the 2020 NBA restart of the regular season.

Aug. 1 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opens. With 1,900 guest rooms and a 220,000-sq.-ft. convention centre, it is the largest of the Disney resort hotels that cater to meetings and events.

1998

April 22 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opens on Earth Day. At 500 acres, it is Disney’s largest park and home to approximately 1,800 animals representing 200 species. The park’s icon, the Tree of Life, is a tribute to nature, featuring more than 300 intricately carved animal images.

Oct. 15 – “Fantasmic!” premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the newly constructed Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. The larger-than-life show features more than 50 live performers, massive sets, a brilliant display of lights, lasers, fireworks, and water animation all set to rousing music.

1999

March 18 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park expands with Asia, a new themed area featuring Kali River Rapids and the Maharajah Jungle Trek that introduces tigers and other animal species to the park.

Oct. 1 – The Millennium Celebration begins at EPCOT. The 15-month event marks the debut of the popular nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, that will run for 20 years. Also new is Millennium Village, celebrating the cultural achievements of 25 countries, and the Tapestry of Nations parade.

2001

April 16 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opens, featuring spectacular views of lush savannas home to more than 200 animals. The resort is also home to one of the largest collections of African art in the United States.

Oct. 1 – 100 Years of Magic Celebration commences, honouring the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney’s birth. New parades debut in all four parks, a 122-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey hat becomes an icon for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream also opens to take guests on a journey through the life of Walt Disney.

100 Years of Magic, 2021

2004

December – Disney’s PhotoPass launches, offering guests an innovative way to view and retrieve professionally captured photos online.

2005

May 5 – Walt Disney World joins in the “Happiest Celebration on Earth,” with Disney parks around the world saluting the 50th anniversary of Disneyland Resort in California. Opening as part of the celebration: Soarin’ at EPCOT and the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

2006

April 7 – Expedition Everest opens, bringing new thrills to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Oct. 1 – “The Year of a Million Dreams” begins at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. A new “Dream Squad,” randomly selects guests to win an array of prizes. These include priceless, “dream come true” experiences like a night’s stay in the new Cinderella Castle Suite.

2008

Jan. 17 – The first Disney Dreamers Academy event brings 100 exceptional African American high school students from around the US to a four-day, immersive, transformational mentoring experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Becoming an annual event, the free program has since encouraged more than 1,000 participants to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.

2011

September – The luxury residential resort community Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort welcomes its first residents. Designed by Disney Imagineers, the community offers distinctive neighbourhoods, expansive nature preserves and concierge-style resident services.

2012

May 31 – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens with a new style of accommodations – Family Suites for parties of up to six people.

Dec. 6 – New Fantasyland opens at Magic Kingdom Park. The 26-acre expansion of the original land initially includes three new attractions; the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train follows on May 28, 2014.

2013

MagicBands and the My Disney Experience mobile app launch for all guests, bringing innovative new enhancements to help guests plan and experience Walt Disney World Resort.

2015

Sept. 29 – Culminating a three-year reimagining of what was previously Downtown Disney, Disney Springs comes to life. The retail, dining and entertainment district will continue to grow, encompassing four “neighbourhoods” all themed to Florida towns of the early 20th century.

2016

April 12 – A 48,000-panel, five-megawatt Mickey-shaped solar array debuts near EPCOT. The facility is able to produce enough power equal to 1,000 residential rooftop systems.

2017

May 27 – Pandora – The World of Avatar opens as an entirely new themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, featuring two attractions, dining, retail, and instantly iconic floating mountains.

2018

June 30 – Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests to play with their favourite toys in Andy’s backyard in three attractions.

2019

July 9 – Gran Destino Tower opens with 500-plus new guest rooms along with new dining and convention spaces, completing a multiyear transformation of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Aug. 29 – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The 14- acre land invites guests to experience their own Star Wars stories like never before. One of the most ambitious and technologically advanced attractions created for a Disney park, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens Dec. 5 inside the land.

Sept. 29 – Disney Skyliner takes flight. This grand, state-of-the-art gondola system connects EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four Disney Resort hotels.

Dec. 16 – Disney’s Riviera Resort opens, a Disney Vacation Club property inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney.

December – A new 270-acre, 57-megawatt solar facility goes online, generating enough renewable clean energy to operate two of Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks annually.

2020

March 4 – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the first ride-through attraction in a Disney park dedicated to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

2021

Oct. 1 – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins, saluting the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. The 18-month event will feature new experiences at all four theme parks and beyond.

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First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News