Global Travel News

T.O. TOURISM RECOVERY HITS NEW HEIGHTS

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John Tory found his new Toronto experience walking around the top rim of the CN Tower. The mayor’s adventurous stunt kicked off “Never Have I Ever, T.O.,” a collaborative tourism recovery campaign launched in support of Toronto’s visitor economy that calls on locals and visitors to join a citywide game and explore Toronto in new ways.

“Never have I ever gone 356 m. up the CN Tower and walked around outside. It’s an experience of a lifetime and I’m looking forward to. Sort of,” Tory laughed before strapping on the harnesses along with his eldest son John.

The Destination Toronto campaign, conducted in close collaboration with the City of Toronto, BIAs, and businesses across all sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry as a collective show of support comes at a time when Toronto’s tourism and hospitality industry continues its critically needed reopening and recovery.

The $4.2-million marketing campaign, targeting social media, digital, television and out-of-home advertising, is a play on the popular game of the same name that encourages locals and visitors from regional drive markets in Ontario and Quebec to try experiences of all kinds throughout the city – and inspire others to do the same using #NeverHaveIEverTO.

In effect through Oct. 20, the recovery-focused campaign promotes many of the businesses and experiences hardest hit from the global pandemic including hotels, attractions, tours, and the city’s culinary scene. As more restrictions are lifted and re-openings take place, other hardest hit sectors will be added alongside the campaign’s evolution.

The campaign asks locals and visitors to “find your ‘Never Have I Ever’” experience in Toronto, from visiting an iconic attraction for the first time or taking their first hotel staycation, to sipping cocktails on a newly discovered patio or trying a new cuisine at one of the city’s eclectic restaurants.

“Never Have I Ever, TO is part of a citywide conversation to get Toronto back on its feet by encouraging all of us to take a fresh look at our own city and explore Toronto’s unique experiences,” said Scott Beck, President & CEO, Destination Toronto. “There is no full economic recovery until travel returns, and that recovery starts with us. It’s time for locals and visitors from nearby cities to take in the experiences we may have walked by time and time again, or to rediscover the experiences we’ve missed since the start of the pandemic.”

The campaign also includes My Toronto Pass – a new mobile passport featuring offers on attractions, tours, experiences and more for locals and visitors, alike.

Toronto Mayor John Tory kicked off the campaign by finding his own ‘Never Have I Ever’ moment at the top of the city at the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, and shared the video.

“Toronto is a unique city filled with many experiences, and things to do. During the past year and a half, our entire city has made tremendous sacrifices to keep each other and our city safe but now we are given an opportunity to explore all that our city has to offer,” he said.

Never Have I Ever, TO also takes advantage of new and existing ways locals and visitors can venture further and explore including the City of Toronto’s ShowLoveTO initiatives like ActiveTO, CafeTO, StrollTO and the recently announced DineTOgether, the City’s new restaurant program. From Sept. 17 to Oct. 3, DineTOgether showcases the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s restaurants and encourages residents to patronize local eateries through a feature menu available by takeout, delivery, patio dining and/or indoor dining.

More info can be found HERE.

Toronto Mayor John Tory

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Aug. 16-20, 2021

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Canadian airports get federal funds for COVID testing, Hyatt Hotels has agreed to buy AMResorts, Disney World eases its mask mandate, and a majority of Canadians back vaccine certificates.

NEWS

The US land border will remain closed to Canadians and Mexicans until at least Sept. 21. The US Department of Homeland Security says restrictions on non-essential travel at all land and ferry border crossings will remain in effect to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant. The restrictions, which have been in place since March 2020, had been set to expire Saturday.

Federal officials in the US are extending until Jan. 18 a requirement that people on airline flights and public transportation wear face masks, a rule intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Transportation Security Administration was scheduled to enforce the rule until Sept. 13.

Ottawa has launched a new funding program for the country’s major airports to invest in COVID-19 testing and screening infrastructure. Twenty-six facilities across the country are eligible to tap the $81.6 million Biosecurity Funding Stream to aid in the recovery and re-start of travel.

BY THE NUMBERS

76% of respondents to a survey by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies said they would strongly or somewhat support a vaccine passport like the one Quebec is implementing. Quebecers are even more supportive of the measure, with 81% saying they are in favour of the plan, which will apply in places like bars, concerts, and festivals where there are lots of people in a confined space.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

The Vancouver Aquarium has officially re-opened. Along with a new 4D Theatre Experience, the Aquarium also unveiled its Marine Mammal Rescue Exhibit, a feature that showcases the Aquarium’s work in rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals on B.C.’s coast.

Norwegian continued its “Great Cruise Comeback” with departures out of Seattle (to Alaska) and Miami. The cruise line also floated the Norwegian Prima from drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the new vessel touched water. It will sail next summer.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

International travellers will have to wait until early 2022 before being able to visit New Zealand as the South Pacific nation delays exercises caution in reopening its borders due to the pandemic.

AIR

WestJet has reinstated its Calgary-Paris route, making it the only non-stop between the cities. The French capital joins London and Amsterdam on WestJet’s Calgary network. The Paris flights are weekly through Oct. 31 and mark the resumption of the carrier’s codeshare with Air France.

Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Flair Airlines announced a new base at Edmonton International Airport accompanied by an expansion of service that will bring four new non-stop US destinations to the city. The new Edmonton-US routes will start Dec. 16 and include non-stop service to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Palm Springs, and Hollywood Burbank through the Spring. Flair is also expanding its domestic network from Edmonton. In addition to existing winter service to Kitchener-Waterloo, Vancouver, Abbotsford and Toronto, Flair is expanding its current summer service from Kelowna and Victoria to extend throughout the winter season.

Porter Airlines is introducing a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for staff to support a safe and healthy workplace for employees and passengers. Aligning with Porter’s restart of service on Sept. 8, team members must be fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the start of their shift.

DEALS

Lifestyle hotel brand B Hotels & Resorts’ “BSummer” promotion offers special rates and perks on stays now through Sept. 30, at the brand’s collection of upscale resorts in top Florida destinations, including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and the Keys. Nightly rates start at US$99.

TOURS

The Globus family of brands – consisting of Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms – has extended pre-trip Health & Safety Protocols, including requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (14 days prior to embarkation) to join any vacation in its portfolio, for travel through March 2022. Moving forward, Globus says it will advise all travellers of vaccine implications or changes with advance notice. Accepted vaccines include those authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health Canada, European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC) or an official government body.

Australian-owned adventure expedition operator Aurora Expeditions has joined Virtuoso as one of the newest suppliers of its exclusive global preferred partner portfolio to expand and reach a new global audience. The small-group, expedition-style travel company voyages to some of the wildest places on Earth, including Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, the Arctic (European and Canadian), Alaska, the Russian Far East, Costa Rica, Baja California and West Papua.

CRUISE

Princess Cruises Alaska

The newly announced 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours program from Princess Cruises went on sale last week, featuring six Medallion Class ships, including the cruise line’s newest Discovery Princess, returning to Alaska for a second season. There are 145 departures, 14 unique itineraries, five glacier viewing experiences and four departure ports, including Vancouver.

All guests travelling with Uniworld River Cruises must now show documented proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson), with the final dose administered no less than two weeks prior to the start of their cruise/tour. The policy will be in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2021. In addition to the proof of vaccination, guests will still be required to wear a mask while walking around public areas, such as the corridors or the lobby, and when the required distancing to others cannot be maintained. Masks can be taken off when seated in the lounge and restaurant. While onshore, all guests and crew are subject to local mask guidelines.

HOTELS

The ribbon has been cut at Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York, a new hotel that connects with Resorts World New York City casinos. The eight-story, luxury hotel in Queens has 400 high-tech guestrooms, a popular Sugar Factory Restaurant, fitness centre, state-of-the-art conference and meeting spaces, and 6,500 onsite slots and electronic table games. The centerpiece of the property is a soaring grand lobby, suited for art exhibits, events and musical performances.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans opened Aug. 18. Located in the city’s artsy Warehouse District, the new hotel delivers thoughtful yet playful references to the city and hotel features multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the 13th-floor bar, Dreamboat; a cocktail lounge; The Pool Club, a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar; Commons Club, the brand’s flagship restaurant, bar and lounge;, and Funny Library Coffee Shop—plus various meeting and event spaces.

RESORTS

AMResorts has introduced a new master brand designed to bring its six resort chains together under one name – AMR Collection. The strategic repositioning is designed to help both agents and guests easily identify the brand that best news their needs. AMR Collection includes Secrets, Dreams and Breathless Resorts & Spas, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts and Sunscape Resorts & Spas, with the portfolio representing 102 properties across 36 beachfront destinations and eight countries, including new entries in St. Martin and Macao Beach in the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, Hyatt Hotels Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Apple Leisure Group (ALG), including AMResorts. The US$2.7-billion acquisition, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approval, will enable Hyatt to boost its presence in the luxury resort sector and immediately double its global resorts footprint with the addition of almost 100 ALG properties.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Disney World is now allowing visitors to choose whether or not to wear face coverings in outdoor lines, outdoor theatre and outdoor attractions. Masks had been required previously. Face coverings will remain optional in outdoor common areas. They will still be required for visitors aged two and up at all indoor locations, such as restaurants, theatres, and transportation with the exception of ferry boats.

AGENT EDUCATION

With Italy re-opening to tourism and Air Canada having started service again last month, the Italian National Tourist Board invites travel agents to join its “Travel to Italy” training academy. The course is designed to provide travel advisors with the “inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to create unforgettable itineraries to sell (and upsell) clients for their trips to the land of ‘La dolce vita.’” Nine free modules range from food and wine to art cities, outdoor activities, and getting around the country. Upon completion of the course, advisors receive the designation of “Italy Specialist” along with a certificate to prove to clients that they are experts in the destination. To register, click HERE.

FAMS

Medinet Habu Temple, Egypt

Egypt, Nov. 10-18: Toronto-based NARAT’s unique ‘In Agatha Christie’s Footsteps Egypt & Sudan FAM’ will showcase the Middle East through the famed English author’s experience and comes ahead of next year’s Disney film adaptation of “Death on the Nile.” Designed to promotes the launch of the NARAT’s 2022 Egypt programs tied to Agatha Christie experiences, the FAM will showcases such iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, the new Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Valley of the Kings; and historic Luxor, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Philae and Karnak, the latter via a Dahabiya Nile cruise. Agens can also extend the trip to include the Abu Simbel, the Red Sea, and neighbouring Sudan. Priced at US$1,959, the FAM includes international (ex Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver) and domestic flights, five-star hotel and cruise accommodations, touring with a Canadian tour director and Egyptologist guide, and meals. One companion, subject to space availability, is welcome. For info, call 1-877-By-NARAT (296-2728) or email fams@narat.org.

EVENTS

Aug. 24: On Tuesday, the Jamaica Tourist Board in Canada has invited special guests from award-winning social media agency Pinch Social to host a professional development session designed specifically for travel specialists. The special skill-building session of the JTB’s weekly “Irie Hour” broadcast will take place at 2:30 p.m. EST and focus on how agents can use and optimize various social media platforms for their business to enhance their online presence, reach new clients, and achieve success in the new consumer travel environment. The JTB says it’s a great way for agents to attend a typically pricey workshop for free. Register for the event HERE.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Switzerland Tourism (ST) has announced the promotion of Divine Bonga to Head of Media and Communications North America starting Sept. 1. In her new role, Bonga will be managing the communications strategy for the tourism board and lead teams in New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. Bonga succeeds Ursula Beamish-Mader, who managed media relations in Canada for over 30 years and, additionally, led the North American media department for Swiss Tourism for the last decade. Taking over the Toronto-based role of Media Relations Project Manager Canada effective Aug. 26 is Laura Fairweather. She has 25 years experience in PR with Four Season Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont, and the Canadian Tourism Commission.

DESTINATIONS

Tickets for Expo 2020 Dubai, a six-month world’s fair (Oct. 1-March 31, 2022) are now on sale. One-day tickets are priced at AED 95 (CDN $32; multi-day tickets, offering unrestricted entry for 30 consecutive days, are priced at AED 195 ($167). Seniors (60-plus), those under the age of 18, and students holding a valid student ID from any academic institution in the world will be given free entry.

Tickets include access to all pavilions, events, and live performances, featuring up to 60 live events each day. They can be purchased via authorized ticket resellers around the world (including online travel agents, tour operators, hotel groups and airlines), or at https://www.expo2020dubai.com

Peru’s new National Archeological Museum, opened this summer, marks 200 years of independence for the South American nation. Known as MUNA, the museum is located in Pachacamac, just south-east of Lima, and focuses on the preservation and conservation of the country’s immense cultural heritage. The five-storey museum was conceived to house 500,000 Inca and pre-Inca pieces, which have not been exhibited in the past for lack of a suitable place. Initially, the museum will offer temporary exhibitions and a significant cultural program, with permanent exhibitions being unveiled in 2024 to coincide with the bicentennial of the Battle of Ayacucho.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Hotels Invests in Technological Transformation

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Dusit Hotels Invests in Technological Transformation - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, August 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has completed the first stage of its most significant technologi-cal transformation project to date – including investing in the latest cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and Data Management soft-ware to drive group-wide efficiency across its five business units (Hotels and Resorts, Hospitality Education, Food, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services) and leverage big data to create exceptional consumer experiences and identify new business opportunities in line with Dusit’s three-pronged strategy for balance, expansion, and diversification.

Hospitality company’s accelerated overhaul of its legacy core systems and software will help to drive efficiency, increase business resilience, and lay the foundation for long-term value creation across all of its business units.

Carried out as part of Dusit’s strategic roadmap for technological transformation, which was first announced in January 2019 and expedited to increase business resilience in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project encompasses the entire Dusit group, including 24 different enti-ties across 17 countries.

The state-of-the-art cloud-based software Dusit is implementing includes SAP S/4HANA, which includes centralised processes for everything from finance and accounting to inventory and purchasing on a single, unified ERP solution; Microsoft Azure, for secure data storage and management; and Cendyn, for efficient group-wide CRM. The new ERP system is now live, with the integrated CRM and Data Management elements set to be introduced later this year

“While investing in such a significant project during this uncertain period may seem against the grain, for swift post-pandemic recovery we must deeply understand the needs of consumers and how we can best meet and, most importantly, exceed their expectations with our various services and products, and investment in this area is of critical importance,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “During the pandemic, personalisation has become a key expectation across so many industries – especially hospitality – and digital-savvy consumers have demonstrated a growing need for highly customised experiences that they can enjoy on their terms. Key to meeting these expectations is data. And the more effectively and efficiently we can collect and use data, the greater our ability to create products, services and experiences that make our customers feel exceptional.”

Throughout the pandemic, which has significantly impacted Dusit’s core hotel business, the company has optimised its operations around total revenue generation, rather than cost-cutting, and innovated its way through the challenges by seeking ways to leverage its existing strengths and resources to create additional experience, convenience, and value for its guests and customers.

Chief among its efforts has been the introduction of four new pillars of Dusit Graciousness –Service (personalised and gracious), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), and Sustainability (social, eco-nomic, and environmental) – and creating new experiences in each of these areas.

“Our company, like many others, has had to transform our organisation and rethink our capabili-ties to enhance our resiliency and deliver not only short-term financial improvement, but also long-term value creation through innovation, efficiency, and agility,” said Ms Suthumpun. “From a product standpoint, we have also had to swiftly yet considerately reimagine our services and put the infrastructure in place to ensure our hotels and resorts can suitably cater to accelerated trends – and ultimately achieve long-term success.

“The new real-time, centralised solutions we have invested in as part of our significant group-wide technological transformation will expedite our efforts in these areas, allowing us to deliver the value-driven experiences our existing guests and customers expect and deserve, efficiently identify new market segments, and ultimately position our properties for long-term value creation to the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Making further use of digital technology, Dusit recently expanded into e-commerce by launching dedicated stores on the popular LINE Shopping and LazMall platforms.

Aimed at consumers in Thailand and featuring attractive promotions on stays, meals and fitness experiences at Dusit Hotels and Resorts throughout the kingdom, the online shops continue Du-sit’s efforts to establish new sources of recurring domestic revenue while the country’s borders are closed to international travel.

“While the effects of the pandemic will be felt for some time, we firmly believe that travel will come back stronger than ever when the COVID-19 situation improves,” said Ms Suthumpun. “And we are confident that our technological transformation and new customer offerings will contribute significantly to driving short- and long-term business, extending our market reach, and cementing the competitive advantage of Dusit Hotels and Resorts and our other business units worldwide.”

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Ex-change of Thailand. Building on its two core areas of business – Hotels & Resorts and Hospitality Education – the company has expanded its operations over the past four years to comprise five business units. The additional units include Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Today, the company’s property portfolio comprises more than 300 distinctive hotels, resorts and luxury villas operating under six brands across 17 countries worldwide, as well as two leading hospitality colleges with campuses in Thailand and the Philippines. Following a three-pronged strategy for sustainable growth, including balance, expansion and diversification, the company has recently expanded into food production, on-demand hospitality services, and property development to reach new markets and add further recurring streams of revenue to the company.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA: Blocked Airline Funds Could Slow Recovery

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IATA: Blocked Airline Funds Could Slow Recovery

Geneva, Switzerland, August 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to abide by international agreements and treaty obligations to enable airlines to repatriate close to nearly $1 billion in blocked funds from the sale of tickets, cargo space, and other activities.

“Governments are preventing nearly $1 billion of airline revenues from being repatriated. This contravenes international conventions and could slow the recovery of travel and tourism in affected markets as the airline industry struggles to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Airlines will not be able to provide reliable connectivity if they cannot rely on local revenues to support operations. That is why it is critical for all governments to prioritize ensuring that funds can be repatriated efficiently. Now is not the time to score an ‘own goal’ by putting vital air connectivity at risk,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Approximately $963 million in airline funds are being blocked from repatriation in nearly 20 countries. Four countries: Bangladesh ($146.1 million), Lebanon ($175.5 million), Nigeria ($143.8 million), and Zimbabwe ($142.7 million), account for over 60% of this total, although there has been positive progress in reducing blocked funds in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe of late.

“We encourage governments to work with industry to resolve the issues that are preventing airlines from repatriating funds. This will enable aviation to provide the connectivity needed to sustain jobs and energize economies as they recover from COVID-19,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Saudi Arabia Tourism Opens South-East Asia Office in Malaysia

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Saudi Arabia Tourism Opens South-East Asia Office in Malaysia - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Saudi Tourism Authority has opened a commercial office in Malaysia covering the South-East Asia region as part of its strategy to engage the travel trade to raise awareness of the destination in key source markets in the region.

The Malaysia office will be responsible for trade and consumer marketing activities, expanding the reach and relevance of Saudi’s tourism offer and working with tour operators, travel agents and other industry stakeholders to build awareness and drive conversion in line with Saudi Tourism Authority’s strategy and mission.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, go to TourismSaudiArabia.com

Saudi Tourism Authority’s new office is being set up with the support of aviation and destination marketing representative company, Aviareps Malaysia, as its in-market representative covering the South-east Asia region.

“We are confident that Saudi’s diverse offering will be appealing to all demographics from the region,” said Shazlin Ahmad, country manager for STA in South East Asia. “We have already begun outreach into the South-east Asia’s tourism trade ecosystem and the response has been very positive. We are actively seeking opportunities to co-invest with partners who are keen to add Saudi as an exciting new destination in their portfolio.”

Since opening its borders to international tourism in September 2019, Saudi rapidly established itself as the fastest growing tourism destination in the world, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Despite the global shutdown of leisure tourism in the wake of the pandemic, STA continued to invest to prepare the destination for a return to normalcy. An international brand awareness campaign launched at the beginning of 2021 extends across 26 countries and 13 languages, with significant investment in outdoor, broadcast and digital advertising.

Saudi Arabia reopened to vaccinated international visitors at the beginning of August.

To support the tourism trade ecosystem, STA is introducing Saudi Expert, a comprehensive digital platform providing partner companies such as DMCs, tour operators and other stakeholders with data, insights, destination information and creative assets in real-time to help build their businesses.

Saudi Tourism Authority now has representative offices in eleven markets serving 21 countries, with an eventual goal of having 15 offices around the world.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket Tourism Leaders Hail Approval of Sputnik Vaccine

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Phuket Tourism Leaders Hail Approval of Sputnik Vaccine

Phuket, Thailand, August 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism stakeholders in Phuket are heralding the landmark approval of the Sputnik vaccine by the Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) that is set to unleash the Russian market on the southern Thai island. Industry eyes a portion of the 700,000-plus direct-to-Phuket Russian arrivals over a five-month period (November-March) as the so-called “snowbirds” plan their return.

Phuket has for years been a very popular destination with Russian travellers, peaking in 2019 with over 700,000 arrivals in a short five-month period in 2019, all arriving on direct flights from the Russian Federation. A total of 1.4 million Russians visited Phuket in 2019.

The traditional snowbird period from November to March is when temperatures drop severely in Russia and also in many parts of northern Europe, signaling travelers to take flight for the tropical chimes and clear blue skies of Phuket.

“This is great news for Phuket. It’s time to go beyond the Sandbox and build a foundation for a broader tourism initiative,” said Phuket Tourist Association President, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam. “The industry can now get back to basics and focus on the northern European winter season. This is a big opportunity for Phuket. These are our legacy markets.”

Laguna Phuket, an integrated destination in the popular Bangtao Beach area, consisting of seven hotels, a Bangkok Hospital operated PCR test-centre and acres of open spaces, gardens and lagoons, has already been a beneficiary of the Phuket Sandbox given its safe haven reputation, but this is a major step up according to its Managing Director, Ravi Chandran.

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

“The acceptance of the Sputnik vaccine is a game-changer for Phuket,” he said. “The outbound Russian market is the biggest one in the world outside of China and the timing is perfect with the high season starting in November this year. Phuket Sandbox has proven to be a success and this will now take these achievements to greater heights still for all hotels, tourism stakeholders and the local community on the island.”

Since July 1, over 300,000 hotel rooms have been booked up until the end of August by international visitors arriving via the Phuket Sandbox initiative a number expected to rapidly rise as the high season approaches. Scheduled and chartered Russian carriers are expected to arrive in Phuket from October 2021.

Talking about ‘ready-made’ market potential, C9 Hotelworks Managing Director, Bill Barnett said “coming into the 2021 winter wonderland, and changing marketplace, the Russians, who typically have a 11-12-night average length of stay, are a perfect fit for the Sandbox.”

Laguna Phuket, in association with Delivering Asia Communications and C9 Hotelworks, will be hosting a special one-hour online virtual event featuring representatives from government, tour operators, hotels and airlines on September 9 at 3pm to discuss the impending arrival of the Russian market to Phuket.

About Laguna Phuket
Laguna Phuket resort is home to 7 deluxe hotels; Angsana Laguna Phuket, Angsana Villas Resort Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort and SAii Laguna Phuket – all sharing 1,000 acres of tropical parkland along a 3-kilometre stretch of the pristine Bangtao Beach. Facilities and services include 18-hole award winning golf course, world-renowned spas, shopping village, tour operators and MICE-certified event and facilitator teams. With inter-resort transportation allowing guests to travel anywhere within minutes via shuttle bus or ferry.

For attractive Phuket Sandbox hotel packages, visit Top25Hotels.com

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BBTF Annoucing 2022 Edition for June 2022

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BBTF Annoucing 2022 Edition for June 2022

Bali, Indonesia, August 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / With traveling becoming more and more accessible to anyone, people now explore further than the boundaries of their own home and go off the beaten path. Major destinations around the globe are still on demand. However, people now hunger for new exotic destinations and somewhere they can really enjoy their holiday without having to face hundreds of fellow tourists.

Indonesia, being an Archipelago, offers hundreds of destinations, from the unique historical sites to the tranquility of an exclusive island getaway, from the beautiful sunrise over the highest peak to the beautiful underwater scenery, there are a lot of options available to different types of travelers. BALI & BEYOND TRAVEL FAIR (BBTF) recognized this and organized its first travel fair back in year 2014 to help to promote these unique destinations to potential buyers from around the globe. This year, the 8th BBTF, to be held from 14 – 18 June 2022, aims to further promote these destinations to the world and open up new business opportunities for the participants after global pandemic.

So why should you join the BBTF 2022 event? Here is one of many reasons why you should participate the BBTF 2022 event in Bali :

BBTF IS INDONESIA’S LEADING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM FAIR
The event is fully endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia and since it’s the beginning, BBTF has grown further and reached its status as the leading international travel and tourism fair in Indonesia, in par – if not better – with similar travel fairs around the world.

Come and join the BBTF 2022 event and be a part of Indonesia’s Leading International Travel and Tourism Fair.

BBTF Secretariat Office
Jalan Raya Puputan ¬ 41, Renon
Denpasar 80235, Bali, Indonesia
Tel. (+62 361) 445 7111 or 445 7700
Fax. (+62 361) 244 263
E-mail : seller@bbtf.co.id or buyer@bbtf.co.id or info@bbtf.co.id

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

VEGAS ROLLS DICE ON EVENT PROTOCOLS

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Vaccine verification at major venues has emerged as a coronavirus fighting front in Nevada, with Las Vegas’ biggest trade conference following the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders in announcing they’ll require attendees to prove they are inoculated.

CES gadget show sponsor, the Consumer Technology Association, said it will require attendees in January to be vaccinated to enter venues including the expanded Las Vegas Convention Center, Mandalay Bay and Sands Expo centre.

“We understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Gary Shapiro, association president and CEO, said in a statement. “We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas.”

The announcement came a day after Gov. Steve Sisolak said indoor venues with 4,000 or more attendees will be allowed to opt out of the state’s mask requirements if they opt into a program ensuring that attendees have inoculations.

To date, IPW Las Vegas, the annual US Travel trade show which will take place in the city Sept. 18-22, has not issued a similar edict.

The state vaccination rate topped 60% for the first time this week for people ages 12 and older who have received at least one dose. State health officials say 49.5% have been fully vaccinated. In the Las Vegas area, the figures ticked up a notch to 60.7% and 48.6%.

Nationally in the US, more than 72% of eligible adults have received vaccines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figure has lagged in Nevada, home to anti-vaccination and no-mask protests.

“This isn’t a mandate. It’s not a requirement,” the Democratic governor said Monday. “We’re not rolling anything back. What this is about is getting more people vaccinated.”

Following Sisolak’s announcement, the Raiders quickly unveiled their first-in-the-NFL policy to require fans at 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Attendees must provide verification through a CLEAR mobile app and Health Pass feature, starting with a home game Sept. 13.

Sisolak said one dose of a two-dose vaccination will get people in the door, but they will still have to wear face coverings. Fully vaccinated people won’t have to wear masks, he said. He cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

The governor said he’d seen photos of unmasked fans at recent soccer and football games and framed his directive as a voluntary option for event organizers who don’t want to enforce mask mandates.

Live Nation, operator of two prominent Las Vegas Strip music venues — House of Blues at Mandalay Bay and Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq Promenade — previously said ticket holders will have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test beginning in October.

The company also partners with Caesars Entertainment to run residency shows at the 4,000-seat Colosseum at Caesars Palace and 7,000-seat Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood, and with MGM Resorts International for events at the 6,400-seat Park Theater.

CES said it was studying whether to accept proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative to a vaccination record.

A Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority official, Lori Nelson-Kraft, expressed support for the CES decision, calling it a “commitment to reducing the spread of the virus and prioritizing the health and wellness of their exhibitors and attendees.”

The four-day electronic products show attracted more than 180,000 people in January 2020, two months before pandemic shutdowns. It was conducted online in 2021 due to venue closures and travel restrictions. The 2022 conference plans both a digital version and a live event.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

DISTILL OUR BEATING HEART: Whiskey returns to New York

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The Big Apple is home to countless iconic pubs, pleasing patios, and brain cell limiting bars, but for more than 100 years, no whiskey distillery has called Manhattan home. That’s now changed with the opening of Great Jones Distilling Co., Manhattan’s first and only legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition.

Like many other architectural projects in New York, the distillery is a feat of ingenuity. The six-year construction journey has overcome rigid city regulations, centuries-old fire codes, and a global pandemic to deliver a new spirit to the city and give New Yorkers their own whiskey distillery. The result is a 2,600 sq.-m. space at 686 Broadway in the NoHo district (between SoHo and Greenwich Village), comprised of a custom-built distillery where people can take part in tours and tasting experiences (starting Aug. 21), as well as a restaurant, speakeasy, and event venue, which will open in September.

Founded by Proximo Spirits and fuelled by the vision of owner and 11th- generation spirits maker Juan Domingo Beckmann, the distillery embodies the notion that the best spirits should reflect their origins, in this case threading the history of bourbon in New York to the present day.

To that end, the whiskies are made exclusively with grains grown in the rich ebony soil of the Black Dirt region less than two hours north of Manhattan in Upstate New York, resulting in whiskies that are smooth, balanced, and complex, with a distinctive spiciness characteristic of the New York-grown grains from which they are made. More spice, less sweet – more New York.

“The opening of Great Jones Distilling Co. represents a landmark moment for spirits and New York City history, bringing the craft of whiskey distillation back to Manhattan after 100 years,” says company founder Juan Domingo Beckmann, Founder of Great Jones Distilling Co. and Proximo Spirits.

With the opening of the distilling company comes the introduction of three new whiskies: Great Jones Straight Bourbon, Great Jones Four Grain Bourbon, and Great Jones Rye Whiskey. The three signature liquids are made from 100% New York-sourced grain and have been aging for the past five years in new charred American oak barrels at Great Jones’ sister distillery, Black Dirt.

Construction of the expansive distillery space conquered many unique challenges. Located in an area of the city with a rich history from the Prohibition era, the 82-year-old building had to be reinforced deep below ground to support the custom combination copper pot still with two columns housed on the second floor, navigating the subway system that runs below the building. During the renovation, a secret tunnel was discovered, thought to be used to transport whiskey and other spirits under the streets of New York. This tunnel now runs directly behind the speakeasy, which is set to open this fall.

The visitor experience at Great Jones includes:

• Distillery tours and guided whiskey tastings and experiences

• The Restaurant at Great Jones (opening September), a refined yet
approachable culinary experience offering a contemporary menu focused on locally sourced New York ingredients.

• The Speakeasy: An intimate underground spot featuring a restaurant and exclusive tasting menu

• The Lounge: An exclusive enclave for guests and space for private events

• The Shop: Offering merchandise, plus the distillery’s three signature spirits. Four Grain Bourbon and Great Jones Rye Whiskey are both sold exclusively at the distillery while Great Jones Straight Bourbon Whiskey is sold both on-site at the distillery as well as at bars and retailers in New York and New Jersey.

Great Jones Distilling Co. is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Distillery tours are available to those 21 and older and are available for booking.

https://www.greatjonesdistillingco.com/book-your-visit/

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrate Mid-Autumn with Handcrafted Mooncakes at Carlton Hotel Bangkok

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Celebrate Mid-Autumn with Handcrafted Mooncakes at Carlton Hotel Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, August 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit offers two signature, Handcrafted baked mooncakes brought to you by the culinary team from Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant. The two signature flavours are White Lotus Paste with Single Egg Yolk and Durian Paste with Single Egg Yolk.

Celebrate Mid-Autumn with Handcrafted Mooncakes at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

• Durian Paste with Single Egg Yolk
Luscious and creamy Kan Yao Durian pulp baked to golden perfection

• White Lotus Paste with Single Egg Yolk
A classic recipe paying homage to the timeless lotus and baked to perfection with single egg yolk

The Carlton Mooncake Boxes are specially created with a unique 4-layer design that can be adjusted to be a Chinese lantern for your Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.

Only 500 boxes are available for this special limited edition mooncake roll out. Early bird 15% discount applies for bookings made within the month of August.

Selling price:
• Carlton Box (4 pcs of 175 grams) THB 1,188 net
• Single Piece (175 grams) THB 218 net

Early Bird order from now – 31 August: 15% discount
Order now and pick up from 1 – 21 September 2021

The Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake is available at
● Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit from 1 – 21 September 2021
● Online purchases at https://shop.line.me/@carltonhotelbkk

For more information or to place an order, please contact 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News