Global Travel News

Alma Resort Recognised Among World’s Top Independent Luxury Resorts

 1080 720 wttc2
By:

Alma Resort Recognised Among World's Top Independent Luxury Resorts - TRAVELINDEXCam Ranh, Vietnam, June 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Alma, a remarkable new 30-hectare resort with 14 food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 swimming pools overlooking Vietnam’s pristine Long Beach, has joined an exclusive selection of the globe’s leading independent luxury properties – the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

• See the World’s Best Luxury Hotels here.

Deemed “the world’s largest independent hotel brand”, Preferred Hotels & Resorts requires each of its member hotels to conform to stringent quality standards measured yearly by anonymous on-site inspections.

Representing more than 700 hotels, resorts, residences and hotel experiences across 80 countries, Alma has joined two of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ five collections; ‘Lifestyle’ and ‘Preferred Residences’.

Member hotels benefit from a range of privileges including the brand’s points-based loyalty program ‘I Prefer Hotel Rewards’ that currently has more than 3.8 million travellers enrolled globally.

Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler said he and Alma’s team were thrilled to be recognised by such a prestigious group, headquartered in the United States, in the lead-up to the world reopening in the wake of COVID-19.

• See the World’s Best Luxury Hotels here.

“It is an honour to join Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ international network of sales experts, who promote our resort to travellers who deliberately seek one-of-a-kind luxury experiences with independent operators,” he said.

To contact Alma or to make a booking, please call +84 258 399 1666

For more information about Preferred Hotels & Resorts, call +1 (866) 990-9491.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Supports Zimbabwe to Measure Value of Tourism

 500 286 wttc2
By:
UNWTO Supports Zimbabwe to Measure Value of Tourism

Harare, Zimbabwe, June 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO commits to work with the Government of Zimbabwe to measure the importance of tourism for the country’s economy.

Zimbabwe has identified tourism as a central pillar of its National Development Strategy, (NDS 1, 2021-2025). To reflect this, UNWTO is now working with the government on the development of the country’s first Tourism Satellite Account (TSA). The TSA will measure tourism’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s GDP, as well as its size relative to other sectors, and the number of jobs it generates. It will also allow the government to measure the value of public and private investment related to the sector and the effect of international tourism on the country’s balance of payments.

Mr Munesu Munodawafa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, said, “As we continue to invest in the recovery and re-development of tourism across Zimbabwe, we must be able to accurately measure the importance of tourism to the country’s economy. The development of the TSA is one of the key milestones for the sector under the NDS1 (2021-2025).  This tool is critical to aid Government’s decision making and evidence-based policy formulation for a sustainable and resilient tourism sector post COVID-19.”

Elcia Grandcourt, UNWTO Director for Africa said, “We are delighted to work again with Zimbabwe in this important endeavour. We are committed to supporting the government in providing clear data that can help guide key decisions for tourism’s recovery and growth.”

The initiative forms part of the four-year Zimbabwe Destination Development Program, a technical assistance initiative supported by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. It is being delivered by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and sponsored by the Government of Japan. The program supports the recovery of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry and aims to safeguard thousands of jobs amid a sharp decline in travel caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Responds to Latest News from the EU

 500 287 wttc2
By:
WTTC Responds to Latest News from the EU

London, United Kingdom, June 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: “Today’s announcement from the EU advising member states to begin welcoming back U.S. travel is the latest piece of encouraging news from global leaders as we all work towards revitalising the global Travel & Tourism sector. Reopening pathways for tourism and business between countries within the EU and the U.S. is a significant step in providing a much-needed boost to the economy and job market across all parties involved.

With 42% of the U.S. population now fully vaccinated, according to the latest data provided by the CDC, combined with the EU’s continued vaccine rollout and introduction of digital travel certificates, the time is now to begin to lift restrictions safely and sustainably.

Travel & Tourism is responsible for millions of jobs and livelihoods. Global leaders working together to reinstate travel around the world safely and consistently, as addressed in the G7 Communique, will be crucial to the global economic recovery.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Proclaims the Transformative Power of Travel

 840 336 wttc2
By:

After enduring a pandemic where travel all but ceased for the first time in modern history and society became more insular, Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace – is making a fearless declaration: travel is an antidote to biases and narrow minds. In its new global “Power of Travel” campaign, Marriott Bonvoy is calling on the world to embrace the transformative power of travel as a vital pathway to growth, healing, and unity.

For many, this serves as a potent and timely message. A year of isolation and separation reopened societal wounds that left people across the world feeling more distant than ever. As the world slowly begins to open again, Marriott Bonvoy is championing travel with a renewed sense of purpose of not just to escape, but to discover – ourselves, each other, and the world everyone shares.

“When we step out into the world, we are forever transformed by the places, cultures, and people we encounter,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President, Brand, Loyalty, and Portfolio Marketing, Marriott International. “Travel has an unmistakable impact on the human spirit and in light of the past year, this is a pivotal moment to recognize the importance of stretching out beyond our own small corners in an effort to better ourselves and society as a whole.”

MB_OPEN_PR_IMAGE[30].jpg
Marriott Bonvoy’s “Power of Travel” campaign proudly proclaims its belief in the transformative power of travel

Since its founding over 90 years ago, Marriott has embodied the belief that travel is essential to fostering humanity. In today’s environment, this sentiment is more relevant than ever after this long period of stagnancy and reflected in the pent-up demand the industry is seeing. This summer alone, an overwhelming 77% of Americans plan to take a trip[1] – ones that will inevitably be filled with purpose like never before. From burnt-out work-from-homers craving a new perspective outside of bedroom offices and the long-delayed honeymoons, to grandparents eager to meet grandchildren for the first time and the emotionally exhausted looking to reflect on the past year – all will seek refuge in the joy, reconnection, and appreciation of the world only travel brings.

The new tagline, “Where Can We Take You?”, evokes not only the physical destinations one reaches when they travel, but the personal and spiritual destinations travel lifts them to. The line and the campaign underscore the brand’s belief in travel’s ability to help one grow, heal, and find common ground.

The campaign will air during the NBA Finals, and also symbolically during the Olympics, the world’s biggest stage for global unity and connection. Additional efforts span globally over the next few months across streaming and key collective viewing moments on television, in-flight entertainment, digital, social, and out of home placements to spark community and connection.

“Marriott Bonvoy has evolved from a rewards program to an immersive and inclusive travel platform,” continued Povinelli. “With more than 7,600 hotels fit for every journey, 30 hotel brands eager to welcome every type of traveler, and endless experiences awaiting, you don’t just book with us – you stay with us. Our associates are ready to welcome the world with warmth and care, and open the door to discover a destination’s wonders.”

To reignite the spirit of travel, people around the world are invited to join the conversation and connect with one another by sharing their memories of how #TravelMakesUs on Instagram and TikTok. For more information about Marriott Bonvoy or to enroll as a member for free, visit here. For inspiration, visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler’s new editorial series, ‘How to Travel Better’, and for more information on the campaign, explore here.

[1] Harris/U.S. Travel Association Survey (2021)

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy encompasses Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands – including the largest collection of luxury properties, award-winning loyalty program, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, online retail shop with 13 branded boutiques, and access to endless experiences – all available through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app. For more information about Marriott Bonvoy or to enroll in the loyalty program for free and receive member benefits, visit marriottbonvoy.com and to download the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app, visit mobile-app.marriott.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contact
Danielle Mileno
Marriott International
Danielle.Mileno@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

FLIGHT CREWS URGE ZERO TOLERANCE: As passengers return to air travel, bad behavior skyrockets

 1080 364 wttc2
By:

Air travel can be difficult in the best of times, with cramped planes, screaming babies, flight delays and short tempers. Throw in a pandemic, and the anxiety level can rise quickly. That has led to confrontations with flight attendants and other unruly behavior, including occasional fights that get captured and replayed endlessly on social media.

Airlines have reported about 3,000 cases of disruptive passengers since Jan. 1, according to a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, which began tracking it this year. About 2,300 of those incidents involved passengers who refused to obey the federal requirement to wear a face mask.

Over the past decade, the FAA investigated about 140 cases a year for possible enforcement actions such as fines. This year, it was nearly 400 by late May.

Things have gotten so bad that the airlines and unions for flight attendants and pilots sent a letter to the US Justice Department on Monday urging “that more be done to deter egregious behavior.”

“The federal government should send a strong and consistent message through criminal enforcement that compliance with federal law and upholding aviation safety are of paramount importance,” the letter said, noting that the law calls for up to 20 years imprisonment for passengers who intimidate or interfere with crew members.

Trade group Airlines for America sent a separate letter to the Federal Aviation Administration acknowledging that the “vast majority of passengers” comply with the rules but “unfortunately, we continue to see onboard behavior deteriorating into heinous acts, including assaults, threats and intimidation of crewmembers that directly interfere with the performance of crewmember duties and jeopardize the safety and security of everyone onboard the aircraft.”

The FAA announced a “zero-tolerance” policy against disruptive behavior on flights back in January. The agency is attempting to levy fines that can top $30,000 against more than 50 passengers and has identified more than 400 other cases for possible enforcement.

US airlines have banned at least 3,000 passengers since May of last year, and that doesn’t include two of the largest, American and Southwest, which decline to provide figures.

Airlines have stripped some customers of frequent-flyer benefits, and in rare cases pilots have made unplanned landings to remove unruly passengers. Pilots and flight attendants now routinely make pre-flight announcements to remind passengers about federal regulations against interfering with crews.

“All of that is helpful, and if we didn’t have that I can only imagine how much worse it would be,” said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, “but this is clearly not taking care of the whole problem. We have to do a lot more. I have never, ever seen an environment like this.”

Mike Oemichen has been a flight attendant for seven years and he, too, says he has never seen so much bad behavior on board. He recounted a recent incident in which he and other flight attendants had just completed the safety briefing for passengers and were preparing for takeoff when a fight broke out between two men and a woman accompanying one of them.

“After 20 or 30 seconds we were able to get the two male passengers away from each other, and we tried to calm everyone down,” Oemichen said. “Then we went back to the gate and had the passengers removed.”

Oemichen suffered a concussion when he hit his head against an overhead bin during the melee.

“We never figured out what they were fighting over,” said Oemichen, who spoke on condition that his airline not be named. He also handles grievances for union members at his airline.

The fear among flight attendants is that things will get worse this summer, as travel continues to increase and planes get more crowded. The airline industry passed a milestone earlier this month when the Transportation Security Administration announced that more than 2 million people streamed through US airport security checkpoints for the first time since early March 2020.

Airline bookings have been picking up since around February, as more Americans were vaccinated against COVID-19. Falling infection rates could, however, make it much harder for flight attendants to enforce the federal mask-wearing rule, which isn’t due to expire until mid-September.

Some security experts think lifting the mask requirement will remove a key source of tension – one with political overtones in a politically divided nation. But it could also raise the anxiety of people who worry about sharing space with strangers while we’re still in a pandemic.

“People on both sides of the issue are acting badly,” Nelson said.

Airline unions have asked for a variety of measures including more air marshals, limits on alcohol sales on planes and in airports, and more sharing of information among airlines about disruptive passengers. They are also floating the idea of a new government-maintained list of banned passengers – but one that would be less restrictive than the no-fly list for suspected terrorists.

It’s not clear why there is so much air rage. Airline employees and outside experts offer explanations including cramped flights, political polarization over wearing face masks, and the way pandemic lockdowns affect people’s mental health.

“We are all more traumatized than we realize, and that puts people on edge,” said Raymond Tafrate, a psychologist and criminology professor at Central Connecticut State University who has studied anger. “The pandemic isolated people and caused all sorts of stress and problems in their lives. People are in worse shape than they were before.”

Tafrate’s advice to travelers: “Accept that flights don’t always go the way you want, and accept there are going to be some rules that you don’t like.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Turks & Caicos, Bringing the Ultimate in Seaside Luxury to the World-Renowned Grace Bay

 840 381 wttc2
By:

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is pleased to announce the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, marking the debut of the iconic luxury hospitality brand in this island paradise. Situated on the world-famous Grace Bay in Providenciales, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos offers an idyllic tropical getaway, seamlessly blending the natural beauty of the destination with the legendary service and elegant accommodations for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is known.

“We are thrilled to expand our global portfolio with the debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, a destination known for its stunning natural environment, which has long served as an alluring retreat for the world’s most discerning travelers,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton. “Whether enjoying a sunset sail or family snorkel from the resort’s private catamaran, Lady Grace, to relaxing poolside, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos offers the perfect opportunity for our guests to recharge and reconnect while making lasting memories.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos Hero Shot1.jpg

Designed by Coleman Partners Architects, L.L.C., The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos is inspired by the island’s natural splendor. Through the use of rich wood, the design narrative is rooted in the destination’s Lucayan heritage, paying tribute to the people who have inhabited the islands, while the endemic flora of cactuses, sisals and sponges from Turks and Caicos are gracefully incorporated in the surroundings. This includes the native turk-head cactus, which is uniquely adapted in the arid climate and provides a magical desert charm.

The resort features 147 refined ocean view guest rooms, including 23 suites, which evoke beachfront elegance and showcase the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos also offers five three-story penthouse suites with private rooftop plunge pools and endless horizon views. A signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge offers an exclusive sanctuary that offers private check-in, a dedicated Club Concierge, and multiple culinary presentations throughout the day, in addition to dedicated service at the beach.

“Reflecting the island’s genuine warmth and hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos promises to be a beachfront haven for guests and locals alike,” said John Hazard, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos. “Through thoughtful programming, elevated amenities and distinct culinary experiences, our Ladies and Gentlemen look forward to welcoming guests and immersing them in all that this destination has to offer.”

The resort offers a wide range of amenities designed for either a private getaway or engaging family vacation, including an adults-only pool with private cabanas and a recreation pool, both set within lush tropical landscapes. The Lady Grace, the private catamaran of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, give guests an opportunity to explore beyond the shores, while activities such yoga on the beach are also available. A signature Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a true seaside oasis, and an opportunity for guests to relax and recharge with therapies inspired by the calming power of the ocean. Guests will enjoy a rejuvenating and personalized experience where an extensive menu of treatments embrace indigenous plants, offering a holistic approach to wellness. The resort’s youngest guests can explore the natural wonders and cultural traditions of the island through the resort’s signature Ritz Kids program. Children ages four through 12 can explore the island while gaining a better understanding of the marine life through educational activities or develop their inner artist with beach-inspired arts and crafts.

Culinary venues at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos put a local twist on global flavors. From a selection of freshly caught seafood to just-picked produce, Coralli features cuisine prepared with a local flair. BLT Steak offers modern steakhouse fare, showcasing prime steaks and fresh seafood, while and the restaurant’s signature Blackboard Menu offers dishes that highlight the seasonal flavors of Turks & Caicos. Celebrating the island’s natural abundance of conch, the resort marks the end of every day with the sound of this notable shell and offers guests the chance to sample conch ceviche and other island delicacies.

For special meetings or celebratory occasions, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos offers 20,000 square feet of meeting space, with venues including a 4,900 square foot ballroom that can be further divided into three separate salons. Additionally, a selection of outdoor spaces, including a meticulously manicured event lawn and grand promenade, showcase the white sands and sparkling waters of Grace Bay.

For on-site entertainment, the resort also features The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, which offers traditional table games for a memorable night out.

For more information or to book a stay, please visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/turksandcaicos.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Bethesda, MD, part of Marriott International, Inc., currently operates more than 100 hotels in 32 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. For the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll or to learn more, please visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,600 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 133 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Press Contact:
Melissa Pena, Director of Public Relations, Caribbean, Marriott International
Melissa.Pena@marriott.com
The Brandman Agency
rcturksandcaicos@brandmanagency.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GIMME A BREAK: COVID isn’t biggest travel worry

 1080 365 wttc2
By:

In a sign that the pandemic fears of North Americans may be abating, a recent poll conducted by medical transport and crisis response provider Medjet reveals that a majority of its members are less concerned about COVID-19 than about other health and safety risks while travelling.

Indeed, survey respondents said they were more concerned with traditional travel risks, such as strokes, heart problems, accidents and falls, as well as concerns about crime, by a three to one margin (75% to 25%) over the coronavirus.

The poll, which was conducted in May and surveyed nearly 1,200 Medjet members throughout Canada, the US and Mexico, provides a current snapshot of travellers’ comfort level as vaccinations take hold.

In addition to gauging travellers’ concerns about testing positive for or contracting COVID-19 while away from home, the study drew insights on how safe members feel about travelling domestically and internationally once they are vaccinated. The study also surveyed participants’ domestic and international summer travel plans, and their planned modes of transport (airplane, car/RV, other).

The new poll results show that the majority of Medjet’s members are ready to resume travelling. Some key insights include:

• 90.7% said they’d feel safer travelling domestically and internationally once vaccinated

• 89.8% said they planned to travel this summer

• Of those travelling, 72.4% planned domestic travel, 21% planned both domestic and international travel, 6.4% planned international only

• Of those travelling, 57.2% intended to board airplanes, 38.2% would be travelling by car or RV (4.6% “other”)

• 75.3% of respondents were most concerned about non-COVID illnesses and accidents, or travel security/increased crime, while travelling this summer.

With travel beginning to open up again, Medjet says it has seen a sharp uptick in both member renewals and new consumer membership sales.

“It shows that more than we think is ‘back to normal,” said Medjet CEO Mike Hallman. “Travellers are back to thinking about all the other things that can happen to them on a trip.”

Medjet, which counts AARP, the NFL, the three top luxury travel advisory consortia, as clients was one of the first companies to introduce COVID-19 transport benefits to its program.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MAKE RIGHTS REAL: Louisiana unveils civil rights trail

 1080 494 wttc2
By:

The New Orleans restaurant Dooky Chase’s, which served for years as a safe meeting space for civil rights activists to strategize over bowls of Creole gumbo, is the site of the first marker to go up on the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail. A two-metre-high steel silhouette of a figure carrying a protest sign was unveiled outside the restaurant recently and eventually, more than a dozen others will join it along the trail.

The markers are being installed by the Louisiana Office of Tourism to symbolize the struggle for equal rights by Black Louisianans.

When Leah Chase married Dooky Chase in 1946, the restaurant was five years old, and more of a sandwich shop. Over time, she transformed it into a white-tablecloth establishment where she would serve Black and white patrons — despite laws that prohibited such interracial mixing.

It became a meeting place for activists, particularly those involved in civil rights struggles, to gather and decide on strategy. Labour leaders met there during the Godchaux Sugar Refinary strike in 1955, and activists such as Jerome Smith, Rudy Lombard and Oretha Castle Haley met there as well. The upstairs dining room was where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and local leaders held strategy sessions.

Leah Chase died in 2019 but her family still owns and operates the restaurant, whose walls are graced by an extensive collection of works by African American artists.

During a luncheon at the restaurant just before the unveiling, as servers passed out cups of gumbo and plates of fried chicken and red beans and rice to dozens of organizers and supporters, civil rights activist Sybil Morial told the crowd how much she admired her long-time friend for volunteering her restaurant as a meeting place for civil rights organizers.

“If Leah Chase had been faint at heart, she would have followed the law, but she was brave,” Morial said. “And she said, ‘Come on. Come on upstairs to this private room and continue your discussions, and I will give you food for comfort.’”

Other trail markers will be installed at the Little Union Baptist Church in Shreveport, one of the last places where Martin Luther King preached before his assassination in 1968; and the old state capitol building in Baton Rouge, where more than 14,000 Black people refused to ride in the back rows of buses, providing a blueprint King used two years later for the landmark bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955.

The sites were selected by an Office of Tourism committee, including representatives of Southern and Grambling universities, from a pool of potential sites nominated by the public. The project will eventually include 15 locations across the state.

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, who oversees the state’s department of tourism and helped with the creation of the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, said the markers are a great way to preserve history and boost tourism in the months to come.

“We have 15 that will go up this year, and then we will start working on other sites,” he said. “And from that, we hope to also produce an educational piece. There were interviews, some painful, but some great history there that needs to be told and needs to be preserved for history.”

Other trail markers will be installed at the Little Union Baptist Church in Shreveport, one of the last places where Martin Luther King preached before his assassination in 1968; and the old state capitol building in Baton Rouge, where more than 14,000 Black people refused to ride in the back rows of buses, providing a blueprint King used two years later for the landmark bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955.

The sites were selected by an Office of Tourism committee, including representatives of Southern and Grambling universities, from a pool of potential sites nominated by the public. The project will eventually include 15 locations across the state.

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, who oversees the state’s department of tourism and helped with the creation of the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, said the markers are a great way to preserve history and boost tourism in the months to come.

“We have 15 that will go up this year, and then we will start working on other sites,” he said. “And from that, we hope to also produce an educational piece. There were interviews, some painful, but some great history there that needs to be told and needs to be preserved for history.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Managing Partner Joins SpaceFund Investment Team

 500 304 wttc2
By:
New Managing Partner Joins SpaceFund Investment Team - MADEINSPACE.com - TRAVELINDEXHouston, Texas, United States, June 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The fast-rising SpaceFund venture capital team announced its newest member today. James Mertz brings a highly successful career in family office, energy, and real estate investing to a team that has already shaken the space investment world with its early successes and thought-leading investment strategies. Mr. Mertz joins Meagan Crawford as a managing partner of the rapidly-growing “BlastOff” fund, where they oversee and manage the fund’s portfolio of leading-edge space technology companies.

• For a better understanding of Space and to join the economic and industrial development of space. Contributors welcome – MadeInSpace.com

“James Mertz is a perfect fit for SpaceFund. He is a quick study, has high integrity, is sharp, hard-working, and has a laser focus on the bottom line and creating value for our investors,” said SpaceFund co-founder and board chair, Rick Tumlinson. “Coming from outside of the space field, he helps us continue to balance our vision with even more rock-solid business acumen.”

Mertz brings SpaceFund over thirteen years of experience in various energy, investing, and venture roles, including as Managing Partner at Mertz Holdings, an active early-stage family office, and President of Mertz Energy, an independent E&P company. In addition, he is a founding partner of Townsend Mertz, a real estate investment firm, a Venture Advisor for Resonant Venture Partners, and an LP Advisor at FTW Ventures.

“I’m beyond excited to be part of the SpaceFund team,” said Mertz. “To be able to combine my experience and expertise in creating portfolio value with being part of the space revolution is a dream come true.”

SpaceFund is moving into a new phase of investing. With the success of its first “LaunchPad Fund,” whose investments in 14 companies have already doubled in value in the nine months since it closed in late 2020, the “BlastOff” Fund is the next step for the company.

Managed by Mertz and long-time space business expert Meagan Crawford, the larger fund will follow on early investments by the LaunchPad Fund and bring larger allocations to bear on new rising stars of an industry that is literally taking off. Mertz has been quietly working with the company as it planned and launched the fund, integrating with the team and adding his great expertise to its formation and launch while laying the foundations for its success.

“The combination of James and his history of success outside of the space field, with Meagan and her central place in the space technology industry is a killer app for SpaceFund,” said Tumlinson. “These two are destined to be the new dynamic duo of space investing.”

Over the last thirteen years, James has generated a 39% IRR and helped grow portfolio companies to unicorn status, one of which has exited. In addition, James sourced and managed multiple capital investments, helping diversify family holdings, including Resonant VC, Neurodyn Inc., Reach Production Solutions, and many others.

“I am here to support the SpaceFund mission of opening the High Frontier by both enabling the birth and success of new space companies and helping outside investors navigate what can be a confusing landscape of shiny objects,” said Mertz. “Coming from energy and real estate investing, I am not impressed by fancy animations and slide decks. Instead, show me the team, show me the financial statements, show me the path to profits.”

The addition of Mertz is part of an overall plan by Tumlinson that began with the rollout of SpaceFund, and is designed to build credibility through access to deal flow, placement of successful investments, and leadership by an innovative team of space investment thought leaders.

“We planned from the beginning to take a step by step approach to securing our place in space investing, building credibility, becoming thought leaders and slowly adding capabilities and five star personnel,” said Tumlinson. “Meagan is already known as the ‘startup whisperer.’ Bringing James on is the next part of that plan, and integrating his amazing and pragmatic expertise from outside the space field will propel us to even higher levels. So I suggest my friends in the space field step back, as this team is Blasting OFF.”
SpaceFund welcomes James Mertz as co-managing partner for SpaceFund Two.

• For a better understanding of Space and to join the economic and industrial development of space. Contributors welcome – MadeInSpace.com

About James Mertz
James Mertz is a Texas native. He received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and received his MBA with highest Distinction from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and IESE Barcelona. While at Michigan, Mr. Mertz studied in Bulgaria through the Fulbright Program and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Mr. Mertz is also co-Managing Partner of Townsend Mertz, a diversified real estate equity fund manager, and President and founder of Mertz Energy, where he manages a technical team to source and generate oil and gas projects. Prior to these activities, Mr. Mertz started and led the Oil & Gas Downhole and Subsea division for Amphenol, a $40 billion market cap manufacturing company.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC and Harvard T.H. Chan School Release Papers to Drive Sustainability in Tourism

 500 279 wttc2
By:
WTTC and Harvard T.H. Chan School Release Papers to Drive Sustainability in Tourism - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, June 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, and faculty and scientists of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, today release four research insight papers to support the pursuit of sustainability in Travel & Tourism.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The research insights aim to support decision-makers in Travel & Tourism broaden their understanding of sustainability as it relates to policies and practice in the sector.

WTTC and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have a long history of collaboration, working towards a more sustainable future for Travel & Tourism. Together, they aim to raise awareness, shift mind-sets, and enact systemic change.

WTTC hopes that these research insights will help move the agenda beyond immediate operational impacts, with sustainability positioned as central to long-term business success. Indeed, many private sector organisations in Travel & Tourism embed sustainability into their strategy.

WTTC and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have a long history of collaboration, working towards a more sustainable future for Travel & Tourism. Together, their work is aimed at raising awareness, shifting mindsets, and enacting systemic change.

The learning insights focus on four key sustainability-related issues, notably: setting science-based targets in Travel & Tourism; adopting a culture of health to advance sustainable Travel & Tourism; behavioral economics in Travel & Tourism; and leadership in sustainability.

Insights include:

  • Aligning business strategy with global commitments
  • Translating environmental benefits secured by climate action, such as switching to renewable energy sources and transitioning to electric vehicles, among others
  • Making sustainability the default option and an expected norm.
  • Simplifying options and choice sets, incorporating sustainability as the most likely option a traveller will make
  • Visualising pro-sustainability choices and behaviours, where possible
  • Ongoing investment in sustainability education and training to drive sustainability at all levels, including Board members
  • Ensuring sustainability leadership traits, attributes and impact are woven into staff development plans, appraisal, and reward mechanisms

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President and Acting CEO, WTTC said: “We are delighted to be working with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health once again– a leading academic institution globally.

“WTTC is thrilled to champion sustainability leadership and innovation practices in Travel & Tourism and be involved in creating meaningful outputs on sustainability within the sector. We hope this work will help bring in a new era within the sector that encourages social and environmental responsibility.

“Sustainability has become an integral part of the new normal that we’re seeing the sector move towards, and it’s clear that businesses must learn to integrate it as part of their organisational DNA if they want to thrive in a post-COVID world.”

Dr. Wendy Purcell, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and lead researcher for the research insights said: “This is an important collaboration where sustainability, public health and business come together to advance research-led practice in the Travel & Tourism sector. Given the importance of the Travel & Tourism sector for people, planet and shared prosperity, research-led practice in the sector is central to inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Professor Jack Spengler, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said: “We value our long-term collaboration with WTTC. These important research insights draw attention to opportunities to help accelerate change in the sector.”

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

This collaboration between WTTC and Harvard encourages the sharing of best practices and supports sustainability as a core strategic priority to ensure the viability of the Travel & Tourism sector and the co-creation of thriving sustainable societies.

To read the learning insights in full, please click here.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News