Global Travel News

ROUND-UP::Aug. 2-6, 2021, 2021

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Mandatory vaccinations, evolving entry regulations in multiple destinations, flight restarts, and a new Sandals resort all made news in the travel industry last week.

NEWS

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday his government was mulling vaccine mandates for federal workers and employees in federally regulated industries, specifically naming the aviation and railway sectors.

Quebec premier Francois Legault says the province will introduce a vaccine passport system that would require residents show proof of vaccination to access certain non-essential services.

Two American carriers, United and Frontier Airlines say they will require staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the former by late October or sooner, the latter by Oct. 1. United will dismiss staff who don’t (with some exceptions), Frontier will require frequent tests.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

The government of Portugal has announced a staged plan to lift restrictions, with all current limits being removed by this October. This comes as 55% of the Portuguese population are currently fully vaccinated, with a goal of reaching 80% by October. Restrictions on restaurants and bars have been eased, and sporting events are able to have fans present. A digital vaccination certificate or a negative coronavirus test will be needed to enter hotels, dine indoors on weekends, and visit spas, casinos, and large events.

ENTRY UPDATES

Today (Aug. 9) is the day that vaccinated Americans can once again travel to Canada. The land border remains closed to Canadian going the other way.

Germany now requires people entering the country (over 12) who haven’t been vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19 to show a negative test result.

All travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries are now required to present a negative COVID-19 test.

All fully vaccinated travellers, as well as children ages two to 11, are now required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Unvaccinated travellers ages 12 and older must still obtain a negative PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival. (Children under two are exempt from any testing requirements). Inter-island travellers within The Bahamas from Nassau & Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island, must follow the same protocols.

AIRAir Transat celebrated the launch of new direct service between Vancouver and Quebec City (photo), becoming the first and only airline to operate the route. Flights will take place on Mondays from Vancouver and on Sundays from Quebec City, until Oct. 25.

Air Canada’s has resumed thrice weekly direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Dublin (DUB). The route relaunch coincides with Ireland’s recent announcement welcoming back international travellers as of July 19 without the need to quarantine or test upon arrival, once fully vaccinated.

WestJet celebrated the launch of its new route between Calgary and Amsterdam with the departure of WS20 on Aug. 5. The 787 Dreamliner flight was the airline’s first launch of new service to Europe after more than 18 months and marked a significant milestone in WestJet’s commitment to restoring its global network.

New York-based airline JetBlue will start daily flights between JFK and Heathrow airports on Aug. 11 and add daily trips from JFK to London’s second-biggest airport, Gatwick, on Sept. 29. It plans to add Boston-London flights next year.

BY THE NUMBERS

The grim numbers are in: IATA says last year was officially the worst ever year for air transport (since being recorded in 1950): 1.8 billion passengers flew in 2020, a decrease of 60.2% compared to the 4.5 billion who flew in 2019; industry-wide air travel demand dropped by 65.9% year-on-year; International passenger demand decreased by 75.6%; domestic demand dropped by 48.8%; the number of routes connecting airports was down more than 60%; and total industry passenger revenues fell by 69% to US$189 billion.

DEALS

Clients booking trips with G Adventures through Aug. 31 can save 10% off the price of their trips (excluding international airfare) for travel between Nov. 1 and March 31, 2022. Sample itineraries include “Costa Rica Quest,” “Best of Southern Spain,” and “Classic Peru.”

Crystal Cruises has extended ‘book now’ savings and a $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard credit until Sept. 1 for Crystal Endeavor’ inaugural Antarctica voyages
Travellers can save up to US$4,500 per guest.

HOTELS

Anaheim, Ca., now has two new AAA Four Diamond hotels, together comprising the first of their rating located outside of Disneyland Resort and doubling the number of properties with the designation to four. New are the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort and The Westin Anaheim Resort. Both offer rooftop restaurants and bars (JW has four and Westin has seven), pools with cabanas, and close proximity to Disneyland.

Qatar is adding 105 new hotels and hotel apartments to its already extensive portfolio of properties, as the country gears up to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A recent opening is the five-star Banyan Tree Doha, while other upcoming entries include the Pullman Doha West Bay, a five-star Accor property; the JW Marriott West Bay, with an eye-catching and towering exterior; and the Steigenberger Hotel, famed for its exclusive hospitality.

RESORTS

Bookings are now open for Sandals Royal Curaçao, scheduled to open April 14, 2022. Guests can save up to $1,000 with the grand opening offer, available through Nov. 2. The 351-room resort, Sandal’s 16th, is situated on 18 hectares within the Santa Barbara private estate, an exclusive 1,200-hectare protected preserve. Highlights include two new signature suite categories, the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows and Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows, the brand’s first Dos Awa infinity pool with views overlooking the sea and the rugged mountain landscape, and Sandals’ first-ever floating restaurant and bar, constructed from a 28 m. authentic Dutch ship.

RIU Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Riu Palace Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. Following a five-month refurbishment, the hotel has moved up into the 5-star category and is now an adults-only establishment. With this reopening, all of RIU’s hotels in Spain are operative and all of those in Gran Canaria have been refurbished.

CRUISE

Holland America Line has taken delivery of its new ‘Rotterdam’, officially making it the 11th ship in the fleet. The vessel will remain in non-guest operations until its transatlantic crossing Oct. 20 from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale, where it will then begin its maiden season in the Caribbean. The third vessel in the Pinnacle Class series and the seventh ship to bear the name for Holland America Line, Rotterdam will carry 2,668 guests.

Miami has been added by Crystal Cruises as a port of call and a port of embarkation for Crystal Serenity’s Luxury Bahamas Escapes voyages, enabling travellers a US departure point for the cruises.

TOURS

“Freddie Tours” is a new company that offers a guided tour of Montreux, Switzerland, and its rich musical past by following in the footsteps of the Queen frontman Freddie Mercury (1946-1991), who had close links with the region. The one-hour tour includes walking by the façade of the apartment bought by Mercury and includes a visit to the Mountain Studio, located in the Montreux Casino, where Queen recorded six albums. This venue is now called the Queen Studio Experience and is a museum dedicated to the group. The guided tours (available daily and in English) cost CHF29 ($40) and can be scheduled via the Freddie Tours website.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

The all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is celebrating the return of Canadian flights and travellers to Saint Lucia with up to triple booking bonuses as well as a free stay exclusively for Canadian travel agents as part of its CBAYREWARD$ program. For every seven-night booking made through Aug. 31, agents will earn a Double Bonus up to US$120 for fall travel, Sept. 1 -Dec. 20; a Triple Bonus up to US$180 for winter travel, Dec. 21–April 30, 2022; as well as a one-week free stay for making seven bookings. To qualify, join the CBAYREWARD$ program, make a booking (tour operator or direct), and register new bookings at CBAYRewards.com. Other rewards, including enhanced commissions and a group incentive is also on offer.

EVENTS

For the second consecutive year, The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold its annual conference virtually, reflecting the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Virtual PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2021 will take place from Sept. 2 to 5 with Leshan, China, once again the featured destination for the event. For more information, visit PATA.org/ptm or email ptm@PATA.org.

DESTINATIONS

Promenade des Anglais, Nice; photo – Atout France

Four new accolades from UNESCO are being counted in France. The city of Nice (photo) was recognized for “outstanding universal value”; Vichy, as one of the great spa towns of Europe; the Cordouan Lighthouse, a masterpiece of maritime navigation; and the Chapitre-Petit Buëche (Auvergne Rhone-Alps)), Grand Ventron (GrandEst)) and Massane (Occitania) nature reserves. In total, France has 49 inscribed sites on the World Heritage list: 42 cultural sites, six natural sites and one complex site.

Jamaica’s first Artisan Village is currently taking shape at Hampden Wharf in Falmouth, Trelawny and is scheduled to open later this year. A US$700-million project financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the new artisan village will be a “one-stop shop” for authentic Jamaican food, music, heritage, and crafts. Dozens of craft vendors and shopkeepers will be onsite selling handcrafted items and gifts, including chocolate, spices, coffee, rum, artwork, clothing and accessories. The facility is the first of a series of similar artisan villages that are planned for development in resort areas across the island.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Mid-August Launch Planned for Krabi and Phang Nga

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Thailand Mid-August Launch Planned for Krabi and Phang Nga

Krabi, Thailand, Augsut 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to reiterate that both the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programmes are going ahead as usual, and the plans to reopen Krabi and Phang Nga to fully vaccinated international tourists are set to start within August.

Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Spokesperson of the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), said the Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had been keeping a close watch on the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programmes, and voiced confidence in the plans to revive the economy through tourism by gradually reopening destinations that could ensure the health and safety of both the tourists and local people.

The new COVID-19 cases in Phuket were cited as mostly detected among locals, construction camp workers and domestic travellers with only a small number of cases found among international arrivals.

From 1 July until 1 August, 2021, Phuket recorded 14,910 international arrivals under the Sandbox programme. Of these, 34 tested positive for COVID-19 and had been sent for medical treatment.

To contain local transmission, Phuket has stepped up screening measures on domestic travellers, effective from 3-16 August, 2021. The measures are only meant to prevent the spread of the disease from other Thai provinces, while international arrivals under the Sandbox programme can still enter Phuket per the existing rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, the recent report of 54 new cases on Ko Samui from a restaurant cluster has been brought under control, and that none of the infections were related to foreign tourists under the Samui Plus programme or those who continued their journey from the Phuket Sandbox programme.

From 15 July to 1 August, Surat Thani recorded 137 international arrivals under the Samui Plus programme, with 1 person testing positive for COVID-19. In addition, there were 211 tourists from the Phuket Sandbox programme.

Surat Thani also stepped up COVID-19 control measures, effective from the last week of July until further notice, to safeguard the ‘Samui Plus’ model.

Krabi and Phang Nga are scheduled to reopen selected areas within this month under a 7+7 model. This will allow foreign tourists under the Sandbox programme to reduce the mandatory stay in Phuket from 14 to 7 days, after which another 7 nights can be spent in Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai, and Railay Beach), and Phang Nga (Khao Lak and Ko Yao).

The 7+7 model aims to provide international tourists with more options to visit multiple destinations during their trip to Thailand. Krabi and Phang Nga are ideal for this given their proximity to and ease of access from Phuket.

For Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be reached within 1.5 hours by car, while Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai can be reached within 30-40 minutes by boat from Bang Rong Pier.

For Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Railay Beach can be reached within 45-55 minutes from Rassada Pier.

Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga are declared among the 11 Controlled Areas or orange zone provinces in Thailand’s expansion of the COVID-19 restrictions from 3-31 August, 2021.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Majority of Global Public Thinks Recovery Will Take Two Years

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Majority of Global Public Thinks Recovery Will Take Two Years - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, August 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / A new public opinion poll found, three in four adults believe it will take at least two more years for their country’s economy to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and that businesses and governments are expected to share this responsibility.

The findings are from the latest World Economic Forum/Ipsos market survey of almost 22,000 people across 29 countries. The global public was asked whether their local economy had already recovered from the pandemic or how long they thought it would take for it to do so.

On average, globally:
– Only 7% believe their country’s economy has already recovered; this view is most widely held in China (56%) and in Saudi Arabia (by 25%).
– 19% believe their economy will have recovered in a year – a sentiment most prevalent in Saudi Arabia (38%), the United States (32%), and South Korea (31%).
– 35% say it will take their country’s economy two or three years to recover; Japan (52%), Chile (46%), Italy and Malaysia (both 44%), and the Netherlands (42%) are most likely to think so.
– 39% believe it will take their economy more than three years to recover from the pandemic, with those in Russia (66%), South Africa (62%), Argentina (59%), and Romania (58%) most likely to hold this view.

Sarita Nayyar, Managing Director, World Economic Forum, says: “The world is at a global turning point where leaders must cooperate, innovate and secure a robust recovery. COVID-19 has been a litmus test for stakeholder capitalism. Those that focused on the short-term have been the first to suffer. Corporations have a responsibility to work with governments and civil society to address the big global challenges while protecting public health and growth. ESG reporting metrics, investments in green finance and building more inclusive workplaces are promising first steps forward.”

Who to trust to lead the economic recovery

On average, there are high expectations for both government and businesses to lead the economy recovery, but civil society or NGOs are at the bottom of the table. Globally, 53% say it is the government’s responsibility and 52% say large/multinational businesses’ responsibility.

David Sangokoya, Head of Civil Society and Social Justice at the World Economic Forum said: “In addition to fostering social cohesion, advocating for human rights and providing community assistance, civil society plays a crucial role in promoting a sustainable and equitable recovery and creating an enabling environment in collaboration with business and government. As the world faces three critical crises in the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and systemic inequalities, the inclusion of civil society in the world’s efforts is necessary to ensure transparency, accountability and impact for communities bearing the brunt of these crises.”

Signs of economic recovery

Jobs, new businesses opening and increase tourism are the top three signs of economic recovery, according to the survey, followed by infrastructure and social changes.

Sustainable Development Impact Summit 20-23 September
These issues will be addressed at the Forum’s upcoming Sustainable Development Impact Summit. The virtual four-day event is hosted alongside the United Nations General Assembly and brings together global leaders from business, government, and civil society. It will focus on new technologies, policies and partnerships to advance cooperation, accelerate progress, and highlight tangible solutions to our global challenges. Find out more.

About the survey
These are findings from a 29-market survey among adults aged 18-74, conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform. A total of 21,503 interviews were held between June 25 and July 9, 2021.

About Ipsos
Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people. They serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rumble in the Jungle Inspires Nicole Miller 2021 Fashion Collection

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Rumble in the Jungle Inspires Nicole Miller 2021 Fashion Collection
Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 6, 2021  / TRAVELINDEX / Elephants, the national symbol of Thailand, are admired for their strength, endurance and intelligence, and for American designer Nicole Miller they are the inspiration for her latest collection – the fashion icon has launched her Pre-Fall 2021 collection, which is partly inspired by an early 2020 visit to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Northern Thailand’s ancient jungle where rescued elephants roam in their natural habitat.

A percentage of online sales of Nicole Miller’s Pre-Fall 2021 collection in August will be donated towards the upkeep of these elephants along with projects to protect wild elephants and to improve the welfare of other elephants throughout Thailand.

At a glance:

  • The Pre-Fall 2021 collection features elephant and jungle symbols and motifs on various garments and prints.
  • Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is world famous for its elephant camp that, along with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, were set up in 2003 primarily to help street begging elephants and others that could not help themselves.
  • The almost total disappearance of tourism throughout the country due to COVID-19 continues to have a negative effect on Thailand’s 3,800 odd captive elephants and their carers who still need to find around US $20 per day just to feed their elephant.
  • The COVID-19 crisis has reportedly forced at least 85 elephant camps in Northern Thailand to close and as a result Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort and the Foundation have expanded their work to lend a helping hand and resources to Thailand’s traditional elephant owning and wild elephant communities.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket Sandbox First Month Sees in Arrivals and Revenue

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Phuket Sandbox First Month Sees in Arrivals and Revenue

Phuket, Thailand, August 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to report that in the first month of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ programme since its launch on 1 July, 2021, over 14,000 foreign tourists visited Phuket, and the revenue they generated for the local economy amounted to 829 million Baht.

For the period of 1-31 July, 2021, total international arrivals amounted to 14,055, with the largest source market being the USA with 1,802 arrivals. This was followed by the UK with 1,558 arrivals, Israel with 1,455 arrivals, Germany with 847 arrivals, and France with 839 arrivals.

TAT expects 100,000 foreign tourists will visit Phuket in the Third Quarter 2021 (July-September) and inject some 8.9 billion Baht of revenue into the local economy.

Fully vaccinated and able to enter Phuket without the need to quarantine, as the Phuket Sandbox programme allows, these first tourists to return to Thailand as it begins to gradually reopen to tourism came on direct international flights operated by major airlines from points around the world. This included Thai Airways International (THAI) from Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Paris, London, and Zurich, Singapore Airlines from Singapore, Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi, Emirates from Dubai, Qatar Airways from Doha, and EL AL Israel Airlines from Tel Aviv.

Accommodation-wise, the arrivals for July saw 190,843 room nights booked at SHA Plus certified hotels. August has a further 109,694 room nights in advance bookings and September another 9,182 room nights, altogether amounting to 309,719 room nights for the July-September period.

July’s actual number of room nights far outperformed the advance bookings of 106,883 nights on the books at the beginning of July. August and September, too, are now significantly ahead in advance bookings than at this time, resulting in the current total of advance bookings for July-September almost tripling the earlier figure.

Tourists are required to stay at SHA Plus certified hotels on Phuket for their added safety. SHA Plus certification indicates a hotel meets the safety measures to control COVID-19, and also that 70% of its workforce has been fully vaccinated.

The 829 million Baht in revenue for July included 282 million Baht spent on accommodation, 194 million Baht on the purchase of products and services, 175 million Baht on food and beverage, and 124 million Baht on health and medical services. Among the 14,055 tourist arrivals, the average cost of their vacation to Phuket was 58,982 Baht.

Crucially, one of the key benefits of the Phuket Sandbox programme has been the creation of 210 million Baht in salaries for the local employees in the accommodation, restaurant, and other sectors.

All the while, the commitment of the local provincial authorities and the Thai government to safely reopen Phuket has continued. Along with the necessary health and safety measures put in place and the proper protocols effected, this also involves the vaccination programme for the island’s population. As of 30 July, 2021, 89% of the people had received their first vaccine dose, while 69% had received both doses.

With the pilot destination of Phuket – and as of 15 July, Surat Thani’s Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao – having reopened to tourism, the next two destinations are set to follow within August.

These are Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Railay Beach) and Phang Nga (Khao Lak and Ko Yao), where fully vaccinated foreign tourists will be able to visit the selected areas in each destination under a 7+7 model. This model will reduce the mandatory stay in Phuket under the Phuket Sandbox programme from 14 to 7 days, following which 7 nights can then be spent in Krabi and Phang Nga.

The idea behind the 7+7 model is to provide foreign tourists with more options to visit multiple destinations during their trip to Thailand. Krabi and Phang Nga are ideal for this given their proximity to and ease of access from Phuket.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Europe Becomes Strategic Partner of ITB China

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Europe Becomes Strategic Partner of ITB China

Shanghai, China, August 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Many Chinese are looking forward to travelling abroad according to recent data collected by the European Travel Commission (ETC), who is strengthening ties with ITB China as a Strategic Partner in 2021. ETC will have a strong presence at this year’s hybrid show, reflecting the optimism of Chinese tourism returning to Europe, maintaining close ties with Chinese agents & buyers and learning more about new market trends and changes in consumer behavior. ITB China 2021, the Marketplace for China’s Travel Industry will take place as physical event in Shanghai from 24 – 26 Nov this year, with a virtual extension from early November until the end of December.

Mr. Eduardo Santander, Executive Director at European Travel Commission said: “The ETC is delighted to join ITB China 2021 as a Strategic Partner. We look forward to showcasing a multitude of European destinations and experiences through our hybrid EUROPE pavillion. As Europe is opening up for travel, we believe it is crucial to intensify dialogue between European and Chinese partners on the most pressing issues to finally embark on our common journey towards the recovery of tourism”.

Confirmed European destinations exhibiting in the EUROPE pavillion include Austria (Austrian National Tourist Office), Croatia (Croatian National Tourist Board), Czech Republic (CzechTourism), Denmark & Norway (Scandinavian Tourist Board), Germany (German National Tourist Board), Isle of Ireland (Tourism Ireland), Netherlands (Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions), Poland (Polish Tourism Organisation), Portugal (VisitPortugal), France (Atout France), and more.

In addition to the EUROPE pavilion, ITB China will show strong individual presences of other major European destinations, such as Finland (Visit Finland), Italy (ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board), Malta (Malta Tourism Authority), Spain (TOURSPAIN), Switzerland (Switzerland Tourism) and United Kingdom (VisitBritain).

The pandemic has accelerated changes that were already evident before, creating both opportunities and challenges for tourism organizations and hospitality representatives to keep pace with the market. According to Santander the most important post-pandemic Chinese travel trend is the shift from group travel aiming at visiting as much countries at once as possible, towards FIT and semi-customized travel focusing on more in-depth experiences. A new model of more conscious and slow travel is emerging. Especially among young, tech-savvy and bilingual Chinese people traveling off the beaten path, self-driving and small private groups will become more and more popular. One trend has remained: Chinese tourists still value the safety of travel. At the same time the flexibility of travel bookings play a much more crucial role than before.

Mr. James Liang, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Trip.com said: “With the continuous improvement in global vaccination levels and the launch of the EU Digital COVID Certificate to facilitate safe free movement inside the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are full of confidence in the recovery of international tourism. Trip.com‘s recent survey shows an optimistic trend. For example, the searching number of air tickets by Chinese mainland users from China to Europe has surged nearly four times recently. Europe has always been a popular destination for Chinese travellers, and Trip.com is preparing the relevant measures to promote European tourism, as well as work with our partners to drive the revival of global tourism.”

Meanwhile, Europe’s tourism sector is working to support the reopening and has joined forces to encourage Europeans to travel abroad this summer responsibly. Last month, the ETC presented ‘Open up to Europe’, a major promotional campaign to reassure potential tourists that destinations and tourism businesses in Europe have implemented all the necessary health and sanitary protocols and are open for visitors. The campaign, led by ETC and co-funded by the EU with the support of more than 30 destinations and travel brands, will be rolled out across Europe as restrictions are eased and countries open up for travel.

About the European Travel Commission
Established in 1948, the European Travel Commission is a unique association in the travel sector, representing the National Tourism Organisations of the countries of Europe. Its mission is to strengthen the sustainable development of Europe as a tourist destination. In the last several decades, ETC has positioned itself at the forefront of the European tourism scene, establishing its expertise and building up partnerships in areas of tourism, based on promotion, market intelligence and best practice sharing. ETC currently focuses its activities in the areas of research, marketing and advocacy.

About ITB China and the ITB China Conference
ITB China 2021 will take place from Wednesday to Friday, 24 to 26 Nov, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. In addition to the physical event, ITB China 2021 Virtual will be held from 8 November to 31 December 2021. ITB China is a business-to-business travel trade platform that focuses exclusively on the Chinese travel industry. The ITB China Conference will take place parallel with the show and is co-organized by the leading travel conference organizer TravelDaily

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Koh Samui Island Indulgence Experience Marks Island’s Reopening

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Meliá Koh Samui Island Indulgence Experience Marks Island's Reopening - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, August 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / As Thailand’s Koh Samui island opens to international tourists, Meliá Koh Samui has launched a package anchored by a stay in a meticulously refurbished merchant vessel.

Overlooking secluded Choeng Mon Beach on the north-eastern tip of Koh Samui island in the Gulf of Thailand, the resort’s “Island Indulgence” offer comprises a minimum of seven nights in a Premium Room or Boat Suite.

The package is priced from THB 22,222 (USD 676) nett for a Premium Room and THB 25,555 (USD 777) nett for a Boat Suite for direct bookings until March 24, 2022 for stays until March 31, 2022, and includes:

  • Daily breakfast for two
  • A cocktail each for two per stay
  • 20% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 50% discount on spa treatments at YHI Spa
  • Round trip airport transfers
  • Round trip hospital transfers for international travelers who require a third RT-PCR Test
  • Two pieces of laundry per person per day

The Premium Rooms feature a separate bathtub and shower, with a large private balcony overlooking a 700-metre-long lagoon pool that meanders through the resort’s grounds like a river. The elegant two-story Boat Suites are made from refurbished teak wood merchant vessels that are more than 100 years old and once plied the Gulf of Thailand’s waters.

For reservations, call +66 (0) 77 938 899.

Island Indulgence requires a minimum stay of seven consecutive nights and is valid for bookings from now until March 24, 2022 for stays from now until March 31, 2022. The package is priced at THB 22,222 (USD 676) nett for a Premium Room, and THB 25,555 (USD 777) nett for a Boat Suite for seven nights; room rates are inclusive of seven percent VAT, 10 percent services charge and one percent provincial tax. Room rates extended on a pro-rata basis for additional nights. Full prepayment is required at the time of booking. The offer is non-refundable and two free amendments per booking are permitted.

Requirements for entry to Koh Samui:

  • Proof international traveler has spent previous 21 days in low- or medium-risk country
  • Proof international traveler has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19
  • A negative RT-PCR test result issued within 72 hours before departure
  • COVID-19 health insurance with minimum coverage of USD 100,000
  • Confirmation of booking at a Samui Extra+ hotel (seven nights) extended to a SHA+ certified hotel from the eighth night
  • A Certificate of Entry (COE) from Thai Embassy or Consulate
  • Download and activate the application specified for Koh Samui upon arrival
  • RT-PCR test on arrival

Meliá Koh Samui, a certified SHA+ hotel, is able to accept reservations for international travelers who spend at least seven days in Phuket or a Samui Extra+ hotel with a negative result on their second RT-PCR test.

Travelers are required to follow the COVID-19 “DMHTTA” precautions that include distancing, mask-wearing, hand-washing, temperature testing, Covid-19 testing, and installation of the mobile application specified for Koh Samui.

Information is based on the latest updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and is subject to change.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá HotelsInternational company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International:
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and TRYP by Wyndham. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking).

About AWC
Asset World Corporation (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, a member of TCC Group, one of Thailand’s most prominent conglomerates. AWC’s core focus of real estate development and management projects encompass two business groups: Hospitality helping Thailand become the top destination for sustainable tourism with hotels in key locations in Bangkok and popular destinations throughout Thailand serviced by management teams from internationally acclaimed hotel groups such as Marriott, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton; Retail and Commercial Buildings (covering retail, and wholesale facilities with mixed-use properties and office buildings) providing well-balanced and unique offerings a best-in-class customer experience that meet business and modern lifestyles with high-quality and innovative real estate development projects overseen by a qualified and experienced management team to build long-term value for stakeholders.

AWC succeeded in listing the company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the real estate and construction industry under the property development category on October 10, 2019. AWC’s market capitalization was the highest in the history of the SET (According to Bloomberg Database). AWC recognizes the importance of operating with a focus on sustainability – incorporating the needs of stakeholders, the environment, society, and contributing to ongoing improvements in Thailand’s economy with a purpose of building a better future.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Relaunches Moments Platform, Bringing Back Money-Can’t-Buy Experiences to Members

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Experiences with long-standing collaborator Mercedes-AMG Petronas will be available on the Moments platform
Steve Etherington/Daimler AG

Following more than a year of physical isolation and missed connections, Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott International’s award-winning travel program – is ushering in a refreshed version of the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform to help members who want to make up for lost time. Launching today, Marriott Bonvoy’s new offering of mind-expanding, money-can’t-buy Moments with both new and long-standing collaborators aims to serve as a vehicle for travelers to discover the world around them and be forever transformed by the places, experiences and people encountered along the way.

With 66% of people saying they were inspired to create a bucket list because of the pandemic[1], the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program gives members ways to check items off their list with those closest to them. Using Marriott Bonvoy points accumulated from travel and everyday activities such as credit card spend, ride-sharing, or food delivery, members can gain VIP access to concerts, culinary experiences, premier sporting events and more all over the globe. Members may redeem their points for either fixed-price experiences or use them to bid on experiences through auctions using the revamped, easy-to-navigate platform.

“After so much time spent unable to do many of the things we enjoy, our members are eager to get back out on the road – not just to escape, but to discover all the people, places and experiences the world has to offer,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Marriott Bonvoy. “We are excited to relaunch Marriott Bonvoy Moments, which has always been one of the most beloved elements of our travel program, and to give our members access to money-can’t-buy experiences where they can make memories, forge new connections and expand their minds.”

Marriott Bonvoy Moments span a wide variety of passions, from sports to culinary, and from music to professional development and more. Moments in both virtual and in-person settings are available on the platform. Examples of Moments available for bidding at launch include:

Sports

Cheer on the start of the 2021 NFL season with an exclusive NFL Kickoff Experience

For the first time ever, Marriott Bonvoy members can celebrate the start of the NFL season with exclusive access to the NFL’s Kickoff celebrations – including tickets to the NFL’s Kickoff Eve Party the night before the game, as well as the VIP Concert Viewing Party leading up to the game on Thursday, September 9th. The experience will culminate with game tickets to watch the opening game.

Improve your tennis skills at a clinic hosted by former #1 Andy Roddick and attend the Laver Cup

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Members can bid for the chance to take part in a tennis clinic with former world number no. 1 Andy Roddick

The Laver Cup is an unrivaled men’s team competition that showcases six of the top players from Europe against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Join former world no. 1 Andy Roddick on the Laver Cup practice court for a tennis clinic in the morning. Learn how to dominate your opponent with Roddick’s trademark strokes, including his iconic wrist-snapping forehand and ultra-powerful serves. Then spend the afternoon watching some of the best players in the world compete at the Laver Cup. This is one of many unique Laver Cup-related packages available.

Music

Walk The Red Carpet at MTV’s Video Music Awards

Be among the A-List at MTV’s iconic Video Music Awards, with the opportunity to access the red carpet before you take your seats to the show.

Experience Firefly Music Festival Like a VIP

With Super VIP Weekend Passes, get the best views of main stage performances with access to the front row and the side viewing loft, as well as artist lounges with private bars and complimentary snacks. Relax at the end of a day in your glamping tent, with access to Camping Hubs — featuring additional artist performances, camping entertainment, activities, shopping and more.

Culinary

Secure A Table at The Hottest Spot in Town

Enjoy dinner at Girl & the Goat with Chef Stephanie Izard
Enjoy dinner at Girl & the Goat with Chef Stephanie Izard

Get a guaranteed reservation at top restaurants including Thomas Keller’s Per Se (New York, NY) & The French Laundry (Yountville, CA), Enrique Olvera’s Pujol (Mexico City) and Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat (Los Angeles, CA). Some packages also include a private dinner with the Chef.

Learn How to Grill Like a Master

Impress your guests at your next cook-out after a lesson from a Weber Culinary Grillmaster, the brand of grilling equipment for TownePlace Suites hotels.

Personal & Professional Development

Master Public Speaking with Training from TED’s Director of Speaker Coaching

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Learn how to master the art of communication in a virtual class with TED’s Director of Speaker Coaching
Ryan Lash/Ryan Lash / TED

Learn how to master the art of communication — whether in person or virtual — with help from TED’s Director of Speaker Coaching, Briar Goldberg, thanks to Marriott Hotels’ long-standing relationship with TED. In an online class, TED’s public speaking expert will teach valuable communication skills — along with actionable tips and takeaways — through engaging exercises that will help you identify your audience, keep them engaged and inspired and convey your message confidently.

Bring Order to Your Home with The Container Store

At most TownePlace Suites hotels, longer-stay travelers can spread out, settle in and get organized with a custom Elfa® closet exclusively from The Container Store. Now, you can get the chance to create the “Ultimate Closet” at home with items from The Container Store and guidance from one of their organizing and custom closet experts.

Arts & Culture

Make Your Special Day Extra-Special with a Made-To-Order Wedding Gown Designed by Justin Warshaw of Justin Alexander

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Have Justin Warshaw of Justin Alexander design a made-to-order wedding gown for you

No gown for your re-scheduled wedding? No problem! Come and enjoy an indulgent day helping design the wedding gown of your dreams that will be made to order from Justin Alexander.

Attend a New York Fashion Week Invite-Only Presentation

Be the first to see the fashion brand alice + olivia’s Spring 2022 Collection at an invite-only presentation during fashion week, and have the opportunity to shop the collection.

Marriott Bonvoy will continue to debut one-of-a-kind Moments in new locations around the world throughout the rest of 2021 and beyond. Members will be able to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences once again as Marriott Bonvoy resumes activations under its long-standing relationships with the NFL, Manchester United, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, the National Park Foundation and many more.

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Experiences with long-standing collaborator Manchester United will be available on the Moments platform
Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

All in-person Marriott Bonvoy Moments will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control or the equivalent in the country/region where the Moment takes place with regard to mask-wearing, testing and other COVID-19 protocols.

To explore Marriott Bonvoy Moments, please visit https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com. For more information about Marriott Bonvoy or to enroll as a member for free, visit here. Join the conversation @MarriottBonvoy and #MarriottBonvoyMoments.

[1] Expedia Vacation Deprivation Study 2021

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including expected program offerings and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. Marriott International (“we”) caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including those we identify below and other risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K. Risks that could affect forward-looking statements in this press release include the duration and scope of COVID-19, including the availability and distribution of effective vaccines or treatments; the pandemic’s short and longer-term impact on the demand for travel, transient and group business, and levels of consumer confidence; actions governments, businesses and individuals have taken or may take in response to the pandemic, including limiting, banning, or cautioning against travel and/or in-person gatherings or imposing occupancy or other restrictions on lodging or other facilities; the impact of the pandemic and actions taken in response to the pandemic on global and regional economies, travel, and economic activity, including the duration and magnitude of the pandemic’s impact on unemployment rates and consumer discretionary spending; the ability of our owners and franchisees to successfully navigate the impacts of COVID-19; the pace of recovery when the pandemic subsides and any dislocations in recovery as a result of resurgences of the pandemic; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the effects of steps we and our property owners and franchisees have taken and may continue to take to reduce operating costs and/or enhance certain health and cleanliness protocols at our hotels; the impacts of our employee furloughs and reduced work week schedules, our voluntary transition program and our other restructuring activities; competitive conditions in the lodging industry and in the labor market; relationships with customers and property owners; and the availability of capital to finance hotel growth and refurbishment. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy encompasses Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 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. Members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from JP Morgan Chase and American Express. 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.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui GM Pulido Sees Bright Future for Island

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Hyatt Regency Koh Samui GM Pulido Sees Bright Future for Island - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, August  5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / With stints at high profile resorts in the Caribbean, the Middle East, China, South Korea and his native Mexico in his locker, Adrian Pulido can draw upon extensive experience in the global tourism industry.

Therefore, it counts for something when the general manager of the recently opened Hyatt Regency Koh Samui predicts a spectacular revival for Koh Samui, Thailand’s legendary paradise island.

Like other tourism destinations in Thailand, Koh Samui has been badly impacted by the global pandemic.

Things, though, are beginning to look up for the destination. The unveiling in early July of the Hyatt Regency Koh Samui — a design-forward luxury property on the north-eastern tip of the island — was a landmark debut on the island.

Ongoing plans to reopen Samui to international visitors, meanwhile, over the coming months are another positive indicator for the future.

Pulido, who makes his debut as a GM at the resort following spells in senior management with Banyan Tree, JW Marriot and, most recently, Park Hyatt, is among those convinced that it’s merely a matter of time before Koh Samui reassumes its position as one of the star attractions for tourism in Southeast Asia.

“Koh Samui is a very special destination,” he said. “It has been one of Asia’s most popular islands for decades now, yet it has never lost any of its charm. Visitors will find incredible beauty, fantastic food and outstanding hospitality. It’s all waiting here for them like it always has been.”

Pulido is equally bullish about the prospect of his resort being in the vanguard of this revival thanks to its broad appeal and myriad selling points.

A collaboration between three of Thailand’s biggest hotel design names — Office of Bangkok Architecture, August Design and PLandscaping — the 140-room property occupies eight acres of private coastline in the far northeast corner of the paradise island.

Deploying a design-forward philosophy, the property, which is located in North Chaweng — and is less than ten minutes from the island’s international airport— bills itself as a “vacation gallery” due to its array of visual highlights.

These include a showpiece lobby — the longest lobby arrival point in Koh Samui — plush accommodations that showcase terrific ocean views and one of the largest pool zones on the island.

“The pandemic has been a challenging time for Koh Samui as it has been for the entire tourism industry in Thailand,” he added. “That’s why we are so delighted to debut with such a special resort.

“It (the resort) embraces the island’s native beauty and its traditions through elements of vernacular architecture and careful incorporation of existing natural features. At the same time, we look towards the future thanks to contemporary design, state-of-the-art facilities and daring cuisine.

“This island has a central role in how Thailand fares following the pandemic, and it’s an honour to be leading the way as we begin to look positively towards the future.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma’s Back of House Tour Opens Window to Hotel Operations

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Alma's Back of House Tour Opens Window to Hotel Operations - TRAVELINDEXCam Ranh, Vietnam, August 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / With Vietnam’s virus flare-up forcing Alma to temporarily close, the resort’s team has kept busy creating a one-of-a-kind tour that answers everything you wanted to know about a hotel but were afraid to ask.

To be launched upon the resort’s reopening, Alma’s one-hour ‘Back of House’ tour will lead groups of guests through the resort’s inner workings each Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm.

Tour stops include the pastry room, staff canteen, engineering workshop, loading dock, laundry and uniform rooms, electric buggy station, generator station, air conditioner centralized plant, water treatment plant, and CCTV and fire panel room.

Participants will learn all sorts of interesting facts. To wit: 28 staff in the laundry room wash an average of 26.4 tonnes of laundry a week including 49,690 towels, 2320 bed sheets and 1160 pillow cases.

In the pastry room, eight pastry chefs and five bakers make 1200 Danish pastries, 1000 croissants, 850 bread rolls and 800 muffins per week, in addition to 50 litres of house-made ice-cream, 10 kilograms of Tiramisu and 50 Chinese egg tarts.

At the CCTV and fire panel room, guests view footage captured by 531 CCTV cameras, and learn of 3162 smoke detectors and 9548 sprinklers designed to ensure safety at the 30-hectare resort. The air conditioner plant, manned by seven air conditioning technicians, provides chilled water for 1049 air conditioning units.

“It’s fascinating to go behind the scenes and see all of the work and preparation involved in delivering a seamless guest experience at a 580-key resort,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “The resort requires 900 m3 of water a day and 46,720 kWh of power, so we have systems in place to reduce our carbon footprint including a water treatment plant, electric buggy station and recycling in our garbage room.”

The 325sqm water treatment plant deploys a reverse osmosis system to provide 70,000L weekly of drinkable water and ice for all of the resort’s kitchens. The garbage room processes about 250 kilograms of garbage a day, including compostable waste and recyclables, reselling an average of, for example, 110 litres of cooking oil weekly to non-food businesses so that it is recycled.

The resort’s 360sqm buggy station’s 36 electric buggies each take an average of six hours to charge. The 335sqm generator station is home to five generators with a combined capacity of 10000kVA in the event grid power is lost. In the engineering workshop, an average of 35 items are fixed weekly, ranging from tables and chairs to microwaves to garden lights.

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach, a waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, 70-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, art gallery, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News