Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:July 19-23, 2021

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Canada finally has plan to open its border, the US does not; the Inca Trail is open again; Bezos blasted into space, and Bureau’s back – all among last week’s news…

NEWS

Canada announced that it will re-open its borders to fully vaccinated travellers on Aug. 9 (US) and internationally (Sept. 7) respectively. The US did not reciprocate the gesture, leaving Canadians crossing at land borders for non-essential purposes barred until at least Aug. 21. A flurry of response, both pro and con, ensued on both sides of the border to the non-concurrent, but related, announcements.

In final preparations for the launch of consumer space travel, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos blasted into space July 20 on his rocket company’s first flight with people on board. Joining him were his brother, an 18-year-old from the Netherlands, and an 82-year-old aviation pioneer from Texas – the youngest and oldest to ever fly in space.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

The Disney Dream will kick off the long-awaited return to cruising for Disney Cruise Line from the US on Aug. 9. Voyages will include tropical trips to the Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. Three- and four-night cruises will include a visit to the private island, Castaway Cay.

US headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises resumed cruising in French Polynesia/the Islands of Tahiti with vaccinated guests and crew aboard the line’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit sailing ship. Half of the line’s six yacht fleet is now back in the water cruising.

AIR

A new phased-in flight schedule to the US from Air Canada starting Aug. 1 encompasses 220 daily flights on 55 routes to 34 destinations. The airline also notes that its app will enable customers to scan, upload, and validate COVID-19 test results on all flights to Canada. Service to all 57 previously offered US destinations will be restored “as conditions allow” says the airline.

WestJet says it is not seeking financial aid from the federal government after months of talks between Ottawa and the airline. It says each party has agreed to shift focus to restarting the travel and tourism sector, given encouraging vaccination rates.

Porter Airlines is adding new ways to pay as it prepares to restart flights in September and add jet services next year. The regional airline says passengers who use the company’s website will be able to use PayPal and WeChat and adds that new channels may be added. Purchases of $300 or more can also be financed using Uplift. The total trip cost will be seen at the time of booking, along with the monthly payment amount. There are no late fees or prepayment penalties, and customers can travel even before they are finished making their prepayments. Travel agents may also select payment financing for their clients when booking through Porter.

BY THE NUMBERS

Air Canada reported improving but still big losses in the second quarter as travel demand started to rise. The airline says it lost $1.17 billion compared with a loss of $1.75 billion a year earlier, however the airline sees a positive trend ahead. Revenues for the airline during the three months ended June 30 surged 58.8% to $837 million from $527 million in the second quarter of 2020 based in part based on an increase of seat capacity by 78%, compared with the prior year’s quarter when capacity was reduced by 86% from the second quarter of 2019. It plans to increase available seat miles 85% in the third quarter.

DEALS

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is inviting guests to relax and rejuvenate with the Heavenly Spa Package which includes a US$150 spa credit and 20% off services to use at the resort’s spa, which includes a hair and nail salon, new men’s services, separate men’s and women’s hot tubs, steam rooms and relaxation lounges. The offer requires a minimum stay of two nights.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has created a one-stop shop online for love birds, detailing a wide range of romantic hotel packages. The site has links to deals for couples looking to tie the knot, renew their romance or just take that trip abroad together that might have been postponed due to the pandemic. To see the full list of romance packages and offers, click HERE.

TOURS

Self-guided motorcycle tours fulfilled by Hertz Ride can now be booked through TravelBrands. To kick off the program, the premium motorcycles experiences will be offered in Portugal, north and south. When booked through TravelBrands, tours include 4-star accommodations, a top brand motorcycle, and daily breakfast. Through Aug. 31, travel agents will earn 3x the Loyalty Rewards Points for any self-ride itinerary booked.

Air Canada Vacations has released its new lineup of 2021/22 flights from Western Canada, featuring Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mexico City, and Ixtapa. Service begins in November with gateways including Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg (directly or connecting). There are also options to Hawaii and Las Vegas, the latter via non-stop flights from Vancouver and Calgary. Customers who book by Aug. 22 for travel until Dec. 15 can benefit from 50% off travel protection.

HOTELS

San Diego’s iconic Hotel Del Coronado is embarking this month on a US$400- multi-year, multi-phase plan that, when complete, will have touched every aspect of the property. Among the renovations will be a restoration of the historic hotel’s original front porch, an updated lawn and landscaping, lobby restorations, and much more.

Now open, the new Hard Rock Hotel Madrid, located in the city’s Triangulo
de Oro del Arte, caters to both business and leisure travellers with 161 contemporary rooms. At the heart of the property, guests will find a dramatic architectural hanging guitar sculpture, as well as music memorabilia and vibrant artwork throughout the hotel, including a life-size pink ‘Las Meninas’ adorned with Rosalía lyrics, inspired by Diego Velázquez’s masterpiece hanging in the Prado Museum, and mural in GMT+1 bar inspired by the La Movida movement in Madrid.

RESORTS

The second hotel project from Xcaret Hotels in Riviera Maya, Hotel Xcaret Art, has officially opened its doors to guests. The adults-only hotel features 900 luxury suites designed as an homage to the arts of Mexico with an impressive investment of $427 million supporting the tourism industry in Riviera Maya and highlighting Mexican traditions through art. The hotel integrates the brand’s “All-Fun Inclusive” concept, offering hotel guests unlimited access to Grupo Xcaret’s Parks and the most attractive experiences in Cancún and Riviera Maya. The hotel is also home to an exclusive Culinary Collective, representing eight internationally renowned chefs combining different culinary traditions that originate from different cultures.

CRUISE

Silversea Cruises has opened an exclusive pre-sale on its World Cruise 2024, entitled ‘Far East-West.’ The 132-day journey throughout the Pacific Ocean will visit 65 destinations across 14 countries, including 40 new destinations for a Silversea World Cruise. Plus, 23 overnight stays will unlock deeper cultural immersion. Hosted aboard the 388-guest Silver Shadow, the voyage will depart San Francisco on Jan. 15, 2024, on a round-trip itinerary that will encompass most of the Pacific Rim, and back across the Pacific to Alaska, Canada, and California. Featured for the first time will be the volcanic Russian Far East and Alaska.

Three more ships Carnival Cruise Line ships will resume operations in September, and another four in October – bringing the total number of ships to 15 – as the line’s restart of operations continues to ramp up. They are Carnival Glory from New Orleans, starting Sept. 5; Pride from Baltimore, Sept. 12; Dream from Galveston, Sept. 19; Conquest from Miami, Oct. 8; Freedom from Miami, Oct. 9; Elation from Port Canaveral, Oct. 11; and Sensation from Mobile, Oct. 21.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

The CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto are now open to visitors. The Blue Jays begin playing in the city again on Friday (July 30) with a capacity of 15,000.

After more than a year of virtual races, runners will return to racing at Walt Disney World in Orlando this fall, kicking off the runDisney 2021-22 race season. The season will include four race weekends: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Nov. 4-7; Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Jan. 5-9, 2022; Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Feb. 24-27, 2022; run Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend, March 31-April 3, 2022.

EVENTS

July 28: VisitBritain is inviting the Canadian travel trade to an ‘Explore the West Midlands, the heart of England’ virtual event on Wednesday (4 p.m. EST) marking ‘One Year to Go’ until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Updated information on the region, which includes Stratford-upon-Avon, plus top attractions and key highlights will be presented, as well as a fun quiz. To register click .

Sept. 27: Skal Toronto is inviting Skal members, plus industry friends and family to its annual golf tournament, to be held at the Royal Ontario Golf Club on Monday, Sept. 27. The COVID-sensitive event day will include 18 holes of golf, shared golf cart (private carts will be available at an extra cost), lunch, dinner and one drink ticket. There are hole sponsorships available and sponsors are welcome. Registration deadline is Aug. 15 and spots are limited so it is advised to register soon. For information or to register, click .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Duncan Bureau has joined Canada Jetlines as Chief Commercial Officer, tasked with building the various commercial platforms and distribution networks for the organization, which plans to operate, pending CTA approval, as an airline and tour operator with flights into sun destinations in the US and Mexico. Well known in the Canadian travel industry as an executive at WestJet and later VP for Air Canada and president of Rouge, Bureau has also worked abroad at Malaysia Airlines and most recently as Sr. VP Sales & Distribution at Etihad in Abu Dhabi.

Transat has announced two changes to its Commercial team: Lindsay Merrill is appointed Sales Manager, Ontario, Atlantic and Western Canada and Marjorie Larose has been named Sales Manager, Quebec and Ottawa. Merrill has over 14 years of experience in various roles at Transat, including as Inside Sales Supervisor in Ontario since October 2016, while Larose, who joined the company in 2005 has been a Business Development Representative since 2017. Emails: Lindsay.merrill@transat.com and Marjorie Larose at marjorie.larose@transat.com.

DESTINATIONS

Eilat, photo – Rony Balahsan

Israel’s ministry of tourism reports that the global Miss Universe pageant will be held for the first time in its history in Israel, in the city of Eilat. The competition, taking place for several weeks in December will mark the organization’s 70th anniversary and delegations from over 100 countries plus thousands of pageant enthusiasts and tourists are expected to attend. The final pageant will air in over 170 countries across the globe.

Nevis has reduced the reduced Vacation in Place period for fully vaccinated international visitors from nine days to four, with testing on day four and the ability to fully integrate into the island upon receipt of a negative test result.

The Château du Clos Lucé in France’s Loire Valley continues to build on its mission to showcase the many facets of Leonardo da Vinci’s universe by unveiling a new 500-sq.m. cultural centre and museum. The immersive experience features a virtual gallery that screens an animated display of 17 masterpieces by da Vinci, combined with his drawings. The interactive space will feature 3D experiences, video games and more dedicated to the artist, who spent the last years of his life at the Clos Lucé.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

European Commission Decisions Out of Touch with Reality, Damages Sustainability

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European Commission Decisions Out of Touch with Reality, Damages Sustainability

Geneva, Switzerland, July 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) branded the European Commission’s (EC) decision to set the winter slot use threshold at 50% as “out of touch with reality,” and argued that the EC had ignored the advice and evidence presented by EU member states and the airline industry, which had made the case for a much lower threshold.

The EC’s announcement means that, from November to April, airlines operating at slot-regulated airports must use at least half of every single series of slots they hold. There is no alleviation to hand back slots at the start of the season allowing airlines to match their schedule to realistic demand or enable other carriers to operate. Additionally, the rule on ‘force majeure’, by which the slot rule is suspended if exceptional circumstances related to the COVID pandemic are in effect, has been switched off for intra-EU operations.

The result of these changes will be to restrict the ability of airlines to operate with the agility needed to respond to unpredictable and rapidly changing demand, leading to environmentally wasteful and unnecessary flights. It will also further weaken the financial stability of the industry and hinder the recovery of the global air transport network.

“Once again the Commission has shown they are out of touch with reality. The airline industry is still facing the worst crisis in its history. The Commission had an open goal to use the slots regulation to promote a sustainable recovery for airlines, but they missed. Instead, they have shown contempt for the industry, and for the many member states that repeatedly urged a more flexible solution, by stubbornly pursuing a policy that is contrary to all the evidence presented to them,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

The Commission’s argument is that the intra-EU traffic recovery this summer justified a 50% use threshold with no alleviation. This flies in the face of significant evidence of the uncertain outlook for traffic demand this winter, provided by key EU member states as well as IATA and its members. For example:

  • The extent of intra-EU recovery is at best only a partial indicator of the extent of recovery at slot-constrained airports, where the key slots are needed for global traffic connections which have not yet recovered. IATA estimates that international travel will only reach 34% of 2019 levels by end of 2021 (see chart 1 below).
  • Winter demand always tracks below Summer demand, even in good years. And the evidence of forward bookings is that they are trending well below levels seen last Winter (see chart 2). Long haul bookings for the EU are currently averaging 20% of 2019 levels.
  • Despite the roll-out of vaccines, governments continue to be extremely cautious about opening borders. Their response to variants of concern is still to close borders or instigate quarantine measures which instantly kills travel demand. It is clear that European air travel demand is still extremely weak and unpredictable (Chart 3).

Other regulators around the world have understood the arguments. Regulators in the UK, China, Latin America and Asia-Pacific have put much more flexible measures in place. Only the EU has dogmatically insisted that traffic will return at a rate far beyond any reasonable forecast.

“There is a rich irony that only a week after the Commission released its ‘Fit for 55’ carbon emissions plan, it publishes a slots regulation that may force airlines to fly regardless of whether sufficient demand for that route exists. Transport Commissioner Valean said ‘We need to act with ambition for our planet, but without punishing our citizens or businesses.’ Clearly, this decision on slots fails to meet these conditions,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wheels Up and Abercrombie & Kent Forge Partnership to Explore the World in Luxury

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Wheels Up and Abercrombie & Kent Forge Partnership to Explore the World in Luxury

New York, New York, United States, July 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Wheels Up the leading brand in private aviation, and Abercrombie & Kent, the world’s leading luxury travel company, announce a strategic partnership to offer Wheels Up Members bespoke travel experiences utilizing the Wheels Up fleet in North America and private small group journeys in international destinations.

The partnership will be launched with two domestic Abercrombie & Kent curated and customized journeys for Wheels Up Members to explore America’s National Parks and the Pacific coast. The exclusive itineraries can be booked on an individual basis at any time. Both domestic itineraries will utilize the Wheels Up fleet to fly between destinations, with private A&K guides for unparalleled insider access.

In January 2022, Wheels Up and Abercrombie & Kent will offer a once in a lifetime Wheels Up Members-only journey to East Africa for the Great Migration. This excursion combines the finest game viewing, and luxury accommodations that offer memorable views of the Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.

Dedicated A&K Private Travel Consultants will collaborate with Wheels Up Members to design custom itineraries for all trips booked, bringing a rare blend of creativity, professionalism, and beyond-the-guidebook knowledge to planning the trip of a lifetime. Peace of mind comes from being met by a knowledgeable, English-speaking A&K guide in each destination, supported by A&K logistics experts on the ground.

Wheels Up and Abercrombie & Kent will announce additional Members-only itineraries to destinations such as Morocco, Southeast Asia, and more later this year.

“Our Wheels Up Members are eager to explore new destinations and this unique partnership with Abercrombie & Kent allows us to offer extraordinary private adventures,” said Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO at Wheels Up. “This is the first time we will offer Members-only curated trips and we are excited to do so with a world-class partner like A&K. We will continue to elevate our member benefits and partners for our loyal members, delivering exceptional experiences and value for their Wheels Up membership.”

“Our partnership with Wheels Up sets a new standard in private luxury travel,” said Geoffrey Kent, Founder, Co-Chairman & CEO at Abercrombie & Kent. “Working with A&K’s network of offices around the world, Wheels Up Members will enjoy privileged access to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, customized exclusively for them.”

Tailor Made Pacific Coast Adventure by Wheels Up:
 Available Now For Customized Itineraries
Begin with the quintessential Big Sur road trip and private tastings in two of America’s premier wine regions. Float over the Napa Valley in a hot air balloon at sunrise. Walk among the towering redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Watch wild mustangs roaming free at a ranch in the coastal mountains above San Luis Obispo. Cruise the whale-rich waters of the San Juan Islands, searching for orcas, sea lions, seals, and birds under the guidance of your expert captain. This 10-day private itinerary using a King Air 350i can be booked at any time and customized for up to 8 guests.

Tailor Made America’s National Parks by Wheels Up:
Available In 2022 For Customized Itineraries
This is a thrilling nine-day adventure in Yosemite, Grand Canyon, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone. Fly from one awe-inspiring landscape to the next aboard a King Air 350i, explore with knowledgeable local guides, and enjoy five-star hospitality along the way. Highlights include privileged access to historic buildings in the Grand Canyon with a private float around famous Horseshoe Bend, a thrilling off-road 4 x 4 adventure in Antelope Valley and a float down the Snake River in a traditional wooden McKenzie River dory. This 9-day private itinerary using a King Air 350i can be booked at any time and customized for up to 8 guests.

The Great Migration Safari: An Exclusive Small Group Journey for Wheels Up Members:
Departing January 17 and February 14, 2022
Experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet on a 12-day adventure with up to 16 likeminded Wheels Up Members. Thrilling game drives in custom-made 4WD vehicles with unobstructed views from every seat. Fly from one wildlife-rich park and reserve to the next, relaxing between game drives at the finest boutique camps and lodges, including one on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a privileged location that affords early access to the crater floor, Africa’s Garden of Eden.

Wheels Up Members will also receive special benefits while travelling with A&K, and A&K’s Marco Polo Club members receive preferred membership options to join Wheels Up for their private aviation needs.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Report Provides Framework for Destination Stewardship

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WTTC Report Provides Framework for Destination Stewardship

London, United Kingdom, July 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched a major new report which reveals how destinations can grow responsibly, using the Destination Stewardship model.

The report was launched in partnership with the Travel Foundation and the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) at NHL Stenden University, in the Netherlands.

‘Towards Destination Stewardship: Achieving Destination Stewardship through scenarios & a Governance Diagnostics framework’ lays out how destinations can balance the needs of visitors and residents, with the involvement of both the public and private sector.

Destination Stewardship is based on the responsible use of shared or ‘common pool’ resources, which provide diminished benefits if each individual participant or group pursues their own self-interest.

The WTTC report offers scenarios and ways forward for organisations such as Tourism Ministries and Destination Management Organisations that seek to better understand how changes in governance structures could support greater destination stewardship.

It presents four Destination Stewardship scenarios, based on varying levels of engagement from the public and private sector, which show how differing levels of support can produce different outcomes with the aim of creating a commonsense roadmap towards greater stewardship.

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President and Acting CEO, WTTC said: “The suspension of much recent Travel & Tourism activity due to the pandemic has enabled destinations to rethink their approach to how they look after their destinations and refocus on sustainability issues and smarter tourism development.

“WTTC believes this major new report points a way forward for the Travel & Tourism sector following the growing interest in Destination Stewardship, which has been accelerated during the COVID-19 crisis. 

“There has similarly been a rising call for social inclusion, new enabling technologies, a growing need for resilience and increasing governmental interest in destination governance, so this report comes at just the right time.

“We believe this important and timely report will allow relevant stakeholders to explore how more responsible Destination Stewardship will work for them as the world begins to gradually reopen.” 

Destination stewardship requires a shared understanding of the common good, and effective platforms for collaboration with shared objectives and measurements of success that go beyond traditional growth metrics, such as visitor arrivals and overall spend.

These new models of collaboration must deliver on market expectations while at the same time also supporting the needs of host communities.

Maya Janssen, Managing Director Insights & Marketing Strategy, Amsterdam & Partners said: “In Amsterdam, our approach aligns very well with this report. Amsterdam&partners is the connector that brings together city authorities, inhabitants, industry, and cultural institutions. We have built good relations and trust, but our 2025 ambition and vision redesigning the visitor economy of Amsterdam requires us to also build new institutional mechanisms to influence change.”

Graham Harper, PATA Sustainability & Social Responsibility, Special Advisor said: “I would like to emphasise how incredibly important this report is. We’ve seen much rhetoric and a new hope for tourism to build back better but we cannot expect this to happen if we, as an industry, simply fall back to our old ways. New models are needed and this report points the way.”

Timothy O´Donoghue, Principal, Riverwind Foundation Jackson Hole said: “This report will inform discussions that are occurring across the world to determine the ideal destination governance, based on local contexts. We need new and effective structures that bring balance and community engagement to the heart of tourism development and management.”

The report lists the most important triggers of Destination Stewardship, from managing supply and demand, destination governance, sustainability, the evolving visitor economy and resilience to social inclusion.

Barriers to Destination Stewardship, includes lack of a clear mandate, clashing cultures and agendas, insufficient knowledge and data, as well as a fragmented Travel & Tourism sector.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Initiative to Recognise Excellence Among SHA Certified Businesses

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New Initiative to Recognise Excellence Among SHA Certified Businesses - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce the launch of ‘The Best of SHA Awards 2021’ project, which aims to celebrate excellence among Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA)-certified tourism and tourism-related businesses in Thailand.

In a live stream yesterday (20 July, 2021) via the Facebook page of media outlet Thairath, tourism and health officials gathered to discuss the new awards initiative and its objectives. This included Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, Director-General of the Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), and Mr. Akira Wongseng from a popular YouTube travel channel.

Mr. Yuthasak said “The Best of SHA Awards 2021 will search for the best SHA-certified businesses in the 10 categories the certification covers, and celebrate their excellency. In doing this, we also hope to encourage business operators to continuously adhere to the SHA standard and maintain consistency in their health and safety approaches.”

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports through the TAT and the MoPH through the Department of Disease Control, Department of Health, and Department of Health Service Support have worked closely together to position SHA as the industry standard by which the quality level of products and services is enhanced to prevent and reduce the spread of the virus.

Introduced in May 2020, the SHA certification was recently certified by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in alignment with the WTTC SafeTravels protocols. It means Thailand’s health and safety standard is accepted on an international level.

The Best of SHA Awards 2021

There is 1 Best of SHA Awards title for each of the 10 categories of the SHA certification; these being: restaurants and diners, hotel accommodation and homestay, recreational activities and tourist attractions, transportation, travel agencies, health and beauty, department stores and shopping centres, sport for tourism, activity/meeting and theatre/entertainment, and souvenir and other shops.

In addition, there will be 3 other award categories: 1 star for a business that consistently adheres to the SHA standards, 2 stars for an above average business that consistently adheres to the SHA standards, and 3 stars for an above average business that consistently adheres to the SHA standards and has a ‘white’ tourism standard (convenience, cleanliness, safety, fairness, and environment friendly).

The results will be decided through random auditing by the Amazing Thailand SHA Safety Standards Audit Committee and Voice of Customer (VOC), a user satisfaction survey that encourages guests to submit feedback.

The Best of SHA Awards 2021 project is open for people to submit feedback by scanning a QR code on their establishment’s Amazing Thailand SHA logo, or via www.thailandsha.com and complete a questionnaire from 20 July until 20 October, 2021.

By submitting feedback, people are in with a chance to win prizes worth 1 million Baht in total; such as, iMac, MacBook Air, iPhone 12, iPad Pro, Mac Mini, and Thailand tour packages.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT: Help mission to save monarchs

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Canadians are invited to help monarch butterfly conservation by taking part in the fifth annual International Monarch Monitoring Blitz, which kicks off today (July 23) and runs for 10 days through Aug. 1. Administered by the Insectarium de Montréal, Mission Monarch simply asks people to observe monarch populations by spotting eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies on milkweed plants.

The event, held simultaneously in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, allows researchers to identify priority areas for monarch conservation measures in North America. The annual monarch snapshots and the presence of milkweeds help gain a better understanding of the dynamics between the summer generations and their breeding habitat.

Now in its fifth year, the Blitz has collected over 4,000 observations to date. The data collected is uploaded to the Trinational Monarch Knowledge Network website, where it is available for anyone to consult or download.
How to participate?

Taking part in the Blitz is easy: Simply find milkweed, verify presence of a monarch, write your observations, and sign up and send data to one of the participating community science programs, which in Canada is the Mission Monarch program of the Insectarium (part of the Montréal Space for Life institution).

Facts about the Monarch

• Monarchs weigh less than a gram
• There are two recognized migratory routes in North America: eastern and western
• Migration covers 3,000-5,000 km across three countries
• The eastern migratory population has declined by more than 80% in 20 years
• The western population has declined by 99% since the 1980s
• Montreal has been a Monarch-friendly city since 2017

Evolution of the population

Monarch overwintering sites were first recorded by scientists in California over 200 years ago and in Mexico in 1975. Since then, the monarch, which moves between the three countries, has become an iconic species in North America.

After an alarming decline in monarch populations over the past 20 years, the eastern monarch population, which winters in central Mexico, showed a significant increase in 2018-19 over the previous year. However, this population has experienced two consecutive declines in the last two years (53% in 2019-2020 and 26% in 2020-21 compared to the previous year), and remains well below historical levels, indicating that conservation efforts are still needed in order to reverse the trend.

Meanwhile, the western monarch population, which breeds west of the Rockies and winters on the California coast, is close to extinction with only 1,914 monarchs reported in the most recent Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count, a shocking 99.9% decline since the 1980s. Public participation in community science programs on the West Coast is more important than ever in order to elucidate and address this dramatic population decline.

Important collaboration

The Blitz is an initiative of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) Trinational Monarch Conservation Science Partnership. Through the Blitz, scientists from the Montréal Space for Life Insectarium, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Monarch Joint Venture, Journey North, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas are inviting the public to help them learn about the distribution of monarchs and milkweeds across North America.

Montréal Space for Life

Montréal Space for Life is made up of five major attractions: the Biodôme, the Biosphère, the Insectarium, the Jardin botanique and the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan, together comprising Canada’s largest natural science museum complex. Their mission: to launch a daring, creative urban movement that encourages all of us to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.

For more details on Mission Monarch, click HERE.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PEELING BACK THE LAYERS ON A BERMUDA INSTITUTION

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With the prospect of returning to Bermuda at hand thanks to the return of Air Canada flights starting Aug. 6, thoughts of very important travel logistics arise — not least, where to go for a good on-island pint. A requisite choice is at the Royal Naval Dockyard, one of the island’s top tourism spots and home to a host of boutiques, restaurants, and bars, not least The Frog & Onion.

The Dockyard is a cruise port, flush with history and also providing an endless list of activities, from bike rentals to snorkelling cruises, mini golf, dolphin encounters and more – but not one of them that would not be enhanced by a call at the Frog.

Never mind the grog (we’ll get to that), the British pub is uniquely situated in a converted 18th-century stone cooperage that once provided barrels for Britain’s Royal Navy. The décor drips with military history and nautical memorabilia, and one can imagine blacksmiths at work at the large, authentic stone fireplace in the dining room .
A famous and favourite west end pub for locals and tourists, the Frog naturally pulls a cruise crowd when ships are in port, which is acknowledged with a line of international flags, including Canada’s, hanging from the ceiling. There is also outdoor seating in a beer garden and guests are treated to live music in the summer.

And the beer… the onsite Dockyard Brewing Co., Bermuda’s only craft brewery, produces half a dozen beers and ales, including the signature Somers Amber ale, a traditional English bitter, while a sampler offers a taste of all six. Souvenir-seekers can keep the glass if ordering the 50-ouncer, pulled perfectly by expert barmen.

The pub also says it is the only establishment in Bermuda to specially blend its own rum, dubbed “Frog Grog,” comprised of four parts rum and one part water – a recipe they say was officially coined as “grog” by British sailors in the 1700s.

Meanwhile, traditional pub grub is served, including British favourites like savoury pies, bangers and mash, home-made pot pies, Cornish pasties, and weekend roast with prime rib and Yorkshire pudding. There is also a British Pub Curry menu, plus plenty of less exotic fare, from burgers to calamari and fish sandwiches and chowder. Kids have their own menu.

Located a short walk from King’s and Heritage wharfs in the Royal Naval Dockyard, the Frog & Onion is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to midnight (hours may vary during pandemic). WiFi is free.

By the way, if you’re wondering about the name, the founders of the establishment in 1992 explain that it reflects their heritage: one a Bermudian and the other a Frenchman.

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

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

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

W Hotels and Cercle to Host Livestreamed Concert by Monolink at a Castaway Island at W Maldives: Gaathafushi

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Gaathafushi Island at W Maldives.jpg
Gaathafushi Island at W Maldives

If you throw a concert in the middle of the Indian Ocean and there’s no one around to hear it, does it still make a sound? You bet it does. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announces a collaboration with Cercle, the ground-breaking French media company known for filming and broadcasting music performances in the world’s most awe-inspiring places, to host an unforgettable live concert at Gaathafushi—the private castaway island at W Maldives. Streaming live on July 26, 2021*, the hour-and-fifteen-minute set will feature a performance by Berlin-based electronic musician Monolink with the island’s white sandy beach and turquoise lagoon serving as the stage.

“From our Sound Suite recording studios to our intimate Living Room stages and DJ booths, there is always live music happening at a W hotel somewhere around the world,” said Carly Van Sickle, Senior Director, Global Brand Marketing, W Hotels Worldwide. “For our next act, we’re excited to be collaborating with the visionaries at Cercle to celebrate the beauty and wonder of one of our most beautiful Escapes—W Maldives—through the power of music.”

Cercle has produced and livestreamed some of the most jaw-dropping musical performances ever filmed. From a hot air balloon above Cappadocia, Turkey and the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt to Glacier 3000 in the Swiss Alps and Mont Saint-Michel island in France, Cercle productions have amassed millions of views online. At sundown on July 26th, Gaathafushi Island at W Maldives will join this list of iconic locations, becoming the first hotel to serve as the site of a Cercle show.

“Cercle is all about great aesthetics, culture, nature and music, values which are shared by W, making this collaboration a groundbreaking no-brainer. When two entities have the same goal and vision, everything flows and expectations are exceeded,” said Pol Souchier, Head of Communication at Cercle. “That’s why we wanted to collaborate with W Maldives and the resort’s magnificent Gaathafushi Island. It’s a location we’ve been eager to feature on Cercle, and with Monolink, an artist long-awaited on the channel, we’re thrilled to celebrate the power of music with our loyal fan base alongside W.”

Electronic singer-songwriter Monolink is known for combining melodic techno with dreamy guitar-led folk. His performance will be livestreamed via Facebook, Twitch, and Oculus Venues at 5pm UTC+5*. Cercle will then work their magic to release the official performance video on their YouTube channel in August, which will be broadcast at select W Hotels around the world. Monolink is also releasing a new single today—“Turning Away”—which is now streaming here and on a Cercle-curated playlist on the W brand’s Spotify channel.

This performance in paradise is meant to honor Gaathafushi, the remote island a stone’s throw away from W Maldives. Guests of the Escape can take a two-minute speedboat ride to the secluded beach and enjoy over 76,000 sq ft of tropical playground by swimming in the surrounding lagoon, indulging in a candlelit meal on the beach prepared by a private chef, or simply relaxing and stargazing under a thatched-roof hut. W Maldives also offers an Island Takeover package where guests can book the entire W Maldives property, including Gaathafushi, for the ultimate castaway island experience. The resort is also home to one of the best reefs in the destination with vibrant colors of the coral forest and captivating, diverse marine life right at guests’ doorsteps.

The music won’t stop once Monolink ends his set. Music is the heartbeat of every W hotel and guests of W Maldives can enjoy curated music across the property during pool parties and daily sunset spins by the only Music Curator in the Maldives, Jennifer Dons.

To see Monolink’s performance at W Maldives, watch live on Cercle’s Facebook @cerclemusic or Twitch @cerclemusic and relive the performance on Cercle’s YouTube channel. Stay up to date with the latest and find exclusive, behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @whotels, @wmaldives and @cerclemusic. For more information, visit w-hotels.marriott.com and cercle.io.

*Date and time are subject to change due to inclement weather.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for over two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Cercle
Cercle is a media company dedicated to promoting artists and venues through exceptional production in order to raise awareness around art, cultural heritage and great sceneries via two mediums: music and video. Every other Monday, one artist plays an hour-long set in a unique setting, followed by an interview via Facebook Live. Cercle has already collaborated with cultural destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, Château de Fontainebleau, Château de Chambord, Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck, Bourdelle Museum and more.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rose Gottwald
Marriott International
rose.gottwald@marriottluxurybrands.com

Alexandra Marín
SEQUEL
amarin@sequel-inc.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Responds to Relaxing of Restrictions Across UK

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By:
WTTC Responds to Relaxing of Restrictions Across UK

London, United Kingdom, July 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Virginia Messina, WTTC Senior Vice President, said: “Today we should reflect on how hard won our newly re-found ‘freedoms’ are, which have been curbed for the best part of 18 months as together we have fought against the pandemic – at huge social, economic and personal cost.

“We know it will come as a sigh of relief that our lives are beginning to return to normal, albeit with mask-wearing where appropriate, to continue prioritizing public safety.

“However, while the domestic holiday market is reaping the benefits of ‘Freedom Day’, with staycations booming, we are not out of the woods yet.

“International travel remains either off limits or frustratingly difficult for many. This means the door to significant overseas travel still remains effectively closed, especially following the new ‘amber list-plus status’ for France which caused such chaos last week.

“We need international travel; economically, socially and emotionally. Our pent-up desire to travel remains undimmed, and we must take advantage of the hugely successful vaccine rollout to safely resume it.

“We hope the UK government will extend these revived domestic ‘freedoms’ to include the freedom to travel safely internationally, so we can reconnect with the world and harness all the benefits that it brings to us as individuals, and collectively to the Travel & Tourism sector and the country.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO: International Travel Largely on Hold Despite Uptick in May

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By:
UNWTO: International Travel Largely on Hold Despite Uptick in May - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, July 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The biggest crisis in the history of tourism continues into a second year. Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85% below 2019 levels (or a 65% drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows. Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of COVID-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel. Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to rebound in many parts of the world.

The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460 million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019. However, the data does point to a relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82% (versus May 2019), after falling by 86% in April. This slight upward trend emerged as some destinations started to ease restrictions and consumer confidence rose slightly.

Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism

Rebuild trust to restart tourism

“Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism” says UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

By regions, Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the largest decline with a 95% drop in international arrivals in the first five months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Europe (-85%) recorded the second largest decline in arrivals, followed by the Middle East (-83%) and Africa (-81%). The Americas (-72%) saw a comparatively smaller decrease. In June, the number of destinations with complete closure of borders decreased to 63, from 69 in February. Of these, 33 were in Asia and the Pacific, while just seven in Europe, the region with the fewest restrictions on travel currently in place.

By subregions, the Caribbean (-60%) recorded the best relative performance through May 2021. Growing travel from the United States has benefitted destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, as well as Mexico. Western Europe, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, South America and Central America saw slightly better results in May than in April.

Mixed outlook for remainder of 2021

International tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery remains very fragile and uneven. Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures. In addition, the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season. However, vaccination programmes around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.

In addition, domestic travel is driving the recovery in many destinations, especially those with large domestic markets. Domestic air seat capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News