Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Aug. 9-13, 2021

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Vaccine certificates for travel will soon be available for Canadians, TravCorp brands guests must vaccinate before travel, flights arrivals from India get pushed back again, the US border opened (in one direction at least), and Queen Elizabeth (the ship, not the British monarch) is sailing again.

NEWS

Fully vaccinated Canadians will soon be able to get a government document that will certify their COVID-19 vaccine history for the purpose of international travel. The vaccine certificate, expected to be ready by the fall, will be digital, with an option for those who can’t have or don’t want a digital certificate.

The Canadian land border opened to vaccinated Americans on Aug. 9. Border wait times were not deemed to be too bad at some locations, while lengthy bottlenecks were in evidence at others. No word on when Canadians can cross the other way.

Expedia Group has announced that every purchase made through its mobile apps will result in a donation to help UNICEF’s global COVID-19 response, which endeavours to distribute safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments in over 180 countries. Participating Expedia brands include Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, ebookers, and CheapTickets.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth returned to sailing on Friday (Aug. 13) after a 17-month break. Following a series of UK voyages, international sailings will begin in October with a cruise from Southampton to Amsterdam followed by a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands and Madeira in November.

US-headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has welcomed back the 342-guest flagship Wind Surf to the sea. The largest sailing ship in the world recently departed from Barcelona on an eight-day voyage to Lisbon, stopping at ports including Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Almería, Málaga, Gibraltar, and Cadiz. Four of the line’s six yachts are now back in the water cruising.

Air Canada will resume flights to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Nov. 1, having suspended its service when the Canadian border closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The islands returned to cruising on Aug. 7 with the arrival Seabourn Odyssey in Bequia.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

Citing the latest public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada has restricted all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India until Sept. 21. The agency is also extending the requirement related to third-country pre-departure COVID-19 molecular tests for travellers to Canada from India via an indirect route. This means that passengers who depart India to Canada via an indirect route will continue to be required to obtain a valid COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country – other than India – before continuing their journey to Canada.

With new COVID-19 cases surging in Louisiana, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival won’t be returning this year after all, organizers say. The festival, which traditionally is held in the spring, had been scheduled to run Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 15-17 this year after being canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The festival is expected to return to its original time frame next year, April 29-May 8.

BY THE NUMBERS

As part of a commitment to address climate change and protect biodiversity, Parks Canada is mobilizing to plant 150,000 trees this summer in up to 18 national parks from coast to coast. This includes planting 2,500 trees in Fundy National Park this year alone.

AIR

Two new winter services from Air Canada will depart from Quebec City: Flights to Fort Lauderdale will start on Nov. 19 and flights to Orlando on Dec. 17. Starting Dec. 4, Air Canada will also be offering more flights to Punta Cana and Cancun.

On Nov. 4, WestJet will launch new non-stop service between Calgary and Seattle. Flights will operate four times weekly on WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft and will increase to two-times daily on May 19, 2022.

Eurowings Discover has been added to Aeroplan’s roster of more than 40 airline travel partners. Eurowings Discover is the new leisure carrier of the Lufthansa Group with operating bases in Frankfurt and Munich, Germany. It serves several international destinations in Africa, North America, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

West Africa

CRUISE

West Africa and its unique archipelagos – the Bissagos Islands and Cape Verde – have been added to a growing list of new warm-weather destinations for Hurtigruten Expeditions. The 13-day itinerary includes four countries: Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal, with ‘MS Spitsbergen’ based out of Dakar. The expansion follows the cruise line’s recent launch announcement of year-round expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands starting early 2022. Besides its first-ever African expedition cruises, Hurtigruten will also introduce a series of itineraries to the Canary Islands and Madeira for the 22/23 seasons.

‘Oasis of the Seas’ will lead the next group of Royal Caribbean ships to return to service with a Sept. 5 departure to The Bahamas from New York. A dozen more ships will sail out throughout the fall and winter across the globe, from Alaska to Australia by May of 2022 giving the cruise line its full complement of ships.

TOURS

The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) guided tour brands have announced a Covid-19 vaccination requirement for all adult guests, effective Sept. 1. Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold’s new policy requires clients to show documented proof of having received two doses of approved Covid-19 vaccines from either Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, or one dose from Johnson & Johnson. The final dose of the vaccine must have been administered a minimum of 15 days prior to their departure and the policy will remain in effect until at least Dec. 31. Clients will need to provide the proof to their Wellbeing Director, Travel Director, Trip Manager or Travelling Concierge before joining the tour and also upon arrival at their destination. They will additionally need to comply with specific PCR testing requirements imposed by airlines and/or the destinations, which may differ from country to country.

RESORTS

Almost 100 Olympians from the islands where Sandals Resorts International operates have been gifted complimentary vacation stays by the company. 2020 Olympians who medaled in the just-concluded Tokyo Games will each receive one complimentary no-limit on nights’ stay, in the highest room category at any Sandals or Beaches resort across the region complete with luxury BMW transfers from their home to the resort of choice. In addition, all athletes who represented their country in the Olympics in any event will receive four-night vacations at a Sandals Resort in their home island.

Upon reopening Sept. 1 and after an extensive renovation project, AMResorts’ Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa in Mexico will undergo a name change to Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya.

HOTELS

Markham Hilton

With safety and hygiene becoming an area of increased focus for the hospitality industry, The Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre and Spa has introduced a fully touchless device using ultraviolet-C ray technology to keep guests’ cell phones as clean as possible.

The Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia is now open and ready for guests. Not only is the hotel the first Hilton Garden in Wales, but it is also one of the largest hotels in North Wales with 106 rooms. Located on the site of Adventure Parc Snowdonia and home to Wave Garden Spa, it is ideal for travellers seeking active and well-being holidays and for exploring the surrounding scenic region.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

LEGOLAND New York Resort has officially opened. Along with a themed 250-room hotel, the attraction features seven LEGO lands: Brick Street, Bricktopia, LEGO NINJAGO World, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, MINILAND, and LEGO Pirates. The park also features the first LEGO Factory Adventure ride, which transforms riders into LEGO Minifigures, plus signature rides such as the Dragon coaster and LEGO NINJAGO The Ride. Kids can also earn their very own LEGOLAND Driver’s License at Driving School, team up to save the day at Fire Rescue Academy, and catch LEGO movies in 4D at Palace Cinema. The attraction is located in Goshen, NY, about 90 minutes north of New York City.

AGENT EDUCATION

A comprehensive e-learning platform for Canadian travel agents called ‘MSC Masters’ has been launched by MSC Cruises. The digital program comprises interactive modules, videos, tutorials about MSC Book, and generally provides a deeper insight into the cruise line and its itineraries. Agents who enrol will progressively earn rewards to eventually become an MSC Cruises Master. As an additional incentive for agents, 10 $200 or 20 $100 gift cards will be drawn for those who successfully complete the exam by Aug. 31. Agents can find out more from their BDM, Inside Sales, or by visiting https://www.mscbook.com

The Los Cabos Tourism Board has a new full-service destination portal designed to complement its agent specialist program and create a one-stop shop for travel advisors to access all the information they need to sell the Mexican destination. The Los Cabos Specialist site offers an up-to-date educational platform, loyalty program, downloadable resources like guides, maps, videos, and images, and a B2B marketplace, where hotels service provides have their own booths. Graduates from the previous training program are invited to creating a password on the new portal and enroll in the recently revised and expanded Los Cabos Specialist training program. For more information, visit .

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Sunwing has announced a writing contest in conjunction with global multi-platform entertainment company Wattpad. Winners will receive an all-inclusive vacation for two at a Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino property. The #MissedMilestones Writing Contest is designed to curate a collection of firsthand stories from customers featuring, in 500 words or less, travel moments and milestones that they missed out on during the pandemic, including how they would celebrate those moments in the tropics. The contest runs until Aug. 14 and rules can be found on Wattpad’s website, which will also post winning stories.

EVENTS

Canada’s premier marketplace for the tourism industry, Rendez-vous Canada, will return in a new hybrid format next year. Hosted by Destination Canada and TIAC, and set for May 23-27 in Toronto, RVC+ 2022 will bring back in-person attendance, while also incorporating a virtual component, creating more opportunities for industry delegates to engage and make appointments with international buyers, travel trade media and Destination Marketing Companies (DMC).

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Travel Agent Next Door has named luxury cruise line Seabourn to approved supplier status for the host agency.

Dr. Ernest Hilarie is Saint Lucia’s new Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information. The former diplomat was sworn in on Aug. 5.

DESTINATIONS

France is now requiring people (including tourists) to show a QR code proving they have a special virus pass before they can visit restaurants and cafés or travel across the country, including on high-speed, intercity, and night trains as well as on long-distance travels by plane or bus. The special pass is issued to people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have proof of a recent recovery from the virus or who have a recent negative test. Similar measures were also introduced last week in Italy.

Opened July 30, the Niagara Parks Power Station is a new landmark attraction just south of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls. By day, visitors explore the preserved interior of the historic power station, transformed with new exhibits and guest amenities. Beginning Sept 3 each night, an immersive sight and sound experience “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed” will bring the building to life. The first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station was completed in 1905 to produce hydroelectricity by leveraging the power of the Niagara River.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Capri Palace Jumeirah Unveils Second Exclusive Dior Pop Up

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Capri Palace Jumeirah Unveils Second Exclusive Dior Pop Up - TOP25Hotels.com - TRAVELINDEXCapri, Italy, August 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Capri Palace Jumeirah, the stunning retreat on the glamorous island of Capri, recently re-opened its doors to offer guests an idyllic coastal sanctuary for the summer months.More than just a hotel, the iconic property is a transformative experience where Jumeirah’s renowned hospitality meets exquisite spaces and spectacular dining, coupled with special activations curated each season for a truly unique and inspiring stay.

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

This year, as a continuation of its exclusive partnership with luxury French Maison Dior, Capri Palace Jumeirah is home to an exclusive pop-up store at its popular celebrity hangout Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club. Set against sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline, the dedicated space showcases the reimagined Dioriviera capsule collection by celebrated designer Maria Grazia Chiuri. Guests will be wowed by the eye-catching hues of the Fall 2021 line, featuring blue, chartreuse and raspberry, chosen to evoke sunny getaways and life’s sweet pleasures, the perfect ode to la Dolce Vita that is so beautifully brought to life at Capri Palace Jumeirah. The collection invites guests to discover must-haves by Dior Maison alongside icons of Dioriviera collection. In a nod to the summer getaway offered by Capri Palace Jumeirah, the collection will also feature exclusive marinière sailor tops bearing the name of Capri, as well as fans and pillows, while visitors can admire a one-of-a-kind surfboard and Vespa adorned with the “Christian Dior” signature.

The hotel has also collaborated with Studio Trisorio, a popular art gallery based in Naples, to exhibit a specially curated collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, video and digital installations, perfectly complementing the contemporary art installations dotted throughout the hotel.

Ideally placed in the bustling town of Anacapri, one of the most exclusive and unspoiled parts of the island, Capri Palace Jumeirah stands high up on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Naples. A perfect embodiment of the Italian Dolce Vita, it is designed in the style of an eighteenth-century Neapolitan palazzo. The elegantly appointed 68 hotel rooms feature white, blue and neutral tones, while ceramic tiles and bespoke furniture evoke the sense of an Italian family home, exuding a sense of familiarity with the surrounding locale. The hotel is also home to a wealth of exceptional culinary experiences, including the two Michelin starred signature restaurant L’Olivo and Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club, a treasure trove of flavours with the most beautiful terrace on the island.

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

Health and safety remain Jumeirah’s top priority. All its hotels and restaurants are implementing the highest safety and hygiene standards and following local Government directives to ensure that guests and colleagues are in safe hands. As a result of these measures, 13 of Jumeirah’s properties, including Capri Palace Jumeirah, have been awarded the Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing and inspection services. Furthermore, the island of Capri has been declared COVID-free, with over 90% of residents and all tourism sector employees having received the first dose of the vaccine or being fully vaccinated. The hotel is also organising PCR tests for any guests who need one, with results provided within 24 hours.

Prices start from €725 Euros per night for a classic room. Assistance with private transfers by speedboat or helicopter leaving from Naples or Sorrento can be arranged.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ASEANTA Partners Virtual Platform to Amplify Business Opportunities

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ASEANTA Partners Virtual Platform to Amplify Business Opportunities - VISITASEAN.org - TRAVELINDEXPutrajaya, Malaysia, August 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has signed an agreement with Malaysia-based analytics and big data company Fusionex to develop ASEANTA Travel Exchange (ATEX), a comprehensive virtual exhibition and engagement platform, to help facilitate an inclusive business environment and provide greater access to new markets.

• Discover the ASEAN Countries with VisitASEAN.org, the platform for accessing the entire tourism sector of the ASEAN Region, go to VisitASEAN.org

By leveraging ATEX to pivot from physical to virtual during this pandemic, ASEANTA will be able to seamlessly improve accessibility, connection and engagement while removing the restrictions of time and space through virtual exhibitions, webinars, digital marketing campaigns, and more.

Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, president of ASEANTA, said that the collaboration between ASEANTA and Fusionex will help “take tourism in the region to new levels and to firmly establish (South-east Asia) as one of the most viable and attractive tourism destinations in the world”.

Powered by Fusionex technologies, the platform is expected to go live in 4Q2021, offering a suite of innovative solutions to empower ASEANTA in organising virtual events while driving meaningful and measurable online interactions.

The platform offers an intelligent B2B matchmaking feature that connects local enterprises with global businesses, thereby expanding market reach. Travel and tourism players can also leverage the platform’s global distribution system to conduct secure and uninterrupted business transactions.

In addition, the platform enables businesses to showcase their offerings via virtual booths, facilitate pitching sessions through live streaming, provide real-time reporting capabilities as well as performance monitoring and measurement features. It will also allow enterprises to capitalise on AI-powered digital marketing tools to tailor personalised campaigns.

ATEX enables ASEANTA to not only create engaging online events but also generate vital business prospects and develop networking opportunities in a data-driven way.

Nigel Wong, secretary-general at ASEANTA, shared that the association will leverage the platform to organise virtual talks and seminars for its members, with attendees being able to interact with speakers. As well, there will be static travel-related content curated by ASEANTA in a variety of formats.

• Discover the ASEAN Countries with VisitASEAN.org, the platform for accessing the entire tourism sector of the ASEAN Region, go to VisitASEAN.org

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2022 and its B2B Travex will be hosted by the Cambodian government in Sihanoukville from January 16-22.

Thong Rathasak, chairman of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations and director general for tourism development and international cooperation at Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, shared that the ATF 2022 might take on a hybrid format, but nothing is set in stone yet.

Wong shared that the ATEX would complement the B2B travel exchange component by providing industry players with an extended opportunity to continue leveraging the awareness generated about the ASEAN member countries through the ATF and other similar regional events online.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Listen to the Music: W Hotels Announces Rising Latinx Performer Elsa y Elmar as Latest W Records Artist

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W Hotels Worldwide today announced Elsa y Elmar as the latest artist to create exclusive music for W Records, the iconic hotel brand’s private record label. Today marks the release of Elsa y Elmar’s cover of the hit song “Adiós Amor,” made popular by award-winning Mexican singer, Christian Nodal. The Colombian-born artist joins fellow W Records alums Japanese Breakfast, Amber Mark, Roosevelt and Perfume Genius as the first Latinx artist on the imprint.

The first of the two singles, “Adiós Amor,” drops today both digitally and via limited edition runs of vinyl, and was recorded in a W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature, on-site recording studio, at W Hollywood. W guests and fans can see Elsa y Elmar perform an intimate set at W Mexico City on August 24, 2021 as she showcases listener favorites, her soft and gentle spin on “Adiós Amor,” as well as a new, original W Records track that will be released at midnight.

“Recording in the W Sound Suite at W Hollywood was such a fun experience,” said Elsa y Elmar. “The setting was perfect, the vibe was right, and all my needs were taken care of while I did what I love doing the most: making music. Los Angeles is such an intense and inspiring city, and the W Sound Suite is an oasis of creativity in the middle of Hollywood.”

As with all W Records collaborations, the label will once again support a cause that is important to both W Hotels and the artist. 100% of proceeds from the streaming of the two Elsa y Elmar tracks will benefit La Casita de San Ángel, a Mexico City-based organization that partners with companies to find productive, steady employment for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or neurological damage.

Elsa y Elmar is a recognized bilingual singer-songwriter from Colombia who currently resides in Mexico City. She was discovered by W Records in February 2020 and, within days, had Elsa record her two tracks for the record prior to signing with Sony Music Mexico last year. Elsa y Elmar’s “spiritual pop” music has resonated with music lovers everywhere as she has over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is currently the 8th most-listened-to Colombian female artist on the popular streaming service.

“We’re thrilled to finally release Elsa y Elmar’s music to the world after sharing in her creative process in the W Sound Suite at W Hollywood,” said Carly Van Sickle, Senior Director, Global Brand Marketing, W Hotels Worldwide. “It’s been an amazing journey and we’re honored to see Elsa y Elmar’s latest creation come to life as W Records’ first Latinx artist, joining a lineup that includes some of the most exciting breakthrough artists in music today like Roosevelt and Japanese Breakfast.”

LISTEN TO “ADIÓS AMOR” HERE

Listen to these W Records Releases:
Japanese Breakfast – “Essentially”
Japanese Breakfast – “Head Over Heels”
Amber Mark – “High On Your Love”
Amber Mark – “Can You Hear Me (ReWork)”
Perfume Genius – “Alan (Rework)”
Perfume Genius – “Not For Me”
Roosevelt – “Falling Back”
Roosevelt – “Everywhere”

About W Records
W Records is an award-winning record label and resource for artists selected by W Hotels and their music industry partners. From recording to release, W Records supports artists through every step of development, providing recording space, mixing and mastering and finally, distribution of the new sound via live performances, streaming and vinyl production. Tracks for W Records are recorded, naturally, in W Sound Suites (the brand’s signature, on-site recording studios). Tracks from each artist are released through W Records both digitally and via limited edition runs of vinyl which are gifted to tastemakers, DJs and W fans as a throwback way to enjoy new/next music.

Production Notes
W Records is supporting emerging artists on the tipping point of worldwide fame with production, distribution, and live performances. Each artist lays down tracks in a W Sound Suite (either W Hollywood, W Barcelona, W Bali or W Seattle) and records a cover as well as an original track. Once the tracks are mixed and mastered, W releases a limited-edition run of vinyl which are sent to DJs, tastemakers as well as music-loving Marriott Bonvoy members.

The Liner Notes
The W brand’s long-standing relationships with music industry partners, promoters, media and influencers helps W Records artists cut through an overcrowded market. Artists get direct exposure to more than 150 million Marriott Bonvoy members, providing a huge audience from the start. W Records is in part overseen by Giant Step, the marketing agency that has created award-winning campaigns for brands like Intel, Samsung and ABSOLUT. Like W, Giant Step has a true passion for music and is a recognized brand within the industry having worked with many notable artists over the years including Amy Winehouse, Janelle Monae, Lady Gaga and Daft Punk. The W Records team and capabilities are similar to a small but powerful independent label. W Records is supported by both in-house and music-centric PR teams between SEQUEL (W brand) and Grandstand Media, non-commercial radio promotion from co-sign, along with Giant Step’s marketing team adding DJ, tastemaker and influencer marketing to the program’s scope and D Music Marketing, a Miami based music marketing agency with an expertise in LATAM in radio, PR and digital marketing. Global distribution is provided by AWAL (Tom Misch, 3LAU) which connects W Records with audiences through top streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Deezer. This combination of a nimble label team with the marketing power of W Hotels and Marriott International creates a unique and exciting prospect for the artists working with W Records to amplify their sound on a global scale.

To learn more about W Hotels and music, visit w-hotels.marriott.com and follow @whotels and #WRecords on Instagram, and to stay up to date with Elsa y Elmar head to elsayelmar.com and follow her on Instagram at @elsayelmar. To book your own recording session at a W Sound Suite, visit: W Bali, W Barcelona, W Hollywood, W Seattle.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Elizabeth Bishop
Marriott International
Elizabeth.Bishop@marriottluxurybrands.com

Alexandra Marín
SEQUEL
amarin@sequel-inc.com
201.779.1886

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Introducing the Strong Earth Awards

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Introducing the Strong Earth Awards

Brussels, Belgium, August 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SUNx Malta, a legacy program for Maurice Strong, Sustainability and Climate activist half a century ago, promoting Climate Friendly Travel, and Les Roches, one of the world’s leading hospitality business schools, announce the annual Strong Earth Awards which will be presented at the ShiftIn’ Festival on 19th November.

The award is for students interested in a future advancing Climate Friendly Travel – low carbon: SDG linked: Paris 1.5. There will be 6 awards of 500 Euro each donated by Les Roches. They will be given for the best 500-word “thought paper” on:

“Why the Earth Charter is even more important now than when it was introduced by Maurice Strong and Michael Gorbachev in 2005”

The competition has been designed to draw attention to the important sustainability messages contained in the Earth Charter, as well as the vision of the late Maurice Strong and its increasing relevance in today’s Climate challenged world.

For more information on the awards please go to www.thesunprogram.com

Please email entries to awards@thesunprogram.com. Judging will be done by a team of Strong Climate Champions, chaired by Professor Geoffrey Lipman.

Entry is open until October 15th 2021

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUNx Malta said “As the latest IPCC Report dramatically makes clear we are running out of time to fix the eXistential Climate Crisis. Only tomorrow’s young leaders will be able to make the tough choices to get us to meet Paris targets. The Earth Charter, conceived by Maurice Strong, is an essential building block for an understanding of Climate Friendly Travel and the resilience needed now. We are delighted to partner with Les Roches, one of the world’s top hospitality business schools to add another dimension to our Climate Friendly Travel education program and to prepare tomorrows Strong Climate Champions for the essential transformation.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Egyptian Economy Faces Daily Losses Due to UK Red List Status

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Egyptian Economy Faces Daily Losses Due to UK Red List Status

Cairo, Egypt, August 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that the Egyptian economy could face daily losses of more than EGP 31 million if it stays on the UK’s travel ‘red list’.

Based on 2019 levels, Egypt’s status as a UK’s ‘red list’ country will pose a significant threat to the nation’s struggling Travel & Tourism sector and overall economy warns WTTC.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

According to pre-pandemic figures, UK visitors represented five per cent of all international inbound arrivals in 2019.

The UK was also the third biggest source market for Egypt, only just behind Germany and Saudi Arabia.

However, WTTC research shows that ‘red list’ restrictions are deterring UK travellers from visiting Egypt.

The global tourism body says this is due to fears over the additional costs incurred on expensive hotel quarantine for 10 days on arrival back in the UK, and expensive COVID-19 tests.

Egypt’s economy could face a drain of more than EGP 237 million each week, equating to more than EGP 1 billion every month.

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President and Acting CEO WTTC, said: “Every day Egypt stays on the UK’s ‘red list’, the country’s economy faces losing millions just from the lack of UK visitors alone. This policy is incredibly restrictive and damaging as travellers from Egypt also face mandatory hotel quarantine at a huge cost. 

“The UK’s government decision to add Egypt to its ‘red list’ has a massive impact not only on the nation’s economy, but also the many thousands of ordinary Egyptians who rely upon a thriving Travel & Tourism sector for their livelihoods.

“The UK’s vaccine rollout has proved incredibly successful with more than three quarters of the adult population double jabbed, and 59% of the total population fully vaccinated. The likelihood is that anyone travelling to Egypt would be fully inoculated and therefore pose minor risk. 

“Our data shows just how important Travel & Tourism is to the country, and how critical it is for the Egyptian government to ramp up the vaccination rollout if it is to have any chance of recovering this vital sector, which is fundamental to the country’s economic recovery.”

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

WTTC research shows the dramatic impact COVID-19 has had on the Egyptian Travel & Tourism sector, with its contribution to the national GDP falling from EGP 505 billion (8.8%) in 2019, to just EGP 227.5 billion (3.8%) in 2020.

The report also shows in 2020, as the pandemic ripped through the heart of the sector, 844,000 Travel & Tourism jobs were lost across the country.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Synlab and IATA Partner to Facilitate Safe Travelling

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Synlab and IATA Partner to Facilitate Safe Travelling

Munich, Germany, August 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Synlab, Europe’s leading medical diagnostic services provider, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a partnership to facilitate safe and easy travel. Today, the two partners signed an agreement to incorporate SYNLAB’s extensive lab network into IATA Travel Pass. This will enable airline passengers to access SYNLAB’s broad and secure COVID-19 testing services, benefiting from its international capabilities. SYNLAB and IATA build upon valuable experience gained during a successful pilot project for passenger testing in Columbia over the course of the past months.

IATA Travel Pass allows passengers to locate authorised laboratories at departure locations to get tested for SARS-CoV-2 as required by border and health authorities. After testing, SYNLAB will provide passengers with their certified test results directly through the IATA Travel Pass. The app checks the result against the IATA Travel Pass registry of national entry requirements to produce an “OK to Travel” status. Through the app passengers can share their status and the digital test certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel.

IATA Travel Pass applies the highest data security standards. Authorised laboratories directly send COVID-19 test results to the passenger’s phone as a verifiable credential. This way, the IATA Travel Pass is a digital solution that also prevents potential forgery of test results.

Mathieu Floreani, CEO of SYNLAB, says: “We are pleased to partner with IATA to make travelling as safe as possible. At a time when people around the world are resuming air travel and different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are spreading, testing remains crucial. Testing is a central pillar in monitoring and controlling the pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus. As the market leader in Europe for PCR testing, we have conducted 18 million PCR tests since the outbreak of the pandemic, underlining our strong expertise in this incredibly relevant field.”

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, says: “Verified COVID-19 testing is critical to restore the freedom to travel for people who are not vaccinated. IATA Travel Pass aims to make it as simple as possible for travellers to locate certified labs and securely receive the test results that governments require for entry. Adding SYNLAB’s extensive lab network will help travellers more easily ensure that they meet their COVID-19 travel requirements.”

SYNLAB has a proven track record of implementing large-scale SARS-CoV-2 testing concepts: as trusted and long-standing medical partner and advisor to national healthcare systems, governmental entities, international companies, and associations. With its network of more than 450 medical laboratories and over 1,600 sample collection points across 36 countries, SYNLAB is dedicated to offer medical excellence with reliable testing services and shortest possible turnaround times.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A LIFE OF LUXURY: The World’s Best Cities for Five Star Luxury

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For many people the only thing better than travelling the world – is travelling the world in the lap of luxury. However, luxury often comes at a hefty price, so the only thing better than luxury for many of us is – affordable luxury.

If you’re looking for a destination for your next lavish holiday, new research from LuxuryHotel.com reveals both the cheapest and the most expensive cities in the world for five-star luxury hotel stays.

Here they are – take your pick:

The world’s most expensive cities for a five-star hotel stay

The Cheapest 5 Star Stays in Europe
Methodology:

LuxuryHotel.com’s took its list of cities from Euromonitor’s Top 100 City Destinations, omitting five cities due to lack of data. It then used Booking.com to find out how many hotels there are in each city, and of those how many are five-star hotels. This site also gave them the average costs per room of a night in a five-star hotel in each city.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE SPICE IS NICE: Grenada earns ‘culinary capital’ chops

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Grenada has been named world’s first “Culinary Capital” by The World Food Travel Association, recognizing the Caribbean destination’s unique culinary and cultural attributes, including its status as “the spice isle.” The regenerative tourism program has been devised by the WFTA to put the spotlight on culinary cultures around the world as the tourism industry begins to recover after its long hiatus.

Acting CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek says the Culinary Capital destination accreditation is a “huge achievement” for Grenada.

“We are known around the world as the Spice of the Caribbean, so it is fitting that we are the first Caribbean island to earn this designation,” he says. “This will undoubtedly attract discerning travellers who want to explore the link between food and culture, and who want to ensure that every dish they have on their vacation tastes amazing!”

The WFTA says the integration of spices into Grenada’s cuisine has resulted in an “overall robust and flavourful national food profile,” and adds, “from fine dining to casual beachside restaurants and even street food, it is undeniable that Grenadians have a taste and flair for delicious food. The islands are perfectly positioned as a Culinary Capital, with their many distinctive culinary assets to showcase.”

Examples include the cultural festival tradition of saraka, and culinary staples like chocolate, nutmeg ice cream, handcrafted rums, and of course, the ubiquitous national dish dubbed “oil down” – a stew of breadfruit, salted meat, chicken, dumplings, callaloo, and other vegetables, all stewed in coconut milk, herbs, and spices and served as a tasty one-pot meal.

WFTA also noted the many uses of the spices on the island – both in food and for medicinal and wellness purposes.

With its unique culinary culture now “official,” the GTA is set to market the destination to “foodie travellers” and further develop the island’s food tourism offerings in an attempt to put Grenada on the map for consumers who travel for unique and memorable food and beverage experiences.

Erik Wolf, executive director of the World Food Travel Association, the world’s leading authority on food and beverage tourism, says, “Smaller destinations like Grenada need every competitive advantage, and that is what Culinary Capitals provides. Savvy food-loving travellers are adding destinations like Grenada to their bucket lists right now, eagerly waiting for when they can travel again.”

The Culinary Capitals program accredits eligible destinations through a rigorous application process. The program is about much more than just earning recognition. Successful destinations also receive marketing and strategy support for the coming year as leverage their new moniker for marketing purpose. And for food- and beverage-loving travellers, Culinary Capitals designation gives them new choices with under-visited destinations, which, according to the WFTA, is exactly what travellers now seek post-pandemic.

Grenada, along with sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique, comprises one destination located in the southern Caribbean near Barbados. Beyond its culinary fare, the islands boast 50 white sand beaches, 15 waterfalls, countless hiking trails, and 60 dive sites including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park.

St. George’s, Grenada

ACCOMMODATION NEWS

• Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa (opening October) is Royalton Luxury Resorts’ newest all-inclusive property with 269 rooms. Located on two white-sand beaches in Tamarind Bay, the resort offers relaxing ocean views and a host of water sports.

• Spice Island Beach Resort (reopening October) is a luxury, AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort located on Grand Anse Beach offering beachfront gourmet dining, romantic getaways, luxury spa and more.

• Six Senses at La Sagesse (opening 2022) will mark the brand’s debut resort in the Caribbean. Spread over 15 hectares over the natural topography of the land affording space, privacy and uninterrupted views over the turquoise sea. The resort will offer 56 guestrooms, seven one-bedroom villas and five two-bedroom villas.

• Kimpton Kawana Bay Grenada Resort (opening 2022) will be a 146-room hillside retreat, tucked away between tropical rainforest cliffs and the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach. Amenities include private pools overlooking Grand Anse Beach, chef-driven restaurant, lounge and beach bars, fitness center, spa and water sports facilities.

• Levera Nature and Beach Resort (opening 2022) is set on 125 hectares of Grenada’s pristine northeast coast with airport accessibility and offering sweeping views of the Eastern Caribbean Sea and southern Grenadine Islands. The resort complex will feature boutique hotels, hotel cottages, private homes sites, villas, and access to two private islands for secluded, intimate getaways.

GETTING THERE

Air Canada will restart mainline service to Grenada on Nov. 3 with direct weekly flights from Toronto Pearson on Wednesdays and Sundays.

ENTRY PROTOCOLS

All persons (over 12) entering Grenada either by air or sea must be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccination and present a negative PCR test result, taken within three days of arrival. A ‘Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate’ is needed by each traveller, including children, arriving in Grenada. Fully vaccinated travellers are only required to quarantine until clearance is received from health officials within 48 hours, pending a negative PCR test on entry.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC: UK Government Should Pay for Expensive PCR Tests

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WTTC: UK Government Should Pay for Expensive PCR Tests

London, United Kingdom, August 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the government should bear the cost of hugely expensive and unnecessary PCR tests for fully jabbed citizens, which are deterring Britons from travelling.

Over the weekend, the UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid requested the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) step in to investigate ‘excessive’ pricing and ‘exploitative practices’ among PCR Covid test firms.

This follows widespread reports of vast differences paid by travellers for PCR tests by different companies.

Currently, the cost of PCR tests vary enormously between providers, with the average costing around £75. However, some firms are offering express PCR test results within 90 minutes at a cost of up to £400.

This makes UK PCR tests among the costliest in Europe – partly due to the 20 per cent VAT charge applied on top.

Now WTTC, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, says it’s time the government stepped up to pay for people’s PCR tests in full if they are fully jabbed.

This would remove the huge financial burden, which is depressing demand for travel, effectively halting the revival of international travel.

Genomic sequencing data from PCR tests is harvested by the government to rapidly identify variants of concern, understand transmission and slow the spread, however WTTC challenges why consumers should have to pay for this.

The global tourism body believes if the government won’t pick up the bill for PCR tests, it should at the very least replace the need for PCR Day two tests from green and amber countries with affordable and effective antigen tests, for fully vaccinated travellers. As in other countries, only those testing positive should need to take a PCR test.

Virginia Messina, WTTC Senior Vice President and Acting CEO, said: “For many people – especially families and small businesses on a budget – the crippling added cost of the unnecessary PCR tests makes the difference between being able to travel or not.

“It’s clear that many British adults simply can’t afford to travel overseas at all if they have to pay the excessive cost of PCR tests.

“More affordable antigen tests, with PCR tests for those who do test positive, will help keep travellers safe and make taking a trip overseas within the budget of most people.

“But if the government wants extra information for genomic sequencing – they should pay for it. If they don’t pay, then consumers will vote with their feet and avoid international travel altogether, further damaging the already struggling UK Travel & Tourism sector.

“At the very least, we support the investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to look into the excessive pricing of PCR tests which is deterring the revival of international travel.

“But unless the government sees sense and accepts the financial responsibility for PCR tests for the fully vaccinated, WTTC fears the UK Travel & Tourism sector is going to continue to buckle while demand for travel remains depressed.”

According to research by WTTC knowledge partner, YouGov, carried out earlier this summer*, almost half of British adults (47 per cent) viewed the financial costs of COVID-19 tests as a main barrier to international travel.

The research also found worries over the cost of tests were placed even ahead of personal health concerns, which came in at 34 per cent.

Meanwhile, more than half (53 per cent) of British adults said the cost of PCR testing will make a significant impact on their budget if they were to travel abroad this year.

Last week WTTC also called upon the UK government to abandon the confusing and damaging traffic light system and replace it with green and red list categories.

These more easily understandable rules, for double-jabbed and unvaccinated travellers, would let consumers know exactly where they stand to make informed decisions about where to travel.

WTTC says under its plans, returning UK visitors would only need an affordable antigen test, with additional costly PCR tests reserved for those who tested positive.

Unvaccinated visitors would continue to take a test on departure, as well as a PCR test on Day two of their return.

WTTC has helped to spearhead the coordinated international response to the impact of the pandemic upon the global Travel & Tourism sector – which has so far cost 62 million jobs in the sector and suffered a loss of almost US$4.3 trillion.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News