Global Travel News

UNWTO: Digital Tools to Revitalize Tourism

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UNWTO: Digital Tools to Revitalize Tourism

Porto, Portugal, July 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) continues to energize the restart of tourism based on sustainability and innovation. An agreement with MUST Travel & Tech places a digital tool at the service of tourism, allowing users to share their experiences to promote the reactivation of the sector with a view to sustainability. Presented during the UNWTO Mayors’ Forum in Porto, Portugal, the tool is an opportunity for the advancement of smart cities, as well as destinations that incorporate technology and innovation in their development.

Already operating in 60 countries, MUST aggregates all the information of interest to travellers in one place. By also integrating key information and analysis from UNWTO, it aims to become a leading tourism application and generate opportunities for destinations.

Technology at the service of development

We welcome innovative ideas and technologies that allow the creation of global and regional innovation ecosystems aimed at accelerating the recovery of tourism for development

Visibility provided through technological tools is an opportunity for those who, along the entire value chain of the sector, require support to restart their activity, from new destinations around rural communities, to destinations with a high degree of infrastructure development.

“We welcome innovative ideas and technologies that allow the creation of global and regional innovation ecosystems aimed at accelerating the recovery of tourism for development,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili upon signing the agreement.

For his part, the CEO of MUST, Pablo López, highlighted that “technology enhances the productivity and resilience of companies. The implementation of digital solutions in line with new trends in the tourism sector allows us to develop a differentiated, personalized and safe tourism product that is more focused on behaviour patterns and the management of spaces that will undoubtedly contribute to the recovery of a key activity for the economy in general”.

Shared objectives

A distinctive element will be the contribution of tourism intelligence from the UNWTO to the users of the tool. In this way, relevant and verified content is combined with data for making informed and evidence-based decisions.

The agreement provides for cooperation in the execution of projects that include, among others:

  • Supporting the digital transformation of tourism service providers.
  • Fostering tourism development and promotion in a sustainable and inclusive way.
  • Boosting innovation in the practices of reservation and consumption of tourism experiences and activities.
  • Encouraging the creation of quality content with a focus on cultural heritage and the authenticity of the destination to be promoted.
  • Promoting and disseminate the UNWTO “Best Tourism Villages” programme on the MUST platform as well as other programmes or events of the Organization.
  • Promoting programmes related to innovation, education and investments that are useful for tourism destinations of mutual interest.

The agreement between UNWTO and MUST will be in place until the end of 2024.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ITB Berlin 2022: Focus on Restart and Recovery

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ITB Berlin 2022: Focus on Restart and Recovery

Berlin, Germany, July 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show releases details of a hybrid concept and for taking part in the live event from 9 to 13 March 2022 in Berlin. Demand is high for the annual business highlight of the international travel industry. In March 2022 ITB Berlin – The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show – is planning an in-person edition of the event whose success story spans more than 50 years – to which virtual elements will be added.

As part of a three-phase trade show concept, the run-up will consist mainly of matchmaking and appointments. During the actual event ITB Berlin will provide a platform for business, networking, content and dialogue, and with its physical and hybrid trade show stands will create a setting for successful participation in the event. After ITB Berlin, over a period of one to two days the virtual Business Days will round off the concept with virtual appointments and livestreams.

As early as February 2022, access will be available to a virtual trade show platform where exhibitors, trade visitors and the media can make advance contact and find relevant content. The focus of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show will be on Saxony, the Official Partner Destination, which at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 March 2022 on the eve of the event will open ITB Berlin with a festive gala at the CityCube Berlin, which will also be livestreamed. On Wednesday, 9 March, the Berlin Exhibition Grounds will open their doors to exhibitors, trade visitors and the media, observing the latest hygiene rules and a safety concept which ITB Berlin will coordinate with the local authorities and will previously test. On Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 March anyone from the Berlin/Brandenburg region with a lust for travel is also invited to the display halls where they can get ideas and inspiration for their next holidays.

Remote trade show stands and the Digital ITB Business Days supplement the hybrid trade show experience

Anyone wishing to attend ITB but unable to be in Berlin due to travel restrictions can join ITB Berlin live during the event by booking one of the new remote hybrid trade show stands through our Messe Berlin subsidiary CSG. Additional information is available in the week after ITB Berlin the virtual ITB platform will host one to two special Digital ITB Business Days, enabling exhibitors and buyers to meet at a technically user-friendly virtual trade show, where they can meet the appointments they were unable to at the live event.

“With ITB Berlin NOW we were able to offer the industry a sophisticated alternative format during the interim in spring 2021“, said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin. “However, it also became clear to us all that, as we know, nothing can compare with a face-to-face meeting. It therefore gives us all the more pleasure to physically welcome the global travel industry back to Berlin in 2022. Our expanded virtual formats featuring livestreaming and the Digital Business Days will take the show to a new level by combining the best elements of the physical and virtual world.”

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2022 will take place from Wednesday, 9 to Sunday, 13 March as an in-person event in Berlin and will include virtual trade show elements such as the two-day Digital ITB Business Days after the event. From Wednesday to Friday ITB Berlin will be open to trade visitors only. ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Parallel with the show the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday, 9 to Saturday, 12 March 2022. It will take place physically and virtually and feature livestreams along with a 24-hour programme. For exhibitors, trade visitors and the media, participation in the convention is included in the price of a ticket. 3,513 exhibitors from 120 countries were represented at the virtual edition of ITB Berlin NOW 2021 for the duration of the event. Some 65,700 users visited the new online platform, around two-thirds of whom were from abroad. In 2019 a total of 10,000 exhibitors from 181 countries displayed their products and services to 160,000 visitors, including 113,500 trade visitors.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Inaugural Top 25 Restaurants Phuket Edition Launched

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Inaugural Top 25 Restaurants Phuket Edition Launched - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, July 9, 2021 – In-time for the re-opening of Phuket, and with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Travelindex formally launched the Phuket Edition of its prestigious restaurant guide; the Top 25 Restaurants Phuket – the Master Affluent Dining Guide on Phuket, now in 6 key gastronomy destinations across Asia Pacific.

The Top 25 Restaurants Guide Phuket brings together not only gourmet dining but the best of all cuisines, with every establishment chosen first and foremost for the quality of cooking and food served. From Michelin-star quality tasting menus to exquisite and original Peranakan food or the best grilled seafood you’ll ever have, Phuket has become a premier gourmet destination.

The diversity of Phuket’s cuisine is reflected in the rankings at Top 25 Restaurants Phuket; from the classic French and Italian to hyper-local and authentic Phuket food restaurants.

Top25Restaurants.com is celebrating exquisite dining in each city highlighting its the culinary diversity, as well as new trends and chefs supporting local community products. Top 25 Restaurants contributes to the prestige of the local dining scene and, with the integration into the Travelindex global ecosystem, to attract more visitors and tourists to the destination.

To ensure its credibility and impartiality of its ranking, the “Top 25 Restaurants Guide Phuket” is based on a world-leading rating system, the Restaurant Rating Index (RRI). RRI is an artificial intelligence based, decentralized appraisal mechanism combining behavioral analytics and human expertise from some of the world’s top culinary experts.

Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder of Top25Restaurants Guide series, stated: “We are committed to support the gastronomy and hospitality sectors in Phuket by leveraging digital technology and our online expertise. We aim not only to help restaurants in the recovering process from the Covid pandemic downturn but also to educated people to eat better and live better, while at the same time improving the drawing power of the Thai culinary culture and tradition.”

With the Phuket Sandbox programme in effect, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects 100,000 foreign tourists to visit Phuket in the Third Quarter of 2021 from July to September, generating 8.9 billion Baht in revenue for the local economy. A number of major airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways International (THAI) are already reconnecting Phuket with world cities like London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore with direct flights.

Restaurants in Phuket can feature at no costs in the “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket” guide by filling out the submission form here:

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA: Marginal Improvements in May Travel Demand

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IATA: Marginal Improvements in May Travel Demand

Geneva, Switzerland, July 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that both international and domestic travel demand showed marginal improvements in May 2021, compared to the prior month, but traffic remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Recovery in international traffic in particular continued to be stymied by extensive government travel restrictions.

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to May 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.

  • Total demand for air travel in May 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 62.7% compared to May 2019. That was a gain over the 65.2% decline recorded in April 2021 versus April 2019.
  • International passenger demand in May was 85.1% below May 2019, a small step-up from the 87.2% decline recorded in April 2021 versus two years ago. All regions with the exception of Asia-Pacific contributed to this modest improvement.
  • Total domestic demand was down 23.9% versus pre-crisis levels (May 2019), slightly improved over April 2021, when domestic traffic was down 25.5% versus the 2019 period. China and Russia traffic continue to be in in positive growth territory compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, while India and Japan saw significant deterioration amid new variants and outbreaks.

“We are starting to see positive developments, with some international markets opening to vaccinated travelers. The Northern Hemisphere summer travel season is now fully arrived. And it is disappointing that more governments are not moving more rapidly to use data to drive border opening strategies that would help revive tourism jobs and reunite families,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

  • European carriers’ May international traffic declined 84.7% versus May 2019, improved from the 87.7% decrease in April compared to the same month in 2019. Capacity dropped 75.7% and load factor fell 31.3 percentage points to 52.9%.
  • Asia-Pacific airlines saw their May international traffic fall 94.3% compared to May 2019, fractionally worse than the 94.2% drop registered in April 2021 versus April 2019. The region experienced the steepest traffic declines for a tenth consecutive month. Capacity was down 86.4% and the load factor sank 45.5 percentage points to 33.2%, the lowest among regions.
  • Middle Eastern airlines experienced an 81.3% demand drop in May compared to May 2019, slightly bettering the 82.9% decrease in April, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 63.7%, and load factor fell 35.3 percentage points to 37.7%.
  • North American carriers’ May demand fell 74.4% compared to the 2019 period, an improvement over the 77.6% decline in April versus two years ago. Capacity sagged 58.5%, and load factor dropped 32.2 percentage points to 51.7%.
  • Latin American airlines saw a 75.1% demand drop in May, compared to the same month in 2019, notably improved over the 80.9% decline in April compared to April 2019. May capacity was down 69.9% and load factor decreased 14.6 percentage points to 69.5%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the eighth consecutive month.
  • African airlines’ traffic fell 71.4% in May versus May two years ago, a gain from the 75.6% decline in April compared to April 2019. May capacity declined 61.8% versus May 2019, and load factor dropped 16.9 percentage points to 50.2%.
  • India’s domestic traffic fell 71.0% in May compared to May 2019 amid the emergence of the new and more contagious “Delta” variant. This compared to a 42% decline registered in April versus the same month two years ago.
  • Brazil’s domestic traffic rebounded from a 60.9% decline in April versus the same month in 2019, to a 44% decline in May, as travel restrictions were eased.

The Bottom Line

“To paraphrase an old saying, when you think that all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Too many governments continue to act as if the only tool in their anti-COVID-19 arsenal is a blanket border closure or an arrival quarantine. In fact, research from leading medical organizations around the globe confirms that vaccinated travelers pose very little risk to the local population(i) while data show that pre-departure testing largely removes the risk of unvaccinated travelers importing COVID-19(ii).

“It is long past time for governments to start responding to this information with more nuanced data-driven risk-based strategies. These will minimize the chance of importing COVID-19 while allowing the world to reopen to travel and all the opportunities it brings to reconnect with loved ones, to realize business opportunities, to explore the world or take a well-deserved vacation,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A TRUFFLE-HUNTING ADVENTURE IN UMBRIA: Unearthing the diamonds of the gourmet world

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I’m walking through Pettino’s truffle-rich forests and pastures at the base of a mountain. Leading the way are four specially trained dogs – Pucci, Pippo, Vespa and Enea – and hot on their heels are the truffle hunters Luciano and Bruno, armed with small picks and a leather bag for the loot.

Truffle hunting is a centuries-old daily tradition in Umbria. “It’s an everyday part of our lives,” says Bruno. “We go out almost every day. We are the caretakers of the truffle mountain and forests, and the keepers of many generations of recipes. We eat truffles, we produce condiments from them, we sell them. This is how we live.” It’s a beautiful and simple way of life – the secluded Umbrian mountains, the ancestral hamlet that’s been home to truffle hunters since the 15th century.

Today, next to the river, we’re in search of white truffles, the rare bulbous tuber that cannot be cultivated in the same way as its black counterpart. Pucci disappears into the undergrowth, quickly followed by Bruno, her handler. He produces his vanghino, a specialist excavation tool, and unearths an onion-size white truffle. This excites Pucci as she knows what’s coming – a treat in the form of some dried pasta.

Truffles exude a chemical that imitates the mammalian reproductive pheromones, so for an animal, just sniffing it is akin to being drugged. Initially, female pigs were used to find truffles, but when they latch onto its aroma, they’re driven wild and often end up eating their finds. This gave rise to the training and use of truffle-hunting dogs, usually traditional water breeds such as pointers, spaniels and setters, which by law must be highly trained. In theory, they can be of any age, although the best results are attained in three- to six-month-old pups.

Bruno has just started telling me about the price per kilo for black truffles – in excess of £250 – when he hears frantic digging among the trees and sets off in search of Pippo. Moments later, he emerges from beneath the undergrowth, holding an egg-size white truffle between his thumb and index finger. “This,” he says, “is ten times the value of black truffles.” He hands it to me, and I feel its weight in my palm, smell its luscious, slightly garlicky scent, which Bruno tells me is ideal for enhancing the flavour of any dish.

We find just a handful of truffles in our hour-long trek, so the dogs are transported to the nearby estate of San Pietro a Pettine, which is higher up the mountain. Here, we’ll set out to find black truffles, which are buried among roots in select patches of hillside oak and hazelnut groves.

Umbria is the single largest producer of truffles in Italy. In meeting the worldwide demand of international chefs, professional truffle hunters can earn up to £20,000 a season, passing their finds through a series of highly competitive and carefully guarded truffle-market channels before reaching their destinations abroad.

Today, however, our truffles are only going as far as the estate’s restaurant, La Cucina, where the chef Alicia Capuricci uses them to prepare a delicious lunch for us. We start with an egg that has been slow poached for 90 minutes, coated in panko, deep-fried, then served atop creamy mashed potato. This is accompanied by a parmigiana fondue and a heavy handful of white truffle shavings (the very ones we have just brought in from the woods), which taste oaky, nutty and a little earthy, with back notes of olives. “Black truffles’ spores smell stronger than the flavour, but even the strongest will never overpower other ingredients on the plate,” says Alicia, who uses the fungi like a vegetable, shaving it onto just about anything – including ice cream.

Later, at La Pintura, my farmhouse retreat near Trevi, Nonna Ciarletti is making dinner. I’m sitting at a battered 10-seater wooden table, beside a slow-burning log fire, in the company of Gianfranco Ciarletti, my host and a fourth-generation olive farmer. Together, we dine on a harmonious mix of brochettes of meat toasted on open coals, wafers of cured ham, topped off with lashings of home-grown olive oil. Then the soul food makes an appearance – a dense vegetable broth with a fistful of grated truffles and a liberal sprinkling of parmesan cheese, plus a good glug of olive oil. Silence descends on the farmhouse as we lose ourselves in truffle heaven… 

Umbria: the ultimate foodie guide

Where to make traditional pasta: In the picture-postcard village of Scheggino, clamber down a flight of narrow stone steps to Restaurant Osteria Baciafemmine, where the chef Elisa Valentini will demonstrate the pasta-making process to interested visitors. “The region’s typical pasta is umbrici, made from flour and water,” she explains. “After kneading the dough, it is rolled out, then hand-cut into a cord-like spaghetti strips. Of course, the ideal condiment for our umbricelli is truffles.”

Where to celebrate truffles: On 4 and 5 April, Scheggino plays host to the Diamante Nero festival. Browse stalls groaning under the weight of fresh truffles, buy truffle marmalades, oils and other condiments, sample local products such as cheese, lentils and saffron, and discover traditional crafts such as handwoven fabrics. There are also numerous cooking demonstrations and tastings, and hands-on activities for kids, but the highlight of the weekend is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for a giant truffle frittata.

Where to learn more about truffles: Visit the Museo del Tartufo Urbani in Scheggino to delve into the history surrounding its ‘black diamonds’; and while you’re there, stock up on all your truffle requirements in the excellent museum shop.
Where to stay: Castello di Monticelli, near Perugia, is a preserved sixth-century fortress turned boutique hotel festooned with mediaeval characteristics in each of its 26 suites – expect fireplaces, terracotta floors, oak ceiling beams and chestnut windows that frame views of the valley and Perugia in the distance. It’s surrounded by two acres of gardens and terraces; six acres of forest and a large patch of land where organic produce is grown. Alternatively, for a more rustic experience, stay at La Pintura, which offers refined farmhouse-style accommodation on a working olive farm. On offer are four comfortable en-suite rooms, dressed in handmade bed linens and curtains.

How to get there: Get a flight to London Heathrow then a cheap connecting flight either via Ryanair, which flies to Perugia three times a week from London Stansted Airport; alternatively, later this summer, British Airways will launch a new route from Heathrow.

www.umbriatourism.it

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PEI PUB A CLAM DUNK

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You won’t often hear me say this, but it’s not always about the beer. In fact, in this case, it’s about the clams – marvellous mollusks from PEI, served and savoured at the treasured island establishment, Clam Diggers. And if you don’t believe me, believe renowned Canadian chef (and islander) Michael Smith, who raves about the place.

Located in Cardigan on the island’s east end, near Brudenell provincial park and about 45 km from Charlottetown, the ‘beach house and restaurant,’ which has also been called a waterfront pub, is known for its seafood – a veritable best of the best in a Canadian mecca for ocean bounty.

Familiar Food Network contributor Smith – now an innkeeper on the island and cookbook author, and who has in the past served as ambassador for PEI tourism at events in Toronto, where I’ve met him on a few occasions – was quoted in a recent article by Jeremy Reed as going so far as to call the “steamers” served at Clam Diggers “the epitome of perfection and simplicity.” They are served in white wine, butter, garlic and cream, and Smith says, “I’ll fight ya for slurping rights at the bottom of the bowl.”

Also lauded by patrons are the fried clams, as well as other local favourites and Clam Digger classics like haddock and chips, fried scallops, mussels, lobster roll, crab cakes, maple salmon, and, of course, lobster (in season). Some of the items are served together in combo “bake” plates.

 

Clam Diggers

Not a seafood fan? Not to worry, there are also burgers, sandwiches, and wraps, salads, pasta, steak, even poutine and mac & cheese.

And accompanying local craft beer (Gahan) on tap, including during afternoon happy hour (3-5 p.m.), is pub fare like wings, nachos, sweet potato fries, and fish tacos.

Any of the choices can be enjoyed indoors or, better still, out, on a large patio deck, overlooking the water, where guests can watch fishing and lobster boats glide by and catch the harbour lights and sunset in the evening, or wander on a lighted boardwalk. Indeed, the restaurant’s well-deserved motto is: “Come for the food, stay for the view.”

Located at 6864 Water St. in Cardigan, Clam Diggers is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., 9 on Fridays and Saturdays

Clam Diggers

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

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

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Jim Morrison still lights our fire

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On the 50th anniversary of his death, Jim Morrison is still lighting the fires of fans, who turned out to pay homage to the erstwhile Lizard King at Pere-Lachaise cemetery in eastern Paris this week.

I once made a similar pilgrimage, though my visit was more in the “things to do in Paris” category than devotion to The Doors, Morrison’s legendary band. And the experience was certainly worth it, I can report, if for no other reason than the beauty of the place and experience of following the curious maize through the cemetery to get to the grave, which would be unfindable without graffiti arrows and markings scrawled on other tombs by fans. (To be honest, these desecrations are disappointing).

At the same time, Morrison’s rather inglorious tomb status – tiny and placed several rows back from the path – suggests that in death he is no more important than his neighbours, and, in fact, he is just one of a host of historically famous names to call the cemetery eternal home – Chopin, Moliere, Proust, Balzac, Piaf, and Oscar Wilde, amongst others.

But unlike the others, his grave – marked with the inscription “true to his own spirit” – is decorated with graffiti and the subject of a makeshift shrine.
Morrison famously died in Paris on July 3, 1971, at age 27 at the height of a career that had delivered, with The Doors, hits like “Light My Fire,” “Hello I Love You,” “Touch Me,” and “Riders on the Storm.”

There was also the infamous 1967 appearance on the Ed Sullivan show where the band were ordered to change the lyrics to “Light My Fire” – considered inappropriate – but sang them live anyway earning Sullivan’s fury and a lifetime ban from the show. And, of course, Morrison’s high-profile drug- and alcohol-fuelled escapades, which ultimately led to his demise.

As such, his status as a mythic, mystic figure for rock fans has never waned. On the 20th anniversary of his death in 1991, the Oliver Stone-directed biopic “The Doors” was released, starring Val Kilmer as Morrison. And in 2021, for many, the flame still burns.

Lyrics

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on, fire

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on, fire yeah

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on, fire yeah

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn’t get much higher

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Unveils Its New Vision in China With the Opening of Sheraton Mianyang

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Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announces the opening of Sheraton Mianyang. The 342-room hotel will be the first fully transformed hotel in Asia-Pacific to bring to life the brand’s new vision as part of a worldwide transformation which focuses on design and experience signatures that foster community, gathering, and productivity in all areas of the hotel. Drawing on its roots as a gathering place for both locals and guests in communities around the world, the new approach for Sheraton creates an intuitive and holistic experience with places to connect, be productive, and bring a sense of belonging.

“Sheraton Mianyang provides a living and breathing showcase of our new vision for Sheraton, underscoring our commitment to well position the brand to meet demand of today’s travelers.” said Amanda Nichols, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “The new hotel is part of a global reinvention journey currently being undertaken by Sheraton Hotels & Resorts to bring all of its properties in line with the new vision, which will showcase the brand’s new focus on services and design that enable socialization, productivity, and personalization, featuring collaborative venues and technology that enable unique experiences.”

Sheraton Mianyang is located in the heart of the Xianhai Scenic Area in Sichuan, a China national AAAA tourist attraction, which consists of 46 islands and stunning mountains. The magnificent natural landscape acts as a backdrop for the hotel, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature by hiking in the mountains, and cruising and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters. Travelers can easily access the cosmopolitan city of Mianyang via a 40-minute train from Chengdu or a 40-minute drive from the Mianyang Nanjiao Airport and Mianyang Railway Station.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sheraton Mianyang to the Sheraton community and to celebrate it as the first hotel in China to embody all of the brand’s new signatures. This new hotel exemplifies our vision for the brand, underscoring our commitment to provide a sociable, productive, and personalized hotel experience, which Chinese travelers are looking for,” said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “Within Greater China, Sheraton has the strongest footprint amongst the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, with more than 80 hotels throughout the country. We are committed to continue growing and transforming the brand with two new openings in Xi’an later this year.”

SH_MIGSI_Lobby_DSC0584-HDR_4Kpx[27].jpg
Lobby at Sheraton Mianyang

A Modern-Day Community Hub
The lobby is at the heart of the guest experience at Sheraton Mianyang. The lobby has been re-imagined as the community hub of the hotel; a holistic, open space that invites people to join together or be alone amongst others, creating a sense of energy and belonging. With a flow that is natural, intuitive, and uncomplicated, guests have what they need within arm’s reach, all set against an inviting backdrop that feels warm and comfortable yet refined. Drawing inspiration to the hotel’s scenic surroundings, the design of the lobby incorporates elements of the Xianhai Scenic Area and the Sichuan bamboo, creating a connection to the local community. A dedicated Community Manager is a friendly face that is always on hand to help guests and locals with anything they need, while also delivering unique guest experiences through curated community programs and events.

Sheraton Mianyang features many of the signature elements of the new vision. This includes the Community Table, an inviting, purpose-built workspace that anchors the hotel’s lobby and allow guests to work, eat, and drink while soaking up the energy of the space. Following Sheraton’s philosophy to embrace both form and function, these tables are custom designed with amenities to keep guests productive, including built-in lighting, outlets, and charging stations.

The Studios, flexible gathering spaces available to book whenever a guest needs it, celebrate collaborative working and connecting with others in a less formal setting. Enclosed with glass, the tech-enabled Studios allow guests to contribute to the energy of the public space while also providing privacy and focus for everything from small group meetings to private dining experiences. The Booths are also strategically placed throughout the lobby, perfect for a spontaneous phone call to connect privately with friends, family, or colleagues from afar.

New Elevated Food & Beverage Experience
Built with its global, productivity-focused guest in mind, Sheraton Mianyang’s new elevated food & beverage offering creates a focal point in the lobby experience. Part bar, part coffee bar, part market, the &More by Sheraton is a central pillar of the new Sheraton vision, transitioning guests seamlessly from day to night with food & beverage options that are locally-sourced, easy to consume while working and customizable to accommodate all tastes and time schedules. Guests can enjoy a wide range of beverages ranging from freshly brewed artisanal coffees during the day to signature cocktails including Espresso Cappuccino Martini and Espresso-Tonic in the evening.

The hotel also features two additional restaurants and a bar, where guests are pampered with a wide array of local delicacies and international cuisines. The all-day dining restaurant Daily Social features a daily buffet with an impressive selection of international and regional culinary favorites, as well as a noodles station serving authentic Sichuan style and from other parts of China. YUE, Sheraton’s signature Chinese restaurant, specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisines and local Sichuan delicacies. The restaurant also features six spacious private dining rooms, all with panoramic views of the Xianhai lake, perfect for family gatherings and business dinners. Unspoken, is a curated, intimate bar that transitions from hidden to active from day to evening, serving creative cocktails and fine wine from all around the world.

Guestrooms & Club Lounge That Bolster Productivity
The new hotel offers 342 spacious and modern guestrooms and suites ranging from 41 to 240 square meters. In the guestrooms, guests are welcomed into a bright, well-lit space with warm, residential appeal, comprised of soft finishes and light wood tones. Most of the guestrooms and suites boast either a lake or mountain view from large French windows, with selected rooms featuring a large balcony to enable guests to stay rejuvenated. All guestrooms feature elements designed for productivity, such as a height-adjustable worktable, integrated power and charging, and layered lighting. The bathrooms are designed with modern walk-in showers and bath amenities by Gilchrist & Soames.

The Sheraton Club Lounge, an exclusive space for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Club level guests, offers an elevated experience in which guests are uplifted through meaningful productivity and a connection to the environment. The space is purposefully designed for a layered and engaging experience that transitions seamlessly with activations from morning to evening. Guests will find curated food and beverage offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity, and 24/7 access to provide a private environment.

The Art of Meeting & Gatherings
Sheraton Mianyang features 1,200 total square meters of event space, including one grand ballroom and 5 meeting rooms. The 800 square meter grand ballroom features high ceilings and can accommodate up to 600 guests. The ballroom is connected to an outdoor lush green terrace, making it an ideal venue caters to large conferences, picture-perfect weddings and social gatherings in different size and scale. All venues are equipped with high-speed internet access and the state-of-the-art audio and visual facilities. Hotel’s dedicated event and catering team will ensure every activity that taking place is seamless and well success.

Leisure and Family Experiences that Create Long-Lasting Memories
Guests have access to an array of leisure facilities at the hotel, including the fitness center, which is equipped with the latest cardio and strength training equipment, a heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a sauna room. For family fun, Sheraton Mianyang is proud to offer a forest-themed outdoor children’s playground and an indoor kids’ club for a happy family vacation. Families can also take advantage of the Sheraton Side by Side program, offering activities that loved ones can do together helping them create long-lasting memories.

Guests staying at Sheraton Mianyang can enjoy a scenic hike and admire the enchanting landscape outside of the hotel. Apart from the magnificent natural surroundings, Mianyang is also the hometown of Li Bai, one of the greatest Chinese poets in the history. Guests can visit the poet’s Former Residence and immerse oneself in the architecture, statues, and paintings that depicts his life.

For more information on Sheraton Mianyang and reservations inquiries, please visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/migsi-sheraton-mianyang.

About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., makes it easy for guests to feel part of something special at over 440 hotels in 70+ countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott International’s portfolio sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is currently undergoing a major brand transformation at properties around the world to bring its signature community experience up-to-date for the next generation of travelers. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences and upgrades to everything from guest rooms to F&B. To learn more, visit www.sheraton.com. Stay connected to Sheraton on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram. Sheraton 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.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ELLEN ROSEMOND

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If you were at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport in the eighties and nineties, working with the tour operators or the charter carriers you likely remember Ellen Rosemond. A small blonde firecracker who despite a beaming smile, simply didn’t suffer fools and who seldom had a thought she didn’t immediately voice. Ellen ruffled a lot of feathers, bruised some egos but could also be just as kind, considerate, caring and funny as she could be brash and brazen.

A thoughtful, intelligent woman with a degree in Art History and Slavic languages from the University of Toronto, Ellen steered her love of travel into a career as a travel agent, and then taught her favourite subject at Sheridan College, guiding the first class through the CTC course and taking the exam with her students, garnering the fourth highest mark in Ontario – which seriously annoyed her – fourth highest? Not good enough!

She left teaching to co-found Cygnet Travel Representatives Inc. a service for tour operators and corporations that offered dispatch, reception, concierge, general airport and liaison services with airlines and aviation operators for over 18 years at YYZ. Along the way she also concurrently co-founded Cygnet Tennis, working with the Women’s Tennis Association and Tennis Canada to manufacture and provide merchandise at Canadian tournaments. The final entrepreneurial venture for the company, and the one she perhaps loved most, was Cygnet Gallery, an art gallery in Toronto’s Yorkville district.

To meet Ellen was to remember her. Small in stature but with a huge temperament and a fiery temper which could dissolve in seconds into a radiant smile and a funny quip. Complicated and complex, she was both tough and tender, inflexible and lenient. Despite serious and painful back issues, she worked as hard or harder than anyone else and was on her feet (in Chanel pumps) for hours on end without a complaint. She had unlimited patience when teaching or explaining a problem, and none at all if she felt the listener was not concentrating on the issue at hand.

Ellen had a lively sense of humour, a quick wit and a keen intellect. She loved to travel and did so as often as she could.

A great joy was in rummaging around auction houses and art galleries, be it St. Ives, Edinburgh, Collingwood, or Toronto, or looking for treasures and unknown artists at The Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Exhibition in London.

She loved the theatre, was passionate about music, and for many years, had subscription seats to both the TSO and the Canadian Opera Company. Her taste however was eclectic, and she enjoyed all types of music including jazz, pop and rock. In art too, she had varied tastes ranging from abstract modern to old masters and could discuss them all with knowledge and intelligence.

Ellen Rosemond died suddenly this week. She was my business partner for almost twenty years and my friend for much longer. I will miss her as will the many friends and associates who remember this small woman with the huge personality.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RELAX. IT’S NOT WHAT IT SEEMS.

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The problem began with a piece in the Globe and Mail about a travel deal offered by Rocky Mountaineer that clearly stated, “you must book directly through Rocky Mountaineer (bookings through travel agents are not eligible) to take advantage of thee promotions.” Adding insult to injury, and stupidity to a seemingly dumb decision, Rocky Mountaineer is currently hosting agents and media on an inaugural train journey.

Well didn’t that cause a kerfuffle? Social media went nutso as agents and others tried to contact the company for an explanation.

Part of the deal also involved earning up to 20,000 Aeroplan points and one agent wrote on Facebook that, “We have already complained. Their response is that we have the option to buy Aeroplan points at our expense and match them. Clearly they do not value the retail trade.”

However, apparently things were not quite as bleak they seemed. Word soon came that travel agents could actually book Rocky Mountaineer’s Canadian Resident offer, but to do that they have to book it through the rail company’s call centre.

The Travel Press quoted Nicole Ford, director, communications and stakeholder relations for Rocky Mountaineer saying, “Travel agents are valued partners. Our call centre is experiencing higher than usual wait times, but we are prioritizing 2021 bookings.”

“If an agent is looking to book a client with this offer, they can do so by calling one of our in-house vacation consultants.”

Ford added that the Canadian Resident offer can also be combined with the Fairmont offer on eligible bookings. You can check them out HERE

It’s not the first time. It’s not a one-off

But this whole situation raised some issues. TripCentral president Richard Vanderlubbe, who has chaired ACTA in the past and sat on various Boards suggests there is a larger issue here that is worth exploring.

“ It’s classic in the domestic tourism industry.” Vanderlubbe told us in an email yesterday. “Our domestic industry is small and cottage like in many ways compared to other countries with more developed and full year infrastructure. The sophistication is limited. Hotels and other tourism businesses often do this – offer a local deal direct to consumers – and then they, and provincial tourism organizations and ministries – wonder why there is so little action by the travel industry in Canada selling Canada to Canadians.

“When you’re so often undercut, you just give up. If they fail to understand that by bundling their products with flights and working with tour operators and travel agencies to offer value without touching published prices, they can fill unsold rooms without being market disruptive.”

Vanderlubbe rightly points out that, “The classic marketing mistake ‘let’s cut price and fund it from not paying a distributor’ repeats over and over again. Trying to cut price for local rubber tire / direct market incremental business is just so stupid. They are counting on the fact that international travellers won’t notice the local / direct deal. Meanwhile the internet puts pressure even on foreign tour operators trying to promote the product.”

“It’s this idea that the promotion and distribution of their product and service can be done cheaper by themselves, or that the trade will do it for free, or that a consumer will knowingly pay more to buy it from a distributor.”

That path is ‘folly’ says Vanderlubbe, adding, “The airlines, cruise lines, large hotel chains all learned their lessons on this over many years, but it appears bit players and newbies fall into the trap or repeat the mistake.”

All true. This is a lesson that needs to be learned – and remembered.

Here’s the bit from the Globe and Mail.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News