Global Travel News

Open Letter to Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn

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Open Letter to Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn

Bangkok, Thailand, June 18, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / From Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire – Dear Governor Yuthasak, with the vaccination process full steam ahead, a few hiccups notwithstanding, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha’s speech on 16 June has paved the way for a rebound and recovery, led by Travel & Tourism. You now have a golden opportunity to build on the speech and cement your place in history, as well as that of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand at large.

When the crisis surfaced, there was a lot of gung-ho optimism that Travel & Tourism would convert it into an opportunity to REcover, REset, REstructure, REthink, REvise, REthink, REview, RE-this, RE-that. These fancy catchwords are nothing new; I REcall hearing them after each previous crisis. In REality, they delivered little or nothing on the ground.

But this crisis is different from all others in its depth, duration and severity, which is precisely why it must not lead to a REturn to the old abnormal.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Thailand, Visit Thailand – Be Happy, at VisitThailand.net

As the country’s primary tourism marketing agency, the TAT will be at the forefront of the REcovery process. No doubt, marketing, branding and image-building experts are knocking at your door seeking taxpayer money for grandiose REopening projects. Provincial destinations, airlines and tour operators are also in the queue. Because money talks, and is in equally short supply as the vaccines, it is imperative to ensure that every baht is spent in an accountable, transparent, productive and efficient manner, and produces the desired results in line with the new REalities.

I would like to REspectfully propose a few ways by which the TAT can REvamp the utilisation of its budgets and set a clear example for global national tourism organisations to follow:

Adjust the focus: What is the real objective of a tourism REcovery? Will simply measuring visitor numbers and expenditure suffice as indicators of “success”? In fact, the over-arching need of the hour is to totally REstructure and REthink these indicators. Immediate short-term results of REcovery campaigns can easily be statistically measured by the transportation sector, hotels and tour operators. The TAT now needs to raise the game and strive for more exalted targets.

Support worthy causes: Making Travel & Tourism a conduit for a more peaceful, safe and sustainable world means striving for causes such as the UN SDGs at the global level, the ASEAN Integration agenda at the regional level and the NESDC and Sufficiency-Economy targets at the local level. Many non-profit foundations, NGOs and institutions are supporting these efforts. They have huge followings, but cannot afford to hire slick salespeople to market their activities and projects. Because their work is patronised by thousands of dedicated and committed people, national tourism organisations should be reaching out to them rather than the other way around. Corporate social responsibility activities which make the world a better place, in the words of former UNWTO Secretary General Dr Taleb Rifai, is a sure-fire way of uplifting the quality of life at a destination, crafting a new reality-based image AND boosting visitor numbers.

Diversify the venues of TAT events: Most of the TAT’s press conferences and public events are are held either in-house or in hotels. These venues can easily be aligned with the broader causes, such as the Siam Society, Thai universities, the UN ESCAP conference centre, museums, the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand and other such places. They will certainly appreciate the outreach and benefit from the exposure and indigenous funding. Partnering with them could also give the TAT more positive exposure and upgrade the quality of discussion on serious tourism-related issues, which is long overdue.

Elevate the intellectual value of Travel & Tourism forums: One bitter lesson learnt from this and previous crises is that global tourism is totally at the mercy of external shocks. It is thus imperative to start exploring ways by which Travel & Tourism can influence global events, rather than be influenced by them. Stuffing the pockets of branding gurus, technobabblers, bloggers and “influencers” in pursuit of “likes” and “clicks” is a waste of time and money. Industry conferences and forums have become brain-dead platforms for preaching to the converted. The industry is bored of listening to the usual gaggle of trumpet-blowing executives from Google, TripAdvisor, Facebook, etc. Why not organise a totally overhauled industry event to discuss broader issues such as foreign policy, the next five-year NESDC plan, cryptocurrencies, climate change, the future of democracy, privacy, security, fake news and fraud?

Help the private sector to help itself: The Covid-19 crisis has decimated the private sector. But REbuilding must not mean more one-way handouts. In the boom days, dozens of Travel & Tourism industry associations emerged to REpresent their varied constituents. Most of their websites are in a mess. The TAT runs one of the Thai government’s best websites. This experience can be shared with the private sector associations. Helping the private sector to help itself is a far more cost-effective way of producing results.

Finally, be transparent: The TAT’s first female governor, Mrs Juthamas Siriwan, brought shame and dishonour upon the state enterprise with her arrest and conviction on corruption charges. Making all procurement contracts and marketing activities more open and transparent will go a long way towards ensuring that external contractors deliver the goods, and are held accountable for pork-barrel waste and inefficiencies. Other NTOs worldwide will be forced to follow suit, setting new standards for industry best-practises.

Governor Yuthasak, you were the first “outsider” to helm the TAT. I was in the TAT lobby the day you first arrived for work in August 2015, the year after a comparatively minor internal political crisis, the 2014 military coup. Since then, thanks to a flood of mass-volume Chinese and Indian tourists, visitor arrivals soared to the point where “overtourism” became a double-edged sword. That is one headache you need not worry about for years.

Having gone from feast to famine virtually overnight, global tourism has a chance to start afresh. Leaders such as yourself have a chance to make history. Old ways of doing business are fading rapidly. The industry’s modus operandi is in dire need of a “REset, REthink, REstructure” agenda system-wide. Without it, even the survival of the TAT in its present form cannot be guaranteed.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Thailand, Visit Thailand – Be Happy, at VisitThailand.net

As one of Thailand’s longest-serving travel trade journalists, I am proud to be the first to have called the kingdom The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY. In 1987, a marketing extravaganza par excellence known as Visit Thailand Year, united the country and REvolutionised global tourism. A new sense of direction will fit perfectly within the Prime Minister’s six-month time frame for getting the industry, and the country, back on its feet. This time, however, we need to ensure that ground under those feet is also firm and stable.

Respectfully yours,

Imtiaz Muqbil
Executive Editor
Travel Impact Newswire

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:June 14-18, 2021

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Canada is added to France’s green list; TravelBrands has new refund policy, a Royal Caribbean debut is delayed, and Air Transat releases its winter schedule…

NEWS

TravelBrands reports it is now offering full refunds on vacation packages without relying on external assistance and, at the same time, protecting agent commission. The refund policy will include all Air & Hotel bookings, including TravelGenie, Sunquest, and Exotik Journeys packages that have flights with Air Canada or Transat. If a refund cannot be secured on a land portion, a future travel voucher will still be applicable. Coverage dates include travel on or after Feb. 1, 2020, and new bookings as of June 1, 2021, going forward. For information, click HERE.

FCM, the business division of Flight Centre Travel Group, has partnered with South Pole, a leading expert in global climate action and project development to launch a new global carbon offsetting program. In addition, FCM has announced that it will offset all staff travel worldwide once pandemic restrictions allow employees to travel for business purposes again. This step will also be backdated to 2019.

Airline passengers arriving at Halifax Stanfield International airport can now take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Travellers are issued a self-swab kit and instructions with health staff on hand for assistance. Although the tests aren’t mandatory, officials say the testing measure is a way to quickly identify and respond to cases. The self-swab kit is a PCR test – a lab-based test similar to the one used at primary assessment centres, and people will receive results by phone or email within 72 hours of dropping it off.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Canada has been to France’s green list for entering the country, meaning that Canadians can visit with needing an ‘essential’ reason for doing so. And travellers who have been vaccinated for at least two weeks do not need to provide an additional negative PCR test.

Canadians are no longer be required to present a negative PCR test to enter Turkey if they can provide a vaccination card that is at least 14 days old or show proof that they have been in contact with the virus in the past six months. If this cannot be provided, submission of a negative PCR test taken up to 72-hours before the entrance to Turkey, or negative rapid antigen test taken up to 48-hours before the entrance to Turkey, is deemed sufficient. Quarantine measures will not be applied for Canadians. Turkish Airline reports, however, that all passengers will continue to be required to wear masks at airports and on board flights.

Travellers arriving in Iceland after July 1 will be exempt from border screening if they present a certificate of vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19.

DELAYED/ CANCELLED

Royal Caribbean International is postponing for nearly a month one of the highly anticipated first sailings from the US since the pandemic began because eight crew members tested positive for COVID-19. The new Odyssey of the Seas was to set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Fla, on July 3 but is now postponed to July 31.

BY THE NUMBERS

Three new entrants – Abu Dhabi, Jersey, and French Polynesia – have joined the growing list of destinations to get the Safe Travels stamp, the world’s first global safety and hygiene stamp. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) initiative now boasts more than 275 destinations around the world in the year since it has been launched to help lead the recovery of tourism from the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIR

Air Canada operated its first non-stop service between Montreal and Cairo on Friday. The airline is offering three flights per week on a 255-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

Weekly flights from both Regina and Saskatoon to various sun destination will be offered this winter by Sunwing, starting from Dec. 11 and continuing through April 2022. From Regina, flights will service Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Punta Cana and Varadero. From Saskatoon, the same destinations will be available as well as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, the latter from Dec. 9.

Air Transat says it will begin flying to nearly 50 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the US and Europe starting Nov. 1. New to the winter schedule will be direct flights from Montreal to Miami and Fort Myers, Fla., starting in December.

WestJet is expanding its international network to include Amsterdam, Netherlands. The new twice-weekly service from Calgary will operate on the 787 Dreamliner starting Aug. 5, increasing to three times a week as of Sept. 9.

Ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) Flair has introduced non-stop service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Calgary. In August, the schedule grows with the addition of service to Halifax, Kelowna, and Abbotsford.

DEALS

For bookings made through June 28, European Waterways is offering 10% off both cabins and whole-boat charters. With the specials, cabin prices start at US$4,095 p.p. double, while whole boat charters start at $31,950. Prices are all-inclusive and include all meals on-board and amenities such as the use of bicycles, a wide selection of local wines and an open bar stocked with the finest liquor. They also include all excursions on the itinerary and chauffeured transfers to and from the barge from a designated pick-up point.

To welcome back travellers, participating Curacao hotels are offering the fourth night free when booked by June 29 for stays June 19-Oct. 30. Negative COVID tests are required to enter the island.

TOURS

Intrepid Travel has launched a new training program in North America to certify advisors as Intrepid Travel Specialists, complete with exclusive access to promotions, incentives, and more. To become a specialist, advisors must complete five half-hour trainings that outline various components about Intrepid Travel as a business and brand, beyond the traditional trips it offers. Training topics include subjects such as responsible travel. For details visit Intrepid’s industry training hub or email intrepidspecialist@intrepidtravel.com.

Tauck’s August sailings on the Douro River in Portugal will mark its first-ever journeys on the river, as well as the debut of its new ms Andorinha riverboat. The Andorinha will accommodate just 84 Tauck guests, or about or 33% fewer people than other ships of the same approximate size. A notable feature will be a pop-up restaurant that rises from the stern of the vessel’s Sun (top) Deck on hydraulic lifts to become a fully functioning eatery with commanding views of the surrounding countryside.

HOTELS

Jumeirah Group has re-opened its European flagship hotel, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge. The opening followed an 18-month closure during which the famed A-lister haunt underwent an all-encompassing £100-million renovation – the most extensive in its history. Featuring contemporary luxury, the 17-storey, 186-room hotel gives guests access to the private Cadogan Gardens, presenting a green space and tennis courts, normally only open to residents, as well as the renowned The Peak Fitness Club & Spa,” which includes the city’s largest 20-m. swimming pool and featuring natural daylight and views through its double-height glass ceiling.

Dubai Tourism reports that all hotels in the emirate will have to comply with 19 sustainability standards as set by Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST), by July 1. The requirements support Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021 target to reduce carbon emissions by 16% by the end of this year, thereby helping enhance Dubai’s position as a sustainable tourism destination.

RESORTS

The newest five-star luxury boutique hotel in St. Maarten is now open. The Morgan Resort & Spa is located minutes away from Maho Beach and Princess Juliana Airport and close to the Maho Village shopping and entertainment complex. The 124 guestrooms and suites feature balconies or terraces, and are furnished with chic, modern furniture and nautically inspired accents and artwork. Amenities include an intimate restaurant, infinity-edge rooftop pool, 360-degree rooftop observation deck, four wedding venues, and on-site activities.

With the La Colección Resorts’ ‘Summer Wanderlust’ offer available for bookings until Aug. 31 and for travel until Dec. 31, 2021, guests can receive up to 60% off rates. plus added perks at certain properties, such as complimentary airport transfers, daily resort credits, and complimentary stays for children under 12.  The company features 30 beach and urban resorts located throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic and includes such brands as Live Aqua Resorts, Grand Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts, Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts, and Explorean Discovery Resorts.

CRUISE

Starting in November, vacationers can set sail onboard the adults only Marella Explorer 2 with Sunwing and save up to $300 per couple ($150 p.p.) on select sailings when booked by July 1 for travel between Nov. 23 and Jan. 25, 2022. The Marella Explorer 2 is the newest ship in Marella Cruises’ fleet and the latest addition to the tour operator’s cruise lineup, offering adults-only vacation experiences at sea in the Caribbean and Central America, with destinations including the Cayman Islands, Guatemala, Cartagena, and Panama.

A new on-demand service that allows guests to call a crew member to their exact location to make an in-person request for assistance is being introduced by Princess Cruises. CrewCall is available on stateroom TVs as well as the MedallionClass app and leverages the OceanMedallion wearable to guide a crew member to a guest’s exact location.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

California’s Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood will welcome back guests June 26 with several new experiences: The “Storytelling Showcase,” where guests can explore the evolution of Warner Bros.’ nearly 100-year history; “Action and Magic Made Here,” the new grand finale experience featuring the DC Universe and Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series; and an expansive new Warner Bros Studio Store, which will be open to the public without a Studio Tour ticket purchase. The Studio Tour now admits families with children five years and older.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Ocean Hotels, operators of Sea Breeze Beach House, South Beach Hotel and, the soon to open, all-inclusive O2 Beach Club & Spa in Barbados has announced a new trade rewards incentive. Agents can earn two points for every booking of five nights or more at the new five-star O2 Beach Club and Spa with every two points equaling a one-night stay in a Club Room at the property (with no limit on accumulated nights). Upgrades are available for three or four points per night. Points may also be converted to cash: US$30-$45-$60 for two to four points. Each booking also qualifies for a $70 monthly draw and agents joining the program before June 30 could win a seven-night stay at the O2. For full details, e-mail info@canlinktravel.com or click HERE.

EVENTS

June 23: Brand USA is preparing for the resumption of cross-border travel by conducting a special virtual training day for Canadian travel agents, hosted on the Brand USA Global Marketplace, on Wednesday June 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT. Through live training sessions and pre-recorded segments, agents will learn about the latest products, protocols, and information on what’s new in the US travel and hospitality industry (including a keynote address from US National Parks), ensuring they are equipped with the tools necessary to promote and sell the US. All pre-recorded content will also be translated into French Canadian. Register – deadline is June 21.

June 23: Following last month’s inaugural live virtual town hall on digital marketing, Sandals Resorts is going back to basics with an interactive new session on grassroots marketing. “Let’s Talk – Grassroots Marketing” will take place Wednesday June 23, 1-2 p.m. EDT. Register .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

ACTA’s vice-president of advocacy and member relations Heather Craig-Peddie has announced her retirement after 22 years at the association. The move is effective July 16. Joining the ACTA team will be Avery Campbell, who has five years experience in the industry including time at McCord Travel and Awarding Canada.

With the retirement of Les Kovacs as Sales Manager Canada for Singapore Airlines, Discover the World will take over responsibility for sales and marketing for the airline across Canada effective July 1. Discover the World has provided sales representation to Singapore Airlines in Mexico for more than 25 years and more recently in Czech Republic and Slovakia.

DESTINATIONS

Harmony Beach Park, Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica’s largest free public-access beach park is now open. Harmony Beach Park is designed to be a new recreational focal point for locals and tourists alike. The 6.5-hectare community hub features a variety of spaces for exercise, entertainment and relaxation, including a scenic jogging trail, amphitheatre, multipurpose courts, children’s play areas, gourmet food stalls, wellness centre, and three seaside gazebos for weddings.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige says the state will drop its quarantine and COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers once 70% of the state’s population has been vaccinated against the disease. Hawaii will also lift its requirement that people wear masks indoors once that level has been reached, he said. Currently, approximately 60% of Hawaii’s population has had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and over 52% finished their dosing regimen.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wah Lok Dish of the Month Pan Fired King Tiger Prawns

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Wah Lok Dish of the Month Pan Fired King Tiger Prawns - TRAVELINDEXWah Lok Cantonese Restaurant in Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit unveils King Tiger Prawns as dish of the month until end of July 2021.

This new dish, Pan Fried King Tiger Prawns with Superior Soya Sauce, is available at THB 680++. Expect 280 grams of king sized tiger prawns with layers of flavour from a premium soya sauce from Hong Kong

Chef Lam Kok Weng, the Executive Chinese Chef from Wah Lok has specifically chosen this dish to mark summer solstice and to welcome the second part of 2021 in a simple yet meaningful and elegant way. In Chinese cuisine, prawn is said to bring happiness.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant

Open: Friday – Sunday

Time: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (last order 8:30 pm)

For more information or to make reservations, please contact 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 Launches Gourmet Snack Box

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Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 Launches Gourmet Snack Box - TRAVELINDEXMarriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today promotes its gourmet snack boxes filled with a selection of favorite goodies suitable for a gathering with friends and family and great for a gift for any occasion.

The gourmet boxes come in three different options and sizes and are perfect for sharing. Featuring carefully selected varieties of fresh produce cooked to perfection by our talented chefs who have curated both savoury and sweet selection menu with all time guests’ favorites.

The gourmet snack boxes are perfect for small parties or gathering, picnics, a cozy movie night or a gift. You want to let a friend know you’re thinking of them, these treat boxes will make your gift a little more personal.

Price starts from THB 499 net for small box, THB 899 net for medium box and THB 1,299 net for large box. Guests can also upgrade their Live@Aloft – Home edition gourmet snack box with cold cuts and cheese add-ons.

Collect Marriott Bonvoy points while ordering this Live@Aloft – Home edition gourmet snack box.

A gathering is not complete without good music to set the mood. With every box delivered, guests will receive a link to a carefully selected ‘Live At Aloft Hotels’ #AloftLive playlist featuring artists that have played at our hotel and songs you’ll hear at WXY Z.

Available daily from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., order at least one day in advance. For more information and delivery orders, please call +66 2 207 7000

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wah Lok Re-Opening Promotion

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Wah Lok Re-Opening Promotion - TRAVELINDEXEnjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine with us at Wah Lok. For every THB 5,000 spent, receive another THB 1,000 voucher for your next visit.

Don’t miss out! This voucher giveaway period is only valid until the end of June.

Terms & conditions

  • Meal value is calculated after discount, and before vat and service charge.
  • Voucher is valid until end of August 2021.
  • Multiple vouchers may be used in a single transaction.
  • This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash or other voucher purchases.
  • Normal terms & conditions apply.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant

Open: Friday – Sunday

Time: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (last order 8:30 pm)

For more information or to make reservations, please contact 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tribute Portfolio Celebrates Its Expansion in Japan With Opening of Hiyori Chapter Kyoto

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Tribute Portfolio, the growing collection of characterful, independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands, travel program, and experiential offerings, continues to expand its footprint in Japan with the opening of Hiyori Chapter Kyoto. Located in Japan’s historical and cultural hub of Kyoto, the 203-room new hotel is the second Tribute Portfolio hotel in Japan and is set to showcase the hidden gems of Kyoto for travelers and locals who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling.

Hiyori Chapter Kyoto Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Chapter Suite at Hiyori Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

“We are delighted to be opening Hiyori Chapter Kyoto, introducing Tribute Portfolio to one of the most sought-after destinations around the globe. The opening further diversifies our exciting collection of hotels in Japan, offering unique experiences to our discerning guests,” said Jennifer Connell, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Tribute Portfolio. “Tribute Portfolio seeks out and highlights the true spirit of a destination and creates vibrant social scenes for travelers to enjoy. The new hotel is set to present captivating design and truly authentic experiences tailored to the locale in Kyoto.”

Located near Kawaramachi-dori, Hiyori Chapter Kyoto is adjacent to one of Kyoto’s main shopping streets and the scenic Kamo River. Guests can easily access the main historical and cultural destinations in the city including the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former palace of the Japanese Emperor, and the magnificent Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, with its breathtaking tree-lined gravel pathways, peaceful shrines and lakes. The Osaka International Airport (Itami) is within 70-minute drive and JR Kyoto Station is within a 20-minute drive from the new hotel, making it easily accessible from other regional and international destinations.

The hotel features 203 elegantly appointed guestrooms including two signature suites. Drawing inspiration from Japanese tea ceremonies, the guestrooms feature key elements of Japanese tea rooms and are reimagined with a modern interpretation to offer functional beauty and comfort with a sense of tradition. The Chapter Factory located in the hotel lobby presents a unique way for guests to connect with the local community. Acting as the hotel concierge, the Chapter Factory showcases a selection of curated travel stories from local insiders and hotel staff for guests to discover the hidden gems of Kyoto through a local lens. Guests are also encouraged to share their travel stories in Kyoto by adding new chapters to the Chapter Factory.

The hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant Matsunari offers Western and Japanese contemporary cuisines, serving breakfast and light meals, from baked goods to desserts and creative cocktails.

Hiyori Chapter Kyoto also has a fully-equipped, 24/7 fitness center as well as a traditional Japanese public bath, “Hiyori No Yu”. The public bath features a granite bath and an open-air bath surrounded by lush greenery, for guests to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring.

“Kyoto is known for its cultural hotspots that are known to international travellers, but it also has many stories about back alleys, restaurants frequented by locals and other places not included in guidebooks. We look forward to providing an unforgettable experience for the modern traveler seeking local experiences and top-of-the-line customer service at the characterful Hiyori Chapter Kyoto,” said Satoshi Furuya, General Manager, Hiyori Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

About Tribute Portfolio
Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With more than 50 hotels open around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From boutique resorts like Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in California and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore; to hotels in indie-spirited locales like Noelle in Nashville and The Slaak in Rotterdam, each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful, perspective. Stay with character and stay connected on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Tribute Portfolio is proud to participate in Marriott BonvoyÔ, 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
Cynthia Lai
Marriott International
cynthia.hc.lai@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THEY’RE BACK: Cozumel welcomes first cruise ship since pandemic

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The Mexican resort of Cozumel on Wednesday welcomed the first arrival of a cruise ship carrying passengers since the coronavirus pandemic essentially collapsed the industry.

Officials in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo welcomed Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas as it arrived from Nassau in The Bahamas at the arrival at the world’s busiest stopover for cruise ships.

The cruise line requires all passengers 16 and over to be fully vaccinated. Those that aren’t have to get COVID-19 tests.

Gov. Carlos Joaquin said about 5% of passengers aboard the ship – about 150 youths or those with chronic health conditions – haven’t been vaccinated and would be subject to special rules. State and federal health officials were on hand to oversee the arrival.

“The company proposed that the non-vaccinated group can only disembark on excursion packages with sanitary “bubble” protocols, not just to any place,” Joaquin said. “As you can see, these cruise ships have very strict conditions.”

The cruise line touted the trip as “a chance to venture into Maya history during a visit to Cozumel.”

Quintana Roo is home to resorts like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. The state depends on tourism for 87% of its economic activity.

Alejandra Aguirre, the state health secretary, wrote of the cruise ship arrival, “We are working together for an orderly revival of economic activity.”
However, fate didn’t appear to be smiling on the return of the cruise ships; Wednesday’s weather started off fairly rainy, with significant amounts of sargasso seaweed at many of the state’s beaches.

Mexico has not instituted any testing requirement for incoming passengers, and anecdotal evidence suggests tourists are attracted to Mexico’s Caribbean resorts in part because there has been no lockdown and health precautions are largely voluntary. Many visitors shed their masks when they reach their hotels or beach clubs.

The state has seen a recent upsurge in COPVID-19 cases, in part linked to increased travel around Easter week, and partial reductions at businesses like hotels and restaurants have been implemented to stem the upsurge.

Mexico has never enforced a strict, European-style lockdown.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Announces Opening of Hyatt Regency Taghazout

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Hyatt Announces Opening of Hyatt Regency Taghazout - TRAVELINDEXTaghazout, Morocco, June 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Taghazout, representing the third Hyatt-branded hotel in Morocco. The 190-room hotel is located directly at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and offers breathtaking ocean views from every room. Hyatt Regency Taghazout, a beachside property, caters to business and leisure guests alike with stress-free travel experiences.

For business travelers who are seeking productive and seamless experiences, Hyatt Regency Taghazout offers several sophisticated venues fit for events and meetings of all sizes. For guests who are looking for energizing experiences, Hyatt Regency Taghazout offers everything from world-class surf spots to small fishing villages to the 27-hole Taghazout Golf Club. Or guests can take a 25-minute drive to reach Agadir City, where they’ll never be without something to do. Travelers will also find themselves close to many of the area’s main tourist attractions such as Paradise Valley, an oasis of mountains and stunning natural rock pools, and many surf schools catering to all levels.

“We are excited to welcome guests to the peaceful village of Taghazout. Bordered by the ocean and bathed in year-round sun, we are proud to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand into a new market that matters to World of Hyatt members and guests,” said Pascal Leprou, general manager Hyatt Regency Taghazout. “The property has been thoughtfully designed to create spaces where guests can connect and recharge while enjoying dynamic interactions in our generous public spaces and meeting facilities.”

Guestrooms

Hyatt Regency Taghazout features 190 exquisitely decorated guestrooms, including 12 Regency Suites, six Executive Terrace Suites – four of which include private swimming pools – and 10 Terrace Suites. Many rooms offer terraces and breathtaking ocean views. Each guestroom offers high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi and streaming ability, providing guests with the option to recharge and relax with some entertainment after a productive day.

Dining

The new hotel also features a range of culinary experiences to tempt the tastebuds of every guest. Exciting international cuisine with a Moroccan influence can be enjoyed at Citron Brûlé – offering both à la carte or live station meal options – meanwhile Sud, Km 17 offers fresh French and Italian Riviera cuisines and is the perfect place for dining and socializing, with a menu filled with shared plates and exotic cocktails. La Vie en Blue is a pool bar to enjoy fresh sandwiches and salads with superb views overlooking the sea. And finally, Lobby Bar is the ideal place for a lighter snack and a great location to connect and catch up with others.

Meetings and Events

Hyatt Regency Taghazout o­ffers a selection of sophisticated venues fit for official, social, and personal events – ranging from weddings to business meetings. The hotel boasts three interconnecting meeting rooms, which all include state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities and fill the room with natural daylight through the windows – the perfect backdrop for face-to-face or virtual meetings. Additionally, guests have a selection of function rooms to choose from including a 2,475 square-foot (230-square-meter) ballroom that can be divided into two spaces, a large pre-function area, and an outdoor space spanning 10,763 square feet (1,000 square meters).

Fitness and Relaxation Area

Ilel Spa offers guests a carefully curated selection of beauty and wellness treatments, including individual and couples’ treatment rooms, a serene relaxation area, sauna, and whirlpool, and a hammam for an authentic Moroccan wellness experience. The hotel also boasts a well-equipped fitness center overlooking the two swimming pools and offers a selection of Yoga and Pilates classes, as well as a variety of nautical sports.

Hyatt Regency Taghazout expands the Hyatt portfolio in Morocco demonstrating the country’s growing commercial importance. It becomes the second Hyatt Regency branded hotel in the country alongside Hyatt Regency Casablanca and the second Hyatt branded hotel in Taghazout next to Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay. Further strengthening the Hyatt brand footprint in Morocco, Park Hyatt Marrakech is under development.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind.

Read original article at Hyatt Newsroom

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Promoting Brand Africa to Realize the Continent’s Tourism Potential

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Promoting Brand Africa to Realize the Continent’s Tourism Potential - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXWindhoek, Namibia, June 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO’s African Member States will work together to establish a new narrative for tourism across the continent. To better realize tourism’s potential to drive recovery, UNWTO and its Members will also work with the African Union and the private sector to promote the continent to new global audiences through positive, people-centred storytelling and effective branding.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

With tourism recognized as an essential pillar of sustainable and inclusive development for the continent, UNWTO welcomed high-level delegates to the first Regional Conference on Strengthening Brand Africa. The conference featured the participation of the political leadership of host country Namibia, alongside public and private sector leaders from across the continent.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the common determination to rethink as well as restart tourism. “African destinations must take the lead in celebrating and promoting the continent’s vibrant culture, youthful energy and entrepreneur spirit, and its rich gastronomy”, he said.

Windhoek Pledge puts people first

African destinations must take the lead in celebrating and promoting the continent’s vibrant culture, youthful energy and entrepreneur spirit, and its rich gastronomy

On the back of a series of workshops and a Ministerial Think Tank, UNWTO’s African Member States unanimously endorsed the Windhoek Pledge on Advocating Brand Africa. Under the terms of the Windhoek Pledge, Members will engage both public and private sector stakeholders as well as local communities to build a new, inspiring narrative for tourism across the continent. They will identify positive, human-centred stories, and through strengthened partnerships with the media, showcase them to the world, reaching new and diverse tourism source markets.

Over the coming weeks, UNWTO will work with all signatories to create a common roadmap towards establishing Brand Africa. This will include establishing common values and goals and identifying funding needs and opportunities as well as providing branding toolkits for destinations, including guidelines and recommendations and training and capacity building in market intelligence, digital marketing and data management.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

Bilateral meetings show support for tourism

Alongside the conference, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, held high-level talks on the restart of tourism with President of Namibia Hage Geingob, as well as with the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and with the African Union Commissioner for Trade and Industry Albert Muchanga

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ghana to Boost Private Investment to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

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Ghana to Boost Private Investment to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals - TRAVELINDEXAccra, Ghana, June 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, is launching the first Country Financing Roadmap (CFR) for SDGs initiative in Africa. The CFR is a country-led initiative – in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership, a joint initiative between the World Economic Forum and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – with concrete solutions to drive greater private sector participation in financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ghana, one of Africa’s leading and most stable economies, faces a number of barriers to meet its SDGs, a situation exacerbated by the extended COVID-19 crisis. The total costs required to achieve the SDGs in Ghana is estimated at $522.3 billion by the end of 2030, averaging around $52.2 billion a year. The current SDG financing gap for the next 10 years is $431.6 billion, with $43 billion just for 2021.

The CFR presents a set of country-led plans to encourage greater financing at scale, especially private-sector participation, to meet the SDGs by 2030. The CFR has focused on financing sustainable infrastructure, a key indicator and driver of economic growth and development, which often hampers the ability of a country to attract sizeable investment if left behind, according to the World Bank. The CFR also focuses on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector as it represents about 85% of business within the private sector and contributes to 70% of GDP, according to the report.

The actions and innovations highlighted by the Ghana CFR were formulated via a multistakeholder process consulting over 50 institutions. They are part of Ghana’s plan to create conditions for the private sector to help propel sustainable growth and create employment opportunities, and to be independent of aid by 2028 (link).

“Ghana has long been committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum. “We hope this report will help attract more private capital for sustainable investment opportunities in emerging markets and look forward to continuing to work together.”

“I am delighted that, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, we have produced the Ghana Country Financing Roadmap (CFR) for the SDGs,” said Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana. “It will provide us with a clear indication of the resources required to bridge the SDGs financing gap, and the levels of ambition we need to achieve success in our objectives.”

The report is released in parallel with the World Economic Forum Special Dialogue with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo where he addressed Ghana’s strategic priorities post COVID-19 as the country hosts the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat and seeks to create a prosperous environment in neighbouring countries and the West African sub-Saharan region.

Ghana is the first country in which the CFR was released. It is piloting the initiative which will serve as a blueprint for other countries. This effort is funded and supported by the European Commission and the Danish International Development Agency.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News