Global Travel News

Mauritius Tourism Expert Advocates Vanilla Islands Marketing Concept

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Mauritius Tourism Expert Advocates Vanilla Islands Marketing Concept - TRAVELINDEX - VANILLAISLANDS.comPort Louis, Mauritius, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, a tourism expert on the tourism island of Mauritius has come out strongly to advocate the need for the island to relook at the Vanilla Islands concept for their marketing. The Doctor and tourism expert published a comprehensive study alongside Maximiliano Korstanje (Argentian) and Shem Wambugu Maingi (Kenyan) which stated that Mauritius forms part of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Island Group alongside Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte Islands and that this concept needed to be embraced. It is known that ever since the change from Alain St.Ange, as the Minister of Tourism of Seychelles, who was the driving force behind the regional organisation, this Indian Ocean Islands grouping has been operating in a low-key approach and reduced speed.

Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, the tourism expert of Mauritius has said that as the island is small with not much to offer apart from the beach and some cultural attractions it needs to work with its neighbours to be more attractive for potential visitors. The Tourism Expert in her document “Tourism in Crisis” stated that Mauritius also needed to push forward the concept of good governance saying that too often tourism enterprises were subject to a cartel of important personalities. She cited the issue of production of fruits and vegetables seeking consultants as examples where it was always the same personalities who benefited.

Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, said that Mauritius could also seek the assistance of the UNWTO as has been done by several other countries as she stated that the tourism crisis across the word was not finished and that the world was experiencing a mutation of the tourism industry.

The words by the editors of this tourism document that was published by Nova Science Publishers in the United States on the merit of the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands are the exact same words echoed by Alain St.Ange, the former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles at the launch of the regional body that brought together Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte. The organisation was formed in Reunion in 2010 and in 2012 its first President Alain St.Ange was elected at a tourism Minister’s Meeting held in Seychelles. St.Ange was President of the Vanilla Islands for two consecutive years before passing the presidency to President Didier Robert of Reunion in 2014 and the Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Duval in 2015.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Bangkok and Chef Wai Yin Man Launch Chinese Menus for Weddings

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Hyatt Regency Bangkok and Chef Wai Yin Man Launch Chinese Menus for Weddings - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit invites couples to take their next big step in life at their hotel for a seamless experience. In addition to its attractive ambience, the hotel has recently partnered with Chef Wai Yin Man aka Chef Man, a Hong Kong culinary expert with over 30 years of experience, to offer exclusive Chinese set menus for wedding banquets. Chef Man has long been renowned for his exceptional Chinese cuisine and the outstanding quality of ingredients he uses in his culinary creations. The set menus, the first of their kind, are designed to offer the bridal couple and their guests the opportunity to celebrate with exquisitely prepared traditional Chinese food.

To provide couples with an even more delightful experience, the hotel has unveiled its All-Inclusive Wedding Package. Designed to add more excitement, this package is thoughtfully crafted to cover all essential elements of a dream wedding celebration.

Mr. Sammy Carolus, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, said, “Finding the ideal venue with exceptional food and service is crucial to making the couple happy and leaving a lasting impression on their guests. At Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, we aim to be the preferred wedding destination in Bangkok that meets the couples’ memorable aspiration for their lifetime love celebration. In collaboration with Chef Man, we offer a variety of delectable Chinese menu set banquet options that will delight the taste buds. Chef Man’s approach to Chinese cuisine is simple – using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients to guarantee an outstanding dining experience for our guests. Moreover, our seasoned events team knows how to make dream weddings come true and will do so for every couple.”

Chef Wai Yin Man is delighted at being able to create these memorable experiences. He said, “It’s an honor to be part of the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit’s memorable wedding celebrations and we thank the hotel and the couples who trust us to craft a unique Chinese culinary experience. The wedding banquet is traditionally a way for the couple’s families to demonstrate their prosperity and generosity, and the menus must reflect this. Designing a Chinese course menu for wedding banquets is always a challenge, but it’s one that I embrace with passion. We use superior quality, mouthwatering ingredients from various locations in our dishes, such as premium dried abalone, fresh fish, and carefully sorted shrimp. My goal is to create flavorful dishes that satisfy the guests and convey blessings of prosperity, longevity, and fertility to the newlyweds. Collaborating with the five-star Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok is a good opportunity to showcase and combine our culinary artistry with the hotel’s excellent service to make each wedding banquet a marvelous experience.”

The three sophisticated Chinese set menus created by Chef Man, Silver, Gold and Platinum, are priced between THB 20,000 to THB 28,000 per table of 10 persons. The specially designed menus feature dishes that represent happiness, good luck, prosperity, fertility, and longevity through the food’s names, colors, and flavors. The significance of certain dishes in Chinese cuisine goes beyond taste and presentation, especially in wedding banquets. Fish and Pork dishes are integral to the meal as they symbolize wealth and prosperity. Seafood dishes, such as abalone and scallops, are chosen for their auspicious names and serve as blessings for the couple’s future. The long strands of noodles represent longevity, and rice represents fullness implying the blessing that the couple will always have plenty. Desserts like Sweetened Ginkgo Nuts in Syrup and Sweetened Red Beans Soup with Ginkgo Nuts are served to symbolize the sweet relationship of the couple and the happiness that they share with their guests.

As weddings come back in full force after two years of downsized or delayed nuptials, couples are looking for inclusive wedding plans that manage their budget while ensuring their family and guests are treated well. Ms. Parichart Puangniyom, Associate Director of Events at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit says, “Couples prioritize three important factors at weddings: professional venue arrangements, hospitality service staff, and food. In response to these trends, Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok has also launched the All-Inclusive Wedding Package valued at 1 million baht, which includes an engagement ceremony, wedding reception, and after-party package, a two-night stay in a Presidential Suite, a honeymoon package as well as other special privileges from co-partners.”

“Couples nowadays are not solely focused on following the latest wedding trends. Rather, they are seeking all-inclusive wedding packages that provide value for money while ensuring that their family and guests are treated well. This allows them to manage their wedding budget wisely without compromising on the overall wedding experience. At Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, we’re not just offering a wedding package but will cater to all their needs to create the best memories on their big day. We want to ensure the Bridal couple has everything they need at one venue,” Ms. Parichart concludes.

Beyond its central location in the heart of Bangkok, an elegant design and five-star service, Hyatt Regency Bangkok has a wide range of event venues that make it a fitting choice for a celebration of any size. Overall, the hotel offers 1,359 square meters of versatile event space. The largest of all the venues is the 617 square meter Regency Ballroom, which can be adjusted to cater to intimate ceremonies and grand parties of up to 700 people. In addition to six-meter-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light to stream in, a contemporary design rich in copper and rose gold tones, and diamond patterns dressing the ceilings and floors, the ballroom has been fitted with all of the latest audio-visual technology that can add even more color to the event.

Couples interested in booking the wedding package can contact Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit for more information or reservations us at +662 098 1234

About Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit is a modern Thai house designed to foster connection – a place where guests can share, socialize and collaborate. The 273-room hotel features 21 suites and recreation facilities such as outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation and 24-hour fitness center as well as 14,628 square feet (1,359 square meters) of meeting and event space to host business conferences and social gatherings.

The hotel is located near the Nana neighborhood – meaning “meeting place” – which has traditionally been a multicultural marketplace where people from around the world connect and exchange ideas. Today it offers travelers an immersive experience of Bangkok’s vibrant street markets. The hotel is also easily accessible, as it is only 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport and 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wynn the Only Resort Operator in Macao to Rank on Best Restaurants List

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Wynn the Only Resort Operator in Macao to Rank on Best Restaurants List - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comMacau, Macao SAR, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Wing Lei Palace wins “Best Restaurant in Macau” award for the first time and Sichuan Moon earns a place on the list again. Golden Flower once again ranks on the extended list. Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 revealed its latest list of the 50 most influential restaurants in Asia at its awards ceremony in Singapore today (March 28). Once again, Wynn is the only integrated resort operator in Macau to rank on the coveted list, as two Chinese restaurants at Wynn Palace – Sichuan Moon and Wing Lei Palace earn recognition from Asia’s 50 Best this year. Earning a spot on the list for a fifth consecutive year, Wing Lei Palace received the “Best Restaurant in Macau” honor for the first time this year, and elevated its ranking to #39. Sichuan Moon has also returned to the Asia’s 50 Best list, ranking #43 this year. Prior to the awards ceremony, Asia’s 50 Best announced that Golden Flower, the Chinese restaurant at Wynn Macau has made the 51-100 extended list for a second consecutive year.

Celebrating the success of this year’s Asia’s 50 Best winners, Wynn is hosting a cocktail event on March 29 in Singapore after the awards ceremony. Head chefs from three award-winning Wynn restaurants – Wing Lei Palace Executive Chef Tam Kwok Fung, Sichuan Moon Culinary Director André Chiang and Executive Chef Wilson Fam as well as Golden Flower Executive Chef Henry Zhang Zhi Cheng – are uniting to create canapés inspired by their signature dishes for the event. Their delicious delicacies will showcase the diversity of the dining experience at Wynn, giving culinary leaders and media from around the world an opportunity to connect after the event.

Kristoffer Luczak, Executive Vice President of Food & Beverage for Wynn Macau, Limited said: “We are very pleased that our Chinese restaurants have once again been recognized on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The rankings are a tremendous encouragement for our Wynn culinary teams who consistently provide services of the highest standard each and every day. These accolades especially recognize the efforts Wynn has made toward promoting the culture of Chinese cuisine and showcasing Chinese culinary on the global stage, further building on Macau’s international reputation as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’.”

For five consecutive years since 2019, Wing Lei Palace has earned a place on the coveted Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The award-winning Cantonese restaurant is also the recipient of one Michelin star, two Black Pearl Diamonds and five stars from Forbes Travel Guide. Wing Lei Palace Executive Chef Tam Kwok Fung, recipient of the “Best Chef of the Year” honor from the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide earlier this year, creates beautiful works of art on a plate that are boldly innovative, yet honor the traditions of Cantonese cooking. He is committed to carrying on the tradition of Cantonese cuisine, giving guests the opportunity to experience both the traditional and contemporary flavors of Cantonese cuisine in Macau.

The award-winning Sichuan Moon, recipient of two Michelin stars and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant honor, embodies the essence of Sichuan cuisine in a refined and artful way. Globally renowned celebrity Chef André Chiang who received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018, serves as the restaurant’s Culinary Director. Wilson Fam, the Executive Chef of Sichuan Moon, and Chef André have put their creative minds together to design artfully presented dishes and cook each of their dishes with perfection to express the profound complexity of Sichuan cuisine. Shortly after its opening, Sichuan Moon received the “Highest New Entry” award in 2020 from Asia’s 50 Best. This year, Sichuan Moon ranks on the list once again.

Golden Flower debuted on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 list last year, and is back on the list for a second year in a row. At the helm of Golden Flower is the famed young Executive Chef Henry Zhang Zhi Cheng, who presents modern Imperial cuisine in innovative ways for guests to experience the flavors of China’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GLOBAL TOURISM FILM FESTIVAL: Special Ukraine presentation to highlight GTFF

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The Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF), set to take place in North Bay, Ont., April 28-30, has announced a special presentation by the Ukraine Government Agency responsible for the country’s tourism development, joining a full roster of Canadian and international presentations and professional development for travel counsellors.

The featured presentation will provide a status update on Ukraine’s tourism industry, destination attractiveness, the current situation during the war, and the vision of the Ukraine Government for recovery with the aim of fostering pent-up travel demand for Ukraine.

The first-of-its-kind seminar on the country’s vital tourism sector, a key segment of the Ukrainian economy, will be delivered by Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson and head of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD). The presentation will be delivered virtually only during GTFF on April 28 and will precede a short film on the country’s tourism regions, and current environment.

Hosted this year by the City of North Bay, GTFF features a blockbuster line-up films, documentaries, and shorts coupled with destination seminars and workshops by a variety of Ontario and international tourism boards.

Films from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Central and South America will complete for the prestigious Global Cine Awards.

With a mandate to present a multi-activity slate of film and events that “have the power to raise awareness and celebrate destination diversity, for inspired travel, partners include tourism boards and ministries from Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, Australia, Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Bhutan, Tanzania, Sudan, Colombia, and Jordan, among others to be announced.

Seminars allow travel professionals to discover the unique cultural and historic attributes on participating destinations, as well gain expert insight on how to successfully market the destinations. Attendees may also receive updates and announcements of important future tourism developments from select seminars.

GTFF 2023, held in Canada this year, will also spotlight host province Ontario and include a keynote delivered by Tourism North Bay promoting the city as ‘Gateway to the North’.

Meanwhile, an indigenous programming segment of GTFF 2023 includes a live indigenous ceremony, a seminar on global indigenous tourism, and a screening of the multi-award-winning feature “Monkey Beach” by Canadian filmmaker Loretta Sarah Todd.

Writer-director Loretta Todd, lead actress Grace Dove, and author Eden Robinson

Travel professionals

Travel professionals attending GTFF 2023 live events will be hosted on a free exclusive familiarization program of North Bay, receiving an overview of the city’s tourism attractions and region.

Attendees will be able to participate in seminars at various venues and view screenings at Canadore College, a partner of the city’s growth into a prominent landmark for Canadian film production.

And travel professionals in attendance will also have the opportunity to learn about and register for various international familiarization programs announced at the event.

Those unable to attend the live event can register for virtual participation and attend select tourism seminars on April 28.

Participation at GTFF 2023 seminars and workshops are free of charge for travel industry professionals. Attendees for GTFF 2023 can also reserve accommodations at special rates with the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott North Bay and book flights to the city with Air Canada, both event partners, through the Global Tourism Film Festival, subject to space availability.

For fam information, click HERE. Use the promo code GTFFAgent.

And for more event information, click HERE.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: March 27-31, 2023

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A federal budget and US travel tidbits (borders crossings, vaccine mandates) lead this week’s round-up of last week’s travel news, along with the naming of a new Ontario registrar, a Disney Cruise Line milestone, and the announcement of new Dubai reps in Canada.

NEWS

The federal budget came and went last week with little obvious relief for the travel and tourism sector. ACTA said simply it was “discouraged but not surprised” but would continue to “lay the groundwork for debt relief and ramp up grassroots advocacy efforts at the appropriate time” and that it is conducting a thorough review of the budget to identify any other items that could provide help or opportunity for travel agencies.

Canadians looking to take a flight next year will face an increase in the air travellers security charge paid by those flying in Canada starting on May 1, 2024. The charge for a domestic round trip will rise to $19.87, from its current rate of $14.96. The charge for a transborder flight to the US will rise to $16.89 from $12.71, while for departing international flights travellers will pay $34.42, up from $25.91. The charges, which help pay for the air travel security system, were last increased in 2010.

BORDERS

The US Travel Association says the US Senate’s passage of a bill to terminate the government’s COVID-19 emergency declaration – and repeal vaccine requirements for visitors – will provide a much-needed boost for travel for the country. The protocols were scheduled to expire on May 11.

Opening hours are being extended at 39 border crossings with the United States and at several airports across the country as the Canada Border Services Agency returns to pre-pandemic hours. The changes went into effect on March 31. The border agency first restricted hours at land border crossings in April 2020, closing many points of entry early and stopping 24-hour service at seven crossings.

The Turks and Caicos Islands no longer require travellers to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before arriving in the destination.

AIR

Three new routes between Ottawa International Airport and Boston, New York-Newark, and Thunder Bay were launched by Porter Airlines last week. Porter is the only airline providing year-round daily direct flights to Boston and Thunder Bay from Ottawa. Newark and Thunder Bay flights are twice daily.

Emirates and United Airlines have activated their codeshare agreement, allowing travellers to have access to a larger network of flights across the US, as well as Canada, the Caribbean, and South America.

Frontier Airlines has undertaken measures to further enhance its system to ensure children are seated with at least one responsible adult in their party. At least one parent will automatically be seated with any children within their family group who are under the age of 14. At no additional charge, the airline automatically assigns seats based on family members’ ages before the check-in window opens.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority reports passenger activity increased by 22.9 million or 180.8% to 35.6 million during 2022, when compared to 2021. The significant boost is attributed to the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions and pent-up travel demand compared to 2021.

DEALS

Guests heading to Atlantis Paradise Island resort in Nassau, Bahamas, can save up to $300 when bundling their flights and hotel reservations. The booking window is now through Feb. 28, 2024, for travel until Feb. 28, 2024. Check out the special offers section of the resort website.

The new 2023 Travel Professionals Guide from Elite Island Resorts is now available offering a comprehensive set of tools to help sell the all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Panama HERE.

TECHNOLOGY

Since 1988, e-Travel Technologies has been providing “know before you go” destination information in the form of its Travel Advisories, Real-Time Alerts, Travel Tracker and providing Duty of Care tools for their travel partners to resell to their corporate clients. Now eTT has launched a virtual app to complement the services and help keep travellers abreast of events that may impact their travel plans from the home screen of their smartphone. Visit the web site for more details.

TOURS

Swoop flights are now available as part of WestJet Vacations package options from Toronto to Varadero, Cuba.  Low-cast Swoop began the route in January, flying three time a week from Pearson. A sample rate starts at $866 p.p. for a week at the Allegro Palma Real in May.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is leveraging the power of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands with the introduction of pre- and post- cruise customizable journeys in partnership with Adventure World. Adding to their existing collection of pre- and post-cruise land and rail extensions, the new offerings introduce customized experiences that can be paired with Uniworld itineraries across South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

HOTELS

Hôtel Nomad Québec reports that it has obtained Biosphere Hotel Certification, an international recognition of commitment to sustainable tourism. The hotel is the first hotel in Quebec City to receive this certification.

Few travellers to Utah’s Monument Valley visit the area without taking a tour of or staying overnight at Goulding’s Lodge – celebrating its 100th year in 2023. In the early 1920s, Harry Goulding and his wife Leone set up a trading post to conduct business with the local Navajo people. When the Great Depression hit, the Gouldings courted Hollywood to film in the region, bringing much-needed revenue. That legacy lives on at the lodge, which continues to host visitors and film crews from all over the world who, who come to experience the power of the landscape and history through Navajo-led tours of Monument Valley.

RESORTS

Coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month in April, Beaches Resorts has expanded its autism program with the release of new Sensory Guides. Developed by experts, the program enables caregivers and guests with cognitive disabilities to more comfortably navigate the on-resort experience based on specific sensory sensitivities. The guides comprise extensive resort maps with public areas – such as the resorts’ many pools, dining spaces, and sports hubs – rated on a 1-10 scale of sensory stimulation.

CRUISE

Disney Cruise Line reached a significant milestone in the construction of its next ship, the Disney Treasure, with the keel laying ceremony at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, a time-honoured maritime tradition, a newly minted coin (photo) was placed under the keel of the ship for good fortune.

A new training program from Viking is designed to provide travel advisors with the tools to promote Viking and the opportunity to earn exclusive benefits. The four-module academy allows advisors to become a Viking Certified Expert and learn the sales and marketing tips that have proven successful to sell the cruise line’s Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition voyages. For more, and to register, go to the Viking Travel Advisor Portal HERE.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Ensemble has announced a new familiarization (FAM) program for members. ‘Further Your World; Exclusive Educational Trips’ is designed to provide members with firsthand in-destination experiences to build greater knowledge of and relationships with the consortium’s partners. The program debuts with five trips in throughout 2023 including: Silversea (July) – A cruise aboard the Silver Moon to Reykjavik; AMA Waterways (Sept.) – Features a cruise along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam; Egypt & Beyond (Sept.) – An immersive experience to learn about ancient Egypt; G Adventures (Oct.) – An exploration of the culture, nature, and people of Ecuador; and Intrepid (Dec.) – An Antarctica Adventure.

EVENTS

Granite Travel Trade Expos has opened the registration platform to travel agents for upcoming trade shows occurring in the following Ontario markets: Kitchener-Waterloo – April 17; Hamilton – April 18; Mississauga – April 19; and Barrie – April 20. Attending agents can meet industry partners and learn revenue generating tips. On-site registration starts at 3:30 p.m., followed by presentations at 4 and trade show at 6. Continuing until 8:30, show will also include a light dinner and prizes. Attendance is limited and the first 75 arrivals at each event will be eligible for a $20 Gas Card while supplies last. For more details and registration, go to https://granitetravelexpos.com/agents/ .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has announced the appointment of Dorian Werda as Registrar overseeing all regulatory functions for Ontario’s travel agencies, booking websites and tour operators. Werda has been with TICO since its inception in 1997 and is a member of TICO’s leadership team. Richard Smart, who has served the dual role of President/CEO and Registrar since 2014, will continue as President/CEO with a focus on overall strategic direction and stakeholder relationship management.

US-based Lou Hammond Group (LHG) has been selected by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) as public relations agency of record. As part of the partnership, Toronto-based Reach Global Marketing will lead the effort in Canada. “We have big ambitions to grow tourism business in Dubai,” says Reach CEO Charmaine Singh. “By working with DET and LHG, we’ll be able to leverage the travel demands and work together to grow the visitor economy and ensure a positive outlook for the years ahead.”

DESTINATIONS

Pantheon

Rome’s most visited cultural site will soon start charging tourists an entrance fee. Visitors, but not residents, will have to pay five euros ($7.30), to enter the Pantheon. The monumental domed structure, originally an ancient Roman temple, draws millions of visitors each year.

Black Golfers Week returns to Bermuda from April 27-May 1. The event celebrates the golf community’s continued progress toward diversity and inclusion while also celebrating the island’s rich history, which includes St. George’s native Louis Rafael “Kid” Corbin being the first black golfer to compete in prestigious tournaments like the Canadian Open. The event is open to all visitors; for info on the event and available packages, visit GoToBermuda.com.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sighted present-day Florida.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Shaping the Future of Sustainable Tourism

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UNWTO Shaping The Future Of Sustainable Tourism - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMSPAIN.orgPalma de Mallorca, Mallorca, Spain, April 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Government of Mallorca, Consell de Mallorca, and the Mallorca Tourism Foundation and UNWTO have hosted the second edition of the Sustainable Destinations Summit, gathering leading experts, organizations and companies to share best practices and perspectives on environmental, social and economic sustainability in destinations.

The Summit emphasized tourism as a force for good, with momentum building towards a regenerative and nature-positive future. UNWTO and the Government of Mallorca welcomed more than 400 delegates at this year’s event, which showcased the latest developments in sustainability for destinations. Discussions highlighted the interdependence of tourism on natural and cultural resources and the potential mutual benefits, while also providing unique first hand perspectives such as from Chief Frank Antoine from the Bonaparte First Nation, or the view from outer space, as told by Pedro Duque, the first ever Spanish astronaut.

The President of Mallorca Government Ms. Catalina Cladera affirmed that “sustainability is a shared will of Mallorcan society and the axis that marks all the policies of the Consell”. Cladera pointed out that Mallorca and the rest of the islands in this community “are taking firm steps not only to continue being the reference destination in the Mediterranean, but also to lead the tourism of the future.”

In her keynote address, UNWTO Executive Director Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the vital “transition of the sector into a force for good that has a positive impact on the Sustainable Development Agenda and our shared global challenges”. She added: “If managed well, tourism can be an agent for change, but such a transition towards a green, regenerative and nature-positive tourism sector is needed can be achieved in a collaborative manner.”

Big ambitions and big data

During the two-day Summit, UNWTO provided updates on several of its key sustainability-related activities, including the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism which has so far seen more than 800 businesses, destinations and governments commit to achieving a Net-Zero tourism sector by 2050 at the latest. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and the Food Waste programme were similarly highlighted as effective instruments for accelerating this transition.

UNWTO also made tourism data and destination management a central part of the conversation at the Summit. The Measurement of Sustainable Tourism (MST) Framework and the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), which counts among its Members the Mallorca Observatory, will play a crucial role in monitoring the sector’s impact on all three sustainability pillars, enabling an evidence-based and informed decision-making.

Private sector importance

The Mallorca government, through its Tourism Foundation and the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, has established a public-private cooperative network across the island and works closely with UNWTO to advance shared goals.

Representing the private sector, Maria Frontera, President of FEHM, (Mallorca´s Hotel Federation) joined Carmen Riu Güell, owner of the RIU Hotels & Resorts chain, to discuss bridging generational perspectives in the pursuit of sustainable tourism development. The event also emphasized the importance of collaboration and circularity in transforming the sector. Additionally, Andreu Serra, Mallorca’s Minister for Transition, Tourism and Sports, the president of FEHM, María Frontera, Mark Tanzer, Executive Director of ABTA, Miguel Sanz, Director General of Turespaña, and Thomas Ellerbeck, Member of the Group Executive Council and Chief Sustainability Officer of TUI Group discussed how destinations committed to sustainability can find a balance between marketing and storytelling.

Closing the Summit, Mrs. Rosa Ana Morillo Rodríguez, Secretary of State for Tourism in Spain, emphasized the crucial role of sustainability for the nation during her closing statement. She acknowledged that tourism is one of the key sectors driving Spain’s economy and stressed the need for resilience and competitiveness within the sector

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

China Makes Welcome Return to Arabian Travel Market

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China Makes Welcome Return to Arabian Travel Market - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMDUBAI.orgDubai, United Arab Emirates, March 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals are making a welcome return to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 30th edition from 1-4 May, for the first time in three years.

China lifted its covid-related travel restrictions on 8th January 2023, allowing Chinese tourists to travel abroad, without having to quarantine upon their return. Bookings for overseas travel during Chinese New Year, soared by 540% compared with the same period in 2022, according to data from the Chinese travel site Trip.com.

• Chinese exhibitors back at ATM 2023 for the first time in three years
• Dragon Trail to share survey data on Chinese travellers’ plans and preferences during conference session on the recovery of Chinese tourism in Middle East
• Six million outbound tourists per month from China estimated by summer 2023
• China was the top source market globally in 2019 with 155 million tourists

Furthermore, in a CNN report, Steve Saxon, a partner at McKinsey, based in Shenzhen, predicted the Chinese outbound market would recover to around six million per month by the summer of 2023, driven in part by the pent-up demand especially from young, affluent Chinese.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market commented, “China became the world’s top source market in 2019, with 155 million tourists spending more than $250 billion overseas. However, its isolation from the global market over the past three years has set the industry back by an estimated $840 billion, equivalent, to 16% of the $1.7 trillion spent annually on global tourism, according to UNWTO.”

Dubai received almost one million Chinese visitors in 2019, which was an increase of over 15% compared with 2018. And while the 154,000 Chinese visitors Dubai welcomed over the first 11 months of 2022 was down 83% compared to the same period prior to 2020, it was up 115% year-on-year, which bodes well not only for Dubai, but also for the wider Middle East tourism sector.

Popular destinations such as Dubai, Saudi’s AlUla, Egypt and Jordan, which have consistently marketed to Chinese outbound business-to-consumer and business-to-business, should be in a strong position to benefit from the predicted rebound of Chinese visitor numbers.

“We have noticed a considerable amount of enquiries recently from travel professionals in China. Although we would not expect the same volume of Chinese exhibitors and visitors we received in 2019, we are confident of healthy participation numbers this year,” she added.

Considering the short notice, ATM 2023 has already confirmed the participation of key Chinese exhibitors such as FLIGHTROUTES24 Travel, Shenzhen GoodLuck Trip International and Travel World China, with many more bookings anticipated ahead of the show.
ATM is also organising a dedicated conference session on its Global Stage, entitled ‘China is back on the map: Macro and micro impacts’, in partnership with Dragon Trail International.

An expert panel of speakers including Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director, Marketing and Communications for Dragon Trail International, Peggy Li, CEO & Chief Trouble shooter at sps:affinity and Winnie Chiu, President, Dorsett Hospitality International, will discuss the latest trends that are driving the recovery of Chinese tourism to the Middle East.

Business travel will be integral to the tourism revival. According to a recent survey by the Shanghai Institute of International Studies and PwC China, over 75% of Chinese businesses polled were looking to enter or expand their presence in the Middle East over the next three to five years, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia top destinations for investors.

“I am convinced that the Middle East will experience a surge in Chinese tourism, reminiscent of the rebound we witnessed from Europe and India in late 2021 and early 2022,” said Curtis.

Other highlights at ATM 2023 include exploring the future of sustainable travel in line with its theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the conference programme will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will likely evolve. It will enable delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.

The conference will also feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

ATM 2023 is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

To register for ATM 2023, please log on to: https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 30th year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2022 attracted over 24,000 visitors and hosted over 31,000 participants including 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 151 countries, across 10 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. About Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2023. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes ILTM Arabia, ARIVAL Dubai, Influencers’ events and activations, ITIC, GBTA Business Travel Forums, as well as ATM Travel Tech. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, ATM Speed Networking Events as well as a series of country forums.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Destination Mekong and Siem Reap Tourism Club Host Event Dedicated to Sustainable Tourism

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Destination Mekong and Siem Reap Tourism Club Host Event Dedicated to Sustainable Tourism - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMMEKONG.comSiem Reap, Cambodia, March 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Destination Mekong (DM) and Siem Reap Tourism Club (STC) co-hosted their first Destination Siem Reap networking day under the theme ‘Together Smarter Stronger’. Designed as a creative and interactive event, Destination Siem Reap was primarily dedicated to the community of professionals in travel, tourism, hospitality and related sectors, especially existing and potential members/partners of DM and STC. It mainly aimed to promote business collaborations and public-private partnerships and help generate tourism income and job opportunities in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and more widely in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Destination Mekong and Siem Reap Tourism Club also intended to facilitate a dynamic and inclusive platform to share stories, experiences, and good practices while giving a voice to those too often excluded from mainstream conversations.

Destination Siem Reap took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia and was sponsored by AZ Group as key partner, and Sapathana Bank. This local networking day was the first joint action of DM and STC, giving life to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they had signed during the 2022 Destination Mekong Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The Destination Siem Reap program’s main part occurred in the morning at Memoire Angkor Palace. It started with a multiplayer networking breakfast in the garden followed by a workshop featuring two sessions on 1. Promoting Siem Reap as a Sustainable Tourism Destination, and 2. Promoting Siem Reap as a Smart Tourism Destination.

After opening remarks by Catherine Germier-Hamel, CEO of Destination Mekong and Philip Kao, President of Siem Reap Tourism Club, Mr Sieng Neak, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Development and International Cooperation Department of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, gave congratulatory remarks. Mr Erkan Bilal, Managing Director of AZ Group, then gave a speech before the signing of the MoU between Destination Mekong and AZ Group. Through this MoU, both parties expressed their will to ‘align their visions and core values and enter into a strategic collaboration towards promoting travel, ECO-Tourism, sustainable projects and hospitality of Mekong Region at local, regional & global levels and in other related fields’.

During the two morning sessions, ten speakers from a variety of backgrounds shared their positive experiences and inspiring stories to stimulate sustainable tourism recovery and resilience in Siem Reap. Ms. Katrine Solhaug, Owner and General Manager of Babel Guesthouse, explained how her business succeeded in surviving the COVID pandemic. She also raised concerns over noise pollution issues in Siem Reap and insisted that the support of the public sector was crucial to solving them. Ms. Sophany Mao, Director of Spoons Cambodia Organization, which provides hospitality training to disadvantaged young Cambodians, mentioned the difficulty of securing funds to train enough students in spite of many applications.

Other speakers were (by alphabetical order):
Clemy Balasoto, Founder & CEO of The Better Cambodia, who introduced the latest trends in e-marketing and how Siem Reap business can be prepared;
Ty Chea, Head of Sales, Urban Living Solutions, who shared his love for Siem Reap and encouraged all to join the ‘We Love Siem Reap Campaign’;
Jean-Pierre Gagnon, DCEO of Sathapana Bank, spoke about the key role of FINTECH as an important mechanism to support sustainable tourism development and briefly presented the cutting-edge services offered by Sathapana bank;
Vannak Hang, General Manager of Angkor Green Gardens by Dara, talked about the property as a smart and eco-friendly accommodation;
Nicolas Hatz, Tourism Development Expert at GIZ ICONE, highlighted the findings of a recent GIZ study on travel trends and travellers’ profiles in Siem Reap, urging all local operators to take advantage of it,
Philippe Kao, President of STC, stressed the importance of working together and actions over words, as well as addressing labour shortage with a training project initiated by STC through funding from the Cambodian Ministry of Finance;
and Torsten Munther, Managing Director of Fair Trade Village who stressed the necessity to include older people in the local tourism workforce and especially when t comes to handicrafts, so that they can also get a sustainable income and participate in community development and empowerment efforts.

The workshop was attended by 120 representatives from the public and private sectors, including high-level officials from the Ministry of Tourism, travel operators and agents, accommodation and travel experience providers, tourism-related social enterprises, investors, developers, representatives of the academia, international development organisations and NGOs, consultants, media representatives, etc.

In the afternoon, participants were offered the opportunity to join a two-hour cycling tour co-organized by LoLei Travel and EHT Paul Dubrule and visit handicraft workshops. This dense networking day ended with an evening party at Spoons Restaurant and Café, where guests celebrated the WWF Earth Hour 2023 with candlelight to raise awareness about the importance of saving energy.

One of the highlights of the event was Destination Mekong’s signature cocktail, Mekong Morning, which was served to the panellists of the workshop and to all guests at the evening party. Philip Kao, President of STC, stressed that ‘we all know that a dream without action is a fantasy and cannot be true! That’s the reason why we are here!’

Catherine Germier-Hamel, CEO of DM, mentioned that ‘to achieve tourism recovery and resilience, building trust and strong connections is crucial. Through our networking events and together with our partners, we are willing to help the industry regain confidence and bet on cooperation rather than competition. She added that it was vital to transform intentions and ambitions into concrete actions.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: England’s oldest hotel a prism to the past

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While most of Britain will be celebrating the coronation of King Charles III this spring, the quaint Cotswold town of Malmesbury will also be looking back over a thousand years to another other milestone: the crowning of the first king of Britain – Athelstone, who is today the town’s most famous son.

And where better to set up base for festivities, or a visit to the renowned medieval market town, than The Old Bell Hotel, believed to be the oldest hotel in Britain?

Dating back to 1220, the hotel is set in a prime location next door to Malmesbury Abbey (which includes Athelstone’s tomb), Abbey House Manor, and quaint shops and restaurants, in a historic Wiltshire town that belongs to the oldest borough in England.

A requisite town walk reveals some of Britain’s finest late Norman features and remnants, including the wonderfully decorated 500-year-old market cross, and the Tolsley Gate – site of the town lock-up, where drunks were tossed into windowless rooms until they sobered up, spawning the expression “blind drunk.” Further retribution for transgressors was meted out by a stint in the adjacent stocks where passersby would fling “mud in their eyes.”
Dubbed the “Queen of hilltop towns” and encircled by two rivers, Malmesbury is a mecca for hiking and walks in the gentle English countryside, and is also deemed a gateway to the Cotswolds, and nearby Bath.

It might be noted that the town is only a 15-minute drive from the Highgrove House, country home of the current king.

The Old Bell Hotel

At the centre of it all is the delightful Old Bell, a thoroughly renovated hotel (thank goodness) that nevertheless reflects its ancient roots.

Its 34 rooms are individually designed and furnished with colourful wallcoverings, and interesting antiques and art. Many rooms are named after local historical figures and previous owners of the Grade 1-listed hotel.

The restaurant Saints & Sinners offers a nod to Malmesbury Abbey next door and the Saints statues on display, collected by their owners on their travels to Vietnam. Food is a celebration of Cotswold produce and in-season menus incorporate local cheese makers, butchers and produce from the garden located at a cousin property, Abbey House Manor.

Meanwhile three lounges offer plenty of choice for a quiet drink or signature Afternoon Tea. In the evening, guests can settle in in front of a warming fire or, if the sun is shining, head out to one of the terraces and pretty garden.The unique outdoor Tyger Bar (photo) is covered and heated, making it suitable for use year-round and features a wide variety of cocktails along with frozen alcoholic concoctions.

A number of historic pubs are scattered throughout the town, and the town lists a pub trail online.

But whether staying close to home in the hotel or further afield for a few pints, it’s good to know that the lock-up and stocks are long closed, while a few words in the famous Abbey next door the morning after probably can’t hurt.

Malmesbury is located about an hour from London by train and 40 km from Bath along England’s Great West Way.

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

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Flying First Class again

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One of the great things about satellite radio, unlike regular (car) radio, is the enormous range of stations (and subsequently songs) available. And with such diversity comes the occasional re-discovery of a song once loved, but somehow entirely forgotten, like one I heard the other day – “Beach Baby,” a one-hit wonder from (the surprisingly British) band The First Class.

One of the first songs I recall in my “yute” (as my cousin Vinny would say), the song was released in 1974, the same year as another great bubblegum classic,
oh-oh-oh it’s “Magic” by Pilot (perhaps for another day!) – in both cases, cheery, infectious tunes suited to a pre-teen before the more mature melodies of the Stones, Rushes and Queens of the world would creep in.

As one listener on YouTube wrote of “Beach Baby”: “The first record I ever bought. As a 15-year-old from the northwest of England, this song made me think of sunshine, white sandy beaches, and pretty girls. This morning at work, as a 58-year-old, I heard this song on the radio and I was back in 1974 again. Loved it then, still love it now…”

Substitute North York, Ont., and I couldn’t have said it better.

Lyrics

Do you remember back in old L.A. (Wo-oh-oh)
When everybody drove a Chevrolet (Wo-oh-oh)
Whatever happened to the boy next door,
Suntanned, crewcut, all-American Male?

Remember dancing at the high school hop
The dress I ruined with the soda pop?
I barely recognized the girl next door
With beat up sneakers and a ponytail

Beach Baby, Beach Baby, give me your hand
Give me something that I can remember
Just like before, we can walk by the shore in the moonlight.

Beach Baby, Beach Baby, there on the sand
From July to the end of September
Surfin’ was fun, we’d be out in the sun every day.

Oooh. I never thought that it would end
Oooh. And I was everybody’s friend
Long hot days, Blue sea haze
Juke box plays, but now it’s fading away.

We couldn’t wait for graduation day
We took my car and drove to San Jose
That’s where you told me that you’d wear my ring
I guess you don’t remember anything!

Beach Baby, Beach Baby, give me your hand
Give me something that I can remember
Just like before, we can walk by the shore in the moonlight.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News