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Zero Carbon Forum to Showcase Innovative Sustainable Suppliers to Hospitality

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Zero Carbon Forum to Showcase Innovative Sustainable Suppliers to Hospitality - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, June 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Zero Carbon Forum is set to launch Marketplace, a ‘first of its kind’ new services directory designed to connect innovative supply chain businesses with brewing and hospitality operators to help them reach net zero faster.

Marketplace is open for applications and will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for hospitality and brewing operators to source the essential products and services they need to help radically reduce their carbon emissions. The new platform will feature a product and services directory to allow users to segment by the most relevant emissions area such as food, energy and packaging and accelerate the pace of reduction action. The directory will be published in Q4 2023 following a review of applications.

With a raft of pioneering businesses already signed up to the venture, the forum is on the lookout for more innovative suppliers of all sizes and growth stages to add to the Marketplace brand list and showcase their carbon reducing product or service.

Cutting edge brands already on board include BioFase (biodegradable products made from avocado stones), Britvic (pioneering soft drinks dispense innovation to reduce packaging),Gentle Farming (regenerative agriculture), Guardians of Grub (a food waste reduction initiative from WRAP), Keenan (decarbonisation of food waste collection services),Mitsubishi Electric (decarbonisation of buildings with efficient heat pumps and chillers), Quintex Systems (kitchen energy efficiency specialists) Wildfarmed (regenerative flour with an end-to-end, audited and traceable supply chain) and Yum Bug (protein from edible insects).

Mark Chapman, CEO at Zero Carbon Forum said: “Up to 90% of hospitality and brewing emissions are from the supply chain. And 35% of the UK’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions come from food and drink.

“We in hospitality are the biggest industry to be affected, therefore we must act. We can’t reach net zero without engaging suppliers and Marketplace has been conceived to provide operators with innovative sustainable services and solutions that help accelerate the transformational change we need to make.”

Brands and suppliers that feature in Marketplace are validated via an entry selection procedure to ensure products and services support net zero goals.

Mark continues: “We have less than three years to radically reduce emissions to maintain a habitable planet. Customers, employees and investors expect businesses to take climate action and they will buy from the companies that do. The brands and suppliers showcased in the Marketplace directory are doing game changing work to help the hospitality sector reach net zero.

“We want to champion this great work to facilitate real and seismic change. We look forward to working with more suppliers of all shapes and sizes as we grow Marketplace and make it the definitive resource for the hospitality and brewing industry”

About Zero Carbon Forum
The Zero Carbon Forum is a non-profit organisation which builds on 10 years of carbon reduction collaboration in the UK’s hospitality and Brewing sector. It enables members to reach their decarbonisation targets faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively than acting alone.

The Zero Carbon Forum published its publicly available roadmap to achieve net zero carbon ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in November 2021.

Members pledge to work collaboratively, by sharing carbon reduction plans and initiatives. By combining expertise and resources the forum helps to identify all possible actions to decarbonise operations across tens of thousands of outlets and their supply chains.

The Zero Carbon Forum is endorsed by government and backed by trade associations UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association. Members include leading UK and global hospitality organisations, including Adnams, Azzurri Group, Boparan Restaurants, Brewdog, Burger King UK, Côte Restaurant Group, Fuller’s, Greene King, Honest Burgers, InterContinental Hotels (IHG) Hotels & Resorts, JD Wetherspoon, KFC, Marston’s PLC, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, McMullen’s Brewery, Mitchells & Butlers PLC (MAB), Nando’s UK and IRE, Pizza Express, Pizza Hut Restaurants UK, Revolution Bars, Shepherd-Neame Ltd, St. Austell, Stonegate, The Restaurant Group (including Wagamama), Wadworth Brewery, WSH, and Young & Co. Brewery, PLC.

About London Essence
In 1896, the founders of The London Essence Company began to develop exquisite essences for the city’s finest perfume houses. Informed by this innovative heritage, The London Essence today creates luxurious drinks with purest flavours derived from quality ingredients. An ensemble of botanicals is artfully selected by their team of flavour experts and gently distilled until their true essence is captured. The result is a premium mixer that doesn’t cloak the flavour of the spirit it accompanies but rather accentuates it.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MYAirline Launches New Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok Daily Flights

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MYAirline Launches New Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok Daily Flights - TRAVELINDEX - AIRLINEHUB.comKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The once daily flights to both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to become twice daily on 17 August 2023 – offer tourists increased choice in travelling to Thailand. Bangkok has become the first international destination for Malaysia’s newest low-cost airline MYAirline, with the launch of a new daily direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Suvarnabhumi Airport on 28 June 2023 and a second daily flight to Don Mueang International Airport on 1 July 2023.
From 17 August 2023 a second daily flight will be added to both airports, bringing the total daily flights operated by MYAirline between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to four.

The airline, established in January 2021, said it was the first Malaysian carrier to fly to both Bangkok airports, and that it planned to add flights to other destinations in Thailand in the future, such as Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai.

Mrs. Sirintara Surakanitaya, TAT Kuala Lumpur Office Director, said “MYAirline is providing tourists with more options and flexibility in terms of traveling between Thailand and Malaysia, catering to travelers’ specific needs and enabling them to plan their itineraries more efficiently.”

The 180 passengers including media and bloggers onboard MYAirline’s inaugural flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport on 28 June – Flight Z9 550 – were welcomed upon arrival by TAT and airport staff.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ATLANTIC CITY BETS ON NON-GAMBLING ENTERTAINMENT

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A new $100-million indoor aquatic recreation facility is hoping to make a splash in Atlantic City with the aim of appealing to family tourism and giving visitors something else to do besides gambling in the New Jersey tourism destination.

It is an effort that Las Vegas has used with great success in recent decades as that city emphasized resort amenities, entertainment and most recently, professional sports, in addition to gambling.

The Island Waterpark is another big bet on non-gambling entertainment in the seaside resort as Atlantic City seeks to become less dependent on the spin of the slot machine reels, the roll of the dice or the flip of the cards.

In recent years, its nine casinos and some non-gambling businesses have unveiled attractions including a giant Ferris wheel, high-end restaurants and shopping and entertainment venues.

“I’m so excited for this project and for the people of Atlantic City. You can bring the family and have something for the kids to do, too,” said Bart Blatstein. “Statistics show people will travel up to seven hours to go to a water park. And it’s not just us here. We have nine casinos, 300 great restaurants and 20,000 hotel rooms. We all benefit from this.”
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Blatstein, president of Tower Investments, has been particularly active on the non-gambling front in Atlantic City. He bought the Showboat, a former casino hotel, from Stockton University in 2016 and operated it as a non-gambling hotel. Since then he has added an indoor arcade and go-kart track there.

Island Waterpark

Another attempt at non-gambling attractions did not fare so well. Blatstein bought the former Pier Shops from Caesars Entertainment for $2.7 million and reopened it in 2015 as The Playground shopping and entertainment complex. But that project fizzled despite what Blatstein said was $52 million worth of investments, and he sold it back to Caesars five years later for an undisclosed price.

The project is the first in a long string of Atlantic City water park proposals to actually, well, hold water.

In April 2017, a local investment group led by investor Ronald Young signed a deal to buy the former Atlantic Club casino, announcing plans for a family-friendly hotel, anchored by an indoor water park. But when financing dried up, so did the water park plan.

In 2012, a group headed by developer Tom Sherwood proposed a sailboat-shaped hotel and water park project in the Marina District.

The Island Waterpark, built on a vacant lot between the Showboat and the Ocean Casino Resort, includes 11 slides, a 90-sq.-m. surf simulator, and a lazy river encircling much of the park. It also has a Kids’ Cove, 9-m.-tall) tree house that can be booked for private parties, cabanas, and an adults-only nightlife section.

Tickets range from US$69 to $119 p.p. depending on the time of year.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: July 3-7, 2023

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Canada unveiled a new tourism strategy, and a boost for travellers arriving in Ottawa and Halifax; also last week, Canadian carriers announced some new destinations, Emirates conducted its first flight to Montreal, and a member of the Canadian travel trade was appointed to the Order of Canada.

NEWS

Calling the post-pandemic surge in travel a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Canada’s visitor economy to compete on the global stage, Ottawa as has unveiled “Canada 365: Welcoming the world. Every day.” – a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy that will invest tourism assets; embrace recreation and the great outdoors; partner to grow Indigenous tourism; attract more international events; and improve coordination through a federal ministerial council.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) plans to launch a pilot for dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines at Ottawa International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The new pilot, to be in effect by Aug. 23, will test the feasibility of having dedicated lines open on a daily basis at these airports by opening them during peak periods; outside of these peak periods, a front-of-the-line service would be offered to eligible verified travellers.

TICO

After being charged by TICO, Angela Comella pleaded guilty to operating as a travel agent without registration, while and Angie’s All Seasons Travel Inc was convicted of other infractions contrary to the Travel Industry Act, 2002. Comella was fined $5,625, inclusive of a victim surcharge, and sentenced to a two-year probation plus other non-monetary penalties. The agency received a similar two-year probation.

BY THE NUMBERS

From April 2022 to March 2023, the Government of Canada issued 3,346,223 passports, while for 2023-24 fiscal year, between 4.3 and 4.9 million passports are forecast to be issued. Since April 1, 2023, the Government of Canada has issued 745,401 passports.

AIR

WestJet has announced the addition of Bonaire to its roster of Caribbean destinations with non-stop seasonal weekly departures from Toronto starting Dec. 12. The carrier will be the only Canadian airline providing scheduled non-stop lift to the island (departing on Tuesdays, returning Wednesdays).

Canada Jetlines reports it has signed a six-month contract with FlyAllways, a Caribbean airline based in Suriname, where FlyAllways will charter Canada Jetlines to provide weekly flights between Toronto and Georgetown, Guyana. Commencement of flying is expected to start this fall subject to Guyanese government approval.

PAL Airlines and Air Canada completed the inaugural PAL Airlines operation of an Air Canada Express flight between St. John’s and Halifax. The inaugural section on July 1 was the first flight operated under a newly completed commercial agreement achieved between the two carriers to fortify regional service in eastern Canada. The commercial agreement will see PAL Airlines acquire up to six additional Dash 8-400 aircraft to be progressively introduced into service on behalf of Air Canada for a term of up to five years.

Emirates made a landmark touchdown in Montreal last week, marking the start of scheduled daily non-stop aboard Boeing 777 services to its second gateway in Canada. Emirates now serves Canada with 14 flights per week.

TOURS

Lagavulin whisky distillery, Isle of Islay

Highland Explorer Tours is inviting clients to sample Scotland’s golden ‘water of life’ straight from the source on its four-day “Isle of Islay Whisky Experience,” departing Aug. 11 and Sept. 15. Dubbed the “Queen of the Hebrides,” the island is renowned for its peaty and smoky malts and is home to nine working distilleries, creating some of the finest and single malt whisky in the world. Tour participants will experience Gaelic culture first-hand with a local guide, stroll along scenic beaches, and sample some of the most sought-after Islay whisky, before travelling to the picturesque west of Scotland.

Trailways of New York announced the immediate addition of service to Montreal to meet demand of suspended Amtrak service. The additional service brings Trailways of New York’s total number of daily trips to and from Montreal to 10.

DEALS

Through 12 July, IHG Hotels & Resorts guests can save up to 25% off on bookings with participating hotels across hundreds of locations in the UK, Ireland, and Germany. IHG One Rewards members will also receive an additional 10% when booking. The offer applies to travel through Sept. 30.

RESORTS

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos, Mexico, has introduced its latest amenity, “Float My Boat,” a floating tray that elegantly and in some cases, extravagantly, showcases curated culinary and beverage selections, from Imperial Ossetra Caviar and Moët & Chandon champagne to a sweet corn tamale topped with golden caramel popcorn and gold flaked margaritas. The new amenity brings together the finest flavours of the resorts’ award-winning culinary teams paired with stunning views. The amenity is priced from US$150 to $400 (plus service charge) depending on the resort.

HOTELS

Toronto Marriott City Centre, otherwise known as the hotel attached to the Rogers Centre – home of the Blue Jays – has opened On Deck, an open-air patio designed to reflect the stadium dugouts next door and offer a game-day tailgate party vibe. Ideal for a beer and bite before or after the game, the 44-seat space is located at the entrance to the hotel and is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 to 10 on weekends. Food options range from barbecue meats (including the 24-inch “Slugger” hot dog) to salads, flatbreads, and handhelds, complemented by an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Seats are first-come, first-serve, reservations not accepted.

CRUISE

Riviera River Cruises is extending its at-par incentive for Canadian travel advisors to book clients on its European river cruises for an additional month. Riviera will continue accepting bookings for 2023 departures in CAD equivalent to prices listed in USD through the end of July, providing significant savings through the exchange rate. The incentive had been set to expire at the end of June.

Expanding its reputation for immersive travel experiences, Holland America Line has launched “National Geographic Day Tours” in the Mediterranean. The exclusive shore excursions were developed with National Geographic, a world leader in geography, cartography, and exploration. Beginning this summer, guests sailing on Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam can participate in the tours, which include such experiences as meeting powerful female figures in Kusadasi, Turkey; experiencing a day in the life of a marine biologist in Naples, Italy; learning about organic honeybee farms in Rhodes, Greece; and meeting local families in Santorini, Greece. Each tour is led by a National Geographic trained guide.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Coinciding with Shark Awareness Day on July 14, Discovery Cove in Orlando is celebrating July as “Shark Month” with unique ways for visitors to learn about these magnificent animals. Additionally, “Shark Month” themed content will be available all month on Discovery Cove’s Instagram and Facebook page.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Variety Cruises has announced offers for vetted active travel professionals, valid for all itineraries in Greece, the Seychelles, Tahiti, West Africa, Cape Verde, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Costa Rica, and Panama. With the new offer, travel professionals benefit from a 75% for bookings made 59 days prior to departure, 60% for bookings made 119 to 60 days prior and 50% discount on official rates for bookings made 120 days prior to departure (terms and conditions apply). Travel agents interested in any of the above cruises are asked to send an enquiry to famtrips@varietycruises.com along with proof of employment and their business card. Reservations are subject to availability and, in order to be confirmed, full payment is required. Payments are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.

EVENTS

This year’s ACTA Fall Summits will feature Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of G Adventures (who was named an Officer of the Order of Canada this year, see below) and Pam Hoffee, President, Avalon Waterways, as keynote speakers at the association’s events in Western and Eastern Canada respectively (Sept. 14 – Toronto; Sept 21 – Vancouver; Sept. 27 – Montreal).

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of Toronto-based G Adventures has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his services to both Canada and humanity. The social and community travel pioneer was one of nearly two dozen people named to the Order for 2023 and is the first person in the travel industry to receive the title of Officer in 34 years.

DESTINATIONS

The Organization of World Heritage Cities recently granted the city of Scottsdale, Arizona, membership among an elite group of more than 200 cities from around the world that are home to UNESCO World Heritage sites. With this acceptance, the organization recognizes Scottsdale as the location of Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home and laboratory, Taliesin West, and welcomes the city as an active participant in international efforts to protect and preserve the heritage of mankind.

The biannual NYC Restaurant Week dining program returns this summer from July 24 to Aug. 20 with hundreds of restaurants across New York’s five boroughs offering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. A full list of participating eateries is available at nyctourism.com/restaurantweek.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1886, the first Canadian Pacific Railway passenger train from Montreal reached Port Moody, BC, after a 139-hour trip. The first eastbound train left the next day.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

EU Travel and Tourism Sector Recovering Strongly Says WTTC

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EU Travel and Tourism Sector Recovering Strongly Says WTTC - TRAVELINDEXBrussels, Belgium, July 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the EU Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to reach 98% of the 2019 peak. The sector is set to contribute €1.44BN to the EU economy in 2023 and 2MN more Travel and Tourism jobs across the EU last year.

The sector is set to contribute €1.44BN to the economy this year, edging close to the 2019 pre-pandemic high of €1.47BN.

WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create more than 687K jobs this year, recovering almost 90% of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach more than 22.4MN, with one in nine workers across the EU, in the Travel & Tourism sector.

A look back on last year

Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 40.5% to reach more than €1.37BN, representing 8.7% of the Bloc’s economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of 9.6% of the economy.

Last year the sector also created 2MN more jobs from the previous year to reach 21.8MN jobs – one in ten across the EU.

According to the global tourism body’s annual research, the sector has now recovered 3.1MN of the 3.6MN jobs lost during the pandemic.

Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to the EU with spending from overseas visitors growing 81% year on year, to reach almost €385BN.

Domestic visitor spend fully recovered in 2022, exceeding the pre-pandemic high of €809BN, to reach €814BN.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector in the EU is recovering strongly with high visitor demand. The number of jobs created by Travel & Tourism stands at 21.8MN, but by the end of this year it will reach nearly 22.5MN jobs, just 2% behind 2019 numbers.

“Travel & Tourism is a key economic growth sector and driver of jobs in the EU due to the importance of the sector in so many countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. Our most recent Cities Economic Impact Report revealed that Paris remains the world’s most popular tourist destination.”

What does the next decade look like?

The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to almost €1.9BN by 2033, more than 10% of the EU economy and will employ over 26.3MN people across the region, with one in eight EU residents working in the sector.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Announces New Executive Board Appointments

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PATA Announces New Executive Board Appointments - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Ms Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia and the election of Dr. Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, USA to the PATA Executive Board for a two-year term beginning June 27, 2023.

On the announcement, PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “I would like to first thank Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Maldives for his time and contribution on the Executive Board over the past two years. His support and experience were a great asset to us during a critical time for our industry coming out of the pandemic. I would also like to welcome back Ms Noredah Othman and welcome Dr. Gerald Perez to the Executive Board. Their proven track record and background will make them a great asset to PATA and our members.”

With 30 years’ experience in Sabah Tourism, Ms Noredah Othman is the longest-serving officer with Sabah Tourism Board. She is responsible for marketing and promotion of the destination.

Ms. Noredah Othman has held various positions since October 1990 and served as Deputy General Manager (Support Services) from 2016. Prior to that, she was the Senior Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA markets from 2011 to 2015. She was the Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe and Australia from 2005-2010.

Ms. Othman, a mother of three children, completed her education in Singapore, started her career as tourist assistant with the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (STPC), the forerunner of STB, in 1990. Between 1991 and 2005, she held the position of assistant public affairs officer and later as communications manager. Ms. Othman was awarded the PATA Foundation’s scholarship for Executive Development for Tourism (EDIT) Programme in 2015.

Dr. Gerry Perez is a dedicated and accomplished individual who has made significant contributions to various fields, particularly in tourism and public service. Born and raised on Guam, he graduated from Fr. Duenas Memorial School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management with honors from the University of Idaho. He also holds a PhD in Tourism Development and Public Policy from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

In his private business endeavours, Dr. Perez has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success. He retired in 2003 as a Travel Retail Executive, where he oversaw over 500 employees during his 23-year tenure. He is also the proprietor of Micromed Suppliers and has served as the General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau. Gerry’s outstanding business acumen led to his induction into the Guam Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2017, and he represented the White House Business Conference as a delegate in 1994.

With an unwavering commitment to promoting tourism, Dr. Perez has been actively involved in various organizations and conferences. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Guam Visitors Bureau and is a founding member of the Micronesia Cruise Association. As a renowned speaker, he has shared his expertise at international forums such as the Beijing International Forum on Chinese Overseas Travel and the SKAL Asia Tourism Congress. Gerry’s dedication to the tourism industry is further demonstrated through his memberships in the Guam Tourism Foundation and the Executive Board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gerry has been actively engaged in civic and government roles. He has served as the Chairman of the GovGuam Retirement Fund Board of Trustees and the Vice-Chairman of the University of Guam Board of Regents. Gerry has also held positions in organizations such as KGTF Public Television, the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, Guam Economic Development Authority, and the Department of Agriculture, where he worked as a Wildlife Biologist.

Ms. Othman and Dr. Perez will join the other Executive Board members including Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Benjamin Liao, Vice Chair, PATA and Chairman, Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei, Singapore; Suman Pandey, Secretary/Treasurer PATA and President, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, Nepal; Tunku Iskandar, Group President, Mitra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia; SanJeet, Managing Director, DDP Publications Private Ltd., India; Luzi Matzig, Chairman, Asian Trails Ltd., Thailand, and Dr. Fanny Vong, President – Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM), Macao, China, as well as non-voting members, Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO, AsiaChina Pte., Ltd., Singapore and Mayur (Mac) Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, Singapore.

The new Executive Board members were ratified at the PATA Annual General Meeting held online on June 27, 2023.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which includes government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Families Make Inspiring Discoveries at Regent Phu Quoc

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Families Make Inspiring Discoveries at Regent Phu Quoc - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comPhu Quoc, Vietnam, July 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Family adventures are among our most cherished moments. For parents, they offer precious opportunities to get away from the world and spend quality time with loved ones in paradise, while for kids, they set the stage for exciting explorations, making new friends and even discovering a lifelong passion. With breath-taking pool villas, bespoke services, immersive activities and dramatic dining destinations, Regent Phu Quoc lets parents and children come together and share unparalleled experiences.

Simply stepping through the doors of Regent Phu Quoc, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ jewel on Vietnam’s “Pearl Island,” provides an escape from the everyday. From private pool villas to creative cuisine, immersive activities and so much more, this resort will transport discerning families on a journey into a tropical world of wonder.

Luxurious family sanctuaries

The artfully-designed pool villas at Regent Phu Quoc are personal havens where families can stay together in complete comfort and privacy. With between one and seven bedrooms, open-plan indoor and outdoor living spaces, glistening 25 – to 123-sqm private pools and breath-taking views on the Gulf of Thailand or the tropical gardens, these hideaways provide everything guests need to feel relaxed, revitalised, and re-energised. Private dining areas provide opportunities to share unexpected tastes overlooking the ocean, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems enable cosy moments of warmth – cuddling up with loved ones to watch a movie.

Inspiring children’s activities

Curated activities empower all families to stay and play on their own terms. On top of their private amenities, the resort’s oasis features five pools, including a kids’ pool, and provides endless opportunities to swim and splash. On the Long Beach, young guests will love the regular treasure hunts, sandcastle competitions, water gun fun and more. Parents can also leave their little ones in the expert care of the professionally-trained team at the kids’ club, who will create entertaining and educational activities, inspired by the nature, culture and spirit of Phu Quoc. To learn more about the activities for children at Regent Phu Quoc, simply click here.

The resort’s kids’ club is a haven of fun with plenty of entertaining and inspiring activities for children

Immersive aquatic adventures

The sea sets the stage for exhilarating adventures. All ages can feel the spray of the ocean with windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and dinghy sailing, and the underwater world comes alive with snorkelling trips. For truly unforgettable family escapes, Serenity, Regent Phu Quoc’s luxury yacht, offers coastline cruises to secluded bays, where guests can swim and snorkel in the sea – the ultimate experience for older children seeking a fresh view of the world. Private charters are also available.

Exotic island explorations

Intrepid explorers can also head out and uncover the hidden treasures of Phu Quoc, an exotic wilderness comprising 99 peaks, 28 islands and 20 beaches, as well as charming fishing villages that provide a unique glimpse into the culture of life in Vietnam’s “Pearl Island.” After a long day of discovery, the resort’s Health Club offers holistic wellness therapies for parents and children alike, including deeply soothing aloe vera massages – wonderfully revitalizing after a day of fun in the sun.

Creative culinary journeys

Families can embark on exciting epicurean journeys together at Regent Phu Quoc. A haven of gastronomy, this five-star resort offers a collection of artfully curated culinary venues including Oku, the signature restaurant that serves contemporary Japanese-French cuisine, and Rice Market, an atmospheric marketplace that elevates the humblest Asian ingredients – rice and noodles – to new levels of excellence. Bar Jade is a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar with a cosmopolitan vibe, and the Lobby Lounge sets the scene for relaxing daytime drinks and evening refreshments. For the ultimate sunset moments, Ocean Club is nestled on the shore and specialises in Mediterranean plates and spectacular seafood platters, and Fu Bar is perched elegantly on the rooftop, with sweeping views of the island and sea through panoramic windows.

A selection of fresh menu items have been crafted especially for families, such as Rice Market’s Blue Crab Fried Rice, which uses the best Vietnamese rice, ST25, and will transport diners’ taste buds to a traditional fishing village, and a sensational Vietnamese Wagyu Beef Salad. At Ocean Club, the Barbecued Seafood Tower showcases the world’s finest fruits de mer including whole Phu Quoc lobster, Irish oysters, Japanese scallops and much more, served with a selection of sauces, and the Australian Wagyu Beef Tomahawk, a decadent 1.3kg prime cut of beef with Vietnamese seasonings.

“At Regent Phu Quoc, we understand that every family is unique. That’s why we promise a curated collection of breath-taking pool villas, bespoke services and immersive activities for children of all ages, from tots to teens – and of course, their parents – so every family can share the most private and inspiring experiences on the island,” said Sriram Kailasam, Regent Phu Quoc’s General Manager.

Under the “Stay and Dine” package, families can now book an unforgettable escape at Regent Phu Quoc, including daily buffet breakfast plus three-course lunches and dinners at the Ocean Club or Rice Market. With every paying adult, a child under 12 can dine for free for all bookings made between now and 30th September 2023. For reservations, please visit https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/offers/stay-and-dine

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

EPIC DISNEYLAND COLLECTIBLES COLLECTION GOES UP FOR AUCTION

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Fans who agree Disneyland is indeed the happiest place on Earth will soon be able to take home more than a souvenir. A passionate collector has brought Disney magic to a sprawling 2,800-sq.–m. building in Burbank, California, where fans can hear birds chirping in the Enchanted Tiki Room section or giggle at the animated ghosts from the Haunted Mansion ride as they preview more than 1,500 items up for auction later this month.

Joel Magee has been building his collection of more than 6,000 items – including costumes, rare posters, and life-size vehicles from rides like Dumbo and Peter Pan – for 30 years, and he’s finally ready to share some of it with the public.

“I’m one of those guys – go big or go home. And if you don’t have the biggest, then it ain’t the best,” Magee said in a recent interview, as fans milled about the exhibit. Magee’s is the largest individually owned Disneyland/Disney Park collection in the world.

“It’s really kind of exciting. This is the first time that all of my things have been in the same room at the same time,” he said.

Magee is known in the collectible industry as “the toy scout,” and has amassed a huge collection of toys and Disney items. He says he watched “The Wonderful World of Disney” on TV every week as a kid but had never been to the park and never thought about collecting until he was at a toy show where he met a man selling Disneyland artifacts and got hooked.

“At the time, I couldn’t afford too much. I bought a couple of pieces, but that’s where it all began,” Magee said. “In my travels as ‘the toy scout,’ I meet people all over the country and for the last 25 years, they’ve just been bringing me all their stuff and here it is today.”

Haunted mansion animated ghosts

The items for sale are as small as a trading card and as large as a 1917 Model T moving van from Disneyland’s original Main Street that Magee says Walt Disney created himself.

Mike Van Eaton is the co-owner of Van Eaton Galleries, which is running the auction. He says among the most sought-after items are those from the Haunted Mansion attraction, including original stretch paintings from the elevator in the iconic ride, and a “doom buggy” — the vehicle guests ride on.

“Joel also has one of the most amazing Disney attraction poster collections in the world. He has every attraction poster ever in the park. And those are also going to do very well,” Van Eaton said.

There are items for every price point, with some starting as low as US$50 – but most go way up from there.

“Some of these items, such as the Dumbo ride vehicle, may go for $200,000 to $300,000. We have trash cans from the park that may go for $5,000 or $6,000, and posters that could reach $50,000 to $60,000,” Van Eaton said.

Magee says it’s hard to choose his favourites in such a large collection, but he is partial to the static props he’s brought to life.

“The Tiki birds, oh my gosh, they were piles of junk when we got them! They were worn out, pieces were missing,” Magee said. “Some good friends of mine that do a lot of work … in that field brought them all back to life better than you could ever imagine. And … people look at that and you can just see the magic in their eyes when they see them.”

The exhibition is at the Burbank Town Center Mall and runs through July 16. The auction will be held July 17 through 19.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MORE PIE?: Florida Keys celebrates 200 years with dessert

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Visitors and locals alike were invited to open their pie holes, literally, this week as the Florida Keys celebrated its bicentennial Monday with a world-recording breaking Key lime pie more than 4 metres in diameter.

The pie-making festivities and other events marked the 200th anniversary of the Florida Territorial Legislature’s establishment of Monroe County on July 3, 1823, and celebrated its history. The county contains all of the Keys and a portion of Everglades National Park.

During the Civil War, Key West remained in Union hands as a base for a naval blockade of Confederate shipping. In the early 1900s, Standard Oil millionaire Henry Flagler spearheaded the construction of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad that became widely known as the eighth wonder of the world.

And for nearly six months of his 1945-1953 presidency, Harry Truman governed the US from his Key West “Little White House” that is now Florida’s only presidential museum.

Pie

Key lime pie, originating in late 1800s Key West, is a large part of the continental United States’ southernmost island chain’s heritage. In 2006, it was designated Florida’s official pie by the state Legislature.

Monday’s bicentennial version of the Keys’ signature dessert was spearheaded by Key West chefs Kermit Carpenter (banner photo) and Paul Menta.

“In order to make a really good Key lime pie, you must have the perfect graham cracker crust; you must surround it and fill it with condensed milk and the juice of fresh Key limes,” said Florida Keys County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln.

According to Lincoln, the giant pie required more than 16 gallons of Key lime juice, almost 100 gallons of sweetened condensed milk and some 125 pounds of graham crackers.

After its diameter was measured and confirmed, officials served the pie to attendees.

The bicentennial celebration also featured live music, games for kids, and a laser light show and fireworks extravaganza.

Previous “Keys 200” events have included a large-scale concert in Key West and a sunset commemoration on Marathon’s restored Old Seven Mile Bridge.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL STRIKES A MAJOR CHORD

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The current Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is showcasing some serious star power. Over the course of 10 days, world-renowned artists including Diana Krall, Buddy Guy, Robert Plant & Alison Krause, Melody Gardot, Herbie Hancock and George Benson will rub shoulders with jazz’s rising stars, sometimes even sharing the same stage. Many established artists are performing at the Festival for the first time and jazz is more prominent than ever on both indoor and outdoor Festival stages.

“It sounds cliché in the festival world, but it’s worth saying because it’s so true: we are incredibly proud to present a truly balanced program that is jam packed with gems!”, said Maurin Auxéméry, the new director of the FIJM programming.

“With the full backing of the big Festival family, each member of the programming team passionately defends their vision of jazz, which has sparked engaging discussions and a program that embodies what the genre is today. Jazz from the 21st century is changing and mutating, drawing on other musical styles, and our programming reflects this refreshing change. Jazz lovers are becoming more diversified, new generations are tuning in, and we couldn’t be happier.”

The Louisiana Office of Tourism / ExploreLouisiana.com has an activation and travel information kiosk on-site at the Jazz Festival.

And there are prizes to be won. The Grand Prize in the “J’aime le Festival” is offered by Louisiana. The lucky winner will win a trip to … you guessed it … Louisiana!

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, is presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto.

Check the schedule HERE

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News