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Westin Hotels & Resorts Teams Up With Strava To Motivate Fitness Enthusiasts of All Levels To Go the Extra Mile In Celebration of Global Running Day

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Westin Hotels & Resorts teams up with Strava for Global Running Day 2022

A champion of Global Running Day, Westin Hotels & Resorts – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands – today announced it has joined forces with Strava, the leading social platform for athletes and the largest sports community in the world, to reward fitness enthusiasts of all types for getting their hearts rates up beginning June 1. Through this new collaboration, 500 Marriott Bonvoy members will have the chance to earn 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points each by completing the month-long global ‘RunWESTIN Challenge’ using the Strava app.

As the preeminent well-being brand in hospitality, Westin has consistently supported Global Running Day for more than five years as a means to further encourage guests to stay active while on the road. Westin empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel through its Six Pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. Inspired by the brand’s Move Well pillar, this new collaboration with Strava continues to build on the industry-leading programming by Westin.

“The philosophy of Westin has always been rooted in empowering our guests to maintain, and even enhance, their well-being while traveling, so they leave feeling better than when they arrived,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. “With this in mind, and inspired by our foundational Move Well pillar, our unique partnership with Strava aims to motivate a global community of fitness enthusiasts and Marriott Bonvoy members to make wellness a priority and get rewarded for doing so.”

The ‘RunWESTIN Challenge’
Marriott Bonvoy members participating in the Challenge must complete 10 hours of physical activity within the month of June by running, in addition to other types of exercise including walking, biking, wheelchair, and hiking. The challenge of 600 minutes or 10 hours of activity for the month is informed by the American Heart Association’s recommendation of at least 150 minutes – roughly 2.5 hours – of physical activity per week[1]. Upon completion of the Challenge at the end of the month, 500 participating members will then be selected at random to receive 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points each.

How to Participate
Marriott Bonvoy members can begin registering for the ‘RunWESTIN Challenge’ on May 25 via the Strava app. The Challenge kicks off June 1 and closes June 30 at 11:59 p.m. in each participant’s respective time zone. Members can register at any point throughout June and complete their 10 hours of activity throughout the month in order to be eligible for the 40,000 points.

“Strava empowers athletes everywhere to find joy through movement,” said David Lorsch, Chief Revenue Officer, Strava. “We’re excited to celebrate Global Running Day with Westin and inspire Marriott Bonvoy members around the world to stay active with the power of Strava Challenges this June.”

To learn more about well-being at Westin, please visit www.westin.marriott.com and join the conversation @westin and #runwestin. To download the free Strava app on your smartphone, visit the App store and search for Strava. To download Strava on your desktop, visit https://www.strava.com.

About Westin® Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, hospitality’s global leader in well-being for more than a decade, empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand’s Six Pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. At more than 230 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience wellness offerings that include the brand’s iconic and award-winning Heavenly® Bed, TRX fitness equipment in the signature WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studios, delicious and nutritious menu offerings on their Eat Well menu, and more. Stay connected to Westin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Westin is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Strava
Strava is the leading social platform for athletes and the largest sports community in the world, with over 99 million athletes around the world. If you sweat you’re an athlete, and Strava’s mobile apps and website connect millions of active people every day. Strava gives athletes simple, fun ways to stay motivated and compete against themselves and others without having to be in the same place at the same time. All athletes belong on Strava no matter where they live, which sport they love or what device they use. Join the community and make the most of your sport with a Strava subscription.

Media Contacts
James Bardwell
Marriott International
James.Bardwell@marriott.com

Ballantines PR
PR Agency of Record for Westin Hotels & Resorts
marriott@ballantinespr.com

[1] American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Blue Elephant Highlights Southern Thai Produdct Line

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Blue Elephant Highlights Southern Thai Produdct Line - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Blue Spice Co., Ltd., manufacturing arm of the Blue Elephant International Group, is highlighting Blue Elephant’s latest product line comprising Southern inspired curry pastes, ready-to-cook noodles sets and newly bottled Thai premium dried spices all of which are rich with fresh Thai herbs, flavourful spices and superfoods with multi-faceted health benefits. All products manufactured at the Blue Spice factory are original recipes of Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founder of the Blue Elephant Group and keeper of Thai traditional cuisine and culture for over 40 years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed consumer behaviour and lifestyle. More and more people are opting to cook and eat at home which has given rise to a substantial sales growth for our products, both locally and internationally,” said Chef Nooror. “This year the focus is on research and development to craft new products, further improve and modernize production process without compromising quality and authenticity; continue to utilise premium raw materials and ingredients from the Royal Project as well as products sourced from communities in various provinces throughout Thailand. We are increasing capacity in our existing factory for the time being; and expansion will follow in the near future. New international markets recently clinched comprise Taiwan, Japan, Australia and Portugal. Here, our products are also available in leading Thai supermarkets and we are always striving to better cater for the expectations of our local market.”

“For decades, Blue Elephant has been thriving to revive forgotten recipes of the Kingdom which has truly become our gastronomic signature. The customers and patrons of our restaurants in Bangkok and Phuket, are truly seeking for this heirloom experience” added Chef Nooror. “We are proud to contribute to preserving this culinary heritage and to be able to accompany Thai people in their ancestors’ footsteps.

In addition to the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) capabilities, the Blue Spice is happy to also present at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 the new highlights of their Blue Elephant Thai Premium range : the emblematic Premium Curry Pastes of our beloved Thai southern cuisine; Thai Premium Noodle Soups read-to-cook sets and newly bottled Thai premium dried spices and herbs filled with health benefits,” added Chef Nooror.

Blue Elephant Thai Premium Curry Pastes, all original recipes of Chef Nooror, to be highlighted at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2022 include the new Southern Spicy Curry Paste (70 grams/serves 4) for a tasty and versatile emblematic Southern stir-fry, the Panaeng Curry Paste (70 grams/serves 4) rich and creamy, aromatic and spicy indulging curry, the Massaman Curry Paste (70 grams/serves 4) Chef Nooror’s ultimate signature dish, and last but not least the Phuketian Heritage “Tumee” Curry Paste (70 grams/serves 4): Healthy and full of goodness, the Thai ingredients blended in this paste also include 3 superfoods: Garcinia, fenugreek seeds and Thai Black Garlic with its many health benefits for a wide variety of ailments. “Tumee curry” dish is one of the most popular choices at Blue Elephant restaurants in Bangkok and Phuket.

The ready-to-cook Thai Premium Noodle Soups selection comprises the extremly popular “Boat Noodle Soup” (serves 2) with its bewitching aromas of Chinese spices and fresh Thai herbs; “Chiang Mai Noodle Soup” (serves 2) also known as “Kao Soi” with its coconut milk rich and a fragrant curry-based broth very popular in northern Thailand; and the most emblematic soup in Thailand the sour and spicy “Tom Yam Noodle Soup”(serves 2) and the ultimate comfort food.

Last but not least Thai Premium Dried Spices are now bottled for sustainability and user convenience: Dried Lemongrass; Dried Galangal; Dried Chili; Dried Kaffir Lime and Dried Sweet Basil – everything you need to cook authentic Thai Cuisine at home.

The first Blue Elephant Restaurant, under the close guidance of Chef Nooror, opened in 1980 in Brussels, Belgium, followed by numerous branhes opening in various countries in Europe . Chef Nooror finally returned to Thailand to open the Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Bangkok in 2002. Blue Spice, its manufacturing arm opened in 2006 and commenced crafting Thai premium spices, curry pastes, sauces and seasonings under the brand Blue Elephant. Today, Blue Elephant products are exported to almost 45 countries worldwide and distributed to both professional caterers in food service format and international retailers as a premium grocery range.

New Generation Management Team of Blue Spice Co., Ltd. Bangkok
Working closely with Ines Chardonnet, Managing Director of Blue Spice Co., Ltd who is now based in Europe, is the new generation of the Somany-Steppe founders’s family: Kevin Somany, Vice Managing Director, who will be driving their top level executives in Thailand with the support of Blue Spice new General Manager, Andrea Picello – a seasoned Food & Beverage Executive established in Thailand since 10 years.

Born and raised in Belgium of Thai parents, Kevin embodies both the European and Thai mindset and culture. He studied business engineering and was about to start his career in banking when he was invited back to Thailand to continue the family’s legacy and be part of the new generation of managers to contribute to bringing Blue Elephant to the 21st century.

About Blue Elephant
The story of Blue Elephant began as a result of the great passion for Thai food of Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founding chef and director of the Blue Elephant Group.

Blue Elephant opened its first restaurant in Brussels, Belgium in 1980 with Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, her husband Karl Steppe, who has always been passionate about Thai culture and Thai cuisine, and their good friends and partners Chai Wayno & Somboon Insusri. Initially extremely popular among the citizens and expatriate members of Brussels, Chef Nooror’s Thai food soon gained its reputation in other parts of Europe, the Middle East and other countries in Asia.

From her love of cooking and of Thai cuisine and culture, Chef Nooror has become a staunch advocate and ambassador by promoting Thai cuisine and culture to the rest of the world. Sourcing from only the finest and premium produce from the Royal Project and from all over Thailand with emphasis on products with health benefits, Chef Nooror has created the most palatable, authentic and, most important of all, healthy Thai menus.

In 2002, Chef Nooror returned to Thailand to further explore her heritage and bring back to life forgotten recipes from bygone eras as well as to share her precious heirloom recipes handed down from generation to generation. Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant Bangkok opened its doors in 2002; and the Phuket branch in 2010.

In 2006, Blue Spice Company Limited was established to manufacture and export premium spices, curry pastes and sauces amongst others under the Blue Elephant brand. Today, Blue Elephant products are available in almost 45 countries worldwide as well as in leading supermarkets throughout Thailand.

In 2020, the Blue Elephant Group celebrated 40 years of continuously achieving milestones in the culinary world both locally and overseas.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raising Tourism Recovery at Bali and Beyond Travel Fair

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BBTF-Raising Tourism Recovery at Bali and Beyond Travel Fair - VISITBALI.org - TRAVELINDEXDenpasar, Bali, Indonesia, May 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / With Bali quickly regaining its position as a leading international tourism gateway, industry stakeholders are getting increasingly optimistic that they can take a major part in the Indonesian economy recovery program.

The 8th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF), which will be held on June 14-17, 2022, received a positive response from various tourism industry players, both domestic and foreign. From Bali and beyond, the accommodation, travel, attractions, and government agencies are ready to showcase the potential of their respective regions and use this annual event as a powerful promotional tool. More than 182 sellers will take the opportunity to develop business through this major trade fair event.

This new BBTF edition focuses on ten provinces – DKI Jakarta, East Kalimantan, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, North Sumatra, Central Java, North Sulawesi, East Java, Bangka Belitung and Bali of course – and features five priority destinations, namely Toba, Mandalika, Borobudur, Likupang, and Labuan Bajo. Performing arts, local culture, and regional wonders will be showcased during the event.

“Our appreciation goes to the various circles of the Indonesia tourism industry that have chosen BBTF as a reliable business partner – That’s the right step to take advantage of this momentum when the tourism industry is recovering,” said I Putu Winastra, Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Travel Agents Bali Chapter (ASITA) as well as Chairman of the BBTF 2022 committee.

Cooperation from all parties continues to be encouraged after regular international flight routes at Bali I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport have resumed on February 3, 2022. Since that date, number of passengers and international flights has increased by 232 percent. Ten countries have now already restarted direct connections to and from Bali, namely Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines.

“Bali remains a major attraction for the international tourism sector . We welcome the 228 buyers originated from 29 countries that have registered their participation. Australia, India, France, Philippines, UK, Emirates followed by Germany, Nigeria, US and China are listed as the main international buyers.” added I Putu Winastra.

BBTF held at BICC, Nusa Dua is supported by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia, the Bali Provincial government and for the first time, the Nigerian Tourism Network. Joining also Kempinski, Melia Bali, Grand Mirage, Samabe, Adiwana Hotel, Sunrise Aventus, and Infinity 8 sponsor the event. The Ubud Hotel Association, Biznet, BIMC, Akasa Coffee, and Krisna Souvenir are also actively on the list.

As in previous years, the promotion of destinations through the signature Post Tour BBTF will be a highlight. Several regencies are participating including Bangli supported by De Umah Bali and KBA Tour, North Bali – directly handled by the Buleleng Regency, and the North Badung – Plaga Village by Bali Sinar Mentari.

Complementing the BBTF event with the theme “Balancing in Harmony”, a talk show will also be held featuring selected speakers from various Bali tourism circles – Discussions will respond to the government’s directive to focus not only on achieving quantitative targets but also on promoting high potential tourist and CHSE-compliant sustainable villages. Talk show will open on June 15 at 10:00 AM with business opportunities in the context of the Indonesia’s economic recovery.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CLUB MED OPENS NEW RESORT IN EUROPE

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Club Med’s newest resort, Club Med Magna Marbella, welcomed its first guests on May 20, marking the all-inclusive brand’s return to Spain, where the first Club Med resort was founded on the Balearic Islands in 1950.

The four-star family-friendly property, located in one of Spain’s most mythic destinations, offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, and the lively city of Marbella, and Sierra Blanca at every corner.

Featuring vibrant indoor-outdoor architecture and design, and culturally immersive culinary experiences, there is an abundance of activities designed for every type of traveller.

“Today, we are proud to return to Andalusia, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe, with a new premium resort (that) perfectly showcases what Club Med has become today after major changes in the last 20 years: a premium, ‘glocal,’ happy digital brand aiming to develop a more sustainable tourism,” said Club Med president and CEO Henri Giscard d’Estaing at the resort’s opening.

The resort

Located in the Andalusia region of Spain, the resort is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Blanca and spread across 14 hectares of colourful gardens and terraces.

Traditionality with a hint of modernity is a theme displayed throughout the resort’s architecture and design. The property was designed with an indoor-outdoor concept that is married with vibrant décor inspired by Marbella’s art, culture, and nature.

A variety of accommodations, including 485 guestrooms, are a suited every type of traveler, from families and couples to solo travellers and large groups. Each Deluxe, Superior, and Family Suite exudes playful ambiance inspired by the region and its surrounding scenery.

The resort’s two restaurants and three bars offer unlimited culinary experiences thoughtfully curated to showcase the local food and drink of the region. The main restaurant, Suenos, is at the heart of the resort while the Tierra Gourmet Lounge welcomes guests all day long with a lively bar, wine cellar, and gourmet snack bar ideal for Spanish wine tastings, happy hour, live music, and tapas.

Activities

More than 25 sports and activities are included in a stay at Club Med Magna Marbella, like Zen yoga, aerial fitness, golf, flying trapeze, archery, beach volleyball, and paddle tennis (native to Marbella). Guests can also take a dip in one of five pools including an indoor freshwater pool, the main lagoon pool, an adults-exclusive Zen pool, a dedicated kids pool for the Children’s Clubs, and a family-friendly water park area.

For those looking to unwind, the resort’s wellness area includes a Club Med Spa by CINQ MONDES complete with a steam room, 14 treatment rooms, and an exclusive indoor-outdoor relaxation room for added privacy.

A kids club offers an array of customized activities for toddlers and teens from four months to 17 years old, while families can also participate in the Club Med Amazing Family program, which offers weekly activities. And the Family Fun Zone features water slides, a variety of water games, mini-golf course, and a zipline.

Destination + Exploration

Marbella

Andalusia, often referred to as “the garden of Europe,” promises varied landscapes along with cultural and historical discoveries. Conveniently located near Spain’s south coast, Club Med Magna Marbella is just a 20-minute walk from both sandy Mediterranean beaches and Marbella’s city centre. It is also an hour drive from Gibraltar, Ronda, and Malaga, making it the ideal base to explore the rich Arab-Andalusian history and natural wonders of the region.

Excursions to the Doäana Natural Park and Caminito del Rey, as well as four-wheel drives through Sierra de la Nieves and visiting local villages, are the best ways to explore the natural beauty and rich heritage of Southern Spain.

Sustainable

Following its opening, Magna Marbella aims to earn its Green Globe certification for a sustainable hotel operation. Under the brand’s “Happy to Care” program, almost 95% of all Club Med resorts have been awarded this eco-certification, which is renewed yearly. Aligned with that commitment, the resort is also equipped with solar panels that will supply the required energy for water heating purposes as well as a rain collection and treatment system that will be used to water the gardens.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ON THE MOVE: Travel industry career news

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As travel and travel industry speeds towards recovery, many travel industry personnel are on the move – upwards, onwards, and even elsewhere. Here’s a brief look as some of recent new and notable dispatches of interest to the Canadian trade.

Discover the World

Kim Barbisan and Kevin Pohlmann

Discover the World has appointed two new national sales manager. Kim Barbisan boasts four decades of travel industry experience, including having worked at Travelsavers, Ensemble, WestJet, and Cruise Strategies. She will head up sales and marketing for Tradewinds Voyages and Hebridean Island Cruises.

Meanwhile, Kevin Pohlmann will take the lead for Singapore Airlines in Western Canada. In his career, he has worked for Cathay Pacific and mostly recently as a BDM for WestJet.

Flight Centre Travel Group

Bree Milkovic

Bree Milkovic has been promoted to the role of SVP, Head of Digital for Flight Centre Travel Group’s portfolio of corporate brands. She will be responsible for developing and implementing digital strategy with a particular focus on creating omni-channel digital acquisition and retention programs to deliver revenue and growth for the company’s FCM and Corporate Traveller businesses. Milkovic joined Flight Centre as Digital Marketing Manager Australia in 2019 and will be relocating to Toronto effective June 1 where the company is establishing a best-in-class global hub to connect and support its regional digital teams across the world.

VIA Rail

Cynthia Garneau and Martin Landry

VIA Rail Canada’s President and CEO Cynthia Garneau announced her resignation after three years at the helm of the company. During her tenure, she oversaw an ambitious modernization program and the challenges of the pandemic. Françoise Bertrand, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, announced that Martin R. Landry, Chief Commercial Affairs Officer, who has been in the position for the past eight years, will ensure business continuity at the rail service.

Martinique

Karine Roy-Camille

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Karine Roy-Camille has been appointed Deputy Director of the Americas office of the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA). Having recently taken her position in Montreal, she will now ensure the continuity of the MTA’s implementation of the island’s tourism strategy for the entire Americas market, including creating new air service from Toronto, along with Muriel Wiltord, the MTA’s Director of the Americas based in New York.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

More Industrial Hubs to Accelerate Net-Zero Transition

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More Industrial Hubs to Accelerate Net-Zero Transition - NETZERO.tax - TRAVELINDEXDavos, Switzerland, May 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Four leading industrial clusters in the Netherlands, Belgium and the US today announced that they are working together with the World Economic Forum to reduce their carbon emissions faster through the Transitioning Industrial Clusters towards Net Zero initiative.

• Sustainable Solutions for Net Zero in Energy, Innovation, Sustainability, Transport and Tourism with NetZero.tax Initiative.

Launched at COP26 in November 2021, the initiative aims to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate industrial sectors, while maximizing job creation and economic competitiveness. The approach focuses on building cross-industry and cross-cluster partnerships to better implement low-carbon technologies – as in the case of the regionally developed Basque Hydrogen Corridor – and on accessing public funding and blended-finance options for clusters’ decarbonization projects.

Under this initiative, the World Economic Forum, working closely with Accenture and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as knowledge partners, connects private and public stakeholders to assess how to meet individual and collective decarbonization goals, fosters new enabling policies and provides guidance and support for local community engagement.

Industrial clusters are geographic regions where industrial companies are concentrated, making them an attractive target for impactful emissions reduction strategies. Since industrial assets are located in close proximity of each other, sharing of infrastructure (such as CO2 and hydrogen pipelines or renewable energy assets), financial and operational risks, and natural and human resources becomes possible. This also provides opportunities to deploy and scale new green technologies, such as hydrogen and the capture, utilization and storage of carbon for industrial applications, enabling a systemic approach to emissions reduction.

The clusters joining the initiative are:

– Brightlands Circular Space, together with Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Chemelot, and the Chemelot Circular Hub in Geleen, Netherlands. It will help accelerate the energy transition and circular economy.
– H2Houston Hub, formed through the Center for Houston’s Future and encompassing more than 100 organizations and companies. It will leverage the Houston area’s position as the US’s largest hydrogen producer and consumer, and use innovation and scale to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen and emissions.
– Ohio Clean Hydrogen Hub Alliance, with approximately 100 corporate, governmental and community organization members. It will lead the region’s campaign to establish a clean hydrogen hub in the state of Ohio, US.
– Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest port. It will drive the circular economy and energy transition.

These four large industrial emissions centres, involving oil and gas extraction and processing, shipping, heavy-duty transportation, chemicals and other sectors, currently account for CO2 emissions of 296 million metric tonnes per year – greater than the annual emissions of Poland. They employ more than 470,000 people and represent an annual gross domestic product (GDP) of $135 billion.

“Supporting industrial clusters and corporate partners in the development and implementation of their net-zero strategies is at the heart of what we do,” said Roberto Bocca, Head of Energy, Materials and Infrastructure Platform, World Economic Forum. “We are proud to leverage our collaborative platform and expertise in partnership building to grow the clusters initiative as well as other decarbonization efforts we support, such as the First Movers Coalition, Mission Possible Partnership and Clean Hydrogen Initiative.”

The four new clusters join four others in the UK (Zero Carbon Humber and Hynet North West), Australia (Kwinana Industries Council) and Spain (Basque Net-Zero Industrial Supercluster), which were part of the initial launch of the initiative. Based on metrics provided by each cluster, all eight clusters could potentially save more than 334 million tonnes of CO2 – more than the equivalent annual emissions output of France. They could also create and protect 1.1 million jobs and contribute $182 billion to regional GDP.

“The Ohio Clean Hydrogen Hub Alliance seeks to locate a clean hydrogen hub in the state of Ohio, leading to the eventual decarbonization of much of the transportation, electricity, industrial and heating sectors,” said Kirt Conrad, Co-Founder, Ohio Clean Hydrogen Alliance and Chief Executive Officer, Stark Area Regional Transit Authority. “Investment into a clean hydrogen hub in Ohio will help create massive economic, environmental and health benefits for the state and its citizens.”

“With our focus on becoming the premier circular ecosystem in Europe, it is of upmost importance that we foster competitive collaboration between the companies in our cluster as well as with other global clusters,” said Lia Voermans, Director Brightlands Circular Space, “We believe that this initiative provides a gateway to access the best practices and processes supporting industrial decarbonization.”

The new clusters are already actively advancing their decarbonization journey. For instance, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is starting to convert hydrogen into sustainable raw materials and fuel for the port’s chemicals sector, whereas the Ohio Clean Hydrogen Hub Alliance has developed hydrogen fuel cell buses which tour around the US, educating transit authorities on the potential and viability of clean transportation. However, to achieve net-zero emissions, these efforts must be scaled up. Often, financial mechanisms, rather than technology, are the main roadblock, and policy frameworks to support valuable future technologies are lacking. As value chains are transformed, the creation of new partnerships will be key.

“The Houston region has the talent, expertise and infrastructure needed to lead the global energy transition to a low carbon world,” said Brett Perlman, CEO of the Center for Houston’s Future. “Clean hydrogen, alongside carbon capture, use and storage are among the key technology areas where Houston is set to succeed and can be an example to other leading energy economies around the world.”

“The Port of Antwerp-Bruges hosts Europe’s largest chemical cluster and supports the European Green Deal to become climate neutral by 2050,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Antwerp. “To reach this goal we will all have to work together with respect for individual company needs, industry characteristics and timing. The Transitioning Industrial Clusters towards Net-Zero initiative is a means to inspire and incentivize companies to share best practices in our common pursuit of staying well below 2°C.”

In addition to the eight clusters currently involved in the initiative, more than a dozen in the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region are also in the process of joining. The aim is to build a community of 100 global industrial clusters to accelerate industrial decarbonization.

• Sustainable Solutions for Net Zero in Energy, Innovation, Sustainability, Transport and Tourism with NetZero.tax Initiative.

About the Annual Meeting 2022
For over 50 years, the World Economic Forum has been the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Annual Meeting is the focal point for leaders to accelerate the partnerships needed to tackle global challenges and shape a more sustainable and inclusive future. Convening under the theme History at a Turning Point: Government Policies and Business Strategies, the Annual Meeting 2022 and its 200 sessions bring together global leaders from business, government and civil society. Learn more about the programme and view sessions.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Tourism Forum Lucerne WTFL Ready for Future with New Owner

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World Tourism Forum Lucerne WTFL Ready for Future with New Owner - GLOBALTOURISMFORUM.com - TRAVELINDEXLucerne, Switzerland, May 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Forum Lucerne has made a considerable differ- ence in the global tourism industry over the past 15 years. As of today, the ‘World Tourism Forum Lucerne’ brand has evolved and found a new owner in the form of SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern. This guarantees the continued existence of the ‘World Tour- ism Forum Lucerne’ brand. The company WTFL AG is to be liquidated.

The Corona pandemic has taken its toll on the tourism industry. The World Tourism Forum Lucerne also felt this and very unfortunately the WTFL had to close its doors at the end of January 2022. The regrets about the discontinuation of the WTFL’s valuable activities from home and abroad were overwhelming. The numerous feedback has affirmed WTFL’s founder and CEO, Martin Barth, in his intention to preserve the value that WTFL AG has established and to uphold the vision of the organisation. The intensive search for the suitable organisation to hand over to was successful. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for WTFL: the new owner SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern, who benefits from the excellent existing reputation of the WTFL, will bring new energy and bold ideas.

SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern is expanding its international activities – also with the ‘World Tourism Forum Lucerne’ brand

SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern will be the new owner of the ‘World Tourism Forum Lucerne’ brand. Its aim is to use the brand and its existing values and visions to fur- ther expand its international business. In concrete terms, SHL wishes to become more in volved in the establishment of hospitality schools abroad, strengthen its consultancy in service marketing and management, and at the same time organise more international events at home and abroad. Furthermore, since 2019 SHL has been running the English course of studies ‘Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management’, which is offered in cooperation with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Christa Augsburger, Director of SHL, is proud that SHL is the new owner of the ‘World Tourism Forum Lucerne’ brand. «We can use the brand, which is very well established in the market, to help SHL progress even further in its international endeavours. Not only is the purchase of the brand important, but also Martin Barth’s agreement to support SHL in developing its international activities. We are delighted that we will be able to draw on his expertise and his fantastic international network in the future.»

Martin Barth expands his portfolio, but remains loyal to the tourism industry

Martin Barth, the founder and CEO of WTFL, will contribute his expertise and international network to various projects and committees in the future. He is pleased that SHL has en- trusted him with the further development of the international business. In addition, he will remain a professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, an expert at Inno-Suisse and a board member of several start-ups. «I am convinced that with SHL we have found the perfect new owner of the ‘World Tourism Forum Lucerne’ brand to continue pursuing the vision together. In addition, I can now broaden my portfolio and devote myself even more to entrepreneurial tasks – I am very much looking forward to that.»

About the WTFL
Over the last 15 years, the World Tourism Forum Lucerne has built a global platform with a great deal of heart and soul and a clear vision from Lucerne. This platform is the base where three generations discussed opportunities, risks and new ideas in tourism together. The World Tourism Forum Lucerne was the only platform that integrated start-ups, young executives and students in dialogue with ministers, CEOs and investors worldwide. Our achievements are great: a worldwide network of 15’000 personalities, a cooperation with 40 partner schools from all over the world, an innovation community of 5000 start-ups, a global think tank working on new concepts in the tourism industry every year and an international Next Generation Leader and Young Talent Community with an innovative coaching concept.

About SHL
Since 1909, SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern has been the practice-oriented, innovative training institution that paves the way for young, success-oriented students to enter the national and international hotel and catering industry. As one of two original Swiss hotel management schools, SHL has strongly influenced hotel management education in Switzer- land. SHL graduates hold management positions in the hotel, gastronomy and other service industries in Switzerland and internationally. In addition to the traditional courses of study ‘Dipl. Hotelier(e)-Gastronom(in) HF’ and ‘Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management’, SHL offers continuing education concepts, training opportunities and consulting services in ‘Best Customer Experience’ for companies in various industries. In addition, SHL is involved in international development projects by being active in the conception and development of various industry-specific training initiatives.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO World Committee on Tourism Ethics War in Ukraine Statement

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UNWTO World Committee on Tourism Ethics War in Ukraine Statement - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, May 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), an impartial body which reports directly to the UNWTO General Assembly, met under a new chair and with a new composition. After deliberations, the Committee agreed to issue the following statement:

The World Committee on Tourism Ethics, welcoming the statement of UN Secretary-General that “Continuing the war in Ukraine is morally unacceptable, politically indefensible and militarily nonsensical”, in firm belief that tourism is a vital force for peace and a factor for friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples of the world, urges the Russian Federation to end its invasion against Ukraine which is putting millions of lives at risk, threatening their peace and security. Guided by Article 1 of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee calls on all efforts to be extended towards peace negotiations in accordance with the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

While the right to tourism is forcibly taken away during conflicts, tourism is always a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and sustainable development among countries.

The WCTE functions are to interpret, apply, and evaluate the provisions of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, in addition to ensuring the promotion of its ethical principles and the monitoring of its practical implementation by governments and the private sector.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CANCEL CHAOS: Flight cancellations pile up on busy Memorial Day weekend

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More than 1,260 flights had been cancelled as of Sunday afternoon, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. That followed more than 2,300 cancellations Friday and another 1,500 on Saturday. More than 350 of Sunday’s cancellations involved aircraft scheduled to fly to or from US cities.

Additionally, hundreds of flights worldwide were cancelled by mid-afternoon Sunday, adding to the mounting number of scrubbed flights during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend in the US.

Delta Air Lines cancelled the most flights among major US airlines, with more than 250 flights, or 9% of its operations, eliminated Saturday. More than 150 Delta flights were cancelled by mid-afternoon Sunday, according to FlightAware.

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Saturday’s cancellations were due to bad weather and “air traffic control actions,” Atlanta-based Delta said in an email to The Associated Press, noting it was trying to cancel flights at least 24 hours in advance of the Memorial Day weekend.

Delta announced on its website on Thursday that from July 1 to Aug. 7, it would reduce service by about 100 daily departures, primarily in parts of the US and Latin America that Delta frequently serves.

“More than any time in our history, the various factors currently impacting our operation – weather and air traffic control, vendor staffing, increased COVID case rates contributing to higher-than-planned unscheduled absences in some work groups – are resulting in an operation that isn’t consistently up to the standards Delta has set for the industry in recent years,” Delta’s Chief Customer Experience Officer Allison Ausband said in a post.

Airlines and tourist destinations are anticipating huge crowds this summer as travel restrictions ease and pandemic fatigue overcomes lingering fear of contracting COVID-19 during travel.

Many forecasters believe the number of travellers will match or even surpass pre-pandemic levels. However, airlines have thousands fewer employees than they did in 2019, and that has, at times, contributed to widespread flight cancellations.

People who are only now booking travel for the summer are experiencing the sticker shock.

Domestic airline fares in the US for summer are averaging more than US $400 for a round trip, 24% higher than this time in 2019, before the pandemic, and a robust 45% higher than a year ago, according to travel-data firm Hopper.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THERE’S NOTHING COMMON ABOUT IT: Wild about the West Midlands

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Senior British tourism leaders, along with a mayor, a Michelin chef, a couple of Canadian athletes, and what seemed like half the travel trade in Toronto, turned out for a major industry gala Thursday night to celebrate the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer, and to showcase the West Midlands region as great place to visit, whether or not it’s for the Games.

Taking place at the 1 Hotel Toronto (and preceded earlier in the day by a destination workshop and afternoon tea for travel agents at the Royal York), the event also gave attendees a chance to see (and be photographed with) the baton from the Queen’s Baton Relay, which is making its way across 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth ahead of this summer’s Games (July 28-Aug. 08).

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, “banged the drum” for the region, which is located in the heart of Britain and known for its vibrant cities, notably Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city, and nearby Coventry, Britain’s City of Culture in 2021/22; beautiful countryside; and world-class tourism venues, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and Warwick Castle.

Street declared Birmingham and the surrounding region a must-visit tourist spot for Canadians, with its myriad of cultural gems, including the birthplace of Shakespeare, Cadbury’s chocolate factory, Industrial Revolution heritage (Black Country Museum), and the Birmingham Royal Ballet, as well being the area that inspired the popular Peaky Blinders television series.

Celebrity chef Glynn Purnell showed off his expertise of the West Midlands’ thriving food scene, which encompasses cuisine from around the world, with 11 Michelin-starred restaurants and another 27 venues awarded entry in the Michelin Guide 2021.

Besides the Commonwealth Games, the Birmingham 2022 Festival was launched at the start of March and continues to feature hundreds of creative commissions across the region. The six-month long celebration is a tribute to the creativity in the West Midlands and will involve hundreds of artists, and thousands of participants, communities, and audiences.

Dame Judith Macgregor, Chair of VisitBritain

VisitBritain Chair Dame Judith Macgregor hailed the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay arriving in Canada in the run-up to Games, stating, “Canada is a very important inbound tourism market, we know there is pent-up demand for travel and the Games is a timely and valuable opportunity to highlight experiences that visitors can only have in Britain and to celebrate our friendship and connections as we welcome Canadians back to our shores.”

In the spirit of making connections across the globe, during the event a Commonwealth-wide relay of words and art, named the Relaytionship, was shown.

West Midlands-based poet Amerah Saleh has produced a spoken word manifesto as part of the artwork to inspire people around the world to contribute a word, image, or video to the artwork.

The unique piece of ‘hyper hybrid art’ is now inviting Canadian residents to add their own unique words to this evolving piece of artwork.

Canadians can contribute to the artwork and continue the relay of words HERE.

Prior to the pandemic close to 47,000 Canadian tourists visited the West Midlands annually and the total number of yearly visits by Canadian tourists has increased by approximately 52% between 2010 and 2019.

Canadian swimmer Ella Janson and chef de mission Sam Effa were interviewed about the athlete experience at the Commonwealth Games

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News