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Barcelona Joins UNWTO Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories

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Barcelona Joins UNWTO Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories - TRAVELINDEXBarcelona, Spain, January 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has welcomed the Barcelona Tourism Observatory into its growing International Network of Sustainable Observatories (INSTO). Tourism is one of the leading economic sectors for the city of Barcelona and the surrounding region, responsible for more than 10% of local GDP. The Barcelona Tourism Observatory (BTO) will work to help guide the sector towards greater sustainability. As with other members of the INSTO initiative, the observatory will provide data and analysis to be used to guide evidence-based decision making. This will help Destination Barcelona better deal with the recovery of tourism and in the long run with the large tourist numbers and ensure the sector is managed in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Commenting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “We warmly welcome Barcelona into our growing global network of observatories. As one of the world’s leading destinations, the Observatory can help Barcelona better manage its tourism sector, recovering and growing back more sustainably for the benefit of visitors and residents alike.”

We warmly welcome Barcelona into our growing global network of observatories

For Turisme de Barcelona, the President of the Executive Committee, Eduard Torres, said the development “reinforces the importance of Barcelona’s international role in the field of tourism knowledge as well as positioning us to make even more progress towards sustainability across our sector”. According to Mr. Xavier Marcé, Councillor for Tourism and Creative Industries of the City Hall of Barcelona, being part of the network “will help the Barcelona City Council in making data-based decisions to achieve the goals of managing the visitor economy within the parameters of sustainability of local economy, as well as increasing the return and benefits to citizens.” Núria Marín, the President of the
Barcelona Provincial Council, similarly noted the “the need to link the city of Barcelona with the rest of the province of Barcelona under the concept of Destination Barcelona to analyze the wider reality of tourism activity.”

The Barcelona Tourism Observatory is supported by Barcelona City Council, Barcelona Provincial Council, Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and Turisme de Barcelona. This is the fourth Observatory in Spain, after Canary Islands, Navarra and Mallorca, and brings the worldwide total to 31.

About INSTO

The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was created in 2004 with the main objectives to support the continuous improvement of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector through systematic, timely and regular monitoring of tourism performance and to connect dedicated destinations, helping them to exchange and improve knowledge and understanding about destination-wide resource use and the responsible management of tourism.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Davos Agenda Session on Space Opens Up New Frontiers

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Davos Agenda Session on Space Opens Up New Frontiers - MADEINSPACE.com - TRAVELINDEXIntrnational Space Station, Space, January 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer connected live to a session on Thursday at the Davos Agenda 2022 from the International Space Station, somewhere high above the Pacific, to discuss how space research can improve life on Earth.

• For a better understanding of Space and to join the economic and industrial development of space follow MadeInSpace.com. Contributors welcome.

While in orbit on a six-month mission with the European Space Agency (ESA), Maurer will support a wide range of science experiments and technological research, including those that address transmissions of disease, the reduction of carbon emissions and human health-related activities. Knowledge gained through his mission will contribute to development that benefits life on Earth.

“We have worked hard in the past few weeks and months to send back cargo that we harvested for scientists to analyse all these samples that we produced in space, and to produce science and knowledge for humanity out of it,” he said.

He added that the cross-country and international collaboration aboard the space station should also be a model for how the world tackles major challenges, such as climate change. From his view, Maurer described the beauty of the planet, but also pointed out that he could see the impact of climate change from space.

“When we fly around the Earth (16 times a day), we cross over areas that are very arid and dry and I can see scars on the planet where people are digging deep to extract resources. So we are actively reshaping the planet. We are cutting down trees and burning down rainforests. I see the flames. I also see the flooding.”

Back on Earth, Al Gore, Vice-President of the United States (1993-2001); Chairman and Co-Founder, Generation Investment Management, explained how space technology and artificial intelligence can help address climate action. He highlighted the work of Climate TRACE, a global coalition created to make meaningful climate action faster and easier by independently tracking greenhouse gas emissions with unprecedented detail and speed.

“Some things you can see directly from space, like methane, but the difficulty of measuring CO2 emissions against a highly varied CO2 background on the Earth make it necessary to use AI to get precision we need,” he said. He added that if you consider something like GPS, it is clear how quickly the opportunities offered by space tech and space exploration can become integrated into our lives.

But the data and knowledge that is gained from space should not be limited to those who own satellites, said Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates. “If only countries with access to satellites get access to the data, we deny other countries the opportunity to benefit from that knowledge,” she said.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2022, space is increasingly crowded and commercialized. While the diversification of actors is for many an exciting development, dated space governance frameworks are coming under considerable pressure, exposing fault lines between the ambitions of different players and the acceptability of their actions.

Echoing this message, Josef Aschbacher, Director-General of the ESA, noted that the volume of satellites indicates that regulation is important.

• For a better understanding of Space and to join the economic and industrial development of space follow MadeInSpace.com. Contributors welcome.

However, it will have to keep up with a fast-changing industry, which, according to Chris Kemp, the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Astra, is currently seeing a revolution of sorts. “Access is increasing all the time thanks to significant falls in the cost of putting satellites into space and this has enabled a new generation of entrepreneurs to build companies, to take these companies public and provide new capabilities.”

About the Davos Agenda 2022
For over 50 years, the World Economic Forum has been the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Davos Agenda 2022 is the focal point at the start of the year for leaders to share their outlook, insights and plans relating to the most urgent global issues. The meeting will provide a platform to accelerate the partnerships needed to tackle shared challenges and shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MOON OVER MANHATTAN

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Shane McInerney is accused of carrying on violent and disruptive behavior during an eight-hour flight from Ireland to the United States earlier this month. At least one passenger told the crew that his behavior was “scary,” authorities said. Reportedly he was on his way to Florida to start a job as a soccer teacher at a sports academy in Daytona.

The 29-year-old McInerney from Galway, Ireland, appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Jan. 14, facing a felony charge of intentionally assaulting and intimidating a member of a flight crew. He was released him on a $20,000 bond.

The Irishman was a passenger on a Delta flight from Dublin to Kennedy Airport in New York on Jan. 7. According to an FBI affidavit filed in court, during the flight, some of his transgressions included throwing an empty drink can that hit another passenger in the head; pulling down his pants and underwear to “moon” a flight attendant and other nearby passengers; kicking the seat in front of him, upsetting the person sitting there and refusing to wear a mask despite dozens of requests by the crew.

At one point, the Delta captain, on break, confronted McInerney, who repeatedly placed his own hat on the captain’s head and then held his fist in the captain’s face and said, “Don’t touch me,” the FBI agent wrote in the affidavit.

During the flight the crew had to repeatedly interrupt their regular duties to confront McInerney about his behavior and consideration was given to diverting the plane to another airport to have him removed. Ultimately the plane continued on to New York.

According to the FBI report as Airbus A-330 was on its final approach to JFK with all passengers and crew were buckled in, McInerney got up from his seat, stood in the aisle, and refused to return to his seat and fasten his seatbelt.

Authorities took him into custody upon landing.

According to his social media profiles, McInerney played professional soccer in Australia with Dandenong Thunder SC, and in Sweden with FC Linköping City. Last year, he was a kicker for Peru State College’s American football team.

In an interview last month with the The Irish Daily Star he spoke of his dream to play for the NFL.

Meanwhile, an Instagram post on January 16 showed that McInerney in Daytona Beach relaxing at the beach with a drink.

“Great to be back in the sunshine state,” he wrote. “Blessed to call this place home for the next few months.

In a statement, Delta said it, “has zero tolerance for unruly behaviour at our airports and aboard our aircraft as nothing is more important that the safety of our people and our customers”.

If convicted, McInerney faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Wouldn’t that be a bummer!

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Jan. 17-21, 2021

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This week in the Round-up: Crystal is not having a ball; TICO introduces new specs; WestJet cuts more flights; Lynx Air reveals launch details; Contiki unveils a new look; and Air France announces plans for Quebec City.

NEWS

Crystal has suspended operations for its ocean and expedition ships through April 29 with river cruises suspended through the end of May. The cruise line says that suspending operations will provide its management team with an opportunity to evaluate the financial difficulties of its parent company Genting Hong Kong. Guests and travel partners are currently being notified. Crystal will provide a full refund of cruise fare paid, which will be processed automatically to the original form of payment.

In February, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) will launch a new digital flipbook study manual for Travel Counsellor and Supervisor/Manager certifications. The new manual will have updated content to reflect changes in legislation and will be easier to use. Effective Feb. 28, TICO exams will be based on the newly revised study manual; the deadline to write the exams based on the current manual is Feb. 27. In the future, TICO says it will launch new, fully interactive online education and continuing education programs that have a strong focus on having students apply the program’s regulatory content.

ACTA is the latest travel organization to call on call on the federal government to lift mandatory arrival testing and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated, asymptomatic travellers so that the tests can be used to support Canada’s domestic testing needs.

Officials at the St. John’s International Airport Authority reached an agreement with the facility’s firefighters to end staffing shortages and flight cancellations and enabling normal operations to resume. The parties had been working with a federal mediator to resolve the situation.

Organizers of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, set to begin Feb. 4, say tickets will not be sold to the general public but instead will be distributed to “targeted” groups of people. Organizers had said in September that there would not be any international spectators at the Games due to COVID-19 prevention policies that have all but shut China’s borders to international travellers.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

After several months of forced suspension due to COVID-19, Air Transat has returned to Faro, Portugal with flight TS232 from Toronto on Jan. 18. Now operated year-round, the route will be offered once a week. The airline also operates flights to Lisbon and Faro from Toronto and, from Montreal, Lisbon and next summer, Porto.

AIR

Calgary-based Lynx Air announced it will officially take flight on April 7 with its first flight from Calgary to Vancouver. Initially, Lynx will offer five domestic destinations: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna, and Winnipeg, with flights utilizing brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft. Routes will roll out throughout April with tickets now available to be booked online.

WestJet is continuing the consolidation of flights this month into next, with the airline announcing that 20% of its scheduled flights Feb. 1-28 will be reduced. The “difficult decision” is in response to the Omicron variant affecting staffing levels and the prolonged impact of government barriers on bookings, says the airline. The schedule reduction also represents a slight increase over January, which has seen 15% of flights curtailed.

As of May 17, Air France will connect Quebec City (YQB) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights will be operated by Airbus A330-200.

BY THE NUMBERS

Global tourism experienced a 4% upturn in 2021, compared to 2020 (415 million versus 400 million), however, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72% below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73%.

TECHNOLOGY

Travelport has launched its new Travelport+ tools and functionalities. Customers using the latest version of the desktop tool, Smartpoint, can now access new itinerary enhancements, including Trip Quote, to customize itinerary quotes, and Assisted Ticketing capabilities. Additionally, Travelport has launched a new Trip Manager portal on Travelport+, offering self-service for travellers to carry out fast, easy transactions for their trip on the go and continues its Intelligent Storefront mission by making it easier for agents to understand offers and compare brands with similar attributes on a like-for-like basis. Agencies using Travelport can also better manage the hotel bookings they sell with a simple self-service rules engine, the Content Optimizer.

DEALS

Envision, Budapest

Wave Season deals from Avalon Waterways offer three tiers of savings, ranging from $1,700 to $3,200 in savings for booking on select cruises through March 27. The special rates apply to dozens of cruises, including the 15-day “Magnificent Europe” cruise ($3,200 per couple savings), 16-day “Enchanted Europe for Beer Enthusiasts” ($2,200); and eight-day “Danube Dreams” ($1,700). All bookings also include the option of adding airfare for $499.

The new ‘Spring Seat Sale’ from Transat is valid on new individual Europe bookings made through Feb. 14, for travel between March 1 and June 30, 2022. (Some exceptions apply). Details are available on the airline’s web site.

Savings of up to 20% off are available on select European Waterways Spring barge cruises in France, Italy, and Scotland. The offer ends Feb. 21.

TOURS

Capitalizing on the latest trends in health and wellness trends, TruTravels has launched a new FitVentures collection of wellness-focussed tours, departing from May. The two tour itineraries – one in Thailand, the other Indonesia – come with a ‘workout schedule’ and with Muay Thai classes, beachfront bootcamps and volcano hikes, with the tour operating promising to challenge the conventional wellness retreat by “making working out fun while travellers enjoy the trip of a lifetime.” Activities include cooking classes, cycling, sunset paddleboarding and more. With the “Great Escape Sale,” travellers can save up 40% off the price.

An eye-catching new look and feel signifying “an optimism for the industry that meets the new needs of clients” is behind a brand refresh from Contiki, launched last week. Featuring “Contiki Green,” the vibrant new colour in part represents the brand’s take on sustainability – a “new kind of green.” Along with the new look, Contiki says it has also realized its goal of becoming entirely carbon neutral effective this month.

HOTELS

Hard Rock Hotels has announced plans for the opening of its newest REVERB by Hard Rock in Hamburg, Germany. Slated to open in mid-2022, the 134-room hotel
will be located within the St. Pauli Bunker, Hamburg’s largest, and one of its few preserved, high-rise bunkers, which has come to locally represent creativity and urban culture. REVERB by Hard Rock is a new select service hotel designed for the modern music lover, a sanctuary for the eclectic, and a place where fans meet and experience a melting pot of music culture. The hotel features a modern, urban design package, traveller-friendly integrated technology, and programming focused on local music, food, and lifestyle.

The new ‘Winter Escapes’ promotion by B Hotels offers discounted nightly rates at various Florida properties when booked by March 19 for travel by June 30. Promotional rates start at US$119 at the B Resort & Spa in Orlando (Disney Springs area), $229 at B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale, and $299 at Banana Bay Resort in the Keys. The Orlando property is also providing free breakfast to kids 12 years of age and under (some limitations apply). Booking must be made with the hotel online using the promo code BWINTER.

RESORTS

IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding in Bali, Indonesia. The 120-key all-suite and villa InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort will be a rebrand of the former Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali and will relaunch with a fresh identity. The beachfront resort is located on Sanur Beach which is known for its long stretch of sandy beach with shallow waters and will boast 26 villas, each with a private pool, as well as 94 suites.

A new Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort has been announced for the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, joining an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties around the world. Located on the southern end of the island, it is expected to feature an open-air resort including 90 intimate rooms forming part of the community once known as the Cotton Bay Club. Amenities will include an 18-hole golf course, a lavish spa and swimming pools, and restaurants.

CRUISE

As part of its “Worry-Free Promise,” Holland America Line is extending its Flexible Cancellation Plan. Originally for cruises departing by the end of April, the plan now includes bookings made by March 31 for itineraries that depart on or before Sept. 30 and allows clients to cancel for any reason and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of any cancellation fees that normally would be incurred. Cancellations must be made up to 30 days before departure. Additionally, final payments for cruises through May 31 are due at 60 days instead of 75 or 90.

Viking has floated out its newest ocean ship – the 930-guest Viking Neptune – marking a major construction milestone. Set to debut in November, the vessel will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean before embarking on the company’s 2023-24 Viking World Cruise.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns from March 4 to April 26 with its unique “tour” of California regions and neighbourhoods at the Anaheim theme park. A dozen festival marketplaces will offer bites and beverages for every palate. Complimentary culinary demonstrations with visiting, local, celebrity, and Disney chefs will return on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival. And to further enhance the experience, guests can book and purchase signature events such as the Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions, and the Wine, Beer and Mixology Education & Tasting Seminars. The latest details will be shared on Disneyland.com.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Travel advisors booking new-to-Windstar Cruises guests will receive a $100 per booking bonus commission or a $100 Visa gift card during Wave Season (through Feb. 28). Clients, meanwhile, can choose between “Pick Your Perk” savings options that include up to $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom or up to two free hotel nights with included transfer between hotel and yacht, plus full breakfast, Wi-Fi, resort fees and taxes.

Polar adventure operator Quark Expeditions has unveiled a gift card incentive for graduates of its PolarPro sales training program. Eligible travel advisors who sign up and graduate from the sales training program before March 31 can submit a request to earn a $250 gift card (or local equivalent) on their first booking with Quark Expeditions within 90 days of graduation. Eligible travel advisors who make their first booking after March 31, within 90 days of graduation, will earn a US$100 gift card (or local equivalent).

EVENTS

Registration is open for US Travel’s signature trade show, IPW, which is scheduled to take place from June 4 to 8 in Orlando. Last year the annual spring-time event in Las Vegas was postponed until September following outright cancellation in 2020.

The American Marketing Group’s Travel Market conference at Resorts World Las Vegas has been changed to Oct 27-30, 2022 (the previously announced dates were Sept. 28-Oct. 1).

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Popular industry executive Frank Dennis died Jan. 15 at age 80. Owner of Uniglobe Eastern Canada Region from 1991 to 2016, Dennis was instrumental in the franchise’s growth over the years and a leading figure in the Canadian travel industry, including having served as the first chair of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).

Canadian travel industry figure Michael Friisdahl is set to become executive chairman of Britain-based Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals (FBOs). The former CEO of Rouge airline and Thomas Cook North America has been president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) since December 2015, where he will depart at the end of February.

H.I.S.-Red Label Vacations Inc. (RLV) has announced the appointment of Kurt Ortmann as the Mississauga-based company’s new VP of Information Technology. The 30-year travel industry veteran, whose mandate is to amplify the company’s technological infrastructure and further the continued goal of streamlining operations and expanding customer-centric solutions, took office Jan. 14

DESTINATIONS
Laax, Switzerland, is now home to the longest treetop walkway in the world (photo). The 1.5-km.-long walkway, also known as “Senda dil Dragun”, winds between the trees at a height of up to 28 m. Entering its first winter, the treetop walk connects the two villages of Laax Murschetg and Laax Dorf.

Miami Beach Live! is a month-long celebration starting in March that will feature a variety of activations and live events designed to engage all five senses in the South Florida city. Every Friday through Sunday during March, a diverse lineup of programming will take place in and around Lummus Park and the beachfront areas, from 10 to 13 streets. Themes include Dance, Pop, International, and Symphonic/Broadway – across an array of music, arts, culture, and culinary offerings. Every weekend throughout the month also features a Friday night movie, Saturday evening headlining concert, and Sunday Dine-Around spotlighting Miami Beach’s best-in-class culinary offerings.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Nobu to Launch a Hotel and Restaurant on Santorini

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Nobu to Launch a Hotel and Restaurant on Santorini

Santorini, Greece, January 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Nobu Hospitality, the global lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, is delighted to announce its first hotel and restaurant in Greece – the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Santorini, scheduled to open in spring 2022.

Situated on the island’s captivating northeast coast, the boutique hotel houses a signature Nobu Restaurant, full-service spa, fitness facility, dual-level infinity pool, and five luxurious pool villas, and offers panoramic views of both the Caldera and Aegean Sea from its unique clifftop location in Imerovigli. Just a 10-minute drive to the charming coastal town of Oia and 20 minutes from Santorini (Thira) International Airport, the hotel is well-positioned along the famed Oia-Fira hiking trail that runs between Oia and Fira, Santorini’s cosmopolitan capital.

Nobu Hospitality has entered a long-term management agreement with MonteRock International (MRI), a group with over 25 years of experience in a variety of core industries including hospitality, media, food & beverage, real estate, banking, and industrial technology.

Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer Nobu Hospitality comments, “We are very excited to be coming to Santorini and to work with the local community on this exciting project. Santorini is one of the most highly regarded destinations in the world with its rare beauty, famed for its distinctive cuisine, whitewashed architecture set with a backdrop of steep cliffs, and dramatic sunsets lighting the sea and sky. We look forward to inviting locals and international travellers alike to experience the Nobu lifestyle in this special destination.”

Alfredo Longo, Chief Executive Officer MonteRock International comments, “We are really proud of the rock-solid collaboration we are having with Nobu brand throughout the years, and we are now more than delighted to expand together in the hospitality industry. In this incredible ‘canvas’ such as the Island of Santorini, the finest of what Nobu lifestyle and cuisine have to offer would be served in a ‘picture-perfect setting,’ catering to every need at the highest standards.”

Adding to Nobu Hospitality’s European portfolio, the launch of Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Santorini marks the 26th hotel around the world and tenth hotel in the European continent, with properties in Rome, San Sebastián, and Hamburg also in development.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World’s First Winery Airline Launched, Business Class in Every Glass

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World’s First Winery Airline Launched, Business Class in Every Glass

Auckland, New Zealand, January 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / New Zealand’s borders have just re-opened after 119 days and to celebrate Invivo Co-founders Tim & Rob launch “Invivo Air”, what we believe to be the world’s first winery airline.

The maiden flight will take place in early 2022 from Auckland to Queenstown in a chartered 34-seater Swedish built Saab plane. There will be a number of allocated complimentary seats* on the flight for selected guests and Tim & Rob are inviting Aucklanders to register their interest online at Invivoair.com prior to 6pm on 14 January 2022.

Priority for seats will be given to Auckland hospitality and tourism staff who have been affected by the lockdown, members of the public who haven’t seen their South Island family or friends in 2021 due to the borders and Invivo shareholders.

Selected guests will enjoy a 24-hour line-up of special experiences by Invivo and partners in Queenstown, including a stay at The Hilton Queenstown, visits to Invivo’s Central Otago growers and more.

Tim comments “It’s been a tough period of time, particularly for our bars and restaurant customers in both the North and South Island heavily reliant on local tourism. Running a flight to the South Island is a way that we can show the public the country is open again for domestic tourism, and at the same time support some of those who have had a particularly tough time of it. We are not ruling out further flights to other New Zealand destinations as well. At Invivo Air it’s business glass in every glass!”

“Invivo Air” passengers will need to comply with all applicable rules and regulations, including showing their valid vaccine pass before boarding. Head to Invivoair.com for more.

Share the news with your friends – especially those impacted by the border closures and lockdowns!

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya Opens on Yucatan Peninsula

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Luxury Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya Opens on Yucatan Peninsula

Tulum, Mexico, January 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Hilton announces the opening of the highly anticipated oceanfront Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, marking the brand’s debut in the Mexican Caribbean. Located eight miles north of Tulum, in a secluded bay surrounded by a tropical forest and pristine Caribbean waters, the 349-room resort offers a retreat for guests seeking a transformative getaway, with curated signature restaurants, destination spa, oceanfront pools and access to Tulum’s celebrated sights and attractions.

• Discover Mexico and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

“We are thrilled to make Hilton’s debut in Tulum – one of Mexico’s premier destinations – with this fabulous luxury hotel,” said Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president, Americas, Hilton. “The Caribbean and Latin America has long been a priority market for Hilton with Mexico leading the way – it’s our 5th largest presence globally by number of hotels with Tulum as a central part of our growth strategy.”

“Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya represents so much of what we strive for in our ever-expanding brand portfolio – bold and locally-inspired design, innovative culinary offerings and fulfilling, meaningful experiences for our guests,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “With a record-setting year of openings ahead for the brand, it’s a pleasure to start 2022 with such an exemplary addition to Conrad’s resort offerings and to Hilton’s luxury category at large.”

Bold Design

In the heart of the world’s most exquisite natural wonders, from jungles and beaches to hidden cenotes and colorful flora and fauna, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is designed to give guests a deep connection with Tulum’s distinctive landscape. Upon entering the lobby, guests pass through ornate wooden doors, engraved by local artisans, and are immediately greeted by sweeping ocean views and an immersive art installation, a nod to ancient Mayan architecture and Tulum’s surroundings.

The nature-inspired theme continues throughout the hotel’s thoughtfully designed guest rooms, incorporating organic elements such as stone, wood and metal. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic ocean views, guest rooms are designed with calming tones and elegant furnishings, each with their own private balcony and relaxation tub or plunge pools on the ground floor rooms. Guests seeking additional space can enjoy a suite complete with a spacious living room and adjacent dining area for up to eight people, as well as a spa-inspired master bathroom complete with a soaking tub and rainfall shower.

Exquisite Dining

A destination unto itself, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya’s diverse dining options include five restaurants as well as six bars and lounges featuring globally inspired cuisine, casual poolside fare and world-class catering for meetings and events. Venues include energizing bar experiences serving up generous wine lists, regional spirits and refreshing tropical cocktails, and elevated dining experiences offering flavors of the world with innovative and local twists. A sample of the dining offerings at the hotel includes:

– Autor: The resort’s most sophisticated dining experience is an ode to its chef or ‘author’ where guests experience a personalized culinary journey curated by Chef Jersaí Miranda.
– Maratea: Features distinct cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean Basin from southern Spain to North Africa, Greece and Turkey.
– Ukai: A sushi bar dedicated to the traditional Japanese fishing method, brought to life as a contemporary sushi counter committed to sustainable fishing.
– Kengai: A Teppanyaki restaurant that merges classic Japanese and Southeast Asian techniques with local ingredients and styles, whose name is inspired by the Jacaranda tree, brought to Mexico by Japanese immigrants in the 20th century.
– Chaak Bar: Named after the Mayan rain god and inspired by the cenotes where the Mayans would connect with him, Chaak Bar offers guests a place to seek shelter and recharge.
– Cafetal: This upscale café and market are inspired by the traditional Tianguis, an economic and social gathering center in Mexican culture serving locally sourced coffee, snacks and all-day essentials.

Transformative Experiences

Allowing travelers to discover new facets of well-being and self-fulfillment, the guest experience at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is characterized by a deep connection with the natural environment and to honor Tulum’s cultural traditions. Whether floating, snorkeling or kayaking in the crystal-clear bay waters or lounging in an oceanfront cabana by one of the five pools, guests can fully immerse themselves in this mystical paradise.

Nestled within lush mangroves, Conrad Spa Tulum is a destination purposefully designed as a wellness refuge. Guests enjoy a wide range of services inspired by the legends of the Mayan gods and traditional Mexican herbalism in individual treatment rooms or “casitas.” Spa offerings include an extensive menu of body rituals, a sensory Water Ritual including an outdoor pool and thermal facilities and the Mayan Manteada, an ancient massage technique in which shawls are tied around the waist to relax and realign the body. For guests looking for an enlightened sense of well-being and tranquility, the property has an in-house Shaman to perform ancient rituals like the purifying gratitude and sacred cenote ceremonies.

Sustainable Beauty + Wildlife

The resort is dedicated to safeguarding Tulum’s landscape and its resources. From an environmental education curriculum to multiple rescue and relocation programs for its mangroves, wildlife, and coastal forest, conservation is ingrained in the DNA of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. The hotel emphasizes meticulous preservation and sustainability through its sea turtle protection program as well as an innovative waste management system and water quality monitoring projects. The sea turtle protection program reduces the impact of the hotel’s activities during the turtles’ nesting season and guarantees the conservation of the protected species.

Inspired Gatherings

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya offers the destination’s first and largest separate event center featuring 55,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The convention center’s modern yet elegant décor features large windows giving way to breathtaking views. The 9,000 square foot outdoor terrace is perfect for al fresco dining, and additional event spaces include a Main Ballroom, Junior Ballroom and three meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 2,500 people.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is the latest addition to Hilton’s portfolio of iconic luxury hotels in premier global destinations. This year, Conrad Hotels & Resorts will significantly expand its footprint in key urban and resort destinations including Los Angeles, Nashville, Sardinia and Rabat, Morocco.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya offers guests the confidence of Hilton CleanStay and participates in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.

• Discover Mexico and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Spanning five continents with 40 properties, Conrad Hotels & Resorts has created a seamless connection between contemporary design, leading innovation and curated art to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the globally connected traveler. Conrad is a place where guests can experience service and style on their own terms — all while connecting with local and global culture. Experience a positive stay at Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits.

About Hilton
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,700 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World’s Best Workplaces list, and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2020, Hilton CleanStay was introduced, bringing an industry-defining standard of cleanliness to hotels worldwide. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 123 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dominican Republic with First UNWTO Tourism Investment Guide

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Dominican Republic with First UNWTO Tourism Investment Guide - TRAVELINDEXSanto Domingo, Dominican Republic, January 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has launched the first in a series of tourism investment guidelines focused on a specific country. Developed alongside the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and the national Export and Investment Center (PRODOMINICANA), the new guide provides key insights for investors, with the aim of boosting foreign direct investment in the Caribbean destination.

Launched against the backdrop of the FITUR tourism trade fair in Madrid, the Investment Guidelines represent a comprehensive tool for parties interested in FDI opportunities. In particular, it aims to attract and promote and retain investment in sustainable tourism initiatives in the Dominican Republic, including those that provide local jobs and build greater resilience across the sector. The guide showcases the potential of closer public-private collaboration and makes clear the importance of directing investments towards building new tourism business models centres on innovation and sustainability.

As the UNWTO guide notes, the Dominican Republic represents one of the most competitive opportunities for investors for a number of reasons, excellent geographic location, solid legal framework, economic stability, and modern infrastructure.

Leading investment destination

According to data compiled by UNWTO and fDi Markets of the Financial Times, some 26 tourism projects in the Dominican Republic received about US$5.7 billion in tourism greenfield investments between 2016 and 2020. At the same time, the country has experienced an annual rate of growth in GDP of around 5% for the past 25 years, double the regional average. Over recent years, the Government of the Dominican Republic has worked to further attract FDI, including through the restructuring of free trade zones, incentives for investment in tourism and the signing of DR-CAFTA. (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement).

In 2021, the economy of the Dominican Republic recovered and reached pre-pandemic levels of growth. Notably, around 38% of this recovery was the product of the tourism sector. According to figures from the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), as of December 2021, around 300,000 jobs were secured by the recovery of tourism, the result of the Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan led by the President of the Republic, Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona. The Plan, which saw tourism workers vaccinated as early as possible, allowed the country to be among the first of all global destinations to reopen its borders.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Start-Up Innovation Camp Promotes Sustainable Tourism & Honours Start-Ups

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Start-Up Innovation Camp Promotes Sustainable Tourism & Honours Start-Ups - TRAVELINDEXRas Al Khaimah, UAE, January 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and organised by the World Tourism Forum Lucerne, the international Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit was held in Ras Al Khaimah on 18th and 19th January 2022. Steps towards a more sustainable future for tourism were discussed in workshops and a public conference with 150 participants. Twelve start-ups, which had to qualify in an intense competition, were also invited to showcase their innovative ideas for moving the travel and hospitality industries forward. The best four of them were presented with an award.

The World Tourism Forum Lucerne entered into a strategic partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) three years ago. This was done not only because Ras Al Khaimah is the fastest-growing tourist destination in the Middle East but also, and in particular, because the visionary emirate is engaged in numerous initiatives designed to make it a regional market leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. It was therefore entirely fitting that the emirate should put itself forward to host the internationally minded Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit, where innovations for more sustainable tourism are encouraged and promoted.

Commenting on the event, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “We pride ourselves on being a dynamic and forward-looking Emirate, eager to adapt and embrace the changes required for the future success not only of the tourism industry but the wider business landscape. It is our goal in Ras Al Khaimah to nurture a tourism industry which is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable and we place a huge importance on fostering growth and development of start-ups within the Emirate to help achieve that vision.” Adding: “The WTLF start-up innovation summit was a great platform to cultivate an inclusive and productive forum to encourage innovation for future generations and drive positive change across the industry. I feel enthusiastic and hopeful for the dialogue we have started at this summit and for the future of tourism.”

International experts
The public conference attracted many high-calibre experts from all over the world, who came to share their expertise in fascinating talks and debate the future of tourism together. For instance, Samih Sawiris, member of the board of directors of Orascom Development Holding, revealed what he looks out for when investing in a start-up and explained that customers also need to learn that sustainability has its price. John Scanlon, chair of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, spoke about the many endangered species of animals in the world, why a loss of biodiversity is also a threat to humanity and how we can support the diversity of animal life. And Michael O’Shea, founder and owner of the international investment firm Kerten Group, highlighted the importance of networks such as that of the WTFL and of cultivating contacts with people, including young talent.

Getting start-ups integrated into the industry in this way is also a top priority for Martin Barth, President and CEO of WTFL: “In this fast-changing world, it’s more important than ever to bring start-ups with their new business model together with investors, but also with established companies. This is the only way we’ll transform the tourism industry into something more sustainable that is capable of surviving in the long term even when faced with a constant stream of new trends and new needs, like it is at the moment.”

Start-ups with groundbreaking ideas
The twelve top start-ups that were invited along had previously been picked by a panel of experts, having had to fight off over 400 competitors from 74 countries in a fierce qualifying round. The Innovation Camp gave them the opportunity to take part in a range of workshops and get one-to-one coaching in areas such as fundraising, marketing and sales, as well as presentation and communication skills.

They also benefited from the chance to talk directly to the tourist industry heavyweights that were at the event and succeeded in impressing their audience with their ideas and business models. The best performers were crowned the four winners, who received a sum of prize money plus entry into the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s global network of start-ups:

– Aguardio (“Hospitality” category) has developed interactive, Internet-enabled sensors that help reduce water and energy consumption in bathrooms without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
– Tashi (“Transaction” category) offers a no-code tool that, for instance, enables individual tourist regions – even without any knowledge of coding – to create their own digital marketplace where all available offers can be integrated and viewed by customers.
– PashooPakshee (“Destination” category) lets local artisans and communities in remote areas sell their hand-crafted souvenirs in tourist hotspots.
– Spark (“Mobility”) makes car parks easier to use by allowing vehicles to be checked in and out in a contact- and paperless process and parking charges to be paid directly via a mobile app.

Ongoing screening of start-ups
WTFL regularly holds national and international Innovation Camps, such as the one in Ras Al Khaimah, to promote the best start-ups and give them a platform. This is possible thanks to the ongoing screening of fledgling companies that has led WTFL to build up an unparalleled network of start-ups over the years. With its Dealflow tool, WTFL has also created a digital platform that makes it even easier to bring young talent together with investors, CEOs and other individuals with industry experience. This is because, in tourism like in many other sectors, the success stories of tomorrow will be built on innovative business models, agility and strong partnerships.

More WTFL events in Ras Al Khaimah
On the back of the highly promising partnership between WTFL and Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate will also be hosting two more major events in 2022. The first of these is the “Talent Boost”, which will be all about how the industry can attract and retain enough talented individuals and how the new issues that tourism is having to contend with can be tackled in training and apprenticeships. The second event will see the “WTFL Think Tank” assemble in Ras Al Khaimah, where leading personalities from the worlds of politics, business and academia will discuss key topics of the future. This time, the focus will be on biodiversity.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Embracing Change at Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary

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Embracing Change at Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, January 21, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / January is a time to start fresh and set new intentions, and with 2022 well and truly underway, Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Retreat on Koh Samui the perfect place to work on positive change – any time of year.

The wellness programmes at Kamalaya offer solutions to many of life’s challenges. As one of the most popular programmes at Kamalaya Koh Samui, Embracing Change which is ideal for anyone who wishes to simultaneously pursue wellness and a better future.

Embracing Change focuses on enriching emotional wellbeing and addressing life circumstances. Suitable for anyone seeking support with challenging situations of any kind, this programme can target behaviours such as emotionally driven eating habits, relationship issues including loss or break-ups, work-related difficulties, anxiety, and grief, whether pandemic related or due to regular life events.

With five and seven-night programme options available, guests learn to recognize and understand their habits to release, heal, rebuild, and strengthen emotional patterns before learning how to sustain a personal practice and establish healthier levels of balance.

Embracing Change is a gentle inward journey of discovery in order to embrace who you are, what makes you uniquely you, and in doing so break free of old habits and perceptions. Guests experience nurturing spa sessions, healing massages, Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, ancient Ayurvedic practices, and sessions with Kamalaya’s trained Life Enhancement Mentors to help guests through their change processes and encourage positive growth.

All guests at Kamalaya Koh Samui begin their stay at the multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary with a Body Bio-impedance Analysis (BIA) and at the end of their programme, complete an exit and review.

Located on the south tip of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, Kamalaya combines the very best of healing therapies from East and West, and is one of the world’s top destinations for nurturing health and wellbeing, pursuing self-development, developing healthier, happier habits, and improving lifestyles.

With expansive outdoor space, open-air dining, lush tropical vegetation, cascading streams, 250 meters of private beach and a cave once used by Buddhist monks as a place of meditative retreat, Kamalaya’s nature and setting is an integral part of the experience.

Integrating the beauty of the surrounding natural environment into its design, the Wellness Sanctuary features open air treatment spaces as well as deluxe air-conditioned suites. There are over 50 certified wellness professionals at Kamalaya, including naturopaths, doctors of Chinese medicine, western medical doctors, registered nurses, nutritionists, life transformation experts, Ayurvedic and Thai therapists, fitness specialists and yoga, meditation and pranayama teachers.

Like a self-contained village, Kamalaya has a range of facilities for guest use including two fitness centres fully equipped with weight and fitness training equipment as well as cardio machines. Personal sessions in strength training, functional resistance training, reformer Pilates and other exercise modalities are available. Kamalaya boasts two swimming pools with sea views, including a leisure pool to relax in and a 25m lap pool for training. Complimentary group holistic activities are offered, these daily activities include yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, pranayama, meditation, fit ball and beach power walks.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News