Category: Latest Travel News

Andermatt, Switzerland, November 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / While the travel and tourism sector is gradually picking up speed again, the stakeholders in this business are keen to use its current momentum to examine the sector critically; they want to think afresh about tourism and thus make it fit for the future. At the international World Tourism Forum Lucerne conference, top-level guests investigated the challenges currently facing the tourism industry and shone a light on new perspectives for the future. If this business sector is to stay successful, it must integrate its operations across a broad front and address the five key themes actively.

PAST AND FUTURE
The travel industry came to a halt very abruptly, but it is now slowly recovering, presenting us with a chance to ask ourselves some long-overdue questions: do destinations really want to go back to overtourism? To overcrowded beaches and long queues waiting for popular attractions? To “insider tip-offs” that soon become Instagram hotspots and then lose their magic? Wouldn’t it be better to replace the “back to normal” slogan with the aim of “moving forward” – to take this opportunity by the scruff of its neck so that we can make up for lost time and correct the mistakes of the past?

• Martin Barth, President & CEO of World Tourism Forum Lucerne: “We must look forward and find our opportunities in the crisis. How we deal with the challenges we face today will determine how successful we are in the future.”
• Niall Ferguson, historian & bestseller author: “Compared to past pandemics, the current one is not quite as dramatic if we are looking at the number of deaths. However, the economic costs of the ongoing pandemic are significantly higher because working from home is a new phenomenon that led to a substantial economic crisis.”
• Peter Fankhauser, Director PETRAF & Ex-CEO Thomas Cook: “You need the best people who are fitting perfectly to your culture, your value system, your team and to yourself. Do not underestimate the emotional factor and take care of those connections because that is what you are holding on to when you’re falling.”

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Progress depends on a transfer of knowledge plus new and creative ideas; this will allow everyone to contribute their own specific talents and create networks for themselves – regardless of mental or physical impairments, gender, ethnicity or level of education. We must get rid of the prevailing stereotypes and embrace a more progressive understanding of organisational culture. All this calls for new, smart partnerships, joint initiatives and plans of action.

• Aradhana Kowhala, CEO & Founder Aptamind Partners: “Despite increased awareness of gender imbalance, the number of women in the C-Suite and on boards hasn’t moved. We keep inching our way expecting breakthroughs but now it is time pair bold thinking with big commit­ments – show visible commitment and seek solutions that deliver exponential gains.”

• Ulrich Bensel, Chief Human Resources Officer Deutsche Hospitality: “In the hospitality industry, we have left the composition of our workforce to chance until now. The goal must be for us to take a more structured approach to diversity within the company and consciously shape it with new tools. This will have a positive impact on performance.”

SUSTAINABILITY AND BIODIVERSITY
If we want to treat the natural wonders and mountain idylls advertised in our catalogues properly in future, we will have to put a higher priority once again on protecting the landscape than on maximising profit. We need clear sustainability strategies so that we can restore a healthy balance between People, Planet and Profit. As well as the financial and social aspect, we also need to think about “natural capital”. For example, our world is now more in need of new sustainability projects than hotel complexes.

• Shannon Ghuian, Chief TreadRight & Sustainability Officer at TTC: “The very reason why we travel is at risk because we have taken it for granted. But the indication of behavioural change is twofold: We want to motivate people to come along with us on our biodiversity journey, yet we sell them holidays. We need to encourage them to take sustainability issues into consideration.”

• Reto Ringger, Founder & CEO Globalance Bank: “Most people are confused and ask themselves whether their money and investments are part of the problem or part of the solution. What makes me optimistic is the next generation. With their small businesses and their willingness to use new technologies they are part of the solution.”

THE GENERATION GAP AND BRIDGING THE SILOS
If the next generation gets a place at the table, we can complement our existing knowledge with new ways of thinking. Talented newcomers, young professionals and start-ups are increasingly laying claim to such places. They all think quickly and like to try out new ideas, and they can keep pace with the digitalised world. They are agile and they adapt to changing circumstances in the modern world – and they are the leading figures of the future. By promoting these people, we can join forces to prepare the tourism industry to face the future – and that will benefit us all. The WTFL has integrated three new universities into its partnership network in order to develop its talent promotion activities still further; it has also entered into a strategic cooperation project with GTTP (Global Travel & Tourism Partnership), which works vigorously to support new entrants into the tourism industry workforce in more than 16 countries. It also ensures that the sector becomes more attractive for the next generation.

• Anne Lotter, Executive Director GTTP: “The collaboration with WTFL is warmly welcomed by the Global Travel & Tourism Partnership (GTTP). We will benefit at an organizational level from WTFL’s stakeholders, including contact with industry, education, and governments. For our younger generation of travel and tourism students the Innovation Festival is hugely inspiring. They get the opportunity to witness the next steps to take in their career and hear from top professionals as well.”

INNOVATION AND LEARNING FROM OTHER INDUSTRIES  
The tourism sector is often examined in isolation, but it is actually part of an economic, social and political system. Therefore, the tourism sector must integrate itself broadly into networks, look beyond its own boundaries and take advantage of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, which could create personalised travel experiences in real time, for example. These creative, innovative and disruptive business models are already available, as the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s continuous Start-Up Screening has shown us. In order to promote this trend even more, the Forum brings highly successful sector experts, investors and young talents together at its Start-Up Innovation Camps around the world. The only way we can correct our course, set up the sector so that it can meet the needs of the future and play a leading role on innovation is if we work together.

• Koen Deryckere, Lead Industry Networks and Programs at Accenture: “More and more companies are moving into other industries to provide end-to-end propositions. As a result, industry lines are blurring, and today’s technologies are the main driver and enabler for that.”
• Stephanie Nägeli, Executive Board SV Group: “Revenues are sinking, but you have to continue to innovate. We need to ask ourselves: What are the opportunities in the crisis and how can we take these to accelerate disruption and to become more innovative.”

WORLD TOURISM FORUM LUCERNE THINK TANK 
Like others, the international participants in the Think Tank also grappled with the major problems and current challenges facing the industry. They see the greatest potential for optimisation in three key areas for success in the tourism industry of the future: Health & Wellbeing, Climate & Sustainability and Social Equality & Diversity.

• Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director Twenty14Holdings: “The WTFL is a much-needed event in these challenging times to bring together the entire travel and tourism fraternity to deliberate on the sector’s quick recovery, and shape constructive dialogue around the evolving face of tourism through sustainable, inclusive and connected experiences. The ongoing pandemic has caused several shocks to the travel supply chain, and it is important for new ideas to emerge and take concrete shape through adequate industry support, for the sector to contribute to livelihood creation and socio-economic development worldwide.”

Bangkok, Thailand, November 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Utopia Hospitality Group is preparing to add a new page to the hospitality industry in Phuket by introducing a fully integrated Hospitality Ecosystem model and planning to launch a world-class fashion brand hotel to attract more travelers to Phuket. Utopia Corporation: UCORP, one of the largest real estate developers in Phuket, launched Utopia Hospitality Group: UHG, a flagship hospitality management company and it is a dynamic new player in the Asia Pacific hotel sector, with a vision to create daring concepts and lifestyle experiences that transform the world of hospitality. Its strong new vision will add a new page to the hospitality industry on Phuket Island with a business model covering a fully integrated Hospitality Ecosystem and guaranteed results through the creation of a new hotel brand with a lifestyle focus and approach that is different but meets the needs.

Mr. Hachi Yin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Utopia Corporation, revealed that for the first three quarters of 2021, despite the COVID-19 crisis, Utopia Corporation continued to lock in sales, driven by deploying the latest technologies. A transformative business plan in sync with marketing trends, consumer behaviors and demands all contributed to the success. In the fourth quarter of 2021, Utopia continues to reinforce its commitment with the launch of Utopia Hospitality Group to operate hotels and resorts.

Hachi affirms that the hospitality business is a new opportunity with high growth potential and it aligns with Utopia’s expertise as a developer that understands the diverse lifestyles of every customer segment. With its entire existing portfolio operating on a condotel/branded residence model, guests staying at their properties can enjoy a home away from home experience that conventional hotels cannot offer.

Utopia Hospitality Group (UHG), a subsidiary of Utopia Corporation, a leading real estate developer in Phuket, Thailand, is on an exciting journey that traverses the entire hospitality ecosystem from design and development to branding and operations of its own portfolio of properties.

UHG will provide the flexibility and openness to help level-up the playing field in the post-pandemic era. Developers can take advantage of attractive and accessible brands, without the strict limitations of brand standards, while also enjoying a more customizable and democratic approach to management and franchise contracts. Hoteliers will benefit from multiple levels of expertise from management and marketing services to proprietary technologies.

UHG also commits to a guaranteed income for investors. This is truly a change in the hotel and hospitality industry as an “Option” and an “Answer” for the modern hotel business.

“UHG was born with a strong vision and a bold idea, breaking the old rules to lead everyone to create a different lifestyle experience. This will completely transform the world of hospitality and tourism and help to enhance the competitive field in the new era of hospitality and tourism. Whether you are a guest or a partner, a team associate or a member of the community, UHG is committed to treating everybody fairly and respectfully. We are embarking on a journey to transform the hospitality sector and we want you to join us! We are inspired by creativity and driven by our goals. We dream, we dare, we do. We are UHG,” Hachi said.

Under the umbrella of UHG, prominent lifestyle hotel and resort brands will offer new travel experiences that meet the needs of smart travelers in the new era, including: Midscale Aparthotel Brand, Upscale Lifestyle Resort, and Ultra-Luxury. UHG will operate several new hotels including rebranding and renovation from 2022 onwards.

● Midscale Aparthotel Brand: A midscale aparthotel with the brand essence, Live Your Own Way, that merges the modern lifestyle and sense of belonging to a community experience with the comfort and a flexibility of an apartment to meet the needs of a new generation of smart travelers. The brand essence has 5 key pillars; Midscale with comfort, Flexible stay Purposeful, Design, Hip F&B concept, and Sense of community.

● Upscale Lifestyle Resort: Our 5-star resort brand occupies the space between lifestyle resort and wellbeing retreat. It recognizes having fun can also mean being healthy, drawing on the playful design expression of a lifestyle resort and blending it with the more conscious wellbeing and slow pace of a wellbeing retreat. All aligned with the slogan of ‘Live Slow, Play Well.

● Ultra-Luxury: The third brand under UHG is a collaboration with Tonino Lamborghini, the legendary luxury brand of Italy that epitomises refined luxury products and designs. The Tonino Lamborghini Boutique Hotel Phuket is the first hotel under this brand in Thailand. Located on Ao Po, overlooking the azure Andaman Sea and exotic offshore islands, scheduled to welcome guests in 2024.

UHG is fully committed to playing their part in addressing environmental and social issues. Sustainable development and management practices are integrated into their entire business ethos. By operating in an efficient and eco-sensitive way, UHG can also minimize waste, reduce costs and drive long-term benefits for the entire community, while also helping to attract the new generation of socially and environmentally conscious guests.

UHG plans to launch its new Midscale Aparthotel Brand in Q1 2022 and open its first property under this brand in Q4 2022. A second partner, a high-end fashion ultra-luxury brand will also be unveiled in Q2 2022. The Upscale Lifestyle Resort brand is set to launch in Q1 2023. All of these will be in Phuket.

Utopia Hospitality’s plan also includes the creation of two immense landmarks located in the northern and southern Phuket region. Bay of Icons is a new destination that is much sought after by high-end global investors and travelers. They are located in Ao Po Bay on the northern coast of Phuket, covering the beach surrounding the beautiful Ao Po Grand Marina Bay with a total area exceeding 20 Rai. It comprises cutting-edge facilities and several exclusive services to satisfy the luxury lifestyle.

Additionally, the “Entertainment Complex” Utopia Dream, is a mixed-use development with a low-rise condominium to be constructed in Nai Harn, the southern coast of Phuket. It will be a paragon of relaxation filled with color, happiness, and world-class entertainment activities. The total investment for these two projects, as mentioned earlier, is above 4,000 million Baht.

About Utopia Corporation
Utopia Corporation was founded in 2015 and has rapidly grown to be a top real property developer in Thailand. It currently runs Utopia Naiharn, which received Asia’s Top Emerging Hotel awarded by Now Travel Asia, including ten actual properties. Recently, it has cooperated with Tonino Lamborghini, the legendary luxury brand of Italy, well-known for its luxury products and designs, to open new hotels in Phuket under the brand Tonino Lamborghini, a first in Thailand.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / While travelling to Australia may not be easy at the moment, transporting your tastebuds there without leaving Bangkok has never been easier. Beef lovers can now go on a delicious culinary adventure like no other thanks to The Great Steak Escape and the 7 restaurants and 7 Chefs taking part from now till November 24, 2021. The dishes being offered during this campaign showcase the juicy tenderness of premium Australian beef combined with distinctive Thai flavours and aromatics to create unforgettable dining experiences.

The Great Steak Escape is brought to Thai beef connoisseurs by True Aussie Beef to highlight the unsurpassed taste of Australian beef. Australian beef cattle are raised in a pure and natural environment with uncompromised levels of paddock to plate quality control standards. The stringent measures put in place by the Australian beef industry ensures consistent purity, texture, and flavour in every cut of beef.

To bring Australian beef to life on diners’ plates, 7 restaurants and their Chefs were invited to take part in The Great Steak Escape. Each of the esteemed Chefs not only have a passion for beef but also the skills and dedication required to ensure that every cut of beef they cook is not only a feast for the eyes but also dances in the mouths of their customers, rewarding them with an abundance of flavour in every bite.

1. “Smoked by Chef Pam” is a revolutionary BBQ smokehouse owned by Chef Pam, the True Aussie Beef Thailand Ambassador. Beef lovers will love the aroma, tenderness and juiciness of the Australian beef that has been transformed through the smoked process. Two highlights that are sure to satisfy true beef lovers are the 14-Hours Smoked Dino Ribs set using bone-in short rib and the 14-Hours Smoked Angus Brisket set. Both are served with select side dishes, including mustard potato salad, chips, coleslaw and many more. Besides these two mouthwatering dishes, Smoked also offers a variety of Australian beef cuts on their menu, such as Smoked Wagyu Tataki, Wagyu Round Cut Fried Rice, Smoked Steaks, Wagyu Flat Iron and more delectable options.

2. “Market Café by Khao” is a Michelin-starred, award-winning, and iconic ‘Khao restaurant’ located in the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit. It serves delicious Thai dishes with high-quality ingredients, including premium ingredients Australian beef. During The Great Steak Escape campaign, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit is offering a special “Steakation” package that includes a delicious Australian Beef Thai dinner set combined with a one-night stay in a Club Room with Club benefits. Beef lovers will have their tastebuds sent on a delicious journey to Australia, accompanied by an array of dazzling Thai flavours in some unforgettable Chef created dishes. Lucky diners can enjoy Sun-Dried Beef, Spicy Beef Salad with Lemongrass and Mint, Panaeng Curry with Beef, and Som Chun a traditional Thai dessert. The Australian beef cut at the centre of these dishes is Australian Striploin, a well-marbled boneless cut of beef that provides a mouthwatering experience in every bite.

3. “Fat Lamb Restaurant” serves up Mediterranean food in a cozy home environment. The highlight of their menu is the giant Australian Tomahawk steak with the special Fat Lamb seasoning, guaranteed to delight from the very first bite. This cut is prized for its extremely tender, buttery texture from the higher marbling and always delicious flavour. Beautifully presented on the bone, it is one of the most visually impressive steaks money can buy. Apart from the giant Australian Tomahawk, Chicago Wagyu Pizza will surely be another favourite choice for beef lovers who love cheese. This dish delivers a distinctive cheese aroma with the soft and smooth consistency of Australian beef coming together in perfect harmony. More must-try Australian beef dishes, cooked in the Mediterranean style, are the Tenderloin beef kebab, the 24-hour sous vide beef cheek, and the Iskender kebab.

4. “Chef’s Table by Chef Art” is owned by famous celebrity chef Supamongkon “Art” Supapipat, the first chef to bring the chef table dining experience to Thailand. The restaurant’s feature dish is the Australian Beef Wellington, the ultimate in luxurious roasts that combine Australian beef tenderloin and Chef Art’s secret ingredients created with berries, red wine, and creamy mashed potato wrapped in a buttery puff pastry crust. The Beef Wellington at Chef’s Table by Chef Art is a popular favourite with diners who relish in the deliciousness of the perfectly cooked tender fillet of Australian beef and is one of those dishes that is remembered well beyond the meal itself. Another dish that Beef lovers should not miss when dining here is the Australian Beef Fillet Rossini cooked with tenderloin, Perigueux sauce, brioche, and butter vegetables which come together to provide rich flavours that are bound to please dinner guests.

5. “Sexy Cow Prime Steak & Seafood” provides the ultimate prime steak & seafood dining experience with outstanding premium-grade beef imported from Australia: Striploin, Tenderloin, Ribeye, and Tomahawk are selection all available on the menu. The appetite pleasing Meat Platter features three premium-grade imported cuts of Australian beef and lamb chops which are aged for four weeks until the meat is tenderised and the flavour is much richer. Sexy Cow has a specially crafted charcoal grill that cooks these beautiful pieces of steak to perfection. Another crowd-pleaser on the menu is Tenderloin Truffle, a dish that will be a true highlight for hungry beef lovers. Tenderloin is perfect for those who prefer lean meats, and in this dish, it is served with truffle sauce and fresh truffle slices, it is luxurious yet delectable and will surely delight every diner.

6. “Flat Marble Restaurant” is a popular and intimate casual fine dining restaurant that offers a variety of menu options to satisfy the taste buds of beef lovers. The highlights on the menu are the Fat Beef Fried Rice with Australian Wagyu Striploin Steak topped with a Fried Egg, Uni and Ikura and the Capellini Aglio Olio e Pepperoncino topped with Australian Wagyu Striploin. These two dishes deliver an unforgettable level of richness due to the increased marbling of the Striploin cut which makes this cut of beef perfect for searing. Another recommended dish sure to dazzle beef lovers dining at Flat Marble is the Butter Australian Wagyu Tenderloin.

7. “Mad Beef” is a beef kaiseki restaurant in Bangkok with the concept of offering good quality dishes for beef lovers, this of course includes premium-grade Australian beef. The restaurant serves its customers the most unique cuts of beef and cooks them in the maddest way possible. One such offering is the Mad Sando, a Japanese-style chopped wagyu sandwich with Kansai-style sukiyaki sauce which is a mayo that’s been torched for extra palate-pleasing taste. Another standout dish is Mad Don, Wagyu Denver on rice with raw egg and fried leek. The Australian Denver Steak in this dish is also known as the chuck flap tail, which comes from the short rib of the chuck, it’s a finely textured cut and is the unsung hero of the flavorful chuck primal. All these Mad Beef creations are favourites with beef lovers thanks to their intense and delicious flavours and the delicate textures of the Australian beef.

About Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
Meat & Livestock Australia Limited (MLA) is the marketing, research and development body for Australia’s red meat and livestock industry. It is a not-for-profit organisation owned by cattle, sheep and goat producers. MLA uses the True Aussie Beef and Lamb brand, to promote Australian red meat in export markets (Internationally), representing Australian beef, veal, lamb, and goat to showcase the value of these products while sharing the True Aussie Beef and Lamb story.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently staged a special tourism marketing mission to Dubai, the UAE, that resulted in stronger ties with strategic airline partners and a wider awareness of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ in the Gulf Region.

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

During the mission on 2-3 November, 2021, the TAT’s high-ranking delegation signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Etihad Airways, introduced the latest tourism marketing campaign to Emiratis and influencers in the UAE, and discussed tourism collaboration with Air Arabia and Oman Air.

Mr. Thosaporn Sirisumphand, TAT Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “Next year, 2022 will mark a new chapter for Thailand as it will be the year of ‘Visit Thailand’ where throughout the year, we will invite travellers from around the world to experience the “Amazing New Chapters” of Thailand. As such our key messages will highlight the abundance of the kingdom’s tourism products and services that will fulfil all visitors’ travel desires, because from A to Z, Thailand has it all.”

Prior to the official start of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’, Thailand is currently welcoming fully vaccinated foreign visitors from 63 countries and territories, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to enter the Kingdom without quarantine requirements under the Exemption from Quarantine (Test & Go) and the Living in the Blue Zone (17 Sandbox destinations) entry schemes, starting from 1 November, 2021.

The list of approved countries will be expanded later to cover the entire world from 1 January, 2022. Meanwhile, the “Thailand Pass” web-based system has been launched to support the “Ease of Travelling” policy, allowing foreign travellers to fill in their travel and health information and upload the related documents before travelling to Thailand.

The timing could not have been better, for TAT and Etihad Airways to support each other in promoting Thailand as a preferred destination. Both signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to form a long-term strategic partnership to develop and promote quality tourism experiences in Thailand for travellers from the Gulf Region.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “This Letter of Intent will pave the way for strategic tourism collaboration efforts between TAT and Etihad Airways with an emphasis on revenue-generating quality tourists. We expect this partnership to help strengthen the position of Thailand as a popular destination for Arab travellers from the Gulf Region.”

Under the LoI agreement, TAT and Etihad Airways will put into effect a range of joint promotions to mutually increase tourism and visibility for Thailand through the Etihad Airways global network. The promotions will focus on niche tourism markets; such as, sports tourism, luxury tourism, as well as health and wellness.

The Letter of Intent (LoI) between the TAT and Etihad Airways was signed in Dubai on 3 November, 2021, by Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Americas, and Ms. Amina Taher, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorship, Etihad Airways.

The TAT’s high-ranking delegation also discussed tourism collaboration efforts with Air Arabia and Oman Air during the marketing mission to Dubai.

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

The visa-on-arrival policy for nationals in the Gulf Region coupled with the Exemption from Quarantine (Test & Go) entry scheme present prospects for both Air Arabia and Oman Air to reconsider resuming services to Thailand. Marking new development is Oman Air’s resumption of its Muscat-Bangkok service with two flights per week from 11 November, 2021.

Macau, Macao SAR, November 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Given the new environment, new policies, new directions as well as new trends of tourism industry development, and in parallel with the Macao Special Administrative Region Government’s vision to build a world centre of tourism and leisure, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) commissioned a research institution at the end of 2020 to examine the implementation progress of the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan (referred to as the “Master Plan”) in various areas in the past five years, and work out amendments, updates, reorganization and additions to the content so that the Master Plan will correspond with the transformations of the tourism landscape and fulfill what is in store for future tourism development in Macao.

The first review study report for the Master Plan was delivered today (12 November). Relevant tasks will be strenuously worked on to make progress in the six areas as follows: enriching the variety of tourism products and facilities, fostering quality tourism, optimizing precision marketing, pushing forward urban construction, capitalizing on smart technology, as well as expanding regional and international cooperation.

Scientific assessment of Macao’s tourism industry development over the past five years
In 2015, MGTO began formulating the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan to lay the foundation and map out the direction for the future development of Macao’s tourism industry in the next 15 years (until 2030). The Master Plan was announced in 2017, proposing eight key objectives, 33 strategies, 29 planning proposals and 91 short-, medium- and long-term action plans, in line with the Macao SAR Government’s commitment to build Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure. The Master Plan comes with an evaluation mechanism for making timely adjustments to various key objectives, planning proposals and action plans in line with the latest prospect of Macao’s tourism industry.

MGTO commissioned a research institution at the end of 2020 to commence a review of the Master Plan through different research methods, scientifically and systemically soliciting opinions on tourism development from different stakeholders including residents, visitors, members of the trade, organizations, pertinent governmental departments and so forth.

90% of short-term action plans accomplished in first five years
Four major aspects were reviewed as follows: 1) examine and analyze the current situation of Macao’s tourism development; 2) a retrospective overview of the implementation progress from 2016 – 2020; 3) deepening of five key issues: contribution of tourism to the economy, regional tourism cooperation; tourism carrying capacity, diversification of visitor source markets, and smart tourism led by science and technology; 4) addition/omission/adjustment to proposed action plans and key objectives.

On review of the progress over the last five years, 68 out of 69 short-term action plans proposed by the Master Plan were unfolded and implemented while one was not applicable. Targeted goals were accomplished for 62 short-term action plans, leading to an implementation rate of 90%. 22 medium- and long-term action plans have been progressing forward as scheduled.

Introduction of 16 new action plans after review

Towards the direction guided by the Country’s new policies and plans, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are pushing forward with the implementation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while deepening regional cooperation in culture and tourism. Furthermore, the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is unfolding a new horizon for comprehensive cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao.

At the same time, the SAR Government has raised the concept of “tourism +” as a policy to promote extension of the tourism industry chain, which, coupled with the changes brought by the pandemic to the tourism environment and travel styles, has caused the internal and external landscape of Macao’s tourism industry to evolve.

Given the new tourism environment, policies, directions and trends, after going through the latest review, MGTO will keep the eight key objectives, 33 strategies and 29 planning proposals put forward in the Master Plan in 2017 unchanged in terms of direction. However, in keeping up with the transformations of the tourism environment and taking into consideration the opinions of various stakeholders and departments in charge, the achieved action plans and those in progress were revised, updated and reorganized. In consequence, 16 new action plans are introduced into the Master Plan.

After review and adjustment, the Master Plan now encompasses 91 action plans in total, comprising 77 phased plans (0 – 5 years) and 14 long-term plans (6 years or above).

Push forward “actions in focus” in six areas
The latest 91 phased and long-term action plans of the Master Plan cover six areas: tourism products and facilities, quality tourism and collaboration, precision marketing, urban construction, smart technology, as well as regional and international cooperation. By taking specific actions in focus, progress will be steered forward in the six areas.

The specific actions in focus include maritime tours, ecological tours and high-end tour products; training programs, enhance quality tourism through the training base for the Greater Bay Area, optimize public-private partnership and foster “tourism +” development; enhance cooperation with e-commerce companies and online media, leverage big data analysis on precision marketing targeting high-value visitors; develop new attractions and strengthen sea, land and air connectivity; tap into application of innovative technology to upgrade visitors’ experience and business environment; deepen tourism cooperation with Hengqin and other cities in the Greater Bay Area, and to strive for resumption of travel and people-to-people exchange with other regions, etc.

The review report also includes a forecast of key indicators and trends for 2025 for reference.

Glasgow, Scotland, UK, November 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / COP26 and its lead up have seen new national and business commitments set to help combat climate change and reach Net Zero targets; these measures will require quantification of carbon emissions, environmental and social impacts to compare and measure progress, identify barriers to progress.

In an exclusive article, Tom Mills, Founder and Managing Director of Two Oceans Strategy, a natural resource and energy consultancy, discussed some of the challenges of meeting these Net Zero targets and the critical role rigorous and comparable measurements enabled through technology will play in support of these goals. In the article he discussed:

• Drivers for Net Zero
  Cutting down carbon leakage has been one notable focus of COP26 and will require an understanding of the carbon intensity of production of goods. For this system to work, carbon emissions and greenhouse gases need to be quantified at each stage of the supply chain and Tom will explore some of the legislation and policies around this drive, such as the UKs path to NetZero. He will also touch on the change in consumer mindset, and how this is key to driving change.

• Challenges of meeting targets
  What can be measured can be managed. As it stands, sustainability reporting is an alphabet soup of fragmented and varying frameworks and Tom can discuss why, some of the biggest barriers to achieve Net Zero, are due to lack of effective and comparative ways of measuring carbon emissions.

• The Challenges of Carbon Tunnel Vision
  There are signals towards a shift in a narrow focus on pure carbon emissions towards measuring and understanding holistic impacts on biosphere health the lens we should view climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• The future of sustainability accounting and the role technology can play in helping achieve Net Zero targets
  Tom can set the scene of where we are today when it comes to reporting against people and the planet and where we are likely to be in five years’ time, including the consolidation of sustainability disclosure through a process similar to accounting principals in finance. To overcome the challenge of fragmented reporting, new tools enabled by technology must be developed to streamline the process, standardise methodologies used to generate metrics, and create useful, comparable outputs.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, November 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Ennismore announces the arrival of TRIBE hotels in Southeast Asia, focused on key countries including Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. TRIBE’s growth in Southeast Asia forms part of Ennismore’s global growth of its lifestyle brands.

Launched in 2019, TRIBE is an alternative lifestyle brand that is shaking up the rules of hospitality to fulfil the wants and needs of the modern traveller, without compromising on sophistication, style or functionality. TRIBE hotels are designed to focus on common areas to create multifunctional spaces that encourage connection between guests while providing that welcoming and familiar feeling. A TRIBE hotel offers far more than just accommodation – it provides collaborative workspaces, decompression zones and social destinations.

François Leclerc, Deputy Brand COO at Ennismore said: “We’re incredibly excited to debut TRIBE in Southeast Asia, bringing a new concept to the region. TRIBE is all about reshaping the traditional hotel experience into something that enables guests to stay, work and socialise in a truly contemporary environment. We know that TRIBE hotels will really excite modern travellers who are looking for simplicity, affordability, and connectivity in a high-end interior environment.  Our guests are true explorers – they could be out shopping, experiencing the local neighbourhood or out doing business, however they do want to return to a hotel that is both design driven and social. These diverse modern travellers are connected by a love of contemporary design, a spirit of adventure & a new understanding of what a functional, contemporary hotel should be. The TRIBE brand offers up the perfect solution.”

From the music selections to the choice of local coffee roasters, each TRIBE element is meticulously curated. TRIBE collaborates with different creative designers at each location, selecting elements to reflect the brand’s philosophy and unique vibe, creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Those drawn to TRIBE have a lust for life and are often more comfortable outside the box than in it. They’re always on the hunt for new experiences and stories to share.

Guest rooms combine style and comfort, with the latest technologies in a user-friendly and welcoming space. The approach to simplicity, complemented by polished interior design, is evident in each private space. The smart rooms feature high quality linens, intuitive connectivity, rain showers, signature robes, and Nespresso coffee machines.

Ennismore has already signed 50 TRIBE hotels and is aiming for rapid expansion with up to 150 to open globally within the next five years, including in Phnom Penh, Bali, Singapore, Phuket and Manila by 2025.

Panama City, Panama, November 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Within the framework of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP26, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of Panama and the business group NOAH agreed to work together for the implementation of the United Nations Fund for Climate Neutrality of Tourism. The Fund represents an innovative financing instrument promoted by UNWTO to respond to threats posed by the climate emergency.

In recognition of the existential threat posed by the climate emergency, UNWTO, the government of Panama and NOAH (Network of Ocean Ambassadors Headquarters) will support the creation of a Capital Fund that will make possible the UN Fund for the Climate Neutrality of Tourism and the creation of a Smart Carbon Exchange Market (MIIC). Led by NOAH together with UNWTO, this market aims to promote the exchange of carbon credits in the most efficient way.

Mobilizing resources

With this agreement, Panama ratifies its climate leadership and its efforts to conserve and regenerate nature and, at the same time, unleash economic growth through tourism that benefits local communities. Panama is one of only three carbon negative countries in the world – that is, it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits.

These projects reflect UNWTO’s commitment to transform the tourism sector to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector

The Minister of Tourism of Panama, Iván Eskildsen, highlighted “the role of UNWTO in bringing together a leader in climate response like Panama, firmly committed to tourism as a pillar for the future of people and the planet, and NOAH that will contribute technological and financial solutions to mobilize the necessary resources for a sustainable future for the benefit of all.”

“These projects reflect UNWTO’s commitment to transform the tourism sector to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector,” said UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili. He stressed that this is an example of success based on cooperation between “the UN system, international organizations, UNWTO Member States and the private sector in general”.

Towards “Blue Carbon”

With Panama serving as a pilot country for these initiatives, NOAH will prepare a study in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment to estimate the “blue carbon” reserves in mangroves and seagrasses in protected areas of the country, as well as the reserves of carbon in wetlands.

For his part, the founder of NOAH, Frederic Degret, confirmed that “to articulate this great project, Panama will host the international headquarters of an Intelligent Carbon Exchange Market, as we have agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNWTO and NOAH.”

The UNWTO, NOAH and Panama ensure the transition to a tourism sector with net zero emissions and focused on improving people’s lives.

Madrid, Spain, November 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched the ‘Centre Stage’ project, with the support of German Federal Ministry for Economic Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and UN Women.

Over the course of one year, from November 2021 – November 2022, the project will support the tourism sector in placing women’s empowerment and gender equality at the heart of recovery plans following the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will be piloted in four participating Member States in collaboration with the National Tourism Administrations of Jordan (MOTA), Costa Rica (ICT), the Dominican Republic (MITUR) and Mexico (SECTUR).

The impact of COVID-19 on women in tourism

Women make up more than half of the tourism workforce at a global level (54%), according to the Global Report on Women in Tourism, Second Edition. However, women are often concentrated in low-skilled or informal work and have fewer opportunities for education and career development. As a result, women in the sector have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with less access to social protections and a reduced capacity to absorb the economic shock caused by the pandemic.

Nevertheless, the tourism sector has historically provided women with opportunities for empowerment, offering many a livelihood and source of autonomy. For this reason, UNWTO has identified the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to address the gender inequality in the sector.

Concrete measures towards gender equality

Under the ‘Centre Stage’ project, the participating National Tourism Administrations and tourism businesses will implement a one-year action plan containing a series of concrete measures designed to increase opportunities for women’s empowerment. They will be supported by local NGOs, professional organizations and be accompanied by UNWTO through a series of virtual and in-person training opportunities.

The measures included in the Action Plans span the 6 areas of work considered key for gender equality and women’s empowerment in tourism: Employment; Entrepreneurship; Education and training; Leadership, policy and decision making; Community and civil society; Measurement for better policies. The measures have been targeted to the needs identified in the four pilot countries and look to address the specific challenges women face in each.

A total of 10 tourism businesses and 4 NGOs/community organizations will join the participating National Tourism Administrations to implement the measures. UNWTO recently organized two informative webinars for participants from Jordan as well as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

The activities of ‘Centre Stage’ will get underway in November 2021 and include training sessions with a gender focus, personalized guidance aiming to improve working conditions for women in the sector and producing data on the effects of the pandemic on female employment in tourism.

Bali, Indonesia, November 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts is helping its loyalty members retain their Elite Status with Best Western Rewards for another year. Effective immediately, all BWR members globally will maintain their current status through March 31, 2023, without needing to fulfill the necessary qualifications.

“It has been wonderful to welcome back so many of our valued guests in recent months, but we recognize that the travel landscape is still an uncertain one for many around the world,” comments Dorothy Dowling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for BWHR. “Whether you’ve already ventured out on a well-deserved getaway or are just starting to make plans for your travels in the year ahead, we remain committed to providing you with rich and meaningful rewards like this Elite Status extension. At BWHR, we look forward to offering you the best away-from-home experience possible, whenever you’re ready.”

BWR recently rebranded its tagline to “Because We Care About Rewarding You” to underscore how its perks are driven by BWHR’s foundational commitment of caring for guests. In 2020, BWHR was the first in the industry to extend loyalty status to its BWR members at the onslaught of the pandemic; and in 2021, the company cut its Elite Status eligibility qualifications in half to make it easier for travelers to earn loyalty status. Also inspired by the brand’s caring spirit, BWHR launched an industry-leading cleaning program, We Care CleanSM, which delivers an enhanced commitment to keeping guests safe and healthy when staying at Best Western branded hotels.

All BWR members worldwide are eligible for this latest Elite Status extension and no action is required on the part of the member. Status will be maintained for all members regardless of their current tier, ensuring both new and veteran members are protected at this time. BWR is the only industry loyalty program where points never expire, meaning members are not impacted by unpredictable circumstances that could prevent them from using their hard-earned points.

Today’s BWHR is a vibrant hospitality company with 18 distinct brand offerings across every market segment from economy to luxury. In recent years, the company has revitalized its properties across North America as owners invested a staggering $2 billion in property improvements and renovations. BWHR’s commitment to innovation and improvement has enabled the company to achieve record RevPAR Index, unrivaled industry recognition and unprecedented guest satisfaction.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.