Category: Latest Travel News

Cambodia, October 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Cardamom Tented Camp ecolodge in Cambodia has been announced by Green Destinations as one of the 2021 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories in the world. The announcement at the online annual conference of Green Destinations, a non-profit organisation for sustainable tourism, based in The Netherlands. The annual programme has been in existence since 2014.

Cardamom Tented Camp was chosen by the judges among 28 tourism experiences around the world in the Nature and Ecotourism category. The other 72 winners were in the categories of Localisation and Decarbonising the Local Supply Chain; Communities and Culture; Environment and Climate; and Tourism Reset and Recovery.

Green Destinations“Since Cardamom Tented Camp opened in 2017 we’ve helped protect 18,000 hectares of forest by channelling income from the camp to support 12 forest rangers who have done a terrific job of reducing illegal logging, wildlife hunting and sandbank dredging,” said Willem Niemeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures, the camp operator.

“Right from day one our slogan has been, ‘Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing’. The Green Destination judges saw those details of our work. They recognised that our sustainability story as a world-class and inspirational conservation tourism project could be emulated in other places,” he said.

In an earlier Q&A session for the online conference on 5 October, Niemeijer told Green Destination online conference attendees that Cardamom Tented Camp was based on three principles: a belief in visitor dispersion to off-the-beaten-track places away from over-touristed hubs; a commitment to work with experts, such as NGO Wildlife Alliance; and a full-hearted belief in the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit, which had to be unwavering if the project was going to be truly sustainable, said Niemeijer.

In an official statement announcing the Top 100, Green Destinations said: “With the tourism sector facing very challenging times in the past year or so, the resilience and hard work of these destinations to become more responsible should be celebrated. The 2021 selection was determined by the quality, transferability, and, more than ever, by the level of innovation of the stories.”

Albert Salman, the President of Green Destinations told the audience that the objective of the top 100 sustainability stories programme was to “inspire responsible tourism leadership around the world”.

About Cardamom Tented Camp
Cardamom Tented Camp is an ecolodge located in the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia. Offering nine well-appointed safari-style tents, the lodge aims to minimize the human footprint on the natural world and serve as a role model in promoting sustainable ecotourism practices within both the national park and Cambodia as a whole. Located on an 18,000-hectare (180 km2) concession, the lodge and its surroundings are home to pristine lowland and coastal habitats linking wildlife corridors to the Cardamom Mountains. Eco-friendly trekking and kayaking packages are available for adventure enthusiasts who are keen to be a part of real conservation work.

Cardamom Tented Camp is a three-way initiative between Minor Group, YAANA Ventures and Wildlife Alliance to ensure the land and its biodiversity does not fall into the hands of loggers, poachers and sand dredging operations.

About Cardamom Tented Camp operator YAANA Ventures
YAANA Ventures is an owner, partner and operator of entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. YAANA Ventures distinguishes itself by sharing real experiences that are grounded in the cultural richness of Asia. The company is the champion of the triple bottom-line. It empowers its ventures with the values to nurture the people with whom it works.

About Green Destinations
Green Destinations is the world’s leading destinations’ network for responsible tourism. By participating in the Green Destinations programme, a destination gains insight into its performance and perspectives in sustainable tourism planning, hospitality, green economy, and the protection of local values. Green Destinations certification enables a place to present itself as a responsible, healthy, and authentic destination for visitors, residents, and entrepreneurs.

Madrid, Spain, October 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourism enjoyed signs of rebound in June and July 2021 as some destinations eased travel restrictions and the global vaccination rollout advanced in many parts of the world.

According to the latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, an estimated 54 million tourists crossed international borders in July 2021, down 67% from the same month in 2019, but the strongest results since April 2020. This compares to an estimated 34 million international arrivals recorded in July 2020, though well below the 164 million figure recorded in 2019.

Moderate rebound for most destinations

Most destinations reporting data for June and July 2021 saw a moderate rebound in international arrivals compared to 2020. Nevertheless, 2021 continues to be a challenging year for global tourism, with international arrivals down 80% in January-July compared to 2019. Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the weakest results in the period January to July, with a 95% drop in international arrivals compared to 2019. The Middle East (-82%) recorded the second largest decline, followed by Europe and Africa (both -77%). The Americas (-68%) saw a comparatively smaller decrease, with the Caribbean showing the best performance among world subregions. Meanwhile, some small islands in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia and the Pacific, together with a few small European destinations recorded the best performance in June and July, with arrivals close to, or sometimes exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Confidence in travel slowly rising

This improvement was underpinned by the reopening of many destinations to international travel, mostly in Europe and the Americas. The relaxation of travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers, coupled with progress made in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, contributed to lifting consumer confidence and gradually restoring safe mobility in Europe and other parts of the world. In contrast, most destinations in Asia remain closed to non-essential travel.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “There is clearly a strong demand for international tourism, and many destinations have started welcoming visitors back safely and responsibly. However, the true restart of tourism and the benefits it brings, remain on hold as inconsistent rules and regulations and uneven vaccination rates continue to affect confidence in travel.”

Tourism Earnings

Although destinations continued to report weak international tourism revenues in the first seven months of 2021, several did record a modest improvement in June and July, and some even surpassed the earnings of 2019. Among the larger destinations, Mexico earned roughly the same tourism receipts in June 2021 as in 2019, and in July posted a 2% increase over 2019.

The same is true for outbound travel. Among the larger markets, France (-35%) and the United States (-49%) saw a significant improvement in July, though tourism spending was still well below 2019 levels.

Looking Ahead

Prospects for September-December 2021 remain mixed, according to the latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey, with 53% of respondents believing the period will be worse than expected. Only 31% of experts expect point to better results towards the end of the year. The survey also shows that most tourism professionals continue to expect a rebound driven by unleashed pent-up demand for international travel in 2022, mostly during the second and third quarters.

Almost half of all experts (45%) continue to see international tourism returning to 2019 levels in 2024 or later, while 43% point to a recovery in 2023. By regions, the largest share of experts pointing to a return to 2019 levels in 2024 or later are in Asia and the Pacific (58%). In Europe, half of respondents indicate this could happen in 2023. The Middle East is the most optimistic, with a full recovery expected by 2022.

Shanghai, China, October 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that China Eastern Airlines will host the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, on 19-21 June 2022.

This will be the third time China will host the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders. The AGM was previously held in Beijing in 2012 and in Shanghai in 2002.

“We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Shanghai for the 78th IATA AGM. China is a dynamic aviation market, with its domestic travel among the fastest to recover from the damage brought by COVID-19. We are delighted to be able to bring the AGM to China again,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“China Eastern Airlines is excited to host the IATA AGM and to welcome our industry colleagues to our home city of Shanghai. In the 20 years since the AGM was last held in Shanghai, the city has completely changed. We look forward to showcasing our vibrant city and warm Chinese hospitality,” said Liu Shaoyong, Chairman, China Eastern Airlines.

The decision to host the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit was made by the 77th AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Boston.

Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, October 4, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Sustainability is at the top of organizations’ agendas today. According to a report from United Nations Climate Change, the number of businesses and local governments committed to reaching net-zero emissions doubled in less than a year. The majority aims to achieve a zero-carbon economy by 2050 as part of the UN Race to Zero Campaign.

As part of their efforts to help clients realize their sustainability goals and protect global communities, American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) recently became a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) – a strategic partnership that will bring more transparency and ease to the process of booking sustainable hotels.
GBT partnership with GSTC

By becoming a GSTC member, GBT will actively promote the widespread adoption of the organization’s sustainable tourism principles and drive demand for more responsible activities and experiences.

During the initial phase of the partnership with GSTC, GBT will highlight hotels and other accommodation partners as “sustainable” that meet GSTC’s standards or, even better, are certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body. This information will be available to corporate buyers who are supported by GBT’s consulting arm, Global Business Consulting (GBC), in their hotel sourcing exercise. In the future, GSTC analytics will be incorporated into the booking processes to enable travelers to identify and select qualified accommodation partners.

GBT employees globally will also have access to educational videos and webinars hosted by GSTC to provide knowledge of sustainability topics relevant for the travel and tourism industry.

Through global outreach and plans to drive sustainability in buyers and travelers’ contracting/booking decisions, GBT is well positioned to spur the adoption of sustainable hotels together with GSTC. With millions of room nights booked annually through GBT, its clients’ impact on the environment and within the industry could be massive.

“Sustainability is a top priority for our clients – as it is for GBT too,” said Si-Yeon Kim, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer and Executive Chair of Environmental, Social, Governance at GBT. “By spotlighting suppliers that meet GSTC’s Criteria and steering travelers toward greener choices, we are empowering our clients to make buying decisions that can help preserve this world and create a better reality for future generations to come.”
GSTC welcomes GBT

“We are very pleased to welcome GBT to GSTC and we look forward to collaborating on their ambitious plans. GBT has a leading role in the world of corporate and business travel, and by making it easier for clients to identify sustainable hotels using the GSTC framework, the GSTC-GBT strategic partnership will help drive and promote sustainable business travel,” said Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer of GSTC.
GSTC for corporate and business travel stakeholders

Using the GSTC Criteria as a reference point allows corporates and organizations interested in sustainable business travel to improve their commercial performance and enhance their reputation by adopting sustainable working policies and practices.

With the growing interest, GSTC has designated a page for Corporate and Business Travel and began offering Sustainable Business Travel courses. The 4-week online GSTC Sustainable Business Travel course uses the four pillars of sustainable management to look at how to create a new model for business travel that harnesses the real value of a pro-active and successful business travel program, respects the new needs of travel and creates a responsible, sustainable company. In other words, a balanced approach to sustainable business travel.

Registration is open for the upcoming course on November 18 – December 16, 2021, which includes live sessions convenient for people in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Africa. More courses are scheduled for 2022.

About American Express Global Business Travel
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) is the world’s leading business partner for managed travel. We help companies and their employees prosper by making sure travelers are present where and when it matters. We keep global business moving with the powerful backing of travel professionals in more than 140 countries. Companies of all sizes, and in all places, rely on GBT to provide travel management services, organize meetings and events, and deliver business travel consulting.

About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council
The GSTC is a nonprofit organization created jointly by United Nations agencies and prominent conservation organizations to establish and manage global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria.

The Criteria are organized around four main themes: effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts to the environment.

As the global authority on quality sustainable tourism standards, the GSTC engages with a worldwide network of members – from leading tour operators and international hospitality brands to government organizations and national tourism boards. Along other leading sustainability schemes, GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 4, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Thailand’s Singha Estate PCL, constantly strives to drive the hospitality industry forward and cater for a new generation of guests. This pioneering company has now taken another big stride into the future by becoming one of the first hotel groups in the world to start accepting cryptocurrencies as payment.

S Hotels & Resorts has announced a ground-breaking new partnership with FTX, a leading cryptocurrency trading platform, to enable its customers to book and pay for their stays using virtual online currencies. Initially, S Hotels & Resorts’ two award-winning properties in the Maldives – SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – will welcome cryptocurrencies from 1st October 2021, becoming the first resorts in the country to do so.

Nestled in the idyllic Kaafu Atoll, SAii Lagoon Maldives is a tropical lifestyle retreat for millennially-minded guests, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is the iconic music-themed brand’s first Maldivian property. Both resorts were honoured in the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021. They form part of CROSSROADS Maldives, a breath-taking integrated resort that features a wealth of world-class facilities, including diverse dining, wellness, water sports, diving, eco-sensitive excursions, oceanfront events and more.

As the first resorts in the Maldives to accept cryptocurrencies, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives are creating fresh opportunities for forward-thinking guests to book their festive holidays in the Maldives, which is fully open for international travel. Vacations at these two world-class resorts can be paid for in USD Coins (USDC) and Tether tokens (USDT), with more cryptocurrencies expected to be added in future. Bookings must be made directly with each property’s reservations department. Payments can be arranged securely, from anywhere in the world.

There benefits of cryptocurrencies are manifold; they will expand the number of payment options offered by S Hotels & Resorts, targeting new and potentially untapped sectors of the market, while helping hotels to drive a greater number of direct bookings. They will also appeal to a new wave of Gen Y and Gen Z consumers, who operate in the online space and appreciate the convenience of virtual transactions.

“At S Hotels & Resorts, we are constantly seeking new ways to connect with our customers and remove barriers to travel. We fully understand that in today’s world, an increasing number of consumers are turning to cryptocurrencies as a secure and stress-free way of paying for goods and services. As an innovator in the hospitality space, we are excited to start working with FTX and enable virtual currencies at our two resorts in the Maldives. We hope to expand this partnership to even more of our award-winning hotels and resorts around the world in future,” said Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer, S Hotels & Resorts.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to roll out new and flexible solutions that enhance all aspects of our guest journey, from planning, payment and booking to in-stay experiences, bespoke services, community activities and more. We want to become the hospitality provider of choice for a new generation of customers,” Mr. De Cuyper added.

Founded in 2018, FTX is a global cryptocurrency exchange that has partnered with a wide range of leading virtual currency firms, including Circle, Sequoia and Paxos, among others. It is also a responsible company, having donated more than US$10 million to charities in the last three years. This perfectly aligns it with S Hotels & Resorts’ own extensive CSR commitments.

S Hotels & Resorts joins a growing number of cutting-edge companies that now accept cryptocurrencies as a payment option, including Microsoft, Rakuten, AT&T, Twitch and Virgin Galactic.

Geneva, Switzerland, October 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel decelerated in August compared to July, as government actions in response to concerns over the COVID-19 Delta variant cut deeply into domestic travel demand.

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to July 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.

– Total demand for air travel in August 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 56.0% compared to August 2019. This marked a slowdown from July, when demand was 53.0% below July 2019 levels.

– This was entirely driven by domestic markets, which were down 32.2% compared to August 2019, a major deterioration from July 2021, when traffic was down 16.1% versus two years ago. The worst impact was in China, while India and Russia were the only large markets to show a month-to-month improvement compared to July 2021.

– International passenger demand in August was 68.8% below August 2019, which was an improvement compared to the 73.1% decline recorded in July. All regions showed improvement, which was attributable to growing vaccination rates and less stringent international travel restrictions in some regions.

“August results reflect the impact of concerns over the Delta variant on domestic travel, even as international travel continued on a snail’s pace toward a full recovery that cannot happen until governments restore the freedom to travel. In that regard, the recent US announcement to lift travel restrictions from early November on fully vaccinated travelers is very good news and will bring certainty to a key market. But challenges remain, September bookings indicate a deterioration in international recovery. That’s bad news heading into the traditionally slower fourth quarter,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

– European carriers’ August international traffic declined 55.9% versus August 2019, significantly bettering the 63.2% decrease in July compared to the same month in 2019. Capacity dropped 45.0% and load factor fell 17.7 percentage points to 71.5%.

– Asia-Pacific airlines saw their August international traffic fall 93.4% compared to August 2019, barely improved over the 94.5% drop registered in July 2021 versus July 2019 as the region continues to have the strictest border control measures. Capacity dropped 85.7% and the load factor was down 44.9 percentage points to 37.9%, by far the lowest among regions.

– Middle Eastern airlines had a 69.3% demand drop in August compared to August 2019, improved upon the 73.6% decrease in July, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 55.0%, and load factor deteriorated 26.2 percentage points to 56.2%.

– North American carriers experienced a 59.0% traffic drop in August versus the 2019 period, much improved on the 61.7% decline in July compared to July 2019. Capacity sank 48.5%, and load factor dipped 18.0 percentage points to 70.3%.

– Latin American airlines saw a 63.1% drop in August traffic, compared to the same month in 2019, improved over the 68.3% decline in July compared to July 2019. August capacity fell 57.3% and load factor dropped 11.4 percentage points to 72.6%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the eleventh consecutive month.

– African airlines’ traffic fell 58.5% in August versus two years’ ago, somewhat improved over the 60.4% decline in July compared to July 2019. August capacity was down 50.1% and load factor declined 12.7% to 63.0%.

– China’s domestic traffic dropped 57.0% compared to August 2019 – a huge deterioration from the 2.5% fall in July. However, overall cases were low, and outbreaks were mostly under control by the end of August, suggesting numbers will improve in September.

– India’s domestic traffic reversed the trend, as demand fell 44.8% in August, improved from a 58.9% decline in July versus July 2019, owing to positive trends in new cases and vaccination.

The Bottom Line

“The rapid slowdown in the domestic traffic recovery in August, owing to a spike in the Delta variant shows how exposed air travel continues to be to the cycles of COVID-19. For governments that should send two messages. The first is that this is not the time to step away from continuing support of the industry, both financial and regulatory. The second is the need to apply a risk-based approach to managing borders–as passengers are already doing in making their travel decisions,” said Walsh.

Next week, leaders of the global aviation community will gather in Boston at the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, 3-5 October. “The AGM provides a powerful vote of confidence in the safety of international air travel and the health protocols that have now been in place for up to 18 months. I’ve said it before: virtual meetings are no substitute for the value delivered through the opportunity to meet face-to-face. The AGM will provide a powerful reminder of this fact.”

Geneva, Switzerland, October 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Nearly 30 CEOs and Chairpersons from some of the world’s biggest companies called on governments to work through geopolitical tensions, re-engage on trade reform and refrain from protectionism.

This call to action comes at a time of significant geopolitical tensions and challenging economic dynamics. Uniquely, it brings together a diverse group of companies representing 17 countries across all five continents.

The signatories are from the following 12 sectors: retail, e-commerce, food and beverage, payments, financial sector, investors, telecommunications, chemicals, logistics, supply chain and transport, professional services, energy and commodities.

Convened by the World Economic Forum’s Trade and Investment community, business leaders called for higher global ambition for trade cooperation, including at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Meeting.

“Business leaders are sending clear signals to policy makers that change is both necessary and achievable,” said Borge Brende, President, World Economic Forum. “In this Trade for Tomorrow statement, leaders highlight the potential of trade and investment for recovery and development. They call for quick progress on health, digital, investment and environmental matters, and note that business can help with implementing reforms.”

According to a recent Ipsos-World Economic Forum survey, 75% of the global public supports expanding trade, but only half said they thought globalization was good for their country, a drop of 10 percentage points since 2019. This ambiguity reveals belief in the potential of trade for improving lives but deep unease over its current directions.

The call to action also highlights a need for deeper dialogue on trade system governance and building a level playing field, as societies reflect on what they seek from trade.

The Forum’s Future of Trade and Investment Platform brings together leaders from business, government and civil society to shape the future of trade and global economic interdependence. As a neutral space, it creates the opportunity for frank dialogue around some of the most challenging issues facing the system.

Ahead of the call to action, the community also released reports on Trade and Climate Action and Trade and Social Justice to guide leaders on crucial next steps to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

A call to action to make trade work for all

We believe trade and investment support human development and that a global recovery can be built upon a trade recovery. Governments must creatively re-engage on trade reform and refrain from protectionism.

Trade and investment empower people to exchange goods and services, find rewarding employment, enjoy consumer benefits and grow successful businesses. Trade and investment must support development and inclusion.

Through jointly upholding environmental and social standards, trade cooperation should prevent a race to the bottom and avoid harmful distortions to markets for goods and services.

Trade cooperation can improve outcomes for underrepresented members of society, including women and minorities.

It should be complemented by broader policies that support equitable outcomes, domestically and internationally, recognizing that trade and investment shocks have significant effects on livelihoods.

This includes cooperation on tax and competition regulation as well as migration and labour conditions.

International public-private cooperation should foster a resilient, efficient and inclusive trading system, building stable and coherent processes, supported by robust aid-for-trade technical assistance and capacity-building.

We call upon leaders to, by the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2021:

1 – Strengthen healthcare access by lowering tariff and administrative barriers to trade in inputs and final products, facilitating global manufacturing investment, improving supply chain transparency, removing export restraints, and discussing the relationship between intellectual property rights and access to lifesaving technologies;

2 – Conclude a meaningful electronic commerce agreement that improves access and interoperability, enables safe and efficient digital trade and data flows, promotes openness and trust, and addresses market access issues. Also, abstain from customs duties on electronic transmissions;

3 – Conclude a meaningful investment facilitation for development agreement that improves transparency and predictability, streamlines administrative procedures, reduces disputes and enhances sustainable investment;

4 – Advance meaningful environmental agreements, delivering a robust agreement on fisheries subsidies by July 2021 and reducing siloes between trade, environment and development policymaking by aligning trade action with COP26 outcomes;

5 – Effectively implement and monitor commitments, employing public-private cooperation. In so doing, pay special attention to the needs of women, MSMEs and developing countries and, where current commitments are insufficient, advance new agreements to broaden access to the benefits of trade.

6 – Trade system reforms, particularly with regards to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, the role of the WTO in a diverse trade architecture and the functions of the secretariat;

7 – Resolving level-playing-field concernswith respect to subsidies, state-owned enterprises, trade remedies, government procurement and domestic regulation across industrial, agriculture and service sectors.

Signatories

Krishan N. Balendra, Chairman, John Keells Holdings Plc

Ajay S. Banga, Executive Chairman, Mastercard

Ankiti Bose, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Zilingo Pte Ltd

Dolf van den Brink, Chief Executive Officer, HEINEKEN NV

Hussain Dawood, Group Chairman, Dawood Hercules Corporation

Börje Ekholm, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Øyvind Eriksen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aker ASA

André Esteves, Senior Partner, Banco BTG Pactual SA

Jim Fitterling, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dow

Fernando Galletti de Queiroz, Chief Executive Officer, Minerva Foods

Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Group Chief Executive, Oman Global Logistics Group SAOC

Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer, Yara International ASA

Al Kelly Jr, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Visa Inc.

Kutoane Obed Kutoane, Chief Executive Officer, Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd

Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Airport Authority (Hong Kong)

Christian Lanng, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Co-Founder, Tradeshift

Matthew Layton, Global Managing Partner, Clifford Chance LLP

Geoff Martha, Chairman & CEO, Medtronic

John M. Neill, Chairman and Group Chief Executive, Unipart Group of Companies

John Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Express

Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive, HSBC Holdings Plc

Marwan J. Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Shurooq

Aba Schubert, Chief Executive Officer, Dorae

Murat Seitnepesov, Managing Director, Integral Petroleum SA

Tarek Sultan Al Essa, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board, Agility, Kuwait

Michael Süss, Chairman, OC Oerlikon Management AG

Jean-Pascal Tricroire, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric

José Viñals, Group Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank

Jeremy Weir, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Trafigura Group Pte Ltd

Madrid, Spain, October 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO and Netflix have partnered on the publication of a report which looks at the role of film and series as drivers for tourism and cultural affinity. The Global Report on Cultural Affinity and Screen Tourism explores the growing affection one has towards a particular country or culture displayed on the screen.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The report’s ultimate goal is to support policymakers and key stakeholders within the tourism sector to implement policies that make their destinations attractive for audio-visual producers. At the same time, it aims to help in the building of focused strategies to promote tourism and consumption of local culture, investing in skills and training to develop the local film and creative sectors to ensure a high level of talent, infrastructure and production capacity and integrating tourism and showcasing culture at film festivals to deepen the global audiences’ knowledge.

The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism

UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Both tourism and the audiovisual sectors celebrate and promote culture, support jobs and provide opportunities in diverse locations. The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism.

Dean Garfield, Vice-President, Public Policy, Netflix: “As highlighted in this research, we have been able to demonstrate conclusively what we instinctively already believed, which is that alongside the desire to travel and visit destinations, exposure to screen content also leads to greater interest in heritage, culture, language, and developing interpersonal relationships. This truly demonstrates that the creative industries, cultural exchange, storytelling, and tourism are all interlinked and can transform the way communities perceive and connect with each other.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Following the presentation of the Global Report, experts on tourism and the audio-visual industry shared their knowledge and insights into changing trends in screen tourism, its positive impacts on strengthening cultural affinity and the role of online streaming services in promoting tourism and cultural affinity between people, cultures and countries in line with the 2030 Agenda. The event also served to underline how public-private partnerships can support destinations to promote themselves as attractive locations for audio-visual producers.

Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand, October 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Located on a secret stretch of Thailand’s Andaman Coast in the province of Phang Nga, the newly-opened Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak offers travellers a unique and tranquil beach getaway experience. The 195-room Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak is reminiscent of a traditional Thai riverside village.

Taking inspiration from the traditional riverside villages of Thailand, a canal flows throughout the resort connecting guestrooms and shared areas, whilst the leafy palm trees and lush garden provide a tropical and tranquil atmosphere.

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

The authentic beauty of southern Thai culture is captured through the resort’s interior design. Each of the 195 guestrooms and suites at Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak feature private terraces overlooking spectacular views of the canal, swimming pool, and tropical gardens. The resort offers a wide variety of room configurations.

“Around the world, Grand Mercure revisits the singularity of each destination with a fresh cultural perspective. We’re really pleased to be strengthening our presence in Southern Thailand with this beautiful new address that is deeply rooted to Thai culture through its design, dining and experiential offerings. Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak will appeal to travellers looking for an authentic experience that captures the spirit and culture of the Phang Nga province which also encourages exploration”, said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea.

The all-day dining restaurant, Patio, features a range of Asian and international dishes with live cooking stations, while the beachfront restaurant, Green Mango, offers diners a choice of authentic Southern Thai cuisine using recipes passed on through the generations. The signature dishes are served in “Pinto” or the tiffin box, which is inspired by the traditional Thai way of life, where locals would pack their home-cooked recipes in a pinto for making merit at the temple before relishing food together with family and friends while enjoying good conversation. The Soak Pool Bar is an ideal place to unwind and mingle while sampling a variety of delicious beverages and light snacks.

Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak will cater to a wide variety of guest needs. The resort features two swimming pools with garden and ocean views. Families with younger children can enjoy a range of activities at the Kids Corner or opt for a swim in the kids’ pool. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a refreshing workout while guests looking for complete rejuvenation can unwind in a range of body and facial treatments at Pran Spa. Through the healing power of results-oriented techniques and locally produced natural ingredients, the treatments thoughtfully cater to the needs of each guest. Some signature wellbeing massage offerings include Energy Recharge, an aromatherapy massage with warm Himalayan Salt compress that helps relieve fatigue, while the energizing aroma of grapefruit, ginger and clove will help easing respiratory problems.

For travellers ‘working from home’ or by the beach, the resort is equipped with a Business Corner offering computers, printing and other business services. Meetings, private parties and corporate events can be catered for at the resort’s 260 square metre meeting room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests.

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

“Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most tranquil destinations and our team are incredibly excited to finally open our doors. Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak offers a fresh cultural perspective that encourages guests to immerse themselves in Southern Thai culture. The resort’s unique dining, recreational and wellness offerings have been tailored to celebrate the local way of life, whilst offering a sophisticated experience through authentic design and multi-sensory experiences. The resort is the perfect springboard to explore the pristine Andaman coastline and we are extremely excited to welcome guests to experience our interpretation of the vibrant culture for which Thailand is renowned,” said Thomas Reupke, General Manager of Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak.

The coastal town of Khao Lak is renowned for its perfect beaches and untouched tropical nature, less than a two hour drive from Phuket international airport. Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak is located close to adventurous attractions, such as Bang Niang Market, Elephant Rehabilitation and Retirement Home, Takua Pa Old Town, Ton Chong Fah Waterfall, Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, and Elephant Fly Zipline. The world-renowned scuba diving and snorkelling hotspots of the Similan Islands are just 1.5 hours away by speedboat.

Lucerne, Switzerland, October 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / For over ten years, World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) has been bringing together industry experts, CEOs, investors and start-ups, establishing itself as a prestigious global platform for exchange. By fostering cross-generational collaboration, new ideas and solutions emerge to benefit tourism today and in the future. On 15 and 16 November 2021, WTFL is hosting an “Innovation Festival” in Andermatt. Online participation will also be possible.

At the hybrid conference, well-known personalities, such as Klaus Schwab (founder of the World Economic Forum), Laura Meyer (CEO Hotelplan), Peter Fankhauser (CEO PETRAF Ltd and former CEO Thomas Cook Group), Shannon Ghuian (Chief Sustainability Officer at TTC), Marloes Knippenberg (CEO Kersten Hospitality), Koen Deryckere (Global Lead Industry Networks and Programs at Accenture) and Alex Lampert (CEO GuestReady) will discuss the tourism industry’s current challenges and demonstrate how these can be tackled with forward-thinking solutions. Innovation, a driver for development and a central factor in overcoming crises, is the focus of this two-day conference.

Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi based Twenty14 Holdings will also take the stage at the event. The Indian-origin hotel-owner and serial entrepreneur is the newest appointment to the WTFL Global Advisory Board. He was chosen this month to join the international body of renowned industry stakeholders and decision makers and will collaborate with them on solving the travel and tourism industry’s future challenges. Known for his talents as a visionary leader, an insightful entrepreneur and a socially responsible philanthropist, Ahamed will also be a valued contributor and a key solutions architect at WTFL’s Think Tank.

Innovation knows no bounds 
Society is changing and tourism must adapt to align with these broad and varied developments. Subjects such as diversity and inclusion, biodiversity, entrepreneurship and many others urgently need to become part of the conversation. For this reason, the finalists of this year’s Start-Up Innovation Camp are presenting their pitches live in front of investors and interested industry representatives at the Innovation Festival. In addition to thought-provoking keynotes and panels, various side events, such as the “Think Tank”, the “Next Generation Leaders Day” and the “Young Talent Programme” will be held (see below).

A regular exchange between generations and disciplines is the key to a successful, innovation-driven future for tourism.

Register now and get your ticket at: eveni.to/festival2021online/registration

About World Tourism Forum Lucerne
World Tourism Forum Lucerne is an exclusive platform where leading global companies from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries meet to shape a more sustainable future for tourism. It gives decision makers in-depth insights into the most important topics faced by the tourism industry and access to a unique global network. World Tourism Forum Lucerne is the only platform to integrate start-ups, next generation leaders and students into one event. Over the past ten years it has developed to become a year-round network of CEOs and thought-leaders who are advocating for positive change in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.