Category: Latest Travel News

Mexico City, Mexico, July 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has embarked on a first official visit to Mexico. The visit of the high-level delegation further emphasises the unprecedented level of political support for tourism across the Americas as governments recognize the sector’s unique ability to drive economic and social recovery.

Meeting with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended his leadership from the very start of the pandemic. This included ensuring that Mexico continued to welcome international flights, safely and responsibly, and providing practical assistance for businesses and workers across the broad tourism sector. President López Obrador was officially recognized by UNWTO for his support of tourism and for leading by example at this critical time.

The UNWTO delegation also met with Mexico’s Secretary for Tourism Miguel Torruco Marqués to discuss the restart of tourism both in Mexico and across the wider region. At the National Palace, Secretary-General Pololikashvili accepted the government’s invitation to the official opening of the new “General Felipe Ángeles” International Airport, currently scheduled for March 2022.

Mexico has led the way in supporting tourism, politically and practically, through an unprecedented crisis

Mr Pololikashvili says: “Mexico has led the way in supporting tourism, politically and practically, through an unprecedented crisis. Under the leadership of President López Obrador, it is ready to restart tourism and put into action the commitments of UNWTO’s Punta Cana Declaration for inclusive and sustainable tourism.”

Guiding regional recovery

The official visit to Mexico forms part of UNWTO’s wider support for its Member States in the Americas. Mexico was among the states to attend an extraordinary Ministerial meeting of the Americas. Here, with the signing of the Punta Cana Declaration, the region’s tourism leaders committed to placing inclusivity at the heart of tourism’s restart, ensuring that the sector delivers benefits and opportunities for all.

This shared commitment was also in evidence as UNWTO’s Regional Commission for the Americas met last week (24 June). Hosted by Jamaica, and chaired by the country’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, the meeting highlighted the unprecedented political support now enjoyed by the sector, with 23 of the 24 regional Members represented, alongside six international and regional organizations. Discussions centred on the practical steps UNWTO is taking to guide the restart of tourism, and participants praised the tourism intelligence generated by UNWTO as “one of several laudable initiatives to assist Member States to navigate the choppy waters of pandemic and post-pandemic tourism slump and recovery”.

Elections and nominations

The meeting concluded with elections and nominations for positions within several UNWTO bodies, again showing a shared determination to move ahead even in challenging times.  Argentina, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were nominated to represent the Americas in the UNWTO Executive Council. Paraguay and Uruguay were nominated as Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly, and Guatemala and Jamaica were nominated to serve as members of the Credentials Committee. Paraguay was also nominated to serve as Chair of the UNWTO Commission for the Americas, while Uruguay and Barbados were nominated for its two Vice-Chair positions. Uruguay was elected to host the next UNWTO Commission for the Americas.

Basel, Switzerland, July 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Baselworld was held for the last time in 2019. Now it is back in March/April 2022, and it will be very different. Instead of focusing on the spectacular appearance of luxury brands in the watch, jewellery and gemstone sector, the new BASELWORLD will primarily be a B2B platform in the mid-range luxury segment. The future concept combines trends in the experience marketing market with the needs of the entire community in the mid- and high-end segment of the watch, jewellery and gemstone industry.

“After the Corona Pandemic had stalled BASELWORLD over the last two years, we took a lot of time to talk to our partners and exhibitors,” says BASELWORLD Managing Director Michel Loris-Melikoff. “One thing became very clear: the BASELWORLD brand must remain, but it must fundamentally change.”

Whereas BASELWORLD used to be the most important annual meeting place for the luxury brands in the watch, jewellery and gemstone industry, the new Baselworld will be a platform on which smaller watches and jewellery manufacturers and gemstone traders can present their products and retailers will have efficient and easy access to the diversity of manufacturers. BASELWORLD will become a digital platform, supplemented by live events, which will be available to the jewellery, watch and gems industry around the clock, 365 days a year, worldwide.

The date of BASELWORLD 2022 will be coordinated with the trade fairs taking place in Geneva at the same time and is intended as an important supplement and additional platform for the exchange of information between all the players in the industry, including those who did not participate in BASELWORLD in the past.

To be launched in autumn 2021, the digital platform will become a forum for exchange between all relevant representatives of the industry, the public and the media at BASELWORLD 2022. New tools for content creation will be used, allowing a maximum “touch and feel” experience and providing the opportunity to expand one’s network and exchange information on the latest trends. It will be the first independent platform that combines digital and live events.

“Everyone will meet on our platform. The brands, the manufacturers, the retailers, the fans and the media,” explains Michel Loris-Melikoff. “We will offer attractive conditions and prices for all brands that want to benefit from this unique platform.”

BASELWORLD’s new orientation is also in line with the MCH Group’s strategy, which has been confirmed by the newly composed Board of Directors. It focuses on platforms for communities in select (international or national) ecosystems, the provision of experience marketing solutions with holistic support for customers worldwide and the operation of the group’s own infrastructures in Basel and Zurich.

Malaga, Spain, July 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Skål International has become an official member of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Associate Community. Skål International has been working closely with WTTC since early 2020, when the Covid 19 pandemic hit the world.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. WTTC promotes sustainable growth for the Travel & Tourism sector, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, drive exports and generate prosperity. Council Members are the Chairs, Presidents, and Chief Executives of the world’s leading private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. The World Travel & Tourism Council of 2020 is an organization that has developed enormously since its inception, yet it still holds the same core values and purpose. WTTC’s Members remain the driving force behind its activities and policies.

“The current situation presents challenges that require all our collective energy. In this context, alliances between organizations are also crucial to building the necessary significant social pact. Building bridges is fundamental, and collaborations are the cornerstone to foster understanding and broad consensus. For this reason, Skal International continues to strengthen ties and promote joint work with prominent organizations in the sector to reconstruct the tourism industry. In addition to our ongoing work with the UNWTO, we have recently formalized a new alliance with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). We are now an associate member of WTTC. We have recently endorsed the Supporting Women in Travel & Tourism initiative, a document that recognizes the contribution of women around the world and the importance of an equitable environment for women to thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.” Said Daniela Otero, CEO, Skål International.

In the framework of the cooperation agreement with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Skål International is now participating in rebuilding the tourism industry. As of June 8, 2021, Skål International has become an authorized partner of WTTC to issue a ‘WTTC Safe Travels Stamp’ for all Skål International members who would like to apply and qualify for it.

The WTTC #SafeTravels Stamp was created for travelers to recognize destinations and businesses worldwide that have adopted the Safe Travels health and hygiene global standardized protocols.

Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short-term rentals car, rentals outdoor, shopping, transportation, and airports will be able to use the stamp once WTTC outlines the health and hygiene protocols have been implemented.

“One of Skål International’s stated objectives is to promote the development of the Travel and Tourism Industry worldwide through global partnerships. Our alliance with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is of strategic importance to our organization. We are proud of CEO Daniela Otero’s work with the WTTC. As an Associate Member, we firmly support the Security and Travel Facilitation initiative WTTC #SafeTravels Stamp to help the industry recover from the Pandemic and re-start travel.” Said Bill Rheaume, World President, Skål International.

The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp aims to align the private sector with common standards to ensure the safety of its workforce and travelers as each country or region moves to the ‘new normal’. The stamp allows travelers to recognize businesses worldwide that have adopted this global health, hygiene, sanitation, and physical distancing protocols issued by the WTTC to Covid-19.

Skål International is the world’s largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business, and Friendship worldwide since 1934. Its members are Directors and Executives of the Tourism sector who relate to each other to address common interest issues, improving a business network, and promoting destinations.

Phuket, Thailand, July 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, led by Andres Rubio (4th left), General Manager of the hotel, was recently honoured to welcome H.E. Waravuth Pouapinya (3rd left), the Thai Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and his team, the first tourists to arrive in Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox campaign and staying at Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket.

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and the Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, one of the luxury hotels in Phuket, guarantees the standard of cleanliness and hygiene as endorsed by the certificate awarded by the Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration from the Ministry of Public Health and the Tourist Authority of Thailand.

We have also received the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for implementing the highest health, hygiene, and safety standards that comply with the prevention protocols and sanitary measures outlined by the international body. We are ready to welcome all vaccinated tourists to enjoy our hotel without quarantine.

Tokyo, Japan, July 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Cross Hotels & Resorts recognizes the opportunities in the Japanese inbound and outbound markets, and to reinforce its expansion plans into the Japanese market, Cross Hotels & Resorts has appointed Biz M Asia as their General Sales Agent (GSA) in Japan.

The Japanese market is one of the ‘Big 4’ key players in the Asian tourism and hospitality market, the other players being Thailand, Bali and Vietnam.

Biz M Asia will represent Cross Hotels & Resorts and support the opening of the Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort property, as well as represent all hotels in their portfolio in the Japanese market.

Lead by Mary Tolentino, fondly known as ‘Mary San’ in the Japan travel industry; Mary has over three decades of experience in sales and marketing and representing international hotel brands and independent properties in key destinations.

Her knowledge and extensive network in the industry will bring Cross Hotels & Resorts closer to the Japanese market and help Cross Hotels & Resorts become one of the favored hotel brands of choice for Japanese travelers both domestically and abroad.

Biz M Asia specializes in selling to professional wholesalers, retail leisure travel agencies as well as corporate and group travel, all of which are key markets for Cross Hotels & Resorts.

In 2018 and 2019, inbound markets from Thailand and Australia experienced significant growth, with almost 1.3 million Thais and 20,000 Australians traveling to Japan each year. Vietnamese and Indonesian travelers to Japan grew substantially in previous years, with Japan welcoming approximately 260,000 travelers from these markets each year. Japanese outbound travelers to these same markets also grew significantly with approximately 1.7M Japanese visitors to Thailand, 260,000 to Bali and almost 1 million Japanese visitors to Vietnam over the same period.

“Cross Hotels & Resorts has 7 hotels in Japan; we look to see growth in the Japanese market both domestically, as well as establishing Cross Hotels & Resorts as a preferred option for outbound Japanese leisure and business travelers. Having a dedicated Japan based GSA is a demonstration of our commitment to growth and commitment to our local partners,” said Paul Wilson, Executive Vice President – Commercial, Cross Hotels & Resorts.

“Cross Hotels & Resorts has so much to offer. The unique designs that you experience in each property along with impeccable service and dynamic teams make them a perfect fit. We are proud to be working and representing Cross, Cross Vibe and Away in the Japanese Market,” said Mary Tolentino

With its vision and effort, and robust sales and distribution supported by Flight Centre Travel Group, Cross Hotels & Resorts will be actively expanding across the Asia Pacific region in the coming years.

Cross Hotels & Resorts currently operate 22 hotels across three distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe and Away in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Expo 2020 Dubai tickets will go on sale worldwide from 18 July 2021, opening up a spectacular world of innovation and entertainment for every visitor across 182 visually striking and emotionally inspiring days from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

With three months to go, Expo 2020 has announced three ticket tiers to ensure every visitor will be able to enjoy the spectacular event, regardless of the duration of their visit to Dubai. One-day tickets are priced at AED 95 (USD 26); multi-day tickets, offering unrestricted entry for 30 consecutive days, are priced at AED 195 (USD 53), and season passes, with unlimited entry for the entire six months of Expo 2020, are priced at AED 495 (USD 135).

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Dubai, Visit Dubai – World Leading Tourism Destination, at TourismDubai.org

Phuket, Thailand, July 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Phuket’s highly anticipated reopening to tourism is now officially in effect, with the launch today of the Phuket Sandbox programme that welcomes fully vaccinated international visitors to the destination with no need to quarantine.

Right from Day one to four, major airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International (THAI) are flying direct to Phuket from cities like London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore.

General information on the Phuket Sandbox programme; such as, entry requirements, on-arrival procedures, hygiene measures, and FAQs can be found here.

H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “The reopening of Phuket signifies a crucial step forward in the revitalisation of Thailand’s tourism industry with the island serving as a pilot destination. It is indeed wonderful to be welcoming visitors once again, and they can rest assured that their safety and well-being is of utmost importance to Thailand.”

Much has been done safety-wise in the lead-up to the Phuket Sandbox launch. Of particular note is the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration or SHA certification scheme that was introduced in May 2020, and which is itself certified by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

• In time for the reopening of Phuket, Travelindex launched the first “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket” to promote Phuket as a prime gastronomy destination and to support all restaurants on the island; visit Phuket’s restaurants here…

There are currently well over 1300 hotels, restaurants, activities, attractions, shops, and other venues and businesses across Phuket that are SHA certified, meaning they have the required safety and hygiene measures to control COVID-19.

More and more of these are also becoming SHA Plus certified, meaning that at least 70% of their employees are fully vaccinated.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “It is with great pleasure we can now welcome the world back to Phuket. Fully vaccinated visitors can once again enjoy the famed beaches, warm hospitality, and many other attractions that have made Phuket one of the world’s favourite destinations.”

It is this longstanding popularity among travellers the world over that makes Phuket the ideal destination with which to restart Thailand’s tourism industry. The reopening of other places like Samui, Krabi, Phang Nga and Chiang Mai are planned to soon follow.

Among Phuket’s commitments to safely reopen to fully vaccinated visitors are the vaccination programme for 70% of the island’s population. To date, 80% of the people have already received their first vaccine dose, while more than 60% had received both doses.

Mr. Narong Woonchiew, Governor of Phuket Province, said, “On behalf of the people and the tourism industry of Phuket, I would like to say how great an honour it is for us to be the pilot destination in the much-anticipated revitalisation of Thai tourism. We are extremely excited to again be able to welcome travellers to the famed beaches, legendary accommodation, spectacular attractions, and warm hospitality that makes Phuket one of the world’s favourite tropical island getaways.

Phuket awaits in all its exotic glory. Come and see for yourself!

• In time for the reopening of Phuket, Travelindex launched the first “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket” to promote Phuket as a prime gastronomy destination and to support all restaurants on the island; visit Phuket’s restaurants here…

London, United Kingdom, July 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Virginia Messina, WTTC Senior Vice President, said: “Today we should reflect on how hard won our newly re-found ‘freedoms’ are, which have been curbed for the best part of 18 months as together we have fought against the pandemic – at huge social, economic and personal cost.

“We know it will come as a sigh of relief that our lives are beginning to return to normal, albeit with mask-wearing where appropriate, to continue prioritizing public safety.

“However, while the domestic holiday market is reaping the benefits of ‘Freedom Day’, with staycations booming, we are not out of the woods yet.

“International travel remains either off limits or frustratingly difficult for many. This means the door to significant overseas travel still remains effectively closed, especially following the new ‘amber list-plus status’ for France which caused such chaos last week.

“We need international travel; economically, socially and emotionally. Our pent-up desire to travel remains undimmed, and we must take advantage of the hugely successful vaccine rollout to safely resume it.

“We hope the UK government will extend these revived domestic ‘freedoms’ to include the freedom to travel safely internationally, so we can reconnect with the world and harness all the benefits that it brings to us as individuals, and collectively to the Travel & Tourism sector and the country.”

Madrid, Spain, July 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The biggest crisis in the history of tourism continues into a second year. Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85% below 2019 levels (or a 65% drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows. Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of COVID-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel. Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to rebound in many parts of the world.

The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460 million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019. However, the data does point to a relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82% (versus May 2019), after falling by 86% in April. This slight upward trend emerged as some destinations started to ease restrictions and consumer confidence rose slightly.

Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism

Rebuild trust to restart tourism

“Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism” says UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

By regions, Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the largest decline with a 95% drop in international arrivals in the first five months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Europe (-85%) recorded the second largest decline in arrivals, followed by the Middle East (-83%) and Africa (-81%). The Americas (-72%) saw a comparatively smaller decrease. In June, the number of destinations with complete closure of borders decreased to 63, from 69 in February. Of these, 33 were in Asia and the Pacific, while just seven in Europe, the region with the fewest restrictions on travel currently in place.

By subregions, the Caribbean (-60%) recorded the best relative performance through May 2021. Growing travel from the United States has benefitted destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, as well as Mexico. Western Europe, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, South America and Central America saw slightly better results in May than in April.

Mixed outlook for remainder of 2021

International tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery remains very fragile and uneven. Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures. In addition, the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season. However, vaccination programmes around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.

In addition, domestic travel is driving the recovery in many destinations, especially those with large domestic markets. Domestic air seat capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.

Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released major new guidelines outlining how the global Travel & Tourism sector can work together to tackle illegal wildlife trade (IWT). Illicit market is valued between US$8 billion and US$23 billion per year COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in funding for conservation and an increase in poaching activities

The new guidelines from WTTC, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, with support from Animondial, a key advisor to the global travel industry on animal welfare in tourism, aim to help interpret the ‘12 Commitments’ of its game-changing Buenos Aires Declaration.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The declaration, which was launched at WTTC’s Global Summit in Argentina, showed how coordinated commitment and action could combat the illegal trade in wildlife (IWT) and unveiled its Zero Tolerance Policy.

According to the guidelines, travellers often participate, albeit unwittingly, in the illicit movement of animals, plants, products made from them – and of wild species which are threatened, endangered, and protected by national or international law.

Tourism thrives in every corner of the world. But the challenge is balancing tourism with fragile environments where wildlife is at risk and animals are held and exploited in captivity.

And as demand for the legal trade in wildlife and their products increases, so rises IWT. This illicit market is valued between a staggering US$8 billion and US$23 billion per year with over 38,000 plant and animal species threatened by overexploitation and extinction. Yet, wildlife is worth more alive than dead- requiring us to take action.

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: “The World Travel & Tourism Council and its Members are determined to help in the fight to eradicate the scourge of illegal trade in wildlife.

“As a sector, Travel & Tourism has a responsibility to tackle this appalling activity which causes misery to countless animals, putting entire species and ecosystems at risk.

“We believe these new guidelines will help businesses around the world in their fight against this corrupt and shameful practice and we renew and reinforce our commitment first made in WTTC’s game-changing Buenos Aires Declaration.”

John Scanlon, Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime Chair, said: “It is fantastic that the Travel & Tourism sector has joined the global fight against illegal wildlife trade, recognising how it can both protect wildlife at its source and help curb demand. But, what’s even better, is that it didn’t stop with the Declaration. 

“Despite the disruption of COVID-19, the World Travel & Tourism Council has worked with signatories to implement its terms, and it is now issuing practical implementation guidance through its new guidelines.”

However, despite the support of many Travel & Tourism businesses in the protection of animal and plant species threatened with extinction, much more can still be done to increase the endorsement of the sector in this fight.

The guidelines show that Travel & Tourism does and can continue to play a critical role in helping to tackle the IWT.

Unfortunately, widespread travel bans, and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in funding for conservation efforts and an increase in poaching activities. Anti-poaching programmes have been starved of funds over the past 18 months.

WTTC is therefore committed to spearheading the drive by Travel & Tourism businesses around the world to embrace policies and practices to help eradicate IWT.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

By adopting a shared responsibility to tackle IWT and sign up to WTTC’s Buenos Aires Declaration and the WTTC-WWF Zero Tolerance Policy, the global Travel & Tourism sector can commit itself to responsible and sustainable wildlife-based tourism activities, to contribute to wildlife preservation.

WTTC’s latest guidelines include:
Tour operators and travel agents:

• Adopt the principles advocated by the ABTA Animal Welfare Guidelines, promoting responsible Travel & Tourism activities with animals, respectful wildlife viewing practices and improved welfare standards (including no direct human-initiated contact with, or feeding of, wild animals)
• Discourage suppliers from sourcing animals from the wild unless there is a demonstrable and justifiable conservation need. Consult national laws, animal stock list, CITES* permits and the CITES Management Authority for the respective national government.
• Accommodation providers:
• Adopt the principles advocated by the ABTA Animal Welfare Guidelines, promoting responsible Travel & Tourism activities with animals, respectful wildlife viewing practices and improved welfare standards (including no direct human-initiated contact with, and feeding of, wild animals)
• No commercial trade, breeding or exploitation of animals, including habituated or ‘pet’ animals that may be housed in, or in the vicinity of, the hotel, lodge, or venue.

Transport providers:

• Sign up to the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, the WTTC Buenos Aires Declaration on Illegal Trade in Wildlife and the related IWT Zero Tolerance Policy, and work with ROUTES to implement the commitments
• Airlines should collaborate with industry associations including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), guided by its Live Animals Regulations (LAR), and with the taskforce against wildlife trafficking to support industry-wide action.