Category: Latest Travel News

Seoul, Korea South, June 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / COVID-19 sparks a dramatic 45.5% collapse in the sector’s contribution to GDP 84,000 jobs lost, while many more remain protected by the job retention scheme. However, the return of international travel this year could see GDP contribution rise sharply and jobs return. WTTC recognises the government for its effectiveness in managing the crisis through the implementation of processes, policies, and protocols. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) today reveals the dramatic impact COVID-19 had on South Korea’s Travel & Tourism sector, wiping out $33.3 billion from the nation’s economy.

The annual EIR from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, shows the sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 45.5%.

Travel & Tourism’s impact on the nation’s GDP fell from USD$73.2 billion (4.4%) in 2019, to USD$39.9 billion (2.4%), just 12 months later, in 2020.

The year of damaging travel restrictions which brought much of international travel to a grinding halt, resulted in the loss of 84,000 Travel & Tourism jobs across the country.

However, this number, while devastating to those affected, is much lower than many other countries globally and within the region.

WTTC believes the true picture could have been significantly worse, if not for the government’s job retention scheme, the Universal Employment Insurance Roadmap, and the emergency relief stimulus payments, all of which offered a lifeline to thousands of businesses and workers.

These job losses were felt across the entire Travel & Tourism ecosystem in the country, with SMEs, which make up eight out of 10 of all global businesses in the sector, particularly affected.

Furthermore, as one of the world’s most diverse sectors, the impact on women, youth and minorities was significant.

The number of those employed in the South Korean Travel & Tourism sector fell from nearly 1.4 million in 2019, to 1.3 million in 2020, a drop of 6.2%.
However, again due to the government’s job retention scheme, this figure was significantly lower than the global average fall of 18.5%.

The report also revealed domestic visitor spending declined by 34%, and while international spending fared even worse due to more stringent travel restrictions, falling by 68%, only slightly better than the global average decline of almost 70%.

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC said: “The loss of 84,000 Travel & Tourism jobs in South Korea has had a terrible socio-economic impact, leaving huge numbers of people fearing for their future.

“However, we must applaud President Moon Jae-in for his incredible efforts. WTTC and its members would also like to thank Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwang Hee for his commitment to the private sector in its efforts to save Travel & Tourism.

“The government’s response to COVID-19 has been extremely good, managing the crisis through the implementation of robust processes, strong policies, and protocols.

”Building on its experience handling Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), South Korea was able to flatten the epidemic curve very quickly, without closing businesses, issuing stay at home orders, or implementing many of the stricter measures adopted by other countries until late 2020. 

“Furthermore, it developed clear guidelines for the public, conducting comprehensive testing and contact tracing, and supported people in quarantine to make compliance easier. The easing of quarantine rules for vaccinated travellers is certainly a step in the right direction.

“WTTC believes that if restrictions on travel are relaxed before the busy holiday season, alongside a clear roadmap for increased mobility and a comprehensive testing on departure scheme in place, the 84,000 jobs lost in South Korea could return later this year.”

WTTC research shows that if mobility and international travel resume by June, the sector’s contribution to global GDP could rise sharply in 2021, by 48.5%, year-on-year.

The global tourism body believes the key to unlocking safe international travel can be achieved through a clear and science-based framework to include rapid testing before departure, as well as enhanced health and hygiene protocols, including mandatory mask wearing, alongside the vaccine rollout.
These measures will be the foundation to build the recovery of the many millions of jobs lost due to the pandemic.

It would also reduce the terrible social implications these losses have had on communities reliant on Travel & Tourism and upon ordinary people who have been isolated by COVID-19 restrictions.

Phuket, Thailand, June 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the following updates on Phuket’s announcement to relax the COVID-19 restrictions and entry measures from 1 June, 2021.

Phuket Governor, Mr. Narong Woonciew, signed two orders on Friday, 28 May, 2021, including Order Number 2920/2564 on the measures for entry and COVID-19 screening, and Order Number 2921/2564 on the relaxation of business closures and a new set of COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Both Orders come into effect from 1 June, 2021, until further notice.

Entry and COVID-19 Screening Measure (Order Number 2920/2564)

All arrivals at all points of entry must be fully vaccinated (complete the vaccination series) or must have received at least one dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, or must have recovered from COVID-19 for no longer than 90 days, or must have tested negative for COVID-19 using an RT-PCR or a rapid antigen method within seven days of arriving (from previously within 72 hours of arriving).

The measure excludes children under five years of age. That said children up to five years of age travelling with their parents must also have tested negative for COVID-19.

However, the announcement only mentioned that for arrivals by road at Tha Chat Chai and by water at all ports and piers who are unable to show the necessary documents will be required to observe a 14-day quarantine at home or in a hotel.

Meanwhile, the announcement noted that arrivals by air at Phuket International Airport must download the Application Mor Chana (“Doctors Win”) and register their entry online via www.gophuget.com. They are required to set the Mor Chana app on all the time while in Phuket, as well as self-monitor their symptoms and avoid visiting crowded places.

Hotels and other establishments providing accommodation to any arrivals to Phuket must follow the provincial public health guidelines, including travel movement tracking. Any operators who violate or fail to comply with the order shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one (1) month or to a fine not exceeding ten thousand (10,000) Baht, or both.

Relaxation for business to reopen from 1 June, 2021 (Order Number 2921/2564)

The following venues and businesses are allowed to reopen from 1 June, 2021:

1. Buildings and places of schools, tutorial schools, and all types of educational institutions;
2. Health-related establishments (spa shops, health massage shops, beauty massage shops), and establishments for Thai traditional massage and foot massage;
3. Premises for tattooing or piercing of the skin or any parts of the body, or venues for faith-based gatherings, ceremonies, and rituals;
4. Amulet and Buddha statue trading markets and centres;
5. Premises offering services for fishing for fish or shrimp;
6. Tourism-related businesses, snorkelling services and scuba diving businesses;
7. Walking street markets, flea markets, retail stores and wholesaler venues;
8. Nurseries, early childhood development centres, and preschool child development centres;
9. Shops selling food or beverages are allowed to open within the normal permitted hours; however, consumption of alcoholic beverages while dining in continues to be prohibited;
10. Outdoor sports venues are allowed to open without any gatherings or group exercises;
11. Indoor sports venues, including gyms, fitness centres and badminton courts;
12. Golf courses and driving ranges are allowed to open without any tournaments;
13. Boxing stadiums and boxing training gyms, and martial arts schools (gyms);
14. Public and private swimming pools and other swimming pools with recreational water activities;
15. Aesthetic clinics, medical clinics for beauty service, cosmetic clinics, weight-loss centres, and manicure and pedicure shops;
16. Beauty and hair salons, and barber shops;
17. Pet care facilities;

All aforementioned venues and businesses are to strictly follow a new set of COVID-19 prevention guidelines indicated in Order Number 2921/2564.

In support of the hospitality sector in Phuket, Travelindex has confirmed the launch of its “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket” guide on July 1st, with the support of TAT Amazing Thailand. This restaurant guide on Phuket is part of the internationally acclaimed Top 25 Series published by Travelindex and will contribute to promote Phuket as a safe destination, in particular for gastronomy tourists.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, June 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Africa is running a race against time in the battle against the historic crisis for the air travel industry posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The different organizations in the aviation ecosystem have to date demonstrated resilience to some extent, leading to much progress made in restarting the industry on the continent.

The joint message was issued by AFCAC AFRAA, ACI Africa, CANSO, IATA and UNWTO at the auspices of the 9th AFRAA Aviation Stakeholders Convention.

COVID-19 is a global challenge that requires global solutions and international solidarity and collaboration. The evolution of the virus is unpredictable and therefore there is need for a co-ordinated approach by African States for sustainable recovery of the air travel industry.

We, the undernamed stakeholders, therefore urge the decision-makers in the various instances to consider the following steps for a durable restart and recovery of the air travel industry in Africa:

1. Harmonization of travel protocols
   There is need for constant and sustained dialogue among African governments, civil aviation authorities, tourism and travel industry players, air transport associations and other key stakeholders, to implement harmonized and internationally adopted health and travel protocols to bring back the necessary confidence for a safe, simple and seamless air travel in the new normal.
2. Accessibility of COVID-19 testing facilities
   African States are encouraged to make available universal, accessible and affordable COVID-19 testing facilities to all air travellers, i.e. PCR or Rapid antigen tests.
3. Reduction of high PCR test costs in Africa
   There is need for the reduction of the high cost of testing fees noting that the PCR test costs are very high in some African States. Where possible, African States are also urged to consider alternative testing protocol for travel that uses the rapid diagnostic antigen test which is more cost-effective.
4. Expedition of the vaccine roll-out campaign in Africa
   Vaccines, coupled with testing and the current health measures in place, present the most efficient way out of this pandemic. It is therefore vital that the vaccine roll-out campaign in Africa is expedited equitably with the prime objective of achieving the herd immunity or that level of vaccination which inhibits the ability of the virus to circulate in the population.
5. Lifting of prohibitive travel restrictions
   African States are encouraged to consider steps towards lifting prohibitive travel restrictions in the form of quarantine measures for fully vaccinated and negatively tested travellers. In the short term, quarantines may be applicable only to passengers coming from those determined areas with a very high incidence of the virus, to be regularly reviewed in co-ordination with national and international health authorities.
6. Adoption of globally interoperable digital health passes
   African States are further encouraged to adopt any form of globally interoperable digital health pass or certificate, approved by the World Health Organization, that will seamlessly integrate into testing and travel processes of the different stakeholders of the air travel industry.

Phuket, Thailand, May 31, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Twinpalms Phuket, located on the west coast of Phuket, has been nominated for the Top 25 Luxury Hotels awards by Top25Hotels.com, which honours the world’s leading hotels.

After receiving the nomination certificate General Manager Olivier Gibaud said, “We are honoured to be included in the Top 25 Hotels in the World and in the World’s Best Luxury Hotels Awards by Top25Hotels.com, be it with some of the world’s greatest properties.”

He continues, “Earning an award nomination is a great achievement, especially in these challenging times.  We thank our dedicated professional team as well as our partners and guests for their continued support and trust.”

At Twinpamls Phuket, each of the rooms, suites, and penthouses at Twinpalms Phuket have a private terrace with a view of the expansive and tranquil lagoon pool. Stylish and spacious Penthouses offer private pools and a touch of exclusivity. A stretch of golden sand is just moments away on Surin Beach. With a collection of chic restaurants and bars as well as impressive beach clubs, each strategically placed around separate beaches, Twinpalms guests are able to truly take in Phuket’s stunning appeal in style.

About Twinpalms Hotels & Resorts
Established in 2004, with the launch of the initial resort, Twinpalms Phuket, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and located on Surin Beach.  Twinpalms Hotels & Resorts include a range of lifestyle brands, Catch Beach Club, HQ Beach Lounge, Palm Seaside, Bake and Andaman Cruises Luxury Motor Yachts. Launched in 2019 Twinpalms MontAzure Hotel, Shimmer Beachfront Restaurant, Love Noodles and in 2020, Wagyu Steakhouse. 2021 saw the opening of The Lazy Coconut.

About Top25Hotels.com – World’s Best Luxury Hotels:
Top25Hotels.com is a collection of exceptional hotels, resorts, eco-lodges, retreats and private islands featuring the top 25 luxury properties in the world and each destination. Top25Hotels.com by Travelindex is the world’s only rating system based on natural language processing technology combined with human expertise. The ratings and rankings are synthesized by a proprietary, artificial intelligence algorithm and re-assessed by some of the world’s top hospitality experts, resulting in the trusted “Hotel Rating Index”. The company puts a priority on the integration of reliable data with human discernment to make trusted information accessible to all.

Contact & Reservations
Twinpalms Phuket
106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road
Cherngtalay, Phuket, 83110, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 7631 6500
E: book@twinpalms-phuket.com
W: twinpalms-phuket.com

Phoenix, Arizona, June 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The 15th annual BWH Hotel Group Travel Summit was held virtually with a panel of top travel industry leaders from AAA, Google and the U.S. Travel Association. The panel discussion, led by Dorothy Dowling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of BWH Hotel Group, focused on traveler sentiment, road and summer travel, as well as trends reshaping the industry’s rebound.

The Return of Travel Following An Unprecedented Year

Dowling was joined by Greg Staley, Senior Vice President of Communications for the U.S. Travel Association; Nelson Boyce, Managing Director of Travel for Google; and Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of Travel for AAA. The expert panelists highlighted top trends shaping the return of travel and discussed how stimulus checks, savings, and the vaccine rollout have impacted consumer sentiment and pent up travel demand.

During her presentation and the panel discussion, Dowling spoke about how BWH Hotel Group is focusing on remaining agile, boosting consumer confidence, providing value and prioritizing guest loyalty this summer travel season.

“Following a devastating and catastrophic year for travel, I can’t help but express my gratitude for this esteemed group of people and their respective companies,” said Dowling. “Their partnership and invaluable insights have been integral in us understanding the landscape around us and helping us navigate a truly unprecedented time. It’s a pleasure to reconnect with them today, to share and learn from each other as we embark on what is anticipated to be a very exciting time in our industry’s path to recovery.”

Memorial Day Holiday Travel Forecast Shows Strong Summer Travel Demand

Coinciding with this year’s Virtual Travel Summit was the return of AAA’s Memorial Day Holiday Travel Forecast. AAA’s findings predict that 37 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend (May 27-31), a 60% year-over-year increase from the 23 million Americans that traveled during the same time period in 2020. In addition to AAA’s Memorial Day Holiday Travel Forecast, U.S. Travel presented encouraging statistics during Friday’s Virtual Travel Summit taken from a recent Harris Poll:

77% of Americans are planning on traveling this summer (compared to 29% in 2020)
Two-thirds of Americans have a summer trip either already planned (36%) or booked (30%)

With positive consumer sentiment at an all-time high, Best Western Hotels & Resorts is ensuring that it is meeting customers with the heart and empathy they’ve come to expect with the launch of its See You Soon campaign. In speaking about the campaign during the summit, Dowling announced the company’s summer Best Western Rewards® (BWR®) promotion. From May 17 through September 6, 2021, enrolled BWR members will earn a $20 Best Western Travel Card® for each night after they stay, up to $100 or five gift cards.

Dowling also teased the upcoming launch of Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ “Pay With Points” program, which will allow BWR members to monetize their accumulated points and use them towards the cost of a booking.

Loyalty Programs Will Be Reimagined in a Post-Pandemic World

A key topic discussed during the Virtual Travel Summit was loyalty and the evolution of consumer behavior. Data presented by Google showed that 36% of consumers have tried a new brand amid the pandemic, with the top criteria for switching being availability, convenience and value. Of those 36% of consumers, 73% intend to incorporate the new brands into their routine. These trends, which come from McKinsey survey research, show that consumers are switching brands at unprecedented rates and signifies the need for travel loyalty programs to be enhanced and reimagined to connect with consumers post-pandemic.

“At Best Western, we recognize that we have to re-earn most of our customers’ loyalty as they have not been able to participate in our program over the last 13 to 15 months. We are launching our ‘Pay With Points’ program as a way to reengage with them, while also having the understanding that most customers join hotel loyalty programs because they want free nights. 80% of our rewards redemptions are for free nights, so it’s about knowing who our customers are and providing them with the rewards that matter to them most,” added Dowling.

Shifts to Digital Impacting How Travelers Find Destinations, Book Stays

An important trend addressed during the Summit was how consumers are relying more on digital to book their next vacation. According to Google, consumers are looking for help and travel inspiration as they are unsure of where to go, with a popular search query being “where to travel to.” The pandemic led to much higher time spent on digital video and social media: +25% and +16% year-over-year, respectively.

Additionally, the average window for booking flights and hotels with intent has decreased, while the average window for researching, finding inspiration, and taking all necessary COVID-related precautions has increased.

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel GroupSM global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,700 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®.

* 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.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 29, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO and international broadcaster Euronews have signed a new agreement to work together to lead the global tourism recovery by highlighting the heightened economic, development, social and cultural relevance of the sector.

This agreement was signed within the framework of the opening of UNWTO’s first Regional Office in the Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It builds on the existing cooperation between the UN specialized agency for tourism and this leading international broadcaster towards restoring trust in travel and restarting tourism. Europe is the main source market for Middle East, a growing tourism destination and one that is coming of age, as shown by the opening of the UNWTO office there. The partnership will focus on identifying tourism-related news that will inspire and inform viewers and showcase the sector’s importance to drive recovery and sustainable development for all.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

“This partnership will showcase tourism’s unique ability to provide opportunity and drive growth and allow us to share UNWTO’s trusted data and tourism insights with a wider audience”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.

This partnership will showcase tourism’s unique ability to provide opportunity and drive growth and allow us to share UNWTO’s trusted data and tourism insights with a wider audience

Euronews’ CEO Michael Peters says: “For almost three decades, Euronews has worked with the biggest players in the travel & tourism industry, from airlines, hotels to tourism boards, countries, regions and investment agencies, crafting meaningful stories in 15 languages and enabling a 360° communication strategy for our partners to reach over 140M consumers every month. During the height of the pandemic, we launched a dedicated “Euronews Travel” vertical, rooted in Euronews’ multi-cultural storytelling expertise. Our viewers are passionate about travel, but also in taking an active role in the future of tourism: enthusiasm has not decreased since the beginning of the pandemic, quite the opposite. More than 50% of Europeans plan to travel again in the coming six months. We are excited to work with the UNWTO to offer our viewers a closer relationship with this important industry and to offer our partners in this sector a trusted platform to share their inspirational stories with the world.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

UNWTO and Euronews will collaborate on joint tourism related research projects. Under the agreement, Euronews will also provide ongoing support for several UNWTO’s leading initiatives, including recovery communications, tourism innovation and skills development.

Phuket, Thailand, May 29, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Phuket’s travel and tourism industry is rallying ahead of the island’s re-opening on July 1 to international visitors who have been vaccinated in line with the Phuket Sandbox model.

The countdown has started and less than six weeks remain before the first international visitors arrive in Phuket, 15 months after the country was closed.

The industry is abuzz with anticipation after months of no business or relying on the domestic market. First responders are expected to be from traditional long-haul European markets – with the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia leading the way.

“The plan is still on and July 1 is the date we will receive international travellers who have been vaccinated and who can stay in Phuket without quarantine,” said Phuket Tourist Association President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam. “We are on track with vaccinations in Phuket where we need to achieve a herd immunity of 70% of the population, which includes expats with work permits.”

Mr. Ruktaengam advised the travel industry to prepare their infrastructure, re-train staff and implement the new SHA Plus guidelines on health and safety for the imminent return of the European market. “Europe is a big market… there is strong demand for Q3 and Q4 already,” he said.

“What is clear is that Phuket hotels need to get ready, and get ready quickly,” said Delivering Asia Communications CEO David Johnson who is currently in Phuket working with the hospitality industry to prepare their re-opening campaigns focusing on Europe.

“It has been a tough 15 months but the light is at the end of the tunnel and visitors from Europe will return first,” he said. “What will be key is to not go back to offering the same thing. Hotels need to create new story narratives based on nature, culture and the destination itself using new distribution channels. The world has changed and it is important to respond to that. There’s new bucket lists to fulfill for travellers who have been locked down for so long dreaming of returning.”

In support of the hospitality sector in Phuket, Travelindex has confirmed the launch of its “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket” guide on July 1st, with the support of TAT Amazing Thailand. This restaurant guide on Phuket is part of the internationally acclaimed Top 25 Series published by Travelindex and will contribute to promote Phuket as a safe destination, in particular for gastronomy tourists.

Looking towards the year-end runway into the island’s core high-season marketplace, a consulting group weighs in “between 35-40% of travellers come from cold weather destination’s in Northern, Eastern and Western Europe.  As soon as the temperatures drop, the vaccinated snowbirds will inevitably lead the charge back to the sandbox beaches, and that’s a healthy base to start the recovery storyline.”

London, United Kingdom, May 29, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX /  The World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) today reveals the dramatic impact COVID-19 had on the Caribbean’s Travel & Tourism sector, wiping out $33.9 billion from the region’s economy.

The annual EIR  from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, shows the sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 58%, higher than the global average.

Travel & Tourism’s impact on the region’s GDP fell from USD$58.4 billion (14.1%) in 2019, to USD$24.5 billion (6.4%), just 12 months later, in 2020.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The year of damaging travel restrictions which brought much of international travel to a grinding halt, resulted in the loss of 680,000 Travel & Tourism jobs across the popular holiday region, equating to almost a quarter of all jobs in the sector.

These job losses were felt across the entire Travel & Tourism ecosystem, with SMEs, which make up eight out of 10 of all global businesses in the sector, particularly affected.

Furthermore, as one of the world’s most diverse sectors, the impact on women, youth and minorities was significant.

The number of those employed in the Caribbean Travel & Tourism sector fell from nearly 2.76 million in 2019, to 2.08 million in 2020, a drop of almost a quarter (24.7%).

The report also revealed domestic visitor spending declined by 49.6%, with international spend faring even worse, falling by 68%, due to the region’s strong reliance on international travel, with many of the islands massively impacted.

Whilst the global average Travel & Tourism contribution to GDP fell by -49.1%, many of the islands in the region fared much worse.

St Kitts and Nevis saw a steep decline of 72.3%, while St Lucia was close behind with a decline of 71.7%. The Bahamas, UK Virgin Islands and St Vincent and the Grenadine all saw harsh losses, with declines of 68%, 67.6% and 67%, respectively, demonstrating just how important international inbound travel is to the region.

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President, WTTC, said: “The loss of 680,000 Travel & Tourism jobs across the Caribbean region has had a terrible socio-economic impact, leaving huge numbers of people fearing for their future.

“WTTC believes that if restrictions on travel are relaxed before the busy summer season, alongside a clear plan to allow inbound visitors to return to the region once again, the 680,000 jobs lost across the Caribbean could return later this year.

“Another year of terrible losses can be avoided if governments support the swift resumption of international travel, which will be vital to powering the turnaround of the Caribbean economy.

“Our research shows that if mobility and international travel resume by June this year, the sector’s contribution to global GDP could rise sharply in 2021, by 48.5%, year-on-year.”

While we’re seeing great progress in some regions with the vaccination rollout, we know it will take a significant amount of time to inoculate the global population, particularly those in less advanced countries, or in different age groups, therefore governments should consider measures to allow all travellers to cross borders, through enhanced health & hygiene protocols and rapid testing.

According to WTTC’s Knowledge Partner, ForwardKeys, most USA departures in 2021 are to the Caribbean and Mexico, which could bring a swift recovery to this hard hit region.

WTTC also supports the introduction of a health pass such as the European Commission’s Digital Green Certificate, which would further enable safe international travel.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

These measures will be the foundation to build the recovery of the many millions of jobs lost due to the pandemic.

It would also reduce the terrible social implications these losses have had on communities reliant on Travel & Tourism and upon ordinary people who have been isolated by COVID-19 restrictions.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The search is on for the best examples of rural villages harnessing the power of tourism to provide opportunity and safeguard their communities, local traditions and heritage. The initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will identify villages taking innovative and transformative approaches to tourism in rural areas in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With the vision of making tourism a positive force for transformation, rural development and community wellbeing, ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ aims to maximise the contribution of the sector to reducing regional inequalities and fighting against rural depopulation. It also seeks to advance the role of tourism in valuing and safeguarding rural villages along with their associated landscapes, knowledge systems, biological and cultural diversity, local values and activities, including gastronomy.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The launch of the ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ initiative takes place on the occasion of the opening of UNWTO’s first Regional Office in the Middle East (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), underscoring the focus of the Office on, among other issues, the role of tourism in rural development.

Celebrating tourism as a driver of rural development and wellbeing

“Tourism can be a driver of positive change for rural communities all around the world,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “We want to recognize the uniqueness of each village and showcase the best initiatives to make tourism a means for a better future in rural areas. As we restart tourism, we work to ensure that we leave no one – and no village- behind.”

At the opening of the UNWTO Regional office in Riyadh, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Tourism, said: “We are proud to be a partner of UNWTO as they launch this important initiative. For our rural communities, tourism is an opportunity to share their vibrant culture, amazing food and famous Saudi hospitality, while benefitting from the socio-economic opportunities provided by the sector.”

The initiative includes three pillars:

1. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Label: The Label will recognize a village which is an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserves and promotes rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle and has a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental.

2. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme: The Upgrade programme will benefit a number of villages that do not fully meet the Label criteria. These villages will receive support from UNWTO and its Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.

3. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network: The Network will provide a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It will include representatives of the villages awarded the ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’ Label, the villages participating in the Upgrade Programme, as well as experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

UNWTO Members States can present up to three villages to be assessed by the Initiative. Applications will close on 31 July 2021. The selected villages will be announced in October 2021, on the occasion of the 24 session of the UNWTO General Assembly (Marrakesh, Morocco, 12-15 October 2021).

Mui Ne, Vietnam, May 28, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne has announced the appointment of Franck Rodriguez as General Manager of this brand-new, fully-integrated leisure destination that will mark the debut of the fun, family-centric Centara Mirage brand in Vietnam in the third quarter of 2021.

A French national with more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Mr. Rodriguez has worked for some of hospitality’s biggest names, including Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now part of Marriott International). He is also no stranger to the Centara brand, having spent a formative part of his career as the Food & Beverage Manager of Centara Villas Samui.

More recently, Mr. Rodriguez was Group Director of Operations with The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts for almost five years, overseeing a portfolio of 27 upscale properties, before joining IHG, where he was responsible for the opening of several key hotels, including Holiday Inns in Bali and Thailand, Vietnam’s inaugural Hotel Indigo in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Asia Pacific region’s first-ever voco hotel in Danang.

With such extensive management expertise and a series of important pre-openings under his belt, Mr. Rodriguez is now spearheading the highly-anticipated launch of Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, which will become only the second Centara Mirage resort worldwide, following the popular Lost World-themed Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, Thailand. It will also mark the arrival of Centara Hotels & Resorts in Vietnam.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Franck back to the Centara family. His credentials speak for themselves; more than two decades of experience, almost all of which has been spent in Asia, a history of notable hotel openings and a proven track record of success. Franck is the perfect person to lead Centara into an exciting new era in Vietnam,” said David Good, Executive Vice President – Hotel Operations, Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Nestled on Hon Rom Bay, just a few hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is centred around an “Explorer’s Playground” water park, complete with pools, slides, a sailing ship, lazy river, splash zone and cliff-jumping rock. It will also comprise 984 spacious rooms and pool villas, six restaurants, six bars, playgrounds, an entertainment complex, a family lounge, SPA Cenvaree and the world’s first Spa Candy – a sweet wellness centre designed specifically for kids. A grand ballroom and outdoor amphitheatre will create outstanding options for corporate meetings, social events and weddings, and a 100-metre-high Observatory Tower will offer panoramic views of the East Sea and the beautiful coastline of Binh Thuan province. Together with neighbouring Phan Thiet, Mui Ne is becoming a nationally- and internationally-acclaimed destination, with a rising number of hospitality, dining and entertainment options.

The team at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne can expect hands-on, people-focused leadership from Mr. Rodriguez. He strives to motivate his employees, boost their confidence and develop their personal and professional skills, enabling each person to achieve their full potential.

“I am delighted and humbled to have been entrusted with the management of such a prestigious property as Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne. This is a compelling project as Mui Ne is an emerging tourism zone and Centara Mirage is a new brand for Vietnam, so I will be working hard to establish the resort as a destination-of-choice, where guests can enjoy exceptional experiences and employees have opportunities to shine. In short, I want Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne to be a new landmark for the entire region,” Mr. Rodriguez commented.

Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne will offer a collection of 984 stylish rooms and pool villas

About Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne
Nestled on Vietnam’s stunning southeast coast, only 220km from Ho Chi Minh City, Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is a fully-integrated themed family leisure resort featuring 984 rooms and one- to three-bedroom pool villas. Fun activities and amenities include an Explorer’s Playground water park, six restaurants and six bars, playgrounds, an entertainment area, a family lounge, SPA Cenvaree and Spa Candy, plus a grand ballroom and outdoor amphitheatre for major events and weddings. Crowning the resort is a 100-metre-high Observatory Tower, overlooking the Vietnamese coast and East Sea.

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 83 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.