Category: Latest Travel News

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has opened its first Regional Office for the Middle East, bringing the United Nations specialized agency closer to its Members and advancing on its commitment to guiding the development of tourism in every global region.

At a ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili was joined by Her Royal Highness Princess Haifa Al-Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism for Strategy and Investment, and the Kingdom’s Minister for Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb to officially open the office. They were also joined by Tourism Ministers from across both Middle East and from every other global region, as well as by leaders from the private sector.

A hub for growth and symbol of hope

The first UNWTO Regional Office will be a centre of conversation, debate and decision-making and bring hope to many people across the region allowing them to enjoy the social and economic benefits only tourism can deliver

The new office will serve as a hub for UNWTO to coordinate policy and initiatives across its 13 Member States in the region. This includes a number of tourism projects and products, among them the new “Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO”, launched on the occasion of the opening of the Regional Office. Alongside this, Riyadh will also be home to an expanded UNWTO International Tourism Academy, providing opportunities for people of all backgrounds from across the region, including women and youth.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The first UNWTO Regional Office will be a centre of conversation, debate and decision-making and bring hope to many people across the region allowing them to enjoy the social and economic benefits only tourism can deliver. Work on the office began after the start of the pandemic, proof of our determination and the strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated UNWTO on the occasion, saying “I believe that this Office will help the Middle East region recover its tourism sector as well as support the growth of rural tourism development worldwide.”

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Minister for Tourism, added: “We are thrilled to host the new Regional Office in Saudi Arabia. This demonstrates our commitment to working with our partners at the UNWTO to develop a strong industry based on the principles of sustainability and opportunities for all, across the region and globally.”

UNWTO also contributed expert insights to the Tourism Recovery Summit, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and held against the backdrop of the Regional Office opening.

Paris, France, May 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Shangri-La in London, Vancouver and Paris ready to welcome guests back for moments of spring and summer bliss. Following months of closure, the properties prepare to welcome locals and travellers with exciting new dining offerings, room packages, wellness programs, romantic experiences and more.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London Welcomes Guests For Sensational Spring
On May 17, 2021, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London reopened its doors, welcoming guests with new seasonal experiences and programs, all heightened with whimsical countryside décor and trailing wisteria to honor the spring season.

Guests can enjoy personalized overnight stays with the hotel’s “The Suite Life” programme, taking personalisation to the next level with a tiered array of exclusive benefits, which can be customised to suit the individual guest’s preferences and needs. Services range from in-room yoga mats and a personal bath butler, to private shopping experiences, fresh seasonal flowers, daily personalised food amenities, in-room mixology, monogrammed pillows and more.

For guests wishing to start or continue their wellness journey, the hotel has taken a holistic approach with multiple experiences, including a spa collaboration with organic skincare purveyor Neal’s Yard Remedies with special treatments that are offered in the hotel’s treatments rooms or in the comfort of the guest’s room. Beyond the guestroom, TĪNG Restaurant has introduced a refined vegan tasting experience, which is in line with Shangri-La’s Rooted in Nature sustainable dining programme.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London further extends new experiences to its restaurants with two unique afternoon tea offers that are sure to please any palate. Western Europe’s highest hotel bar GŎNG launches Liquid Afternoon Tea, an exciting new concept with food and miniature cocktail pairing that features a line-up of tea-inspired tipples, accompanied by a selection of sweet and savoury fare. As a nod to the bar’s Asian heritage, the menu boasts contemporary Asian snacks including beef tataki nigiri and salmon sushi, as well as scones and more. Guests who dine at TĪNG can enjoy afternoon tea served on cloud nine with the new Picnic Afternoon Tea in the Clouds featuring a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, handcrafted desserts, freshly baked scones, and an exclusive selection of loose-leaf teas from Camellia’s Tea House. A takeaway Picnic Afternoon Tea packed in a wicker hamper is also available for guests on the go to enjoy in one of the area’s beautiful nearby parks.

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver Reopens Its Doors On May 22
On May 22, 2021, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver will welcome guests to experience the hotel and destination like never before. Guests can sightsee and relax with the Luxurious Perspectives: Helicopter Views and Spa Suites offering a private helicopter tour with in-flight champagne and a private spa experience in one of CHI, The Spa’s relaxing spa suites.

Wellness seekers can find their bliss at Shangri-La Vancouver’s CHI, The Spa and its new partnership with Bowen Island’s Sangre de Fruta Botanical. The line of exceptional organic products for the face, body and hair are inspired by secrets of holistic indulgences, and created from the fruit of the earth in small batches by Allison Audrey Weldon. The partnership marks the very first time Sangre de Fruta Botanical products are used exclusively in luxurious spa treatments created specifically around them, complementing the products’ aromatic delights, tangible benefits, visible results and overall beautiful feeling. The exclusive treatment selection is inspired by the natural beauty of the West Coast of British Columbia. A sensational new treatment menu and retail options will be available to guests, including a limited-edition “Sangre de Fruta Experience” package that features a 60-minute massage and botanical hair treatment for CA$225 (about US$183).

The hotel will also introduce guests to Miantiao, a brand-new dining destination and restaurant concept in partnership with the award-winning Kitchen Table Restaurants led by Culinary Director Alex Tung. Miantiao, the Mandarin word for noodle, will combine Italian and Chinese cuisine onto one menu with a thoughtful offering of traditional cookery served with delicious and exciting twists. Showcasing the very best of Italian, Chinese and Canadian ingredients, the refined cuisine of Miantiao will provoke thought and emotion. The Miantiao culinary program can be described as Italian cuisine elevated with Chinese sensibilities, and Chinese gastronomy uplifted by the elegant simplicity of Italian cuisine. Guests can expect unparalleled pasta fresca, twist on the famous traditional Peking Duck, a cornucopia of the freshest seafood and interesting interpretations of cornerstone dishes from Italian and Chinese cuisine.

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris Reopens Its Palace Doors On June 1
Just in time for summer, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris will reopen its palace doors on June 1, 2021. Guests will be welcomed in true Parisian luxury with stunning Eiffel Tower views and palatial elegance. Chef Christophe Moret & Pastry Chef Maxence Barbot have reimagined the dining experience at La Bauhinia with a chic yet relaxed environment that will feature verdant summer terraces, along with exclusive concepts on Le Bar à ciel ouvert and in-room dining with a view.

Guests seeking an elevated Parisian experience will enjoy the Signature Suite Experience for an unforgettable stay in one of the hotel’s elite guestroom – La Suite Chaillot, La Suite Gustave Eiffel, L’Appartment Prince Bonaparte or La Suite Shangri-La. The luxurious stay begins with a VIP meet and greet in a Mercedes S-Class at the airport upon arrival, and continues to the guestroom with VIP in-room amenities including jasmine tea, a fresh fruit basket and bottle of champagne.

Guests in need of a romantic getaway can visit Shangri-La Hotel, Paris with the Romance in Paris package, inclusive of a dreamy welcome with rose petals, a separate bouquet of beautiful roses, tailor-made amenities including a bottle of champagne and special romantic treat, daily breakfast and late check out. Should guests wish to further elevate the romance, the hotel offers value-added benefits including a selection of decadent caviar, a 60-minute Signature Rebalancing Massage at CHI, The Spa, or a private dinner on the guestroom terrace with butler service.

For guests wishing to make the most of their time in the French capital, guests can book the Your Parisian Escape package, which includes a complimentary night when booking a minimum of three nights.

About Shangri-La:
Shangri-La, an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, puts heartfelt service at the core of its distinctive Asian hospitality experience. Through imaginative and nature-inspired design, delightful culinary and cultural experiences, and its authentic and thoughtful service, the brand enables guests to realise their own moments of Shangri-La.

Today, the brand experience is brought to life in over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts at destinations around the world, including Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Shangri-La’s Golden Circle is the award-winning loyalty programme offering members a world of benefits when staying at participating Shangri-La, Kerry, JEN and Traders Hotels. The programme offers members access to mobile check-in and check-out, free nights and more.

Geneva, Switzerland, May 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Tourism Economics released a long-term view for post-COVID-19 passenger demand recovery which demonstrates that people remain eager to travel in the short and long-term. To ensure that aviation can sustainably deliver its social and economic benefits as it meets this long-term demand, it is critical that governments step-up their support for more efficient operations and foster an effective energy transition.

Forecast highlights include 

• In 2021 global passenger numbers are expected to recover to 52% of pre-COVID-19 levels (2019).
• In 2022 global passenger numbers are expected to recover to 88% of pre-COVID-19 levels.
• In 2023 global passenger numbers are expected to surpass pre-COVID-19 levels (105%).
• By 2030 global passenger numbers are expected to have grown to 5.6 billion. That would be 7% below the pre-COVID-19 forecast and an estimated loss of 2-3 years of growth due to COVID-19.
• Beyond 2030 air travel is expected to slow, due to weaker demographics and a baseline assumption of limited market liberalisation, giving average annual growth between 2019 and 2039 of 3.2%. IATA’s pre-COVID-19 growth forecast for this period was 3.8%.

The recovery in passenger numbers is slightly stronger than the recovery in demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), which is expected to grow by an annual average of 3% between 2019 and 2039. This is owing to the expected strength of domestic markets like China with large passenger numbers and shorter distances.

“I am always optimistic about aviation. We are in the deepest and gravest crisis in our history. But the rapidly growing vaccinated population and advancements in testing will return the freedom to fly in the months ahead. And when that happens, people are going to want to travel. The immediate challenge is to reopen borders, eliminate quarantine measures and digitally manage vaccination/testing certificates. At the same time, we must assure the world that aviation’s long-term growth prospects are supported with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Both challenges require governments and industry to work in partnership. Aviation is ready. But I don’t see governments moving fast enough,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Short Term: Restart

The damage of the COVID-19 crisis will be felt for years to come, but all indications are that people have retained their need and desire to travel:

• Any possibility for borders to re-open is met with an instant surge in bookings. The most recent example is the 100-percentage point spike in bookings from the UK to Portugal when the UK’s “Green List” was announced in early May.
• The economy is strong and can fuel growth in travel. February 2021 industrial production levels stood at 2% above February 2019 levels.
• Consumers have accumulated savings in the lockdowns, in some cases exceeding 10% of GDP.
• Vaccination rates in developed countries (with the notable exception of Japan) should exceed 50% of the population by the third quarter of 2021.

“This should be a clarion call to governments to get ready. The travel and tourism sector is a major contributor to GDP. People’s livelihoods are at stake. To avoid greater long-term economic and social damage, restart must not be delayed. Governments can facilitate a safe restart with policies that enable restriction-free travel for vaccinated people, and testing alternatives for those unable to be vaccinated. Governments must also be ready with processes to digitally manage the vaccine or test certificates—ensuring that a safe restart is also efficient,” said Walsh.

Sustainability

“Aviation will grow because people want and need to travel. But we must be able to fulfil that consumer demand sustainably. Those are the ground rules for any business. It is no secret that this is more challenging for aviation than sectors with broader energy alternatives. But with the support of governments we will get there through a combination of means,” said Walsh.

Aviation is committed to cutting its net carbon emissions to half of 2005 levels by 2050. It already has a good track record of decoupling emissions and demand growth per passenger journey in half since 1990 through efficiency gains, but governments need to step up as well.

In addition to efficiency and technology gains, CORSIA (the first global carbon offsetting scheme for an industrial sector) is stabilizing emissions from international flights at 2019 levels. A low-carbon energy transition for aviation has commenced with sustainable aviation fuels that are powering flight today, to be followed by electric and hydrogen powered aircraft. And there is much more that can be done with infrastructure—airports and air traffic management—to operate with maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.

“If we work in partnership with governments there is great potential in all these areas. But easy sustainability wins are being left on the table. In Europe, which has led on many sustainability initiatives, why are we still waiting for the Single European Sky? This could immediately reduce emissions by up to 10%. There is no excuse as the technology has been here for two decades or more. The partnership with governments on sustainability must exist in deeds as well as words,” said Walsh.

Mountain View, California, United States, May 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Google have signed a new agreement to work together and lead global tourism’s recovery through innovation, education, and market intelligence.

The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) builds on past cooperation between the UN specialized agency for tourism and Google. With destinations in some parts of the world looking to restart tourism, the new partnership will focus on harnessing the power of innovation, education, data and market intelligence to drive sustainable and inclusive recovery.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Notably, the two organizations will host trainings for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), using a new Capacity Building Curriculum developed by Google. These sessions will empower destinations to switch to digital, with the training adapted to reflect their specific circumstances and the unique challenges every destination currently faces.

Scaling up collaboration…

The new Capacity Building Curriculum will also complement existing joint initiatives, and a data sharing agreement for Google’s Travel Insights to power a portion of the UNWTO’s tourism recovery tracker.

The strong partnership between UNWTO and Google will help put innovation and digital at the centre of tourism’s recovery

Alongside this, the Tourism Accelerator Program, designed by Google in partnership with UNWTO, will also be scaled up globally. A pilot program launched across EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) in 2020 showed the value of working with policymakers to put digital at the heart of their tourism recovery plans and the benefits of upskilling DMOs so they can make effective use of data and market intelligence.

…and diversifying

The partnership will go beyond empowering destinations and businesses during the immediate recovery phase. Under the agreement, Google will provide ongoing support for a number of UNWTO’s leading initiatives, including Startup Competitions designed to promote and support innovation across the sector.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The strong partnership between UNWTO and Google will help put innovation and digital at the centre of tourism’s recovery. By working together, UNWTO and Google will empower destinations, businesses and tourism workers to realize the power of data and market intelligence, both increasingly important as global tourism looks to restart and recover.”

We’re honored to be working alongside UNWTO in this vital effort to support the global tourism sector on its path toward broader economic recovery

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Google’s Managing Director for Travel Partnerships Gianni Marostica says: “We’re honored to be working alongside UNWTO in this vital effort to support the global tourism sector on its path toward broader economic recovery. It’s critical that both policymakers and businesses have the tools and insights they need to reconnect with travelers in a digital environment.”

Looking ahead, UNWTO and Google will also collaborate on joint research projects related to tourism. The results will further establish both parties as thought leaders and provide governments, destinations and businesses with the trusted data and insights they need to guide tourism towards recovery.

Bangkok, Thailand, May 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in partnership with the Department of Tourism of the Philippines, will be organising a hybrid PATA Adventure Travel Conference and Mart 2021 on May 26-27.

“With vaccine rollout plans beginning to take shape across the world, there is new hope in the resumption of regional and international travel. The PATA Adventure Travel Conference and Mart provides a timely opportunity for industry stakeholders to begin exploring new opportunities in adventure travel within the region,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “I invite all industry stakeholders to join us as we work towards the responsible and sustainable renewal of the travel and tourism Industry.”

The PATA Adventure Travel Conference and Mart (ATCM) is traditionally held in February and attracts more than 200 delegates from over 25 destinations. This will be the first time the event is being held as a hybrid event in May. The niche two-day event, with both conference and travel mart components, brings together tourism professionals involved in adventure travel and responsible tourism to discuss creating new opportunities for promoting environmental protection and social sustainability within the industry. The conference is designed to support PATA’s vision for the responsible development of tourism, while the one-day travel mart helps promote, build and strengthen business and networks for delegates. The hybrid conference will take place in Clark, Philippines and will open to local delegates only, with international delegates able to join virtually.

“As the global travel and tourism industries gradually begin recovery, this event comes at a most opportune time, serving as a premiere platform to introduce new and innovative tourism products that cater to the evolving needs of consumers.”, said Philippines Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “Equally important is highlighting the growing role and value of sustainable tourism development, which is fully aligned with the long-term goals and vision of the Philippines Department of Tourism.

Confirmed speakers for the event include Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Philippine Department of Tourism; Soon Hwa Wong, Chair, PATA; Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., Undersecretary, Philippine Department of Tourism; Carmen Roberts, The Travel Show Presenter, BBC World News; Natasha Martin, Adventure Tourism Expert; Dan Sandoval, Co-Founder, Perspective China; Deeya Bajaj, Director of Operations and Business Development, Snow Leopard Adventures; Jessica Yew, Co-founder & Director, Sticky Rice Travel; Erik Wolf, Founder & Executive Director, The World Food Travel Association; Leila Calnan, Sustainable Tourism Expert, Chemonics International; Sarah Mathews, Group Head of Destination Marketing APAC, Tripadvisor; Jeremy Sampson, CEO, The Travel Foundation; Graham Harper, Special Advisor for Sustainability & Social Responsibility, PATA; Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee, Masungi Georeserve Foundation; Andreas Hofmann, Project Manager, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ); Dr. Trevor Girard, Director of Standards & Accreditation, Hotel Resilient; Jessie F. McComb, Tourism Specialist, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Bob Zozobrado, Chairman, PATA Philippines Chapter and Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA.

The speakers will be examining such topics as “The Re-Generation Opportunity”, “Delivering what the next generation of adventure travellers want”, “Can local cuisine drive travel recovery?”, “Ensuring a more equal recovery”, “The future of online experiences”, “Putting our communities first”, and “Resiliency is the new sustainability”.

In addition to the conference elements, the virtual B2B trade sessions will offer pre-matched appointments based upon requests and matched according to time zone, supported by video calls, text and voice chat. Furthermore, there will be further networking opportunities at the interactive networking breaks which will include various games and quizzes.

Complimentary registration is open for all virtual visitors at

Madrid, Spain, May 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The UNWTO Affiliate Members Department, within the framework of the activities of the Working Group on Accessible Tourism, organized the Expert Meeting on Accessible Tourism – Good Practices on Accessible Tourism in Nature Areas at FITUR Next.

This event provided a space to recognize the importance of incorporating accessibility into the tourism practices in nature environments, share knowledge and experiences by UNWTO Affiliate Members and other tourism stakeholders, and provide recommendation on how to strengthen accessibility and create an accessible tourism for all.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

At the event, the publication Accessibility and Inclusive Tourism Development – Compendium of Best Practices, available in the UNWTO E-Library, was launched and presented to the audience. This publication is the result of the work carried out in the last months by the Working Group on Accessible Tourism, coordinated by the Affiliate Members Department and chaired by the Spanish Network for Accessible Tourism (Red Estable).

We trust this publication will provide all relevant stakeholders with tools and resources to make their tourism destinations, facilities and services accessible for all

Its aim is to create an accessible pathway in nature, from which to descry a new approach for inclusive tourism development in natural areas, which is very much in line with the UNWTO priority to foster an Accessible Tourism for All and so contributing to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The compilation of best practices included in the publication and the final recommendations provides innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that enable access to nature for all the people.

In the words of UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili: There is still a lot of work to be done, as we are still far from guaranteeing a universally accessible tourism sector. However, we trust this publication will provide all relevant stakeholders with tools and resources to make their tourism destinations, facilities and services accessible for all. We also hope it will serve as a source of inspiration for them to continue working, so that tourism becomes truly accessible.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Within the framework of the event, representatives of the entities which contributed to the publication shared with the audience their projects, all very different in terms of contents but sharing the common goal of promoting an Accessible Tourism for All and supporting the right of people with disabilities to travel. Accessible accommodations in nature, accessibility to natural parks and beaches, and the use of plastic to manufacture accessible products were only some of the topics that were presented.

London, United Kingdom, May 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC said: “WTTC welcomes the agreement reached on the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which has now been given the green light by all member states. This new certificate could be the key to unlocking international travel and save thousands of businesses and millions of jobs across Europe and beyond.

“It will see all 27 member states welcoming vaccinated travellers and those with proof of a negative test or a positive antibody test in time for the peak summer season, which will provide a massive and much-needed boost to economies. We call on all Member States to have the certificate up and running by July 1 with no extra restrictions.

“The European Commission must be applauded for its incredible efforts in launching this major initiative, which could be the driving force behind the resurrection of Travel & Tourism.

“For more than a year, the Travel & Tourism sector has suffered like never before, with 62 million people around the world losing their jobs. But this initiative will aid the restoration of safe international travel.”

Hanoi, Vietnam, May 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Capella Hanoi has officially opened its doors, ushering in a new era of art and elegance in the heart of Vietnam’s vibrant capital city. Located just steps away from the iconic Hanoi Opera House, this beautiful boutique hotel has been dreamt up as a “petite auberge” – a rendezvous spot for the greatest opera singers, composers and artists of a glamorous bygone age.

Nestled in the French-influenced Old Quarter, close to Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounded by eclectic restaurants, bars, shops and markets, Capella Hanoi was designed by Bill Bensley, the highly-acclaimed architect behind Capella Ubud, Bali, the “No.1 Hotel in the World” in 2020.

The 47 themed rooms and suites at Capella Hanoi (ranging from a generous 35 sqm to an expansive 194 sqm) are individually styled with original operatic artefacts and custom portraiture art by prolific artist Kate Spencer, and equipped with bespoke services and state-of-the-art amenities. Crowning the hotel, four Opera Suites open out onto spacious alfresco terraces with views of the tree-lined avenues below.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Backstage, presents a dramatic backdrop of theatrical costumes and vintage tableware, as talented chefs craft exceptional cuisine, including vegan dishes and northern Vietnamese-inspired specialties that fuse locally-sourced produce and contemporary cooking techniques. Diva’s Lounge meanwhile, pays tribute to the leading ladies of the 1920s with bohemian cocktails and Opera Punches, accompanied by Diva’s Bar bites.

Serving as the social heart of the hotel, The Living Room offers a collection of Comoedia Illustré and a programme of Capella Moments. Every day of the week, guests can discover the essence of northern Vietnam with expert-led classes in dó bamboo paper fan making, Vietnamese coffee cupping, Sarah Bernhardt’s cookie making and the chance to sample Vietnamese rum. A local team of Capella Culturists will be on hand to help guests uncover the city’s heritage through a series of Capella Curates experiences, such as Lacquer Your Life, which offers the opportunity to learn Vietnamese lacquer painting from a master artist, and Hanoi Spirit, which invites guests to infuse their own gin using native botanicals at Vietnam’s only gin distillery.

Weary travellers can soothe their senses at Auriga Spa, the exquisite spa that features couples’ treatment suites, saunas, steam baths, a fitness centre and La Grotta, an indoor pool that resembles a haven for opera singers to rest their voices. In this enchanting ambience, guests can unwind with Auriga’s award-winning treatments, blending modern spa science with natural products and embracing the changing phases of the moon to create truly elevated spa journeys.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at Top25Hotels.com.

“Vietnam is one of the world’s most dynamic destinations, where the spirit and energy is reminiscent of the roaring 1920s, when anything seemed possible. At Capella, we strive to create guest experiences that go beyond bespoke hospitality and let travellers touch the heart and soul of their destination, through cultural exposures, epicurean adventures and original art. With Bill Bensley’s inimitable design, a sense of opulence and a deep respect for our surroundings, we will let our guests feel the pulse of Hanoi,” commented Christoph Strahm, general manager, Capella Hanoi.

To celebrate its opening, Capella Hanoi has unveiled the “Dream Now, Travel Later” package, which invites global explorers to pre-book future stays of up to 14 nights, with 30% off the best available rate and a wealth of amenities and activities. Having arrived at Capella Hanoi, every guest will be treated to a slice of Opera Cake, and each morning starts in style with the signature Capella Champagne Breakfast at Backstage. Visitors can uncover the rich heritage of Hanoi through daily rituals and Capella Moments, and guests who stay for three or more nights will enjoy a customised in-room dining experience and generous 30% discounts at Auriga Spa and all restaurants and bars.

Guests can pre-pay for this attractive package and confirm their exact dates-of-stay when the international travel landscape becomes clearer. All inclusions are based on two guests. Rates start from just USD 315++ per room per night.

Capella Hanoi becomes the sixth addition to the prestigious Capella Hotels & Resorts collection, the first in Vietnam and the fourth in Southeast Asia, joining Capella Bangkok, Capella Singapore, and Capella Ubud, Bali. Capella Ubud is a Nominee in the prestigious Top 25 Hotels in the World – The World’s Best Luxury Hotels.

Contact Top25Hotels.com for the nomination of your favorite hotel!

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Former UNWTO Secretary General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, and former Minister of Tourism from the Seychelles, Alain St.Ange, come together to wish the Tourism Community from all the 54 States that make Africa the great Continent, a Happy Africa Day 2021.

The African Union (AU) has declared 2021 as the AU Year of the Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want, we in tourism are appealing to each and every African to embrace this call made by the AU because our continent’s Arts, Culture and Heritage remain the foundation for a strong tourism industry for our continent” said Alain St. Ange in his Africa Day 2021 statement.

Covid-19 pandemic has brought our tourism industry to ground zero and it is now through UNITY firstly, and through the RESPECT of each and everyone of us for each and everyone of us secondly that we can honestly restart our tourism industry for the benefit of every African. The desire to achieve unity and respect will need us to be Proud to be African as we call on our fellow men and women, immaterial of the political affiliation, colour of their skin, their gender, and their religious beliefs to unite and together kick-start tourism for the greater good of our respective countries and of our great continent” Rifai and St.Ange said.

Alain St. Ange wishes everyone a Happy Africa Day 2021 and says a light is now visible at the end of the tunnel, Let us hold hands together and march proudly to relaunch tourism, the industry that is so needed by Africa and in so doing give the needed oxygen to the Airlines of our Continent.

Madrid, Spain, May 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The global tourism sector has come together to show its unity and readiness to restart as soon as conditions allow. To celebrate the return of the FITUR International Tourism Fair, UNWTO united leaders from the public and private sectors to send out a strong message that tourism is ready to return. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed distinguished guests to the Royal Theatre in Madrid, among them the newest UNWTO Ambassadors, including the manager of Atlético de Madrid football club Diego Simeone and model and entrepreneur, Valeria Mazza.

The decision to host FITUR is the kind of boldness we need if we are to restart tourism and so kickstart wider recovery

Reflecting unprecedented levels of political support for tourism, joining UNWTO at the evening event were Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain and the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. Furthermore, the sector’s ability to touch on almost every part of society was further reflected in the naming of UNWTO’s latest Ambassadors. Joining Mr Simeone and Ms Mazza in accepting the honor in Madrid were the latest UNWTO Special Ambassador for Gastronomy Tourism, chef Ramón Freixa Riera and business leaders Alejandro Bulgheroni and Frank Ranieri.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Now is the time for ambition and bold steps. The decision to host FITUR is the kind of boldness we need if we are to restart tourism and so kickstart wider recovery. And this show of unity is the kind of cooperation we need to restart tourism in a coordinated and responsible manner, for the benefit of many millions of people worldwide.”

At FITUR 2021, UNWTO has addressed some of the key challenges facing tourism while also advancing solutions for its safe, responsible and sustainable recovery. Following on from the final of the UNWTO SDGs Global Startup Competition, UNWTO is also advancing another of its priorities, the promotion of investments in African tourism, as well as strengthening partnerships with private sector actors.