Category: Latest Travel News

London, United Kingdom, May 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Following its launch just 12 months ago, the highly popular Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has now been adopted by more than 275 destinations around the world. Abu Dhabi, Jersey, and French Polynesia also join the ever-growing list of destinations to get world’s first global safety and hygiene stamp.

WTTC, which has continually led the private sector to rebuild global consumer confidence and encourage the return of Safe Travels, made history when it launched the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp, just 12 months ago.

The stamp was developed to help restore confidence in travellers and aims to revive the global Travel & Tourism sector which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now it is being used by destinations around the world, with the hotspots of Thailand, Barbados, Cyprus, Abu Dhabi, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, among the latest to join WTTC’s ever-growing list.

The WTTC Safe Travels stamp, and its global protocols have been embraced by more than 200 Travel & Tourism CEOs, and many of the world’s major tourism groups.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO said: “We are delighted that our Safe Travels stamp continues to grow from strength to strength and has been adopted by destinations from all corners of the world. 

“From Portugal to Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka to Slovenia, Tunisia to Tobago, our stamp is now recognised around the globe, which is testimony to the hard work which has been put in to make the stamp work for both destinations and holidaymakers.

“As the global vaccine rollout picks up pace around the world and with travel restrictions beginning to be relaxed, we believe the stamp will prove a key component of destination recovery and restoring consumer confidence.

“The success of the stamp shows the importance of global coordination to help rebuild and revive the international Travel & Tourism sector which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“However, we are finally beginning to step into the new normal of a post-COVID world, and we are proud to be leading the way for globally coordinated efforts in recovery.”

Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “The Tourism Authority of Thailand is delighted that the World Travel & Tourism Council has approved the use of the TAT’s Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) logo in tandem with the WTTC Safe Travels stamp. 

“Together, they share a common objective to ensure that all visitors feel safe, as Thailand continues to open its tourism industry to international travel in the new normal. 

“The Safe Travels stamp has reaffirmed the Amazing Thailand SHA and serves to further motivate travel-related enterprises in Thailand to maintain their health and safety standards, as the country rebuilds traveller confidence while also protecting the Thai workforce that serves them.”

The WTTC Safe Travel stamp protocols were designed following guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and taking best practices from WTTC’s Members into account.

Lucerne, Switzerland, May 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Not even one fifth of all C-suite roles are filled by women. In fact, only 5% of all CEOs are female – even though half of the employees in the travel and tourism industry are women. This is revealed in a new report by World Tourism Forum Lucerne and Aptamind Partners, which also presents sustainable solutions and specific recommendations on how to improve diversity and inclusion.

The figures shown in the latest report by World Tourism Forum Lucerne and Aptamind Partners are stark: Despite an equal presence in the total workforce, female representation falls to 40% at mid-level management and 33% in senior management. In the Executive Committee/C-suite, 19% of roles are filled by women, with only five organisations led by a female CEO. This is echoed at board level, where 24% of board members are women and 8% of boards include no women at all. The report examined the top 100 listed companies in the travel and tourism industry worldwide.

Systemic inequalities peaked during the pandemic; now is the right time to redress discriminatory organisational cultures

With the COVID crisis, systemic inequalities have increased even more. Women are disproportionately represented in sectors that have been negatively affected by COVID-19, such as hospitality, travel, and retail.

“We need to use the current pandemic to dismantle gender stereotypes, change our organisational culture and make an even stronger commitment to empower women in every sector”, says Prof. Martin Barth, President and CEO of World Tourism Forum Lucerne. “Ultimately, more diversity leads to better quality decisions, which in turn lead to better results.”

Diversity and Inclusion is one of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s four pillars. The organisation offers excellent platforms for addressing international stakeholders and leading personalities on the topic of diversity and inclusion, such as its “Think Tank”, a “Next Generation Leaders Day”, a “Talent Boost” and its “Start-up Innovation Camps”.

An invisible glass ceiling – high potential for the cruise and airlines sectors

While 24% of C-suite executives at food and beverage companies are women – the highest proportion in the industry – the cruise sector lags behind with only 10% and airlines at 15%. Hotels have the highest proportion of female board members at 29%, and casinos and entertainment firms bring up the rear with 19% female representation.

“While many organisations are working on promising solutions and have taken significant steps to address gender diversity, it has not resulted in accelerating gender diversity into a collective, cohesive movement that motivates action at scale. The push to disclose diversity data is only going to gain momentum post-pandemic and companies who do their bit to move the needle and course correct will win in the long term”, said Aradhana Khowala, CEO and Founder of Aptamind Partners and Board Member at World Tourism Forum Lucerne.

Specific solutions to promote diversity and inclusion

The results show very clearly that there is a need for action. The author of the report outlines specific recommendations on how to overcome existing gender inequalities. “Private companies need to make a stronger commitment to step up their diversity and inclusion efforts. We’re planning further studies, joint initiatives with the industry, concrete action plans, a diversity index and consulting, together with interested partners. We welcome new partnerships that want to join us on this journey”, says Martin Barth.

About the report
The report analyses data from 100 publicly listed companies in the travel and tourism industry across seven ‘buckets’ – Hotels, Casinos and Entertainment, Airlines and Airports, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and Travel Companies, Cruises and Restaurant Chains/Food and Beverage Companies. Together, they employ 6.2 million people across 120 countries, with a total market cap of more than $1.6 trillion. To read the full report, including in-depth analyses of all seven sectors within travel and tourism, click here.

About World Tourism Forum Lucerne
World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) is a Swiss institution based in Lucerne, Switzerland which in the last ten years has evolved from an organisation that convenes meetings to become a year-round network of leaders and leading thinkers tackling global challenges in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. Our events gather hundreds of world-positive leaders from around the world who share a common interest in finding practical solutions for sustainable growth and development of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry globally.

WTFL is unique because it provides a platform where we can truly bridge the silos, where three generations, the public and private sector as well as all the different segments of our industry can come together and learn from each other. The biennial Forum enables interaction between diverse groups of people whose paths may not normally cross, aware that new ideas often come about exactly because of an exchange between people with different backgrounds and viewpoints. Today we are a global community where everyone with an interest in our industry can come together, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, or physical ability.

About Aptamind Partners 
Aptamind Partners is a private client advisory firm that helps ambitious leaders in governments, emerging destinations, public and private sector firms and increasingly social-sector organisations understand the impact of tourism as a change agent. Its unique proprietary approach produces privileged insights and finely calibrated strategies by combining hard data, social sentiment analysis, and on-the ground investigative research backed by a network of best-in-class experts to unlock new sources of growth especially in challenging times.

Aptamind’s team has decades of experience dedicated to travel, tourism and hospitality and work in over 75+ countries, and has advised governments, industry policy makers, family offices, UHNW investors, global and local corporations, and international strategy consultants. As a firm we are very focused on sustainability, diversity and the social impact of tourism and always looking to work with partners who resonate our passion for these topics.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announced the expansion of the international SLS Hotels and Residences brand to the Middle East with the opening of SLS Dubai. Developed in partnership with World of Wonders Real Estate the new property is one of Dubai’s tallest buildings and is set to officially welcome guests and residents on April 5, 2021. The highly anticipated opening is a testament to the SLS brand’s longstanding reputation and experience in creating and delivering extraordinary, unforgettable and timeless experiences.

This news comes on the heels of Accor’s latest phase of expansion following its acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing lifestyle operators.

Using the SLS Hotels and Residences global perspective gained from its expanding network of hospitality properties, SLS Dubai presents a host of truly enriching and elevated experiences via its portfolio of diversely distinct luxury brands. From Fi’lia, the entirely female-run restaurant that celebrates food and identity, to Carna by the award-winning Italian butcher Dario Cecchini’s contemporary steakhouse, SLS Dubai’s culinary venues are a testament to the hospitality hallmarks of the SLS brand.

Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe states,”We are happy to announce the official opening of SLS Dubai. We are excited to deliver culinary concepts like Fi’lia, our Italian concept, which will at this specific location focus on empowering the incredible leadership team of women, from our chefs to mixologists to managers. We truly believe that the property will be a highly sought-after destination for global travelers and locals alike”.

Located in the Downtown district, SLS Dubai offers incomparable 360-degree views over the city, with unobstructed views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, along with a clear overhead of the calming Dubai Creek. The impressive 75-storey tower makes SLS Dubai one of the tallest hotels and residences in the region. Developed in collaboration with international architecture firm Aedas, SLS Dubai features 254expertly designed hotel rooms by acclaimed designer Paul Bishop, 371residential units,321hotel apartments and in true SLS fashion, contemporary art, sleek accents and exceptional fittings that are unique characteristics of the brands DNA. Bishop, along with his team at Bishop Design, are responsible for the design of the hotel in its entirety, including all of the FB venues, public spaces as well as the rooms.

Dakota Development, a subsidiary of sbe, provided technical service support for the entire development process including partnering with Bishop Design on SLS’s public spaces and food and beverage venues.

Hotel guests will enter through the ground atrium, take an express elevator to the opulent Sky Lobby on the 71st floor, giving them panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a grand marble bar highlight S Bar, a lounge area where the menu is playfully divided between healthy, angelic options and sinful, decadent ones. Take your pick.

On the 75^thfloor, sits Privilege, a lounge and nightlife venue, featuring the region’s highest two infinity pools offering coveted and unobstructed views of Dubai. Privilege is also home to the iconic SLS brand duck, placing it at the top of Dubai’s most Instagram-worthy destinations.

A modern yet sophisticated coffee brand, called EllaMia, greets guests on the ground floor. Promising a sensory and sensual experience, 12 Chairs is a caviar bar that showcases the very best of caviar exclusively reserved for only a few select guests.

SLS Dubai also includes sbe’s signature Ciel Spa, the epitome of luxury with treatment rooms, plunge pools, a hair and nail salon, a fully equipped gym and two outdoor terraces.

Ultimately, SLS Dubai Hotel Residences is a locale that celebrates what it means to be part of a global community – one where like-minded individuals seek connection, inspiration, wellness, art and lively conversations – essentially, the pulse of the SLS experience. Residents of Dubai and travellers of the world, its time to let the magic begin.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, mid-scale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivaled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL Accor Live Limitless a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics,responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered inFranceand publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States.

About SLS
SLS is the home of an extraordinary experience coupled with a playful ambiance. Culinary artistry, theatrical interiors, subversive design touches and unexpected indulgences are at the heart of every SLS property. Collaborations with leading developers, architects, designers and chefs allow SLS to continue anticipating, innovating and shaping the future of luxury lifestyle living. With seven properties in Beverly Hills, Miami, Bahamas, Cancun, and Dubai,SLSis set to open two additional properties in Puerto Madero, Argentina and Hallandale Beach by 2022. Learn more at SLS Hotels.com.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX /  Trusted mid and upscale hotel brand, NH Hotels, is to debut in the Middle East region later this year with the launch of NH Dubai The Palm. Currently, in the final stages of development, the new-build 533-key property will open its doors in December.

Located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, a global landmark, NH Dubai The Palm will be part of Seven Hotel and Apartments , a mixed-use development consisting of a hospitality tower and a residential tower. The hotel will be easily accessible on The Palm’s main trunk, adjacent to the largest mall on The Palm and close to the Palm Fountain at The Pointe, which launched recently as the world’s largest fountain. Dubai’s other key tourist attractions including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina are all within easy reach.

The new 14-storey property will offer 227 hotel guest rooms and suites, in addition to 306 serviced apartments. Facilities will include multiple restaurants and bars, three spa treatment rooms, a kids’club and four meeting rooms. For the active, there will be a gym fully-equipped with the latest equipment. In addition, the hotel will be home to a spectacular rooftop infinity pool, creating the perfect Insta’spot.

The hotel’s interiors will be bold, original and energetic, bringing bursts of colour and an abundance of local character reflecting the pulse of the dynamic city of Dubai. NH Dubai The Palm will introduce new hot spots to The Palm, including a lively sports bar, plus a stylish rooftop bar and lounge alongside the infinity pool, all west facing and perfect for enjoying city’s famous sunsets. Another key feature of the hotel will be a large comfortable multi-purpose space for co-working and with access to the gym and showers, ideal for those requiring a late check out.

NH Dubai The Palm is owned by luxury real estate and hospitality developer Seven Tides, with a portfolio including Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels, commented,”We are thrilled to be bringing NH Hotels to the Middle East and launching in Dubai is a great fit for the brand. The hotel will perfectly complement the existing portfolio of hotels Minor operates within the city, alongside Anantara, Avani and Oaks, widening the offering available for our guests. We look forward to bringing this exciting new hotel to the market working alongside our partners Seven Tides.”

Abdulla bin Sulayem, CEO of Seven Tides, also commented,”We have built a close working relationship with Minor over the past eight years, initially with the launch of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort in 2013. Being a mid to upscale brand, NH will complement the Anantara and provide cross-marketing opportunities along with the five-star Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, another Seven Tides property that is under Minor management.”

NH Dubai The Palm will be the first of the brand to launch in the Middle East and will join an existing portfolio of over 240 NH Hotels properties, which are known for their quality of services and facilities. NH Hotels can be found in the best city locations across Europe, in South and Central America and in the Caribbean, effortlessly connecting guests with key corporate and leisure destinations.

About NH Hotels:
NH Hotels is the NH Hotel Group upscale brand, noteworthy for its modern and singular hotels in perfect locations across Europe and Latin America, which easily connect with the cities and neighborhoods. Each NH Hotel is thoroughly designed to deliver a trustworthy experience that will always meet the guests expectations. It is easy-going, urban and fresh style makes of them a landmark in which live, work and interact pleasantly away from home.

Whether travellers visit NH Hotels for business or leisure, these hotels provide their guests with warm and outstanding service to ensure a perfect and easy stay for value for money. They are ready to meet guests needs suitably, happy to go an extra mile, so that guests stays are always a pleasure.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 18, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Erth, a unique landmark destination for warm Emirati hospitality, cuisine and recreation, revealed its new identity at 2021, Arabian Travel Market, today.

Erth, formerly Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel (AFOCH), turns another chapter in the enduring legacy of the Founding Father of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 1983 Sheikh Zayed envisioned a dedicated recreational space for officers of the UAEs Armed Forces in the heart of the capital. In 1997, AFOCH was born, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, now President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Moving forward to 2021, a new story begins for AFOCH with its reinvention as Erth. Bearing a name that means”legacy”, Erth has a fresh new look but an age-old mission to provide guests with the highest quality of personalised and genuine service in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The new brand identity complements a refurbished resort that will be completed in 2022.

Shaikha Al Kaabi, CEO of Erth, says, “Erth is continually inspired by the rich cultural heritage and proud history of the UAE. We are excited to begin this new chapter to carry on thebrands legacy of providing the highestlevels of bespoke Emiratihospitality, inspired bythe story each venue tells.”

Erth’s redesigned accommodation will provide welcoming, family-friendly spaces across 237 rooms, 42 suites and 13 villas. Each is an expression of elegance and uniquely designed to offer a charming, comfortable stay for guests.

Erth is a destination that encompasses comprehensive dining and leisure facilities. These include a Blue-Flag certified private beach, resort pool, the inviting Al Fayy Garden, an indoor and outdoor recreational hub housing a mixed gym, six restaurants, dedicated event and meeting spaces, including a new ballroom, and the soon-to-open Central Production Unit to further complement its catering and event services.

With a storied past and a unique combination of facilities, AFOCH has long been one of Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secrets. Erth will now build on that legacy and enable that secret to be shared with discerning guests from around UAE and the world.

Located 15 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and in close proximity to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Erth invites guests to stay with a story and experience the past, present and future of Abu Dhabi.

About Erth
Erth is a unique landmark destination for warm Emirati hospitality, cuisine and recreation located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, near the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Meaning “legacy” in Arabic, Erth builds on an age-old mission of being a beacon of Emirati hospitality and offering the highest quality of independent, personalised, and genuine service. Its redesigned accommodation features family-friendly spaces across 237 rooms, 42 suites and 13 villas. Erth also encompasses comprehensive dining and leisure facilities. These include a Blue-Flag certified private beach, resort pool, the inviting Al Fayy Garden, an indoor and outdoor recreational hub housing a mixed gym, six restaurants, dedicated event and meeting spaces, including a new ballroom, and the soon-to-open Central Production Unit to further complement its catering and event services.

Milan, Italy, May 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort of the Italian Hospitality Collection group in Monsummano Terme, Tuscany, which is scheduled to reopen in summer 2021 following important renovations, will become part of Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s diverse and dynamic portfolio of independent hotels. The historic 19th-century villa, surrounded by a centuries-old park, has been restored to its former glory thanks to an accurate project inspired by poetry and natural elements of the place, curated by the London studio Richmond International, and has been selected by Autograph Collection Hotels for its distinctive character and for the uniqueness of its thermal cave, the largest in Europe.

A thousand-year-old natural heritage, the cave was discovered in 1849 almost by chance, hidden in a lime quarry owned by the Giusti family, father of the poet Giuseppe. With the discovery, the Righteous decided to build a spa and in 1880 the Royal Hotel where the Prince of Naples and Giuseppe Verdi who called the cave “the eighth wonder of the world” was inaugurated. The underground environments of the cave – Paradise, Purgatory, Hell – have since attracted guests from all over the world, thanks to the natural thermal environment that allows anthropological care unique on the international scene. Its primitive beauty, characterized by rooms of stalagmites and stalactites, long corridors and a thermal water bath, perfectly embody the hotels ‘mark’ a signature experience that each Autograph Collection hotel offers to leave a lasting imprint on all who stay.

“We are very happy to present this splendid project, the result of intense work that will bring to light a unique jewel of hospitality” – says Marcello Cicalò, Director of Operations of Italian Hospitality Collection. “The collaboration with the prestigious Autograph Collection Hotels by Marriott International makes us proud and confident in being able to guarantee our guests an exclusive and top level wellness experience, maintaining all our Italian identity with a strong emphasis on the most authentic Tuscanness. With Autograph Collection Hotels we will have access to the international distribution channels of the Marriott brand and this will give a very strong impetus and great visibility to the resort of Grotta Giusti but also to the resort of Monsummano Terme, representing an important economic and employment driver for the entire community“. Cicalò concludes: “The renovation of Grotta Giusti is part of a multimillion-dollar investment plan that has seen the redevelopment of all the resort’s rooms, the bar, restaurants, the freshwater pool in the centuries-old park and the creation of a new spa for hotel guests. Especially in this historical period, Grotta Giusti’s project is a great sign of relaunch and development that IHC and its shareholders wanted to give for this 2021. A decisive contribution to reactivating the high-end hotel sector with momentum”.

The design philosophy

The redevelopment project of the historic house bears the signature of the architects of Richmond International©, the London firm specialized in the luxuryhôtellerie sector that has always collaborated with the most important international hospitality brands. Richmond’s creative concept, inspired by the poetry and natural elements of Grotta Giusti (from the cave to the hot springs, from the centennial park to the Monsummano hill that embraces the resort) combines the finest contemporary design with genius loci. It develops around the theme of Discovery, the discovery of the Cave. The designers in the interior design choices wanted to celebrate the foundation of the hotel, following the important nineteenth-century revelation, and lead guests on a journey to discover Tuscany, its nature and landscape, its workers and local craftsmanship, its unique thermal offer.

The new Suites

The sensory design scheme focuses on all five senses in a space that brings guests back to nature, rooting them and allowing them to focus on their well-being. A house away from home according to the Tuscan lifestyle: the cave environment and mineral-rich waters are central to the general philosophy of Grotta Giusti and perfectly reflect the Latin word of SPA, salus per aquam: “health through water”. The colors of the rooms and furnishings of the new restaurant, the bar, the common spaces, and all the rooms have been chosen with extreme care in the sign of the historicity and uniqueness of the structure. The walls are characterized by precious frescoes and decorations on the walls, in a continuous dialogue with the surrounding natural park and with neutral furnishings and natural materials such as silk, wood and gold. The Hotel will reopen with 68 rooms including the 3 new Suites – Suite Giusti, Suite Garibaldi, Suite Verdi – named after the three great personalities related to the history of the villa: the poet, the hero, the composer.

The Thermal Spa

Directly from the Hotel you can reach the new thermal spa that develops on the ground floor around the natural cave. Here the offer includes a new Meditarium thermal bath, the new Kneipp path and the wet area with sauna, steam room and wet treatment booths. The hand of the architects has also redefined the new reception of the Spa, enriched by a relaxation area in which to take a break between wellness journeys. The entire first floor of the Spa has been redesigned, with cabins for beauty and spa treatments and the new gym.

The Historical Park

The majestic setting of the 45-hectare park, curated by the renowned landscape architect of the beginning of the last century Pietro Porcinai, houses the freshwater pool with a new bar and restaurant area around it, as well as the tennis court and the life path that winds through the park, revisited with paths among centuries-old trees and lush gardens and trekking paths for excursions in the countryside surrounding the resort. The new “herb garden” will be a central element of the park, used for the cultivation of plants and aromatic herbs that will be used in the kitchen for the creation of culinary specialties related to local products, and to the bar for the creation of cocktails and personalized infusions. An interactive signage system will guide through the different types of plants for a unique and distinctive nature experience.

The Restaurant and the Bars

Completely renovated, the Restaurant Il Poeta,a tribute to the poet Giuseppe Giusti, with a refined menu that houses in each section a poem by the great poet and that includes traditional recipes, based on organic and seasoned raw materials collected directly from the hotel garden, and healthy dishes in line with the philosophy of well-being linked to longevity. The design of the Restaurant is inspired by the Cave, with the presence of natural elements and stones of various shapes and colors that refer to this icon of the resort. And again, the new L’Fresco Lounge Bar where drinks, cocktails and spirits seem created by a herbalist, with personalized herbal recipes collected in the hotel garden, and the Coffee Snail, in the lobby, whose name pays homage to the famous poem by the poet Giusti. A place to relax, work, read the many books related to the territory and listen to music in the living room of a historic house, rich in poetry and literature.

The stay in the new Grotta Giusti will be a memorable experience in the name of poetry and nature, Exactly Like Nothing Else,as the motto of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand, the collection of independent hotels of Marriott International, which with Grotta Giusti enriches its portfolio in Italy.

About Italian Hospitality Collection
Italian Hospitality Collection brings together hotels, resorts and spas of excellence: unique, chosen for their beauty, their history and the charm of their territory. Those who choose Italian Hospitality Collection live an authentic Experience of Italian Hospitality made of warmth, generosity and passion. Every guest feels that they are at the center of our world, surrounded by attention and immersed in the beauty of art and nature. In Tuscany the three resorts in our collection – Fonteverde, Bagni di Pisa, Grotta Giusti – were born as noble thermal residences. They are jewels of history and architecture that have sprung up on natural springs, in some of the most enchanting areas of the region such as the Val d’Orcia, the hills that embrace Pisa and the Valdinievole. In Sardinia, Chia Laguna is immersed in the splendor of one of the most spectacular stretches of the coast, in front of beaches, headlands, coastal lagoons and dunes overlooking the turquoise sea. In Valle d’Aosta, in Courmayeur, Le Massif is an innovative and exclusive project for those who love charming hotels. Since winter 2018 Le Massifoffers a new concept of hospitality where the warmth of the Italian welcome is captured by two unsurpassed locations: the Hotel Le Massif, a breath away from the cable car and fashion boutiques, and the chalet La Loge du Massif, in the heart of the ski slopes.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group and chairman of Dubai World, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 today, marking the start of the 28^th edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition. World’s first in-person international travel trade event in 18 months opens in Dubai.

HH Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied by HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Claude Blanc, WTM & IBTM Portfolio Director; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, ATM and other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event got underway at DWTC.

Taking place from 16 to 19 May, this year’s event has 1,300 exhibitors from 62 countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy, Germany, Cyprus, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, the Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico and the US, underscoring the strength of our reach.

ATM 2021’s show theme is appropriately ‘A New Dawn for Travel & Tourism’ and spread across nine halls. Consistent with the existing density restrictions and social distancing guidelines and regulations, there will be 11,000 people in the halls at any given time.

The event will once again play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week, a 10-day long festival of travel and tourism events taking place in Dubai and online. In addition to the in-person Arabian Travel Market event, the travel events that are part of Arabian Travel Week are: travel technology exhibition Travel Forward, ARIVAL Dubai for the tours and attractions sector, GBTA’s half day virtual business travel conference, ITIC’s Middle East Tourism Investment Summit and regionally focused buyer groups including China, and of course ATM Virtual, the online edition of the ATM exhibition.

This year, for the first time in ATM history, a new hybrid format will mean a virtual ATM running a week later, from 24-26 May, to complement and reach a wider audience than ever before. ATM Virtual, which made its debut last year, proved to be a resounding success attracting 12,000 online attendees from 140 countries.

About Arabian Travel Week
Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2021. It includes ATM Virtual, Arival Dubai, The ATM Influencers day, the Digital Influencer Speed Networking and Travel Forward – a new travel tech and hospitality innovation event launching this year. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, ATM Speed Networking Events, the International Travel & Investment Conference (ITIC) Summit, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) forum, as well as the Saudi and China Summits. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector.

About Reed Exhibitions Global
Reed Exhibitions is a leading global events business. It combines face-to-face with data and digital tools to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors, attracting more than 7 million participants. Our events leverage industry expertise, large data sets and technology to enable our customers to connect face-to-face or digitally and generate billions of dollars of revenues for the economic development of local markets and national economies around the world. Reed Exhibitions is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics for professional and business

Madrid, Spain, May 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / At FITUR: The International Spanish Tourism Trade Fair (Madrid, 19-23 May 2021), UNWTO will ensure sustainability, innovation and responsibility are a central part of the conversation. FITUR was the last global in-person trade fair to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic, and is the first one to return, sending a clear message of the resolve of the tourism sector for a safe and responsible restart.

This year’s trade fair will continue the long-standing partnership between UNWTO and FITUR, with the United Nations specialized agency for tourism addressing the most pressing challenges currently facing the sector while also looking to the future and supporting the tourism talent of tomorrow.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Sustainable development takes the lead

The week kicks off with the 25 winners of the UNWTO SDG Global Startup Competition meeting for a special workshop on winning investment for scaling up. On Tuesday 18 May, the top entrepreneurs and innovators will be celebrated at the Royal Theatre in Spain. The hybrid event will celebrate the diversity of the award-winning ideas for advancing the sustainable development goals and the people behind them. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has commended UNWTO’s leadership in promoting innovation and will send a message to the winners.

Tourism for all

With FITUR officially opening on Wednesday 19 May, UNWTO hosts an expert meeting on Accessible Tourism featuring good practice in accessibility with a particular focus on tourism in rural and natural areas. Sustainability will be the focus of the UNWTO Affiliate Members meeting on Friday 21 May, giving its members – from the private sector, local and regional governments and academia – the opportunity to present their work, and to network both in-person and virtually.

Investment and innovation for development

The 12th edition of the Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa (INVESTOUR) will be held virtually on Thursday 20 May. The gathering of public and private sector tourism leaders will focus on the development of effective strategic partnerships, and on assessing possible travel and tourism trends post-pandemic.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

On the same day, UNWTO will also feature in FITUR Talent, highlighting the increasingly important role innovation can play in delivering tourism education and training for all. Similarly exploring the potential of technology to create opportunities, this time for destinations, the Round Table on Tourism and Cinema, will see UNWTO and Netflix come together to assess the role TV and film can play in promoting locations and experience.

Bali, Indonesia, May 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The 7th  of Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) will be held on June 8 – 12, 2021 at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) Nusa Dua, Bali face to face and virtual. This annual event is deemed important to be held even though it is full of adjustments because of the tourism industry, the heartbeat of Bali, the gateway to Indonesian tourism must still be maintained strategically.

• For the complete travel guide on Bali, go to VisitBali.org.org

In connection with this, the Bali’s tourism stakeholders held a talk show, “Road to BBTF 2021” recently as a series of preparations as well as the opening a discussion for which invited reliable speakers and was taking the topic : “Challenges and Opportunities of Indonesia’s Tourism”. Various angles has been raised for which were expected to provide complete information related to the government regulations, especially regarding the opening of Bali as “Pilot Project” and an overview of the opportunities and challenges we face to re-open the borders of foreign tourists to Bali.

The speakers at the talk show as well as the Press Conference presented:

1. Mr. Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati – Deputy Governor of Bali.
2. Mr. I Ketut Ardana – Chairman of the BBTF 2021.
3. Mr. Dewa Kadek Rai – Regional CEO of Bali & Nusa Tenggara Garuda Indonesia.
4. Mr. Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra – Representative of the Green Zone & Chairman of the Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD) of Denpasar City.
5. Mr. Oriol Montal – General Manager of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali.
6. Mrs. Dyan Gitaloka Santhi Sst. Par. – Public Relation & Institutional Committee Bali Wedding Association.

The event was hosted by the Moderator as well as the BBTF Media Coordinator Committee, Mrs. Yoke Darmawan.

• For the complete travel guide on Bali, go to VisitBali.org.org

Auckland, New Zealand. May 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Following a successful lift-off, first stage burn, and stage separation, Rocket Lab experienced an anomaly during its 20^th Electron mission ‘Running Out Of Toes.’

The issue occurred following second stage ignition during the flight on May 15, 2021 UTC, resulting in the loss of the mission. The launch vehicle’s second stage remained within the predicted launch corridor and caused no harm to the public, Rocket Lab’s launch or recovery crews, or the launch site. Electron’s first stage safely completed a successful splashdown under parachute and Rocket Lab’s recovery team is working to retrieve the stage from the ocean as planned.

• For a better understanding of Space and to join the economic and industrial development of space. Contributors welcome – MadeInSpace.com

Rocket Lab is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate the anomaly and identify the root cause to correct the issue for future missions.

“We are deeply sorry to our customer BlackSky for the loss of their payloads. We understand the monumental effort that goes into every spacecraft and we feel their loss and disappointment. Our team is working hard to identify the issue, rectify it, and be safely back on the pad as soon as possible,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and chief executive. “On one of our toughest days, our team operated with professionalism and worked swiftly to ensure the anomaly was managed safely. Our team is resilient, and our top priority remains to safely and reliably return to flight for our customers. We will learn from this, and we’ll be back on the pad again.”

Today’s anomaly occurred after 17 successful orbital launches of the Electron launch vehicle. With multiple launch vehicles currently in production, Rocket Lab is prepared for a rapid return to flight as soon as investigations are complete and any required corrective actions are in place.