Category: Latest Travel News

Rome, Italy, May 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the agreement by the G20 Tourism Ministers to support the safe restoration of mobility by following the G20 Rome Guidelines for the Future of Tourism. IATA urged G20 governments to quickly follow up their endorsement of the guidelines with actions, particularly the five-point agenda to safely restore mobility:

1. Sharing information among industry and governments to inform policies and decisions to ensure safe mobility.
2. Agreeing common international approaches to COVID-19 testing, vaccination, certification and information.
3. Promoting digital traveler identity, biometrics and contactless transactions for safe and seamless travel.
4. Providing accessible, consistent, clear and updated information to travelers to encourage and facilitate travel planning and journeys.
5. Maintaining and improving the connectivity, safety and sustainability of transport systems.

“The G20 has the right focus and agenda to restart travel and tourism. The combination of vaccinations and testing are the drivers to make travel broadly and safely accessible. Moreover, Prime Minister Draghi’s promise that Italy is ready to welcome back the world and encouragement to book holidays should be an inspiration to other world leaders. It captures the urgency that is needed to move forward quickly and safely in restoring the freedom to travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Risk Management

The emphasis on information sharing, working together to implement practical processes, and data driven policies is particularly welcome. These are the basis for managing the risks of COVID-19 as we move towards normality.

“The G20’s call for a combined effort of industry and governments to share information moves us towards the risk management framework that is needed for a restart. No industry knows better that safety is paramount than aviation. Effective risk -management—based on evidence, data and facts—underpins everything airlines do, and it is a core aviation competency that can help governments safely reopen borders. Over a year into the crisis, and with six months of experience with vaccines, data exists to support the targeted measures that the G20 is aiming for. Using data to guide restart plans should gain impetus from the G20 action plan,” said Walsh.

Aviation Getting Ready

The aviation industry is already making critical progress to be ready.

• The IATA Travel Pass responds exactly to the need for reliable testing and vaccination certificates verified against the traveler’s itinerary. This will be particularly useful in furthering the recommendation for digital solutions. IATA Travel Pass will help prevent fraud and provide a framework for airlines to securely and efficiently manage COVID-19 travel credentials that governments could easily tap into. With aver a billion doses of the vaccine administered already and a growing number of countries welcoming vaccinated travelers, a system to globally recognize digital vaccine certificates is becoming even more critical.
• The UNWTO/IATA Destination Tracker will give travelers the confidence to plan travel knowing the measures that are in place and requirements to travel.

Momentum

The G20 agreements add important support to the building momentum to restore travel. Developments in recent weeks include the following:

• A travel bubble opened between Australia and New Zealand
• The European Commission and the European Parliament each announced efforts to welcome vaccinated travelers, and travelers from low-incidence countries to Europe
• The UK is pursuing the gradual resumption of international travel from 17 May
• Italy announced it was planning to implement the European ‘Green Certificate’ in May to facilitate opening borders, and
• France is planning to reopen its borders to international tourists with a “health pass” from 9 June.

“While these are all important steps that build momentum towards re-opening the travel and tourism sector, we need more. People want to fly and exercise the freedom to travel that has been denied by government restrictions. But expensive testing requirements will make travel unaffordable for many, weakening the boost to economies that will occur when borders are reopened. That shouldn’t be allowed to happen.  Simple, efficient, and affordable programs will be needed to manage the testing and vaccine verification regimes that will underpin a safe restoration of the freedom of mobility,” said Walsh.

Full Text of the G20 Rome Guidelines for the Future of Tourism

Work with industry and international partners to provide and share information to inform policies and decisions on safe mobility.

A key requirement of safe mobility is the provision and sharing of timely, accurate and transparent information on the health and safety situation in source and recipient countries. In addition, tourism industry bodies and health experts should be consulted to establish evidence on the consequences of travel restrictions and on practicalities for delivering safe travel options.

Pursue opportunities to agree common international approaches to COVID-19 testing, vaccination, certification and information on travellers to enable lifting of inbound and outbound border restrictions.

Restrictions on international travel, including travel bans and quarantine requirements, have serious adverse consequences for international tourism and the wider economy. Targeted measures to prevent transmission of the virus by infected travellers should be promoted where these can be shown to be reliable. This could be achieved by appropriate authorities receiving the necessary and reliable information on a traveller, including testing and vaccination certificates and travel history, to make an individual biosecure risk assessment. This should require developing international standards on the necessary type, timing, frequency and facility of testing and vaccinations, and on the provision and checking of testing and vaccination certificates and travel history data, in compliance with national regulations. The implementation of such measures must take into account ethical issues of non-discrimination of travellers and guarantee the protection of data. There is also a need for clear and widespread communication strategies that are agreed and adhered to by all.

Explore ways to promote the use of digital traveller identity, biometrics and contactless transactions to facilitate safe and seamless travel.

The use of such procedures has become more widespread in recent years and should be accelerated in the interests of safe mobility. Requirements include the interoperability of technologies and systems and mutual recognition of them by appropriate authorities and other users, together with respect for data privacy based on agreed international standards and principles and in accordance with national laws and regulations.

Provide accessible, consistent, clear and updated information to travellers to encourage and facilitate travel planning and journeys.

Information provision is a critical tool in promoting traveller confidence and safe mobility. Clarity is key for the resumption of international travel. Information strategies should seek to promote:

• Clarity on the health and safety situation in destinations and when returning to the origin country, including restrictions and requirements placed on travellers and access to health and emergency services.
• Transparent and reliable information from operators on health and safety protocols in place, in line with international standards, and other arrangements affecting travellers including cancellation options, insurance coverage and repatriation.
• Mobile applications providing real-time information to guide movements, including data on areas of crowding or other health and safety factors, while respecting personal privacy.
• Processes for receiving feedback from travellers, to facilitate better future planning to meet their needs and information requirements.

Maintain and improve the connectivity, safety and sustainability of transport systems.

Transport providers have been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the future of certain services is in doubt. Appropriate authorities should work together and with the transport sector on policies and actions to restore or maintain connectivity, while also addressing safe mobility and sustainability issues.

Berlin, Germany, May 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Global travel industry CEOs demand an expansion of vaccination and testing capacity to rapidly re-open safe travel in these times of the pandemic, and call for political support to improve sustainability, equitable opportunities and digital services.

Never before have political decisions impacted travel so seriously as during the coronavirus pandemic. With the ITB Berlin Travel and Tourism Declaration, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show for the first time concisely summarises the concrete measures demanded by national and international travel industry leaders for an economic recovery. With it, the trade show sends a clear message from the industry and gives leaders from many areas of tourism an opportunity to have their say. Compiled in an online brochure and presented in a video, their reactions, demands and suggestions provide urgently needed orientation and ideas for political decision-makers to overcome the crisis and future challenges.

The coronavirus pandemic has all parts of the global travel industry firmly in its grip, from airlines, tour operators, the hotel industry and cruise lines to technology providers, OTAs and tourism associations. Correspondingly, the ITB Berlin Travel and Tourism Declaration reflects a cross section of the industry and impressively highlights its impact and relevance. As well as naming concrete measures for re-opening tourism in these times of the pandemic, leaders also call for improving sustainability, equitable opportunities and digital services.

Thus, Norbert Fiebig, president of the German Travel Association (DRV), demands the introduction of an internationally recognised digital vaccination certificate and a uniform testing procedure to enable safe travel again as soon as possible. Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt, sees vaccinating, testing and contact tracing as key. For Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, safety is paramount too. He calls for expanding Covid vaccinations as soon as possible. According to Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in addition to an internationally recognised digital vaccination certificate, efficient international mobility protocols could help to restart international travel. Patrick Andrae, CEO of HomeToGo, calls for holiday apartments to re-open first, as they are among the safest type of accommodation.

Focus on sustainability

Without doubt, the pandemic marks a break for the entire industry. In order to be able to deal with future challenges Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, says better preparation is needed to confront future crises: “The future needs to look different.“ For Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, protecting the environment plays a key role: “One of the most pressing issues we face collectively is sustainability.“ Accordingly, the aviation measures now being discussed should create incentives for investing in a sustainable future. Stephanie M. Jones, founder and CEO of National Blacks, part of the Travel & Tourism Collaborative, calls for greater diversity, inclusion and equitable opportunities in tourism, to help ensure their growth and sustainability in the industry. Olga Heuser, founder and CEO of Dialogshift, is convinced that policymakers need to take a different view of the industry: “In the long run, we should include tourism policy in economic policy in a way that reflects its share in overall economic performance and its importance for the labour market.“

What is clear from the statements of these industry leaders is that with comprehensive safety measures, testing capacity and rising vaccination numbers, the urgently needed recovery of the tourism industry can succeed. Now it is up to policymakers to offer the industry new prospects as soon as possible.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2022 will take place from Wednesday, 9 to Sunday, 13 March. From Wednesday to Friday, ITB Berlin will be open to trade visitors only. ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Parallel with the show the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday, 9 to Saturday, 12 March 2022. For exhibitors, trade visitors and the media, participation in the ITB Berlin Convention is included in the price of a ticket. During the five-day digital ITB Berlin NOW 2021, around 65,700 users visited the online platform, of whom around two-thirds came from abroad. 3,513 exhibitors from 120 countries made use of the new format to present their products and services. In 2019, around 10,000 exhibitors from 181 countries presented their products and services to some 160,000 visitors, including 113,500 trade visitors.

Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, May 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Ariya Jutanugarn became the first Thai player in the 14 years the event has been held  to win the Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 tournament after a drama-packed final hole at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course today. Ariya won by one shot when former amateur champion Atthaya Thitikul missed a birdie putt on the 18^th hole to force a play-off.

The victory had been a long time coming for former world number one Ariya, who first played the course as an 11-year-old and went close to winning in 2016. She finished with a nine-under 63 on the day for an overall score of -22. Atthaya was one shot back overall and carded a four-under 68 today.

• Discover the World’s Best Golf Courses at Top 25 Golf Courses.

Ariya will receive prizemoney of $240,000, or 7.5 million Thai baht, while Atthaya will get $148,877, or 4.8 million Thai baht, for her second place.

“I’ve been waiting for so long,” said a teary Ariya after her victory. “I had good commitment and I hit a very good shot from the tee and second shot to the green.”

Ariya said the storm delay hadn’t been easy. “It was pretty tough because especially when they stopped playing; just my momentum is kind of like; I want to know the result.

Ariya had her sister with her and told her she thought she would go to a play-off. “Basically, I kept telling her I think I’m going to a play-off. She said no matter, I’m always proud of you. I really wanted to watch how she (Atthaya) played on that last hole, but my caddie stopped me.

“I’m proud of myself and just always very happy to be here. This means the world to me, because after 2013, one of my biggest dreams is to be able to win in Thailand, and I did. So thank you to all the fans who really gave me their full support. I will say this win is for you guys. Thank you.”

Thai golf fans had been kept waiting for their first champion at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 tournament today when a storm stopped play on the final hole.

As the last group of players, including 18-year-old Atthaya, started up the fairway on the final hole, horns sounded and play was halted for more than one hour as a storm approached and the players had to leave the course to avoid lightning strikes.

With Atthaya one stroke behind Ariya – who had already finished in the group ahead – and having hit a good approach shot from the tee, the nail-biting finish was suddenly put on hold until the storm cleared.

With the result in the balance, and two Thais battling for victory for the first time in the tournament’s history, local golf fans were left hanging on the edge of their seats for more than one hour until play resumed.

A smiling Atthaya had led over the final stretch until the final hole and had five birdies and one bogie up until the 18th.

Ariya, who almost won in 2016, birdied the first six holes and was two off the lead after 9 holes. But after 12 holes she was in second place, one stroke off the lead. Ariya missed a birdie putt on the 17^th for a share of the lead.

The former world number one finished with nine birdies on the day.

Ariya’s brilliant second approach shot to the green on the 18^th set her up for an eagle and the clubhouse lead on the final hole of the round, but it wasn’t to be as her putt slid past the hole. However, her birdie gave her a share of the lead with Atthaya, who was still playing the 17th.

She finished with a blistering nine-under 63.

Atthaya, however, had a three-putt bogey on the 17^th, minutes after Ariya finished her round and put a lot of pressure on herself going into the final hole. It was her first bogey of the day.

Atthaya said even though she didn’t win, she was proud of the way she played. “This is a new experience having been so close to a win and in that last putt I just felt, okay, give me one good one and I’ll do the best I can,” she said after her round. I’m already proud of myself that I could do the best I can.

“I just told myself, do your best. Just focus on what you can control and then just do your best out there and enjoy every single moment of it. I’m very proud to be here and it’s always amazing to be in the Honda LPGA in front of all the Thai fans. They support us here and that’s amazing.”, said Atthaya

• Discover the World’s Best Golf Courses at Top 25 Golf Courses.

Earlier, defending champion Amy Yang of South Korea started strong and was 6-under after seven holes to be one off the lead. But the birdie putts stopped dropping for Yang on the back nine.

South Koreans Amy Yang – the defending champion and three-time winner – and So Yeon Ryu finished tied for third on -20 with America’s Angel Yin.

Three players were tied in sixth place on -17 – Chella Choi of South Korea, Australia’s Hannah Green and Thailand’s Patty Tavatankit.

However, Thai players had dominated and stayed at the top of the leaderboard on the final day at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.

After 8 holes Thai players were first, second and third until the 12^th, when Patty Tavatanakit three-putted for a bogey, dropping her back down the leaderboard to be tied for 6^th. That left Atthaya and Ariya at the top of the leaderboard, where they stayed until the final hole.

Patty, who started her final round with a one shot lead, had a par on the 1^st, while Atthaya birdied the 1^st and 2^nd to draw level with her. But she took the lead again with a birdie on the 5^th.

Patty had started the day with a one-shot lead, but dropped back on the 6^th with a bogie to be tied with Atthaya, the former number one amateur in the world. Then Patty had a horror hole on the 12^th with a three-putt bogey.

After the unnerving double bogie, Patty had pars until she birdied the 17^th, and by this time she had slipped back into a tie for sixth place.

It was a disappointing finish for the rising star, who had led the field in each of the first three rounds.

“I feel like I handled everything pretty well,” Patty told the media after the final round. “I just didn’t hit it great today. I grinded back to 2-under par again.

“I played eight rounds in Asia and I shot under par in all of them. I’m still pretty proud of myself.”

Amy finished her last round with nine birdies and one bogey for a 64. The three-time winner ended the tournament with a well-played 20-under par.

Another Thai player who had a brilliant final round was 21-year-old Pajaree Anannarukarn, who finished with a 9-under 63. Pajaree, who was the LPGA Rookie of the Year in 2019, had finished tied for 18^th after her third round on -11 overall. She threw caution to the wind and came out swinging on the final round and finished in a tie for 13th.

The two lowest scores of the day were both by Thai players – Ariya and Pajaree.

Ariya’s sister Moriya finished tied at 17^th after a round of 3-under to be -13 overall.

The Honda LPGA Thailand is the longest running LPGA tournament in South East Asia and is one of the biggest sport event in Thailand. The 14^th edition of the tournament features a strong field of 72 top golfers who are chasing a purse valued at US$1.6 million, or 50 million Thai baht, and a Honda Accord Hybrid, HYBRID TECH variant valued at 1,799,000 Thai baht for the hole-in-one prize. The winner will receive prizemoney of $240,000, or 7.5 million Thai baht, the first runner up will get $148,877, or 4.8 million Thai baht, and the second runner up $108,000 or 3.4 million Thai baht.

Ms. Winnie Heng, Vice President and Managing Director for Thailand at IMG, said, “Congratulations to the winner of Honda LPGA Thailand 2021, and of course a big thank you to all the golfers in the field for an amazing week of golf. The support and camaraderie amongst the women on this tour is phenomenal.  I cannot be more proud of this week’s leaderboard with four Thai players dominating across all four days, which captivated the whole country and had everyone rooting for their success.  This result is a testament to Honda and all the sponsors on their commitment to developing ladies golf in Thailand.

• Discover the World’s Best Golf Courses at Top 25 Golf Courses.

I would also like to thank our title sponsor Honda, and all our tournament partners for their continued support and trust in us. I would also like to acknowledge the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Sports Authority of Thailand for their constant guidance in ensuring a safe and secure event was delivered.

This event is made up of an engine of staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to stage this event, and I would like to thank every single one of them for their hard work and dedication. Of course, not forgetting our fans, thank you for supporting us from your homes – we miss having you here and I hope that we can look forward to welcoming you back to the grounds of Siam Country Club, Old Course, next year.

Through these challenging times, the tournament itself has been an embodiment of our tagline ‘Dream Big’, and we hope that it continues to inspire everyone who has a passion of golf. We endeavor to create more opportunities like the National Qualifiers, for aspiring young golfers, which we hope, will eventually propel them onto the world stage

We do hope that the staging of Honda LPGA Thailand this year, will pave the way for more international sports events to be staged in a safe and secure environment, here in Thailand and that it will further help promote sports tourism and golf tourism once again.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022,” said Ms. Winnie.

Cancun, Mexico, May 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Countries and top tourism leaders from around the world have been recognised with awards by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), at its Global Summit 2021 in Cancun, for their outstanding global leadership.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The awards acknowledged the world-class leadership qualities displayed by a specially selected group from among hundreds of the world’s foremost business Travel & Tourism leaders, government officials and key decision-makers.

Carlos Manuel Joaquín González, Governor of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Mexico was given the Global Leadership Award for his role during the COVID-19 crisis.

Cancun’s early, successful adoption of the WTTC Safe Travels stamp led the way and was recently given to the 250th destination.

His Excellency, Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was awarded the accolade of Global Leader, for making history earlier this year by embracing the private sector in the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting for the very first time.

A further 10 Travel & Tourism leaders were also recipients of Global Champion Awards from WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, at its annual Global Summit.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “2021 marked a year of unprecedented hardship and challenges for the global Travel & Tourism sector. So, we are honoured to be able to recognise so many top achievers for their incredible efforts to revive the sector by displaying such admirable leadership qualities. 

“Our esteemed winners this year have demonstrated the very best values and qualities which our sector shows on a daily basis to encourage travellers and holidaymakers to venture out and explore the world.

“This has been especially difficult over the past 12 months as the pandemic has ravaged our sector, devastating businesses and the jobs of so many people who depend upon it for their livelihoods.

“But we recognise our winners today for taking bold steps to halt and reverse the impact of COVID-19 with 14 major awards and thank them for their courage and dedication.

“From Cancun, Mexico, to Saudi Arabia, Greece, Spain and the U.S., to name but a few, destinations and their leaders from around the world have stepped up to the mark to save a sector which in 2019, before the pandemic took hold, generated one in four of all new jobs around the world and contributed 10.4% (334 million) jobs globally.

“From the bottom of my heart I wish to thank each and every one of our winners – and those around the world, who each day stand up to make a difference – to bring cultures together, encourage mobility and unite us all by making Travel & Tourism essential to our happiness and well-being.”

Under the theme “Uniting the World for Recovery” the Global Summit made history by becoming the first-time global Travel & Tourism event where leaders gathered face-to-face since the COVID-19 pandemic damaged the sector and halted all major events around the world since March 2020.

Ten Champion Awards were also announced at the Summit:

Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism of Portugal, was awarded for Leadership in Social Impact.

Harry Theocharis, Minister of Tourism of Greece, was recognised by WTTC for his Leadership in Crisis Response.

Meanwhile top Spanish economist and Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, was awarded for her Leadership in Women Advocacy.

Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company, New York’s non-profit destination marketing organisation and convention and visitor’s bureau, was awarded for Leadership in Destination Stewardship.

Mexican public official and Governor of Baja California Sur, Carlos Mendoza Davis, was recognised for Best in Destination Resilience.

Fahad Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer for the Saudi Tourism Authority, was awarded for Strategy & Visa Facilitation.

Meanwhile, the award for Public-Private Engagement went to Claudia Cornejo, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism.

Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne was awarded for his leadership in Climate & Environmental Action, in his role as Minister of State of Tourism, France.

Isabell Hill, Director, National Travel and Tourism Office of the United States of America, was recognised for her contribution towards Women Empowerment.

After the awards she said: “It is an honor to receive this award from the WTTC, an organization I have worked with to advance the tourism policy agenda in the United States and globally. I am particularly gratified to be honored in the context of the WTTC focus on empowering women, which is fundamental to shaping the future if this sector.”

Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation of Iceland, who was awarded by WTTC in Cancun for Building Resilience said:

“It is a true honour to receive this award. The Government of Iceland took a targeted and cautious science-led response to contain the pandemic which appears to be paying off. I believe there is a lesson in that for the recovery of the tourism sector that lies ahead. We need to put community first and base decisions on the best available data.

“I would like to thank WTTC for its tireless work throughout the pandemic on highlighting the importance of the tourism industry for the world economy and promoting the benefits of effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. I look forward to continuing to follow and support WTTC initiatives to help rebuild the sector with resilience and sustainability as a core focus moving forward.”

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

Two Icon Awards were also awarded at the Global Summit:

Jose Chapur, President, Palace Resorts, was awarded the Global Icon for Travel and Tourism Award.

Geoffrey Kent, Founder & Co-Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent was awarded Honorary Member and Icon Award.

WTTC ensured strict world-class health and hygiene protocols were in place to protect key private and public sector participants at its Global Summit, with testing available for all delegates attending in person.

They met to discuss their experiences and share best practice on topics from kickstarting recovery in the Travel & Tourism sector to how to enhance sustainability and inclusivity.

The Summit also acted as the platform for recovery and will be the place where a roadmap will be defined to take the sector towards restarting international travel and existing in the new normal.

Bangkok, Thailand, May 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX /  Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has responded to the increasingly health-conscious aspirations of global travellers by introducing its new group-wide wellness concept – Devarana Wellness – which aims to weave well-being elements throughout the entire stay experience at Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Reflecting Dusit’s deep commitment to the well-being of its guests, customers and employees, the new wellness solution is inspired by traditional Thai healing wisdom, the spirit of Buddhist wellness principles, and Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality. The concept aims to enhance the physical and mental well-being of all of Dusit’s guests by inviting them to take time to slow down, enjoy the chance to prioritise their health, and explore new wellness experiences beyond Dusit’s traditional hotel spa offerings.

Taking its name from the Thai-Sanskrit word for “a garden in heaven,” and blending ancient Thai healing practices with innovative wellness concepts, Devarana Wellness has been specially created to deliver holistic wellness experiences via a deceleration methodology based on three key principles. These include ‘Pause’ (comprising yoga, meditation, breathwork, Thai herbal medicine, and activities that enhance emotional resilience); ‘Focus’ (comprising personalised food menus and fitness and movement activities for physical vitality); and ‘Growth’ (comprising workshops focused on sustainability, community outreach programmes, and special retreats for families, couples, and business and leisure travellers).

These activities, and other ‘wellness micro-moments’ such as the offer of essential oils on arrival, the provision of premium beauty/grooming kits in guest bathrooms, and the screening of in-room video clips showing meditative sleep rituals, are now being rolled out at Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, with offerings tailored to suit the specifics of each location and property. Each property will focus on guests’ most shared concerns – including destressing, detoxifying, and enjoying a deep restorative sleep.

Dusit Thani Maldives, for example, has rebranded its Devarana Spa as Devarana Wellness. Alongside massage therapies and treatments, it now offers a comprehensive range of wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, and sound bath sessions.

Dusit Thani Hua Hin has begun offering healthy dishes made using ingredients from its own organic farm, and it now hosts regular ‘Local Feast’ events designed to bring value to the local community and create intentional habits that pave the way for sustained healing.

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, which opened within the grounds of the Laguna National Golf & Country Club in December 2020, has several spaces dedicated to hosting wellness-focused classes and workshops. Like Dusit Thani Hua Hin, the wellness-focused resort also offers nutritious ‘power foods’ made using vegetables harvested from an onsite organic farm.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, meanwhile, has just launched a Daily Family Retreat programme  offering a series of workshops, activities, and wellness sessions for families. A similar programme is also on offer at Dusit Thani Hua Hin.

Alongside providing added value for guests, Devarana Wellness also serves as a vehicle to drive additional revenue to Dusit Hotels and Resorts by tapping into rapidly rising global demand for wellness experiences.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, global wellness tourism has increased from a USD 563 billion market in 2015 to USD 639 billion in 2017, or 6.5% annually. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, holistic health experiences are only expected to be in even higher demand. In Dusit’s home base of Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set a goal for the country to become the ‘Medical and Wellness Resort of the World’ by 2024.

“With the fast pace of modern life and ongoing impact of the global pandemic leading to unease, unrest, stress and anxiety, the chance to pause and slow down is more important than ever,” said Mr Paul Hawco, Corporate Director of Wellness, Dusit International. “With this in mind, wellness at Dusit is not about a singular interaction or service; it is seamlessly integrated across the entire stay experience to bring added value to all of our guests, ensure we have a meaningful impact on their well-being, and pave the way for sustained healing even when they are not at our properties. Ultimately, we want our hotels to be places our guests can achieve healthier and happier lives through crafted experiences that provide purposeful restoration. Our unique ‘Pause, Focus, and Growth’ approach also gives us a fantastic opportunity to reposition some of our longest-running properties in Thailand, such as the 30-year-old Dusit Thani Hua Hin, and ensure they meet the shifting wellness needs of our guests and provide a platform for long-term revenue generation.”

Mr Hawco, who joined Dusit International in May 2020, has previously developed wellness concepts for renowned luxury brands such as Rosewood, Jumeirah and Fairmont. He believes Dusit’s new holistic approach to wellness will broaden the appeal of its properties among business and leisure travellers, and lead to more MICE business too.

“By offering smaller, bespoke, and wellness-focused meetings and events that provide all the safety measures of the new normal, our resorts will be well-positioned to meet the needs of organisations seeking highly flexible offerings while ensuring attendees enjoy utmost peace of mind,” said Mr Hawco. “As part of Devarana Wellness, our ‘Meet Well at Dusit’ initiative is just one of our proactive approaches to meeting the demands of companies in the new normal. From breakout sessions with breathwork and stretching exercises, to nutrition-based menus and supplementary wellness activities such as yoga and sound bath therapies, we have a wide range of facilities and services in place to deliver meetings that support optimal performance.

“Ultimately, we are confident that the holistic approach of Devarana Wellness will bring sustainable value to all of our properties and, alongside our award-winning spas, deliver heightened well-being experiences in each of our destinations.”

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Building on its two core areas of business – Hotels & Resorts and Hospitality Education – the company has expanded its operations over the past four years to comprise five business units. The additional units include Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Today, the company’s property portfolio comprises more than 300 distinctive hotels, resorts and luxury villas operating under six brands across 15 countries worldwide, as well as two leading hospitality colleges with campuses in Thailand and the Philippines. Following a three-pronged strategy for sustainable growth, including balance, expansion and diversification, the company has recently expanded into food production, on-demand hospitality services, and property development to reach new markets and add further recurring streams of revenue to the company.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, May 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Minister of Tourism David Collado along with 15 more ministers and vice ministers of tourism of the Americas established partnership agreements and procedures for relaunching tourism in the region in a meeting called by the World Tourism Organization and led in its inauguration by Luis Abinader, President of Dominican Republic.

Tourism leaders in the Americas committed to jointly addressing the reactivation of tourism, making the sector a priority and adopting international protocols. Additionally, they agreed to emphasize innovation and digital transformation, develop sustainable tourism and strengthen support mechanisms for workers and impacted companies.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili commended the way Dominican Republic has handled the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted that “reestablishing trust in travel is a key first step towards tourism recovery, bringing hope to millions of people in the Americas and igniting the economic recuperation in general.”

In his welcome to the Tourism ministers and representatives from throughout the Americas, President Luis Abinader highlighted the role of UNWTO as a catalyst for innovation and synergies and called on those present to strengthen themselves as a shared destination and as a region through unity, determination, focus and joint vision.

Reestablishing trust in travel is a key first step towards tourism recovery, bringing hope to millions of people in the Americas and igniting the economic recuperation in general

Minister Collado stressed that the tourism sector generates employment opportunities for more than 500,000 families and contributes 15% of thecountry’s Gross Domestic Product. Similarly, he endorsed the commitment “with the Dominicans, with sector partners and with the millions of tourists who are eagerly waiting to visit and know the beautiful destinations within Dominican Republic.”

Among the main topics of discussion included re-establishing confidence in travel, protecting businesses and jobs, and ensuring that the benefits of the tourism revival are felt beyond the industry itself. The working sessions were attended in person by ministers and vice ministers of Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela, and virtually by government officials from Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Chile, Nicaragua, and Peru.

The meetings were developed with the coordination of the host country through the Ministry of Tourism of Dominican Republic,with the participation of representatives of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil AviationInternacional Organization (ICAO) and the Association of Hotels and Tourism of Dominican Republic, among other sector organizations.

The summit ended with attendees signing the Declaration of Punta Cana which sealed the commitment  of the regional leaders to make tourism a pillar of sustainable development and ensure an effective recovery plan post-COVID.

About Dominican Republic

Well known for off-the-beaten-path excursions, rich culture, endless amenities and year-round perfect climate, Dominican Republic is a place like no other. Easily accessible via a direct flight from most major airports, it is an ideal oasis for celebrities, couples and families alike. From hiking trails to undiscovered beaches and world-class golf courses, here you can renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, revel in Dominican fare, or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges and rivers.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the north, Dominican Republic features a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options, exclusive cultural experiences like dancing, carnival festivities, plus Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, amber and larimar. Between adventurous Puerto Plata, lush Samaná, historic Santo Domingo, sunny Punta Cana, luxe La Romana, bustling Barahona and more, each area has something for every type of traveler and budget.
In addition to its uncharted experiences coast to coast, the country has also generated a worldwide reputation for its warm, and hospitable people. With eight international airports and nine distinct ecological zones it has never been more accessible or appealing to explore Dominican Republic.

About the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency fostering tourism as a vehicle for equal, inclusive and sustainable development. Working with its Member States, international organizations and the private sector, UNWTO promotes safe and seamless travel for all. UNWTO also works to make tourism the foundation of trust and international cooperation and a central pillar of recovery. As part of the wider UN system, UNWTO is at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its ability to create decent jobs, promote equality and preserve natural and cultural heritage.

New York, NY, United States, May 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum released Digital Assets, Distributed Ledger Technology, and the Future of Capital Markets. Across the capital markets ecosystem, institutions are facing a combination of intensified competitive dynamics and accelerating technology advancements, presenting opportunities and challenges both to incumbents and new entrants. Although DLT is not a panacea, the report underlines how it can positively impact costs, market liquidity and balance sheet capacity while reducing the complexity, opacity and fragmentation of capital markets.

Written in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the report is based on nearly 200 interviews and eight global workshops with capital market incumbent players, new entrants, regulators and governments. It presents use cases from equity markets, debt markets, securitized products, derivatives, securities financing and asset management.

DLT can address real challenges and inefficiencies in some markets by providing a trusted, shared source of truth between market participants. However, the future is uncertain as there is no agreed path for market-wide adoption. What’s more, as institutions still decide where to invest, varying strategies create tensions.

The report calls for a balance between innovation and market safeguards through standardization, the breaking down of silos and regulatory engagement. According to the authors, fundamentally transforming markets will require new ways of thinking and working across the industry.

“Following several years of intense hype, examples of use cases where inefficiencies and challenges are being solved with blockchain are starting to emerge across capital markets,” said Matthew Blake, Head of the Future of Financial Services, World Economic Forum. “With the future for blockchain in financial services still being defined, a nuanced look at the opportunities this technology offers right now is particularly important for the financial services industry.”

“Distributed ledger technology has come of age as it begins to enhance efficiencies, reduce operating costs and create new business models in capital markets, but the use cases and solutions are respective to each asset class,” said Kaj Burchardi, Managing Director, BCG Platinion. “Whilst this makes sense from a commercial perspective, it has led to a complex patchwork of initiatives. For capital markets to unilaterally adopt DLT, they will require cross-institutional alignment to realize the game-changing market opportunities it can offer.”

Jakarta, Indonesia, May 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Alain St.Ange, the well-known Seychelles former Tourism Minister and Executive Director of FORSEAA (Forum of Small Medium Economic AFRICA ASEAN) is currently on a working visit to Indonesia to help through FORSEAA to consolidate cooperation between the AFRICA and the ASEAN Block.

FORSEAA is actively working with small businesses partnerships from both sides to benefit economically especially at time when the effects of COVID-19 are being felt right across the world.

“Through FORSEAA we are identifying selected items specially earmarked for export to Africa in the first phase with the hope that we can reduce cost of these same items in Africa and open a new trading avenue for innovative business entrepreneurs in Africa. This approach is very much in line with FORSEAA’s stated Vision & Mission Statements and it has pushed us to work with our network in Africa to help identify possible partners to open this trading avenue between the two blocks – AFRICA and ASEAN,” said St.Ange.

Recently representatives of FORSEAA, led by its Executive Director, Alain St.Ange crisscrossed Indonesia touching key industrial cities to identify products to make the first list for this new FORSEAA led trade cooperation between the AFRICA and the ASEAN Block. “The enthusiasm on the ground was so evident and the welcome we got in city after city was just great. We now move our efforts to the cataloguing to get the ball rolling,” said St.Ange

Alain St.Ange who is also a Tourism Consultant in his own right has been meeting tourism entrepreneurs and hotel developers and working with them for the post Covid-19 readiness strategy that looks at rebranding, upgrading and replanning where and as necessary.

Manila, Philippines, May 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel and Tourism Council once again announced that the Philippines has been selected as the next country to host the WTTC Global Summit in October this year.

WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the council’s global summit in Cancun, Mexico.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

“I would like to formally announce our next host, the Philippines, and I am inviting you all to continue with the recovery of our sector in Manila. We are very dedicated to ensure safety, and we will continue to monitor the situation carefully. I look forward to seeing you all,” Guevara said.

In October last year, Nigel David, WTTC Regional Director for Asia Pacific and Middle East also made the similar announcement at the opening of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) Conference Online.

The Department of Tourism and its attached marketing and promotions agency, Tourism Promotions Board welcomed the announcement on Thursday.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat then invited all the partners to the next summit which is eyed to boost the tourism industry greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We, your Philippine partners in tourism, are eager to share our hopes, dreams and plans for our industry, [and are] ready to do our share in the global effort to overcome and break down barriers in this new dynamic, and unpredictable tourism landscape,” Tourism Secretary Puyat said.

The event is also seen to help the MICE industry bounce back from the pandemic consequence with the country’s strategies to position the country as the MICE hub in Asia.

The DOT said the WTTC Global Summit “will create an avenue for the private sector and local tourism industry stakeholders to consider bigger markets and present an immense opportunity to network and link up with international partners.”

Puyat last year said “the event is set to generate substantial investments as CEOs and presidents attending the summit are looking for investment areas and opportunities to expand their businesses and strengthen their market presence in the region.”

“Through our determination and dedication to this sector, tourism will once again be the driver of socio-economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of people around the world while championing sustainability. We will recover as one, and we will travel once again,” Secretary Puyat said.

The three-day WTTC Global Summit is an annual event that gathers over 800 delegates composed of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), presidents, and chairpersons of the largest and most prominent international travel and tourism companies from airlines, hotels and resorts, travel agencies, tour companies, global distribution system, transportation and allied enterprises.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

It is also attended by tourism ministers and officials from international organizations, such as the United Nations World Travel Organization.

During the summit, tourism delegates are discussing the opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry and draw up concrete solutions pursued across countries and regions through private and public sector collaboration.

This summit allows delegates to formulate global tourism policies and agenda.

Geneva, Switzerland, May 8, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / A new report published jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on the value of intellectual property in boosting tourism shows how the IP system creates a favorable ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in the sector.

The publication, entitled “Boosting Tourism Development through Intellectual Property,” highlights good practices, features case studies and recommendations for policymakers and other tourism stakeholders on how to ensure that creativity, innovation, traditions and cultural heritage in tourism are properly protected and commercialized and that the benefits are shared by all.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

In a joint Foreword, WIPO Director General Daren Tang and UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, predict that while the tourism sector has taken a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will recover and “contribute to reigniting hard-hit economies and societies thanks to its capacity to adapt to changes and offer innovative solutions to new challenges.”

Contribute to reigniting hard-hit economies and societies thanks to its capacity to adapt to changes and offer innovative solutions to new challenges

“In this context, IP rights are powerful tools that can be used to boost tourism development and competitiveness. The IP system is designed to promote creativity and innovation and support efforts by individuals, businesses and other actors to differentiate themselves and their products and services in the marketplace, whether through trademarks, geographical indications, copyrights or patents,” they added.

The publication provides practical guidance for non-IP specialists on how to include IP in tourism product development – from destination branding to tourism policies. It shows how different IP rights can be leveraged to raise funds. And it showcases successful experiences and demonstrates how stakeholders around the globe are using IP rights to add value to tourism services and products, as well as to protect and promote local knowledge, traditions and cultural heritage.

Through examples of producing cheese, tea, pepper, wine or other products, the publication shows how geographical indications and appellations of origin can be used to support the growth of rural tourism and provide benefits to local communities.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

To leverage the full potential of the IP system, the report recommends inclusion of IP strategies in national tourism plans and tourism policy strategy for regional and local destinations. Not only does good IP knowledge and management help to make use of the protected intangibles, but it also attracts investments and leverages fundraising opportunities.

Finally, tourism authorities are encouraged to raise awareness among tourism and destinations stakeholders on the importance of appropriate IP knowledge and management to foster the sector’s growth  in these challenging times.