Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, February 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / At a meeting in Bangkok chaired by the new Minister of Finance, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, and attended by officials from both the Customs and Revenue departments, it was finally confirmed that foreign-flagged visiting superyachts will from now on be welcome to spend the winter seasons in Thai waters and offer their yachts for charter there without having to pay VAT on the value of the vessel.

The meeting marked the culmination of a six-year campaign to bring this all-important change in the local regulations, and thus finally enable a new “third destination” for the global fleet and a new “Superyacht Tourism“ industry to boost Thailand’s pandemic-challenged tourism economy.

The campaign started in earnest in 2015 when the then Minister of Transport was tasked by the Prime Minister with launching Thailand’s own Yacht Show. The show was conceived as a platform to promote the Kingdom as the Marina Hub of Asia and develop an important new yachting industry bringing in significant foreign investment for the benefit of all Thai people.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, then Minister of Tourism and Sport, became a real champion for the cause, and her unflagging belief in this opportunity remains to this day, despite her having left politics two years ago. Minister Arkhom was the incumbent Minister of Transport who in 2016 signed the government decree authorising the so-called “superyacht charter license”, the first three of which were presented to foreign superyacht owners at a ceremony announcing the launch of the new Thailand Yacht Show. It has taken until today to finally agree on the official tax regulations surrounding this initiative, but it could not have come at a better time when Thailand desperately needs a new wave of high quality, high-spending tourists to arrive when we finally see the end of the pandemic – hopefully in time for next season.

The whole of the Thai yachting industry has worked together to finally arrive at this point, and TYBA Chairman Matthew Na Nagara and his team have been instrumental in ensuring that enough information and political persuasion has been given to all government departments and administrative organisations to push the initiative to a conclusion.

The Thailand Yacht Show itself will now become the centrepiece of a much wider Festival of Luxury Tourism, encompassing a showcase of private aviation at the new Phuket Private Jet Terminal, an international classic car Concours d’Elegance; a Wellness & Anti-Ageing Expo; a Collectible Art Show and many other luxury sectors that will attract increasing numbers of UHNW visitors to the beautiful island of Phuket over the next 10 post-covid years.

Whilst the headline news is a huge boost for the superyacht industry, bringing as it will new business for all parts of the ASEAN region right through to Australia and New Zealand, there will also be a massive “trickle-down” effect into every corner of the leisure boating industry and on-water lifestyle industries throughout the whole of Asia.

Geneva, Switzerland, February 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released new analysis showing that the airline industry is expected to remain cash negative throughout 2021. Previous analysis (November 2020) indicated that airlines would turn cash positive in the fourth quarter of 2021. At the industry level, airlines are now not expected to be cash positive until 2022.

Estimates for cash burn in 2021 have ballooned to the $75 billion to $95 billion range from a previously anticipated $48 billion. The following factors play into this estimate:

• Weak Start for 2021: It is already clear that the first half of 2021 will be worse than earlier anticipated.  This is because governments have tightened travel restrictions in response to new COVID-19 variants. Forward bookings for summer (July-August) are currently 78% below levels in February 2019 (comparisons to 2020 are distorted owing to COVID-19 impacts).
• Optimistic Scenario: From this lower starting point for the year, an optimistic scenario would see travel restrictions gradually lifted once the vulnerable populations in developed economies have been vaccinated, but only in time to facilitate tepid demand over the peak summer travel season in the northern hemisphere. In this case 2021 demand would be 38% of 2019 levels. Airlines would burn through $75 billion of cash over the year. But cash burn of $7 billion in the fourth quarter would be significantly improved from an anticipated $33 billion cash burn in the first quarter.
• Pessimistic Scenario: This scenario would see airlines burn through $95 billion over the year. There would be an improving trend from a $33 billion cash burn in the first quarter reducing to $16 billion in the fourth quarter. The driver of this scenario would be governments retaining significant travel restrictions through the peak northern summer travel season. In this case, 2021 demand would only be 33% of 2019 levels.

“With governments having tightening border restrictions, 2021 is shaping up to be a much tougher year than previously expected. Our best-case scenario sees airlines burning through $75 billion in cash this year. And it could be as bad as $95 billion. More emergency relief from governments will be needed. A functioning airline industry can eventually energize the economic recovery from COVID-19. But that won’t happen if there are massive failures before the crisis ends. If governments are unable to open their borders, we will need them to open their wallets with financial relief to keep airlines viable,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

With airlines now expected to burn cash throughout 2021 it is vital that governments and the industry are fully prepared to restart the moment governments agree that it is safe to re-open borders. That makes three initiatives critical:

1. Planning: Preparing the industry to safely restart after a year or more of disruption will take careful planning and months of preparation. Governments can ensure that airlines are prepared to reconnect people and economies by working with industry to develop the benchmarks and plans that would enable an orderly and timely restart.

“The UK has set a good example. Earlier this week it laid out a structure for re-opening based on an improvement in the COVID-19 situation. This gives airlines a framework to plan the restart, even if it needs to be adjusted along the way. Other governments should take note as a best practice for working with industry,” said de Juniac.

2. Health Credentials: It is becoming clear that vaccines and testing will play a role as the pandemic comes under control and economies ramp up, including the travel sector. The IATA Travel Pass will enable travelers to securely control their health data and share it with relevant authorities. A growing list of airlines—including Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, RwandAir, and Singapore Airlines—have done or are committed to doing trials with IATA Travel Pass.

“Efficient digital management of health credentials is vital to restart. Manual processes will not be able to cope with volumes once the recovery begins. Digital solutions must be secure, work with existing systems, align with global standards and respect data privacy. In developing the IATA Travel Pass these are fully in focus. The IATA Travel App will help to set the bar very high for managing health credentials, protecting against fraud and enabling a convenient travel process. While there is choice in the market for solutions, there should be no compromise on the fundamentals, or we risk failing systems, disappointed governments and travelers, and a delayed restart,” said de Juniac.

3. Global Standards: As vaccination programs and testing capacity expand, two developments have become critical—global standards to record tests and vaccines; and a plan to retrospectively record those who have already been vaccinated.

“Speed is critical. Fraudulent COVID-19 test results are already proving to be an issue. And as vaccine programs ramp up governments are using paper processes and differing digital standards to record who has been vaccinated. These are not the conditions needed to support a successful restart at scale when governments open borders. The WHO, ICAO, and OECD are working on standards, but each day without them means the challenge gets bigger. We need an early conclusion by competent authorities that the industry can plan around,” said de Juniac.

“Even as governments focus on managing the COVID-19 crisis, we must be thinking a step ahead to the plans, tools and standards needed to restart flying and energize the economic recovery from COVID-19. Working in partnership is nothing new for airlines or for governments. It’s how we have delivered safe, efficient, and reliable connectivity for decades. For a year it’s been lockdowns and restrictions as vaccines were developed and testing capacity expanded. The reason for all the pain that this has caused is to keep people safe and to eventually be able to retore their well-being and that of the economy. With good news on vaccines and growing testing capacity, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. So, it’s the time to ask governments for their restart plan and to offer any support from industry that could help,” said de Juniac.

Phoenix, Arizona, United States, February 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / WorldHotels announced today that Olivier Berrivin has been appointed Managing Director of WorldHotels Asia Pacific (APAC). The region also sees company veterans Roland Jegge and Melissa Gan assume expanded responsibilities in their new roles as Senior Advisor and Chief Commercial Officer respectively. Olivier Berrivin Appointed Managing Director; Roland Jegge and Melissa Gan Assume New Responsibilities.

Berrivin has decades of experience in the hospitality industry and is a 4th generation hotelier who grew up in his family’s hotel business that included four properties. He has extensive industry experience having started his career with the Lucien Barrière Hotel Group in France and having held various positions with Accor Asia.

Berrivin joined BWH Hotel Group, WorldHotels’ parent company, in 2015 as Managing Director – Asia, and has played a pivotal role in dramatically growing the company’s presence with particular success in driving development of upscale brands across APAC. During his tenure with BWH Hotel Group, Berrivin has helped to grow the company’s presence, especially in the upscale and boutique segments. He also implemented several key initiatives to drive improved results to the regional hoteliers, including improved Revenue Management services, sales and marketing support, new architectural and design services, and additional training for upscale properties.

In his new role with WorldHotels, Berrivin will be responsible for all aspects of the operation of WorldHotels in the region and will focus his efforts on hotel development and growing brand awareness.

“I am delighted to welcome Olivier to our seasoned team of WorldHotels APAC leaders,” said David Kong, President and CEO of WorldHotels. “WorldHotels will benefit tremendously from Olivier’s extensive experience, deep industry relationships and proven leadership within the region. Olivier is joining a group of truly accomplished leaders who, together, will undoubtedly drive WorldHotels to even greater success in the years ahead.”

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead WorldHotels efforts in Asia Pacific,” says Berrivin. “The team in place has done a phenomenal job of serving our rich and diverse collection of hotels across the region. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in APAC as we support our existing portfolio of hotels while also welcoming even more exceptional properties to WorldHotels in the future.”

In addition to Berrivin’s appointment, WorldHotels has further elevated its APAC senior leadership team with the expansion of responsibilities for Roland Jegge and Melissa Gan. Jegge will continue his 25-year tenure with WorldHotels as he migrates from his current role of President – APAC to become the Senior Advisor to the CEO of WorldHotels. Gan, who has been with the company since 2005, will assume increased responsibilities in the newly created role of WorldHotels Chief Commercial Officer APAC.

Under this experienced leadership team in Asia Pacific, WorldHotels will continue its focus on driving superior revenue to its hoteliers, expanding its portfolio of offerings in premier global destinations and providing exceptional travel experiences to its guests.

About WorldHotels Collection
Newly relaunched, the WorldHotels™ Collection delivers proven soft brand solutions for a curated global offering of over 300 of the finest independent hotels and resorts. Founded by hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, only WorldHotels curates the best independent properties around the globe, each reflective of the locale by offering intuitive service, and a refined sense of character. WorldHotels’ proprietary ‘Start With Why’ philosophy helps each hotel identify their unique set of assets that distinguish and elevate their guest experience and revenue generation performance from the competition. Geared to both business and leisure travellers, the WorldHotels Collection is classified into four tiers allowing guests to select the offering that meets their needs: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted Collection.

London, United Kingdom, February 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “While we welcome the incredible progress the UK government has made on the vaccine rollout programme, delaying the return of international travel until at least mid-May, could mean the Travel & Tourism sector simply won’t survive and struggling SMEs will just disappear.

“The sector was banking its hopes on a quicker return to international travel, so there will be widespread dismay at this news. Its return is crucial if the UK economy is to recover from the ravages of the pandemic, given the sector generates £200 billion to the UK’s GDP and supports almost four million jobs.

“In our recent letter to Boris Johnson, WTTC’s plan to revive international travel recommended an international coordinated approach, led by the UK, with public and private collaboration, to establish an international mobility framework to allow the safe movement of people, and remove restrictions such as blanket quarantines.

“It also included the UK government moving from risk assessments based on countries to individual travellers, through a robust and comprehensive testing regime supported by technology and digital health passes.

“WTTC’s plan also addresses reinforcing health and hygiene protocols, including mandatory mask wearing in addition to the vaccination rollout, as part of an integral solution; and providing major support packages to Travel & Tourism businesses which are struggling to keep their heads above the water.

“Travel and Tourism is one of the most diverse sectors in the world, in which 54% of those employed are women. Delaying the reopening of travel will not only have a profound impact on the nearly three million jobs affected by the restrictions to curb COVID-19.”

Lucerne, Switzerland, February 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The pandemic has the world firmly in its grasp. The tourism industry is under pressure too and needs to reinvent itself. It’s a challenge, but at the same time an opportunity to give tourism new impetus for the future. That’s why the World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) is initiating a discussion about new approaches and actively promoting them. Morocco has been invited as the guest country. The nation is currently breaking new ground in tourism with diverse projects and with Switzerland’s support.

Morocco is an ambitious tourism destination, which is actively involved in the development of tourism. The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) will hold this year’s General Assembly in Marrakech in October. Before then, in spring, Morocco will be a major focus for tourism industry stakeholders and investors at the Tourism Innovation Festival. High-calibre delegates will participate in the hybrid event, amongst them Morocco’s Tourism Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui. In keeping with the event’s motto, «Moving Forward», she will offer the international audience a glimpse into Morocco’s vision of a sustainable tourism destination. A satellite event is to be held in Morocco at the same time, with Swiss involvement and broadcast online via livestream.

Morocco breaks new ground in tourism
Switzerland and Morocco maintain a close collaboration. Synergies are exploited, particularly in the field of tourism. Both countries are working hand in hand and championing sustainable tourism development. To this end, a development programme was launched with the foundation Swisscontact. Its aim is to improve conditions, particularly for young people and women in tourism-related sectors.

Furthermore, Morocco wants to advance tourism in its rural areas. Achieving this objective requires a lot of experience, but also young talents with innovative concepts. In this respect, WTFL offers exactly the right contacts and instruments. With its international platform for the exchange and evaluation of new ideas it has created the ideal framework for connecting young talents with the know-how of industry experts and investors.

Moving forward together
Morocco’s presence as the Guest Country at the Innovation Festival marks the beginning of a promising partnership. In order to intensify the discussion and advance innovations, further joint projects are already in the pipeline. WTFL will add the Moroccan Mohammed IV Polytechnic University to its international university network. Morocco will play an active role in the existing WTFL Think Tank and is planning to host an international Start-Up Innovation Camp in its own country.

At the «Innovation Festival» at the end of April leading personalities from the tourism industry and politics, as well as investors and start-ups will come together to discuss the brightest new approaches. World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) has been connecting tourism industry experts for over 10 years and offers participants a unique platform for exchanging ideas. World Tourism Forum Lucerne is closely observing the pandemic situation and reserves the right to make changes to the date and programme.

Contact
World Tourism Forum Lucerne
Zentralstrasse 9, P.O. Box 4339
6002 Lucerne, Switzerland

Martin Barth, President & CEO
T: +41 41 228 99 82
martin.barth@wtflucerne.org

Visit our festival website on festival2021.wtflucerne.org

London, United Kingdom, February 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has sent an open letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, calling for his leadership ahead of next week’s  announcement, urging him to support its recovery plan and provide evidence of a clear exit strategy, to save the besieged UK Travel & Tourism sector.

The WTTC letter referred to its four key principles to safely restore international mobility including an international coordinated approach, led by the UK, with public and private collaboration, to establish an international mobility framework to allow the safe movement of people, and remove restrictions such as blanket and hotel quarantines.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

It went on to urge the UK government to move from risk assessments based on countries to individual travellers, through a robust and comprehensive testing regime supported by technology and digital health passes; to reinforce health and hygiene protocols including mandatory mask wearing, in addition to the vaccination rollout, as part of an integral solution; and provide a major government support package for the Travel & Tourism sector.

Following extensive consultation with WTTC Members and governments around the world, WTTC also made clear there was strong and determined opposition to air corridors and that the UK could be in danger of ‘burning bridges’ with overseas governments looking to agree trade and other deals post-Brexit, putting the UK in a competitive disadvantage, should this policy continue.

WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report shows that in 2019, Travel & Tourism generated £200 billion or 9% of the UK’s GDP. It was responsible for almost four million jobs, or 11% of the country’s total workforce, hence its importance to aid boost economic recovery.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “While we applaud the government’s incredible progress on the rollout of vaccines to combat the virus, the Travel & Tourism sector is still massively exposed to the terrible impact of anti-COVID-19 travel restrictions.

“That is why we are calling on the UK governments leadership to take urgent action to support the sector, without which we fear Travel & Tourism in the UK could face complete collapse.

“We have laid out a pathway using four clear principles for the government to navigate the Travel & Tourism sector out the lockdown, and back to powering the UK economic revival.

“Our Members and overseas governments believe that air corridors should not be reinstated, as they could put in jeopardy relationships with overseas governments looking to agree trade and other deals in the post-Brexit period. 

“We know from extensive consultation with WTTC Members and governments around the world that there is strong and determined opposition to air corridors.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

“They are not the answer and have created great uncertainty for countries, consumers, airlines, and travel agents up and down the country, causing more problems than they have offered solutions.

“The way to save Travel & Tourism while avoiding importing and exporting the virus, is to shift the focus from entire countries to individual travellers’ risk assessment, irrespective of which country people are travelling from, using the UK’s leading practices in technologies in border control, and implement a comprehensive testing regime on arrival and departure, which is less destructive and disruptive to the economy than blanket quarantines.

“What is very clear from all we have experienced in the past 12 months, is that we will not see a complete return to pre-pandemic days. We will have to adapt to coexist with the virus and the future of Travel & Tourism will see the widespread use of digital and biometric technology, alongside mask wearing and hygiene protocols, to create a touchless and seamless travel experience.”

The four key principles are based on WTTC’s global view and assessment of best practices around the world, in order to save thousands of travel businesses and SME’s across the ecosystem that depend on our sector, and the many millions of livelihoods at risk.

Together, WTTC says these four principles will help restore a sector which will be key to aiding economic recovery and saving thousands of jobs, and many more livelihoods throughout the country; and enable the UK government to build back a better Britain.

WTTC believes that only these actions will save Travel & Tourism, while effectively managing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting public health.

WTTC, which has been at the forefront in leading the private sector in the efforts to restore international travel and rebuild global consumer confidence, applauded Boris Johnson, and his government for its world leading vaccine rollout, and the recently implemented targeted testing programme, to stop the spread of the virus.

Bangkok, Thailand, February 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Created four years ago in September 2017 to both recognize and encourage sustainable and responsible tourism development, 72 Experience Mekong Collection (EMC) member businesses have been shortlisted – ten from each of the six GMS member countries plus the two finalists from last year that did not win – to determine the final six businesses to be recognized for the third annual Experience Mekong Showcases via public voting, announced at the 2^nd Virtual Destination Mekong Summit in May 2021. The “Experience Mekong Collection” curates small, responsible, and sustainable travel businesses in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), endorsed by members of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group and is a collection of inspirational, rewarding, and authentic experiences that minimize negative impacts and generate greater benefits for the people of the GMS and enhance the well-being of host communities. This year’s shortlisted businesses were each examined in great detail regarding their practices, tangible impact on the environment and social climate, innovation, and financial viability.

Each business needs to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Make a significant social impact on its community
2. Provide an authentically local experience positioning the GMS as a responsible, inclusive, and experiential tourism destination.
3. Have an innovative concept and sustainable business model.

“The importance of responsible tourism cannot be underestimated and the ‘Experience Mekong Collection’ is a wonderful way of highlighting examples of good practice. Social enterprises have the potential to drive sustainable tourism and to promote the Mekong Region as an experiential and responsible travel destination. We aim to tell their stories to inspire travelers to experience these “stars of the Mekong,” said Mr. Jens Thraenhart,  Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO).

In January 2020, at the FITUR travel trade show in Madrid, Spain, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) featured the Experience Mekong Collection as a global best practice on tourism aligned to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Experience Mekong Collection program is aligned to our Mekong Heroes program, part of our Mekong Responsible Travel mandate. During these challenging times, to support our small responsible travel businesses and protect the fragile tourism ecosystem of the Greater Mekong Subregion, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, together with Destination Mekong, last year launched the “Support Experience Mekong Collection Businesses”.

During this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are afraid that many small businesses are struggling, and some may not survive. What makes travel in the Greater Mekong Subregion so unique and authentic are these small local enterprises and responsible operators. For some of these experiences to go away is like taking a part of the Mekong Region away. The Experience Mekong Collection not only creates a strong community for these small businesses to get through this difficult time, but also provides a powerful platform to accelerate the recovery process”, said Ms. Duangmala Phommavong, Managing Director of Exo Travel Laos, and a member of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG).

By choosing one organization from each Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) country, the MTCO, along with the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG) endorses and selects “best practice” tourism organizations specifically committed to sustainable and responsible practices. As previously structured, each showcase organization is thematically categorized by either ‘DO’, ‘SHOP’, ‘STAY’, ‘TASTE’, ‘TOUR’, and ‘CRUISE’.

This year for the second time, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) is inviting the public to vote for their favorite Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) small businesses out of the 72 shortlisted members of the 350+ Experience Mekong Collection members to determine the 2021 Experience Mekong Showcases.  Public voting is open until March 31, 2021. The top 3 businesses with the most votes from each country will move into the final, when the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG), the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG), and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) help in selecting the six 2021 Experience Mekong Showcases – one from each GMS member country.

“In recognizing the most innovative best practice businesses as the Experience Mekong Showcases, this sets several benchmarks to further improve travel experiences in the Greater Mekong Subregion. We hope this motivates other operators to become more involved and do their part for responsible tourism,” said HE Mr. Htay Aung, former Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, and a member of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG).

The 2018 Experience Mekong Collection Showcases included Phare Cambodian Circus (Cambodia), Longji Rice Terraces Guangxi (PR China), Ock Pop Tok (Lao PDR), Inle Heritage Place (Myanmar), Local Alike (Thailand), and Koto (Viet Nam). The 2019 Experience Mekong Collection included Soksabike (Cambodia), Linden Centre (PR China), Elephant Conservation Centre (Lao PDR), Hla Day (Myanmar), Sampran Riverside (Thailand), and Streets International (Viet Nam). The 2020 Experience Mekong Showcases included Elephant Valley Project (Cambodia), Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (PR China), Laos Buffalo Dairy (Lao PDR), Living Irrawaddy Dolphin Project (Myanmar), Family Tree (Thailand), La Hoa – Flowers Speak (Viet Nam).

All members of the Experience Mekong Collection get exposure via channels of Mekong Tourism, as well as the dedicated Experience Mekong Collection Facebook and Instagram accounts. Experience Mekong Collection members also have priority access to marketing campaigns and have their own dedicated online member-only community to connect with each other.  Via a partnership with Mahidol University in Thailand, we bring these innovative best practices into the classroom to educate future leaders about the importance of responsible tourism and create case studies of the Experience Mekong Showcases to inspire the industry and other businesses.

Shortlisted Experience Mekong Collection Members

Category	Business Name	City	Country	Notes
Do	Bambu Stage	Siem Reap	Cambodia
Do	Phare Ponleu Selpak	Battambang	Cambodia
Shop	Genevieve’s Fair Trade Village	Siem Reap	Cambodia
Shop	Coco Khmer	Phnom Penh	Cambodia
Stay	Farmhouse Smiling Gecko	Kampong Chhnang	Cambodia
Stay	Mulberry Boutique Hotel	Siem Reap	Cambodia
Taste	Sala Baï	Siem Reap	Cambodia
Taste	The Lonely Tree Café	Battambang	Cambodia
Tour / Cruise	Wildlife Alliance Release Station	Koh Kong	Cambodia
Tour / Cruise	Artisans Angkor	Siem Reap	Cambodia
Do	Cambodia Living Arts	Phnom Penh	Cambodia	2020 Finalist
Tour / Cruise	Ayana Journeys	Siem Reap	Cambodia	2020 Finalist
Do	Lanxu Eco-Culture Development Center	Dali, Yunnan	China	2020 Shortlist
Do	Yunnan Mountain Heritage Foundation	Shangri La, Yunnan	China	2020 Shortlist
Do	Leye-Fengshan Geopark	Guangxi	China	2020 Shortlist
Stay	The Wenhai Ecolodge	Dali, Yunnan	China	2020 Shortlist
Stay	Horsepen 46	Dali, Yunnan	China	2020 Shortlist
Stay	Vinetree Gaoligong Tented Resort	Gaoligong, Yunnan	China
Stay	Yangshuo Village Inn	Yangshou, Guangxi	China
Taste	Pear Blossom Organic	Dali, Yunnan	China
Taste	Nixi Black Pottery Coffee	Shangri La, Yunnan	China	2020 Shortlist
Tour / Cruise	Xintou Ecotourism	Lijiang, Yunnan	China	2020 Shortlist
Stay	Shaxi Old Theatre Inn	Dali, Yunnan	China	2020 Finalist
Stay	The Bivou	Lijiang, Yunnan	China	2020 Finalist
Do	TAEC	Luang Prabang	Lao PDR	2020 Shortlist
Do	Nahm Dong Park	Luang Prabang	Lao PDR
Do	Heuan Chan Heritage House	Luang Prabang	Lao PDR
Shop	Passa Paa	Luang Prabang	Lao PDR
Shop	Saoban Crafts	Vientiane	Lao PDR
Stay	Sinouk Coffee Resort	Champasak	Lao PDR
Stay	Namkhan Ecolodge	Luang Prabang	Lao PDR
Stay	Kingfisher Ecolodge	Champasak	Lao PDR	2020 Shortlist
Taste	Saffron Coffee	Luang Prabang	Lao PDR
Taste	Tamarind Café	Luang Prabang	Lao PDR
Tour / Cruise	The Vat Phou Mekong Cruise	Pakse	Lao PDR	2020 Finalist
Do	Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park Wildlife Tours	Nam Et	Lao PDR	2020 Finalist
Do	The Inle Horse Club	Shan State	Myanmar	2020 Shortlist
Do	Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp	Shan State	Myanmar
Shop	Plan Bee	Pinyada	Myanmar
Shop	Aidii Collections	Chin State	Myanmar	2020 Shortlist
Stay	Arakan Nature Lodge	Rakhine State	Myanmar
Stay	Lalay Lodge	Ngapali Beach	Myanmar
Taste	Yuwaddy Center	Yangon	Myanmar
Taste	Veranda Youth Community Cafe	Hpa An	Myanmar
Tour / Cruise	Myanmar Adventure Outfitters	Lashio	Myanmar
Tour / Cruise	Uncharted Horizons	Yangon	Myanmar
Taste	Sanon Restaurant	Bagan	Myanmar	2020 Finalist
Tour / Cruise	Sampan Travel	Yangon	Myanmar	2020 Finalist
Do	Elephant Poopoopaper Park	Chiang Mai	Thailand
Shop	Thai Tribal Craft	Chiang Mai	Thailand
Shop	SRANN	Phrae	Thailand
Stay	Phu Chai Sai Mountain Resort	Chiang Rai	Thailand
Stay	The Tongsai Bay	Koh Samui	Thailand
Taste	Better Moon Café	Bangkok	Thailand
Taste	Theera Bake Room	Bangkok	Thailand
Taste	The Passport Restaurant	Tak	Thailand
Tour / Cruise	SiamRise Travel	Bangkok	Thailand
Tour / Cruise	Bangkok Vanguards	Bangkok	Thailand
Do	Anurak Lodge	Surat Thani	Thailand	2020 Finalist
Do	Andaman Discoveries	Pang Nga	Thailand	2020 Finalist
Do	Omamori Spa	Ha Noi	Viet Nam
Do	Zó Project	Ha Noi	Viet Nam
Shop	Mekong Quilts	Ho Chi Minh City	Viet Nam
Shop	Craft Link	Ha Noi	Viet Nam
Shop	Indigo Cat	Sapa	Viet Nam
Stay	Mekong Rustic	Can Tho	Viet Nam
Stay	Ngoc Son Ngo Luong Nature Reserve	Hoa Binh	Viet Nam
Stay	Phong Nha Farmstay	Quang Binh	Viet Nam
Taste	Oriberry	Ha Noi	Viet Nam
Tour / Cruise	Sapa Sisters Trekking	Sapa	Viet Nam	2020 Shortlist
Shop	Tohe	Ha Noi	Viet Nam	2020 Finalist
Stay	Mr. Linh’s Homestay	Bac Kan	Viet Nam	2020 Finalist

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office:
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), located in Bangkok, was set up with funding from the governments of the six Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries – Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The MTCO, which operates on annual financial contributions from each GMS country, acts as the secretariat for the GMS Tourism Working Group, comprising of senior officials of the six GMS countries’ National Tourism Organizations, to coordinate and facilitate sustainable tourism development of the GMS, and promotion of the Mekong region as a single travel and tourism destination, in collaboration with the public and private sectors. The MTCO manages digital platform as a one-stop platform to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the region, as well as the annual Mekong Tourism Forum, whose hosting is rotated among GMS countries.

About Destination Mekong:
Destination Mekong was created in 2017 to promote the Mekong region, comprising of Cambodia, PR China (Provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam as a single tourism destination to stimulate responsible and sustainable development and investment, and drive inclusive growth. Endorsed by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and aligned with the mandate of the regional collaborative tourism framework of the six-member governments of the Greater Mekong Sub-region, Destination Mekong executes targeted projects and initiatives, including Mekong Moments, Mekong Mini Movie Festival, Mekong Innovations in Sustainable Tourism (MIST), Experience Mekong Collection, Mekong Heroes, and Mekong Trends, with feedback from the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG) and via public-private partnership investment structure, led by UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies.

 

 

Orlando, Florida, United States, February 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Wyndham Destinations and Meredith Corporation announced that Wyndham Destinations has acquired the Travel + Leisure brand and all related assets from Meredith Corporation, combining the travel company’s portfolio of resort, membership, and lifestyle travel brands with the world’s most trusted travel lifestyle content curator and its travel clubs. This acquisition will accelerate Wyndham Destinations’ strategic plan to build on its leading position as the world’s largest vacation club and exchange company and expand into new leisure travel and licensing markets.

“We acquired Travel + Leisure, including access to its global audience of 35 million loyal followers across multiple platforms and nearly 60,000 club members, because it matches our passion and purpose to put the world on vacation. Over the past 18 months, we have laid the foundation to expand our footprint beyond our core vacation ownership business, and today we add one of the most trusted and influential brands in travel through the acquisition of Travel + Leisure,” said Michael D. Brown, president and chief executive officer of Wyndham Destinations. “This iconic brand, along with its authoritative content and wide audience, will help accelerate and amplify the growth of new capital-light travel businesses and services, as we take the next step in expanding our reach within the global leisure travel industry.”

In early 2021, Wyndham Destinations will change its name to Travel + Leisure Co. and will expand its portfolio through various branded products and offerings. The new company will inspire travelers with Travel + Leisure’s expert multi-platform content to grow its membership travel club businesses, launch new branded travel services, and expand brand licensing agreements under its Travel + Leisure Group.

The new Travel + Leisure Co. stock will begin trading under the ticker symbol NYSE:TNL in mid-February 2021.

Meredith will continue to operate and monetize Travel + Leisure’s media across multiple channels, including its advertising and marketing activities, under a 30-year royalty-free, renewable licensing relationship. The agreement ensures that the brand’s long-standing commitment to high-quality, independent travel journalism will continue under the leadership of Travel +Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford and SVP/Group Publisher, Travel + Leisure Giulio Capua.

“As new stewards of the Travel + Leisure brand, we are committed to ensuring that the integrity and independence of its trusted, authoritative journalism remains uncompromised. I’m very pleased that Meredith will continue producing the number one travel content brand and major monthly consumer magazine under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford,” Brown said. “For 50 years, Travel + Leisure has offered travel inspiration to tens of millions across the world through immersive, transportive experiences across many channels. Its dedicated readers rely on the brand as a window into the world’s best destinations, cultures, and experiences, and we look forward to supporting Meredith as it continues that mission.”

Transaction Details

• The $100 million acquisition will be funded with cash on hand of $35 million paid at closing, with trailing payments completed by June 2024. In addition, Wyndham Destinations has agreed to a five-year marketing commitment across Meredith’s portfolio of brands.
• Travel + Leisure Co. will continue to maintain its current portfolio of brands and products, with Wyndham Destinations now serving as the umbrella brand for its vacation club resorts, which will continue to leverage the power of the Wyndham Rewards program, and with Panorama operating the exchange, membership travel, and technology businesses.
• The acquisition is expected to be neutral to earnings for the new Travel + Leisure Co. in year one and accretive in year two. The acquisition includes Travel + Leisure’s travel clubs and their nearly 60,000 members.
• Travel + Leisure Co. will license the brand to Meredith to continue operating and monetizing T+L’s media platforms in a long-term agreement.

“This strategic alliance brings a new, innovative approach to media brand development, and we’re excited to leverage Wyndham Destinations’ and Meredith’s strengths to enhance and realize Travel + Leisure’s full potential,” said Meredith Chairman and Chief Executive Tom Harty. “This is a great demonstration of the value that strong brands deliver when expanded beyond the media space, and we look forward to developing more of these creative, value-enhancing programs across our portfolio.”

Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford said, “I’m delighted that Wyndham Destinations has such a deep understanding of and excitement for Travel + Leisure, and in partnership with Meredith profoundly shares our mission to inspire and empower the world’s most curious and passionate travelers. I’ve spent time getting to know Michael Brown. I’m thrilled that he appreciates the legacy and integrity of this brand, and I look forward to working with him. We will continue to produce and deliver independent, award-winning journalism and rich, immersive storytelling, transporting our passionate audience across numerous platforms to compelling destinations around the world. With Wyndham’s backing and support, T+L is poised to accelerate its growth and flourish beyond our content while continuing to benefit from Meredith’s successful track record in operating media brands.”

“The Wyndham Destinations alliance is a win-win strategy and is indicative of our interest in collaborating with industry leaders to optimize the potential of our many other powerful Meredith media brands,” said John Zieser, Meredith Chief Development Officer.

The transaction is not expected to change employment at either company.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to Wyndham Destinations on this transaction. Cooley LLP is serving as legal advisor to Meredith Corporation.

About the New Travel + Leisure Co.
In the first quarter of 2021, Travel + Leisure Co. becomes the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, with a portfolio of nearly 20 resort, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands. The company provides outstanding vacation experiences and travel inspiration to millions of owners, members, and subscribers every year through its products and services: Wyndham Destinations, the largest vacation ownership company with 230 vacation club resort locations across the globe; Panorama, the world’s foremost membership travel business that includes the largest vacation exchange company, industry-leading travel technology, and subscription travel brands; and Travel + Leisure Group, featuring top online and print travel content, online booking platforms and travel clubs, and branded consumer products. At Travel + Leisure Co., our global team of associates brings hospitality to millions, turning vacation inspiration into exceptional travel experiences. We put the world on vacation.

About Wyndham Destinations
Wyndham Destinations (NYSE: WYND), the world’s largest vacation club and exchange company, is on a mission to put the world on vacation. The company offers more than 4 million members and owner families the opportunity to own, exchange, or rent their vacation experience while enjoying quality, flexibility, and great value from a trusted brand. The company’s Wyndham Vacation Clubs offer 230 resorts that provide a contemporary take on the timeshare model through brands Club Wyndham®, Worldmark® by Wyndham, and Margaritaville Vacation Club® by Wyndham. With a global presence in 110 countries, the company’s membership travel business – Panorama – includes today’s leading vacation exchange, leisure travel, and technology brands, including RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange that provides access to 4,200+ affiliated resorts, and Extra Holidays, offering condo vacations at hotel prices. Year after year, our worldwide team of associates delivers exceptional vacation experiences to millions of families as they make life’s favorite memories. At Wyndham Destinations, our world is your destination.

About Meredith Corporation
Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), a leading media company for nearly 120 years, produces service journalism that engages audiences with essential, inspiring, and trusted content. Meredith reaches consumers where they are across multiple platforms, including digital, video, print, and broadcast television. Meredith’s National Media Group reaches nearly 95 percent of all U.S. women and more than 190 million unduplicated American consumers every month through such iconic brands as PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, Allrecipes, Southern Living, and REAL SIMPLE. Meredith’s premium digital network reaches more than 150 million consumers each month. The company is the No. 1 U.S. magazine operator with 36 million subscribers and the No. 2 global licensor with robust brand licensing activities that include a Better Homes & Gardens partnership with Walmart. Meredith’s Local Media Group portfolio includes 17 television stations reaching 11 percent of U.S. households and 30 million viewers. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25 markets, including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Portland, and 13 stations in the Top 50.

St Michael, Barbados, February 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / From the need for enhanced political engagement to developing relevant expertise, the World Tourism Organization, jointly with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, have united their Members in the Caribbean to address the key challenges they face in making effective use of statistics to drive the restart of their tourism sectors.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

Over the course of two days, a regional virtual workshop analysed the importance of tourism data for supporting the sector in the present and helping tourism to restart in the Caribbean in a timely and sustainable manner. The workshop brought together around 130 participants from 23 States, including the leaders of National Tourism Administrations, National Statistical Offices, Central Banks and Migration authorities. The high-level status of participants ensures that they will in turn spread UNWTO’s technical expertise within their own countries, empowering more tourism professionals with knowledge of how best to analyse and use data to guide decisions.

Through the sessions, the Caribbean tourism community got a better understanding of the fundamentals of tourism statistics. They were also given an overview of UNWTO’s Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) data, as well as guidance on how this can be used to guide decision-making.

Welcoming UNWTO’s technical assistance, Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization said: “We recognize the importance of data and statistics in the development of COVID-19 recovery programs and comprehensive sustainable tourism strategies. We thank the UNWTO for supporting our efforts at capacity building in tourism statistics analysis and reporting in the Caribbean.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

The workshop also emphasized the relevance of tourism statistics, both for informing the sector’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic but also, looking ahead, for its role in guiding sustainable development across the Caribbean region. As with every other global region, the crisis has hit the Caribbean hard. According to the latest UNWTO data, Caribbean destinations experienced a 67% fall in international tourist arrivals in 2020 compared to the previous year. Given the reliance of many destinations on the sector, this has placed large numbers of livelihoods and businesses at risk and makes the timely restart of tourism vital.

Bangkok, Thailand, February 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts is celebrating two decades of professional excellence in Asia, as it marks the 20^th anniversary of the launch of its first regional office in Bangkok, Thailand, when it was an emerging travel destination.

This historic US-based hotel group anticipated the onset of the “Asian Century” as it embarked on an international strategy to serve the region’s most important and attractive markets. In 2001, the first Best Western Hotels & Resorts Asia office was established at All Seasons Place in the heart of Bangkok, overseeing an initial portfolio of six hotels in four countries: Indonesia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

In 20 successful years since this major milestone, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ expanded Bangkok office – which relocated to the prestigious Gaysorn Place in 2007 – now supports a regional portfolio of world-class hotels and resorts in eight countries, including  Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, with additional hotels in the pipeline, covering a wide range of exciting urban centers, up-and-coming cities and idyllic leisure destinations.

This growth has been achieved through a strategic vision that has enabled Best Western Hotels & Resorts to evolve from a famous single-branded hotel company into a modern, multi-faceted hospitality group with a comprehensive collection of 18 industry-leading brands that cater to every sector of the market, from economy to luxury. This was completed in 2019 with the landmark acquisition of WorldHotels, a distinguished collection of the finest upscale, upper upscale and luxury independent hotels and resorts around the globe.

Eight of Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ innovative and intuitive brand concepts are now available in Southeast Asia and Japan – Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, BW Signature Collection® by Best Western, BW Premier Collection® by Best Western, SureStay® Hotels by Best Western, and SureStay® Plus Hotels by Best Western – with more on track to arrive in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ expansion will continue to focus on Asia’s most exciting established and emerging destinations. These include Vietnam, which is expected to become the group’s biggest market in the region within three years, in terms of room count. Key openings will include the 1,008-key Best Western Premier Sapphire Halong, which will become the biggest hotel in the group’s Asian portfolio.

“We are delighted to celebrate our 20^th anniversary in Asia. In the last two decades, we have won many loyal customers and forged lasting relationships with our esteemed partners in the region. We remain completely confident in the underlying strength of the travel and hospitality industries in Asia, and we look forward to creating even more outstanding guest experiences all across the region in future,” said Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, BWH Hotel Group.

To learn more about Best Western in Asia, please visit www.BestWesternAsia.com.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotels^TM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio^SM franchises**. For more information visit www.bestwestern.com, www.bestwesterndevelopers.com, www.worldhotels.com and www.surestay.com.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.