Category: Latest Travel News

Glion, Switzerland, August 18, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Sommet Education are calling on career climbers and switchers, entrepreneurs and innovators to put themselves forward for the joint “Hospitality Challenge”. The initiative, which closes at the end of the month, will grant 30 scholarships for world class education programmes that will allow winners to develop themselves and their projects and so help drive tourism’s recovery.

Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought tourism to a standstill. Now, as the sector restarts, UNWTO is welcoming applications from individuals with ideas capable of accelerating recovery while promoting inclusivity and sustainability. With the competition closing on 30 August, the United Nations specialized agency has issued a final call for applications from both established tourism professionals and those new to the sector.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The tourism sector is a source of employment for many millions. Jobs in tourism provide opportunity, empowerment, and equality, including for women, youth and people living in rural communities. As we restart tourism, the time is right to rethink hospitality, and to identify and implement new ideas to make the sector more inclusive and sustainable. The UNWTO Hospitality Challenge will do just this.”

Sustainability and scalability key priorities

As we restart tourism, the time is right to rethink hospitality, and to identify and implement new ideas to make the sector more inclusive and sustainable

Selection criteria include the degree of disruptiveness, project maturity and potential for implementation, as well as viability, scalability, digitalization, sustainability, and the potential to attract the interest of investors. The competition will focus on four different categories:

• Luxury travels, good and service
• Hotels and hotel related operations: small to medium sized properties, family businesses
• Food and Beverage: restaurants, Catering, delivery services and retail
• Smart Real Estate: small to medium sized properties and family businesses

Benoit-Etienne Domenget, Chief Executive Officer at Sommet Education added: “Education is the foundation of a more hospitable world. Offering scholarships is a contribution to the recovery of the hospitality economy, by accelerating the personal development of talented people with creative views and to support their vision to revamp hospitality.”

The competition is open now and will close at the end of August. A Selection Committee made up of an international network of investors, entrepreneurs and experts from UNWTO Member, Affiliate Members and strategic allies, as well as from representatives of Sommet Education, will then choose 30 finalists.

The finalists will be eligible for full scholarships in 15 different programmes in Hospitality, Culinary and Pastry Arts Management, (Bachelors, Masters, MBAs) offered in the world-class academic institutions of Sommet Education: Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland and London, Les Roches Crans-Montana in Switzerland, Les Roches Marbella in Spain and École Ducasse in France. Among the 30 winners, the top three most innovative entrepreneurial projects will be granted funding to support their initial development from Eurazeo.

Tokyo, Japan, August 18, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka, located at 3-7-12, Akasaka, Tokyo. The hotel features 87 guest rooms, which include Standard, Superior and Deluxe room options.

Hotel amenities include a laundromat, complimentary WI-FI and an onsite restaurant. The Fino Restaurant serves daily breakfast, along with Asian and Western dishes. Each room is fully equipped with contemporary amenities and modern accommodations, such as a refrigerator and a television. For business travelers, the hotel offers a 24-hour business center.

“Japan is one of the largest and most important Asian markets for Best Western, and we are thrilled to unveil another outstanding hotel in this dynamic country,” said Oliver Berrivin, managing director of international operations for Asia, BWH Hotel Group. “Tokyo is a key destination for travelers. It has great food and enchanting historical and cultural sites that contrast wonderfully with the city’s modern-day delights. We are delighted to continue our strong relationship with Kachikaihatsu Co., Ltd. in Japan, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this exceptional new hotel.”

Located conveniently near Tokyo’s most enchanting parks and gardens, tourist attractions, major corporations and embassies – including the Akasaka-Mitsuke Tokyo Metro Station – the hotel’s location provides guests easy access to the city and its attractions.

Rates start at 12,240 Yen per night. Travelers can contact the property directly for special packages.

The opening of Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka marks the latest step in Best Western’s impressive Japanese expansion strategy. The group now operates 19 properties across Japan, ranging from sleek urban hotels to idyllic beach resorts, convenient airport hotels and more.

Reservations at the Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka may be booked by calling the hotel directly at +81 3-35575-3711 or by calling Best Western Hotels & Resort’s 24-hour, toll-free reservations number (800) WESTERN.

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, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay StudioSM franchises.**

* 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.

Valetta, Malta, August 17, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / SUN^x Malta is working to build a “Climate Friendly Travel” future – Low-carbon: SDG-linked: Paris 1.5 trajectory. Our goal is to help companies and communities boost their Climate Resilience.

We know that Covid-19 is today’s harsh reality, but we believe that existential Climate Change will be many times worse, and that we also need to prepare smartly and thoughtfully for a Climate Neutral future, while responding to the pandemic.

As part of our program we are launching an online Diploma course to train young people to be Champions for Climate Friendly Travel, helping to support change in companies and communities. The training program has been developed with Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies, runs for 12-months, is taught by some 25 of the world’s thought leaders on Climate Change and Sustainable Tourism, at modest cost. As an online course, it has been designed to fit with existing roles, and strengthen organisational capacity.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, SUN^x Malta President said:

“We are looking for people with the same mindset as Greta Thunberg about Climate Change, as well as having a belief that Climate Friendly Travel is the only way for our sector to play its part in the New Climate Economy.”

The inaugural course starts in October 2020 – Full details and registration can be found here

“It’s hard to avoid believing that the UK Government doesn’t want people to travel at all. This is not only damaging the UK economy, but also thousands of UK businesses, workers and households up and down the country who will continue to suffer if an alternative solution to quarantines isn’t implemented immediately.”

London, United Kingdom, August 13, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urgently called on the UK government for strong leadership and unprecedented international collaboration, to save the struggling Travel & Tourism sector and recover the millions of jobs already impacted.

– Only robust coordinated leadership will power the much-needed economic recovery.
– Over 100 of the world’s top travel business and global leaders signed the appeal
– Travel & Tourism is responsible for generating one in four new jobs worldwide

Over 100 of the world’s major travel and global business leaders, from major airlines, airports, hotels, tour operators and travel companies, have backed the unprecedented move.

The industry leaders signed and sent the letter, which called for urgent coordinated action, to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and six other Heads of State of the G7* group of countries, as well as Australia, South Korea and Spain, the world’s major source markets.

The letter called on the UK’s leadership during these critical times and was also sent to Keir Starmer and other such international opposition leaders, highlighting the non-partisan nature of the crisis.

WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, says political leaders of these major powers must step forward to save the global economy, and support the recovery of the hundreds of millions of jobs already impacted.

If the global leaders fail to come together, WTTC anticipates irreversible damage to the Travel & Tourism sector. Furthermore, as the crippling travel restrictions remain in place, the number of jobs losses around the world will continue to increase.

According to WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, during 2019, Travel & Tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs (330 million total), making a 10.3% contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs. Moreover, it is one of the most diverse sectors, employing people from all socio-economic backgrounds regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, and includes 53% women and 30% youth employed across the sector.

Despite Travel & Tourism’s crucial importance to the local and global economies, WTTC is gravely concerned there is no clear or internationally coordinated effort to protect this uniquely exposed sector.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “As the Travel & Tourism sector buckles under mounting pressure, and the global economy struggles to survive, we have to ask – who is in charge of getting us out of this crisis and will lead the world to save the jobs and secure the futures of the many millions of people globally? 

“We have reached a stage where critical action is urgently needed. While we recognise each country must protect their own citizens and the priority to date has been domestic matters, any measures taken in silos moving forward will only worsen the plight of millions of ordinary people.

“We need to transcend politics and put the millions of livelihoods, which have been affected by COVID-19, front and centre. From cabin crew to hotel staff, travel agents to call centre agents, waiters to housekeepers, receptionists to drivers, hotel managers to chefs, and the many more unsung heroes who depend on a thriving Travel & Tourism sector. 

“The voices of ordinary people must be heard, and we are calling on them to let world leaders know, in no uncertain terms, that the time for action is now.

“This is not a binary solution or a choice between health on the one hand, and jobs, the economy and travel on the other. We can make strong progress on all these fronts if we follow the expert advice from science and learn from the past and positive experiences of others.

“WTTC and the other signatories of the letter, sent to the leaders of the world, are committed to working together to help resolve the worst crisis of our generation, and bring back the millions of jobs impacted. However, the private sector cannot do this alone. 

“History teaches us the road the recovery can be either long and painful, or shorter and less devastating. During the 2008 financial crisis, strong global leadership, and public-private collaboration, enabled us to recover in shorter timeframe. We cannot see the same collaboration amongst today’s leaders. We must restore the confidence to travel and put our people back to work to rebuild the global economy.

“It is vital that the leaders of these countries come together and prioritise rescuing the world from this unprecedented crisis, by acting in an effective and coordinated way to bring back more than 120 million jobs and livelihoods affected.”

Among those backing the WTTC call were the business leaders of major airlines, such as British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Jet2, WestJet and Virgin Atlantic.

Business leaders from top international hotel groups, such as Accor, Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, Meliá Hotels and Radisson have also supported the initiative.

Endorsement has also come from major tour operators and travel companies, such as Abercrombie & Kent, American Express, Carlson Wagonlit, Expedia, Travelport, TUI and Uber.

In this letter, WTTC has identified four measures which need concerted international framework and leadership to combat the coronavirus:

1. Wearing a mask: This should be mandatory on all modes of transport throughout the entire traveller journey, as well as when visiting any interior venue and in locations where there is restricted movement which results in close personal contact and required physical distancing cannot be maintained. According to medical evidence, such measures can reduce the risk of the spread by up to 92%.

2. Testing and contact tracing: We need governments to invest and agree on extensive, rapid, and reliable testing, ideally with results available in as quick as 90 minutes, and at a low cost, before departure and/ or after arrival (symptomatic and asymptomatic would-be travellers), supported by effective and agreed contact tracing tools. The application of one or multiple tests, with the second after five days, will help to isolate infected people.

3. Quarantine for positive tests only: Quarantine for healthy travellers, which only serves to damage the economy, should not be necessary if testing is in place before departure and/or on arrival, and effective containment measures are taken five days later. This can replace blanket quarantine in a more targeted and effective way significantly reducing the negative impact on jobs and the economy.

4. Reinforcing global protocols and standardise measures: The adoption of global health and safety protocols will help rebuild traveller confidence and ensure a consistent, coordinated and aligned approach of the travel experience in addition to significantly reducing the risk of infection. We also support the Public Health Corridor Concept which promotes a clean and safe end-to-end journey.

WTTC research has shown that even a modest resumption of travelling can have massive economic benefits and bring thousands of desperately needed jobs back; providing a critical boost for the struggling Travel & Tourism sector and generating desperately needed GDP for economies left floundering after being struck by the pandemic.

WTTC has been at the forefront of leading the private sector in the drive to rebuild global consumer confidence and encourage the return of Safe Travels.

WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols were developed for businesses across the global Travel & Tourism sector which provided a comprehensive range of measures, with strict health and hygiene regimes to enable them to reopen for business.

Shanghai, China, August 12, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / With the gradual mitigation of the pandemic outbreak, the willingness of Chinese tourists to travel is rising every day as a recent report conducted by ITB China revealed. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the travel industry amid COVID-19, the ITB China Travel Trends Report, a yearly publication updating global travel suppliers and Chinese buyers with the latest trends of the China’s travel market, sees a restoring demand for travel by Chinese tourists.

According to the survey, over 90 percent of the respondents believe travel to be still one of the preferred leisure activities among Chinese consumers. Over 40 percent of those surveyed have recently received inquiries from consumers on outbound travel products. From May to June 2020, nearly 60 percent stated that their clients are interested in travel products as well as actively buying pre-sale travel products.

Asked about the average annual spending of Chinese households in the next year, 60 percent of those surveyed estimate the spending between USD 700 ~ 2,800, 24 percent expect it to be between USD 2,800 ~ 7,060, 10.5 percent think might less then USD 700, and 5.5 percent believe will more than USD 7,060

Latest Statistics on China travel market are encouraging

According to the China Tourism Research Institute, the Tomb-Sweeping holiday, a public holiday in China from 5-6 April 2020, all nationwide destinations (Chinese cities and tourist spots) welcomed a total of 43.3 million visits from Chinese tourists and generated the domestic travel-related revenue of USD 1.18 billion this year.

Statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism show that during the public holidays from 1 – 5 May 2020, all nationwide destinations welcomed a total of 115 million visits and generated the domestic travel-related revenue of USD 6.79 billion.

During the Dragon Boat holiday from 25 – 27 June 2020, all nationwide destinations attracted a total of 48.8 million visits and generated the domestic travel-related revenue of USD 1.75 billion.

The cross-province tourism in China has reopened in July. According to the “Cross-province travel market recovery half-month report” by Trip.com published on 29 July, more than 4,000 travel agencies have released domestic travel products on the platform, and the number of tourists and orders has increased significantly. The highest number of tourists to popular destinations has grown by 273 percent month-on-month, and the highest number of tourists from popular departure destinations has grown by 1200 percent month-on-month.

About 2020 ITB China Travel Trends Report
The report is based on a survey among 200 Chinese outbound travel agencies and travel companies, including interviews with several industry experts. The report is a yearly publication, updating global travel suppliers and Chinese buyers with the latest needs of the Chinese travel market, in order to get best prepared to restart travel business in China.

About ITB China Industry MeetUp events
The ITB China Industry MeetUp events are designed to provide global travel suppliers unique opportunities to reconnect with China’s major source markets, and get updated on latest trend insights, relating to the ‘new normal’, as well as meet face-to-face with members of the exclusive ITB China buyers circle in key cities and regions across China. The events set to take place in seven major cities in China between September and November 2020.

About ITB China and the ITB China Conference
ITB China is China’s largest B2B exclusive travel trade show. ITB China 2021 will take place from Wednesday to Friday, 12 to 14 May, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. ITB China is a three-day business to business travel trade fair that focuses exclusively on the Chinese travel industry.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 15, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, a new luxury hotel and wellness destination, set in the centre of Bangkok’s newly developed upscale residential extension to the green expanse of Lumphini Park, began its partial opening on 1 August 2020 when the Lobby Lounge and Firefly Bar opened and will continue with the unveiling of Thai speciality cuisine of Loukjaan by Saneh Jaan at Flourish restaurant on 12 August.

Also now open are the boutique fitness, yoga and Pilates studios at Sindhorn Wellness by Resense, which when the spa is opened later this year will form three floors dedicated to wellness, integrating wellbeing into every guest journey, enhanced by the lush green surroundings of this city-centre garden retreat. Memberships for Sindhorn Wellness by Resense are now available, starting from THB 21,000 for three months.

Lobby Lounge, with an architectural design that utilises space, greenery, and natural light, is a calm and restful place in which to enjoy an a la carte menu of light cuisine, morning coffee, or afternoon tea. Thai afternoon tea set, available daily from 14 August 2020, includes tea or coffee served with a selection of Thai-style delicacies. The ‘Chevaa’ afternoon tea set, available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, offers the choice of an ‘Indulgence’ set with European delicacies including classic scones and strawberry preserves while ‘Guilt Free’ is Lobby Lounge’s signature vegan afternoon tea set. All three afternoon tea sets are priced at THB 750++ per person and available until 30 September 2020.

Handcrafted cocktails are offered at the Firefly Bar, fine wines, handpicked organic wines, and premium spirits in an exquisite setting with a bold European flair contrasting with fine Thai art décor. The indoor seating features the soft glow of intimate lighting and the comfort of deep armchairs, while, outdoors tables are placed on a leafy garden terrace. Tucked away in its own fragrant corner is the cigar lounge with an impressive whiskey library offering a collection from the best distilleries around the world. Firefly Bar is open every evening from 16:00 onwards, and the hand-shaken ‘Firefly’ and ‘Lady in Red’ signature cocktails are must-tries.

Open on 12 August, the Thai speciality cuisine Loukjaan by Saneh Jaan at Flourish restaurant, serving contemporary Royal Thai delicacies prepared by chefs using heirloom recipes and locally farmed ingredients. Flourish restaurant is the stylish dining venue, located at lobby level, and accessible from the tropical garden, will be open for lunch and dinner daily.

The hotel guestrooms are opening later this year and a Stay Well package can now be booked for stays starting from 1 October 2020 until 30 September 2021. Room rates begin at THB 6,888++ per night for a Grand Deluxe Room, with the price including daily breakfast for two people, unlimited access to Thermal Experience at Sindhorn Wellness by Resense and a complimentary Rasul mud treatment for two people per stay, 20% discount on spa treatments, THB 1,200++ food and beverage credit at any of the hotel restaurants per stay, and early check-in at 08:00 and late checkout at 20:00.

About Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok:
A new perspective on Bangkok – soft opening October 2020. A unique hotel experience will soon rise above the hectic rhythm of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. An oasis designed with space to breathe and a mission to prove Bangkok is more than a destination for spending sprees and indulgent temptations. Nestled close to the edge of Lumphini Park and Bangkok’s ‘green corridor’ – home to embassies and Thailand’s most prestigious residences – is Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Much more than a hotel, this is a new landmark destination within a fully integrated lifestyle village. A city wellness destination committed to helping guests experience the guilt-free good life.

About Kempinski:
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 77 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

Hua Hin, Thailand, August 14, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Pioneering luxury real estate development, Banyan Residences, is fighting back against Covid-19 by refocusing its strategy to concentrate on the fast-growing Thai domestic market for the purchase of its elite hillside residences as second homes or investments.

As a leading player in the Hua Hin real estate market, the luxury development 230km southwest of Bangkok and situated in the prestigious southern quarter of the royal heritage destination near Khao Takiab, is experiencing a major uptick in interest from the domestic market for its exclusive, bespoke villas.

Located on a gently sloping incline with sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand from its highest point, Banyan Hua Hin is an active lifestyle estate that comprises 102 villas, an 18-hole championship golf course, three restaurants, a spa, medical centre and the Banyan Village.

The project is owned by Blue Lotus Hua Hin, a consortium of prominent Thai and international developers and private investors, including Mr. Nitijhan Hetrakul and Mr. Wachara Tantranont. Banyan Hua Hin has a total value of THB4 billion.

Banyan Residences recently appointed world-leading agents Christie’s International Real Estate and List Sotheby’s International Realty to present its villas to domestic and resident expatriate buyers.

“Covid-19 has had a major impact on Thailand, especially in terms of tourism, as hotels have been unable to attract overseas visitors post-lockdown. This has been tough for all Thai destinations, especially popular resort areas like Phuket and Koh Samui. But Hua Hin’s stronger domestic focus has allowed it to offset the international downturn and achieve more attention than before,” said Tjeert Kwant, CEO of Banyan Group.

Tourism to Hua Hin was a heavy 74% in favour of the domestic market in 2019, according to the most up-to-date data available from C9 Hotelworks, a number is expected to climb dramatically in 2020. Just last month the first domestic transaction was completed for an exclusive villa in the estate to a long-term expatriate resident of Thailand.

Fuelling the demand are the key drivers that were the foundation of the boom in luxury real estate on Phuket for the last ten years, demonstrating that Hua Hin is rapidly catching up with the popular southern island. It has the additional advantage of being able to offer a “drive-to” capability that appeals heavily to the domestic market.

Widening of the Bangkok-Hua Hin road will be completed by 2022, providing a six-lane highway all the way from the Thai capital and reducing travel time to two hours. A double-track rail system is being built with estimated completion in the same year which will further shorten travel time from Bangkok, and the expansion of the international airport at the cost of THB350 million will be finished by 2023, to enable regional legacy carriers to land in Hua Hin.

In addition, investors are drawn by the international standard medical facilities of Bangkok Hospital, international schools, a hospitality market with over 13,000 keys including leading global brands, all adding to the historical destination’s appeal as it increasingly realises its potential as Thailand’s Riviera.

“We have seen a major shift towards the domestic market where the upper-middle and upper-class segments are purchasing real estate,” said Christie’s CEO Tim Skevington. “We had our first open house event at Banyan last weekend which generated significant interest, so much so that we’ll be running a second from 11-13^th August.

“Importantly, buyers are looking to be in the most prestigious part of town which is the southern quarter and to work with reputable developers who can offer a fully private, wider estate experience. This is where we see high potential for Banyan Residences,” he added.

Banyan Residences’ elite villas are customised along four designs. The project management team enables buyers to optimise their villa to suit their unique budget, lifestyle and design preferences. Personalisation can range from simple redesigning, like moving interior walls or changing the kitchen location, to more extensive modifications like adding a garage, increasing the footprint of the house, or adding more luxurious items such as a personal spa or a cinema.

Privileges includes membership at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin (optional) and Banyan Privilege Card for all residents with special benefits at several restaurants, beach clubs, water park and sport facilities (fitness, tennis, etc.). Common services feature residences management, maintenance of common areas and infrastructure, and 24/7 security service.

Prices range from THB11.9 million and can go up to luxury villas valued at THB100 million depending on the preferences of the owners and buyers to add and customise the real estate.

London, Great Britain, August 11, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The entire WTTC family expresses its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the passengers, crew and the family and friends of those impacted by the tragic events of the Air India Express flight, which was repatriating those stranded abroad during the COVID-19 crisis. The global Travel & Tourism sector stands beside the families and loved ones, the airline, the government of India and all those affected at this difficult time.