Category: Latest Travel News

Bali, Indonesia, July 3, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Bali’s hotels are ready and willing – but not necessarily able – to reopen their doors and start welcoming international travellers again, according to the Bali Hotels Association’s (BHA) Government Relations Director, Fransiska Handoko.

Waiting on the government’s go-ahead, travel bubbles and a lack of domestic tourists are the overriding concerns for a Bali travel industry trying to battle through the Covid pandemic according to key leading speakers at the recent ‘Bali Tourism – The Way Back’ virtual event.

Fielding questions from respected travel journalist Mimi Hudoyo, TTG Asia’s Editor Indonesia, Handoko was candid about the efforts of BHA members and their responses to the catastrophic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused more disruption to the island’s main industry than previous crisis.

However, Handoko pointed out, despite preparations by the island’s hospitality businesses, it is the responsibility of the Bali’s provincial government to make the final ruling. “Our members are more than ready to reopen, with hotels continuing training programmes and maintaining standard operating procedures. We are ready to welcome guests but the decision must come from the government.”

Speaking on Bali’s interest in creating travel bubbles with China, South Korea, Japan and Australia, Handoko said, “Bali and Indonesia are ready for travel bubbles. However, the rest of the world still sees Indonesia as a high-risk country, so these plans are still in the discussion stage. It may be more logical to form travel bubbles within ASEAN because of the shorter travel times. But we are still observing how the situation will evolve.”

One of the event highlights was an ‘on-the-ground’ hotel perspective from Emily Subrata, Director, Sudamala Resorts and Lucienne Anhar, Co-Owner and Managing Director, Tugu Hotels & Restaurants, who discussed the different methods hotel owners have used to counter the during the pandemic.

On the subject of hotel shutdowns Emily Subrata said, “the decision to close the hotels was the single hardest decision we have ever had to make. The necessity was due to health concerns and I continue to stand by the decision. We have taken the longer- term view of protecting as many jobs as possible despite the economic impact.”

Staying on the subject of the impact on hotel staff Lucienne Anhar commented “we are a family business and our employees are part of our core family, and we are trying to retain staff as best we can.” Adding “some of our hotels have remained open, attracting local business and we are slowly re-opening food and beverage outlets.”

Positive news related to reopening highlighted the importance of low-cost carriers and how the industry’s most-coveted market, China, may lead the charge back to the island. “Airlift is everything; you can’t stay there if you can’t get there. The low-cost airlines and the regional airlines can react more quickly than the large, legacy carriers. This is one of the reasons we think the China market can potentially return in the fourth quarter of this year, or certainly by the first quarter of 2021.

Data from recently concluded market research in first-tier cities in China on Bali tourism sentiment showed that 86% of respondents would like to travel to Bali, and 24% had been there before. As to when Chinese would travel overseas, 48% said they’d want to travel late this year or early in 2021.

Recovery sentiment was tempered somewhat by insight from travel industry data group STR’s Area Director – Asia Pacific, Jesper Palmqvist, who said: “I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think China will travel in 2020 given the fact that there’s no drive-market in Bali, like there is in Bangkok, for example, where the domestic market will spur the reboot. The best-case scenario is that demand could reach its previous high levels by 2022 but with all that new supply, along with other contributing factors, performance-wise, it will take much longer.”

Madrid, Spain, July 2, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Four months ago, UNWTO asked its Members, the tourism sector and tourists themselves for patience. To stay at home for today so we could travel again tomorrow.

Tomorrow is now here.

The restart of tourism means the return of hope and opportunity for many millions of people around the world.

This week, Europe leads the way in restarting tourism. Destinations throughout the Schengen Zone are once again open. The lifting of borders will have an immediate and significant impact on economies and livelihoods.

For Spain, host country of UNWTO, and neighbours Portugal, the occasion will be marked by a special ceremony. The presence of His Majesty King Felipe VI and President Pedro Sánchez of Spain alongside President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Antonio Costa of Portugal is testament to the significance of tourism’s restart for both countries.

So too is the practical support that tourism has received, including from the very highest political level. The European Commission has provided an unprecedented degree of economic support for the sector. And at the national level, has France has echoed our call to back tourism with actions and not just words, giving the sector and the businesses that make it the economic help they need to survive and lead recovery.

To reflect this, UNWTO is changing gears in how we support our Member States and tourism at large.

This week I resume person-to-person official meetings as I lead a delegation on an official visit to Italy and to the Vatican City.

This is an opportunity to show our support for tourism and for a country that is not only a true global tourism leader, but which was one of the worst-affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in all of Europe.

Our visit to Italy will allow us to learn more about important steps being taken to make tourism more sustainable, more resilient and more innovative. It also offers an opportunity to celebrate what makes tourism: people.

This will be the first of a series of visits as the world steadily opens up again, allowing us to lead by example in supporting tourism and making our sector a vital tool for recovery.

At the same time, it is only right that we remain cautious. This crisis is far from over. In other regions of the world, borders remain closed to tourism and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread. The human toll, economic cost and social impact are still growing. This is no time for complacency.

And even where the worst appears to have passed, the threat of the pandemic returning means we must act responsibly and make public health our priority.

During these difficult months, tourism has stepped up to meet this unprecedented challenge with determination and an unparalleled spirit of solidarity. We carry this into the next stage.

Tourism’s restart is a step towards ending many weeks of uncertainty and replace it with a renewed sense of confidence. As we meet in person again, we can build trust, the essential foundation as we work together to grow back stronger and better. But this will only work out, if we act with responsibility – it’s better to be right, than to be first.

Zurab Pololikashvili,
UNWTO Secretary-General

Singapore, Singapore, July 2, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The annual IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific trade events for business event planners and corporate travel specialists will skip its 2020 physical edition due to continued uncertainty placed on travel restrictions and aviation options, deferring instead to September 28 – 30 next year.

In a message to key partners and stakeholders, organiser TTG Asia Media and its business unit TTG Events said they had remained “optimistic that a hybrid event would take place this year with a mix of both on-site and virtual attendees”.

However, with numerous travel restrictions remaining across Asia-Pacific and beyond, as well as limited global flight options into Bangkok, where the event was scheduled to take place, a “difficult decision” had to be made to push the event to 2021.

“This has come with great disappointment for our team and we appreciate the effort that you have taken with us in preparing for this year’s show,” expressed the organiser.

Meanwhile, a virtual event for IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is being planned for 4Q2020.

London, Great Britain, July 2, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows even a modest increase of just one million more international arrivals into Europe could generate an extra $0.48 billion in GDP.

This would provide a massive and much-needed economic boost for EU economies struggling to survive following the imposition of travel restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Many governments are evaluating reciprocal ‘travel corridors, including the UK government and those in Europe which are under immense pressure, to enable holidaymakers to take summer holidays and prevent the collapse of the Travel & Tourism sector.

WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, has carried out an analysis which shows even relatively minor increases in travelling would bring significant economic and job benefits.

For every 1% increase in international arrivals*, a massive $7.23 billion in additional GDP would be generated. So, an increase of 100 million international arrivals – equivalent to an increase of 6.7% – would result in around $48 billion in additional GDP.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We know restarting the Travel & Tourism sector is a huge challenge, but the economy can be restarted while also prioritising and protecting the health of travellers and those who work in the sector. 

“It is vital that governments ensure that the right measures are in place, such as protocols and a comprehensive testing and tracing programme.

“However, WTTC research makes it clear 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.

“It’s often said ‘a little goes a long way’; now our figures prove it. For every additional one million international arrivals from outside Europe would be able to generate nearly half a billion extra dollars in GDP.

“We encourage governments to do all that they can to ease the lockdowns and travel restrictions to allow the resumption of responsible travelling. Guided by WTTC’s Safe and Seamless Travel initiative, it should include testing and tracing, consistent with advice from WHO and local health authorities. 

 “Together, we can control and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and at the same time protect public health and bring confidence back to travellers and to the wider travel sector.”

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.

The welfare of travellers and the millions of people employed throughout the Travel & Tourism sector were at the heart of the protocols, which were backed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Evidence from WTTC’s Crisis Readiness report, which looked at 90 different types of crises, highlights the importance of public-private cooperation to ensure that smart policies and effective communities are in place to enable a more resilient Travel & Tourism sector.

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.

*This refers to international arrivals starting from both within and outside of Europe

Tuscany, Italy, July 2, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The Argentario Golf Resort and Spa, one of Italy’s premier golf and wellness destinations in the Maremma region of Tuscany, has reopened and is ready to welcome guests once again to its luxury hotel and independent villas this summer and autumn.

Now more than ever, the Resort is wholeheartedly committed to protecting the health and safety of all its guests – as well as its employees – without compromising the high quality level of experience of staying at the hotel, known for its personal service and attention to detail.

Now that holidays are back on the agenda, Argentario offers the perfect private retreat in which to relax following the recent hiatus and, as always, provides a holiday under the Tuscan sun that combines nature, relaxation and indulgence within 77 hectares of wide open, green environment in which the Resort is set, typical of the relatively-undiscovered and under-stated Maremma.

Whilst new playing rules will ensure the full safety of golfers on the eco-friendly championship golf course with its magnificent panoramic views over the Orbetello Lagoon the Tyrrhenian Sea, the range of outdoor sporting activities such as tennis, padel, yoga, biking, jogging and mini football will give guests plenty of scope to exercise freely and allow for socially distancing.

Added to this, the outdoor common areas of the Resort offer extensive terraces and wild open gardens, complemented by large, bright interior spaces that are characterized by expansive windows and high ceilings. Inside the hotel, all suites, rooms and villas have private terraces for the occupier’s sole use with wide corridors leading to the rooms, all with access to stairs.

All this ensures that both inside and out, there is an abundant choice of places where you can unwind, read a book or enjoy a refreshing drink in total privacy.

Guests as usual will also be able to indulge in some restorative, healthy local cuisine based on the flavours of the local terrain with dishes prepared using authentic produce from small, nearby farms and some that come directly from the hotel’s vegetable garden, orchard and olive grove.

The extensive panoramic wooden decks at the Club House Restaurant, Dama Dama Restaurant, Aper Bar and the breakfast room will ensure there is plenty of room to minimize social interaction between people at an extremely safe level whilst eating and drinking.

The 2,700 m² the MediSPA and Espace Wellness Centre and Health Club have both reopened in accordance with regional guidelines which means that advance booking is required for spa treatments, individually or for family use, with due precautions and for the use of the various services and spaces which will be cleaned after every guest visit.

The MediSPA includes a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, bio-sauna, Kneipp circuit, heated indoor swimming pool, massage cabins and tanning beds, among many other services whilst the Wellness Centre has a specialized nutrition spa, where guests can discover and experience the Wellbeing Method, a new concept of wellness centered on reaching a balanced and healthy physical and mental state.

In addition, the outdoor swimming pool and separate kids’ pool are surrounded by another large deck and lush gardens and are open daily from 11am to 6pm.

Outside the Resort, the Monte Argentario promontory offers a variety of outdoor spaces and services that guarantee social distancing with its 50km of coast with wide, sandy beaches of the Silver Coast, nature trails that can be explored on foot or by bike and extremely-safe yacht and boat rental services.

With these various activities in mind, Argentario has created a number of new holiday packages in addition to its classic Summer Dream package; one for golfers looking to improve their game and one for those who have never played before plus one for fitness fanatics who like to train outdoors with a Personal Trainer.

Moreover in order to make its guests next vacation as pleasant an experience as possible, Argentario has reviewed its cancellation policy to offer greater flexibility and eliminated all penalties up to three days before arrival in the low season and seven days in the high season.

Argentario is easily accessed from Rome Fiumicino Airport by car in just an hour and a half whilst Rome Ciampino and Pisa are just over two hours away.

The Resort is proud to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness. It follows the most up-to-date standards and protocols established by international experts and government entities, including the World Health Organization and the Centres for Disease Prevention and Control, in order to optimize the effectiveness of our response.

– The Argentario team receives continuous directives and updated operating protocols
– The Resort has increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing services in common areas and rooms
– Guests will find at their disposal disinfectant gel dispensers and kits with mask & mini sanitiser gel
– The Resort will continue to apply the latest safety and hygiene precautions in its restaurant services, sport facilities and wellness center
– In addition to these measures, Argentario encourages guests to find additional information on travel safety. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued numerous recommendations to reduce exposure to a range of diseases, including hand and respiratory hygiene and food safety measures.

Madrid, Spain, July 2, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Representatives of 29 Member States and territories joined private sector leaders to identify ways of restarting tourism across Asia and the Pacific region in a safe and sustainable manner. The 32nd meeting of the Joint Commission for Asia and the Pacific of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) was held as growing numbers of countries begin to re-open their borders to tourism.

Working together to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on tourism was top of the agenda, with participants agreeing on the need to strengthen international cooperation to respond effectively and then restart a sector that supports millions of livelihoods across the region. In particular, Ministers of Tourism and Heads of Delegation from the 29 countries and territories identified priorities for the months ahead, including the need to implement enhanced safety and security protocols in order to restore confidence and get tourism moving again.

The sudden and unexpected fall in tourist arrivals has hurt economies, put many jobs at risk and threatened the progress made in sustainable development, especially in those countries that are particularly dependent on tourism

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Asia and the Pacific was the first global region to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden and unexpected fall in tourist arrivals has hurt economies, put many jobs at risk and threatened the progress made in sustainable development, especially in those countries that are particularly dependent on tourism. As we restart tourism, international cooperation is key to building trust and giving people the confidence to start travelling again.”

The meeting, which given the extraordinary circumstances was held virtually, featured more than 150 participants both from UNWTO Member States as well as from across the network of UNWTO Affiliate Members. The high-level discussions built on the United Nations specialized agency’s existing work in the region, including its focus on making tourism an important driver of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The 33rd UNWTO Joint Commission Meeting for Asia and the Pacific will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2021, with the date still to be confirmed.

Madrid, Spain, July 1, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Member States from across Africa have shared their priorities for tourism against the backdrop of COVID-19. As with every other global region, African destinations have been hit hard by the restrictions on travel introduced in response to the pandemic. The sudden and unexpected drop in tourist arrivals has placed many millions of jobs at risk and threatened to roll back the progress made in sustainable development.

Now, as UNWTO leads the restart of tourism, African Member States have set out their vision for the sector. This builds on the UNWTO Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the roadmap for African tourism that was adopted at the UNWTO General Assembly in 2019, and is based on the responses to a survey sent out by the Regional Department for Africa.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This feedback from our African Member States will help us guide tourism through the challenging months ahead. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on tourism across the continent. However, UNWTO is committed to helping Africa grow back stronger and better and for tourism to emerge from this crisis as an important pillar of economies, jobs and sustainability.”

Investment and innovation key priorities at continental level

UNWTO is committed to helping Africa grow back stronger and better and for tourism to emerge from this crisis as an important pillar of economies, jobs and sustainability

At the continental level, the survey revealed that the five key areas of the UNWTO Agenda for Africa that Member States would like to see prioritized in order to better support them as they recover from the impact of COVID-19 are:

• Unlocking growth through investment promotion and public-private partnerships
• Promoting innovation and technology,
• Promoting travel facilitation, including enhanced connectivity and tourism visa policies
• Fostering resilience, including through promoting safety and security and crisis communications
• Advocating for “Brand Africa”

At the same time, the survey answers showed that Member States would like to see the part of the Agenda for Africa focusing on Fostering Resilience to be realigned to reflect the current situation. This will allow for a more effective response to the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and to accelerate recovery. Alongside this, Member States across Africa also expressed a wish for UNWTO to focus future capacity building and training sessions on the topics of crisis management and communications, marketing, developing domestic tourism and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Sub-regional priorities outlined

The survey also revealed the different priorities of Member States from different parts of Africa. In North Africa, the number one priority is expanding capacity building, including through the provision of more training; in both Western and Eastern Africa, Members named promoting better travel facilitation and unlocking tourism growth through investments and public-private partnerships as their priorities.

Meanwhile, advocating for “Brand Africa” emerged as the number one priority for Member States in Southern Africa, and in Central Africa, the focus is on strengthening tourism statistics systems. Furthermore, the survey also found that Member States from across the continent would like to see UNWTO add a new section to the Agenda for Africa focusing on the promotion of regional and domestic tourism.

Last but not least, Member States also suggested UNWTO undertake a range of actions both at the political and technical level, including strengthening collaboration between governments, facilitate the creation of investment funds to support tourism and provide practical support to SMEs. These actions would be particularly beneficial to countries whose GDP heavily depends on the tourism sector including the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Nairobi, Kenya, July 1, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Kenya on Wednesday has been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp in recognition of the destination’s adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols dubbed ‘Safe Travels‘.

Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary of Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said Kenya has been listed among the 80 global destinations certified and authorized to use the “World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travel Stamp” together with Magical Kenya Logo.

“This recognition is timely as Kenya prepares to reopen the tourism and hospitality industry after months of closure. This stamp will allow travelers to recognize Kenya as a safe destination once we reopen and implement the health and safety protocols,” he said.

WTTC, which was founded in 1990 and headquartered in London, represents the global private sector of travel and tourism, with a mission to ensure the sector is seamless, secure and safe.

Kenya also launched the WHO-endorsed health and safety protocols to support the reopening of the tourism sector.

“The objectives of the protocols are to inculcate institutional operational and staff preparedness to ensure service provision that meets WHO guidelines and Kenya’s ministry of health measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19,” Najib Balala told a media briefing on Wednesday in Nairobi.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the sector remains the third-largest contributor to the country’s GDP after agriculture and manufacturing. Meanwhile, the tourism and travel sector is one of the worst-hit globally following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Balala noted that the protocols require all tourist accommodation, food and beverage outlets to institutes a Food Safety Management System to prevent contamination to clients, staff and supply chain workers.

He noted that tourism practitioners will also be obliged to redesign the physical workspace and work processes to ensure compliance with the physical distancing of not less than 1.5 meters apart and institute hygiene operations, sanitation and minimized contact between persons.

The official said all tourism and hospitality establishments, facilities and enterprises are now expected to develop and implement documented standard operating procedures for handling suspected COVID-19 cases and ensure patient confidentiality and prevent stigmatization of the affected persons.

London, United Kingdom, July 1, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Flight booking data shows London has fallen to the bottom of the top 10 most booked European cities, as border restrictions and UK  quarantine regulations choked travel, according to joint research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and ForwardKeys.

In the first half of June last year as the holiday season was in full swing, London was the most heavily booked city in Europe for any date of arrival, followed by Paris and Rome.

However, travel restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the quarantine rules imposed by the UK government, the capital has slumped to the bottom of the top 10.

While Europe has begun to relax travel restrictions and bookings have begun to pick-up, those for London have languished

Under pressure from the travel sector, the UK government finally looks set to announce ‘travel corridors’ to popular European summer hotspots such as France, Germany, Greece, Turkey and Italy. This would enable airlines to open flights for bookings to Brits eager to get away during the summer.

Lisbon meanwhile has soared to the top of the list of most booked European cities during the first half of June, compared to sitting close to the bottom in ninth place in 2019.

Portugal has been one of the first countries to establish enhanced hygiene and safety protocols to welcome tourists and has one of the top testing rates to control transmission.

New flight bookings for all international future departures from the EU slumped by 80.2% in the first half of June 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, recovering from a hefty 92.3% decline in May.

By comparison, bookings from London only recovered to an 89.8% year on year decline during the first half of June, compared to a punishing 94.0% decline in May.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travel restrictions and quarantines have continued to quash air travel and strangle demand for travel to and from London, causing it to fall to the bottom of the league for top ten most booked European cities, according to latest flight bookings. 

“However, analysis by ForwardKeys clearly shows demand for flights to and from Europe has begun to recover, thanks in part to a relaxation of travel restrictions which has fueled the recovery in the Travel & Tourism sector.

“We eagerly await the UK government’s announcement it will finally allow travellers to make plans for the summer and visit destinations across the whole of Europe and allow the UK Travel & Tourism sector to kick-off its much needed recovery. 

“The implementation of global protocols as well as testing and contact tracing for intercontinental arrivals, as unveiled by WTTC’s Safe and Seamless Traveller Journey initiative, will restore consumer confidence and encourage travelling to resume.

“We believe these measures will allow travellers to meet the huge pent up demand to travel once more and enjoy a much-need summer break while enabling the Travel & Tourism sector to re-open for business, restoring the livelihoods of millions of people dependent upon tourism.

“The success of the popular holiday destination of Portugal in attracting visitors follows the government’s implementation of a number of enhanced health and safety measures. These are, in line with our global protocols, designed to restart this important sector and ensure safe travel. We are delighted to recognise these efforts through the WTTC Safe Travels stamp.”

Olivier Jager, CEO, ForwardKeys, said: “It’s alarming to see London, which is Europe’s most popular capital to visit, falling from top spot to 10th place in the ranking of most booked European cities during the first half of June. 

“The UK’s tough new quarantine regulations are almost certainly responsible; and that conclusion is further reinforced by the difference between inbound and outbound bookings. ForwardKeys research clearly shows that European air travel has begun to rebound with a slow but steady rise in bookings, compared to the same period last year.

“Our ticketing data shows that while volumes are still low, having fallen across the EU by nearly 84% compared to the same period in 2019, the numbers are beginning to improve. However, new tickets for future arrivals into the UK are still a staggering 97% down compared to the same ticketing period last year.”

Last year, the UK attracted more than 40 million overseas visitors. This data from WTTC and ForwardKeys shows that if the UK government continues to drag its heels in announcing the next steps for reopening the country, including the removal of barriers such as quarantine and establishing ‘air corridors’, it will have a devastating effect on the Travel & Tourism sector.

This latest data comes on the back of a series of WTTC measures which are designed to rebuild global consumer confidence and encourage the return of Safe Travels.

Safe Travels Protocols were developed for the global Travel & Tourism sector which focused on measures to drive business to hotels, tour operators, attractions, short short-term rentals.

It was also developed for airlines and airports, according to International Civil Organization (ICAO) Council Aviation Recovery Taskforce (CART) Take-off guidance, to enable them to follow strict health and hygiene regimes to re-opening for business.

The welfare of travellers and the millions of people employed throughout the Travel & Tourism sector were at the heart of the protocols and were backed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Evidence from WTTC’s Crisis Readiness report, which looked at 90 different types of crises, highlights the importance of public-private cooperation to ensure that smart policies and effective communities are in place to enable a more resilient Travel & Tourism sector.

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.

Bangkok, Thailand, June 29, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Hop Inn Hotels, a network of budget hotels across Thailand and the Philippines developed and operated by The Erawan Group PLC, Thailand’s leading hotel developer, have announced the reopening of all their hotels in Thailand with guests welcome to come and stay from 1, June 2020.

To express gratitude for the reopening, HOP INN Hotels is supporting the Thai Red Cross Society to thank them for all their hard work and efforts to help our communities during the crisis. All revenue generated on June 5, 2020, from all 40 hotels, approximately 930,676THB, plus donations from HOP INN staff, bringing the total sum to 1,000,000 THB, was given to the Palang Nam Jai 63 Baht Project Fight against the spread of COVID-19 of Thai Red Cross Society on 16 June 2020. This donation is a united contribution from our HOP INN customers and all level of staff to give back to society and show sincere gratitude to the Thai Red Cross Society for their hard work for Thai community and people throughout crisis. The donation will support important crisis activities, including the Royal Kitchen Project located at Sra Pathum Palace that distributes food to all people in need, Thai Red Cross Society Survival Bags, medical equipment for Chulalongkorn Hospital, and equipment for blood donation.

Petch Krainukul, President of the Erawan Group PLC, said “This is an important moment for our HOP INN Hotels, as we can once again get back to doing what we do best and that’s offering quality, clean, comfortable, and safe accommodation to all our guests. These unprecedented times have been challenging for our staff, our guests, our suppliers, and our communities. To mark our reopening, we have gathered one day’s revenue from guest reservations together with a donation from our staff to make a donation to the Thai Red Cross Society to thank them for all their valuable contributions to communities during this crisis. We will, of course, be adhering to high levels of health and safety measures at all our hotels, and our staff will be ensuring all our guests have a pleasant and memorable stay with us.”

HOP INN Hotels in Thailand were closed due to the health crisis that swept the world, but now, the doors are open once again to provide quality and friendly service.

Strict safety procedures and the highest hygiene measures possible have been undertaken to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all guests and staff is a priority.

All of the 40 hotels are committed to rigorous health and safety standards through the ‘Safe Stay at HOP INN’ protocols.

1. When visiting any of our hotels, everyone is always required to wear a mask in public areas.

2. We will be screening the temperatures of all employees, guests, and visitors, those who have a body temperature more than 37.5℃, may not be allowed to enter the hotel.

3. Social distancing when guests check-in at the lobby and while riding in elevators is required at all times.

4. Screens have been installed at the reception counter to further ensure the safety of guests and staff.

5. E-Payments are encouraged to reduce exposure.

6. Alcohol gel is provided in the public area of all hotels.

7. Cleaning and sterilizing of the public area of all hotels are undertaken every 30-minutes from 9 am – 9 pm.

8. Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures in every room.

9. Hygiene laundry service to protect from all virus and bacteria

10. Key cards can be dropped into the “Express Check-Out” box to eliminate any contact.

HOP INN prides itself on consistently providing high levels of quality professional service and always delivering on the brand’s four pillars: Cleanliness, Convenience, Comfort, and Safety. Guests who choose to stay at HOP INN can rest assured they will have a good and safe stay and, of course, they will always have a good day.

About HOP INN
Renowned for consistent quality and prime locations in the business district of popular provincial towns, HOP INN has a network of hotels across Thailand and Philippines. With standardized facilities across all properties, a high level of cleanliness, professional service from friendly staff, free Wi-Fi, and outstanding value for money, all guests can be confident of a comfortable and convenient stay, whichever HOP INN they choose.

About The Erawan Group PLC
The Erawan Group PLC is Thailand’s leading hotel investment company with diversified hotel portfolio form luxury to midscale, economy and budget segment across Thailand’s key destinations. Currently our hotels are under the hotel agreement partnership with world-class hotel operators including Hyatt, Marriott, Accor, IHG, Starwood and our own hotel brand Hop INN. Our investments also include 1 upscale shopping plaza situated in the heart of Bangkok CBD.