Category: Latest Travel News

Madrid, Spain, June 29, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Without strong support, the sudden and unexpected fall in tourism could devastate the economies of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has warned. Since tourism is a strong socio-economic pillar of many SIDS, the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector places millions of jobs and businesses at risk, with women and informal workers the most vulnerable.

In the second of its Briefing Note series on Tourism and COVID-19, UNWTO has highlighted the severe impact the pandemic could have on livelihoods in these destinations. According to the latest data from the United Nations specialized agency, tourism accounts for more than 30% of total exports in the majority of the 38 SIDS. In some countries, this proportion is as high as 90%, making them especially vulnerable to falling tourist numbers.

Such a major shock translates into a massive loss of jobs and a sharp decline in foreign exchange and tax revenues, which curbs public spending capacity and the ability to deploy necessary measures to support livelihoods through the crisis, UNWTO further warns.

International Tourists dropped 47% in the first four months

International tourist arrivals have fallen dramatically, and destinations that rely on the sector for jobs and economic wellbeing such as small islands will be hit the hardest

In 2019, SIDS welcomed some 44 million international tourist arrivals and the sector earned US$55 billion in export revenues. International tourist arrivals were down 47% in the first four months of this year.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption. International tourist arrivals have fallen dramatically, and destinations that rely on the sector for jobs and economic wellbeing such as small islands will be hit the hardest. As such, measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on these states and to stimulate the recovery of tourism are now more critical than ever.”

Informal workers and women at greatest risk

The United Nations estimates that SIDS economies could shrink by 4.7% in 2020 as compared to 3% for the world economy.

The UNWTO Briefing Note also highlights the risk posed to those working in the informal economy by the sudden fall in tourist arrivals in SIDS. As a sector, tourism is a leading global employer and, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than half of all workers in the accommodation and food services sector in most SIDS reporting data are women. In many, this proportion is even higher, including in Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago (70%+).

At the same time, workers in the informal economy are at risk of falling into poverty as the impact of COVID-19 is felt in SIDS and other low- and middle-income countries worldwide, UNWTO also warns.

Bangkok, Thailand, June 29, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Part of the Destination Group, Destination Eats today launches an exciting new healthy food and beverage brand – The Power Bowls. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet plays a very important role and a path to good health. The Power bowls offers perfectly balanced and nutritious goodness such as antioxidants, Omega 3 and other beneficial substances within every power bowl on offer.

‘Proper nutrition and a balanced diet plays an important role on a path to good health. All our produce is GMO free, from farm to table. – The Power Bowls – Your healthy options’

Partnering with Thailand’s rising upscale cold-pressed juices brand – PASH, The Power Bowl concept is a culture that promotes healthy living highlighting freshly made methods for each order with a compilation of only the freshest of ingredients, unique textures and homemade dressings. In addition, Pash highlights exceptional flavor-driven juices, this upscale Thai tropic cold-pressed juice brand is now setting a new healthy benchmark in Thailand.

Truly elaborates on its tagline of ‘Your Healthy Options’, eating right and feeling amazing is made easier with the selection of products, The Power Bowls features 14 Power Bowls with homemade dressings such as Broc n’ Roll (541 CAL), Detox (429 CAL), Soil Mate (409 CAL) and Oppa! (584 CAL), customers can also try 4 homemade chia puddings plus another 9 PASH juices. The Power Bowls are priced at THB 279 per bowl, The Power Bowl & PASH combo at THB 359 per set and Chia Puddings at THB 119. Special promotion, buy any 2 Power Bowls for only THB 399 for direct order via our Facebook page, LINE or call only, other terms and conditions may apply.

Straight from farm to table and available for delivery in Bangkok only from 11 a.m. to 1130 p.m. daily, customers can also order The Power Bowls via LINE @thepowerbowls or call 095 807 7877

About Pash
Founded since September 2016, PASH was born from Thai veteran chef Sunit “Lex” Chutintaranond with his commitment to share exceptional flavor-driven juices from around the world. Bringing his experience and his world-class palate back to Thailand’s farm country with the aim to let people everywhere to know just how good the Thai tropics taste, this upscale cold-pressed juice brand is now making waves not only in Bangkok but in Asia.

About Destination Group
Part of the Destination Group, Destination Eats owns and operates several food and beverage brands including Hooters, Hard Rock Cafe, and the Drunken Leprechaun. Hooters and Hard Rock Cafe are iconic American brands that have been successfully operating around the world for more than 30 years each. The Group is growing its F&B platform to include a pizza brand, an Italian casual dining brand and a high-end steak concept restaurant in Thailand and overseas. Setting new standards and trends in food and beverage. “Bringing you great food & culinary concepts that excite you”. At Destination Eats, we are always looking to bring you the best in culinary experiences throughout Asia. We believe that dining is a journey that engages your five senses. Our mission is to bring great food & culinary concepts that excite you.

Madrid, Spain, June 29, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The rapid spread of coronavirus has had a massive impact on many sectors of the global economy, with tourism being among the hardest hit. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) are joining forces to boost the recovery of the tourism sector across the 38 economies where the Bank invests.

• EBRD and UNWTO to boost recovery of the tourism sector
• More than 10 countries to be included in the plans
• Actions include safety and hygiene protocols and incentive plans to revive demand

According to analysis by UNWTO, all worldwide destinations introduced restrictions on travel in response to Covid-19 ꟷ an unprecedented act. While some destinations are starting to ease restrictions, the crisis is far from over and this lockdown has led to a massive fall in international tourist arrivals.

In light of such unprecedented events, the EBRD and UNWTO have agreed to take immediate action to facilitate the recovery of tourism. The support is currently envisaged for a number of countries, including Albania, Armenia, Croatia, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

The immediate response was designed along the three pillars of the UNWTO’s Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package. It includes measurement of the impact of Covid-19, recovery plans with incentives to revive the tourism sector, protocols to ensure the enhanced safety, hygiene and security of tourists and employees, marketing of measures that can boost tourism demand, capacity-building for tourism officials and training for tourism sector enterprises in adopting the new protocols. A key element is to preserve human capital as well as to adapt and strengthen inclusion.

The two organisations are longstanding partners and signed a first Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in 2015, which they renewed in 2019.

This cooperation expands the existing partnership and builds on the UNWTO’s recently adopted Covid-19 Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package, which includes three pillars through which the organisation plans to assist the sector: 1) economic recovery, 2) marketing and promotion and 3) institutional strengthening and the building of resilience.

The EBRD is committing all of its activity in 2020-21 to helping its regions counter the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with investment expected to reach up to €21 billion. The Bank will target all sectors of the economy, including tourism and hospitality which were particularly affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

Dublin, Ireland, June 29, 2020 / travelindex / BUZZ has created a virtual meeting room where exhibitors can present their services and destinations, where buyers and sellers can meet virtually and hopefully start to get their businesses back on track again.

5 days, 24 hours, more than 600 exhibitors, top 50 keynote speakers – streaming in social media!

Prerequisite for exhibiting or visiting the expo is a BUZZ membership – this is, due to corona, free until further notice.

“BUZZ is a social network / communication platform for verified travel professionals; a place there travel people can promote, get contacts, find new opportunities, and offers. The community also offers platforms for FAM, Travel Industry Rate Trips, and a Marketplace. There is no connection to Google Analytics etc.”; Katja Larsen, the co-founder says.

Sometimes less is more! More quality – less quantity.

In these Webinar times BUZZ has focused on high-quality speakers which not only have a message; but who can communicate the message in an entertaining way. Subjects like DMO strategies going forward, China Outbound, working with bloggers and influencers, engaging the LGBTQ segment, optimization of processes after COVID-19, airline outlook, etc. – there is even a provoking address with the title “A recovery is the last thing we need.

“If we after 5 days have helped a few colleagues with good ideas, we all have had some inspiring and entertaining days; we have reached our goal”; Katja continued.

London, United Kingdom, June 27, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has laid out its new guidelines Safe & Seamless Travel including testing and tracing, following medical evidence, to ensure people can enjoy Safe Travels in the ‘new normal’.

The guidelines will ensure that the travel sector is provided with an extensive framework to help governments and private business work in collaboration to create aligned testing and contact tracing programmes.

The initiative is part of the WTTC’s Safe and Seamless Traveller Journey (SSTJ) which aims to enable a seamless, safe and secure end-to-end traveller experience including flights and non-air travel.

It includes systematic biometric verified identification during the journey, for long haul and international travel, replacing manual verifications and is contained within a new WTTC report, published today.

Travellers and those who work in the Travel & Tourism sector can be assured of a more secure and safe environment, thanks to a leap in use of contactless technology.

This includes biometrics, faster clearance for inbound and outbound passengers and offsite processing as part of enhanced SSTJ capabilities which helps to reduce transmission.

The detection and isolation of those people with the virus has proved to be an effective mechanism to curb previous outbreaks. This has enabled them to travel again without a vaccine, as in previous outbreaks such as Ebola, SARS and MERS. Since 80 % of COVID-19 carriers are asymptomatic according to medical experts, testing and tracing becomes crucial to control and reduce the transmission.

The new guidelines were produced by extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including WTTC Members, health experts and government officials, and according to WHO and CDC guidance, and ICAO CART Take off guidance. WTTC in partnership with global management consultants, Oliver Wyman, conducted the consultations and produced this report.

The resulting principles and recommendations of the new guideline frameworks will help governments who require testing, tracing, receipt of a traveller test/vaccination certificate and COVID-19 specific traveller health insurance to include them as part of their overall recovery plan.

By encouraging their global adoption, WTTC aims to ensure aligned and consistent messaging through coordinated, collaborative, and transparent partnerships across the Travel & Tourism sector.

They are also supported by medical fact-based evidence, as provided by multiple state governments and public health authorities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The safety and hygiene of travellers is paramount. Which is why our new guidelines for Safe and Seamless Travel including testing and tracing, are designed to assist in the recovery of Travel & Tourism through the identification and/or isolation of infected travellers.

“This is consistent with advice from WHO and other leading health authorities that the best way to control and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, is through early identification of carriers to ensure they don’t travel. 

“The new WTTC guidelines mean that we can now replace the confusing mix of different measures including highly-damaging quarantines, which currently exist, to offer confidence to travellers and governments alike while protecting public health.

“Travel ‘bubbles’ or ‘corridors’ between low-risk COVID-19 areas/zones or countries will also help limit testing requirements for travellers and support efforts by governments and private businesses working in partnership together to stimulate traveller demand.”

Dan Richards, Global Rescue CEO, said: “According to the Global Rescue survey of members, nearly 80% of travelers expect to return to the airways and roadways. Travellers are prepared to be tested, and 91% of people interviewed are willing to share personal medical history, and their travel plans as a pre-condition to returning to travel. They are willing and eager to help keep themselves and those around them safe.”

WTTC identified five critical calls to action to governments during the COVID-19 recovery:

1.  Support quick and reliable tests as a critical path to ensure public health and a rapid testing and contact tracing strategy to help contain the spread of the virus
2.  Multilateral collaboration and adherence to internationally recognised guidelines to enable ‘approved travellers’ to travel across to multiple destinations using a single process and risk assessment framework
3.  Support travel ‘bubbles’ or ‘tourism corridors’ between low-risk COVID-19 areas/zones or countries based on recognised criteria on what constitutes low, medium and high risk and where the origin government and the destination government agree. These bubbles and corridors may help to limit testing requirements for travellers and support the recovery
4.  Remove blanket travel advisories and recommendations against non-essential international travel as this prevents insurance protection for travellers, as countries re-open
5.  Support a global standard of traveller health insurance, or at least minimum requirements, defined with private sector insurance companies

This latest WTTC initiative comes on the back of a series of measures 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 car hire companies, airports, tour operators, attractions, short short-term rentals among many other travel sectors, 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.

To download the Safe and Seamless report full, please click here.

Madrid, Spain, June 27, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel Consul has released the results of a survey that reveals the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the future recovery of global travel distribution.

Between 11th – 25th May 2020, over 900 travel executives (tour operators and agency owners) from the top tourism source markets participated in the Travel Consul global survey, whose goal was to get a better understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and what is required to get the industry back on its feet.

Here are a few highlights of the results at a global level.

How destinations can support distribution partners in recovery

When asked how best Destinations organizations (DMOs) can help these travel agencies and tour operators in recovery, the number one answer was clearly “introducing health and safety certificates for agents to feel sure the destinations are safe to send their customers” with two out of three participants requesting help from the destinations. The next top three answers included marketing campaigns, presenting useful and timely data, and industry and media updates.

Clients are still waiting to decide where to travel next

Over 40% of clients, who are rebooking or showing some interest in traveling, said that they were planning to go to the destination where they had originally booked. Although, the largest percentage 46% are at a halt, waiting to see how the situation evolves before making their decision.

Marketing efforts for recovery are focused on social media

In regard to marketing activities during recovery, social media was clearly the winner with 2 out of every 3 respondents claiming that social marketing was their main concept. Digital and co-op campaigns, respectively came in second and third.

Business implications of COVID-19

Overall, distribution partners expect a 73% decrease in business volume in Q3 2020 and 60% in Q4 2020. Two-thirds of respondents anticipate being able to sustain their businesses for six months without government financial support.

Actions implemented during the crisis

Approximately 41% of global respondents reported designing new products and adjusting the business model as the main measures adopted during the pandemic. Customer service improvement and training programs ranked second.

Top communication methods used with clients

In regard to interacting with their clients during the COVID emergency, as one would expect, email leads the communications formula. Interestingly, the traditional use of the telephone was the second most utilized channel. Although gaining popularity, video conference and live chat are less than 17% of communications methods.

Tourism associations serve as primary data sources

Concerning the top three data sources that were used for information during the COVID crisis, tour operators and travel agencies associations clearly lead the pack (69% as a global average). This was followed by destination tourist offices, trade media, their own national government, and industry friends.

How COVID- 19 is changing the rules in 2020 and beyond

When asked how the role of travel distribution partners will change going forward in order to adapt to these new circumstances, 70% of the respondents believe that modifying cancellation policies or terms and conditions will be among their main undertakings. Additional strong responses were “expand customer communications channels,” and “diversify/change your product and destination offerings,” and “creating new partnerships with new buyers are suppliers.”

Loyalty with destinations and hotels and resorts is questioned

Almost 50% of respondents said that they were extremely likely to consider hotels and resorts they had never sold before. Additionally, another 37% said that it was somewhat likely they would consider other options.

Bangkok, Thailand, June 25, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Grande Asset Hotels and Property PLC raises health safety standards with special care for tourists by introducing new standards in hygiene to increase confidence in travel. For the first time in Thailand, TytoCare and online medical services by Phyathai Hospital have been installed in hotels. Also, modern solutions from AIS for the screening of guests are being implemented. Travelers are also offered special cash vouchers to add value to stays at the 6 luxury resort hotels in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pranburi and Phuket, as well as Thai Air Asia flights at special prices, Covid-19 insurance from Dhipaya Insurance and privileges from ICBC and KTC Credit Cards.

Grande Asset Hotels and Property Public Company Limited, a leading property and hotel development group, announced its cooperation with business partners to instill confidence in travelers at a press conference attended by Mr. Wichai Thongtang, Chairman and Mr. Wittawat Wipakul, Vice President together with Dr. Apirak Palwatwichai, General Medicine Center, Phyathai hospital group – Phyathai-Paolo Medical Campus, Mr. Yongsit Rojsrikul, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of AIS, Dr. Somporn Suebthawilkul, Managing Director of Dhipaya Insurance Plc, Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, Executive Chairman of Thai AirAsia Co Ltd., Mr. Wan Huat Joseph Chia, Executive Vice President – Branch Banking Division, ICBC Bank Thailand and Ms. Prym Panyasereeporn, Vice President – Travel & Leisure (Hotel Marketing), “KTC” or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited.

Mr. Wichai Thongtang, Chairman of Grande Asset Hotels & Property Public Co. Ltd., revealed “This is a significant cooperation of leading organizations joining to boost Thai tourism. Today, Thailand has shown the potential as the second country in the world that can control and eliminate the epidemic of Covid-19.  As a result, travel and hotel reservations are becoming busy again. It’s a good sign for the tourist industry. Hotels under Grande Asset Hotel and Property have been upgraded to the highest standards of hygiene safety. That means all tourists and visitors will receive special care with a new level of hygiene from modern technology and advanced medical services, so tourists can feel completely safe. This is the first time in Thailand’s hospitality business that advanced medical and innovative technology has been offered to tourists so as they can experience true health safety.  Moreover, in addition to these measures to building confidence for Thai tourists, it is also good preparation before the opening for international tourists.”

Wittawat Wipakul, Vice President, Grande Asset Hotels and Property, said “Grand Asset Hotels & Property has joined with our business partners in 2 areas. For Health Safety, we have collaborated with Phyathai Hospital, AIS and Dhipaya Insurance, including setting up of TytoCare and online medical services by Phyathai hospital as well as bringing modern solutions from AIS to screening guests and offering Covid-19 insurance from Dhipaya Insurance. Meanwhile, in the Tourism area, we have strong cooperation from leading business partners including special air tickets from Thai Air Asia and special benefits from ICBC and KTC credit cards.”

Grande Asset Hotels and Property also plans to increase the number of Thai tourists by adding value to the voucher, which tourists can choose to use at our luxury hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pranburi, and Phuket. And this is the first time that vouchers can be used with different hotels in the Grande Asset Hotel chain including Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas and also one partner hotel Amatara Wellness Resort in Phuket. A voucher of 6,000 baht is worth 10,000 baht and a voucher of 12,000 baht is worth 20,000 baht and they can be used for accommodation, dining, and spa. The vouchers can be purchased at all 6 hotels from today until 31 July and can be used daily, except for holidays, until 23 December 2020.”

In terms of health and safety standards from “Phyathai Hospital Group”, Dr. Apirak Palawatwichai said “Phayathai Hospital Group is providing medical services to enhance the health safety of guests.  For the first time in hotels in Thailand, the “TytoCare” device will be installed, this new medical technology can check a patient’s health and send information about lungs, heart, heartbeat, blood pressure, oral cavity, ears and skin to doctors to diagnose conditions, this works in tandem with the “Clinic Connect” service, allowing online consultation so as the service users do not have to go to the hospital. There has also been cooperation in hygiene management with the hotel, with “Indoor Air Quality” in-depth inspections of the air-conditioning system by measuring the dust, toxic substances, allergens, temperature measurement in the main hotel area, which directly affects the guest’s health condition, and also the safety of hotel tools to be in accordance with the criteria approved by Phyathai Hospital Group. This includes safety and hygiene training for hotel staff, especially for room service, restaurants, meeting rooms, swimming pools, and enhancement of security and services such as sterilizing with ozone in rooms and the ambulances are available 24 hours a day.”

Mr. Yongsit Rojsrikul, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of AIS said “AIS has collaborated to offer a ‘Thermal Face Recognition’ solution that measures heat and body temperature efficiently to enhance confidence in guests. The Face Recognition system allows the recording of identity and temperature data at the same time and can also show the number of visitors in real time through Traveler Tracking Solutions, a tracking device with NB-IoT technology that allows for travel data logging which will be useful when investigating and tracking disease cases. There is also a system to set up surveillance areas and alert tourists when traveling to those areas as well as an emergency panic button to notify of any emergency situation. In addition, it is convenient for customers to purchase Grande Asset’s cash vouchers via the “JongSabuy” application which offer discounts and redemptions for AIS Serenade membership.”

Guests who bought voucher set will also receive COVID-19 insurance from Dhipaya Insurance.  Dr. Somporn Suebthawilkul, Managing Director of Dhipaya Insurance Plc said “Dhipaya Insurance is providing coverage to hotel guests with the “COVID-19 Insurance Plan” which covers medical expenses from a Covid-19 infection up to 100,000 baht, along with compensation for terminal illness from a coronavirus infection up to 100,000 baht and also additional accidental death coverage  of 100,000 baht. Customers will be covered for a period of 30 days.”

In terms of cooperation to encourage tourism with Thai Air Asia, Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, revealed “Thai Air Asia is providing domestic routes with special ticket prices for customers who make a reservation with Grande Asset Hotels and Property to ensure that all visitors can travel comfortably.  This cooperation is a good opportunity for businesses related to the tourism industry by bringing our products and services together to encourage travel.”

Cooperation with financial partners includes ICBC Bank Thailand. Mr. Wan Huat Joseph Chia, Executive Vice President – Branch Banking Division, ICBC Bank Thailand said “We will give the special privileges for ICBC credit card members who purchase vouchers from Grande Asset Hotels and Property. This privilege is only for ICBC credit cardholders located in Thailand who are Thai customers and Chinese businessmen in Thailand, which are groups of customers with high spending power for tourism.”

For privileges from Krungthai Credit Card (KTC), Miss Prym Panyasereeporn said “KTC Credit Card will give special privileges and value so cardmembers can have a special holiday experience. All types of KTC credit cards will receive a 4% discount instantly or choose to pay 0% instalment for 5 months when buying a Grande Asset Hotels and Property gift Voucher card. Credit card members who buy a gift card through KTC World Travel Service Center (Tel. 02-123 5050) between 1-31 July 2020, can enjoy the benefits plus exchange KTC Forever points equal to the purchase amount for an additional 12% discount as well.”

Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has partnered with Wanderlust World for the launch of a new App designed to facilitate safe and seamless travel in the wake of COVID-19.

The restart of tourism must be managed cautiously and responsibly, with public health the primary concern, and making full use of innovation.

The new WORLD TOURIST IDENTIFICATION App is one of many solutions developed to meet the new demands of both tourists and destinations, and one of a number of initiatives UNWTO is working alongside to drive tourism’s recovery. The App allows tourists to carry digital copies of key documents in one place. This will make identification of tourist arrivals easier, quicker and safer. The app is also designed to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The restart of tourism brings opportunity for millions, especially those whose livelihoods are dependent on the sector. This restart must be managed cautiously and responsibly, with public health the primary concern, and making full use of innovation. The WORLD TOURIST IDENTIFICATION app promises to facilitate travel across international borders, promoting trust and building confidence in tourism, essential foundations for the sector’s recovery.”

Since the start of the current crisis, UNWTO has been promoting the power of innovation to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and to prepare the sector to recover better and stronger. This partnership builds on initiatives including the UNWTO Healing Solutions for Tourism Challenge which attracted more than 1,000 applications from innovators and entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries.

Bangkok, Thailand, June 26, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / From 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021, IHG® hotels and resorts in Thailand are offering up to 50% off their room rates across the kingdom with Your Perfect Thailand Getaway. In addition to these savings, guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast during their stays, and the flexibility of having full cancellations up to one day before their stay with no deposit required. The package is available for bookings made before 31 July 2020.

Whether guests are looking for immersive cultural experiences in vibrant cities or blissful relaxation on stunning coastlines, IHG’s hotels and resorts in Thailand offer a great array of hotel options for everyone.

Taking a fresh look at Bangkok with new IHG brands
Staybridge Suites Bangkok Thonglor, the first property for the brand in South East Asia, opened in January 2020 and brings with it a dedication and commitment to offering a sense of ‘home’ to guests amidst the hustle and bustle of their travelling lives. The 303-suite hotel provides a distinctive residential-style hotel experience with all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen in each suite and access to outdoor space via dedicated balconies in selected suites.

Another first in South East Asia is Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok which is slated to welcome guests from 1 October 2020. Eclectic, modern design and a lighthearted spirit underpin the identity of the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, a hotel that channels the vibrant pulse of the city in which it resides. Every detail at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered, so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal. Strategically located beside Lumphini Park in the heart of the exclusive Langsuan area, the 362-room hotel and residences delivers an indulgent experience that combines the best of both worlds – tranquil views of lush greenery and easy access to prime city districts such as Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam and Chidlom.

Immerse in the old world charm of Hua Hin
Renowned for its elegant period architecture and bustling markets and colourful nightlife, Hua Hin has been a popular retreat for both locals and international travellers. Today, this beach town continues to charm visitors with its pristine sandy beaches, Buddhist temples, world-class golf courses, hillside vineyards and Thailand’s best waterpark, Vana Nava Water Jungle.

Perfect for families travelling with young children, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin Resort offers custom- built KidSuites® that accords 52sqm of space that parents and the Little Big Travellers will be able to stretch out, relax, and play within. What’s more, a spacious kids ’ club will keep the little ones entertained, and Kids

Stay & Eat for Free during their stay at the resort.
Alternatively, opt for a pampering stay at the luxurious InterContinental Hua Hin Resort. The 158-room low- rise beachfront resort spans across pristine white sandy beach alongside Gulf of Thailand, and its luxurious guestrooms are artfully accented with traditional Thai designs.

Experience the coastal cities of Pattaya and Rayong
Less than two hours from Bangkok, Pattaya’s beaches are perfect for water sports lovers. The city comes alive after dark with the electrifying nightlife takes over the city scape. Located on a cliff headland, InterContinental Pattaya Resort, offers unsurpassed views of the Koh Larn (Coral Island) and Gulf of Thailand. For urban holidaymakers who prefer a more peaceful beach atmosphere, Rayong City beckons and Holiday Inn & Suites Rayong City serves as a great base to sightsee or shop before continuing on to Koh Samet.

Book the ‘Perfect Thailand Getaway’ offer by 31 July 2020 to enjoy up to 50% off room rates and complimentary breakfast for stays from 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021.

IHG Clean Promise
IHG has a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures at all its hotels worldwide. This is being extended with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices, in partnership with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, as well as introducing the IHG Clean Promise.

About IHG
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN Hotels®, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, voco ™, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, avid ™ hotels, Staybridge Suites®, Atwell Suites™ and Candlewood Suites®.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns approximately 5,900 hotels and nearly 882,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with over 2,000 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

London, United Kingdom, June 26, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), said “The UK’s Travel & Tourism sector will no doubt welcome the UK government’s announcement on the re-opening of hotels, pubs, restaurants and attractions from July 4, as the lockdown measures ease across England. It will help drive the recovery of a crucial sector which is worth almost £200bn or nine per cent of the UK’s total economy.

“But while this may help domestic Travel & Tourism to recover, it does nothing to bring greater clarity for when travellers and holidaymakers can start venturing abroad or when international travellers can arrive into the UK on air bridges or travel corridors without having to be quarantined for 14 days.

“WTTC believes the recovery of the wider Travel & Tourism sector desperately needs a clear timeline for when overseas travel can resume. It is essential that airlines, tour operators and ferry companies, among others, can prepare their businesses to welcome back holidaymakers who also need to be able to plan and book their getaways.”