Category: Latest Travel News

Inle Lake (Myanmar) – March 4, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Luxury boutique resort Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min blends French art de vivre with traditional wellness treatments on the banks of the breath-taking UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Inle Lake, Myanmar, 3rd March 2020 – Overlooking an enchanting patchwork of shimmering waters, rolling hills and rice fields, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is redefining the wellness retreat concept on the spectacular shores of one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations.

DISCOVER THE LEGENDS OF INLE LAKE AND FIND YOUR INNER SELF

To celebrate its first anniversary, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is introducing the first luxury wellness programme in Myanmar to focus exclusively on holistic therapies, traditional treatments, nutrition, fitness coaching and educational wellness initiatives. Guests are invited to indulge in these all-encompassing packages, designed for an unforgettable stay at one of the wellness resort’s 101 guest rooms and suites, which include 36 Luxury Rooms, 25 Junior Suites, 12 Prestige Suites, 27 Opera Suites and one exclusive Imperial Suite.

Offerings include the Wellness Discovery package, with benefits including a pre-arrival consultation, yoga sessions, customised meditation class, spa treatments, an in-room wellness minibar, and holistic rituals in the morning and evening. Each guest will receive a wellness basket in their suite, which includes all the essentials such as a yoga mat, skipping rope, wellness ball and dumbbells. The Wellness Discovery package is available from USD180 per person, per night.

“We are thrilled to introduce an immersive journey into wellness, redefining the current offering of experiences in Myanmar,” said David G. Daguise, the resort’s Cluster General Manager. “In this fast-paced world, we want to provide our guests with the opportunity to be transported to a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. We have focussed on four key pillars to establish our wellness offering – Spa & Fitness, Yoga & Meditation, Culinary Journey, and Local Culture & Traditions.”

NUTRITIONAL TREATMENTS MEET FARM-TO-TABLE DISHES

“You are what you eat” is the motto of Chef Aung Kyaw Swar, the man behind Sofitel Inle Lake Myat
Min’s unique culinary experiences and the curator of the Wellness Cuisine programme. Locally-sourced organic products take centre stage on his healthy and nutritious menus, namely at the resort’s Roots Signature Restaurant, which introduces guests to regenerative ingredients that prioritise the body’s requirements and tantalise the taste buds.

The restaurant, which overlooks Inle Lake’s gentle waters, aims to instil a sense of spirituality and promote the resort’s wider commitment to sustainability. Chef Aung Kyaw Swar and his team support the local communities by working closely — and responsibly — with producers and short food supply chains in order to discover local flavours, creating authentic, delicious dishes ranging from salads and soups to regional specialities.

Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min maintains its own organic and hydroponic garden, which embraces local Shan methods with a contemporary approach to produce fruits, vegetables and herbs. Harvests are not only used in the kitchen and spa, but also shared with the local community and hotel staff.

“Domestic and international travellers with a health-conscious approach can immerse in an array of experiences and countless benefits during their stay with us,” Daguise adds. “Guests can take a back-to-basics holistic culinary journey complete with organic dishes and the utmost respect for Mother Nature.”

UNWIND AND REJUVENATE AMIDST TRANQUIL VISTAS

The tailor-made energising and healing programmes have been developed to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit of Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min’s guests. The mind-body connection of the wellness programmes are designed by onsite Yoga Master, Sudhir Thampi. Born and raised in India, Sudhir’s expertise in yoga, meditation and fitness are vital to the overall success of the wellness journey. Yoga for him is as natural as breathing and guests can enjoy private and group yoga sessions as well as fitness classes as part of their package.

Yoga classes are held in a series of waterfront villas, designed in warm hues with natural woven materials offset by red and orange plaid that is inspired by the headscarves of the local Pa-o women. Perched at the edge of the lake and surrounded by verdant gardens and reflective ponds, guests can draw inspiration from these serene, outdoor spaces while practising yoga and meditation.

Sudhir follows the motto that “Health is Wealth” and he believes that yoga can guide one to achieve happiness and peace of mind.

LUXURY SPA COLLABORATION

Another first for Myanmar, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min has partnered with high-end cosmetic brand L’Occitane to create natural treatments devoted to well-being. The exclusive techniques and treatments combine local, ancient and authentic healing practices with modern cosmetology to provide guests with a rich selection of sophisticated massage treatments and wellness experiences.

The special combination treatment packages available incorporate various elements ranging from sumptuous body scrubs to relaxing aroma massages that sooth the body and mind — all in the holistic environment of the Sofitel Spa.

Ms. Angela In Gyin, the hotel’s Spa Manager, explains that the traditional treatment options are handed down from generations and elevated with the addition of modern holistic touches that aim to revive all senses.

The Sofitel Spa is a chant to nature – intriguing to the senses and calming to the mind.

Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is located 47 km from Heho Airport, and 600 km from Yangon, which is a 1-hour flight away. From the airport, guests can arrive at the resort via the resort’s land or lake transfer service.

About Sofitel
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts is an ambassador of modern French style, culture and art-de-vivre around the world. Established in 1964, Sofitel is the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France with almost 120 chic and remarkable hotels in the world’s most sought after destinations. Sofitel exudes a refined and understated sense of modern luxury, always blending a touch of French decadence with the very best of the locale. The Sofitel collection includes such notable hotels as Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. Sofitel is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 5000 hotels and residences across 110 countries.

Montreux (Switzerland) – March 3, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of more than 530 hotels in 56 countries, has entered into partnership with Clinique La Prairie to operate the pioneering Swiss health clinic’s very first aesthetics and medical spa outside of Europe.

Due to launch later this year, the Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa will operate at The St. Regis Bangkok under MSpa International, the corporate division of spa and wellness with Minor Hotels. The St. Regis Bangkok is owned by Minor Hotels.

The partnership represents the growth and confidence in Thailand as an international medical tourism destination, recognizing the global demand for personalised wellness offerings beyond traditional health and spa services.

The state-of-the-art medical spa will be a luxurious haven of rejuvenation centrally located in Thailand’s capital city. An escape from the hectic pace of Bangkok, the medical spa will offer forever young treatments and healing therapies in line with Clinique La Prairie’s commitment to helping and inspiring people to live a healthier, longer and better life.
Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive Officer of Minor International, owning company of The St. Regis Bangkok said, “We are delighted to partner with Clinique La Prairie on their first business venture in Asia and we are excited to see this collaboration come to fruition. Bangkok is the global capital of medical and wellness tourism and we are confident that the demand for, and the expertise of the Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa, will be very well received by residents of Bangkok and visitors to Thailand.”

Zoe Wall, Group Director of MSpa International, added: “Clinique La Prairie is a global leader when it comes to longevity-based programs. The Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa will bring a host of exclusive firsts to Bangkok. A team of medical spa professionals and aesthetics medicine specialists will combine expert knowledge with contemporary science and state-of-the-art technology to ensure bespoke experiences with a results-driven focus. Individual consultations to address longevity, beauty and nutrition will be available to guests in which they will receive a tailor-made program to enhance their lifestyle.”

Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie says: “Since 1931, Clinique La Prairie is a unique destination where the level of care en-wraps the guests in cutting edge health care and wellness. After nearly 90 years of heritage in Switzerland, the clinic’s ambition is to offer its expertise and its holistic approach to well-being – based on the four pillars of medical care, wellness, nutrition and exercise – abroad.”

Slated to open in 2020, Bangkok’s Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa will be located on the 15th floor of The St. Regis Bangkok. The luxury facility will feature dedicated male and female relaxation areas, each spread over two floors with a relaxation lounge and floating pods, locker facilities, showers and restrooms on the mezzanine level, while the lower wet area of each showcase steam rooms, Jacuzzis, cold plunge pools, and experience showers inviting personalized selection of water pressure, lighting and music.

About Minor Hotels:
Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with more than 530 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, AVANI, Oaks, Tivoli, M Collection, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America.

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 2, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The Macallan Edition No.5 is our very own homage to the diversity and complexity of natural colour. Inspired by a coming together of whisky making mastery and colour expertise and insight, this single malt celebrates both The Macallan’s commitment to natural colour and the intricate whisky making process.

We are surrounded by colour; it shapes our everyday lives. From defining moods, shaping perceptions, distracting thoughts and changing behaviour, it is a powerful force that can communicate without words.

100% natural in colour, all of our exceptional whiskies from The Macallan are shaped from time spent in the very best casks; maturing, nurturing and developing character. World renowned colour masters at the Pantone Color InstituteTM created a uniquely bold shade of purple; reflecting an enigmatic, multi-faceted and intricate combination of red and blue.

With The Macallan Edition No.5, it is the complexity and precision of the whisky making process which defines this colour creation; showcasing the infinite hues, creativity and expertise which harnesses the natural colour of The Macallan.

Sarah Burgess, The Macallan Whisky Maker, said, “We can find much common ground between whisky making and colour creation and with Edition No.5 we have been able to explore and celebrate these two art forms. Whilst colour development starts with mixing basic colours with precision to achieve different shades, for whisky making, it is the knowledge and understanding of a specific palette of colours from the cask which is the starting point. From here we can craft the desired character and specific colour of the final whisky”.

Commenting on the collaboration, Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, said “As the rainbow’s most complex colour, purple naturally felt like the ideal shade to highlight the equally complex process involved in The Macallan’s whisky making. This new vibrant shade developed for Edition No.5, brings to life the exquisite combination of distinctive natural hues found in this whisky.

Only American oak casks were handpicked for this single malt, primarily for their colour in order to deliver a whisky with a wonderfully full flavour. The result is beautiful sunlit barley colour that is accompanied by an intriguingly intense flavour profile that hosts sweet notes of caramel and fresh fruit combined with oak spices.

For further information, please contact:
Sabrina Belletti
E: sabrina@alchemy-th.com

About The Macallan
Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In May 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks. The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824. The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.” www.themacallan.com

About Pantone Color Institute
Pantone provides a universal language of colour that enables colour-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control colour from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve colour consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical colour specification and workflow tools. Pantone Color Institute™ provides customized colour standards, brand identity and product colour consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Color of the Year, Fashion Runway Color Trend Reports, colour psychology and more. www.pantone.com

Qawra (Malta) – March 2, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Inaugural Malta Climate Friendly Travel Think Tank concludes with finding that the eXistential climate crisis requires even more urgent action by the entire global Travel and Tourism sector. In Qawra, Malta, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli addressed members of the SUNx Malta Climate Friendly Travel Think Tank on the Government of Malta’s commitment to establishing itself as a centre for Climate Friendly Travel.

The key takeaway from the meeting was that the eXistential Climate Crisis requires even more urgent action by the entire global Travel & Tourism sector than has been generally recognized to date.

The Government of Malta, in its role as ally and partner, has committed to become a global Centre of Climate Friendly Travel. Malta’s Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, was on hand to conclude the meeting and discuss the findings of the Think Tank.

The Hon Minister for Tourism Julia Farrugia Portelli stated that our country is not just acting as a member of the international community in leading a global effort, but is putting on the forefront the Maltese tourism sector in addressing Climate Change by promoting Climate Friendly Travel through reduced emissions with the ultimate objective of carbon neutrality.

The Minister added that Malta has a strong tradition of spearheading initiatives of global environmental significance such as the initiative at the 1967 United Nations General Assembly that culminated in the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Malta’s action at the United Nations General Assembly in December 1988 that inspired UN’s resolution on the urgent need to conserve climate in the interests of mankind by protecting it against negative man-made changes and recognising climate change as a “common concern” requiring “timely action”.

SUNx Malta has been established through support from the Ministry for Tourism & Consumer Protection, and Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). On Monday 24th February they held the inaugural Climate Friendly Travel Think Tank. The group gathered 35 international thought-leaders, with support from Qatar Airways, from across academia, industry, and government to debate the key issues on Climate Change in relation to Travel & Tourism. The goal was to review and update the first Climate Friendly Travel 2050 Ambitions Report which was released on the side-lines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2019.

The Think Tank followed the core framework of Climate Friendly Travel: Measured to Manage; Green to Grow; 2050-proof to Innovate. Leslie Vella, Deputy CEO of MTA, and Chairman of SUNx Malta, opened the event with an overview of why Malta has chosen to make itself a centre for Climate Friendly Travel against the backdrop of pushing the existential nature of Climate Change on the UN Agenda starting in 1987.

The key calls to action from the Think Tank were:
• The Climate Crisis is eXistential. All stakeholders including Transport, Hospitality, Travel Services, and Infrastructure Providers must urgently start the transformation in 2020 to get onto the Paris 1.5o trajectory within the next 7- 10 years. Governments, Companies, communities and consumers, must all engage and take action now.
• “Climate Friendly Travel”. Under the banner of Climate Friendly Travel, the industry must adopt this as an imperative and the new norm.
• Fully transforming all modes of transport was seen as pivotal. SUNx Malta’s call for a Moon-shot approach for aviation to further accelerate technological research and deployment was strongly supported, which must include the immediate distribution and rapid scaling up of currently available solutions to substantially reduce aviation fossil fuel reliance.
• Climate Financing. Citing the Green New Deal as an example, the Travel & Tourism sector must engage more actively with emerging Green Finance programs to be able to secure adequate funds for transformation. High quality offsetting of carbon impacts were seen as short-term transition instruments but totally inadequate as a long-term solution. In this context it was broadly believed that aviation action to date was falling behind the rapidly intensifying transformation need.
• Emerging innovations and technologies. Building refurbishment, cruise shipping, carbon reduction, waste to fuel transformation, developing consumer behaviour and digital opportunities.
• The SUNx Malta Climate Friendly Travel Registry of Ambitions was reviewed and endorsed, as was the initiative with WISeKey to develop an innovative consumer facing secure platform.
• Education of the Next Generation was underscored as a high priority with an emphasis on an accredited Graduate Diploma, from the Gozo Institute of Tourism Studies Campus. The SUNx Malta 100,000 STRONG Climate Friendly Travel Champions and as well as its school’s program is a very positive step forward to support company and community transformation. Additionally, improving the research base was underscored on both decarbonization and sector resilience.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President SUNx Malta said: “We must act now and we must act fast. We’re already seeing with the emerging Malta collaborative framework between Government and the Travel & Tourism Supply Chain, that a pioneering approach can achieve this. It can be replicated around the world, as States seek to fulfil their Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contributions.”

He added, “We are delighted that Malta has taken a leadership position on tacking the existential threat of Climate Change and creating a support framework for Travel & Tourism which can help companies and communities in the transformation required.”

The event concluded with a Town-Hall session led by Minister Portelli, with a discussion of Malta’s commitment to the importance of tackling Climate Change and creating a model of Climate Friendly Travel.

The Strong Universal Network SUNx is a program of the EU-based, not for profit Green Growth and Travelism Institute, and a legacy to the late Maurice Strong – Sustainable Development Pioneer. Its goal is to promote Climate Friendly Travel with good & bad effects measured and managed coherently: with Green Growth at the core and, 2050-proof in line with the Paris Accords, and the W.E.F. 4th Industrial Revolution.

For more information, please contact:
Olly Wheatcroft, SUNx Program Manager,
olly@thesunprogram.com +44 (0) 7765 132408

Hua Hin (Thailand) – March 2, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Centara Hotels and Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, and Hua Hin Pearl Resort Company Limited, announced the signing of a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) for Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin. Senior executives from the two companies officially executed the agreement at a signing ceremony held yesterday at Centara’s flagship Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

Book your hotel in Hua Hin and Thailand, and around the world in more than 100 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel and Earn HolidayClicks Points. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Hua Hin Pearl, the owner of the property which is owned by a major shareholder of KTIS Group, a leading Thailand-based sugar company, acquired the former Beach Garden Hotel and carried out a complete floor-to-ceiling, property-wide renovation.

“We are delighted to be working with Hua Hin Pearl on the first Centara property in Cha Am,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s CEO. “They have tremendous experience in the market and have done a superb job on the property’s renovation and upgrading.”

“I am pleased to be working with the Centara team on the launch and long-term management of the resort,” added Parphan Siriviriyakul, Chairman of Executive Committee Hua Hin Pearl “The Centara brand gives a project tremendous visibility and credibility, and I am confident that the management team’s experience will drive the future success of the resort.”

Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin is an elegant 190-key midscale hotel located right on the Cha Am beachfront along the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. The renovation comprised a significant upgrade to all accommodation and facilities, including the creation of pool access units, development of a new restaurant and beach bar venue, and upgraded swimming pool facilities.

In addition to the newly built restaurant and beach bar, the resort’s dining options include an all-day dining venue. Extensive recreational facilities feature two swimming pools with separated children’s pool, a Kids’ Club which provides supervised games and activities for children and teens, as well as a full-service spa – Cense by Spa Cenvaree and fitness centre. The resort is also equipped with three meeting rooms with a total capacity of 300.

The coastal community of Cha Am is located within a few hours’ drive of Bangkok and about 30 minutes by car from Hua Hin, home to the iconic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. Hua Hin was Thailand’s first beach destination, and the area has retained its authentic Thai ambiance, attracting both Thai and international visitors.

Book your hotel in Hua Hin and Thailand, and around the world in more than 100 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel and Earn HolidayClicks Points. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Hua Hin has enjoyed consistent growth in recent years, and the recent expansion of its airport led to the 2018 launch of the first scheduled commercial service, which offers flights to and from Kuala Lumpur 3 days a week. The increased air links, as well as the area’s extensive recreational attractions, are expected to sustain Hua Hin’s upward growth trend over the long term. Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin is scheduled to open in April 2020.

Denver, Colorado (United States) – February 29, 2020 (travelindex.com) – As fears surrounding spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) escalate, government agencies and the medical community are cautioning that one of the biggest dangers to the general population is panic.

With misinformation and speculation rampant around predicted risks, particularly to travelers, it can be difficult to make informed travel decisions and for organizations to fully understand their exposure from global operations.

GeoSure’s data driven approach to Health & Medical safety ratings provide valuable insights for travelers, business travel managers and corporate stakeholders based on advanced predictive modeling, crowdsourced insights and sentiment analysis. GeoSure has been forecasting the potential impact of coronavirus on travelers since first reports of infection in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

In mid-January 2020, while the Chinese government was initially reporting a figure of less than 10,000 infected patients, GeoSure signals indicated the actual number of cases to much higher, likely between 70,000 and 90,000 in the weeks to follow — which today we know to be the case.

The GeoSure risk ratings platform, operating at a 95 percent confidence interval, realized and displayed these dynamic rates of change for the benefit of millions of travelers weeks before the updated governmental statistics incited the current state of anxiety in the markets.

Key takeaways for travelers:
– We did not and still don’t view coronavirus as a “fast rise time, fast decay time” event, but more persistent
– We expect sustained impact, including within the United States, albeit with moderated effects due to better testing and response
– Health & Medical risk ratings will ultimately decrease reflective of available data, including government actions such as quarantine and travel bans, introduction of pharma response such as vaccines, as well as changing patient population statistics from apolitical, reliable sources
– Hyper-local, personalized understanding of health safety conditions, along with traveler participation in a safe traveler community built on trust, is the only way to overcome institutional roadblocks, stay safer, more informed and enjoy the travel experience while fully equipped

The democratization of safety awareness is catalyzing profound benefits, and GeoSure is just getting started. Some of the offerings on tap include: dynamic rate of change alerts, time series displays, alternate (safety level vs. risk) score scaling options, hyper-local contextual insights, and a revolutionary mobile app safety experience.

About GeoSure
GeoSure is the worldwide leader in scaled, location safety assessment. The company leverages proprietary technology, machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI to calculate location-specific safety ratings represented as GeoSafeScoresTM—a simple, standardized rating that gauges the relative safety of traveling personnel or at-risk real assets anywhere in the world. GeoSure generates safety ratings for more than 30,000 locations worldwide, with locations and data growing daily. GeoSure mobile is available free for both iPhone and Android, and data is available to organizations via API or web app integrations.

Berlin (Germany) February 28, 2020 (travelindex.com) – ITB Berlin 2020 will not take place. Due to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Economics have stated their opinion that ITB Berlin be cancelled. This evening at 1827 hrs, the responsible health authority of the district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf in Berlin imposed significantly tighter restrictions on holding the event. Among its requirements the authority stipulated that each participant would need to prove to Messe Berlin that they were not from a designated risk area or had not been in contact with a person or persons from a risk area. It is not possible for Messe Berlin to satisfy all these requirements overall.

Messe Berlin had for weeks made it known that a decision on holding or cancelling large-scale events would only be taken based on the recommendations or instructions of the relevant specialist authorities. Only they possess the necessary information and specialist knowledge in order to draw the right conclusions.

Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH, said: ”With more than 10,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries ITB Berlin is extremely important for the world’s tourism industry. We take our responsibility for the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and employees very seriously. It is with a heavy heart that we must now come to terms with the cancellation of ITB Berlin 2020.”

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Berlin Wolf-Dieter Wolf said: ”Not once in the 54-year history of the event have ITB Berlin and Messe Berlin experienced a similar situation. We would like to thank all exhibitors and partners from all over the world who over the past few days and weeks have stood by ITB Berlin. We look forward to continuing the trusted relationship with our partners in the market.“

About ITB Berlin
With around 10,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries and an overall attendance of 160,000 ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Show. In 2021 it will take place from 10 to 14 March. This is where, despite the cancellation, users can connect with other participants, exchange views and stay in touch with ITB. It also gives users the opportunity to do business, network and get information on all four ITB trade shows 365 days a year and provides easy access for newcomers to the sector.

About Messe Berlin
Based on turnover and growth, Messe Berlin is one of the world’s ten leading trade fair companies. Each year it develops, markets and hosts hundreds of live events in Berlin and around the world. Its wide-ranging portfolio includes ITB, IFA, InnoTrans, FRUIT LOGISTICA and the International Green Week, all leading global trade fairs, as well as major conferences and iconic events such as the street celebrations (Fanmeile) at the Brandenburg Gate. Messe Berlin has around 90 foreign representatives who market events in over 170 countries. Each year some 30,000 members of the media from all parts of the world obtain accreditation for events on the exhibition grounds in Berlin where the company has its headquarters. Thus, Messe Berlin acts as a driving force of the metropolis that is Berlin. Its aim is to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event at Messe Berlin, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and to ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company slogan: ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’.

Madrid (Spain) – February 28, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Tourism’s continued growth and unique transformative potential is dependent upon stability and international solidarity. The sector must, therefore, always put people and their wellbeing first.

The decision to cancel this year’s ITB Berlin on public health grounds shows that tourism is living up to its responsibility to put people first.

Tourism is one of the leading economic sectors in the world. It is also a key driver of sustainable development and supports millions of livelihoods worldwide.

UNWTO will continue to work closely with its partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure the tourism sector responds to an evolving situation in a measured and responsible manner.

At the same time, UNWTO stands ready to support its members as they plan for the future and harness the power of tourism to drive economic and social recovery.

Dublin (Ireland) – February 28, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Sustainable Travel Ireland has formally adopted the GSTC Industry Criteria to be used in Ireland by accommodations and tour operators. Sustainable Travel Ireland, formerly Ecotourism Ireland, is Ireland’s leading and longest-running body for the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism, training and certifying businesses for over 10 years. Founded in 2009, Ecotourism Ireland set out to develop ecotourism in Ireland, and to highlight the best of what the country had to offer whilst ensuring its heritage and environment were preserved for this and future generations. Today, Sustainable Travel Ireland has the same mission but broader, aiming to drive the development of a new, sustainable model for ALL tourism in Ireland.

“We commend Sustainable Travel Ireland for appreciating the value of conforming to international norms for sustainability in their national tourism development strategy” says Randy Durband,GSTC CEO.

“There has never been a more significant need for leadership in sustainability the world over. Businesses need a standard that they can trust and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council sets those standards for tourism. It has always been important to have our standards recognised by the GSTC and we are delighted to adopt the industry criteria as we diversify and offer certification to all types of sustainable tourism businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland.” says Rob Rankin, CEO Sustainable Travel Ireland.

Currently, 11 destination standards, 30 hotel standards, and 30 tour operator standards have achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The status offers the market a proof that these standards adhere to international norms GSTC Recognition does not ensure that a certification process is reliable, only that the set of standards used to certify are equivalent to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to complete the Accreditation process, which assures that the certification process used to apply the standard meets international best practice, transparent, and rigor.

GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to complete the Accreditation process which assures that the certification process used to apply the standard meets international best practice, transparent, and rigor. Learn more about GSTC Accreditation.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable tourism standards with the aim of increasing sustainable tourism knowledge and practices among public and private stakeholders. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that establishes and manages global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. The standards are two sets of GSTC Criteria: Destination Criteria and Industry Criteria, the minimum requirements for tourism businesses and destinations to pursue in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, along with conservation and poverty alleviation. The GSTC represents a diverse and global membership, including UN agencies, leading travel companies, hotels, country tourism boards, tour operators, individuals and communities – all strive to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

About Sustainable Travel Ireland
Sustainable Travel Ireland, formerly Ecotourism Ireland, is Ireland’s leading and longest-running body for the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism, training and certifying businesses for over 10 years. Founded in 2009, Ecotourism Ireland set out to develop ecotourism in Ireland, and to highlight the best of what the country had to offer whilst ensuring its heritage and environment were preserved for this and future generations. Today, Sustainable Travel Ireland has the same mission but broader, aiming to drive the development of a new, sustainable model for ALL tourism in Ireland.

Geneva (Switzerland) – February 27, 2020 (travelindex.com) – IATA warns it is “premature” to estimate what the potential losses would mean for global profitability. Airlines in Asia-Pacific could suffer a potential 13% full-year loss in passenger demand as a result of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

That is according to the latest analysis from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which has revised its forecast figures for the region from an expected 4.8% growth increase to an 8.2% full-year contraction, compared to 2019 figures.

Such a scenario would result in a $27.8 billion revenue loss for Asia-Pacific carriers in 2020. The majority of that would be carried by airlines registered in China, with $12.8 billion lost in that domestic market alone.

IATA analysis predicts that in the same instance, carriers outside Asia-Pacific would lose $1.5 billion in revenue if the fall in demand is limited to markets linked to China.

Airlines and governments are in this together. We have a public health emergency, and we must try everything to keep it from becoming an economic crisis

That would bring total global lost revenue to $29.3 billion (5% lower passenger revenues compared to IATA’s forecast in December) and represent a 4.7% hit to global demand.

In December, IATA forecast global RPK growth of 4.1%, meaning such a loss would more than eliminate expected growth this year, resulting in a 0.6% global contraction in passenger demand for 2020.

“These are challenging times for the global air transport industry. Stopping the spread of the virus is the top priority,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“Airlines are following the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health authorities to keep passengers safe, the world connected, and the virus contained.

“The sharp downturn in demand as a result of Covid-19 will have a financial impact on airlines—severe for those particularly exposed to the China market.

“We estimate that global traffic will be reduced by 4.7% by the virus, which could more than offset the growth we previously forecast.

“Airlines are making difficult decisions to cut capacity and in some cases routes. Lower fuel costs will help offset some of the lost revenue, but this will be a very tough year for airlines.”

IATA’s estimates are based on Covid-19 having a similar impact on demand to that of the SARS virus in 2003, which saw a 5.1% fall in RPKs for Asia-Pacific carriers.

However, the trade association for the world’s airlines added that it is “premature” to estimate what the possible revenue losses would mean for global profitability.

De Juniac called on governments to show leadership and follow international health regulations to ensure there is an effective global approach to containing the outbreak.

He added that providing financial relief to airlines struggling to economically maintain connectivity is also important.

“Airlines and governments are in this together. We have a public health emergency, and we must try everything to keep it from becoming an economic crisis,” said de Juniac.

“Relief on airport costs will help maintain vital air connectivity. Other governments should take good note and act quickly.”