Category: Latest Travel News

Madrid (Spain) – March 23, 2020 (travelindex.com) – by Mr. Xu Jing, Specialist in Tourism of Asia and the Pacific/ Former Director of Asia-Pacific UNWTO – How Asia-Pacific tourism will be impacted in the wake of COVID19? Will NTAs be prepared to confront with the on-going and post crisis? Are we ready for a drastic game change? Xu Jing shares his personal insights on the evolving trends – go domestic, go short haul, go all- inclusive while analyzing the egg-basket concept, the previous crisis reference as well as long term perspective of rethinking and re-planning.

Over the years, the global tourism industry has made remarkable advancements, among which the performance of Asia and the Pacific has always been outstanding. As we speak, the region takes roughly a quarter of the world’s international tourist arrivals while its revenue accounts for over 30% of the total share. For more than two decades, Asia and the Pacific has almost always been the fastest growing region. The feeling is that of a celebrity star under the dazzling spotlight. Furthermore, the overwhelming share of the Chinese outbound market within Asia-Pacific and its increasing share in the world has equally put the region in the central stage of world tourism.

However, since the beginning of 2020, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has suddenly hit the tourism industry in Asia and the Pacific more severely than a tsunami of any scale.

On 24 January 2020, with the notice issued by the Chinese government to suspend all enterprise operations, tourism was completely shut down overnight, both inbound and outbound. As a result, tourism in Asia wasdisrupted in all directions as well as for the world experiencing unprecedented shocks. On 11 March, WHO declared the COVID-19 epidemic as a global pandemic due to its rapid spread to North America, Europe and the Middle East. As of date, diagnosis has been confirmed on all six continents except Antarctica. This shock will undoubtedly be a disaster of the highest order for the global tourism industry in 2020 and beyond.

Looking back on the glorious days of international tourism industry, it is only recent that we repeatedly chanted the importance of tourism. Remember those authoritative claims? One in every 11 job opportunities is created by the tourism industry, and as many as 3 million cross-border tourists every day contribute to the prosperity and development of the world. We are the sun rising industry brighter than any other sectors, and we are the inexhaustible green oil!

Now, out of the blue and in front of the crisis, the industry is so much disrupted! Disrupted to the extent that we have no choice but to give in temporarily because we are confronted with the risk of losing so many lives on this planet earth!

The crisis once again tells us that tourism is such a fragile and dependent industry! This is not the first time that the international tourism industry has been disrupted. SARS in 2003 and the tsunami at the end of 2004 also had a huge impact on the global tourism industry. However, this outbreak of the novel coronavirus is certainly the worst. History and the future remind us that this crisis will not be the last.

The Asia-Pacific tourism situation in 2020 should have been another course of action. In 2019, the region’s growth rate once again achieved fantastic results of 7%. At the national level, various tourist destinations actively developed a series of tourism products, hoping to create even greater glories. China’s outbound tourism continued to maintain a strong momentum; Japan broke through 30 million inbound tourists as early as 2018 and is advancing towards the government target of 40 million; Malaysia, Nepal and many other Asian countries started 2020 with the “Year of Tourism”. And destinations such as Thailand, South Korea, and Australia were all focusing on how to prevent tourists from over-concentrating and discussing the urgent issue of how tourists diverge.

However, the novel coronavirus changed all this and caught Asia and the world by surprise.

As of March 10, before WHO announced the global pandemic, WTTC already believed that the negative impact of the epidemic in China alone would shrink the world tourism industry by 25%. Of these, 80% impacted could be SMEs, and as many as 50 million people could lose their jobs due to this crisis. Take Thailand as an example. Last year, it received circa 39 million international tourists, and its income was roughly one-fifth of national GDP. Among them, Chinese tourists accounted for more than 10 million. One can easily imagine how the epidemic has been affecting the country. According to an estimate by a British media, many small businesses in Phuket are hard to survive if the crisis lasts for more than three months.

According to the analysis of CAPA, most of the airlines in the world are likely to go bankrupt before May this year with the spread of the virus worldwide! It may sound too sensational, but it reflects the harshness of reality.

The accuracy of the above data is no longer the most important thing in the face of such a rapidly spreading plague. In recent days, understandably so due to the swift control of the disease nationwide, all levels of Chinese government are actively preparing for the resumption of work, the resumption of production, and the reopening of businesses. Furthermore, the culture and tourism ministry is considering how to resume operations of the tourism industry step by step. But with the spread of the virus to the rest of the world, it is almost by now an ideal of wishful thinking.

China is no longer the only factor in the equation. Iran and Italy fell! Spain, France and Germany are in danger! Even Britain has said that deaths will be measured in thousands or even hundreds of thousands!

In such a grim situation, I don’t see how one can predict the direction of China’s tourism!

In such a grim situation, I don’t see how one can predict the direction of Asian tourism!

In such a grim situation, I don’t see how one can predict the direction of world tourism!

I’m not a pessimist, because all things are still changing, because we don’t know where Asian tourism can go as a result of such a worldwide epidemic! But we have to shoulder the responsibility to think and prepare to win the tourism revival war.

At this stage, we may be able to vaguely feel that some trends are gestating:

1. To discuss which egg in the basket is no longer important

When the epidemic had just spread in China, most destinations were quick to say that next time we should not over-focus the source market to China. No matter how great the market of China is, once a crisis comes, no one wants to put all eggs in one basket as the old saying goes! Does it make sense? Absolutely it does! But the discussion is no longer meaningful, because other source markets are or will soon be hit the same way. Even with eggs of different colors, it is now difficult to put them in different baskets anyway as there aren’t other ones.

2. Past recovery experience is no longer applicable

It is pertinent to mention that after SARS in 2003, the international tourism industry came up with a corresponding recovery plan to assist China’s tourism industry. At that time, it was the Chinese inbound tourism market that was hit. The Chinese outbound market then was not yet playing a pivotal role in the global market as it is now.

As for the tsunami at the end of 2004 and into 2005, although the international tourism community came up with a set of revitalization plans represented by the “Phuket Global Tourism Recovery Action Plan”, the crisis hit only several Asian destinations, unlike now which is worldwide.

Therefore, the crisis management needed now is all directions involving both major source countries and all major destinations. We are now talking about the possible recovery of tourism that has no precedence for reference.

3. The shift from inbound tourism to domestic tourism

As China, the United States, and European countries successively announced restrictions on travel by their nationals, the world has come to a sudden stop with all of the most important tourist source markets vanishing overnight. In this situation, tourism administrations must come up with corresponding measures as soon as possible to save the disaster. Being unable to choose any target market externally, the first consideration may be the domestic tourism market. Although this market is not as economically efficient as the international market for many destinations, it is expedient to solve the immediate crisis as a makeshift method. If countries are keenly aware of this sudden change and recognize the domestic market as the goal, they must make timely adjustments to their destination tourism policies. Changes in the market direction should not be a major problem for countries such as China and India or developed countries such as the United States and Europe, and there should be no problem in following up policies and measures. As far as China is concerned, this may also be a good time to turn crisis into opportunity, and take advantage of the current situation to drive domestic consumption that needs to be promoted. However, destinations that rely heavily on inbound tourists, such as the Maldives and Fiji, will be seriously challenged to adjust in a short period of time.

4. Short-haul products could be more popular

Several industry professionals are already advocating this idea. As they say, compared to international long-haul products that cross national borders, this short-haul trend in the market may become part of the immediate solution. I would categorize this type of products as those that are close-range within the domestic boundary. Typical itineraries could include city breaks, outings in the suburbs and rural tourism products within short distance. It is therefore suggested that they should become the first batch of leisure tourism as part and parcel of the overall recovery process. What needs to be considered as a word of caution is that these alternative products cannot be the same products of domestic tourism for years. They need to reflect the newness and the joy from the relief of pressure. A good reference point in product design is the post 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan of China, where tourists just wanted mental joy with physical spend after their survival.

5. All inclusive package as holiday product will be on the rise

There are also industry insiders who are already paying attention to the products of a typical resort hotel in a closed ambiance. Once arriving at the destination, three meals a day, all entertainment and leisure are in situ. No moving out. In the short-term, it might be a popular product because nowadays all tourists will be talking about hygiene and health safety. I believe that the Maldives may also use this strategy in order to attract Chinese guests and other markets to return. However, from the perspective of government policy, we should consider those products that can directly bring greater radiation benefits to the community, rather than such “closed-door” leisure that mostly benefits large enterprises.

6. From a long-term planning perspective

Over the years, we have had too many governments and enterprises that are enthusiastic about developing large scale projects and construction of assets of volume under the excuse of embracing the high-growth tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Now in the region, you easily find hotels with 5,000 rooms each or a cruise ship with 7,000 cabins. Once the crisis comes, once we have a lockdown like now, disaster of course comes. Unemployment is inevitable, and pressure to honour financial commitments cannot be escaped. It is even more expected that the upstream and downstream supply chains are broken! If we had less cement accumulation before, and if we had destroyed less of nature due to construction in the first place and did not pursue the maximization of profit, maybe we can still survive through the crisis this time. The original form of tourism after all is that of family based bed & breakfast. I am sure we could have less impact with smaller scale of businesses.

7. Rethinking is needed to bring back tourism more to the attainment of SDGs

This unprecedented crisis will hopefully bring warnings to human beings, not only to overcome the virus epidemic, but also to rethink what our fundamental concept of developing tourism should be. I sincerely hope that tourism is more than the basic enjoyment and rights of our mankind. Tourism should be an effective means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations! In any crisis, restructuring and shuffling will be inevitable. It will be all industry-wide. The impact is not only on traditional travel agencies and hotels, but also on every link in the modern Internet supply chain. Let us stop for a moment and maybe we can change our mind. Let us turn crisis into opportunity,. Let tourism contribute not just to our physical pleasure but more to sustainable production of resources! Let tourism contribute to more sustainable consumption of goods!

It is my personal conviction that if the consumption of resources is minimized by human beings, the impact of a crisis of any sort should also be minimized. In so doing, let us hope that tourism will be on its real road of being green.

The crisis of the coronavirus is still underway. The difficulties are far from over. Let us unite under one roof of the world to overcome. Together we can do it and tomorrow will be brighter.

First published by Mr. Xu Jing on March 18, 2020 on Linkedin

Luang Prabang (Laos) – March 25, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The perfect wedding does not need to be a lavish celebration with hundreds of guests. True romance is about finding your own space – a secluded sanctuary to create deeply personal moments with your loved one, without any unnecessary distractions. Interested couples can start planning their wedding right away from home. Resort’s new “Khoi Hak Jao Lai” package includes a traditional ceremony, professional photography, a romantic dinner, couple’s spa treatment, in-room amenities and more.

This is what future wives and husbands can discover when they stage their wedding at Pullman Luang Prabang, the luxurious and eco-sensitive retreat in northern Laos. Nestled in 16 hectares of lush countryside, surrounded by paddy fields, rivers and jungle-clad hills, this five-star resort is giving brides and grooms the chance to exchange their eternal vows in peace and privacy, blessed with authentic Lao heritage and hospitality.

The new “Khoi Hak Jao Lai” wedding package captures the essence of this exquisite destination, with a spiritual ceremony and a wealth of extra amenities, from romantic room decorations and sublime spa treatments to professional photography, delectable dining and more. With no minimum number of guests required, couples can enjoy the most important day of their lives on their own terms, without the stress of organising a large wedding.

“Pullman Luang Prabang is the ultimate romantic destination for modern couples. We allow loved ones to come together and create truly unforgettable occasions together without the usual romantic clichés. What’s more, our commitment to sustainability means that guests can combine their wedding with their passion for preserving the environment. And with fewer guests, the event’s carbon footprint will be significantly smaller. Everything can be organised remotely in advance, in coordination with our expert onsite wedding planner – perfect for couples who are currently spending more time at home together. We look forward to letting guests soak up the romantic ambience of northern Laos,” said Denis Dupart, the resort’s general manager.

The Khoi Hak Jao Lai package showcases a traditional Lao “baci” ceremony, which is designed to bring harmony and balance the body’s spirits. Guided by an expert wedding planner, couples will take their place around a “pha khuan”, a floral centerpiece made from fresh flowers and banana leaves. This sacred ritual will be conducted by a “mor phon” – a respected village elder or monk – for a truly enchanting experience.

The couple will be dressed in classical Lao costumes, with hairstyling and make-up for the bride. The venue will be fully decorated and accompanied by instrumental music. A four-hour wedding photography session, including transportation to beautiful local landmarks such as Heuan Chan Heritage House and Wat Xieng Thong, will ensure the perfect memento of this special day.

Back at Pullman Luang Prabang, the bride and groom will be treated to a romantic set dinner for two in a cabana, a 60-minute couple’s massage at the Pullman Spa, and a specially decorated room with a blissful bubble bath, a bottle of sparkling wine and a cake.

Since it opened its doors in 2019, Pullman Luang Prabang has implemented a series of environmental initiatives, including organic farming, local community partnerships and eco-friendly guest activities. These were recognised recently, which it became the only property in Luang Prabang to receive the 7th ASEAN Green Hotel Standard Award.
Local farmer working in Pullman Luang Prabang’s fields that produced 3.5 tonnes of organic rice from its last harvest
Eco-conscious couples can discover how the resort’s own rice fields are worked by local farmers using water buffalo, and how the organic gardens produce 100kg of fresh vegetables and herbs per month for the restaurants. They can also learn how Pullman Luang Prabang works with important community initiatives, such the Namkhan Project, an eco-farm which has helped to reverse soil degradation, and Laos Buffalo Dairy, a unique CSR project that produces milk, cheese, yoghurt for the resort and creates an additional revenue stream for the animals’ owners.

Available until 31December 2020, the new Khoi Hak Jao Lai package is priced at just US$1,799 net per couple, including accommodation and all the aforementioned amenities and activities.

About Pullman
Pullman Hotels & Resorts delivers an experience that is upscale, upbeat and perfectly in tempo with the global zeitgeist. Against the backdrop of today’s fast-paced life, Pullman helps guests be at their best, in business and at leisure, enabling them to seamlessly conduct business, explore the locale, workout and make connections – to the neighbourhood and people around them. Retaining the values of exploration, comfort and dependability that drove it to become a pioneering travel brand over 150 years ago, Pullman today features more than 120 worldwide properties including Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Pullman Park Lane Hong Kong, Pullman Shanghai South, Pullman London St Pancras and Pullman Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia. Pullman is part of AccorHotels, a world-leading travel and lifestyle group which invites travellers to feel welcome at more than 4,600 hotels, resorts and residences, along with some 10,000 of the finest private homes around the globe.

Zurich (Switzerland) – March 25, 2020 (travelindex.com) – In the current uncertain times, our health and solidarity with others are of the utmost essence. Many anticipated vacations won’t become reality now. But that shouldn’t stop us to dream. That’s why we would like to show you a Switzerland the way you should undoubtedly be able to experience it again soon – with beautiful pictures, emotional videos and entertaining stories! After all, anticipation is known to be the greatest joy. We are looking forward to welcoming you again soon.

Unfortunately, trips to Switzerland are not possible at present. But it is allowed to dream. That is why we would like to bring Switzerland to your home – with beautiful pictures, emotional videos and entertaining stories, please visit MySwitzerland.com

About Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland Tourism is the national marketing and sales organization for Switzerland, the ideal country for travel, vacations and congresses. Switzerland Tourism is entirely devoted to all visitors and works in close collaboration with tourism partners and suppliers at home, and their subsidiaries abroad. Together, we do our best to make sure that your stay in our country turns out to be a truly unforgettable experience. You are indeed the center of our attention! Try us, and you will find out all you ever wanted to know about Switzerland: attractive offers, detailed information on all kinds of subjects, dream pictures, links to our partners.

Switzerland Tourism
Morgartenstrasse 5a, Postfach
CH-8004 Zürich
Switzerland

Singapore (Singapore) – March 25, 2020 (travelindex.com) – We have been working closely with all our exhibitors and event partners over the past few weeks to confirm the most suitable new dates for the postponed SYS 2020.

We are delighted to finally be able to announce that the 10th Anniversary edition of Asia’s most important boat show will take place on 15 – 18 October 2020, the dates preferred by the vast majority of our participants, in the completely redesigned and rejuvenated ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove.

Furthermore, we will be unveiling some long-awaited new developments and changes to the Show’s layout that will elevate your experience – and that of your customers – at the re-scheduled four-day event in October, and also going forwards to next year’s 11th edition (currently slated for 22 – 25 April). For the very first time, we will be moving the whole Show on to the water, which means no more big exhibition tents on the adjacent grass areas. Instead, thanks to the new pontoon configuration, we are able to build air-conditioned exhibition booths and showrooms all around the perimeter of the marina – so we can bring all visitors straight to the action for an immersive, 360-degree experience.

It was hugely difficult for us back in February, just six weeks from the opening day of our 10th Anniversary edition, to take the decision to postpone, and it’s been increasingly sad to see almost all the other boat shows around the world having to follow suit. Things are beginning to get dramatically difficult in the rest of the world now, but we can take heart from the fact that China seems to be turning the corner already, and the Singapore and Hong Kong governments have both been lauded for their positive and effective management of the crisis, keeping things under control. So with a full six months delay to October, we are hopeful that the rescheduled show will be able to give the industry in these parts the boost that it will badly need by then.

We will keep you fully informed over the coming weeks and months as we unveil SYS 2020’s diverse and dynamic calendar of events – family-friendly experiences, workshops for the industry and boaters, sailing lessons for kids, personal watercraft demonstrations… Visitors can also look forward to more dockside entertainment and parties right in the heart of the region’s most impressive display of yachts and boats. There really will be something for everyone at SYS 2020.

Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – March 22, 2020 (travelindex.com) – With COVID-19 cases now spreading in many African countries African Interests are going all out against the threat of the deadly coronavirus and destroying the continent’s travel and tourism industry.

With the launch of the COVID 19 Tourism Task Force for Africa, Taleb Rifai and Alain St.Ange are taking an important step to give Africa a strong voice on a global stage.

Africa expert Cuthbert Ncube said: “I see our role as having the interest of our African travel and tourism industry in mind. The victim in the coronavirus situation clearly is the travel and tourism industry. We are more fragile in Africa than anyplace else in the world.

The goal of this task force will be to act efficiently and fast, giving African stakeholders an important voice and help to minimize the impact of this global challenge .” The task force will be able to react to this emerging crisis on a daily basis. It will be flexible enough to adjust its activities constantly without having to delay the process by a time-consuming decision making process.

Joining the growing team of this newly established task force are known tourism celebrities operating under the leadership of Dr. Taleb Rifai, patron, who was the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for almost 8 years. Joining also is former Minister of Tourism for Seychelles Alain St. Ange, and Dr Peter Tarlow a renowned international expert in travel, tourism, and health. Dr. Tarlow has managed tourism safety and security projects for Safertourism.com as well as training of tourism police around the globe. Dr. Tarlow also teaches medicine at the University in Texas, USA.

The COVID 19 Tourism Task Force for Africa is in direct contact with sitting ministers and heads of African National and Regional Tourism Boards and tourism associations.

For the largest resource on tourism in Africa visit TourismAfrica.org

New York (United States) – March 22, 2020 (travelindex.com) – During the coronavirus crisis, in particular in the tourism sector, layoffs seems to be one of the first decision taken by corporate leaders.

Of course, a cost-cutting reflex is understandable as leaders are obligated to make responsible decisions to keep their companies afloat. But those who manage the economic effects of this crisis in a clear and compassionate way create more value for their companies and will come out of this pandemic stronger than ever before.

The current crisis also brings opportunities to strengthen current relationships and build new ones not only with employees and customers but also with professional associations and government.

Global and national travel and tourism associations (IATA, WTTC, DMAI, AHLA, SITE, IACC, ICCA, HOTREC, International Hotel & Restaurant Association, German Hotel Association, Thai Hotel Association, etc) are asking, and need, financial support from Governments but these same associations should also stress to their members the importance of “putting employees first”; companies that demonstrate genuine empathy and competence amid the Covid-19 pandemic will emerge in a much stronger position.

The hotel industry employs about 6 million workers in the U.S. alone and accounts for about 5% of GDP, generating some $650 billion in annual sales. On March 17, 2020, hospitality executives met with President Donald Trump in the White House to ask for a federally funded bailout. Industry executives are asking for as much as $150 billion in help.

American Hotel and Lodging Association President Chip Rogers said hotel owners hope about $100 billion of that can go to help support furloughed workers. The rest would be needed to help hotel owners make their debt payments.

Airlines and hotel companies, which are at the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak as bookings crumble and cancellations outpace bookings, are seeking billions in aid, including direct grants from governments. Lawmakers have to request that companies receiving financial assistance should be barred from buybacks permanently, and prevented from issuing dividends or executive bonuses for three years. These companies should also commit to invested heavily in their employees, who are the backbone of the industry.

Smaller companies show the way; lebua hotels and resorts in Bangkok (Thailand) has not laid off any single employee since the beginning of the corona virus outbreak. Deepak Ohri argued that any assistance must be designed to reduce inequality between executives and workers. “If we are going to bail out companies, we need to make sure all employees get their pay-check and benefit from a turnaround.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to shut down, impacting millions of workers. But some companies are looking to hire as consumer demand swells; Walmart plans to hire 150,000 new employees, Amazon plans to hire 100,000 workers and Pepsi, 7-Eleven, Safeway, Kroger are hiring as well. Finding a coexistence model between employees and employers is more important than laying off employees.

In the pre-covid-19 world major brands were great at creativity but falling short of customer expectations. Today opportunity lies in being selfless and helping the world like it was very well said; “When the tide recede we will see what everyone is wearing”. Let’s all of us cooperate to make the world better a better place.

The global challenge posed by the current Covid-19 pandemic is a once-in-a-century disease that will require Governments, organizations and companies to jettison previous recovery models in favour of out-of-the box ideas and measures to bring societies and people together, instead of driving them apart.

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 20, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Organisations and individuals making outstanding contributions towards the successful promotion of the travel and tourism industry throughout the Asia Pacific region are encouraged to submit entries to the PATA Gold Awards 2020. The deadline for submissions is May 14, 2020. The PATA Gold Awards Dinner and Presentation will take place during PATA Travel Mart 2020.

Sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for the 25th consecutive year, the PATA Gold Awards sets industry standards for excellence and innovation. In 2020, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to be enhancing the PATA Gold Awards by introducing several new categories in order to reinforce its position as innovative and prestigious award for the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry.

PATA will present three Grand Title Winners for best of show entries in the following broad categories: Marketing, Sustainability and Human Capital Development with 23 Gold Awards to be bestowed. New categories that are now open for submissions include Climate Change Initiative, Tourism for All, and Youth Empowerment Initiative.

Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of MGTO, said, “The relentless growth trajectory of tourism has opened new avenues of development, however by its nature the industry is prone to disruption in the face of events like the COVID-19 outbreak. As a tourism city, Macao is glad to support the PATA Gold Awards, and encourages government and private tourism stakeholders to join this platform. By showcasing its best practices, organizations and individuals can contribute to our ongoing dialogue on how we can work together to build a vibrant, yet sustainable and resilient tourism industry in these volatile times.”

“We are sincerely grateful to MGTO for sponsoring the PATA Gold Awards 2020 and for their continued commitment to a responsible and sustainable tourism industry. These awards provides us with the perfect opportunity to recognise and reward the very best the Asia Pacific travel industry has to offer,” said Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO of PATA. “The winners of these awards set industry standards for excellence and innovation and serve as examples for others to follow. This year, we have streamlined the number of awards to truly highlight the accomplishments of the winners, therefore I encourage all organisations that demonstrate excellence in conception, creativity and fulfilment to submit their applications today.”

Winner privileges:
– Gain a major boost to the organisation’s marketing and public relations profile
– Attract valuable media coverage in various PATA communications channels including the weekly PATA newsletter, press releases and social media channels
– Entitled to leverage the prestigious PATA Gold Awards Winner logo on collateral materials
– Highlights of the winning entries on display at PATA Travel Mart for delegates to enjoy
– Featured in the winners’ showcase booklet and PATA Gold Awards video

Judged by an international panel of experts, the Gold Awards recognise exceptional achievement in three broad categories with 23 Gold Awards and three Grand Title Winners on offer:

– Marketing (14 Gold Awards and one Grand Title Winner)
– Sustainability (8 Gold Awards and one Grand Title Winner)
– Human Capital Development (one Gold Award and one Grand Title Winner)

The PATA Gold Awards’ details, brochure, and information about past winners are all available at www.PATA.org/goldawards

For further information, please contact goldawards@PATA.org.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 22 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATA mPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London. PATA’s Annual Theme for the 2020 calendar year is Partnerships for Tomorrow.

Contact information:
PATA
Paul Pruangkarn
Director – Communications & External Affairs
+66 (02) 658-2000 | communications@PATA.org | Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 20, 2020 (travelindex.com) – by Imtiaz Muqbil – Prominent Bangkok-based photographer David Lau has captured the grandeur of an East African safari in a catalogue of images exhibited in Bangkok between Feb 20-23. More than just proving his professional prowess, Mr. Lau has raised the value of his artistry to a more sublime level by including reflections from a well-known Buddhist monk on the deeper wisdom embedded within.

The result makes each image an instrument of peace and understanding, both internal and external.

The exhibition of more than 100 photographs taken in the national parks of Kenya and Tanzania was held at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in central Bangkok. At the launch, guests were given a copy of a printed publication with the photographs. In his introductory message, David said he was fascinated by the amazing wildlife and cultural diversity. “The feeling of space and peace with only the sounds of birds and animals and wide-open vistas, watching those amazing animals doing what they do best in their natural environment was one of the best experiences of my life and a memory that will stay with me for a long time.

The Buddhist monk is Venerable Vajiramedhi, a highly-respected scholar and prolific writer. He says in his introduction, “Nature, Certainty of Nature and of Nature’s Laws, and Dharma. These three words are inter-related in meaning. Certainty of Nature and of Natures’ Law is Natural Law. Behaviour in accordance with Natural Law until achieving the peaceful life, that is Dharma (or Morality).” He adds, “The magnificent pictures of nature taken by David Lau likewise such a way of Dharma. Watching each picture will feel fresh, cool, relax, and delightful pleasant, similar for sense of living for nature and all of life which bring about mercy and peacefulness to be fulfilled in mind.”

In fact, Venerable Vajiramedhi’s words have universal truths; the same values and wisdoms are contained in all faiths, beliefs and indigenous cultures without exception. Each is rooted in a connection with Nature as the fundamental premise.

In an interview with this editor, David cited being in awe of a borderless world – the freedom enjoyed by animals and birds as they migrate seamlessly with the seasons. The 64-year-old lensman’s full-time job is President of DO Food Co Ltd, a catering and food supply company. Originally from Hong Kong, he has resided in Thailand for 40 years, producing earlier photographic books on Mongolia, Bhutan, the Maldives, Tibet and Yunnan Province of China. All the proceeds of his works, (36 million baht or nearly 1.25 million USD) are donated to Buddhist charities.

In her speech at the launch, Jeniffer K Njiru, Charge d’Affaires of the Kenyan embassy in Bangkok cited the potential of promoting Thai tourism to Africa. In a show of solidarity, she cited the economic, cultural and political merits of each African country with a diplomatic mission in Bangkok: South Africa, Nigeria, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia and Ethiopia. In turn, Thailand, too, is seeking enhanced economic and tourism linkages with Africa as part of its strategy to diversify its trade and investment portfolio and take advantage of emerging markets in that vast continent.

To promote two-way tourism, Thailand and the African countries will have to cross some basic hurdles. Only three airlines fly from Africa to Thailand (Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian). A visa-free travel arrangement is in place only for bilateral travel between Thailand and South Africa. Asked about the possibility of visa relaxation to Kenya and other African countries, Ms Nijru said, “This is the subject of ongoing discussions.”

David Lau’s photographic brilliance proved, however, that there is much more to travel & tourism than just job creation, income generation and economic development. If the industry is to walk the talk of its claim to be a pathway to peace, it will have to strive for a higher purpose. A door is now open for national tourism boards and all forms of travel and tourism products, services and media to promote not just flora and fauna, culture and heritage but much more exalted and necessary causes such as peace, friendship and spirituality of the ecosystem.

The unique editorial-cum-philosophical approach of David Lau’s images could revolutionise not just tourism flows but the industry at large.

For published at Travel Impact Newswire here

By Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President SUNx Malta : Let me start by making it clear that today and for the coming months every government and industry action must be focused on a total response, repeat total response, to the global enemy of COVID 19. To health issues: livelihood issues: family issues and business survival issues. It is war. Nothing is more important than coherent national and international response, where co-ordinated, joined up action is the only path open.”

As the pandemic crisis intensifies, pulling the world economy towards recession it’s clear that the Travel & Tourism sector is in the centre of the maelstrom. Airlines are slashing flights: Cruise companies are cancelling programs: Hotels are seeing bookings evaporate. And with it the entire Travel Ecosystem of airports, ports, stations, along with meetings, sports events, theme parks, music festivals and all the attendant hospitality services for feeding and entertaining travellers. Some 10% of the global economy, driven directly and indirectly by this sector is grinding to a halt. Tens of millions of jobs and household livelihoods are threatened. For tourism dependent destinations – like small island states in the Caribbean and Asia or developing countries in Africa, who have pinned their future on the tourism card, massive portions of the economy have simply disappeared.

And it is right that travel is curtailed when health authorities conclude this will help contain the spread of the pandemic. It is necessary, to play our part, in dealing with the urgent unknown enemy of COVID 19, that presents an immediate massive threat to humanity. On the strategic reality side, the health experts led by WHO, see a pattern of widespread growth: slow containment and development of a response. This will take time for research: regulatory approval and scaling to global production levels.

Yet we also know that no matter how serious this crisis is, business will eventually restart, and all industry activity will have to be reset to respond smartly. It may take a year or more, no one knows but when the end comes, we will be ready to pick up the pieces, adapt our socio-economic patterns and get on with life. Travel & Tourism will reignite and continue to be a pivotal part of global socio-economic development. It is in our DNA.

BUT and it is a big BUT, the other massive crisis facing humanity, Climate Change, has not gone away; and it will not go away. It is existential and notwithstanding the media dominating, very real devastation of COVID19, we simply cannot afford to take our eye off the climate ball.

To use an analogy, while COVID 19 is like a knife into the body of humanity, it is not an existential threat, it’s a very serious wound BUT the Climate Crisis is different, it is more like the case of the unsuspecting frog being gradually killed in a pot of slowly but inexorably heating water. There’s no reaction. No escape. No recovery. We have 7-10 years to get on the Paris 1.5oC, Climate Neutral trajectory. But only if we act much more decisively now.

At SUNx Malta we think the sector can walk and chew gum at the same time, and now is the very moment to demonstrate that. When all historical operational and development assumptions are being re-evaluated and countries communities: companies and consumers are re-casting their future Travel & Tourism related plans and actions. It is a perfect time to build Climate Friendly Travel into tomorrow’s new operating equation.

We have conceived Climate Friendly Travel as a vehicle to help sector transformation – measured to manage the good and bad impacts coherently – particularly the carbon related impacts: green to reflect the SDG targets: 2050 proof to tie into the Paris 1.5oC trajectory. We believe all Travel must meet these criteria going forward.

Together with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), we have issued a Report on the State of the Sector response to the Climate Crisis, that calls for action now and action faster. And with the support of Malta’s Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Julia Farrugia Portelli, who has declared her country to be a global Centre of Climate Friendly Travel, we are deploying tools to help the entire sector in its essential transformation. Last month we convened 35 global experts in Malta who underscored the real urgency of a coherent response, starting now. We are building a Registry for Climate Friendly Travel Ambitions for the sector – linked to the UNFCCC Registry, to support commitment. We will showcase good practice to encourage others. We will train 100,000 Strong Climate Champions from the eco island of Gozo, Malta, to deploy across all UN States by 2030, to launch a worldwide education and awareness initiative. We are joining with partners inside and outside the sector in SDG 17 Agreements to advance these goals and we are seeking other likeminded partners to help reinforce and spread the Climate Friendly Travel message.

What can Travel & Tourism stakeholders do to lock into this transformation? Commit to Climate Neutral 2050 & implement a Climate Friendly Travel carbon reduction program: file that program on SUNx Malta’s Climate Friendly Travel Ambitions Registry & trust bright young green enthusiasts to keep it up to date and help you fulfil your commitment. We’ll help as well: we are all in this together. This was the half century global campaign of our inspirational founder Maurice Strong, the father of sustainable development. His vison is our mission.

So do not despair about the dramatically dangerous threat of COVID 19 – be vigilant, we will prevail and rekindle the positive course of human development BUT let’s at the same time, respond urgently and respond now to the existential threat of Climate Change. We can and we must do both in synch.

SUNx Malta is a legacy for the late Maurice Strong, father of Sustainable Development: its goal is to advance Climate Friendly Travel – measured: green: 2050 proof. Geoffrey Lipman is former Assistant Secretary General UNWTO; President WTTC; Executive Director IATA.

Madrid (Spain) – March 20, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) hosted a high-level virtual meeting yesterday, bringing together key UN agencies, the chairs of its Executive Council and Regional Commissions, and private sector leaders. Tourism is the economic sector that has been hardest hit by COVID-19 and all participants accepted an invitation from the UNWTO Secretary-General to become part of a Global Tourism Crisis Committee, formed as UNWTO prepares to launch a global guide for recovery. The UNWTO-led Committee will hold regular virtual meetings, reflecting the need for coordinated and efficient action by the private and public sectors, governments, international financing institutions, and the United Nations.

Since the start of the pandemic, UNWTO has been working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to guide the tourism sector as it faces up to the COVID-19 challenge. This meeting, hosted in Madrid but conducted virtually for reasons of public health, further emphasized the call for international cooperation to underscore a united response based on the latest public health recommendations and reflecting the deep economic ripple effect and social cost of the pandemic.

Unprecedented

“This unprecedented public health emergency has already become an economic crisis which will come at a social cost”, said UNWTO’s Zurab Pololikashvili. The Secretary-General added that tourism “is the hardest hit sector and all our best estimates have been overtaken by the changing reality”.

Stay home today so you can #TravelTomorrow

Without any certainty over how long this crisis will last or what the final economic and structural impact on tourism might be, all participants were united in their deep concern over the millions of jobs that are at risk of being lost. With small and medium-sized enterprises making up 80% of the sector worldwide, the wider social impact of the crisis will go far beyond tourism, making it a key concern for the international community.

Coordination is paramount

Tourism has proven in the past to be a reliable partner to lead recovery for societies and communities, but only if the economic policies of governments and the support packages of donor and financing agencies reflect how the sector touches on every part of society.

“The livelihoods of millions of people and their families are at stake, be it in urban centres or in remote communities where tourism is sometimes the main income generator and a vehicle for social inclusion, protecting heritage and kickstarting development”, Mr Pololikashvili said.

This requires political recognition and cooperation across ministries, involving the public and private sectors and set against the backdrop of wider action plans by financial institutions and regional bodies.

All welcomed UNWTO’s tagline to ‘Stay home today so you can travel tomorrow’, which is promoted on digital media through the hashtag #TravelTomorrow.

In the coming days, UNWTO will release a set of recommendations for recovery. The document will highlight the steps governments and other authorities need to take to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector and to then accelerate recovery.

Yesterday’s meeting will be factored into UNWTO’s recommendations. These will be complemented by a dynamic component aimed at engaging with innovators across the world through an innovation challenge centred on tourism’s response. Launched with the support of WHO, this challenge will identify new ideas that can be implemented to help tourism return to sustainable growth.

Participants in Thursday’s coordination meeting agreed that this is “a shared challenge that can only be tackled by working together, with recovery dependent on a joint effort on a scale never seen before”.

Global Tourism Crisis Committee

The participants accepted UNWTO’s invitation to be part a global coordination committee which will hold regular virtual meetings to evaluate and advance recommendations as the situation evolves.

The UN’s key tourism related agencies will all be participating, along with WHO and the main representatives of the airline and maritime transportation sectors, as well as the private sector.

UNWTO members are a critical part of this committee, represented through the regional chairs and the chair of the Executive Council.

From within the United Nations, the virtual meeting was attended by WHO Director of Health and Multilateral Partnerships Gaudenz Silberschmidt (sitting in for Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus), the Secretary-General of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), Dr. Fang Liu, and the Secretary-General of the IMO (International Maritime Organization), Mr. Kitack Lim

UNWTO Members were represented by the Chair of UNWTO Executive Council Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya, and by the Chairs of UNWTO’s Regional Commissions: for Africa, Mr. Ronald K. Chitotela, Minister of Tourism, Zambia; for the Americas, Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica; for Asia and the Pacific, Mohd Daud, Undersecretary of Tourism Policy and International Affairs, Malaysia; for Europe, Harry Theoharis, Minister of Tourism, Greece; and for the Middle East, Mohammed Khamis Al Muhairi, Undersecretary for Tourism, UAE. Special interventions were made by Reyes Maroto, Minister of Tourism, Spain, and by Ahmed bin Aqil Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia.

Representing the private sector were the Chair of the Board of UNWTO Affiliate Members and also Director of IFEMA Ana Larrañaga; Alexandre de Juniac, Director-General of the International Air Transport Association, (IATA); Adam Goldstein, Global Chair, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Agnela Gittens, Director General of the Airports Council International (ACI), and Jeff Pool from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

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