Category: Latest Travel News

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.

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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.

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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.”

Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – February 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Welcome to Seychelles Richard Quest of CNN Quest’s World of Wonders. Pulling our beautiful islands into the international spotlight CNN Anchor, Mr. Richard Quest is in Seychelles and met STB Chief Executive, Sherin Francis this morning at the airport on his way to Bird Island… We think our sunny weather agrees with him, don’t you ?” with these few lines the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board told the world that the famous Richard Quest of CNN was in Seychelles.

This is the first visit by Richard Quest to Seychelles. He has had many interactions with different Seychellois tourism personalities and interviewed me on the CNN “Quest means Business” when I was the Seychelles Candidate for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) in 2017.

Richard Quest remains a very influential press personality and his visit to Seychelles should bring positives vibes for the country’s tourism industry.

Corona Virus is on the African continent with Egypt reporting its first case – but the Indian Ocean Region is still free of the virus

The Corona Virus is causing a lot of concern for the world of tourism. Some countries are expressing their feelings for all to see whilst others are more quiet on what the effects will be.

Two sides of the possible repercussion is today being analysed. The first is the drop in tourists coming out of affected countries such as China and other tourism source markets such as Italy, South Korea and Japan. These important tourism source markets are facing challenges of their own as planes have dropped flights to China and countries putting in place more strict quarantine regulations for anyone coming from China and train services from Italy being curtailed in some areas. The drop in visitor numbers will be an impact all by itself.

The second cause for concern is the economic impact resulting in trade. An economic program on the news was discussion a year long possible impact directly or indirectly.

Seychelles, the Vanilla Islands and the African Continent have been blessed so far for not having had to face by the virus. With the exception off Egypt the continent has been spared the deadly virus. Let us continue to work to remain Corona Virus Free.

Seychelles undertaking a carrying capacity for its tourism industry

Last week I met with someone who had sadly told her family we have discovered Seychelles but we shall not be coming back. The family are well to do and upmarket in the bracket that best describes them in the breakdown of visitors. It is not that they did not like the Seychelles, but simply found it too expensive. That family stayed put on Mahe and did not even manage to get to Praslin and La Digue. The price comparition between Seychelles and its neighbouring tourism destinations is done often and how Seychelles is perceived when going through Tour Operators Brochures is worth deeper analysis.

Seychelles is fishing in the same pond for tourist and shoud never forget that. The islands have too much at stake to allow it to be but a dream instead of remaining a holiday option.

Seychelles brings in a new landing fee of US Dollars 15 from 1st April
(called a disembarkation levy of US $15 )

Seychelles already has fees attached to airline tickets but are set to add a new one effective 1st April this year. The new Disembarkation Fevy was confirmed in a letter addressed to the CEO of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority by Didier Dogley, the Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine Minister on the 1st February.

The recent aviation conference in Mombasa and the last ROUTES Africa Conference held in Ghana addressed the cost of air travel in Africa which is being hampered by Government Taxes and Levies. The new Seychelles Disembarkation Levy falls exactly in line with the reports submitted and discussed at these meetings. Fuel Taxes, Landing Taxes and Levies are easy mechanisms to raise revenue, but are these really ways that help the economy grow?. These questions when raised can only bring negatives for the Continent of Africa and its individual tourism destinations.

The Seychelles has been pushing for family holidays and these visitors are making use in a lot of instances the homely small Seychellois owned and managed tourism establishments. The new Seychelles disembarkation levy case will see a family of four dish our a further sixty US dollars on a Seychelles package holiday. This will be subject to further markups in TO programs.

The Tourism Board will have to sell this new levy at the coming Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin in March because all packages to Seychelles are not showing this new tax that comes over and above increase in fees to some islands marketed as nature parks and as IATA is confirming that COVID19 (Corona Virus) is impacting passenger demand. Packages to Seychelles has been contracted over a year ago and mid year increases often annoys tourism trade partners and can have negative repercussions.

The big question is Seychelles now moving to encouraging travel or are the islands set to discouraging travel in line with their new carrying capacity limits being set?

“These are challenging times for the global air transport industry. Stopping the spread of the virus is the top priority. 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 and cause the first overall decline in demand since the SARS crisis of 2003. And that scenario would translate into lost passenger revenues of $29.3 billion. Airlines are making difficult decisions to cut capacity and in some cases routes. Lower fuel costs will help offset some of the lost revenue. This will be a very tough year for airlines,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Governments have an important role to play in this current crisis:

Leadership: It is also important for governments to take leadership in shoring up their economies. The Singapore government, for example, is allocating SGD 112 million to provide financial relief to airlines struggling to economically maintain connectivity. “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. Relief on airport costs will help maintain vital air connectivity. Other governments should take good note and act quickly,” said de Juniac.

Great new initiative launched by The Ocean Project Seychelles

The detrimental impact of balloons on the environment has been well documented. They drift around the world and pollute even the most remote places, killing countless animals who mistake balloons for food.

The Ocean Project Seychelles is calling on all hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, boat charters, event planners, and anyone decorating with balloons to choose to #SeyNoToBalloons and commit to not to using balloons in their decorations.

Businesses that have jumped on board to support this campaign to opt for more eco-friendly alternatives instead of balloons include:
– The Boardwalk Bar & Grill
– Maison Marengo Bar & Restaurant
– Les Lauriers Eco Hotel and Restaurant
– Oscars
– Seyscapes Yacht Charter
– Turquoise Horse Trails
– Anse Soleil Beachcomber
– Gran Kaz
As we congratulate The Oceans Project Seychelles with this task we have to accept and embrace the notion that the best outcome for our vulnerable environment is ours to sculpt, and we already have the necessary tools at our disposal. Let us lead by example, always.

Uganda Tourism & Travel Meeting

At the 5th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo at Uganda’s Speke Resort in Munyonyo. Standing with the chief guest Uganda’s first Deputy PM Hon. Moses Ali and Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of Uganda’s Tourism Board

The 2020 calendar of Africa tourism events kicked off in Kampala, Uganda, as tourism experts gathered for the 5th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE). The former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of the Seychelles, Alain St. Ange, who is the current President of the African Tourism Board led discussions on the topic “Policies In Place To Ease Movement Within Africa.”

Alain St. Ange shared the stage with tourism experts, Mr. Ikechi Uko, publisher of ATQNews and organizer of AKWAABA African Travel Market, and Ms. Pearl Kakooza, Chairperson of Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA) to analyse accessibility within Africa as far as transport and connectivity is concerned.

Tourism remains a vital industry for the African continent and the surrounding islands, especially the islands on the Indian Ocean. St. Ange led the industry as minister and was founding president of the Vanilla Islands, an affiliation of the island nations of Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros and Mayotte.

Alain St. Ange is a much sought-after speaker at international tourism and aviation conferences where his off the cuff speeches continue to impress.

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 27, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The collaboration between Chef Davide and Mia Chefs Top Russell and Michelle Goh is the first in a series of collaborations under the name “Friends of Mia”. Mia’s new collaboration series “Friends of Mia” will kick off on 11 March with the first guest chef being none other than Chef Davide Garavaglia, former Chef de Cuisine of Mirazur, a three Michelin-starred restaurant in southern France and number 1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. Davide recently moved to Bangkok for the opening of Côte by Mauro Colagreco located at Capella Bangkok, a new age urban resort that will open along the iconic Chao Phraya river this year.

The collaboration will see Davide work with Chefs Top and Michelle from Mia to serve a special tasting menu with dishes specially created for this event. Diners can expect modern European cuisine with Mediterranean influences by Davide, using mainly local ingredients.

A wine pairing curated for the event by Sommelier Guillaume Celante from wine supplier Vanichwathana will be offered on the night.

“We are extremely excited to kick off Friends of Mia and I couldn’t be more pleased to have Davide be our first guest chef. He is one of the most talented chefs I have ever had the pleasure to work with and his success at Mirazur and his role in the opening of Côte by Mauro Colagreco is testament to that,” commented Chef Top.

The collaboration dinner will take place on 11 March with staggered seating from 6pm. The 8-course set menu is priced at 3650++ baht per person.

A wine pairing will be offered at 1600++ baht per person.

For reservations, please call 02 258 6745 or email reservations@miarestaurantbkk.com

Mia
Open Tuesday to Sunday 6pm to 12am (last order 10.30pm)
30 Attha Kawi 1 (Sukhumvit Soi 26)
Tel. +66 (0) 98 862 9659

Berlin (Germany) – February 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Russia is presenting itself as a fascinating destination for culturally interested visitors. The world’s largest country is the Convention & Culture Partner of the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show. ”We are delighted to have secured Russia as the Convention & Culture Partner of ITB. Russia has a very high standing in the international tourism industry. For visitors interested in art and culture its rich cultural heritage in particular is a special highlight“, said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, at the partnership agreement signing on 5 November 2019 in London, and added: ”Russia has been exhibiting regularly at ITB Berlin since 1994 and will be strongly represented again this year in Hall 3.1. The ITB Berlin Convention will also feature fascinating topics on tourism trends in Russia.“

”The partnership with ITB Berlin 2020 provides us with an important platform to promote Russia and its huge cultural diversity as a tourism destination to a wide international audience“, said Zarina Doguzova, Head of Russian Federal Agency for Tourism.

Russia at the ITB Berlin Convention

As a Convention & Culture Partner, Russia will be represented with several sessions at the ITB Berlin Convention. Zarina Doguzova, will give a welcoming speech at the opening of the world’s largest tourism congress on Wednesday, March 4 in the CityCube Berlin (Room A4/A5) (10.45-10.50 a.m.). Also in the CityCube, a case study session on “Transforming the Global Tourism Industry by Breakthrough Travel Startups” will be held in cooperation with Russia on Thursday, 5 March from 3 to 3.45 pm. Panel guests are Ilya Gusakov, Head of Business Development, MAPS.ME, Nalatia Pukhova, Partner Relations Manager, Travelpayouts by Aviasales, Eugenia Strizhkina, Head of the Infrastructure Project Office, RussPass as well as Egor Yakovlev, Business Development Director, izi.TRAVEL.

On Destination Day, Friday, 6 March, 14.00-14.45 p.m., the panel “Destination Stereotypes: Video Marketing as Effective Tool for Image Creation” is on the agenda. Stereotypical perceptions of tourists are at the center of the discussion. Mila Ilushina, Head of Strategic Projects Department, Moscow Project Office for Tourism and Hospitality Development, Elena Lysenkova, Advisor of the Head, Federal Agency for Tourism Russia, Irina Sergeeva, Head of the Department of International Tourism, Federal Agency for Tourism Russia as well as Vladimir Varnavskii, CEO & Founder, VResorts, discuss the importance of video content as a success factor for building effective communication campaigns.

A nation of superlatives

Russia, with its long history and rich cultural heritage, is a country of superlatives. As part of both Europe and Asia it combines many different influences. Cultures from Western Europe, China and the Orient have produced a unique blend of art, architecture, music and spiritual influences.

Moscow is the hub of politics and business as well as Russia’s cultural center. The towers of the Kremlin with its red stars and the block-shaped architecture of the Stalin era, Red Square, the pulsating heart of Moscow and the scene of historical events, the Bolshoi Theatre, home to one of the world’s most famous ballet companies, are iconic examples of Russian culture. St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum houses one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious art exhibitions. The state-owned museum in the Winter Palace, built by the Tsar family over 250 years ago, which contains three million exhibits displayed in 300 rooms, is one of the largest and most magnificent art collections in the world.

The Trans-Siberian Railway offers a close-up experience of Russia’s many-faceted history, its traditions and legends. The world’s longest railway line is over 9,000 kilometers long, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok on a journey that rolls through and connects Europe with Asia. Onion domes and Buddhist monasteries, deserts and the Taiga – the list of attractions is every bit as long as the Trans-Siberian Railway itself.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2020 will be taking place from Wednesday, 4 to Sunday, 8 March, and from Wednesday to Friday will be open to trade visitors only. ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. In 2019 a total of 10,000 companies and organisations from 181 countries exhibited their products and services to around 160,000 visitors, including 113.500 trade visitors. Parallel with the show the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday, 4 to Saturday, 7 March 2020. Russia is the official Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin 2020. The World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) is co-host, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), MC Group and Trip.com are Platinum Sponsors and Studiosus is Gold Sponsor. Admission to the ITB Berlin Convention is free for trade visitors and exhibitors.

Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – Februrary 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Alain St.Ange was happy and privileged to have met his friend, Richard Quest, while he was in Seychelles briefly filming a programme ‘Quest World of Wonders’ for the CNN.

“The last time we met was when he was interviewing me on CNN about my campaign for the post of Secretary-General of the UNWTO,” said St.Ange.

Quest and St.Ange spoke about the One Seychelles’ vision for Seychelles and the current status of the tourism industry.

In Seychelles Richard Quest visited the main island of Mahé as well as the islands on Praslin, La Digue and Bird Island.