Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 592

The Maldives designates marine protected areas

LAAMU, Maldives, 18 January 2022: The Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his administration designated six naturally unique and eco-rich areas in Laamu Atoll as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The announcement comes just two months after the atoll was declared as a Hope Spot by Mission Blue while the  Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) was also recognised as a global leader in marine conservation during the recent 20th Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards.

The MUI team with Marteyne van Well, General Manager of Six Senses Laamu.

MUI, the marine biology team at Six Senses Laamu, consisting of hosts from the resort and its three partner NGOs: The Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and The Olive Ridley Project, was named Marine and Coastal category winner at the 2021 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. Three independent sustainability experts judged 50 entrees from 26 countries, placing MUI top in its category ahead of five other projects.

This award celebrates the team’s dedication to marine conservation through their research, education and community outreach work. Their research has been presented at both science symposiums and governmental meetings to drive policy change. They have provided 199 children in Laamu with marine conservation and environmental education and brought 566 students from local schools on snorkelling excursions. Since 2019, they have had 26,000 moments of education with guests and certified 165 children through their Junior Marine Biology Programme.

Six Designated Marine Protected Areas

MUI’s celebrations continued when the President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, announced six MPAs were coming to Laamu. The team has been working towards this milestone for many years.

“Since MUI was formed, our ultimate goal has been to protect Laamu’s marine habitats and keystone megafauna species through legislation,” says Philippa Roe, MUI’s Head Marine Biologist. “For years, the partners within MUI – Six Senses Laamu, the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project – have been gathering research on Laamu’s marine ecosystems and species, much of which was used as evidence to support marine protection.”

The areas which have been designated for marine protection include the turtle nesting beach, mangrove and seagrass area of L. Gaadhoo (a neighbouring uninhabited island of Six Senses Laamu), the channel between Six Senses Laamu and L. Gaadhoo, the mangrove of L. Hithadhoo (an inhabited island on the other side of Six Senses Laamu), as well as two channels, a mangrove, a wetland and an island in other areas of the atoll.

Now that these MPAs have been designated, the Environment Ministry will work with stakeholders, including Atoll and Island Councils, to develop management plans for each area. MUI and Blue Marine Foundation will continue to engage with local community members and leaders in the atoll, providing advice and assistance wherever needed.

Mission Blue Hope Spot

This welcome news comes just two months after the Laamu Atoll was declared as a Hope Spot by the international marine conservation non-profit Mission Blue. The Hope Spot announcement highlighted the importance of marine ecosystems in the atoll and the need for further protection.

Bhutan reopens ancient trail

SINGAPORE, 17 January 2022: An ancient Trans Bhutan Trail opens this March for the first time in 60 years, with community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, named the launch partner.

Following two years of extensive restoration, the historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail will be officially inaugurated by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, who spearheaded the restoration work on the ancient route for tourism, adventure and connection.

From April 2022, international tourists will be able to walk the trail for the first time, simultaneously providing much-needed economic benefits to rural communities along the way.

Community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, has been selected by the Bhutan Canada Foundation, the non-profit organisation that led the restoration of the trail, as the first group adventure operator when the trail launches to the public.

Two new Active trekking itineraries are now available to book with G Adventures, an 11-day Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail trip, which features camping and homestays, and a 12-day Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail itinerary with accommodation in homestays, locally-owned guest houses and hotels.

The Trans Bhutan Trail’s origins go back thousands of years to when it was part of the ancient Silk Road. Official records can be traced to the 16th century when it was the only route between the east and west of the country, connecting fortresses – or Dzongs – deep in the remote eastern Himalayas. It also served as the pilgrimage route for Buddhists in the east to travel to sacred sites in western Bhutan and Tibet, and legendary Garps –  trail runners – would travel the trail at great speed by foot with mail and important messages, often making their journeys without food or water.

When construction of the national highway began across Bhutan in the 1960s, the trail’s ancient stairways and footpaths gradually fell into disrepair. To prepare for the reopening, in March 2020, the team of surveyors restoring the ancient route began clearing jungles, fording rivers and reconstructing bridges to their former glory. As they worked, communities provided hospitality and assistance, elders shared stories of the past, and children marvelled at this unusual group, even as Bhutan and the world were enveloped in the emerging Covid crisis.

G Adventures vice president of product Yves Marceau says the operator’s two tours focus on trekking specially selected parts of the 403-km (250-mile) trail and connecting with local people to learn about Bhutanese life and culture, thus combining active travel and cultural immersion with the benefits of community tourism.

“We’re honoured to be working with the Bhutan Canada Foundation and the Trans Bhutan Trail to launch this newly restored route in magical Bhutan. It’s a country we’ve run tours in for more than a decade and have long admired for its commitment to the happiness of its people and sustainable way of life, which are both philosophies that align with our values as an organisation.

“Trails have historically connected remote communities and helped distribute much-needed income to local people as travellers move across the landscape. In today’s world, the pandemic has encouraged people to spend more time in nature, and now they are looking for similar experiences when they travel. Our new trips cover the highlights of the trail as hikers traverse forests and meadows and travel through rural settlements around the Dzongs. Travellers can expect an average of three to four hours of hiking each day and delicious local meals each night, whether they are camping or staying in homestays, hotels or local guest houses,” says Marceau.

Bhutan Canada Foundation chair and lead donor for the trail Sam Blyth says G Adventures was an obvious partner to help relaunch the trail given the company’s long history and success running small group tours and giving back to destinations through its commitment to community tourism.  

“Spanning the world’s only carbon-negative country, the Trans Bhutan Trail also reflects the country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness and enables the children of Bhutan to continue to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. It’s our vision that one day the Trans Bhutan Trail will be considered one of the great walks of the world,” says Blyth.

It is expected that Bhutan’s borders will reopen to tourism ahead of the Trans Bhutan Trail’s official opening ceremony in March 2022. The two new G Adventures trips on the Trans Bhutan Trail depart from 1 May 2022.

Both are available to book now and include the permits required to walk the trail. Itineraries as follows: 

  • Camp the Trans Bhutan TrailUntil the 1960s, the Trans Bhutan Trail was the only real way to traverse the mountain kingdom of Bhutan before it fell into disuse. Thankfully, it’s back, and this 11-day tour will show the world what it’s been missing. Covering some of the best portions of this 403 km trail, travellers use their own two feet to experience breathtaking, diverse landscapes and timeless villages from a different era. The tour provides a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural and spiritual life that is only possible off the beaten path. An 11-day trip travelling from Paro return is priced from AUD4,199pp for departures from 15 May 2022.
  • Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail – Explore the happiest country on Earth while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years. On this 12-day tour, travel and trek along the best portions of this historic trail, venturing from east to west, hiking high mountain passes across lush river valleys and through villages from a different era, stopping to soak in local history, culture, and customs along the way. A 12-day Active trip travelling from Paro return is priced from AUD5,399pp for departures from 1 May 2022.

For more information on G Adventures, please visit www.gadventures.com. For more information on the Trans Bhutan Trail see https://transbhutantrail.bt

X-Change Malaysia recharges business travel

KUALA LUMPUR 17 January 2022: The 2nd edition of X-Change Malaysia themed ‘Recharging Business Travel’ will take place on 26 January.

The virtual discourse will feature around 20 experts in business tourism. The keynote address will be presented by MyCEB chief executive officer, YBhg Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani Daud.

Guest Panelists of X-Change Malaysia – 2nd Edition.

A leading business travel destination in Asia, Malaysia is stepping up its communications to attract local and international meetings and events.

The virtual discourse curated by Ab & Artho Tourism Marketing & PR aims to stimulate conversations to engage and share ideas for the return of business travel.

The programme presents key topics of interest in the context of business tourism, moderated by Ab & Artho director of research & Analytics, Dr Farizal Razalli.

Some of the panellists include Francis Teo, President of MACEOS; Lau Yin Ming, Group Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, Malaysia Airlines;  Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak; Gregory Gubiani, Chairman of Marriott Business Council Malaysia and GM of The Westin Kuala Lumpur; Angelica Chan, Country Market Manager, Traveloka; Maria Taylor, Head of Commercial, Amadeus, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Hafiz Mohd Hanafiah, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, UiTM; Sanjay Pattis, Chief Executive Officer, Emtrez and Emily Lim, EVP of Holiday Tours (affiliate of CWT).

“We are honoured to welcome these like-minded opinion leaders and experts who share similar objectives to discuss how Malaysia’s business tourism industry reset and move towards a sustainable world,” said Ab & Artho CEO and co-founder Adlina Borhan.

The virtual programme will begin at 1400 Malaysia time (GMT+8) and the topics of discussion will include “Charting the Outlook and Trends (including the business of sports tourism); Orchestrating Business Travels for Malaysia; a special segment “In Focus: Meet in Malaysia and BLeisure”; Rationalising Tech – Transformation of Business Travels for Malaysia and Getting Malaysia Back to International BE Map.

Registration is free and is open to professionals in the business tourism industry (airlines, hotels, destination management companies, meeting planners, conference organisers, event organisers and travel agencies) and corporate companies.

Participants will stand a chance to win a two-night deluxe stay experience with breakfast for two persons at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. The winner will be announced during the discourse session on 26 January.

 X-Change Malaysia is a tourism solidarity programme organised by Ab & Artho with the support of tech partner Nazsoft Tech; hotel partner The Westin Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Traveloka, TraxAsia and Emtrez.

Arabian Travel Market changes dates

DUBAI, 17 January 2022: Reed Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market, has announced that this year’s four-day event will now open on Monday 9 May 2022 and close on Thursday 12 May 2022, to fall in line with the UAE’s new Monday-to-Friday working week.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the revised dates are also expected to complement international markets, the majority of which also follow the Monday-to-Friday working week.

Arabian Travel Market exhibition director ME Danielle Curtis said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the global travel and tourism community to the UAE on Monday 9 May 2022. Made possible by the UAE’s forward-thinking decision to transition to a 4.5-day, Monday-to-Friday workweek, we are confident ATM 2022’s updated timings will benefit both exhibitors and attendees by offering improved alignment with international markets.”

According to a poll conducted by management consultancy Mercer, overall, 84% of private-sector firms welcomed the initiative, and 37% would adopt a long-term, flexible approach, particularly those with close trading links with other Gulf countries.

Now in its 29th year and working in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – previously known as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), ATM 2022 will feature a broad selection of show highlights.

Travel Forward, the leading global event for travel technology will shine a spotlight on next-generation innovations for tourism and hospitality. ATM buyer forums and speed networking events will take place during the four days of the show.

After joining remotely for ATM 2021, this year will see both the ARIVALDubai@ATM forum and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) participate live in Dubai for the first time ever.

The dedicated ARIVALDubai@ATM forum will cover current and future trends for tour operators and attractions, focusing on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership and executive-level connections. GBTA, the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organisation, will deliver the latest business travel content, research and education to help drive the sector’s ongoing recovery and support growth in business travel.

ATM will play an integral role in the Arabian Travel Week (9-19 May), a festival of events dedicated to enabling travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

The UAE remains one of the most Covid-secure countries on the planet, with consistently low case rates and robust measures to ensure tourists’ safety at every stage of their visit, from arrival to departure. Like its neighbouring emirates, Dubai is committed to maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has endorsed its pandemic management, awarding the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp. 

For more about ATM, visit wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Rush to beat freeze on VTL ticket sale

SINGAPORE, 17 January 2022. A new report from ForwardKeys, reveals there was a surge in flight bookings from and to Singapore on 22 December last year, as travellers rushed to beat the suspension of Singapore’s vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs).

The lanes shut as part of Singapore’s efforts to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. VTLs were introduced in early September, allowing vaccinated travellers to Singapore to avoid being subject to a stay-home notice if they instead underwent multiple COVID-19 PCR tests. By late December, Singapore had VTLs in place with 24 countries.

But at midnight on 22 December, Singapore froze VTL ticket sales, and that is the current status until the lanes reopen on 21 January, when there will be a 50% cap on the previous quota. However, travellers who already held a ticket for a VTL flight could continue to enter Singapore under the VTL on their originally planned date. That day, outbound ticket sales jumped to over four times the daily average of the previous week, and inbound more than doubled.

During the following week (23 – 29 December), tickets issued for inbound travel fell by 51%, and outbound fell by 76%, compared to the week before.

Analysis of the top source markets for Singapore revealed that all of the top 10 suffered a substantial, double-digit drop in bookings, with the exception of Hong Kong, which suffered an 8% drop and Dubai, which was 20% up on the previous week.

Analysis of the top 10 destinations revealed an even greater decline in outbound flight bookings the week after the VTL suspension, with the exception of the Netherlands, which experienced an 11% increase.

ForwardKeys, VP Sales APAC Bing Han Kee said: “The vaccinated travel lanes have been incredibly helpful in facilitating travel to and from Singapore, as seven of the top ten origin markets and nine of the top ten destinations are VTL countries. I suspect the resilience of the Netherlands as a destination is influenced by KLM, which is currently the foreign carrier with the largest share of the Singapore market, by the number of seats.”

Tick the box for travel insurance

SINGAPORE, 17 January 2022: Guests residing in the US booking Marriott stays can now seamlessly buy domestic and international travel insurance with Allianz Partners on Marriott.com and the iOS version of the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app.

Allianz Global Assistance plans developed for Marriott can cover everyone booked in room(s) including friends or family and may provide reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses like airfare, expenses incurred during covered travel delays and medical emergencies, and more – providing benefits for much more than just the cost of hotel stays.

Plans available to Marriott guests can include protection for eligible trip cancellation costs due to a covered illness and injury up to a maximum amount. They may also include benefits for unexpected expenses caused by covered travel delays and trip interruptions such as the cost of rebooking flights, booking an airport hotel room for the night, or paying for a taxi. Depending on the plan purchased, costs for covered emergency medical care during a trip and delayed or lost baggage or personal belongings may also be covered. In addition, the plans can cover other pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses, such as tours, activities and entertainment and sports tickets.

Other plan benefits include a 24/7 team of multilingual, trained experts to help guests with medical and other travel-related emergencies. Services can include providing destination information, arranging roadside assistance, and making transportation arrangements. Policyholders can also enjoy the benefit of concierge services and take advantage of personal assistance from a team of experts to help get the most out of their travels, like securing tickets to shows, making restaurant reservations and booking spa treatments or a round of golf.

With the launch of this collaboration with Allianz Partners, Marriott guests don’t have to spend valuable time researching and selecting travel insurance. Guests will be given the opportunity to purchase insurance for their trip when they select their preferred hotel on Marriott.com.

When a guest chooses to purchase travel insurance, the cost is added to the total cost of their stay and is charged in a single transaction. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their insurance plan within 15 days of purchase (or more, depending on state and plan) if their travels have not begun. Plans from Allianz Partners on Marriott.com can be purchased upon booking or prior to departure and even include plans that accommodate reservations for the same day check-in.

Community-based tourism generates jobs

KOTA KINABALU, 17 January 2022: Community-based tourism (CBT) can help prevent rural-urban migration by providing young people in rural villages with a sustainable source of income, according to Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Noredah Othman.

Commenting on developing rural areas that have ample economic opportunities for young people to take advantage in rural areas, she said: “One of STB objectives is to encourage the youth to work in the community and that they do not need to leave their village to look for income.

“Jobs are everywhere, and what matter is effort. The rural areas are rich with natural resources and enchanting surroundings. Hence young people can find jobs and opportunities in CBT,” she noted.

Noredah made the presentation at an event organised by the University Malaysia Sabah’s Centre for Sustainable Society Engagement last Thursday.

Moderated by the centre’s deputy director Dr Elia Godoong, the talks focused on the opportunities of rural communities in the eco-tourism industry.

The engagement also discussed the migration of young people from rural to urban, leaving behind older folks to manage life in the village.

Noredah said the young people should maintain their legacy and continue living in their villages to promote their kampungs, rural destinations, and the state as a whole.

“The rural area is a beautiful tourism destination, and eco-tourism is linked to nature and community. That’s why CBT is important as it encourages the youth to continuously conserve and preserve our natural surroundings as well as appreciate their village,” she said.

She stressed STB is ever ready to assist the rural community that intends to venture into CBT by providing necessary supports, training, and funds.

STB works with the district tourism association to develop CBT, adding 26 districts that have established tourism committees to help sustain tourism activities in their respective area.

Meanwhile, she also said STB is open to collaborating with any varsity for research initiatives, especially on rural tourism.

“We recently provided grants for research teams or individuals who want to conduct research for us. Such collaboration is important to enable us to use their data for our strategic planning,” she added.

Visit STB corporate website: https://tourism.sabah.gov.my/

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

IHG introduces Kimpton

BANGKOK, 17 January 2022: Kimpton Kitalay Samui, the first resort in Southeast Asia under the IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury boutique brand, has officially opened its doors.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui-Villa Kitalay Topview.

Located on Samui’s Choengmon Beach close to the island’s international airport, Kimpton Kitalay Samui claims to be the island’s only village-styled oceanfront resort.

The group appointed Michael Janssen as the general manager of the resort property that has 138 rooms and pool villas, and five dining outlets. Room rates start at THB8,400 plus service and tax with an opening offer of a complimentary room upgrade, THB2,500 resort credit at the resort’s spa, restaurants or bars, and two signature cocktails at LANAI for bookings from now until 28 February 2022.

IATA: Omicron responses slow airline ticket sales

SINGAPORE, 14 January 2022: Air travel continued to recover in November 2021 as international demand maintained a steady upward trend and more markets reopened before the emergence of the Omicron variant, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported this week.

But that was before the more contagious  Omicron variant emerged and the tale of the tap for global domestic traffic weakened, mainly owing to the return of stringent travel restrictions in China.

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are to November 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.

  • Total demand for air travel in November 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) was down 47.0% compared to November 2019. This marked an uptick compared to October’s 48.9% contraction from October 2019. 
  • Domestic air travel deteriorated slightly in November after two consecutive monthly improvements. Domestic RPKs fell by 24.9% versus 2019, compared with a 21.3% decline in October. Primarily this was driven by China, where traffic fell 50.9% compared to 2019 after several cities introduced stricter travel restrictions to contain (pre-Omicron) COVID outbreaks.
  • International passenger demand in November was 60.5% below November 2019, bettering the 64.8% decline recorded in October.

“The recovery in air traffic continued in November. Unfortunately, governments over-reacted to the emergence of the Omicron variant at the close of the month and resorted to the tried-and-failed methods of border closures, excessive testing of travellers and quarantine to slow the spread. Not surprisingly, international ticket sales made in December and early January fell sharply compared to 2019, suggesting a more difficult first quarter than had been expected. If the experience of the last 22 months has shown anything, it is that there is little to no correlation between the introduction of travel restrictions and preventing transmission of the virus across borders. And these measures place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods. If experience is the best teacher, let us hope that governments pay more attention as we begin the New Year, ” said IATA’s director-general Willie Walsh.

International Passenger Markets

European carriers’ Novemberinternational traffic declined 43.7% versus November 2019, much improved compared to the 49.4%% decrease in October versus the same month in 2019. Capacity dropped 36.3% and load factor fell 9.7 percentage points to 74.3%.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw theirNovember international traffic fall 89.5% compared to November 2019, slightly improved from the 92.0% drop registered in October 2021 versus October 2019. Capacity dropped 80.0%, and the load factor was down 37.8 percentage points to 42.2%, the lowest among regions.

Middle Eastern airlines had a54.4% demand drop in November compared to November 2019, well up compared to the 60.9% decrease in October versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 45.5%, and load factor slipped 11.9 percentage points to 61.3%.

North American carriers experienceda 44.8% traffic drop in November versus the 2019 period, significantly improved over the 56.7% decline in October compared to October 2019. Capacity dropped 35.6%, and load factor fell 11.6 percentage points to 69.6%.

Latin American airlines saw a 47.2% drop in November traffic, compared to the same month in 2019, a marked upturn over the 54.6% decline in October compared to October 2019. November capacity fell 46.6%, and the load factor dropped 0.9 percentage points to 81.3%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the 14th consecutive month.

African airlines’ traffic fell 56.8% in November versus two years ago, improved over the 59.8% decline in October compared to October 2019. November capacity was down 49.6%, and load factor declined 10.1 percentage points to 60.3%.

GHM names GMs for Middle East properties

SINGAPORE, 14 January 2022: General Hotel Management announced Thursday the appointment of new general managers to head the management teams at two hotels in the Middle East under the group’s management.

Fabio Marigliano joins the Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE, and Morton Johnston, will supervise the opening of The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort in Doha, Qatar, in 2022.

The two senior management appointments will support GHM’s growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region as the group celebrates its 30th anniversary this 2022. GHM has seven projects in the pipeline, including The Chedi El Gouna, the Red Sea in Egypt.

A veteran in luxury travel, Fabio Marigliano brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to the award-winning team at The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE. Most recently, Marigliano was the executive assistant manager at Minor Hotels and Resorts in Doha, Qatar, with oversight of the pre-openings of The Vyra Suites NH Collection Doha office and The Plaza Doha by Anantara.

A familiar name at GHM, Morton Johnston, was previously the general manager at The Chedi Muscat, Oman. Upon his return in January 2022, Johnston will play a critical role in leading the landmark opening of The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort in Doha, Qatar in the second half of 2022. Johnston’s extensive luxury experience includes key leadership positions at Regent Hotels & Resorts in Taipei and The Leela Palaces & Resorts in India.

The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort in Doha, Qatar, is located on a beachfront setting within the landmark 100-hectare Katara Cultural Village district. The hotel is set to launch in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

About GHM

General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM)  manages The Chedi AI Bait, Sharjah, UAE, The Chedi Muscat, Oman, The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland and The Chedi Hotel and Residences Luštica Bay, Montenegro.