Archives for February 2020

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Statement on COVID-19

February 28, 2020 by PressEditor

The Bahamas Ministry of Health is working closely with the all pertinent government agencies throughout the destination to execute The Bahamas National Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19. At this time, there are no reported cases of the coronavirus in The Bahamas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not currently recommend any restriction of travel or trade, and The Bahamas continues to welcome visitors to the destination. The Bahamas is one of the few countries conducting COVID-19 testing and is actively employing several measures used globally to screen visitors and residents and to manage the response to individuals of concern in line with international health best practices. Traveller health questionnaires and a screening protocol are used at ports, hotels and rental properties to identify guests who may require surveillance or treatment.

On January 30, 2020, The Bahamas implemented border control and quarantine measures for persons travelling from China as a component of the country’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. • All travellers, who are not citizens or residents of The Bahamas, with a history of travel to China within the previous 20 days are to be denied entry. • Citizens and residents with a history of travel to China within the previous 20 days are to be quarantined and monitored closely by the Public Health Department to determine whether possible exposure while in China will result in illness. Should they become ill, they will be managed per clinical management WHO guidelines for cases of COVID-19. • There are currently only four (4) quarantine cases in The Bahamas. • Currently, no other countries are restricted but the Government of The Bahamas is reviewing this matter on an ongoing basis and will keep the travelling public informed.

A destination-wide education campaign is underway to remind the public of the basic hygiene practices that can be used to prevent the spread of the virus including frequent, proper hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, frequent disinfection of surfaces and avoiding close contact with those exhibiting signs of respiratory illness.

The Bahamas is following the protocol outlined in the International Health Regulations (IHR) and reporting to WHO as appropriate. The WHO currently considers the risk to The Bahamas and Caribbean from the coronavirus to be low, but a key element of the IHR plan is to inform the public of relevant updates regularly.

For more information on 2019-nCoV, please visit these websites:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

• Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Chinese Coronavirus Real-Time dashboard https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/01/23/coronavirus-outbreak-mapping-tool-649-em1-art1-dtd-health/

Inquiries on COVID-19 in The Bahamas should be directed to the Bahamas Ministry of Health, at 1-242-502-4790, 1-242-502-4776, 1-242-502-4737 or 1-242-397-1021.

Quest in the Seychelles

February 28, 2020 by PressEditor

Words around the Island of Mahé spread like wild fire last week as English journalist and CNN International Anchor Richard Quest was spotted on the Islands.

Warmly welcomed by the tropical Seychelles atmosphere and the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Staff, Mr Richard Quest began his mission of discovering the essence of the utopia on Thursday February 20, 2020.

Placing the archipelago in the global spotlight, CNN’s renowned anchor and international business correspondent, along with his crew, filmed segments for his shows “Quest’s World of Wonder” and “Quest Means Business”.

In true creole hospitality, the STB assisted Mr. Quest and his crew during his stay by accompanying the team on their journey and facilitating logistics. Mr. Quest was also received by the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine; Mr Didier Dogley, Principal Secretary of Tourism; Mrs Anne Lafortune’ Chief Executive of the STB; Mrs Sherin Francis and Deputy Chief Executive Ms Jenifer Sinon.

In his “Quest’s World of Wonder”, the team were captivated by Mahé’s rich history, the Eden of Praslin’s Vallee de Mai, the towering boulder of La Digue and the exotic wildlife of Bird Island.

Delving deep into the roots of the Creole community in Seychelles, the team also had the chance to meet many locals around the islands and discovered the soul of the Seychelles through its people and culture.

Mr Quest also learned more about the country’s efforts in the battle to preserve the pristine paradise through sustainability and eco-friendly solutions, and the national pride of being a pioneer in the conservation community.

Commenting on his visit, Mr Quest said, “Seychelles is an extraordinary place with a melting pot of people and incredible nature.”

Speaking about the visit of Mr. Quest, Mrs Sherin Francis STB chief Executive mentioned that the destination visibility would definitely be given a boost.

“As the tourism board we have are at several interval extended invitation to Mr Quest to visit Seychelles. We are happy that finally Seychelles will feature in his travel show. The show is widely watched worldwide and I am sure it will generate immense visibility for the destination and that is why we did not hesitate to extend our support since the day the planning of the visit started. We would like to thank all the partners who have been very cooperative throughout his visit and for the appreciation the public have shown towards him. He has sure left the country with very fond memories,” said Mrs. Francis.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected] www.seychelles.travel

Centara and Hua Hin Pearl Sign HMA for Cha Am Resort

February 28, 2020 by PressEditor

Centara Hotels & 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.

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.

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.

For more information, please visit the Centara website, centarahotelsresorts.com

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 75 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

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For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:[email protected] Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:[email protected] Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

Travel trends for Boomers, Gen X, Y & Z in focus at ATM

February 28, 2020 by PressEditor

Activities and experiences tie all generations together, but preferences disrupt broad-based offerings for a global market worth $183 billion up 35% over last 5 years

Travellers from across the globe representing all generations, now have a common interest in activities and experiences that are now influencing, indeed in many cases driving their travel decisions, according to new research from Expedia Group Media Solutions.

The research underscores the notion that cultural and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exploring new destinations and interactive activities, are ranked by all generations significantly higher than value or a discounted price.

Arabian Travel Market 2020, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 19-22 April 2020, will bring together travel and tourism experts from across the globe to discuss the burgeoning global tours and activities market, which according to New York-based Skift Research, is estimated to be worth $183 billion this year, a 35% increase since 2016.

“Although all generations are now looking for activities and experiences, above all else, what makes this market more complex, is the individual preferences and demands of each generation and of course ultimately, the challenge facing marketers trying to engage with them,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market 2020.

ATM is holding a series of seminars on its Global Stage identifying the latest in hospitality concepts as well as the most recent trends in cultural tourism to future developments in the wellness economy and responsible tourism. And addressing these issues ATM has recruited industry experts from Kerten Hospitality, Accor, as well as representatives from Abu Dhabi and Ajman tourism boards.

Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964 are the least concerned about budget and are especially interested in sightseeing and in the case of American tourists, 40% will plan their holiday around food and drink. They want safety, security and service and the so-called Platinum Pensioners are a much sought-after demographic – they want to relax and generally avoid long haul trips.

Gen X travelers who are now typically aged between 40 and 56 years, travel least out of the generations, due to corporate careers, 50% of all leadership roles worldwide are occupied by Gen Xers. As such they value work-life balance and prefer relaxing holidays to de-stress. Interestingly, 25% of Gen X will accept word of mouth during their decision-making process and are especially drawn towards cultural experiences Expedia research found that 70% enjoy museums, historical sites and art galleries.

Generation Y or Millennials, who are today aged between 25 and 39, are the most talked about generation and are the undisputed champions of the frequent traveler title, technically adept and the great disrupters. More than anything, Millennials crave adventure and experiential variety and although they are careful with their budget, in gross terms it the largest submarket by revenue, generated through sheer volume.

Ipsos research in September 2018, concluded that 25% of the MENA region’s population is made up of Millennials; 97% are online; 94% are present on at least one social platform; 78% share content weekly; 74% have interacted online with an brand and 64% are always looking for best offers and deals available. This may have something to do with the fact that 41% of MENA’s Millennials feel overwhelmed by financial burden, and only 70% of those of working age, are actually employed.

“One emerging trend travel and tourism experts will be watching is Generation Alpha – the children of the Millennials. According to Skift these kids, born after 2010, will start making their own travel arrangements well before the end of this decade and there is a belief that they are expected to be even more disruptive than their parents,” added Curtis.

Finally, Generation Z, those born between 1996 and 2010, aged between 10 and 24 years, spend 11% of their travel budget on activities and tours the highest of any generation according to Expedia research. What sets this open-minded, interactive generation apart from the others, is that 90% are inspired by peers on social networks and 70% are open to creative ideas. As true digital natives, they are comfortable researching, planning and booking their travel from their mobile phone and yearn for new, unique and authentic experiences.

“So, in response, apart from the challenges of marketing to these disjointed generations, the ATM seminars will also be examining how hotels, destinations, attractions, tours and other activities are created, packaged and priced, to meet demand. We will also be launching the Middle East’s first ever edition of Arival Dubai @ ATM showcasing the next generation of in-destination trends and innovation, as well as exploring the various opportunities that sector presents,” said Curtis.

ATM, considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, welcomed almost 40,000 people to its 2019 event with representation from 150 countries. With over 100 exhibitors making their debut, ATM 2019 showcased the largest ever exhibition from Asia.

For more news about ATM, please visit: https://arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com/media-centre/Press-Releases/

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East – introducing both inbound and outbound tourism professionals to over 2,500 of the most breath-taking destinations, attractions and brands as well as the very latest cutting-edge technologies. Attracting almost 40,000 industry professionals, with representation from 150 countries, ATM prides itself on being the hub of all travel and tourism ideas – providing a platform to discuss insights on the ever-changing industry, share innovations and unlock endless business opportunities over the four days. ATM 2020’s show theme is Events for Tourism Growth, also new to the show will be Travel Forward, a high-end travel and hospitality innovation event, dedicated conference summits and ATM buyer forums for key source markets India, Saudi Arabia and Russia as well as the inaugural Arival Dubai @ ATM – a dedicated in-destination forum. www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com.

Next event: Sunday 19 to Wednesday 22 April 2020 – Dubai #IdeasArriveHere

About Arabian Travel Week

Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2020. The week will include ILTM Arabia, the inaugural Travel Forward, a new travel tech and hospitality innovation event launching this year, and Arival Dubai @ ATM, a dedicated in-destination forum. Additionally, it will host ATM Buyer Forums for key source markets India, Saudi Arabia and Russia and ATM Speed Networking events. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector – under one roof over the course of one week.www.arabiantravelweek.com

Next event: Thursday 16 to Thursday 23 April 2020 – Dubai

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face-to-face through data and digital tools at more than 500 events a year, in more than 43 countries, attracting more than seven million participants. Reed’s events are held in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 41 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether it is global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, LGBTQ+ travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf and spa travel. We have over 40 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises four leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. In addition to ATM, the events are:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. Around 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating over £3.71 billion in travel industry contracts. http://london.wtm.com/

Next event: Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 November 2020 – London #IdeasArriveHere

WTM Latin America attracts about 9,000 senior executives and generates about US$374 million of new business deals. Taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this show attracts a global audience to meet and shape the direction of the travel industry. More than 8,000 unique visitors, including buyers and travel agents, attend the event to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry news. http://latinamerica.wtm.com/.

Next event: Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 2 April 2020 – Sao Paulo

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Around 5,000 travel industry professionals attend Africa’s leading inbound and outbound travel and tourism market. WTM Africa delivers a proven mix of hosted buyers, media, pre-scheduled appointments, on-site networking, evening functions and invited travel trade visitors. http://africa.wtm.com/.

Next event: Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 April 2020 – Cape Town

Media contact: NATHALIE VISELE, Director, Shamal Communications, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971 4 365 2711 | Mobile: +971 50 457 6525, E-mail: [email protected] , Website: www.shamalcomms.com

United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) prepares for Spring 2020 Out-of-country board meeting in Malta

February 27, 2020 by PressEditor

Terry Dale, USTOA President & CEO, accompanied by Michelle Buttigieg, Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) representative North America, returned from a site inspection in preparation for USTOA’s 2020 Out-Of-Country Board Meeting April 25 – May 1 in Malta. The host hotel will be thefive-star Corinthia Palace and Turkish Airlines is the official USTOA Malta Board Meeting air carrier.

Terry Dale reported that “the host committee, led by Michelle Buttigieg, is extremely well organized and the program that is being prepared is truly amazing.” Dale added, “With every visit to Malta, I continue to discover and delight in this Mediterranean archipelago’s wealth of history and culture. I am convinced that our USTOA Board members will have a one-of-a-kind experience” said Dale .

To add to the excitement of Malta itself, Dale noted “the USTOA Board members will find that the Corinthia Palace, a property itself steeped in history, reflects the essence of the Maltese experience, warm hospitality from an extremely attentive staff, in a truly luxurious setting.” said Dale. “We are also very fortunate that we will have a special dining experience in the historic Villa Corinthia, with Corinthia’s well-known Maltese Executive Chef, Stefan Hogan.”

Carlo Micallef, Deputy CEO and Chief Marketing Officer, MTA, “We are confident that following their Malta experience, the USTOA Board Members will have a better understanding of why Malta has become so popular in the North American market, as well as experience first-hand, the professionalism of our DMCs and the world-class luxury of our hotels.” He added, “MTA is also appreciative of the strong support of the host committee made up of USTOA Maltese members, Alpine Sterling, Exclusively Malta and United Travel Group. MTA also recognizes the great support from the host hotel, Corinthia Palace as well as the Official Air Carrier, Turkish Airlines.”

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere. Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sights and was a European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.

For Further Information and Photography: www.visitmalta.com

About USTOA

Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents. www.ustoa.com

About Corinthia Palace

Originally opened as a restaurant and transformed into Corinthia’s founding hotel in 1968, Corinthia Palace in Attard has become a legendary part of Malta – a see and be seen destination. The San Anton Palace and its glorious gardens are a few moments away, but the hotel grounds themselves are idyllic. Alfresco dining is championed come summertime with The Summer Kitchen complementing the sun-soaked days and balmy evenings. An elegant residence with 147 charming rooms and suites, the real magic of Malta can be observed from the comfort of this tranquil hotel. For more information visit corinthia.com/palace, @corinthiapalace on Twitter, @CorinthiaPalaceHotel on Facebook and @corinthiapalace on Instagram.

About Turkish Airlines

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 337 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 311 worldwide destinations as 261 international and 50 domestic, in 124 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Malta Tourism Authority:

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

E-mail: [email protected]

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/Amanda Benedetto

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253 E-mail: [email protected]

Archives for February 2020

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