Archives for March 2022

100% of raffle funds raised go to Refugee Fund

Skal International New Orleans, part of the only worldwide professional organization promoting global Tourism and friendship, uniting all sectors of the Tourism industry, has raised $5,000 for Ukrainian refugees. During its March 21, 2022, meeting at the Jack Rose Restaurant in the Pontchartrain Hotel, the 100 member local organization held a raffle with 100% of the funds going to the Ukrainian Refugee Fund established by Skal International.

This is the second fundraiser that the New Orleans chapter of Skal has had in the past three months. At the December Holiday Auction Celebration, the Skall chapter raised $8,916 ($1,000 of that was contributed by Skal International Boston) with the funds going to the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.

“Skal International New Orleans members have always put others first and have always stepped up to the plate to when asked,” commented Shelley Pigeon, President Skal International New Orleans.

What does SKAL mean?

The word is a greeting toast from Europe. Each letter signifies something special about our organization:

S – Sharing our special tourism talents with others

K – Knowledge our members have of the tourism industry

A – Aid we provide to others

L – Leadership — as all members are leaders

About Skal International

Founded in 1934, Skål International is the only professional organization promoting global Tourism and friendship, uniting all sectors of the Tourism industry

Its more than 12,100 members, entailing of industry’s Managers and Executives, meet at local, regional, national and international levels to do business among friends throughout more than 317 Skål Clubs along 103 countries.

About Skal International New Orleans

Skal New Orleans was founded in 1950 and has become a leader in the hospitality industry with 100 members consisting of the top executives in the industry. The organization meets the third Monday of each month except for July and August.

MEDIA CONTACT: Skål International, Avenida Palma de Mallorca 15, 29620 Torremolinos, SPAIN, Tel: +34 952 38 9111, Fax: +34 952 37 0013, [email protected]

Transaction scheduled for conclusion in the second quarter of 2022 – Fraport’s expertise over the past 14 years contributed to successfully developing Xi’an Airport – Divestiture concludes Fraport’s China business 

Fraport AG is selling its stake in Xi’an Airport (XIY) in Central China. Under the agreement signed today (March 31), Fraport is selling its entire 24.5 percent stake in Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Co., Ltd. – the airport’s operating company – to Chang’an Huitong Co., Ltd. for a price of 1.11 billion renminbi (RMB).

Fraport AG’s CEO, Dr. Stefan Schulte, explained: “We reflect on our activity in Xi’an with great satisfaction, but also some disappointment. On the one hand, the Xi’an subsidiary gave us an opportunity to showcase our expertise in airport management. Indeed, over the past 14 years, Fraport successfully developed Xi’an from a medium-sized regional airport with about 10 million passengers annually to one of China’s largest aviation gateways, serving more than 40 million passengers per year. On the other hand, we always regarded our minority stake in Xi’an as a starting point for expanding our business in China – the most populous country in the world. However, this never materialized in Xi’an or at any other Chinese airport. Consequently, we have now decided to cease our activities in the Chinese market. With gratitude, we thank our partners at Xi’an Airport and the entire region for their excellent support. We also wish Xi’an Airport all the best for the future!”

Fraport acquired its stake in Xi’an in 2008. The transaction closing still requires several steps to be completed. Currently, the Xi’an operating company anticipates conclusion of the transaction during the second quarter of 2022. 

Fraport expects the sale to have a positive impact on both the Group’s operating result (EBITDA) and the financial result (net profit). Moreover, the Group’s net financial debt will be further reduced by the additional cash inflow resulting from selling the stake. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert Payne
Unternehmenskommunikation
Media Relations
Phone +49 69 690-78547
[email protected]

Seduction marketing operation

Reinforcing efforts on the Italian market, the Tourism Seychelles office in Italy organized two familiarization trips for several top Italian tour operators in March.

A seduction operation that brought two groups of agents to Seychelles to re-discover the destination, post-pandemic. The project was executed with the strong partnership of Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, two airlines offering connectivity services from Italy to Seychelles and a few local hoteliers who hosted the Italian partners.

During the trips, the Italian trade partners had the opportunity to see the various properties, sites including the new products and experiences in the destination to be able to fully understand what Seychelles has to offer to their clients.

The first group included 8 agents, who were accompanied by Ms. Loredana Frisella, an Ethiopian Airlines representative working with Tourism Seychelles for the project, who departed from Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino aboard the ultra-modern and eco-sustainable aircraft, Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Restarting all tourism activities in the safest possible way.

The tour was organized in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines and hotel partners Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa on Mahé, La Digue Island Lodge on La Digue and Acajou Best Resort on Praslin, hosted the first group of participants while their itinerary included sites and attractions on the 3 main islands.

The second group saw the participation of eight Product Managers was organized in collaboration with airline partner Etihad Airways. Accompanied by Mrs. Danielle Di Gianvito, the Tourism Seychelles Marketing Representative based in Italy and Ms. Antonella Cataldi, Country Manager of Etihad Airways Italy, the group had an interesting 6-day trip on Mahé and Praslin.

Speaking about the successful event, Mrs. Di Gianvito mentioned that the operation was to show the Italian trade partners that the destination has restarted all tourism activities in the safest possible way to boost arrivals from Italy, which shows excellent signs of recovery since the lifting of the travel restrictions.

“We are very pleased with these collaborations that make Seychelles easily accessible to Italians. We are confident in the strong growth in the presence of Italian tourists in this corner of paradise. Educational trips remain the most powerful tool to truly show the beauty of Seychelles and to boost the confidence of the trade-in selling the destination,” said Mrs. Di Gianvito.

While in Seychelles, partners had the opportunity to enjoy some of the most luxurious hotels including Mango House, Fisherman’s Cove Resort, Constance Lemuria Seychelles Resort, Paradise Sun Resort, Constance Ephelia Seychelles Resort.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

Access Luxury Travel Show in Czech Republic

A Seychelles delegation attended the Access Luxury Travel Show (ALTS) workshop in Prague on March 15 to 16, promoting the island destination in Central Eastern Europe (CEE) as visitor numbers from the region continue to show steady growth.

Tourism Seychelles was represented at the two-day event in the Czech Republic capital, by its Director for Russia, CIS and Eastern Europe, Mrs. Lena Hoareau accompanied by Ms. Maryna Serhieieva from Summer Rain Tours, Ms. Johana Cerna from Constance Hotels and Ms. Serena Di Fiore from Hilton Resorts.

With the aim of re-starting tourism events after two lack-luster years and to give destinations and tourism businesses the platform to promote their products post Covid, the workshop brought together buyers from the CEE region, notably the host country, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

There was a greater representation of Tour Operators, niche and luxury travel agencies, MICE agencies and other TOs specializing in golf and weddings, than in previous years. That meant a bigger exposure for all exhibitors and a good opportunity for them to get back on the market.

Speaking about Seychelles’ participation at ALTS, Mrs. Hoareau said it felt good to be back at this workshop and to be able to meet the partners face-to-face again.

“Two years ago, this ALTS workshop was the last event we attended as the COVID-19 virus rapidly crept upon us. A few days after that edition, most of Europe went into lockdown. Therefore, it felt good to be back, to see the dedicated partners again and to start discussing business,” she said.

She added that the workshop saw high levels of attendance and the excitement of re-starting business was very apparent amongst the participants and exhibitors alike. There was an obvious eagerness to increase business opportunities and to get people to start booking holidays again.

“The Central and Eastern Europe region has been performing very well for us since we re-opened our borders last year and these markets have been crucial in the recovery of the Seychelles tourism industry. The region was able to fill the gap left by the traditional markets and we hope as we increase our promotion in that part of the world, we will experience a more significant growth from there,” said Mrs. Hoareau.

The workshop was held on a scheduled-appointment basis, with one-on-one opportunities, where hosted buyers were able to book meetings with the exhibitors they wished to see and conduct business with. Seychelles, one of several destinations at the event, registered two full days of over 40 meetings as tour operators yearned to learn more about the current travel-friendly entry conditions and additional information they could use to increase their sales to the island destination.

Mrs. Hoareau said that being well represented with a destination table with the support of a local Destination Management Company and two hotel partners highlighted the destination’s intention to grow its market share across Central and Eastern Europe.

Additionally, great emphasis was put on the friendly travel conditions for visitors which is already an advantage as Seychelles search for new growth in both figures and revenue.

The CEE region has remained resilient during the pandemic and produced a remarkable 52,317 visitors to Seychelles in 2021.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

Sandals didn’t invent the all–inclusive concept, but they have perfected it. For over three decades, Sandals has earned every resort award and accolade in the industry, placing them leagues above any other all–inclusive resort.

In addition to that, Sandals is not only the world’s best in the eyes of the travel industry, but the favorite destination for a Luxury Included® Vacation in the hearts of couples around the world. The greatest reward of all for Sandals is the high level of guest satisfaction they enjoy hearing about. It inspires everyone at Sandals to continue providing the ultimate vacation experience in the Caribbean.

Take a look at the myriad of awards that has been bestowed upon Sandals Resorts and Beaches over the years.

In total to date, a staggering 595 awards!

Scuba Diving’s Readers Choice Awards

Each year, Scuba Diving’s readers vote on their favorite dive destinations, operators, liveaboards, resorts, sites and more, bringing the Reader’s Choice Awards to life. Thousands of scuba divers weigh in, and new winners are announced on an annual basis.

2021 – 1 Awards

EarthCheck

EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. Since 1987, they have helped businesses, communities and governments to deliver clean, safe, prosperous and healthy destinations for travelers to visit, live, work and play. They know that what can be good for the planet is also good for business.

2018:  5 Awards

Condé Nast Traveler’s Annual Readers’ Choice

For more than 25 years, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards have recognized the world’s best hotels, cruise ships, and airlines through a survey completed by its experienced readers.

2021 – 2010:  25 Awards

World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 for the express purpose of acknowledging and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry. Each voting campaign reaches thousands of travel professionals worldwide in more than 160 countries.

2021 – 2010:  152 Awards

Islands

Islands readers love all-inclusive resorts. Since both their editors and readers have checked in to hundreds of all-inclusive resorts over the years, they know a thing or two about what makes them shine. These experts have ranked the top three island resorts in 12 categories based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service.

2020 – 2019: 10 Awards

USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards

10Best.com, provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. At its core is the team of local travel experts: a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields – and their cities – but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about, with constantly updated content.

2020 – 2017:  3 Awards

PADI

The world’s largest scuba diving training organization honors Sandals Resorts International’s achievement of more than 100,000 PADI certifications across both Beaches and Sandals Resorts since the company’s membership with PADI began in 1997. The award also recognizes the incomparable contribution to diving education throughout the Caribbean.

2019:  1 award

Travvy Awards

The annual Travvy Awards, presented by travAlliancemedia, recognize the highest standards of excellence in the industry today and honor travel companies, travel products, travel agencies and destinations for their outstanding achievement.

2021 – 2015:  26 awards

American Academy of Hospitality Sciences

The International Star Diamond Award is one of the most prestigious emblems of achievement for the travel industry. Nominations are routinely submitted by world travelers and industry professionals and refined by the Board of Trustees based on the nominee’s commitment to excellence in luxury and service within its industry’s specific category and classification, including hospitality, attitude, quality and cleanliness.

2019 – 2010:  132 awards

TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence

A Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor® is given only to establishments that consistently achieve exceptional traveler reviews on TripAdvisor®, the largest travel community in the world. This outstanding achievement reflects an ongoing commitment to providing guests superior service and amenities throughout the Caribbean.

2016 – 2013:  55 Awards

Travel Weekly Magellan Awards

From design to marketing to services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. Entries are received from elite travel organizations and professionals worldwide, which have showcased outstanding work.

From 2021 – 2010: 46 Awards

TravelAge West WAVE Award

The TravelAge West WAVE (Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence) Awards are a celebration of excellence in travel products, services and destinations. Each year travel agent professionals and readers of TravelAge West vote on the best-of-the-best from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients that were chosen after careful review by TravelAge West Editor-in-Chief and the editorial team. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.

2021 – 2010:  19 Awards

TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice Awards

The annual TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the globe covering more than thousands of hotels. They identify the most outstanding properties worldwide in a number of the categories ranging from of Top Hotels, Luxury, and Bargain, to Service, Small Hotels, and B&Bs and Inns.

2021 – 2010:  36 Awards

MLT Vacations Quality Assurance Awards

The Quality Assurance Award recognizes an exclusive group of hotels and resorts that achieve a 99% customer satisfaction score, and a 99% delivery of product performance. MLT Vacations uses this award to distinguish those hotels making these high grades.

2015 – 2010:  33 Awards

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels represents the top-rated hotels around the globe, as selected by Travel + Leisure’s discerning readers.

2018 – 2010:  11 Awards

Flight Centre

Flight Centre USA is one of the world’s leading travel consulting companies that offer travel advice and vacation planning services, and also honor industry leaders each year. Surveys are sent to all Liberty Travel Agents, FCm Travel Solutions employees, GOGO reservation agents and all Flight Centre staff at headquarters.

2016 – 2010:  20 Awards

PADI Green Star Award

This prestigious award is given to PADI Dive Centers and Resorts who have earned the Green Star Award by demonstrating a dedication to conservation across a wide range of business functions including: water conservation, energy use, etc.

2014:  1 Award

Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 500 World’s Best

Travel + Leisure’s annual compilation of the 500 top-ranked hotels in the world as selected by their expert readers.

2015 – 2011:  9 Awards

Brides Best Honeymoon Awards

Every year, Brides magazine offers its readers their expert picks in the top honeymoon destinations around the world. Their final choices are presented in list form in their monthly magazine.

2017 – 2011:  6 Awards

Hotels.com

‘Loved By Guests’ Winners are awarded to properties that deliver excellent levels of guest service with a rating of more than 4 out of 5.

2017:  4 Awards

MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, [email protected]