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Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok announces exclusive Alternative State Quarantine packages

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Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok, situated in the heart of the city, has unveiled a unique range of upscale Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) packages for Thai citizens, international travellers and expatriates returning to Thailand. The hotel will start welcoming Alternative State Quarantine guests on 26 October 2020.

The renowned upscale hotel, owned and managed by Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is offering a series of government-approved staycation experiences for the duration of the mandatory 15-night quarantine period in association with Piyavate Hospital. Each all-inclusive option includes full-board dining, exclusive airport transfer and access to the highest levels of healthcare.

Accommodation options at the state-of-the-art urban hotel cater to all price points, ranging from 26-square-metre Superior Room to the spacious, 43-square-metre Deluxe One-Bed Suite.

Room type/ Rate (net)

●          Superior / THB48,500

●          Deluxe / THB55,000

●          Deluxe Family Resident / THB70,000

●          Deluxe One-Bed Suite / THB77,000

During the two-week stay, guests can benefit from 24-hour room service, high-speed internet, a 20 percent discount on all in-room dining and laundry services and room cleaning services every other day after the third day. Access to world-class healthcare, meanwhile, is provided by the internationally-accredited Piyavate Hospital. This includes two Covid-19 tests at the start and end of the stay in a designated screening area and access to a 24-hour on-call nurse. Upon departure, guests receive an official Covid-19-free certificate.

Families and couples returning together can share rooms where applicable, for a charge of THB33,000 per additional person per room, inclusive of three meals a day and two Covid-19 tests. Moreover, Thai citizens receive a THB2,000 discount on each package. 

To ensure guests’ arrivals in the country is seamless, confirmed flight itineraries are required three days prior to airport arrival, in addition to full payment upon reservation.

Since launching in 2013, the 281-room Centara Watergate Bangkok has become one of Bangkok’s most popular hotels for guests seeking stylish accommodation and state-of-the-art amenities in the heart of the city.

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 81 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 Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara 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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Media contacts:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International Media, Centara Hotels & Resorts

pornchanokth@chr.co.th                         Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts

Email: puntirach@chr.co.th                     Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

Jerome Richard

VP, Communications – Delivering Asia Communications

Tel. +66 (0) 90 902 5407

Email: jr@deliveringasia.com

Seychelles Welcomes Travelers from African Countries as of Monday, October 19, 2020

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Taking a step forward in the recovery of its tourism industry, Seychelles is now inviting travelers from several Sub-Saharan African nations for a safe travel experience in the destination.

After intensive preparations for a safer travel experience for visitors, Seychelles has been welcoming tourists back on its shores since June 1, 2020, through chartered and private flights and officially reopened to scheduled flights as of August 1, 2020.

With travelers’ wellbeing and that of the local population at heart, the Seychellois authorities have put in place rigorous protocols to ensure safe travel and stay for its visitors.

Ten African countries with a continued decline in infection rate including South Africa, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have henceforth been added on the list of permitted countries – Category: one as of Monday, October 19, 2020.

Conditions applicable to visitors from these countries joining the Category -1 Permitted countries that are deemed low or medium risk are less rigid than for other visitors coming from countries listed as Category 2 or other higher-risk countries.

Travelers, coming from Category 1- Permitted countries will be required to produce a negative Covid-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours before departure alongside their approved Health Travel Authorization (HTA) for entry and will not be subject to the restriction of movement during their stay.

Visitors are encouraged to observe sanitary measures while visiting Seychelles. Visitors from the Category 1 list of permitted countries will be able to enjoy their holiday activities such as sightseeing and tours, island hopping and excursions under specific guidelines.

Mr. David Germain, the Seychelles Tourism Board Regional (STB) Director for Africa & the Americas mentions that this new addition to the permitted list is an opportunity for Seychelles and will contribute to rebound the tourism industry.

“Seychelles, given its proximity to Africa, and being a Covid19 safe destination, with certified establishments and services, is the perfect place for a holiday for the African travelers, safe and isolated the archipelago is one of the purest and most environmentally intact destinations on earth, come and experience Seychelles, our home, your sanctuary,” he said.

Adding more good news for the African market, Seychelles’ national airline, Air Seychelles has announced that it will resume its flight schedule from Seychelles to Johannesburg, South Africa effective November 7, 2020. Air Seychelles will operate one weekly flight on Saturdays in November and from December; the airline will offer three flights per week with the addition of flights on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

Speaking of the addition of the ten African countries to the permitted list, Ms. Christine Vel, the STB Director for Africa, mentioned her enthusiasm to have the destination available for African travelers again. 

“We are overly excited to be opening our borders again to the African market. For the past few months, we have been building on our visibility on the market and we have satisfyingly had lots of interest and enquiries. Knowing the demand is there, we are confident that with flight availability, and permission from the authorities for these travelers to enter Seychelles the interest will keep increasing,” says Ms. Vel.

Seychelles has so far, recorded an exceptionally low number of cases and there has been no community transmission, deaths nor any infection amongst health care workers.

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Malta Welcomes 79 Boats for Rolex Middle Sea Race

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On October 17, 2020, Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, will hold its 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race. This iconic race features some of the world’s most premier mariners on the most high-tech vessels in the sea. With a wide range of contestants from Chile to New Zealand, the international appeal of the Rolex Middle Sea Race makes the race even more compelling. 

Many consider the Rolex Middle Sea Race as one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world. This race is a 606 nautical mile-long course starting and ending in Malta. Although the route may seem simple, with the varied wind and sea conditions, it makes for a tactical challenge even for these experienced crews. 

“We are delighted with the size and diversity of the fleet in the circumstances,” noted Peter Dimech, the Principal Race Officer. “At the moment, we have every hope of getting the race underway as planned despite the headwinds we face.” The headwinds are coming from various directions. “In terms of the operational elements, we are closely following guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and the Malta Health authorities, and also World Sailing, who have provided considerable best practice advice generally and specifically for offshore races,” explains Dimech. “We are also looking at the best practice of other national federations to ensure we are adopting a comprehensive approach.”   

Safety Measures for Visitors to the Rolex Middle Sea Race

Due to Covid-19, there are new restrictions and guidelines to follow for safety measures. There will only be one access point to the club. Before entering, your temperature will be checked, and masks are required for entry. The club is offering free disposable masks for visitors if needed. For more information on Covid-19 safety guidelines, click here.  

Registration 

Registration is open now for the 2020 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race click here to register now. 

Safety Measures for Tourists

Malta has produced an online brochure, which outlines all the safety measures and procedures that the Maltese government has put into place for all hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, beaches based on social distancing and testing. 

For more information about the History of the Rolex Middle Sea Race click here.

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 the 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 more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.

More news about Malta

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America 

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944

F 212 213 0938

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253 E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Kickoff of the Fall Holiday Season at Frankfurt Airport

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Kickoff of the Fall Holiday Season at Frankfurt Airport

The fall travel season is just around the corner: school holidays will start next Friday in Hesse and several other German states. Despite the ongoing global pandemic, many holiday destinations can still be safely and easily reached from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) while complying with current requirements. To let passengers embark on their trips without worrying, in recent months the airport has worked closely with other institutions to implement a comprehensive range of safeguards against contagion.

Social distancing and hygiene

In addition to requiring everyone to wear a face covering at all times inside the terminal buildings, general hygiene and social distancing rules are enforced. Floor markings, signs, regular PA announcements, and frequently patrolling airport staff remind them to maintain a distance of one-and-a-half meters from other people, also in the seating and waiting areas. “The safety of passengers and personnel is our top priority,” stresses Thomas Kirner, who is responsible for passenger services at Fraport, the airport’s operator. “We have honed these practices over the last few months and they are now very effective.”

A passenger survey carried out by GIM, a market research company, has revealed that about 90% of travelers are satisfied with FRA’s enhanced protection measures and enforced hygiene. FRA was also the first airport to receive a “Safe from Covid-19” quality seal from TÜV Hesse, the technical inspection association of the state of Hesse. “It naturally helps that passengers and employees are responding to the situation responsibly and appropriately protecting themselves,” stresses Kirner.

Disposable facemasks, disinfectant for hand luggage, and other travel items are available from shops and vending machines in Terminal 1 (Concourse B, Departures).

Advice for getting ready to travel

Many of the standard tips for getting ready to travel still apply: for example, taking advantage of online check-in and carrying no more than a single item of hand luggage into the aircraft cabin. Passengers can avoid unpleasant surprises at the security checkpoint by finding out in advance what may be taken on board and what should be placed in a checked bag. Last-minute travelers can find a complete list of all scheduled departures on the airport’s website.

Travelers can use an online booking platform to reserve a parking space near the terminal before leaving home―even if it’s only for a single day. Driving into and exiting from the parking facility is extremely easy: it’s only necessary to contactlessly scan a QR code received by email.

Current regulations and testing

Both before and during their trips, Germany-based vacationers are urged to consult the websites of the Robert Koch Institute (the German federal agency for disease control and prevention) and the German Federal Foreign Office for information on current entry restrictions for Germany and other countries, quarantine and testing requirements, and high-risk areas. There are two Covid-19 testing stations within easy walking distance: on the pedestrian bridge between Terminal 1 and the long-distance train station. The airport medical center also performs checkups, PCR swab tests, and antibody testing on an appointment basis.

Those who decide to stay home are invited to immerse themselves in the world of the airport and experience its operations up close by going on a narrated tour of the apron. The Visitor’s Terrace at Terminal 2 will unfortunately remain closed until further notice.

Media Contact:

Jana Schäfer
Corporate Communications
Media Relations
Telephone +49 69 690-30714

Seychelles Tourism Board and Visa sign Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the growth of Seychelles Tourism

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote Seychelles as a destination of choice for tourists around the world.

The MOU is aimed at enabling the tourism board to strengthen its marketing strategy globally through the promotion of electronic payments technology and services in Seychelles.

The signing of the agreement, a significant step in the longstanding relationship between STB and Visa is a testimony to the Board’s continuous endeavour to explore the most effective ways to market the destination.

The MOU will support STB’s strategy of adopting a much more targeted approach when communicating with potential visitors and provide valuable feedback to local stakeholders including the Central Bank of Seychelles, which reports on tourism earnings in Seychelles.

As part of its engagement towards the MOU with Visa, the Seychelles Tourism Board has made a commitment to continue to encourage local establishments to adopt electronic payments in line with the National Fintech Strategy of Seychelles.

Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive, recognised the great opportunity that this agreement will provide to the tourism industry in Seychelles in terms of accurate client’s information regarding trends and preferences.

“It is vital that our local establishments, regardless of size, look towards being able to accept electronic payments as this will facilitate transactions for our visitors. This is also in line with the government of Seychelles call to citizens to embrace electronic payments to avoid unnecessary contact with cash as the country deals with the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mrs. Francis.

Visa’s mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive.

Visa’s Vice President for Government Engagement in Central Europe, Middle East and East Africa, Mr. Salvador Galindo Perez said, “While the ongoing pandemic has caused significant upheaval in the global travel and tourism industry, we must recognize that we should be prepared to support the needs of consumers when things improve. We have seen that there is an increased demand for contactless and digital payments not just from a seamless payment perspective, but also because of the safety and hygiene factors they represent. We also know that accepting digital payment is beneficial to local merchants as visitors do spend more when they don’t have to only rely on cash. As Visa has always been a strong partner of the travel and tourism industry, we are looking forward to sharing our expertise in the hope that together we can support the local tourism economy in their recovery efforts, alongside providing inbound and local tourists with secure, faster and more convenient ways to pay.”

Seychelles boasts lush tropical vegetation, powder-white beaches and clear turquoise waters, the Seychelles is a 115-island archipelago off the east coast of the African continent well known for its paradise-like features. With tourism as the main pillar of its economy, the new partnership will complement the STB’s efforts in fine-tuning its targeted marketing strategies.

With the restart of tourism in Seychelles, the local stakeholders on the island are determined to make travel safe and seamless for all while retaining the Creole charm visitors desire.

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel   www.seychelles.travel

Seychelles Takes Steps to Ensure Tourism Restart

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As the world shifts into a new era where health and safety has become the highest priority, the Seychelles Islands takes steps to ensure these essential prerequisites are central to their tourism strategy.

Although the Seychelles International Airport has been open to commercial operations since the June 1, 2020, it has only been available to private planes and chartered flights, as part of the first phase of easing travel restrictions. The second phase will commence in August, where the airport will be opened to scheduled flights.

During an interview with BBC, the Seychelles Tourism Board’s Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis outlined the Seychelles tourism industry’s strategy to regain momentum, which involves encouraging safe travel and safe stay.

While talking about re-opening and building travel confidence, Mrs. Francis explained that mandatory testing before travel, safe travel in general should be promoted across all destinations as this is the only and sure way that travel confidence will pick up.

Additionally, other risk filters include, when travelling to and staying in Seychelles, airlines to adopt safe travel practices whilst local establishments will continue to maintain safe practices during the visitors’ entire stay including safe check-in and daily symptom and temperature checks.

Mrs. Francis also highlighted how the Seychelles’ exclusivity as a destination is ideal for the new trend in tourism where Seychelles could be an ideal choice for travelers who wish to stay away from crowded tourist attractions and instead focus on reconnecting.

“This pandemic has created the need for people to reconnect with themselves, their soul, their family and most importantly the environment; the strongest connection that we share.

Covid-19 has indeed helped to re-shaped travel trends. Being an isolated destination, has worked in our favor whereby the world is now looking for isolation to provide for their personal safety. “

The archipelago of 115 islands, over half of which can be explored, presents voyagers with an array of features to explore and activities to enjoy. From the towering granite rocks of La Digue island to the diverse wildlife of Bird Island and Cousin Island, tourists need not worry about the dangers of exposure to the pandemic as they lose themselves in the treasures this tropical paradise has to offer.

There has also been a surge in domestic tourism since the pandemic outbreak as the tourism industry began to discover the spending power of the local tourists. Hotels and tourism establishments have increasingly been offering residential rates which have attracted many of locals, especially during the weekend periods. Mrs. Francis expressed how important the role of the local population is in keeping the tourism industry alive and how it should remain a continuous trend as part of the destination’s recovery strategy.

Mrs. Francis has also been participating in a series of webinars where the main agendas have been centered around restarting tourism and establishing protocols and measures required to ensure the safety of travelers, which is to be adopted by the various Tourism Boards of the region.

During her meeting with the CEOs of the different Africa National Tourism Authorities/Boards held on June 17, 2020 and the UNWTO virtual forum with National Tourism CEOs on June 30, 2020, Mrs. Francis again emphasized on the importance of rebuilding confidence in traveler through enforcing safe travel. It was also suggested that travelers can be reassured of their safety by countries making testing kits easily available and accessible to all travelers.

The STB Chief Executive is set to participate in the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards (ATLF) where there will be further discussions in regard to safe travel.

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel   www.seychelles.travel

Europe Companies Twice as Likely to Travel than North America

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A global survey of Uniglobe Travel corporate clients finds that companies in Europe are almost twice as likely as those in North America to have employees travelling now or expect to have travel within 3 months.  Just 32% of North American companies indicated that they have employees currently travelling, will do so within a month, or within 2-3 months, compared to 61% of European companies.  Globally, this number was 48.7%.

The survey was conducted by Uniglobe Travel from June 15-25, asking travel managers and decision makers from corporate accounts to answer 14 questions about how their travel policy was changing to reflect the Covid19 travel environment and their timing and expectations about the resumption of travel.

In line with Europe’s earlier expectations of travel, 56% of European companies had already made travel policy changes compared with only 41% of North American companies. The most common policy changes globally were limiting or banning travel for internal meetings (64.1%) followed by limiting participation at meetings or conferences based on attendee numbers or places of origin (54.1%).

“Looking at the travel policy changes, there is a discernable traveller-centric approach,” says Martin Charlwood, President & Chief Operating Officer for Uniglobe Travel International. “The least popular policy changes are those that impact traveller rights and privacy – such as requiring them to sign liability waivers, use a tracking app or restricting their personal activities including staying with friends and family during a business trip.”

Another area of interest in the survey looks at environmental and sustainability considerations in corporate travel policy. “As companies have increasingly been prioritizing sustainability within travel programs, we know that balancing sustainability with physical distancing can be problematic,” says Andrew Henry, VP US Operations for Uniglobe Travel International. “Many forms of environmentally friendly travel – such as shared transport – are less popular or viable at this time. However, it was encouraging to see that amongst companies that had sustainability elements in their pre-Covid19 travel policy, well over half of those expect the sustainability policies to be strengthened or enhanced in the next 18 months.”

Uniglobe Travel agencies worldwide will continue to consult with their clients on their evolving travel policy and will now use this survey report and data, along with other Uniglobe resources, to do so.

See Uniglobe Corporate Travel Policy Survey results and key findings attached.

About Uniglobe Travel

With a global network of local travel agencies across more than 60 countries, Uniglobe Travel leverages current technologies and preferred pricing to deliver leading edge travel management services with a local, customer-centric approach. With a focus on small and medium business travel as well as leisure, our goal is to drive success through better travel.

Uniglobe Travel was founded in 1981 by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO, and is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. It generates annual system-wide sales of circa $5 billion (pre-Covid19).

More news about Uniglobe.

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Media contact: media@uniglobe.com

OTDYKH Leisure Team Launches New Interview Series

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OTDYKH Leisure team launches new interview series with heads of international tourism boards on their experience, forecasts, recent updates and tips during forced isolation.

As part of the OTDYKH new interview series, Mr. Jeffri Munir, Tourism Attache and Director of the Malaysia National Tourism Office in Moscow, talk about a new post-COVID-19 reality.

Despite an outbreak of coronavirus, the Malaysia National Tourism Office in Moscow continues to actively communicate with colleagues and partners through online sources. Mr. Munir noted “we do a lot of virtual contacts such as video conferences, webinars, discussions and meetings”. With respect to the question of tourism recovery, Mr. Munir stated that Malaysia is considering the ‘travel bubbles’ concept to restart tourism. Read the full interview below.

In what format do you and your colleagues continue to work?

As the others, we are currently working from home and all communication with colleagues and partners being done online. We also do a lot of virtual contacts such as video conferences, webinars, discussions and meetings on the new norm opportunities to promote and market the destinations – Malaysia.

It’s important now not to cut off communication with partners and clients. How do you continue promoting your destination in a situation where borders are closed and work is remote? Could you share some advice?

Absolutely, with new norm working environment due the global pandemic outbreak, we cannot deny that keeping in-touch and maintain steady and good contact and communication with all partners and clients are very crucial and most important in order to equip everyone with ‘feeling good factors’, confident and safety information to coming back to Malaysia once borders are open. The Government of Malaysia via the Ministry of Health Malaysia has been very transparent in daily reporting on the situation and sharing various measures introduced and implemented to contain and stop the Covid19 chain in Malaysia from all angles. Timely, various SOPs from various sectors has been introduced and gazetted as an effort to raise the hygiene standards and transform cleanliness level of the people as well as to the tourism and public attractions and spaces, to increase the trustworthy and assurance to everyone about traveling and holidaying in Malaysia.

To ensure the good momentum of communication in the industry, the Malaysia National Tourism Office in Moscow have planned series of webinars and virtual discussions involving our Malaysia’s tourism players to provide them with the latest trend, business atmosphere and opportunity to engage with the Russian tourism players, especially when all the normal physical and face-to-face business roadshows and meetings have been stopped temporary.

Forecasts are now made very carefully, but still… According to your assessment, when do you expect tourist flow recovery, including from Russia?

While Malaysia is still closing to its international travellers, the domestic tourism is opened since June 10, 2020 to allow safe travel within the country.

We believe, the Government of Malaysia is looking for the right time to gradually re-opening Malaysia’s borders to allow safe travel for foreigners entering the country. As the global situation remain unpredictable, all action leading to open the borders need to be done with the necessary precautions and safeguards.

For a start, Malaysia under the spirit of ASEAN is considering on the ‘travel bubbles’ approach with its neighbours to safely kickstart regional tourism and resume travel ahead of a vaccine. Mooted by what has been introduced by the China and South Korea, the strategies are to develop standardised measures on health insurance and the assurance of the business travellers are negative tested for Covid19 prior to departure and upon arrival.

By doing this, Malaysia will be allowing tourists from countries assessed to be at equivalent or lower risk of community transmissions as Malaysia, for which essential travel in limited numbers and with safeguards, could be conducted safely.

At this juncture, Malaysia tourism is aiming for its domestic tourism recovery until the international borders open, which is planned at the end of August 2020. However, this is subject to the agreement between countries where the flights are flying from to Kuala Lumpur. As for Russia, due to no direct flights connecting Moscow – Kuala Lumpur, it is likely very much depending on any international flights making Kuala Lumpur as the final destinations.

If you wish to view other interviews from OTDYKH new interview series, please visit the exhibition website to get first-hand information on the latest tourism developments in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the Slovak Republic, Israel, Sri Lanka, Sharjah , the Czech Republic as well as Singapore.

Exhibition website: https://www.tourismexpo.ru/leisure/en/news/

The next OTDYKH Leisure Fair will take place on September 8-10, 2020, at the Expocentre in Moscow, Russia.

More news about OTDYKH.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: Anna Huber, Project Manager, Travel Exhibitions Division, Euroexpo Exhibitions & Congress Development GmbH, Tel.: + 43 1 230 85 35 – 36, Fax: + 43 1 230 85 35 – 50/51, a.huber@euroexpo-vienna.com , http://www.euro-expo.org/

Seychelles Represented at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Virtual ATM

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The Seychelles Islands did not miss a chance for representation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) virtual taking place from June 1 to 3, 2020.

The destination, through the participation of Mrs. Sherin Francis, Chief Executive of Seychelles Tourism Board featured in a webinar hosted by Destination of the World News’ Editor-in-Chief, Mrs. Emily Baxter-Priest.

The webinar which also featured Mr. Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex and Mr. Michael Marshall, CCO of Minor Hotels, which will be made available until June 5, 2020 on the ATM Virtual platforms.

Impacted by the worldwide Covid-19 situation, the Middle Eastern Travel Trade Show reinvented itself and invited tourism partners and organizations to join the ATM Virtual hosted digitally and featuring a series of webinars, conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking, and one-to-one meetings.

The Webinar titled ‘The Changing Face of Luxury Family Travel’ aims at providing insight into what travel and tourism would look like in a post Covid-19 world, with industry insight into the new landscape of luxury family travel.

Speaking of the ATM Virtual session Mrs. Francis stated that the participation of the destination on the webinar platform has been a great opportunity for the destination to reposition itself on the Middle- East market as an ideal holiday destination to be considered due to the proximity to the region and the advantages of being an isolated destination.

She further stated the discussion is timely in view of new travel trends that shows the high net worth individual segment of travelers will rebound faster and it is something that the Seychelles tourism board has already predicted.

As, the destination re-opened its airport on June 1, 2020, given there are still a lot of travel restrictions in place, exclusive kind of clientele is an obvious segment and hence during the first phase on the ease of travel restrictions much attention will be on this segment.

“Having a good understanding on what travelers are looking for in this new situation is very important as this will enable us to guide our partners. We know that the segment, which would pick up first and faster is definitely the luxury segment. As we follow the guidance of the Public Health Authority in regards to admission of visitors from ‘low risk’ countries, during these earlier months, our targets are definitely towards people with the means to travel by private jets or even chartered passenger flights as it limits the risks of infection. These also includes visitors who are looking at a new kind of experience such as all-inclusive resorts, reconnecting with nature in private villa or facilities or a yacht, all of which are definitely more of the kind of niches we are pushing for the moment for obvious reasons, that is until the country is a bit more flexible with travelers and travel is a bit less restrictive,” said Mrs. Francis.

ATM virtual is hosting various other digital platform meetings  and discussions focusing on tourism strategies and can be available on the following link: https://atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/online-conference

More news about Seychelles.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

Seychelles Issues New Travel Guidelines in Preparations for Borders to Open in June 2020

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The Seychelles Department of Tourism issued its ‘Seychelles Safety Travel Guidelines’ preceding the re-opening of its borders scheduled on June 1, 2020.

The guidelines, based on the advice of the Public Health Authority, provides necessary recommendations for tourism related business providers to resume operations in a safe manner while also targeting potential visitors planning to visit the destination.

These series of guidelines, made available to the public through the department’s website, is the stepping-stone for the small island destination to reposition itself on the international market as a responsible holiday destination.

“The guidelines clearly details what needs to be put in place before businesses can welcome guests into their establishments and this includes sanitation and hygiene measures in order to protect locals and visitors,” said the Principal Secretary Mrs. Anne Lafortune at a press conference held by the Ministry for Tourism on Wednesday May 27, 2020.

Mrs. Lafortune further stated that the Seychelles Safety Travel Guidelines also specifies the new criteria for assessment under which establishments will be scrutinized before they are certified adequate to operate.

Seychelles Department of Tourism has announced, during the same press conference, that the destination will be reopening its shores to visitors in 2 phases and that all decisions made by the authority will be based on the strict approval of the Public Health Authority.

Phase one of the re-opening of the borders, which will be effective as of June 1, 2020, will include the lift in air travel restrictions on the destination will be subjected to maximum control.

As part of the safety measures being imposed by the destination, it will be compulsory for all visitors entering the Seychelles to take a Covid-19 test 48 hours prior to disembarking on the Pointe Larue International Airport. A health fee of fifty dollars will have to be incurred on grounds to cover further local health procedures imposed by the Public Health Authority as part of the new requirements.

Phase 1 will also limit the movement of visitors around the inner islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. In order to ensure maximum control, all-inclusive resorts and islands resorts will be recommended to visitors as they provide the opportunity to have guests in a self-contained environment while enjoying their holiday in paradise and respecting the social distancing measures.

Speaking about the ‘Seychelles Safety Travel Guidelines’; the Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis stated that the measures are very important for the destination to follow.

“Safety comes first and as a destination we are committed to limit the risks of any eventual infection on our shores for our visitors and our local inhabitants. We are definitely encouraging all our partners to familiarize themselves with the requirements and implement them as we get ready to be start operating under the new normal,” said Mrs. Francis.

She further stated that the new steps taken by the destination adds to the marketing value of the Seychelles and encourages tourism trade partners to use the certificate issued by the department as a Unique Selling Point for their businesses. 

“The data collected in our recent researches points that the new travel trends shows people have expressed the desire to reconnect with nature and families.  As a destination, we are somehow isolated and have beautiful natural sceneries, which is an excellent marketing opportunity for us, “said Mrs. Francis. 

For more information about the guidelines, the public is advised to visit the Department of Tourism website on the following link http://tourism.gov.sc/covid-19-guidelines/

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel