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Bartlett Lobbies for Power Star Michael Rainey Jr. to be a Local Youth Ambassador

January 6, 2021 by PressEditor

Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that actor Michael Rainey, Jr., best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on Starz network’s hit drama series Power, is an ideal candidate to become an official Jamaica Youth Ambassador for the country.

The Minister made this announcement during a recent courtesy call at the Minister’s New Kingston offices, where  the young actor who was accompanied by his mother Shauna Small; publicist, JLexy Brooks, and Management Assistant, Jared Pessoa.

“This is a good moment, I am really inspired [by you] myself. The response you probably expected is that he is great for tourism, and you are, but you are much more than that. Michael is great to be a role model for Jamaica’s youth who need to have a sense of what they can accomplish,” said Minister Bartlett.

“I would love to have him have another conversation with us, which is beyond tourism where we can look at him in a more extensive way to give inspiration not just to a market that is going to need his image but to a country that is going to need his kind of efforts, especially coming out of Covid-19,” he added.

Rainey, who recently received his Jamaican citizenship, is a lead actor on Power Book II: Ghost, which is currently the Starz network’s most-watched series.

Despite his early rise to fame, the 20-year-old Rainey says his primary goal is to use his platform to inspire youth to acknowledge their endless potential and to work hard to achieve their dream careers.

“The big thing in my career is being able to inspire kids my age or even younger than me to know that they can do whatever they want in life. Whether it is to be an activist, or play basketball or play football or be a doctor or anything.

I just want to make sure kids know that it is possible and there is always faith in anything you do. That is definitely what I enjoy the most about being in that position,” said Rainey.

In the drama, Michael leads a star studded cast, which is a direct spin off from the hit series Power. Michael starred as Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series Power, in a leading role alongside Omari Hardwick, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Naturi Naughton. 

More news about Jamaica

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: cooking, COVID–19, Jamaica, Local Youth Ambassador, Michael, minister, Rainey

Seychelles Tourism Board Italy Participates in First Virtual Fair, Travel Open Day Virtual

December 29, 2020 by PressEditor

From December 14-16, 2020, the Seychelles Tourism Board Italy participated to the first edition of the travel virtual fair Travel Open Day, an online event dedicated to the outbound tourism sector.

Three intense days dedicated to tourism with over 120 travel agencies registered and 35 exhibitors from the sector. Many destinations joined the event as for example Greece, Malta, Thailand or Malaysia, amongst others.

In such a difficult time for tourism this event was aimed at reinventing the networking opportunities, in a virtual world, in order to meet and update the partners and the travel agents selling the destination to the consumers.

The Seychelles islands were featured with a dedicated virtual stand and a busy one-to-one meeting agenda via chat or videocalls; the guests had the opportunity to get to know the latest developments, especially with reference to the COVID situation and travel advisories, and to download brochures and promotional materials.

“Italy is still facing the second wave of the covid19 and still living with many restrictions in order to contain the spread of the virus; the tourism sector is suffering, especially the outbound, as the regulations still ban citizens to travel outside EU and Schengen for tourism. As 2021 approaches we are confident that the situation will improve and we will be able to get back on track soon,” said Monette Rose, Director of STB Italy.

“I would also like to underline the participation of our Marketing Executive, Yasmine Pocetti,  who smartly took part in the Fair by giving information to the Travel Agents both on the destination and on the COVID situation in the islands. The Fair exceeded our normal working hours and we happily stayed behind to continue  the show as we are confident that the destination and our partners deserved  it,” Rose added.

The Seychelles Tourism Board office in Rome has participated and organized several webinars and online training for the tourism trade partners in Italy in order to stay visible during these past months of stop for other activities such as workshops, roadshows or fairs.

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

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

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: cooking, covid, COVID–19, Monette Rose, sandals, Yasmine Pocetti,&nbsp

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Concludes and Successfully Draws Global Audience of Nearly 850,000 for Online Masterclasses

December 16, 2020 by PressEditor

The 2020 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival officially concluded yesterday. It was the first time the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) had adopted an “online + offline” format for the event, ensuring that the public could take part without having to worry about the Covid-19 outbreak. During the five consecutive weeks it was held, the Festival had a full table of gastronomic experiences for local and international audiences.

Online Masterclasses Viewed Nearly 850,000 Times

The Online Masterclasses – a new “ingredient” of this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival – became a go-to program at home for many people during the Covid-19 outbreak. A total of 34 classes were held over three weekends, generating almost 850,000 views. About 30% of the viewers came from the short- and long-haul markets, such as India, Taiwan, the UK, France, the U.S. and Canada.

The most popular Online Masterclasses included the “Ah Yat Fried Rice” cooking demonstration by Forum Restaurant’s Executive Chef Adam Wong; the craft beer and artisan cheese pairing class by Young Master Brewery and Monsieur CHATTÉ; and “Art of Blending: When Johnnie Walker Meets Coffee” by world-class mixologist Antonio Lai and professional coffee barista Timmy Lam.  

Though all of the live Online Masterclasses have ended, full videos are still available to view on the event website https://winedinefestival.discoverhongkong.com.

Takeaway/Delivery Menus and Dining Offers Met with Positive Response

This year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival continued to bring opportunities for wine merchants and the dining sector to promote their products and businesses. For example, the HKTB collaborated with top hotels and popular restaurants to present 30 menus for delivery or takeaway, many of which were exclusive to the Festival, including a special afternoon tea set designed by Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. The hotel’s Director of Marketing Communications, Ms. Eva Kwok said, “The limited-time-only afternoon tea set was selling better than we expected. Though Hong Kong people are eating out less these days, they are still drawn by exquisite food.”

The HKTB partnered with dining platforms and associations to roll out offers at over 500 dining outlets to stimulate the local economy, resulting in more than 10,000 reservation bookings at a time when Covid-19 was under control. “Through the HKTB’s promotional platform, many of our participating restaurants achieved more reservations than expected and reached new customer segments,” said Mr. Ryan So, Director of Business Development Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong of Dining City, one of the Festival’s partner platforms.

Continued Promotion of Hong Kong in Visitor Markets

The HKTB conducted promotions in the visitor source markets with a focus on enhancing Hong Kong’s image as a culinary capital. It arranged a series of online wine-and-dine activities for nearly 100 journalists from the long- and short-haul markets, such as previews of the Online Masterclasses, a virtual dining culture guided tour, and interviews and interaction with well-known Hong Kong chefs and wine critics. Even though the international media could not be in Hong Kong physically, they were still able to learn about the city’s food culture and get the latest news about its dining scene.

Hong Kong celebrity chef Christian Yang led an online foodie tour to promote Hong Kong’s local dining culture to overseas media.

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: Adam Wong, cooking, COVID–19, HKTB, minister, nbsp, Online Masterclasses

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Wins Platinum Award for “Your Space in the Sun” Campaign

December 15, 2020 by PressEditor

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has received a second international marketing award for its “Your Space in the Sun” digital marketing campaign, created as part of the destination marketing body’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  


Presented by the organizers of the international MARCOM Awards, in the category of “Digital Media | Social Media | Social Branding Campaign,” the Tourism Authority received the Platinum award, the highest-level award granted. 

The “Your Space in the Sun” campaign was designed to specifically speak to the new desires and needs of travelers. The campaign shows Antigua and Barbuda has the perfect antidote of space and invites people to broaden their horizons and enjoy all the space they need: space to move, space to think, space to be you.

The MARCOM Awards honors excellence in marketing and communications while recognizing the creativity, hard work and generosity of industry professionals. Since its inception in 2004, MarCom has evolved into one of the largest, most-respected creative competitions in the world.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority also recently received the Gold Travel Weekly Magellan Award for the same campaign. 

As the “Your Space in the Sun” campaign continues to roll-out, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is now inviting persons to enter the “Your Space in the Sun” sweepstakes on www.visitantiguabarbuda.com, to win the escape they deserve in 2021 to Antigua and Barbuda, staying at the luxurious, all-inclusive Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa. 

ABOUT THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority is a statutory body dedicated to realizing the tourism potential of Antigua & Barbuda by promoting the twin island state as a unique, quality tourist destination with the overall objective of increasing visitor arrivals thereby providing sustainable economic growth. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is headquartered in St. John’s Antigua, where regional marketing is directed.  The Authority has three offices overseas in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda  Facebook www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda ; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda

MEDIA CONTACT:

Maria Blackman

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601

E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: Barbuda Tourism Authority, Caribbean, COVID–19, minister, sandals, Sun, Yacht Regatta

The St. Regis San Francisco Among First Hotels and Resorts in the World to Achieve Health Security Verification

December 8, 2020 by PressEditor

The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s premier address for luxury accommodations, gracious service and timeless elegance is proud to announce that it is among the first hotels in the world to become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED® with Forbes Travel Guide. The comprehensive facility verification helps ensure that guests and travel planners can book with confidence at properties that have appropriate health safety procedures in place. 

This verification comes with an easily identifiable “seal of approval” – the Sharecare VERIFIED® with Forbes Travel Guide badge – based on a hotel’s compliance with expert-validated best practices that minimize the risk and impact of COVID-19 and potential future public health events. 

“The safety and comfort of our clients has always been a great priority for the hotel,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco. “Investing in health safety procedures to try to curb the spread of Covid-19 means we can continue to provide the world-class service that our guests deserve and seek when staying with us. We look forward to safely welcoming guests now with a credible certification that boosts their confidence when choosing the next destination.”

Developed by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on genuine Five-Star service, and digital health industry leader Sharecare, the comprehensive verification covers more than 360 standards across health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, ventilation, physical distancing, the guest experience, and health safety communication with guests and employees. Hotels are required to verify their health protocols on an ongoing basis to ensure continued compliance with the most up-to-date global health standards.

“The pandemic has made it clear that hotels and resorts must, first and foremost, assure guests of their safety,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “By becoming VERIFIED®, The St. Regis San Francisco has demonstrated its commitment to creating a culture of accountability and following global best practices to heighten health security, certified by a third party.”

For more information about The St. Regis San Francisco and its many offerings, please visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfoxr-the-st-regis-san-francisco/.  For a complete list of hotels and resorts that currently are Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED® with Forbes Travel Guide, please visit www.forbestravelguide.com/verified.

About The St. Regis San Francisco

The St. Regis San Francisco opened in November 2005, introducing a new dimension of luxury, uncompromising service, and timeless elegance to the city of San Francisco. The 40-story landmark building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, includes 100 private residences rising 19 levels above the 260-room St. Regis Hotel. From legendary butler service, “anticipatory” guest care and impeccable staff training to the signature Remède Spa, luxurious amenities and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg of Toronto, The St. Regis San Francisco delivers an unmatched guest experience. The St. Regis San Francisco is located at 125 Third Street. Telephone: 415.284.4000.

Media contacts:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Laura Gigounas, Danyelle Simpkins and Grecia Corleto at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or StRegisPR@glodownead.com .

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: cooking, COVID–19, Forbes Travel Guide, Hong Kong, Jacqueline Volkart, sandals, The St. Regis San Francisco

Condor Colors Return to the Seychelles Islands

November 17, 2020 by PressEditor

Some 224 visitors from Germany and its surroundings disembarked in Seychelles as Condor airlines made a special return to paradise Seychelles, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. 

The airline operated a special charter in collaboration with DER Touristik, a German tour operator, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and Mason’s Travel in the aim to ignite the spark for Seychelles for visitors in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. 

Working in partnership with the STB and Mason’s Travel, DER Touristik- prominent European tour operators and a market leader for long haul travel in Germany, Austria and Switzerland- gave the honor to Seychelles to be the first destination for such a charter since March.  

Ensuring the success of this venture, sixteen local accommodation partners joined the project and created various attractive packages, which included special honeymoon packages for newlyweds, a booming market segment for the pristine paradise.  

In line with the new travel prerequisites to enter Seychelles, the various packages included a travel health insurance required for entry with Covid-19 coverage and the super carefree package from DER Touristik, which protects holidaymakers in the event of Covid-19 related incident. Travelers were allowed to cancel their trip free of charge up to 14 days before departure. 

The collaboration carries hope for the local tourism industry, as the operated Condor charter was a fully booked one with passengers excited to be away from the confined cities to experience the mystical beauty of the islands until their return flight on November 21, 2020. 

Speaking about the special flight to Seychelles, the STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned her satisfaction to see the interest of the visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

“Our collaboration with Mason’s Travel, Condor, DER Touristik is in anticipation of the resumption of the Condor flights at the end of the year. We are glad to see that the interest of our visitors and partners from the market is still present. Germany remains a very important market for Seychelles and as such, is vital that we remain very close with our partners,” said Mrs. Francis.

On his part, Mr. Christian Zerbian, STB representative on the German market stated his satisfaction to see the response of the visitors from that market to the offer.

“This is a definitely a very positive outcome of the efforts invested these past few months. There is still a lot of potential for this market to produce even more and we are striving to make the return on Condor on the Seychelles route beneficial for the destination,” said the STB Representative in Germany.

Safety has become pivotal to rebuilding confidence in the travel industry, through this partnership between the destination, airline, hotels and DMCs, traveler safety remains central throughout the entire travel chain starting from departure extending throughout their stay.  

Condor is expected to resume flights to Seychelles on December 18, 2020, with a direct weekly flight from Frankfurt.    

More news about Seychelles

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

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, cooking, COVID–19, minister, sandals, Sherin Francis, STB

Seychelles Updates Travel Conditions

November 13, 2020 by PressEditor

Seychelles updates travel conditions providing guidelines for entry into the country which are in force as of November 12, 2020 and will be reviewed periodically.

Currently, visitors are permitted to travel to Seychelles if they are travelling from countries that are on the published list of permitted countries (now classified as Category 1 countries), provided that they have not been in a country not on the Category 1 list in the previous 14 days. If the travel involves a transit stop in a country not on the Category 1 list and the traveler does not leave the airport in the transit country, that traveler is permitted to travel to Seychelles under entry conditions for Category 1 countries.

Additionally, a second category of countries (Category 2) has been established since 1 October 2020. The list of Category 2 countries contains any of the seven countries designated as “special status countries” of particular importance as tourism markets, but which, because of the worsening Covid-19 situation within their borders, have been suspended from the Category 1 list. Thus, at any one time some of the seven countries might still be on the Category 1 list (because the level of infection is low or moderate) while others have been moved to Category 2 (because the level of infection has risen). Note that should the situation become severe, a country may be temporarily suspended from category 2. Visitors from Category 2 countries have to meet additional health security measures compared to visitors from Category 1 countries. In other words, the conditions for travel, entry and stay in Seychelles differ whether a visitor is travelling from a Category 1 or a Category 2 country. Note that visitors from a country that is neither in Category 1 nor in Category 2 may be permitted to enter Seychelles by prior application and with special conditions.

Seychellois are permitted to enter Seychelles from any country. The same conditions apply with regards to travel and entry (but not stay) irrespective of whether they are travelling from a Category 1 country or one that is not in Category 1. (The designation of countries as Category 2 is of no relevance to Seychellois travelers since they are permitted to travel from any country, and Category 2 was created specifically to permit tourists from the “special status countries” to enter Seychelles when the outbreak worsens in their country). However, the conditions that apply to Seychellois with regards to their stay for the first 14 days after arrival, differ depending on whether they arrive from a Category 1 country or one that is not in the list of Category 1.

The list of Category 1 countries and Category 2 countries, and the conditions required of travelers, are reviewed periodically and will be issued by the Department of Health and published on the Department of Health and Tourism Department websites.

Travelers should note that the COVID-19 outbreak is dynamic and the listing of countries, and conditions, may change. They must therefore ensure that flight and hotel bookings permit flexibility regarding cancellation or postponement at short notice.

All persons, including all categories of visitors, Seychellois, persons holding permanent residence or GOP, diplomats, consultants, crews of shipping vessels, intending to travel to Seychelles must apply for their Health Travel Authorization, at https://seychelles.govtas.com/ . Applicants should note that this Authorization is for travel. Permission to enter Seychelles, and conditions that may apply with regards to accommodation and/or quarantine, are determined by the authorized officers at arrival. Applicants must have at hand their passport, valid negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate, itinerary, accommodation booking confirmation and GOP certificate. All visitors are also required to have travel and health insurance cover for Covid-19 related quarantine and medical care.

Note that the test certificate must be in English or French. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on an oro-pharyngeal or naso-pharyngeal sample. Other test certificates, including antibody tests, rapid antigen tests and home testing kits, are not accepted. SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.

Health Travel Authorization will be issued electronically via email to applicants. Travelers must present the Authorization in printed or electronic form at check-in and on arrival. Airlines will not board any traveler without the Authorization. Travelers are advised to carry printed copies of all the essential documents, and should retain the travel authorization even after entry, as it may be used to facilitate transactions by hotels, tour operators, and testing or surveillance services.

Visitors to Seychelles from category 1 countries

1. When applying for travel authorization, all visitors must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is done less than 72 hours prior to departure to Seychelles. The 72 hours is counted from the time the sample is taken to the time of departure.

2. Visitors must present their Health Travel Authorization at check in. Airlines will not accept passengers for travel to Seychelles without the travel authorization.

3. Aircraft/Airline are not to board any passengers or crew who are symptomatic of COVID-19.

4. Exit screening at the airport of origin and transit must be completed by all incoming passengers and crew.

5. Any travelers who arrive in Seychelles without the Health Travel Authorization and acceptable proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test, will be denied entry.

6. Entry screening will be done upon arrival starting with examination of the Health Travel Authorization, symptomatic check, temperature scanning. The passenger may be required to undergo additional tests for COVID-19 at the point of entry.

7. All travelers must provide proof of accommodation in an approved establishment for the entire period of stay and must show booking vouchers for verification by Immigration on entry. (Visitors should consult the Seychelles Tourism website (www.tourism.gov.sc) for the list of approved establishments and any additional advice.)

8. Visitors are permitted to stay in not more than 2 different approved establishments in the first 7 days of stay in Seychelles.

9. To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, all persons at tourism establishments are advised to follow all guidance of the establishment and be monitored daily for signs of illness by the Health and Safety Officer or other designated person.

10. On the fifth (5th) day after arrival, all visitors from Category 1 countries must have a Covid-19 PCR test (the cost is covered by the Department of Health for tests done in government health facilities).

a. If the PCR test is negative, visitors will be free to continue with their planned holiday.

b. Visitors who test positive and are asymptomatic will be required to stay in tourism establishments specifically designated and authorized for such purpose.

c. Visitors who test positive and are symptomatic are required to be isolated in a medical facility until recovery.

11. All tourism establishments, including hotels, restaurants, taxis, tour operators, ferries and domestic flight services, have set up measures to increase vigilance, enhance hygiene and social and physical distancing. Visitors are required to follow the guidance of the management and staff. (See also Guide for Visitors published by the Department of Tourism)

12. Visitors must adhere to all the regulations in place, including the wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings defined by law. There is prohibition of the use of public buses by visitors. Visitors should avoid crowded places, including markets.

13. Any illness must be reported immediately to the management of the establishment, who will provide appropriate guidance.

Visitors to Seychelles from Category 2 countries

1. When applying for travel authorization, all travelers from Category 2 countries must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is done less than 48 hours prior to departure to Seychelles. The 48 hours is counted from the time the sample is taken to the time of departure.

2. Visitors must present their Health Travel Authorization at check in. Airlines will not accept passengers for travel to Seychelles without the travel authorization.

3. Visitors are required to stay in one establishment, specifically authorized to accommodate visitors from such countries, for the first 6 nights after entering Seychelles (or for the entire duration of stay should it be less than 6 nights). Refer to list at ( www.tourism.gov.sc ).

4. Visitors must stay within areas designated by the establishment during this initial period and are required to strictly adhere to all the conditions in place at the establishment.

5. On the fifth (5th) day after arrival, all visitors from Category 2 countries must have a Covid-19 PCR test (the cost is covered by the Department of Health for tests done in government health facilities).

a. If the PCR test is negative, visitors will be free to continue with their planned holiday (the conditions listed above under Visitors to Seychelles from countries on the list of permitted countries apply).

b. Visitors who test positive and are asymptomatic will be required to stay in tourism establishments specifically designated and authorized for such purpose.

c. Visitors who test positive and are symptomatic are required to be isolated in a medical facility until recovery.

6. All other relevant measures outlined in the previous section apply.

Visitors to Seychelles from countries not in Category 1 or Category 2

1. Visitors from countries that are not on the list of Category 1 or Category 2 countries may be permitted to travel and enter Seychelles on specific conditions. These include arrival by private or charter flight and accommodation on an authorized island resort or authorized yacht.

2. Prior approval is required, and enquiries must be submitted to pha@health.gov.sc. Once approval is granted, travel authorization must be processed at https://seychelles.govtas.com/

Seychellois Travelers and Persons holding Seychelles Resident Permit

1. All Seychellois and persons holding Seychelles resident permit who have spent at least 14 days in a Category 1 country immediately prior to travel, may enter Seychelles with a Health Travel Authorization ( https://seychelles.govtas.com/ ) and can stay in their own homes under home surveillance. They are required to take certain measure for the 14 days after arrival. A COVID-19 PCR test will be done on the 5 the day after arrival. (See Guidance for Persons Arriving from Overseas Travel published by the Department of Health).

2. Seychellois and persons holding Seychelles resident permit currently in a country not in Category 1 may apply to enter Seychelles ( https://seychelles.govtas.com/ ) and will be required to undergo facility-based quarantine for a 14 day period at their cost. A COVID-19 PCR test will be done at the end of the period (cost is borne by Department of Health).

3. When applying for Health Travel Authorization, all travelers must have proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is 72 hours or less prior to departure to Seychelles. The 72 hours is counted from the time the sample is taken to the time of departure.

4. Travelers should note that requirement for quarantine is determined on the fact that they are travelling from a country not in the list of permitted countries (Category 1). Submission of a residential address or booking in a hotel at the time of application for Health Travel Authorization does not mean that the persons are exempt from quarantine when the Health Travel Authorization is approved.

5. Travelers must present their Health Travel Authorization at check in. Airlines will not accept passengers for travel to Seychelles without the travel authorization.

6. Travel procedures outlined in the previous sections also apply

7. Seychellois and persons holding resident permit are strongly advised not to travel overseas until further notice. Any person who disregards this advice should note that re-entry into Seychelles will be subject to the conditions above. Where the travel itinerary will require that the person undergoes quarantine on return to Seychelles, the full cost of quarantine must be paid prior to travel.

8. At any point, regardless of country of travel, where the Public Health Authority believes that a person entering Seychelles may have been at increased risk of infection during their travel, the person may be required to undergo facility-based quarantine at their cost.

9. Persons travelling and subsequently requiring quarantine should note that the period of quarantine is subject to Employment regulations with regards to annual or unpaid leave.

Entry by GOP Holders and dependents

1. Permission to enter by GOP Holders and dependents will first be cleared by Employment and Immigration. Conditions for their travel and entry will be similar to those of Seychellois as defined above.

2. Accommodation for GOP Holders arriving as a group must be approved by the Public Health Authority.

Entry by sea

1. Visitors may apply for entry by sea (application form is available on the Department of Health website and should be submitted to pha@health.gov.sc )

2. Approval will be conditional on the assessment of risks at the ports visited in the past 30 days prior to application, and the vessel spending at least 21 days at sea from the last port of call before entry into Seychelles.

3. Disembarkation of any crew or passengers will be authorized after review of daily temperature and health checks recorded over the last 14 days prior to arrival and health clearance. The records should be submitted to the Port Health Officer ( newport@health.gov.sc ) or ( garry.course@health.gov.sc ).

4. Visitors may enter by superyachts, and conditions will be issued to the operators on application with full details to the Public Health Authority at pha@health.gov.sc. (Refer to CoVID-19 Guidance for super yachts).

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

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

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, b. Visitors, cooking, COVID–19, Fraport, PCR, Seychellois

Bartlett Calls for Empathetic Leadership during COVID-19 Pandemic

November 6, 2020 by PressEditor

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for global policymakers to implement a more empathetic leadership style, while also remaining cautiously optimistic about the future of the industry.

The Minister was speaking yesterday at the A World for Travel virtual international event, which focused on the recovery and the development of global travel and tourism activities.

“Empathetic leadership during this time cannot be sufficiently stressed. It allowed for greater understanding of the people on whose behalf I worked, greater connection with the structure of teams, as well as for my colleagues and other leaders. It is important too that, as leaders, we create space for others to demonstrate empathy towards us. These are trying times and togetherness for strength is useful,” said the Minister.

“A hallmark of leadership and highly relevant in times of crisis is the ability to remain cautiously optimistic – without spiralling into doom and gloom – is necessary in these times,” he added.

When asked about how governments help and what policies could support a quicker recovery of the sector, beyond the use of stimulus packages, the Minister noted that to ensure effective recovery post-pandemic, one has to re-imagine the product, service, market and responses.

“Having considered our market and our packages, the promotion of the destination will flow along similar thoughts. In this new normal, people are motivated to “live their best lives” and we must ensure that our partners and stakeholders have bought into the relevant plans to foster alignment and harmony in the implementation for success,” he said.

In addition, Minister Bartlett noted that COVID-19 has placed the spotlight on the marginalized in society and the sector. “In this regard, inclusion has been equally highlighted as a tool for emerging from this pandemic, possibly bent but not broken, Inclusiveness along all links in the chain – supply, marketing, delivery – will become indispensable, especially as we remain committed to the Sustainable Development Agenda,” he said.

The Minister was speaking on a panel moderated by Guillaume Thibault, Partner at leading international management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, discussing the topic “Leadership in the times of Covid-19”.

He was joined by Gloria Guevara, President  & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council; H.E. Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Secretary of State for Tourism, France, and Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association

Other speakers at the event included Hon. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, United Nations World Tourism Organization; Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism, Portugal and Ramzi Khoury, Head of News, ROYA TV.

More news about Jamaica

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: Bartlett Calls, COVID–19, Jamaica, minister, post-pandemic traveler, the World Travel &amp, tourism council

Joanne Liebenberg Interview: How Professional Dancing Gives you the Freedom to Travel the World

November 3, 2020 by PressEditor

Joanne Liebenberg is a Professional Dance Artist from South Africa and her career has taken her around the world. This dance phenom says that she has Dance to thank for it all. Liebenberg’s passion became her career and her career has since taken her around the globe. In an interview, this extraordinary Artist, opens up and answers questions about how ‘Dancing’ has given her the opportunity to travel the world.

Your career has taken you all over the world. Do you enjoy the travel aspect of your work and performing in so many different countries?

Definitely! I have always wanted to travel our beautiful world and growing up I quickly built up a list of so many places I just had to visit. I have Dance to thank for all my world travels, which include more than 20 countries and many cities. I am blessed to have worked with many international choreographers and have gained many international friends along my journey, who all share the same passion. By travelling to all these different countries, this has opened up many more dance opportunities for me and I have also gained a broader knowledge of dance as well. I have a great deal of love and respect for my craft!

Tell us about your contracts with the world’s largest and best cruise ship company in the world, Royal Caribbean International?

This is a dream dance job! I have just completed my second contract performing as a Featured Dancer with the company travelling and performing for audiences around the globe. I was the only South African to have been offered a contract when I auditioned for them whilst when I was dancing in NYC. On ‘Radiance of the Seas’ and ‘Voyager of the Seas’, I have performed in countries and cities such as Miami, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and New Zealand. Hawaii has been my favourite place to visit so far, I had dreamed of venturing there for many years and my job made that a reality for me. There’s no bigger entertainment operation in the world than Royal Caribbean, on land or sea and I feel privileged to be a part of this elite company, dancing with the best talent from around the world.

What performances were you featured in before you started working with Royal Caribbean International?

Before my incredible journey with Royal Caribbean International, I performed in the show ’Another Day’ as Lead Dancer at the Kalk Bay Theatre in South Africa with Followspot Productions. This show was very special to be a part of, especially seeing my face on posters advertised all over Cape Town for the show. My ‘office’ had a view of the sea and the theatre was situated in the heart of Kalk Bay. This was a beautiful change of scenery for me as right before this I was dancing in the hustle and bustle of New York City. In NYC, I performed on the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater with Broadway Dance Center. I also became BDC’s ‘poster girl’ in NYC.

You’ve also earned many international awards. Do those awards change your view of your dance abilities in any way?

Before Dance became my career, I represented my country, South Africa, internationally for 5 consecutive years. I’ve been to Germany for the World Showdance Championships, Poland for the World Ballet, Jazz and Modern Championships, Portugal for The World Dance Week and USA for the American Dance Awards. By achieving Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for my country, it has proven my extraordinary ability for Dance and boosted my confidence in my dance ability. Dance has just taken me everywhere!

How do you like to stay in practice when you’re in between tours and performances?

Dance is such an exciting career as you never know what audition is coming up next. You always have to be ready and need to stay on top of your game. In between big dance contracts and tours, I Perform, Choreograph and Teach with different companies in South Africa such as Vole Ballet School and DS Dance. Due to the global pandemic, it’s been a struggle for Artists, but I have had the privilege to take international classes online as well as teach and perform virtually.

Where do you hope your dance career will take you next in the world?

I already have two future dance contracts lined up for me in America which I am extremely excited about. I have been offered to be the ‘Dance Specialist’ at the internationally renowned, Chace Dance Company in Orlando Florida where I will demonstrate choreography for the company and perform as a Soloist at company exhibits, showcases, classes and workshops. I have also been offered a contract with the well-established dance and performing arts facility, Center for Performing Arts Methuen in Massachusetts as the company’s ‘Dance Demonstrator’ where besides demonstrating choreography in all genres, I will perform as a soloist in classes at the studio as well as workshops and as a Lead Dancer at future end of term showcases around Massachusetts area, live as well as virtually.

What other interests do you have besides Travel and Dance?

Besides singing and acting which all play a part in the performing world, I recently became a certified and registered Yoga Instructor and certified Nutritionist. These certifications and experiences have opened up new doors for me. They also expand what I am able to offer as an artist. This was the case when I ran the social media division for a magazine-style website called iDiveblue during the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa. iDiveblue provides quality content covering travel, adventure sport, and marine conservation. Furthermore, I also love the ocean, swimming, reading books, baking vegan desserts, photography, videography, and anything adventurous in nature. It doesn’t end there – I am a qualified PADI Scuba Diver, and I enjoy playing my ukulele which has never left my side during my worldwide travels.

What is your advice you would like to share with aspiring dancers?

My advice is that your dreams and goals will present themselves to you – trust in that process, what is meant for you will come. Your heart will whet your appetite for the goals that you need to work towards. Never stop believing that you can achieve them. Stay humble and work relentlessly with all your passion to back you up. Most importantly, enjoy the journey as it’s all part of the growth that will get you to where you are meant to be.

Joanne Liebenberg is proof that you can maintain a top-tier Dance career and still travel the world. Artists and Athletes, with the correct self-discipline, can be inspired and follow by example. Proving to be the talented Artist that she is, Liebenberg’s determination has carved out a highly successful career for her and fulfilling her desire to travel and experience the world. It is obvious that her humility, drive, and talent will keep propelling her to new heights!

Source: Dance Roots Media

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, Caribbean, cooking, COVID–19, Joanne Liebenberg, Liebenberg, Royal Caribbean International

Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok announces exclusive Alternative State Quarantine packages

October 22, 2020 by PressEditor

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

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, centara, Centara Hotels &amp, COVID–19, deluxe, Fraport

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