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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

#rebuildingtravel

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

Hong Kong Tourism Prepares for Tourism Revival

October 26, 2020 by PressEditor

A spotlight is shining on concerted efforts by Hong Kong Tourism Board public and private sectors in preparation for tourism revival in the post-pandemic city. From aviation and hotels, to retail/food and beverage and attractions, and from the MICE industry to transportation, tourism-related industries in Hong Kong have adapted new safety measure and technologies to keep locals safe and visitors worry-free when international travel returns.

Stronger, Together

There is strength in numbers, as evidenced by the concerted efforts by public and private sector stakeholders in preparing Hong Kong for a new tourism landscape post-pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic gained traction worldwide, Hong Kong acted swiftly by imposing strict border controls to mitigate community spreading. In a recent web conference with 1,500 industry stakeholders in attendance, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) projected a shift in travelers’ behaviors and preferences in a post-pandemic travel landscape.

Public health conditions of destinations, hygiene standards of transportations, hotels and other tourism facilities, short-haul breaks, and shorter itineraries are expected to take precedence.

HKTB has devised a recovery plan to reinvigorate the city’s tourism, which complements the tourism board’s allocation of HK$400 million (US$51 million) to support promotions by the trade once COVID-19 is over.

Similarly, service providers in other tourism-related assets have also been unanimously stepping up in adapting to a post-pandemic world. These include capitalizing on artificial intelligence and cleaning technologies in supplementing health and sanitation measures, on top of other service touchpoints such as the provision of hand sanitizers and face masks.

In tandem with HKTB’s directives on promoting tourism and revitalize retail, featured hotels in this supplement have indicated their interests in marketing staycations, and retail malls have illustrated their proactiveness in endeavoring a safe experience for shoppers, while devising multiple promotional activities to encourage spending.

Finally, uncover how the government’s allocation of the anti-epidemic fund and organizers’ implementation of revolutionary cleaning technologies in making event venues safer than ever will seek to boost the city’s allure as a coveted MICE destination in Asia.

Aviation Steps Up on COVID-19 Surveillance

Players in the aviation sector are capitalizing on cleaning technology to prepare for air travel rebound

Hong Kong recently announced an upcoming, quarantine-free air travel bubble with Singapore. At Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), theAirport Authority Hong Kong (AA) has implemented revolutionary cleaning technologies at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) – one of Asia’s busiest travel hubs and gateway to the city – in enhancing its existing health and sanitary measures to protect staff and passengers from COVID-19.

Intelligent Sterilization Robots (ISR) are programmed to move with minimum human direction and use a combination of UV light, 360-degree spray nozzles and air filters to sterilize up to 99.99 percent of bacteria within its proximity in 10 minutes.

Departing passengers are required to wear face masks in the departure levels – including SkyPier Sea-To-Air levels, automated people movers and apron passenger vehicles. All persons must undergo temperature checks before being allowed entry into the terminal building, and arriving passengers are required to submit a health declaration form and provide deep throat samples via a remote testing facility upon arriving at HKIA. Also available is a disinfection booth named CLeanTech for staff who perform public health and quarantine duties at the airport. Most airport shops have suspended their businesses since late March and will reopen when passenger traffic begins to recover, with promotional initiatives lined up to stimulate retail spending.

Hotel Technology and Stringent Health Measures Aid Hospitality Recovery

Across Hong Kong, hotels are aggressively ramping up health measures and marketing efforts for a post-pandemic hospitality landscape, where the spotlight is on health and safety for both guests and staff

New models and management concepts will need to be developed in the wake of COVID-19 – which “has created a massive disruption in existing hotel operations and management practices” – in catering to travelers’ needs for a safe, social and hospitable environment and experience, shared Michael Li, executive director, The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners.

Moving forward with part two (Recovery) of Hong Kong Tourism Board’s three-phase plan to reinvigorate tourism – where focus is on encouraging locals to rediscover different neighborhoods and community cultures in order to send a positive message to visitors and restore their confidence in the city – Dorsett and L’hotel hotels have spoken about sharing a common goal of marketing staycations for the domestic market until international borders can reopen.

Retail, F&B Outlets Proactively Roll Out Health Measures

Resilient dining and shopping facilities react promptly to continue providing a safe environment for patrons

Mention Hong Kong and everyone associates it with an array of shopping and dining options. As the pandemic wreaks havoc across the world, F&B establishments and major malls in Hong Kong have come up with proactive measures and creative ideas in facing adversity. Here’s how:

Leading the scene for the recovery of dining establishments in Hong Kong (and around the world by now) is Black Sheep Restaurants with the creation of a COVID-19 Playbook. What is it, you wonder? An ingenious conception, the Playbook is a COVID-19 standard operating procedures manual which the restaurant group had developed in rapid response to the outbreak of the pandemic. It was initially released publicly in a bid to stand united with other Hong Kong restaurateurs as one but has now become a blueprint guide for other restaurateurs around the world viable because of social distancing, i.e. decreased mingling between restaurant managers and guests.

Hysan Development’s Lee Gardens at Causeway Bay have taken further steps in reassuring guests’ peace of minds while shopping at their malls. They use a series of sterilizing and disinfection products to provide an all-round protection against possible virus and bacteria, strategic placement of infrared thermometers to ensure fever-free entry, usage of UV sterilizers on elevator handrails and the installation of automatic hand sanitizing dispensers.

Over 320 automatic hand sanitizer dispensers that have been installed across Sun Hung Kai Properties’ (SHKP) malls, who addressed public concerns on mall hygiene by deploying a team of 300 uniformed Caring Ambassadors to provide additional services for guests. These include opening of doors or pressing lift buttons, and taking body temperature checks across its 30 malls and 27 offices to help fight the pandemic. The implementation of these Caring Ambassadors not only raises public hygiene standards, but also support local employment.

Attractions Adapt to Post-Pandemic Norms

Versatile strategies and tactics revolving around guests’ well-being are in place to welcome visitors again

Beloved Hong Kong attractions provide an update on how they are proactively working with relevant authorities in achieving a fine balance between continuing to provide a fun and memorable experience for domestic and international guests, and new visitation norms in a post-pandemic world.

Over at Lantau Island, Ngong Ping 360 (NP360) reopened in March with precautionary measures such as the companion cabin, which only allows family and friends within the same group to board the same cabin together. It also recommends four to six passengers per cabin, half the normal capacity, in order to ensure sufficient social distancing space inside.

Robust preparations have allowed for homegrown attraction Ocean Park’s reopening in September. A series of strict precautionary measures were put in place to safeguard the health and safety of visitors, staff and animals. They include reducing park-wide capacity (to lower than 50 percent), advanced reservations, body temperature screenings at entry points for all visitors and staff, compulsory donning of face masks in the park, enhanced cleaning and disinfection and regular spraying of a nano photocatalystic coat on its main facilities. Additional hand sanitizer dispensers are installed at the entrances and exits around the park, and animal exhibits and all F&B outlets ensure social distancing of at least 1.5m apart, with no more than eight people allowed to be seated at one table together.

2020 marks the 15th anniversary for Hong Kong Disney Land (HKDL), and plans are underway to unveil The Castle of Magical Dreams and a brand-new nighttime spectacular. In anticipating the throng of crowds returning to the theme park upon its reopening post-pandemic, the attraction has highlighted the importance of implementing crowd control in queues, F&B outlets, hotel, rides and other facilities throughout the park and across the resort.

Public Transport Cleanliness Is Comprehensively Strengthened

HK public transport operators endeavor a safe travelling environment for commuters

Land transport operators have spared no effort in securing a safe and comfortable travelling environment for commuters. MTR Corporation has deployed the Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) Robot which automatically sprays hydrogen peroxide solution that is atomized to a specific concentration that ensures disinfectants penetrate small gaps that are difficult to reach during normal cleaning work. New Lantau Buses (NLB) are served by a team of professional “bus dusters“ carrying out daily cleaning routines whenever the vehicles return to terminals, and cross-border buses to China are cleaned after every round trip. Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited (KCHB) shared that the latest deep cleaning services involve the use of Germagic – an innovative product that protects surfaces against SARS-CoV-2 and over 100 viruses for 90 days.

MICE Industry

Hong Kong to Uphold Its Allure as Asia’s MICE Capital, Government backed anti-epidemic funding, HKCEC’s advancement project and venue health and safety measures are in the line-up to retain the city’s competitiveness as a business events destination

The norms on the organization and holding of business events are expected to be revised in the wake of COVID-19, as planners put higher weight on public health and safety measures, as well as the extent of a venue’s readiness in reacting to contingencies and operation disruption in moving forward with venue selection.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) hosted the city’s first exhibition since the COVID-19 outbreak – the 98th Hong Kong Wedding Fair from May 22-24. HKCEC has also embarked on a HK$1 billion (US$129 million) Five-Year Advancement project to demonstrate its confidence on the long-term growth of the industry and business at the HKCEC. At present time, stages one and two involving a majority of the interiors, ancillary rooms and 5G infrastructure are completed, with full completion expected in Q1 2024.

As part of the anti-epidemic fund by the HKSAR government, HK$1.02 billion (US$131 million) has been apportioned to re-ignite the city’s convention and exhibition (C&E) industry. Under this one year scheme, all organizers of exhibitions and international conventions/conferences (i.e. with over 400 participants, of which 50 percent are nonlocal participants) at HKCEC and AWE can expect to receive full subsidies for venue rental, which they are strongly encouraged to share with their event participants.

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: cleantech, cooking, Fraport, HKCEC, hygiene standards, post-pandemic traveler, sandals

Former UNWTO Secretary-General to speak at ATM Virtual

May 27, 2020 by PressEditor

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has confirmed that the Chairman of the International Tourism & Investment Conference (ITIC) and former UNWTO Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, will host a virtual summit as part of ATM Virtual.

The summit, which is titled “Restructuring to Attract Sustainable Development and Customers in the New World Order” and takes place on Wednesday, June 3 between 12.15 pm – 1.45 pm GST (9.15 am – 10.45 am BST), will examine sustainable investment measures for the Middle East travel and tourism sector and the strategies to restore travellers’ confidence post-pandemic.

“We are living in unprecedented times for the tourism industry, which is facing its toughest challenge ever. Stay home means no travel, and no travel means no tourism. This ITIC summit is vital at this critical time and I am therefore pleased to be part of ATM Virtual, who I commend for facing the challenges and ensuring the industry is in direct contact during these difficult times,” said Dr. Rifai.

Moderated by BBC Presenter and broadcaster Rajan Datar, a series of topics will be discussed throughout the day including prospects for Dubai’s travel and tourism industry in the post-COVID-19 era.

The summit will feature two expert panel discussions where World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ambassador and director of ITIC Gerald Lawless will address the initiatives to be taken to revive the travel and tourism industry to secure sustainable investment in the region, as well as how to reposition your business to kick start when the pandemic comes under control.

Gerald Lawless

The panel discussions will also focus on the part governments must play in helping sector recovery, the expectations of the industry going forward, and how travel and tourism businesses can plan for their financial future.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We are delighted to be working with ITIC to reflect on the financial impact COVID-19 has had on the tourism sector and to garner their insights and advice on strategies to restore visitor confidence and how the industry can begin to recover during these difficult times.”

“We must all think together, out of the box, and imaginatively. This is our real historic test. The Middle East has proven in the past that it is robust and can bounce back. I am saddened by what we are living through but optimistic that the recovery will be positive,” concluded Dr. Rifai.

The panel discussion The initiatives to be taken to revive the travel and tourism industry to secure sustainable investment in the region will take place from 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm GST (9.30 am – 10.15 am BST) and Repositioning your business to kick start when the pandemic comes under control from 1.15 pm – 1.45 pm GST (10.15 am – 10.45 am BST), both on Wednesday, June 3.

Arabian Travel Market would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and the Italian Tourist Board for their support of ATM Virtual as Gold Sponsors.

ATM Virtual takes place from Monday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 3, 2020. To register for the event please visit: atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/register/         

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 27th year, continues to be the focal point for the Middle East’s resilient and ever-changing travel and tourism landscape and prides itself on being the hub of all travel and tourism ideas – providing a platform to discuss insights on the ever-changing industry, share innovations and unlock endless business opportunities. While the live show has been postponed to May 16-19, 2021, ATM will keep the industry connected by running ATM Virtual from June 1-3, 2020 featuring webinars, live conference sessions, speed networking events, one-on-one meetings, plus so much more – keeping the conversations going and delivering new connections and business opportunities online.  www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com .       

Next events: ATM Virtual: Monday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Live ATM: Sunday, May 16 to Wednesday, May 19, 2021 – Dubai #IdeasArriveHere

#rebuildingtravel

Media contact: NATHALIE VISELE, Director, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971 4 365 2711 | Mobile: +971 50 457 6525, E-mail: nathalie.visele@shamalcomms.com , Website: www.shamalcomms.com

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: Arabian Travel Market (ATM, ATM Virtual, cooking, minister, post-pandemic traveler, Rifai

Hong Kong Tourism Strategic Planning for Tourism Recovery

May 1, 2020 by PressEditor

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is positioning itself to respond with an organized plan to welcome visitors and for revitalization as the world begins to slowly recover. To achieve this, HKTB organized a web conference on April 24 to provide the latest updates on tourism development and introduce the HKTB’s strategic framework of a tourism recovery plan. HKTB Chairman Dr. Y. K. Pang said that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to Hong Kong tourism and brought global tourism to a grinding halt.

Dr. Pang said: “The tourism landscape will be reshaped. In the post-pandemic world, we will see a shift in preference and behavior among travelers – the public health conditions of destinations and the hygiene standards of transportations, hotels, and other tourism facilities will become a top priority. People will prefer short-haul breaks and shorter itineraries, and wellness-themed trips will become a new trend. It is in fact an ideal time for us to review and rethink Hong Kong’s position in the global tourism market and elevate [our] service standard. Together with the travel trade, the HKTB is going to map out the long-term development strategy for our tourism industry.”

The web conference was attended by close to 1,500 representatives from travel agencies, attractions, hotels, airlines, and retail and dining industries, as well as Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) and cruise sectors. Representatives from the HKTB’s worldwide offices also participated in the meeting to provide insights into the latest developments in various market regions.

Mainland Market

The Mainland has gradually resumed economic activities, and people have returned to work. Given the outbreak’s impact on the economy, consumers will become more price-conscious and pursue value-for-money holidays. After prolonged confinement, visitors will also place greater emphasis on health and nature. When choosing destinations for future trips, they will favor those that pose low risks to health. The Meetings and Incentives market has slowed down as many activities have been postponed or will be held online.

Short-haul and New Markets

Domestic travel will be the major preference shortly after the pandemic, and outbound travel will resume soon after. Regional competition will be fiercer than ever as the tourism authorities and travel trade of various destinations are gearing up for intensive promotions to vie for visitors. In Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, it will be the young and middle-aged segments that will be the most eager to travel. Green tourism and the outdoors will be favored, while short-haul travel will be preferred due to financial and holiday leave constraints.

Long-haul Markets

Currently, governments are focusing on containing the outbreak within the region. A longer time is expected for these markets to recover, and outbound travel may resume in the last quarter of this year at the earliest. Ethnic Asian visitors are expected to be the first to visit Hong Kong after the pandemic. Consumer sentiment is comparatively more positive in Canada, France, and Germany, and outbound travel is expected to recover at a faster rate in these markets. 

The HKTB announced earlier that it will be allocating HK$400 million to support promotions by the trade. HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng explained that the HKTB has devised a 3-phase plan to reinvigorate Hong Kong tourism. The exact timeline will depend on the development of the pandemic. 

Phase 1 (Now):  Resilience

The HKTB is preparing a tourism recovery plan for Hong Kong tourism.

Phase 2:  Recovery

When the pandemic shows signs of abating, the HKTB will first focus on the local market to promote positive ambience in Hong Kong by encouraging locals to rediscover different neighborhoods and community cultures in order to send a positive message to visitors and restore their confidence in the city. Meanwhile, the HKTB will launch tactical promotions with the trade in selected markets based on the developments of individual markets to stimulate people’s interest to visit Hong Kong.

Phase 3:  Relaunch

Mega events and a new tourism brand campaign will be launched to rebuild Hong Kong’s tourism image as part of the tourism recovery plan.


In an online platform, HKTB Chairman Dr. Y. K. Pang (left) and Executive Director Dane Cheng (right) provided the local travel trade with updates on Hong Kong tourism development and introduced the HKTB’s upcoming plan.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: Travel Marketing Network, 954 Lexington Ave. #1037, New York, NY 10021 USA, USA: (+1) 718-374-6816, marketing@travelmarketingnetwork.com

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: COVID–19, COVID-19, HKTB, Hong Kong, online training, post-pandemic traveler, sandals, travel recovery

Bartlett Brands Future Travelers Generation-C at UK CTO AGM

April 29, 2020 by PressEditor

The newly-established grassroots initiative known as rebuilding.travel just endorsed and became part of the Generation-C defiintion identifying future travelers.

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has branded future travelers as Generation-C amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister did so today at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) UK Chapter’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) where he spoke in depth about the advent of a new type of post-pandemic traveler.

The term Generation-C will the basis of the #rebuildingtravel initiative known as rebuilding.travel . Rebuilding.travel was spearheaded in a partnership with the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP), the African Tourism Board (ATB), and added today the Global Tourism Resilience Crisis & Management Center (GTRCM) that is under the leadership of the Hon. Minister Edmund Bartlett.

Invited to the CTO’s AGM as the keynote speaker, Minister Bartlett first defined the term Generation-C.

When talking to eTurboNews, the Minister explained term Generation-C or GEN-C (the post-pandemic traveler) as inter-generational, a merging of the demographics the island traditionally targeted and importantly one which was essentially ageless.

Minister Bartlett said: “We as an island and as part of the global travel and tourism industry need to adapt swiftly to the requirements of this new type of traveler post pandemic. GEN-C will be unsettled by the crisis they have lived through this year, they will need reassurance and evidence that their experience overseas will enhance their lives, not put their loved ones at risk.”

The global tourism industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic with tourism-related activities coming to a halt as countries try to contain the spread of the disease.

“We are working hard to create new protocols for our industry to be implemented as soon as we can safely welcome visitors back. These measures will tackle sanitation and hygiene requirements, protocols for behavior at swimming pools, on our beaches, and in our restaurants.

“They will respond to the new sensitivities of the post-COVID-19 traveler and will be holistic covering all aspects of the vacation experience. They will be measures that without a doubt will become the new norm,” added Minister Bartlett.

During an interview with Travel Weekly, Minister Bartlett also spoke of the new online training program and certification courses that have been rolled out to thousands of out of work tourism workers in Jamaica in an effort to fortify the industry for a strong economic future.

“Our online training program which is being offered by the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation forms a part of the overall recovery strategies being implemented to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic so when we emerge out of this disruption we will be ready and better able to manage when the sector reopens,” said Minister Bartlett.

#rebuildingtravel

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, Caribbean, Generation-C, Jamaica, post-pandemic traveler

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