Eliana Willis

More stories

  • 163 Shares189 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett thanks UK best sellers: one million room nights and counting

    The Hon Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica Minister of Tourism; Luke Gaskins, Vice President, Product & Development at Virgin Atlantic Holidays; Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director UK/N Europe, Jamaica Tourist Board
    Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett hosted a reception to celebrate the leading UK sellers of brand Jamaica, including Sandals, TUI and Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
    The intimate dinner at London’s Dorchester Hotel, hosted by the Minister of Tourism, welcomed top seller travel operators, agencies and resorts including Sandals, TUI, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, Club Caribbee, Sackville Travel, Flight Connection and Newmont Travel. This group has sold nearly a million rooms nights to Jamaica for this year.

    Above: The Hon Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica Minister of Tourism speaking at the dinner next to Vino Peter, Managing Director of Flight Connection and Sarah Lyman, Head of Tourist Boards and Partnerships at TUI
    The minister’s visit forms part of a global marketing tour to boost visitor arrivals to Jamaica.ADVERTISEMENTHe is next heading to New York to promote brand Jamaica on the USA’s Northeastern Seaboard, taking in New Jersey, Connecticut, extending to Boston.
    This will be followed by a visit to the Middle East to meet airlines including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, followed by a trip to Riyadh to meet with King Khalid, which wants to open 225 new gateways/
    His schedule also includes a meeting with representatives of Royal Jordanian Airlines, as part of his vision to establish Jamaica as the hub for the Middle Eastern market for the Caribbean and the Americas.

    Above: The Hon Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica Minister of Tourism; Laverne Walker, Director of Sackville Travel; Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director UK/N Europe, Jamaica Tourist Board
    The promotional tour will also visit Africa, Europe and Latin America. At the end, Minister Bartlett expects to have agreements signed for an additional 8,000 new hotel rooms in Jamaica.
    Last year Jamaica was voted ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’, ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’, ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ by voters of World Travel Awards. World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2022 will be taking place at Sandals Montego Bay on 14 June 2022. Free Conference will also be taking place.

    Older
    ATM 2022: TIME Hotels announces Middle East expansion plans

    Newer
    Kuwait Airways to launch new Manchester route More

  • 75 Shares149 Views

    in organisations-operators

    CWT names Patrick Andersen new CEO

    CWT announced that Michelle McKinney Frymire has decided to step down from her roles at the Company. As part of the Company’s long-term succession planning process, the Board of Directors has appointed President and Chief Commercial Officer Patrick Andersen as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2022. He will also serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.
    McKinney Frymire said: “Leading CWT through such a critical phase in its evolution has been a great honor. We have made substantial achievements during extraordinary times, and I am grateful to our global team and customers for their trust and supportive partnership. Now, with a strong financial foundation in place, CWT is positioned to accelerate its growth plan and I’m pleased to pass the baton to Patrick.”
    “We are excited that Patrick will serve as our next CEO, given his outstanding track record as Chief Commercial Officer and 13 years in international leadership roles at CWT. He has deep-rooted relationships with our customers and stakeholders and has demonstrated superb leadership through overseeing our strategic priorities, expanding RoomIt, and launching our groundbreaking myCWT China technology platform,” said Jim Abrahamson, Chair of the CWT Board. “On behalf of the Board and our global colleagues, we thank Michelle for her many contributions since she joined the Company in 2019 and wish her well in her next endeavors.”
    “I’m delighted and honored to lead CWT to its next stage of growth,” said Patrick Andersen. “As travel demand increases, CWT is well positioned to invest in and expand its industry leadership and global relationships. Importantly, I’ll continue our commitment to our core values and look forward to working with our Board and the CWT team to enhance our technology, and further strengthen the travel and events services we provide to our customers around the world.”
    Prior to his role as President and Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Andersen served as Chief Strategy Officer and before that President of the Americas. Since joining the Company in 2008, Mr. Andersen has managed and overseen several industry-defining initiatives including the launch of myCWT China, expanding RoomIt by CWT, and developing innovative long-term GDS technology partnership agreements. He has over 30 years’ experience in global travel & logistics, with various international leadership roles at Deutsche Post Worldwide and DHL. Andersen also serves as a Non-Executive Member of the Board at Global Minnesota, and MNSNAP, and is on the Board of Overseers for the Carlson School of Management. He studied management at the London Business School.ADVERTISEMENT

    Older
    Heathrow’s growth kickstarted in 2022 but volatility prevails

    Newer
    Carninval Corp announces boardroom changes More

  • 125 Shares199 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism welcomes record number of British visitors

    Minister of Tourism for Jamaica has welcomed the record number of British visitors who graced the island’s shores in February. The Minister, who was joined by Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport, Hon Olivia Grange, made the announcement at the official launch of the island’s 60th anniversary of Independence under the theme ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’.
    Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, speaking at the official launch of Jamaica 60 celebrations in the UK
    “This record number of British nationals to Jamaica is a sign that the destination is well on its way to recovery. It also speaks to our assurance of a safe, seamless and authentic experience in Jamaica
    Usually, we welcome around 15,000 British visitors monthly and this increase is a positive sign that we doing what we set out to do which is to recover well,” said Minister Bartlett.
    Minister Bartlett made the announcement in front of an audience of 200 industry leaders and media at White City Studio in London on Monday (April 25). The event included a slew of performances from artists such as saxophonist Lascelles James, poet David Neita, queen of lovers rock Carroll Thompson and reggae talent Bitty McLean.ADVERTISEMENTThe country is on track to welcoming 200,000 British visitors by year end and total visitor count of 3.2million overall.
    Minister Bartlett encouraged the Diaspora to go back to Jamaica to rediscover their heritage and enjoy the matchless experiences in the island.
    Jamaica is considered as the World’s Leading Family Destination by World Travel Awards.

    Older
    Jamaica ready to welcome visitor for 60th anniversary of independence

    Newer
    Introducing caravan by Habitas More

  • 125 Shares189 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Jamaica ready to welcome visitor for 60th anniversary of independence

    His Excellency Mr. Seth George Ramocan, High Commissioner for Jamaica to the United Kingdom, the Hon. Olivia Grange, Jamaica Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and the Hon Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica Minister of Tourism, pictured at the official launch of Jamaica 60 celebrations in the UK.
    Jamaica has formally launched the start of activities to mark the island’s 60th anniversary of Independence under the theme ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’.
    An audience of 200 industry leaders and media attended an event at White City Studio in London on Monday (April 25) enjoying performances from artists such as saxophonist Lascelles James, poet David Neita, queen of lovers rock Carroll Thompson and reggae talent Bitty McLean.
    Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange launched the Jamaica 60 activities and confirmed the year would include a mix of exciting commemorative events and legacy projects.
    Minister Bartlett said: “We are sixty. Sixty bold, brave years in which Jamaica and the Jamaican community has had an impressive impact on cultures around the world. We’ll be marking this anniversary with a year of cultural activity throughout the year making this the year to visit Jamaica. And we’ll also bring the celebrations to the UK with lots of activity around the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.”ADVERTISEMENT“We’re delighted that our British visitor numbers are already getting back to pre-pandemic levels,” he said, “and our increased airlift and removal of Covid testing means we expect 2022 to be a true year of recovery. We expect to close 2022 having welcomed a total of 3.2 million visitors contributing more than three billion US dollars to our economy.”
    Minister Grange said: “Our government has always taken the position that milestone celebrations such as Jamaica 60, must include projects that will benefit our country for generations to come. Among the legacy projects to begin this year are the redevelopment of the National Stadium, the establishment of a Jamaica Sports Museum & Sports Hall of Fame and the establishment of the Harry Belafonte National Concert Hall.”
    Events and festivals planned for 2022 include:
    The Kingston Biennial Exhibition: Pressure will open in the National Gallery of Jamaica National Gallery of Jamaica on June 26 2022 and close on December 31. Leading up to the opening there will be several interactive online seminars including The Cultural History of Art Institutions in Jamaica.
    The Independence Village is an annual festival held in the week before Independence day and the Grand Gala on 6 August at the National Arena in Kingston. The Independence Village 2022 will run from July 29 to August 7 as a showcase of Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage it includes free family activities, concerts displays and markets.
    Jamaica Rum Festival The Jamaica Rum Festival will be a celebration of Jamaica’s excellence in rum, art and music, with a mixture of virtual and in-person events in Montego Bay on Saturday June 2. Through live seminars, demonstrations and accompanied by live music, attendees will learn about the Jamaican rum process, the various types and the different ways it can be enjoyed in an interactive and enjoyable experience.
    Bands and fetes are already gearing up for what will be Jamaica’s first summer Carnival. The Carnival in Jamaica has moved from its traditional April slot and will begin on July 1 and culminate in a grand road parade in Kingston on July 10.
    Reggae Sumfest visitors will drench themselves in sound at Jamaica’s largest annual music festival which is acclaimed for performances from the best dancehall and reggae artists in the world, combined with tropical beach parties and street parties. This year Reggae Sumfest is being held in Montego Bay between 20 and 23 July and Shenseea has just been announced as its headliner. Outside the reggae scene, Shenseea is most well known for her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on ‘Lick’.
    Jamaica is considered as the World’s Leading Family Destination by World Travel Awards.

    Older
    CHTA teams up with hospitality and tech association

    Newer
    Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism welcomes record number of British visitors More

  • 100 Shares159 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Qatar aims to deliver sustainable FIFA World Cup

    Qatar is delivering innovative environmental solutions to boost the sustainability goals associated with hosting this year’s FIFA World Cup™.
    The FIFA Arab Cup™, which was held in November and December 2021, provided a testing ground for projects to be delivered during the World Cup. On Earth Day 2022, we take a look at Qatar’s environmental efforts to recycle and compost the organic waste produced from hosting major football matches.
    More than 75 tonnes of organic waste was collected during the 19-day tournament and has now been turned into compost. A cohesive organic waste management system was implemented during the FIFA Arab Cup™ to achieve this. At stadium sites, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC worked to maximise the use of compostable food containers and cutlery, as well as building awareness with the workforce on the appropriate use of the waste segregation systems, which included a compostable green bin. The SC organised additional waste segregation activities and worked with Qatar-based Agricompost to compost organic waste produced during the tournament.
    ADVERTISEMENTOrjan Lundberg, Sustainability & Environmental Expert at the SC, said: “Food waste is a major challenge around the world. Approximately a third of all the food produced for human consumption is thrown away. In addition, mixing organic waste with non-compostable packaging can make the treatment of such waste very difficult. We chose to turn this challenge into an opportunity during the FIFA Arab Cup.”
    Lundberg added: “We learned so much from this project, including how to procure compostable consumables, how to segregate waste, and use the composting machines compatible with local farms. We are proud to be investing in our planet, and in a good place to deliver something bigger and better during the FIFA World Cup later this year.”
    Nasser Al Khalaf, Chief Executive Officer at Agricompost, said: “No matter the type of organic waste, our recycling process aims to create compost that is suitable for growing plants, fruit and vegetables. Some of the waste can also be turned into animal feed. Basically, anything that came from trees, animals and plants can be recycled back into nature.”

    He added: “The recycling process to turn waste into compost takes about four weeks. During the FIFA Arab Cup, we gathered about 5 tonnes per day. During the matches, we used special containers to recycle waste. The containers gathered waste in a closed space that has a biological filter which moves the air inside the containers. The temperature inside increases to 70C. This is where the different materials, food, agricultural or biological waste are decomposed in order for them to be turned into compost.”
    During the FIFA Arab Cup™, 70% of waste from Al Bayt Stadium – which hosted the opening match and final – was recycled, with the remainder sent to a waste-to-energy plant.
    Sustainability Progress at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

    Older
    Thailand strongly represented at WTTC Global Summit 2022

    Newer
    Air Arabia starts new route to Mumbai More

  • 100 Shares119 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Thailand strongly represented at WTTC Global Summit 2022

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) sent a high-ranking Thai tourism delegation led by H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, too meet with other world tourism leaders at the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit 2022, which took place in Manila, Philippines from 20-22 April, 2022.
    Making up the delegation alongside the Minister of Tourism and Sports was Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, and Mr. Thawat Sumitmoh, Charge d’affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila.
    Participating in the Global Leaders Dialogue during the 2022 WTTC Global Summit, Mr. Tanes joined the discussion on ‘Rediscovering Travel’ together with leaders of tourism agencies from 11 other countries that included the USA, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, India, the Maldives, Japan, and the European Parliament. He also attended the dinner reception for WTTC members and VIPs.
    Mr. Phiphat meanwhile met with H.E. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, to discuss bilateral tourism cooperation and the promotion of travel links between Thailand and the Philippines.
    The Thai delegation also met with Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, to thank the organisation for certifying the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification programme to be on par with the WTTC SafeTravels global health and hygiene standardised protocols. They also met with Mr. Craig S. Smith, Marriott International Group President, International, to discuss possibilities to promote tourism together.ADVERTISEMENTThe TAT delegation also took the opportunity presented by the 21st World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit to meet and discuss Thai tourism promotions with travel companies and local media in the Philippines, including the Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, BusinessMirror, ANC, and CNN Philippines, as well as updating the market on the current tourism situation and relaxed entry requirements to Thailand.

    Older
    Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in tourism surpasses 500 signatories

    Newer
    Thailand to lift testing requirements from 1 May More

  • 125 Shares199 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in tourism surpasses 500 signatories

    The number of signatories to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has passed the 500-mark, just four months after the landmark initiative was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced that Expedia Group, Booking Holdings and Condé Nast have become the latest signatories, joining stakeholders of all sizes and from every part of the diverse sector.
    The signatures of three of the sector’s biggest names underscores tourism’s determination to accelerating climate action at every level and reflects the shared commitment of both big businesses and small stakeholders to work towards a common goal. All signatories of the Glasgow Declaration commit to the decarbonization of tourism operations and to restore and protect ecosystems, helping visitors and host communities experience better balance with nature. “Rebalancing our relationship with nature is critical to regenerating both its ecological health and our personal, social and economic well-being”, the Declaration states.Cross-sector commitment
    The 538 signatories of the Glasgow Declaration include all types of stakeholders, among them DRV German Travel Association, Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, PATA and Hostelling International; tour operators as EXO Travel, and Europa Mundo Vacaciones; accommodation providers such as The Cayuga Collection; DMOs such as Turismo de Portugal, Turisme de Barcelona, West Sweden Tourist Board, London & Partners, Destination Québec Cité and many more. All adhere to the guiding principle of restoring nature as a “key to our sector’s recovery from the pandemic, as well as its future prosperity and resilience”.
    Tourism must prosper in harmony with nature, and the number and variety of businesses, destinations and other organizations signing up to the ambitious Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action shows our sector is committed to doing better.UNWTO: “Time to Act”
    UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “It is time to act. Tourism must prosper in harmony with nature, and the number and variety of businesses, destinations and other organizations signing up to the ambitious Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action shows our sector is committed to doing better. I am delighted to welcome Expedia Group, Booking Holdings and Condé Nast as the newest signatories.”ADVERTISEMENTCollaboration across stakeholders is key to ensure that the necessary skills, tools and knowledge are available among service providers, host communities and tourists so that they can deliver change. Among the priorities of the Glasgow Declaration for 2022 is to deliver guidance on measurement of emissions and climate action planning with support from working groups.
    “The need to address the damaging effects of climate change has become more urgent than ever before, which is why our Climate Action Plan includes ambitious targets, based on the latest scientific guidance, to achieve near-zero emissions for our own operations by 2030, and net-zero by 2040,” said Glenn Fogel, Chief Executive Officer of Booking Holdings. “Committing to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and Net Zero Standard, and now signing the Glasgow Declaration, is critical to ensure that climate action is supporting science and the Paris Agreement to change the trajectory of the current crisis.”
    “We are proud to become a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism as part of a concerted effort with our partners and peers to progress a more sustainable travel industry,” said Peter Kern, CEO and Vice Chairman, Expedia Group. “As a travel company, we have the privilege of bringing people all around the world together every day. And as more people travel, we also have a responsibility to shift towards more sustainable operations to lessen our overall footprint and equip our travelers with sustainable options that match their values. We’re enhancing the visibility travelers have into their impact and offering more responsible choices. The industry must work together to help safeguard the future of travel for generations to come.”About the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
    The Glasgow Declaration was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference COP26. It is a voluntary commitment which requests organizations to support halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050 at the latest; to deliver climate action plans (or update existing plans) within 12 months from becoming signatories and implement them; to align their plans with five pathways, namely: measure, decarbonize, regenerate, collaborate and finance; to report publicly on progress made implementing those commitments; and to work on a collaborative spirit.
    The Glasgow Declaration is led by UNWTO in collaboration with the Travel Foundation and within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme. A full list of Signatories can be found here.

    Older
    Dramatic increase in airport charges threatens aviation recovery Netherlands

    Newer
    Thailand strongly represented at WTTC Global Summit 2022 More

  • 88 Shares99 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Subscription services set to transform travel industry

    Subscription services have disrupted almost every industry, but the customer-focused model remains relatively nascent in the travel industry, observes GlobalData. The data and analytics company notes that its popularity could rise as travel subscriptions, whereby travelers typically pay a monthly fee to receive benefits such as discounted prices and personalised travel content, represent a compelling way for businesses to build brand loyalty.
    Hannah Free, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “More and more businesses are moving away from the traditional product economy to the ‘subscription economy’. The subscription economy refers to the increasing presence of subscription-based businesses in today’s ecommerce landscape as opposed to the traditional pay-per-product model. Subscription models have the potential to completely transform an industry that faces challenges such as seasonality and growth-decline cycles by ensuring a relatively stable revenue stream.”
    One example of this would be Spanish travel company eDreams ODIGEO’s Prime subscription which reportedly reached two million members just six months after hitting one million in May 2021. More niche and targeted subscriptions are entering the market from the likes of Inspirato, Regenerative Travel and Bidroom.
    Further demonstrating the shift from traditional loyalty points to subscriptions is increased patent activity for subscriptions growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% between 2017 and 21. According to GlobalData’s Travel and Tourism Patent Analytics, a total of 7936 patent publications related to subscriptions were made in 2021, with growth continuing even throughout COVID-19. Travel companies investing in subscription services will emerge from the pandemic in a strong position to attract the tech savvy and deal finding travellers.
    Some companies integrate subscriptions to their mix of revenue streams, while others will go to market with it as a foundational offering. Regardless, COVID-19 has highlighted the need for more a predictable and recurring revenue stream for travel companies as the likes of Bookings Holdings and Expedia Group saw their revenues drop more than 50% YoY in 2020, when travel came to a virtual standstill.ADVERTISEMENTFree concludes: “Subscriptions represent a compelling way for travel companies to create lasting relationships where engagement typically ends after a one-off transactional purchase. According to GlobalData’s Q1 2021 Consumer Survey, 35% of global respondents consider time-saving a key factor driving purchase, while 46% consider time-saving nice to have, but not essential. The subscription model is well placed to capitalise on increasing consumer demands for personalisation, while the value and convenience enjoyed by members has the potential to outweigh a monthly subscription or membership fee.”

    Older
    Silversea Cruises announces new Antarctica departure port

    Newer
    High-tech bridge built with flax More