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      THE CORDISH COMPANIES UNVEILS PLANS FOR NEW LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL RESORT DESTINATION IN LOUISIANA

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      The Cordish Companies has presented master project plans to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for the redevelopment of Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. Cordish intends to transform the property into a world-class Live! casino resort and entertainment destination. Centrally, this includes the construction of an entirely new, first-class land-based Live! casino and the removal of the existing casino riverboat. Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is scheduled to open in 2025.
      “We’re very excited and honored to present our plans to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and thank them for their enthusiastic support of our project,” said Joe Weinberg, Managing Partner, The Cordish Companies. “Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will be a world-class resort destination that brings a first-class gaming, dining, entertainment and hospitality experience to the region, creates significant new jobs, and generates millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community. We look forward to working with Foundation Gaming & Entertainment, state and local officials, and the community to bring the project to fruition.”
      “The development plan for the Diamond Jacks property that was presented this morning will be transformative, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Greg Guida, Co-CEO of Foundation Gaming & Entertainment. “We are looking forward to finishing up the demolition that was started in February to get the property ready for the transformation to a Live! Casino & Hotel.”
      The new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL LOUISIANA, which represents an investment of $250+ million, will be a world-class gaming, dining, entertainment and hotel destination, featuring:
      more than 47,000-square-feet of gaming space including 1,000+ slots and electronic table games and 30+ live action table games;an upscale 400+ room resort-style hotel;a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose event center for top name entertainment, meeting, conventions, non-profit and social gatherings;structured and surface parking;and 30,000-square-feet of best-in-class dining and entertainment venues including 6+ new food and beverage outlets featuring nationally acclaimed concepts Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar.“The Louisiana Gaming Control Board looks forward to working with The Cordish Companies to bring a world class casino and entertainment destination to the Bossier/Shreveport market. The reputation of The Cordish Companies throughout the country to own and operate first class casinos, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment destinations is exemplary. We thank Cordish for choosing Louisiana to bring their expertise and major investment to our gaming market,” said Ronnie Johns, Chairman, Louisiana Gaming Control Board. “The Board also wants to thank Foundation Gaming for their vision in beginning this much needed process of rebuilding a closed casino property. We will be working closely with both Foundation and Cordish to make this project a reality as soon as possible to deliver a gaming and entertainment destination that Louisiana can be proud of.”ADVERTISEMENT“We are very excited to welcome The Cordish Companies team to Bossier City and look forward to working with them on this beautiful project,” said Thomas Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City, LA. “Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana will attract millions of visitors to our city, create substantial new jobs, and generate additional significant tax revenue for our community. It’s a life changer for our region.”
      In addition to fully renovating the hotel rooms and public space, Cordish plans to develop a brand new, land-based casino to replace the existing casino riverboat, as well as introduce a variety of new dining and entertainment concepts including a fine dining steakhouse and an Asian restaurant.
      Among the featured outlets in the facility will be Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar, two powerhouse names that are among the fastest growing concepts in the United States. The concepts are located at the front door of professional sports stadiums, high-profile entertainment and lifestyle districts, and world-class casino resort destinations across the U.S. including The Battery adjacent to Truist Park in Atlanta, GA; Ballpark Village adjacent to Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO; Texas Live! in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District; Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in South Philadelphia’s Stadium District and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor.
      Sports & Social, the premier sports bar and restaurant in the United States, offers guests an immersive sports entertainment atmosphere as the next best game watching experience outside of a stadium or arena. Curated by James Beard Award Nominee Chef John Suley, Sports & Social’s menu features an elevated selection from its made-from-scratch kitchen for lunch, dinner, and a can’t-miss brunch experience on the weekends. The bar’s beverage program includes creative craft cocktails, specialty drinks, and an extensive line-up of brews on tap.
      The venue features multiple digital media experiences, including a state-of-the-art LED media wall, that allows guests to watch multiple games and sporting events at once. Game days at Sports & Socials feature an electric environment with elements such as emcees and DJs, live fan-cams, competitions and games, and industry-leading audio and visual displays including music and light effects. Sports & Social venues showcase a wide variety of interactive social and nostalgic arcade games throughout the space, as well as live music and special events during the week.
      Born from the toughest sport on dirt, the iconic PBR Cowboy Bar lives up to its legendary namesake, Professional Bull Riders, which embodies toughness, determination, and a true spirit of independence. PBR Cowboy Bars fuse that spirit with first-class hospitality, bringing an authentic country western experience that marries an electric combination of “cowboy cool” and big-time entertainment. The venue offers high-energy music, expansive bars, private VIP tables, industry-leading sound & lighting, and a mechanical bull.
      The soul of PBR Cowboy Bar comes alive through its great entertainment, the best in country music, and its rich traditions, including Freedom Friday, a night of appreciation once a month for all military personnel, veterans, first responders and public service members. PBR Cowboy Bars have welcomed some of the biggest names in country music including Luke Bryan, Old Dominion, and Justin Moore.
      The development of Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City continues Cordish’s vast expansion across markets in the South Central and Southeast regions of the U.S. including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas where the Company currently has over $1 billion under construction adjacent to its Texas Live! development in the Arlington Entertainment District in North Texas.
      For over a century, The Cordish Companies has created and managed an extraordinary portfolio of upscale mixed-use, entertainment and casino resort destinations throughout the United States. Its Live! brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country, welcomes over 55 million annual visitors to its dining, entertainment, casino, hotel, and sports-anchored entertainment districts, many of which have revitalized communities and reshaped the social and economic landscape of major markets across the country. This transformational effect has earned the Company an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for its urban revitalization efforts, more than any other developer in the world. For over two decades, Live! has dramatically changed the entertainment experience, creating one-of-a kind destinations that offer a curated year-round calendar of special events, premier dining venues, first-class hospitality, and the best of local, regional and national entertainment.
      In gaming, The Cordish Companies has developed the most successful casino entertainment resorts in the U.S. including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL; the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, FL; Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland; Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia; and Live! Casino Pittsburgh. The award-winning properties have been nationally recognized for excellence in operations, food and beverage offerings, and its Live! Rewards Loyalty Program, annually named one of the best casino loyalty programs in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards.
      The Cordish Companies and its affiliates also have a strong history of leadership in philanthropy, volunteerism and community service working with local non-profit organizations in all markets where it does business and becoming active members of the community. Cordish is committed to supporting the Bossier City community and its non-profit organizations through direct monetary contributions and in-kind services, acting as a convener to assist community organizations and non-profits in their fundraising efforts and volunteerism, an endemic value to the Company and its team members.
      The proposed project is subject to approval by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. More details will be shared in the coming months. New information will be posted to the website as available at www.LiveCasinoLA.com.

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      Reducing flights at Schiphol Airport could deliver €13.6 billion blow to Dutch trade and tourism

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      Reducing flights at Schiphol Airport could deliver €13.6 billion blow to Dutch trade and tourism

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      The decision by the Dutch government to limit the number of flights taking off and landing at Schiphol Airport will reduce the value of trade and tourist expenditure in the Netherlands by up to €13.6 billion, according to a new study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).The report, commissioned by the Red Schiphol Campaign, predicts that the decision to reduce flight movements at the airport to 440,000 per year will lead to a 180,000 tonne drop in the amount of cargo handled at Schiphol compared to 2019 levels. This represents €11.5 billion worth of goods or about 11.4% of Schiphol’s usual cargo volume.
      Under a worst-case scenario, Cebr suggests this figure could rise to 330,000 tonnes, or €21.3 billion worth of goods. This represents over a fifth (21.2%) of Schiphol’s 2019 cargo volume. The report also outlines that the flight cap could result in 1.3 million fewer tourists using Schiphol Airport each year – roughly equivalent to the total number of travellers who visited the Netherlands from Asia in 2019. According to Cebr, this reduction would be associated with a €2.2 billion drop in annual tourist expenditure.
      George Chichester, campaign manager for the Red Schiphol Campaign, says this could have a disastrous impact on the Dutch economy.
      “In 2019, Schiphol Airport was responsible for over 90% of the cargo coming into the Netherlands and 88% of all passengers flying into or out of the country. It is unlikely that other airports will be able to handle the extra passengers or cargo that will be uncatered for under the flight cap, meaning the value from these two revenue sources is essentially lost to the Dutch economy,” Chichester said.
      In addition, Cebr estimates that the reduction in flights is associated with a reduction in Dutch economic activity supported by Schiphol Airport’s operations, amounting to a €205 million fall in Gross Value Added (GVA) and 599 fewer jobs supported throughout the airport and its supply chain. Much of this impact will be felt in the Noord-Holland region, which the report suggests will experience 94% of the impact on GVA.ADVERTISEMENTRowlando Morgan, Head of the Environment, Infrastructure and Local Growth team at Cebr, says that Schiphol’s current contribution to the national and local economy should not be understated. “This research shows that the decision will have significant adverse economic impacts on the consumers and businesses that rely on Schiphol Airport.”
      The report also highlights that the flight cap could lead to higher ticket prices. For instance, evidence shows that constrained capacity at London Heathrow has been associated with a 17% premium on short-haul fares and a 25% premium on long-haul fares.
      Chichester argues this will hit ordinary Dutch families particularly hard at a time when the cost of living is already very high.
      “The government has already tripled the tax on plane tickets. If this flight cap goes ahead, the price of tickets will climb even higher and hard-working Dutch families will no longer be able to afford to go on holiday,” he said.
      The Red Schiphol Campaign has been set up to bring together concerned Dutch citizens and businesses in opposition to what it calls the ‘440 decision’ to limit flight movements at Schiphol.
      Marc Mabelis, a local politician and active supporter of the campaign, has voiced his concern over the government’s decision, stating that “In an open economy, logistics by air is very important via a strong network for passengers and cargo at Schiphol.”
      Supporters are encouraged to sign the campaign’s petition – which is already at over 5,700 signatures – or email [email protected] to find out more ways to get involved.

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      ARTIST EDOARDO DIONEA CICCONI BRINGS THE HUES OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS TO HOTEL DE RUSSIE’S GARDENS

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      A new 5-year agreement paves the way for further reduction of emissions

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      Danish Crown and DFDS enter into a historic multi-year partnership agreement that includes an intensified commitment to – jointly – ensure the transition to CO2-neutral transport. The agreement also includes the immediate deployment of six additional electric trucks.The new agreement builds on the existing partnership where DFDS provides logistics and freight services to Danish Crown across their European operations, including transport to the UK via DFDS’ freight ferries.
      A central part of the five-year agreement is a commitment from both parties to reduce the CO2 footprint. This agreement is based on many years of cooperation and ongoing innovation projects.
      “We are pleased with the trust that Danish Crown is showing us with the conclusion of the agreement. It is a multi-year partnership, which among other things, is a prerequisite for effectively reducing CO2 emissions. We will immediately deploy more electric trucks and trailers in Danish Crown’s logistics network. Then we will continue collaborating with Danish Crown on developing innovative solutions and processes that can pave the way for further reductions,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.
      The agreement has an estimated value of up to five billion Danish kroner during the agreement period. As something new, a small part of the contract amount is earmarked for projects that can reduce the climate footprint from the transport of Danish Crown’s products.
      “It is crucial that our partners are committed to the green transition and invest in solutions that can help reduce the climate footprint of our products’ journey from the farm to the fork. DFDS is very active in the testing and implementing new transport solutions, so we look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership,” says Jais Valeur, Group CEO of Danish Crown.ADVERTISEMENTDanish Crown wants to take the lead in ensuring a sustainable transition of food production and producing climate-neutral food by 2050. Therefore, the Group and DFDS are continuously working on several efforts to find solutions to ensure more sustainable logistics. As part of the agreement, six electric trucks and several electric trailers will be deployed. In doing so, Danish Crown joins the extensive Nordic network of electric trucks currently being implemented by DFDS. The electric trucks will travel across Danish Crown’s network and will be a crucial component in the overall reduction of Danish Crown’s transport emissions.
      “As we continue our efforts to reduce the footprint of refrigerated transport, it is essential to emphasise the value of long-term partners such as the one we have with Danish Crown. The partnership allows for immediate initiatives to lower emissions while also allowing us to design longer-term solutions to ensure that we move towards zero emissions,” says Martin Gade Gregersen, Deputy EVP & Head of Cold Chain Logistics in DFDS.
      The combination of electric refrigerated trailers and electric trucks enables Danish Crown to create a fully electric mode of transport and will build on the above-mentioned pilot project.

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      A NEW SCENIC AND CULTURAL ROUTE OPENS UNITING BERGAMO AND BRESCIA

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      JETBLUE AND DISCOVER THE WORLD BROADEN RELATIONSHIP TO 5 EUROPEAN MARKETS

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      On the back of announcing daily transatlantic services to New York (JFK) and Boston from Amsterdam, JetBlue has expanded its partnership with Discover the World.The agreement will provide full GSA sales and marketing services supporting the Benelux travel trade with flights starting later this summer.
      Aiden Walsh, Head of Airline Development for Discover the World commented, “We are delighted to grow our trusted partnership with JetBlue to now five European markets: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, United Kingdom and France. The Discover team plays an integral role by offering our award-winning expertise to successfully launch and develop sales on the competitive transatlantic route network.
      Our teams are in place supporting travel trade partners with five flights daily from London (LHR & LGW), daily flights from Paris (CDG) launching in June and Amsterdam (AMS) starting this summer!  It is truly an exciting time to be partnered with JetBlue while they expand internationally and bring their innovative product offering to European markets.”
      Maja Gedosev, JetBlue’s General Manager for Europe said, “We are very excited to be launching Amsterdam this year.  Following the successful partnership in the UK and France, it was a natural step for us to expand our work with Discover the World in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg markets.  We are now focused on building a strong team based out of Amsterdam that will support our work in the region and have already started to reach out to the key industry and travel trade stakeholders to introduce JetBlue, our game changing transatlantic product and low fares.”
      For Benelux travel trade enquiries email [email protected]ADVERTISEMENT

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      Thailand’s flag carrier Thai Airways expands distribution agreement with Sabre

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      Thailand’s flag carrier Thai Airways expands distribution agreement with Sabre

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      Sabre Corporation a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, today announced a renewed distribution agreement with Thai Airways
      The flag carrier will also be using Sabre’s robust data combined with its consultancy services to help it accelerate recovery.
      The Global Distribution System (GDS) renewal ensures that Sabre-connected travel agencies will continue to have access to Thai Airway’s content globally, while enabling the airline to retain its reach across Sabre’s valuable network of global travel buyers and intermediaries. Meanwhile, Thai Airways will also be taking advantage of Sabre’s extensive global booking data to help it identify recovery and growth opportunities.
      “As we continue to ramp up operations and resume international flights, it is essential to us that we are able to continue to distribute our fares, offers and itinerary to travel agents, and their customers, across the world,” said Mr. Korakot Chatasinga, Chief Commercial Officer, Thai Airways. “We’re thrilled to have renewed our distribution deal with Sabre at the same time as being able to harness the power of Sabre’s robust booking data and industry expertise.”
      Primarily operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport as well as its secondary hub in Phuket, Thai Airways typically serves around 40 international destinations, and is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance. It has so far resumed a significant proportion of its pre-pandemic international flights and is forging ahead with further recovery and growth plans. With Thailand surpassing its tourist number targets last year, and expecting further recovery, particularly from the Chinese travel market, Thai Airways is poised to play an important role in future industry growth.  ADVERTISEMENT“We’re delighted that Sabre will continue to be a key part of Thai Airways’ journey as the carrier, and the country, continue to experience strong travel demand,” said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel Solutions Airline Sales. “Our booking data includes detailed insights on itinerary, origin, connection, passenger type, length of stay and other booking patterns. However, it’s important not just to have access to such data, but to be able to interpret and make the best use of it to support an airline’s business strategy and growth. Sabre will be providing consulting services to help identify areas of potential opportunity for Thai Airways to increase efficiencies and enhance future revenue.”

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      MARRIOTT BONVOY INSPIRES TRAVELERS TO DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED AS THEY ROAM AROUND THE WORLD

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      JW MARRIOTT GOA DEBUTS IN INDIA’S COASTAL PARADISE CITY

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      JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, made its debut in Goa, India today with the opening of JW Marriott Goa.Set in an unparalleled location along the golden Goan coastline and close to landmark attractions, historic forts, churches, and pristine beaches, JW Marriott Goa is the perfect getaway and an embodiment of the JW Marriott principle of mindfulness. With thoughtfully crafted spaces, transformative experiences and sophisticated style, the new hotel is poised to be an oasis of luxury and warm hospitality, empowering guests to focus on feeling revitalized in mind, body and spirit.
      “JW Marriott is at the forefront of the evolution of luxury, blending a legacy of extraordinary hospitality with a contemporary commitment to mindfulness and well-being that continues to be a priority for today’s luxury traveler,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Goa embodies this modern approach to luxury through its thoughtful design, emphasis on serene spaces and connection to the natural world.”
      “We are delighted to announce the opening of JW Marriott Goa. This opening marks a milestone for Marriott International’s 150th opening in South Asia. It solidifies our commitment in the region and signifies the trust our owners have in us,” said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “We remain confident in the strength of our brands, our team, and we shall continue to pave the way for aggressive expansion with our strong pipeline of hotels.”
      The new hotel is located along the picturesque coastline of Vagator, Goa, minutes from historic Chapora Fort and Chapora and Vagator beaches, famous for their dramatic cliffs and breathtaking sunset views. This popular travel destination is approximately 27 kilometers from the new Mopa Airport in North Goa and 43 kilometers from Goa International Airport.
      Thoughtful DesignInspired by the rich culture and traditions of Goa, the 151-room JW Marriott Goa reflects the tranquility and beauty of its surroundings, with an architectural narrative featuring local artifacts such as wooden paneling, mother-of-pearl detailing, intricate glassware chandeliers and water fountains that accentuate the natural marble and stone throughout its serene spaces. The use of neutral color palettes of gray and light sand, along with soft ambient lighting, complements the abundant greenery of its natural surroundings. Goan cultural references and elements of modern design interweave to create a sense of place in a peaceful sanctuary. Guestrooms feature balconies that open to breathtaking ocean views, and luxurious suites offer private plunge pools. ADVERTISEMENTInspired Culinary CreationsJW Marriott Goa features four inviting dining venues to suit all occasions. JW Kitchen is the hotel’s all-day restaurant with a theater-style open kitchen, serving globally-inspired cuisine and exquisite local dishes, along with indulgent Sunday brunches and a special children’s selection. Pérola is an impeccably-appointed French-style lobby bar with a daily Afternoon Tea service, ideal for casual meetings and get-togethers over a glass of wine, signature coffee or tea, and light snacks. Guests can savor Mediterranean cuisine and exotic cocktails at the hotel’s sky-dining Água Bar and Café, perched atop the hotel overlooking the infinity pool and spectacular views of the Goan coast. The luxurious Heliconia serves modern Asian fine dining along with handcrafted cocktails amidst lush natural surroundings. Complementing the resort’s commitment to healthy dining, many of the seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs featured on the menus are grown in the hotel’s signature JW Garden. Guests can also harvest the fresh produce within the garden’s calming spaces as they reconnect with their loved ones in natural surroundings.
      Serene SpacesFor guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel offers holistic treatments at Spa by JW, which features Goa’s first and only Turkish and Moroccan hammams, or steam rooms. The hotel’s modern gym, JW Fitness, showcases the latest cardio and weight equipment, and a stunning outdoor infinity pool with poolside cabanas where guests can enjoy a relaxing swim and lounge in the warm tropical sunshine.
      The Family by JW program puts families first, offering an entertainment center with virtual reality games, a bowling alley and a children’s play area for quality family time together. Kids can learn the art of candle making, create pasta necklaces, enjoy board game competitions, and more, while adults can join Zumba classes, chakra healing sessions, and Gua Sha workshops. Fun-filled activities for all ages, such as water polo and pot painting, allow families to create unforgettable holiday memories.
      Spaces For ConnectionThe hotel offers a total of 18,752 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including two well-appointed meeting rooms as well as the splendid 4,607-square-feet Grande Salão, an elegant ballroom with an outdoor terrace, complete with the latest audio-visual technology, Wi-Fi and a dedicated events team for seamless and memorable meetings, weddings and celebrations.
      “Guests arriving at JW Marriott Goa step into a luxury oasis, set like a rare jewel in one of India’s finest tropical beach destinations. Our hotel is a haven of tranquility inspired by its natural surroundings where guests can seek well-being     as well as explore all the vibrant attractions of Goa and the genuine hospitality of its people. We look forward to welcoming travelers to discover all that beautiful Goa has to offer,” said Manav Malhotra, General Manager, JW Marriott Goa.
      For more information or to make a reservations, please visit JW Marriott Goa.

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      World Spa Awards unveils nominees for 2023 programme

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      World Spa Awards – the global initiative to recognize and reward excellence in the spa and wellness sector – has announced the 2023 nominees.
      A wealth of new entries feature in this year’s programme, reflecting the wave of optimism sweeping the global spa and wellness sector.
      Notable categories include ‘World’s Best New Hotel Spa’ with nominees including the highly-anticipated Claridge’s Spa, the first in the celebrated hotel’s 167-year history. Also in contention is Aman Spa New York, a bubble of urban tranquility situated in the landmark Crown Building, and also the flagship ESPA Life at Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha.
      Charlotte Church’s new healing retreat in her native Wales, The Dreaming, is among the nominees in the hotly-contested ‘World’s Best New Wellness Retreat’ category.Formerly the home of designer Laura Ashley, the retreat aims to reduce the stresses of modern living by tapping into the serenity of an ancient woodland setting. Also nominated is the new Lanserhof Sylt, Germany, set amid the dunes of the North Frisian island and offering a magical atmosphere for holistic rejuvenation.
      Other categories include ‘World’s Best New Resort Spa’ with AWAKEN Spa at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai and Six Senses Crans-Montana Spa, Switzerland vying for top World Spa Awards honours.ADVERTISEMENTNominees cover the entire spectrum of the global industry, and range from hotel spas, wellness retreats, spa destinations and detox programmes to aromatherapy brands and wellness apps. The full list of nominees can be viewed here.
      Voting opens 16 May and runs until 8 August. During the voting window, both industry professionals and spa consumers are invited to vote for the brands they consider the very best of the best in the spa and wellness sector.
      World Spa Awards aims to inspire exceptional standards and connect spa consumers with the best in spa and wellness tourism. As a global brand, it has the ability to offer an international status of excellence and increase awareness in the spa and wellness industry through its annual awards programme.
      Rebecca Cohen, Managing Director, World Spa Awards, says: “I am delighted to unveil the nominees for the 9th annual World Spa Awards. This year promises to be our most exciting yet, with the volume of spa openings indicating the momentum, competition and innovation within our industry. I greatly anticipate the opening of voting on 16 May.”
      World Spa Awards is the sister event to World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.
      For more information about World Spa Awards, visit worldspaawards.com.

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      Vietnamese tourism firms prep for full recovery with caution

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      Vietnam’s tourism industry is well prepared to welcome more visitors, however, companies remain cautious in their business outlook due to the uncertainty caused by the absence of key markets and labor shortages, according to local tourism businesses at the four-day Vietnam International Travel Mart starting on Thursday in Hanoi.
      STRONG RESUMPTION OF DOMESTIC TRAVEL
      Vietnam’s domestic tourism experienced impressive growth last year, serving 101.3 million locals, 168.3 percent higher than an official target and above the previous peak of 85 million in pre-pandemic 2019, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
      Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic made Vietnamese holidaymakers turn their attention inwards, exploring the treasure trove of travel opportunities at home rather than venturing abroad, said tour operators.
      However, the pandemic has also left an impact on travel habits as local tourists want to be well-protected. They are traveling in smaller groups and to the places closer to their home, Ly Truong Xuan, marketing manager at Hanoi-based Vietnamtourism told Xinhua.ADVERTISEMENTHe was cautious over a four-fold surge in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past week, with the capital of Hanoi recording the most cases.
      Besides, soaring transportation costs, especially airfares, which greatly add to travel expenses, would make domestic tourists think twice before booking trips, the marketing executive added.
      Vietnam is slated to raise the fare caps on domestic airlines by an average 3.75 percent in the second half of this year after the Civil Aviation Administration said fuel prices, among other expenses, have been eating away at local airlines’ profitability.
      Despite a cautious outlook, the domestic tourism market has rebounded strongly, as the government statistics revealed that total sales at retailers and service revenues in the first three months were higher than an annual expansion of 12.6 percent in the same period in pre-pandemic 2019.
      Restaurant and accommodation revenues during the January-March period totaled 6.84 billion U.S. dollars, up 28.4 percent from a year ago, while tourism revenues more than doubled from a year earlier to nearly 289 million dollars, said the General Statistic Office.PREPARING FOR THE RISE OF CHINESE TOURISTS
      Regarding the international market, 2022 saw some growth compared to the tough years of the pandemic, but the results failed to either reach the target or measure up to pre-pandemic levels.
      Vietnam’s tourism peaked in 2019, when the country welcomed 18 million international arrivals, earning more than 30.2 billion U.S. dollars, according to the General Statistics Office.
      Then COVID-19 struck, plunging the number of foreign tourists to 3.8 million in 2020, which shrank to 157,300 in 2021. Last year, the Southeast Asian country received nearly 3.7 million arrivals, around 20 percent of the pre-pandemic levels despite being one of the first Southeast Asian countries to fully reopen its doors to foreign visitors.
      However, Vietnam’s tourism recovery is expected to accelerate considerably after recording tepid growth from key markets, especially China.

      “We have prepared to roll out several packages to entice visitors, but the number of Chinese visitors booking experiences in Vietnam is still lower than the corresponding period prior to the pandemic,” said the marketing executive with Vietnamtourism.
      Chinese tourists make up a vast portion of the total arrivals in Vietnam, and their higher spending power provides a significant boost to the destinations they choose to visit, he said.
      As Chinese tourists return in greater numbers, they will play a crucial role in the recovery of the tourism industry, said Duong Thanh Phuong, chief executive of 5-star Annova Hotel in Vietnam’s south-central province of Khanh Hoa.
      Khanh Hoa, among the country’s most popular tourist destinations, welcomed over 2.5 million Chinese tourists, making up more than 70 percent of the coastal province’s international arrivals in 2019, statistics from the Department of Tourism showed.
      Before the pandemic, China was obviously the biggest source of tourist arrivals in the beach city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, said Phuong.
      The lure of beaches, combined with the convenience of direct flights, large accommodation capacity of hotels and luxury resorts, and high-quality services, brought an increasing number of Chinese tourists to the province, he added.
      Local tourism companies at the annual Vietnam International Travel Mart said they embraced the opportunities brought by Chinese tourists to position themselves for long-term growth in the increasingly competitive travel industry.
      As the world’s largest tourism market, it will take some time for China to get back up to its full capacity, said the hotel chief executive, forecasting of a full rebound from Chinese tourists by the end of this year.

      LABOR SHORTAGES HOLD BACK RECOVERY
      As the Southeast Asian country is on track to welcome more tourists, targeting to receive 8 million foreign arrivals and earning about 27 billion U.S. dollars in revenue this year, tourism operators are finding it hard to recruit enough workers, especially high-skilled staff, to meet the expected demand.
      Vietnam’s tourism sector is among the world’s hardest-hit as the country saw almost one third of all job losses occur in the industry, according to the International Labor Organization.
      During the pandemic, airlines, tour operators, hotels and restaurants let go of staff who then decided to leave the sector for good, said the National Administration of Tourism, adding that 44 percent of workers with 5-10 years of experience and 90 percent of those with graduate degrees moved into other areas less affected by the pandemic.
      After the pandemic, companies had little time to scale up their capacity before a rush of interest from both domestic and international markets.
      “So now we are desperately in need of workers,” said Annova Hotel’s chief executive.
      It has been a struggle for companies to recruit the staff back and re-train them, he said.
      “This will take time, and it is not the problem that can be solved in one or two months,” he stressed but hoped that thing would be back to normal by the end of this year.
      Staff shortages are forcing owners of hotels, bars, restaurants and travel agencies in Vietnam to offer better pay for full-time workers responsible for multiple tasks, recruit more seasonal semi-qualified or unqualified workers and cut services, local media reported.
      It requires the recruitment of full-time devoted workers, not part-time simple positions, with a focus on training to equip them with field experience, since services quality holds the key to the sustainable growth of the industry to draw high-spending and long-stay visitors, said the hotel chief executive.
      Source: Xinhua

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