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      UNWTO International Code informs efforts to boost tourist confidence in Americas

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      Tourism leaders from the Americas have met to address the current challenges and opportunities around restoring confidence in travel across the region.
      A special seminar on the UNWTO International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) featured interventions from the experts involved in drafting the landmark legal framework. The Code was approved by consensus by the 24th UNWTO General Assembly in Madrid, Spain, and is aimed at providing tourists with greater legal protection as the world opens up again following the pandemic.
      To date, Ecuador, Guinea Bissau, Moldova and Paraguay have formally adhered to the ICPT, with the aim of integrating all of the Code in their national policies and legislation, and Uruguay has also announced it intends to do so. In particular, Ecuador is currently developing its national Organic Tourism Law (Proyecto de Ley Organica de Turismo) aimed at developing the necessary measures for the implementation of the ICPT within the country.
      The technical seminar was held against the backdrop of the 67th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for the Americas and the 1st International Congress on Tourism and Law, organised by Uruguay in collaboration with UNWTO.. In addition to expert insights on the application of the Code, participants were also presented with the results of a recent survey assessing the potential impacts of the ICPT on ‘visitor protection legislation and policies’ conducted by the Association of the Caribbean States in collaboration with UNWTO.
      Alongside this, a Panel of Ministries of Tourism addressed the specific challenges and opportunities for the recovery of the tourism sector in the Americas in the environment arising as a result of COVID-19. The panel discussion focused on emergency situations and consumer protection rights of tourists and explored opportunities for rebuilding confidence among tourism consumers in a post-COVID-19 world.ADVERTISEMENT

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      Aurora Expeditions announces Sylvia Earle maiden voyage

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      Aurora Expeditions has announced its new, purpose-built expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle, will be making her debut voyage on the Subantarctic Safari from November 4-20 2022. The ship will be christened by its namesake, the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, prior to making its way to the wildlife havens of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
      The 17-day maiden voyage to the Subantarctic Islands will appeal to wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Beginning in Santiago, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, passengers will explore the history-steeped Falkands~Malvinas, a bird lovers’ paradise home to an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species and the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world, followed by South Georgia – known for its enormous King penguin colonies and beaches lined with Elephant and Antarctic fur seals. Plus, passengers will have the opportunity to trace the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s infamous journeys here.
      “We are thrilled to confirm the inaugural season of the Sylvia Earle, and to be debuting her on such a magnificent voyage whose destinations are so representative of Aurora’s spirit of exploration, discovery and education,” commented Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO at Aurora Expeditions.
      “This highly anticipated vessel is intended to be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, with a large focus on marine education and conservation in line with Dr Earle’s own longstanding efforts. We are so looking forward to having our adventurous expeditioners join us in exploring some of the world’s wildest, most awe-inspiring and important regions whilst paying tribute to such an incredible hero of our planet.”
      Certified 100% Carbon Neutral, outfitted with a dedicated, fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, the ship also pays tribute to six pioneering female conservationists from around the world alongside Dr Earle, who are honoured on each of the ship’s public decks: Jo Ruxton, Dr. Asha de Vos, Hanli Prinsloo, Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Bernadette Demientieff and Sharon Kwok.ADVERTISEMENT“Travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle will be an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the planet’s extraordinary marine habitats and the importance of protecting them,” Dr. Earle commented.
      “I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. I am very much looking forward to christening the ship, connecting with Aurora Expeditions’ passengers, and following its journey in providing countless life changing and eye-opening experiences to many of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.”
      Dr. Earle will herself be joining a special Antarctic Climate Expedition during the ship’s maiden season, taking place in February 2023. This voyage will see a collection of thought leaders in the fields of conservation, science, art, education and economics come together to bring about public and government awareness of the importance and the splendour of the Antarctic, and to address the warming climate and loss of sea ice in the southern polar region as a direct threat to the future of human life on this planet.
      Expedition members will be expected to help formulate 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emissions by 2050.
      Like sister ship the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®. Accommodating an average of 130-140 expeditioners per voyage, every cabin on board has an ocean view and nearly all have balconies. The ship features a unique two-level glass atrium lounge in the bow, a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, two restaurants serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, a swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
      Following her maiden voyage, the Sylvia Earle will continue her inaugural season on several voyages to Antarctica, followed by Costa Rica, the Canadian Arctic, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland. Aurora’s unique activity program and focus on active adventure will continue to play a major part in the expedition experience on the new ship, offering the likes of sea kayaking, scuba diving, polar snorkelling, alpine trekking and much more.
      Aurora Expeditions was nominated as World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2021 World Travel Awards.

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      Changi Airport Terminal 2 to resume operations

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      Changi Airport Group has announced that operations in Terminal 2 (T2) will resume on 29 May 2022, the first phase of the terminal’s reopening as Changi Airport prepares to meet the expected increase in passenger traffic in the months ahead.
      Closed for upgrading works since May 2020, T2’s phased reopening will augment Changi’s capacity. When completed by 2024, the expansion works will raise the terminal’s capacity by five million to 28 million passenger movements per year.
      In this first phase of T2’s progressive reopening, key touchpoints such as arrival immigration, baggage claim belts and contact gates at the southern wing of the terminal will be ready for flight operations. T2 will host mainly peak-hour arrival flights of airlines operating in Terminal 3 (T3). A small number of T3 departure flights may use boarding gates at T2 although passengers on these flights will continue to check in and clear departure immigration at T3.
      Those coming to Changi to receive passengers are advised to check which terminal an arriving flight has been assigned to. The information will be available on the Changi Airport website (www.changiairport.com) and the iChangi app at least two hours before the flight’s arrival time.ADVERTISEMENTMore automated lanes at immigration
      The expanded T2 will see a larger Arrival Immigration Hall with more automated immigration lanes and special assistance lanes. The automated immigration lanes will serve Singaporeans and residents who have enrolled their iris and facial biometrics with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, as well as eligible foreign visitors who have done the same upon their arrival in Singapore.
      As more passengers are enrolled, the number of automated immigration lanes will be increased. As for the special assistance lanes, these feature a wider width than conventional lanes, allowing passengers with mobility aids, as well as big family groups, to clear immigration more easily.
      In the Baggage Claim Hall, there will be three collection belts, with one that has been lengthened to handle more bags.
      Adding capacity to support travel recovery
      Mr Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s Executive Vice President of Airport Management, said, “CAG is encouraged to see the strong pickup in travel demand and has worked closely with our partners to bring forward the progressive reopening of T2 ahead of the June travel peak to meet this demand. The start of flight operations at T2 will provide more capacity to support our airline partners, who are also gearing up to serve more passengers in the months ahead. T2 will reopen in phases over the next two years to support Changi’s recovery as a regional air hub.”
      Changi was voted Asia’s Leading Airport 2019 by voters of World Travel Awards.

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      Americans budgeting for “nearcations” due to inflation

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      With Americans searching for affordable travel alternatives this summer in the wake of inflation, new research shows “nearcations” and vehicle rentals may be the way to go — especially for those who are scaling back on vacation plans to stay closer to home and setting up a vacation budget in the wake of inflation and rising costs.
      The new research stems from Outdoorsy’s Vacation on a Budget study, conducted by OnePoll to get real time perspective on travel behaviors ahead of this summer. The survey found that 52% of travelers noted they turn to rental vehicles while on vacation in order to save money, with 9 in 10 prefering to rent something they can easily sleep or stay in, rather than book a hotel. And 49% prefer to rent something just as luxurious or economical as what they have at home.
      “While other vacation types have seen dramatic rises in cost over the past year in line with inflation, our average RV rental trip price has only gone up $5 over last year, representing a .28% increase,” said Jeff Cavins, co-founder and CEO of Outdoorsy, the leading global RV rental and outdoor travel marketplace. “Compare this to a 40% increase in hotel prices YoY, and you can see why we believe road trips are more insulated from inflation and also still a very affordable vacation option for those looking to keep their summer vacation plans intact.”
      Nearly six in 10 survey respondents (58%) said they plan to vacation closer to home this summer to beat out inflation and rising gas prices. For those who may have had to dip into their vacation budget just to make ends meet elsewhere (72%), a “nearcation” is the perfect option for a vacation that offers the feeling of a getaway without the blow to your wallet.
      Outdoorsy’s Vacation on a Budget survey also found that:ADVERTISEMENT >Over half of the 2,000 adults surveyed (56%) don’t believe they can afford a vacation this year because of inflation. But that’s not enough to stop them from trying, as 58% have been saving and setting aside more money to keep their vacation hopes afloat.
      Reaffirming the busy travel season that lies ahead, almost 70% said they’re still planning to hit the road this year despite possible budget woes.
      Half of the surveyed participants have a budget set up specifically for summer vacation, averaging $1,237. Four out of five of those with summer travel budgets in place said their plans were impacted by inflation.
      1 in 3 said they would rather scale back on vacation plans to fit a smaller budget than not to have a vacation at all. And 56% said they’ve been successful in planning a vacation around a smaller-than-usual budget.
      To save money, vacation-goers are planning to spend less on attractions (40%), lodging (40%), and clothing (39%).
      Some parts of vacations, however, can’t be given up. Respondents said going out to restaurants (30%), visiting free attractions (28%) and traveling by vehicle (28%) are “vital to have, no matter the budget.”
      There’s plenty to look forward to this vacation season and respondents say they’re most excited about travel this year because it will allow them to spend time with their families (57%), see new places (55%), make memories (55%), and get some much-needed time to themselves (52%).
      “Inflation is an ever-present variable in the travel consumer sector. Travel trends are typically reflected in people’s spending habits,” said Cavins. “With that said, inflation’s effect on RV travel will be minimal. For families, heading outdoors not only offers a more affordable alternative to other modes of travel, but time in nature can also be a more fun and educational experience. Nearby, local state parks are some of our country’s best hidden gems that offer neverending opportunities for adventure and wonder.”
      As Americans approach a “sold out summer,” Outdoorsy is the most reliable source for booking a dream getaway — whether that’s across the country or to a hidden gem closer to home — without having to factor in overpriced hotel rooms and frequent flight cancellations. With over 25,000 RVs available in 4,800 cities across the U.S., travelers have the chance to shift their travel plans to a more affordable option — an RV vacation — to enjoy unique travel experiences that foster quality time with loved ones and time to recharge in nature.
      Cavins continued: “RV vacations are great for consumers’ pocketbooks in the current financial climate as they represent a cost savings of up to 21-64% for a four-person travel party (RVIA), by removing unnecessary spending out of travel and allowing consumers to be at ease. Knowing they can go to the grocery store and purchase a week’s worth of food for their trip at the same price it would cost to take the whole family out for dinner one night is the type of cost-saving trade-off you experience with RV travel. Many families who are concerned about shifting gas prices don’t realise they can also get an RV delivered to a campsite or destination of their choice — easily creating their own low-cost, luxury hotel room under the stars.”

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      Resorts World Las Vegas launches ‘World of Difference’ charity campaign

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      Resorts World Las Vegas unveiled plans for its ‘World of Difference’ community engagement efforts, partnering with 40 Southern Nevada-based non-profits for 2022. The resort’s partnerships span over several categories, including education empowerment, health and wellness, military and veteran services and more.
      This announcement comes after the property’s recent success granting two life-changing wishes from start to finish through Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, as well as over 1,380 hours of team member volunteering in 2021. Since the start of 2022, Resorts World Las Vegas and its employees have actively engaged with their identified non-profit partners through volunteer efforts and support.
      “We undertook a great deal of research and visited many organizations to establish our core partnerships for 2022,” said Lori Calderon-Flahive, Executive Director of Community Engagement for Resorts World Las Vegas. “Our intent was to identify core charitable partners that allow for measurable impact and are passionate about uplifting our community. We look forward to working with them more in 2022 and getting our team members involved.”
      The ‘World of Difference’ campaign is focused on building long-term partnerships with core charitable organizations that align with Resorts World Las Vegas’s corporate values and offers opportunities for team members to have meaningful impacts on the community through volunteering. For 2022, Resorts World Las Vegas selected charitable partners whose efforts focus on serving and supporting seven areas of need within the Las Vegas Community. These areas of focus include: equality and safety education, education empowerment, health and wellness resources, service organizations for homelessness and those in need, military and veteran services, youth services and animal welfare.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to these core charitable organizations, Resorts World Las Vegas is committed to actively engaging in efforts of social impact, diversity, equity and inclusion.

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      Bel Ombre in Mauritius is launched as benchmark for sustainable tourism

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      Mauritian company Rogers Group launches ‘Bel Ombre’ in southwest Mauritius as a territorial brand and announces its intention to make it a mecca for ecotourism, highlighting local know-how and protecting its ecosystem. It will be a destination where people and nature thrive together; a resilient region that includes and values its community.
      During the recent launch event, which had as its guest of honour the Honourable Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning and Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Mauritius, the group shared its commitment to integrating green practices as a driver of its operations.

      At the launch event, Rogers’ Chief Executive Officer, Philippe Espitalier-Noël, shared the group’s ambition and vision to make Bel Ombre a benchmark for sustainable destinations, both in Mauritius and in the region. “More than the launch of a territorial brand, this is a commitment that reflects our ambition to make Bel Ombre the sustainable destination of reference in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean. Our ambition is immense, as is our conviction that there will be no tomorrow if we do not change our paradigms today,” he said.
      The territorial brand “Bel Ombre. Lamer. Later. Lavi” means Land. Sea. Life and is symbolic of its lush tropical scenery, the protected turquoise waters of the lagoon and a place where life is lived in harmony with nature, in this unspoilt area of Mauritius.ADVERTISEMENT
      Bel Ombre is known not only for its particularly well-preserved territory and heritage, but also for its rich history dating back to the 19th century. Through planned and harmonious development, Rogers and its partners have developed the area with a commitment to preserving and enhancing the beauty of this unique region.
      Hotels, restaurants, golf courses and villas have been carefully integrated into the landscape, coexisting with the omnipresent nature and sublimating the heritage of the former sugar estate. The Bel Ombre territory is based on an inclusive model that aims to pave the way for a circular economy, empowering the local community, creating jobs and building resilience.
      “Rogers is committed to participating in the transformation of the local tourism industry into an eco-industry, with Bel Ombre as a benchmark of the group’s ambitions for the transformation of this sector into one that is more sustainable and more inclusive. At a time when foreign visitors are rediscovering our country’s assets with new eyes, Bel Ombre has everything it takes to differentiate itself and position itself as a destination within the destination.” said the CEO of Rogers.

      The region has recently had confirmation of the Man and the Biosphere label from UNESCO making the region shine more than ever thanks to nature activities designed to raise awareness among Mauritians and tourists on the preservation of its biodiversity. It ensures that the Bel Ombre Territory, in the wild south, remains a preserved and protected environment.
      The Bel Ombre area offers a vast choice in terms of accommodation, gastronomic experiences and leisure activities, namely charming hotels with its Bed & Breakfast Kaz’Alala; luxury hotels with these Heritage Resorts establishments – Heritage Le Telfair, Heritage Awali and Heritage The Villas; leisure activities with the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, the Heritage Golf Club, the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark; ‘edutainment’ with the World of Seashells; wellness with the Seven Colours spas; gourmet restaurants such as Le Chamarel, Le Château de Bel Ombre and C Beach Club; the Villas Valriche real estate program; and the flavours of the terroir with Agrïa, all while staying true to its commitments on sustainability.
      The Bel Ombre Territory also aims to create a diverse and inclusive community by providing sustainable workplaces. In the long term, this unique development project in Mauritius is committed to creating a green economy and promoting ecotourism. Thierry Montocchio, CEO of Rogers Hospitality, shares the group’s ambitions for the transformation of this region of the island, centred around sustainable development. “Already, the commitment is made with Heritage Resorts whose hotels are actively working to achieve carbon neutrality for which the Rogers Group is committed by 2050. A commitment that has already begun to materialise with Rogers Hospitality’s ‘Now for Tomorrow’ sustainability program, and which contributes to preserving the jewels that adorn Bel Ombre’s crown.”

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      UNWTO Americas member to advance common goals

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      The American Members of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have met to assess the current state of the sector and plan for its sustainable future. The 67th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas brought tourism leaders from across the region together in the leading destination of Punta del Este, Uruguay.
      Across two days, Tourism Ministers and other high-level representatives, including private sector leaders and delegates form international organisations reviewed UNWTO’s leadership of the sector over the past year, with Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili’s report focused on key international tourism trends and the Organisation’s key priorities for the region, including work around education and investments.
      High-level support of hosts
      The Regional Commission was inaugurated by the President of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, who was joined Minister of Tourism and host of the gathering, Tabaré Viera, and by the country’s Minister of Foreign Relations, Francisco Bustillo. The meeting came just two weeks after Uruguay hosted a global UNESCO conference, reflecting the country’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and support for the mission and values of the United Nations, among which tourism for development is key.
      President Lacalle welcomed the UNWTO leadership, stating that tourism remains a key part of Uruguay’s state economic policy, and the Commission meeting “emphasised the importance of everyone working for the reactivation of tourism”, both in Uruguay and across the wider region.ADVERTISEMENTUNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism has proven potential to inspire change and drive growth across the Americas and UNWTO’s Member States of the region are showing the way forward in building a tourism sector that works for everyone, with sustainability and inclusiveness at its heart.”
      Alongside the Commission Meeting, both met in private to further deepen the already-strong partnership between UNWTO and Uruguay, a key ally in the region and promoter of tourism for development across the Americas, including through high-level multilateral platforms and organisations.
      Minister Tabaré Viera underscored Uruguay’s commitment to restart tourism, reminding participants that this first major tourism gathering in Uruguay since the start of the pandemic, sent a clear message beyond the region itself. The Minister also announced that Uruguay will adhere to the UNWTO International Code for the Protection of Tourists, and so be among the first countries in the world to take firm steps to restore confidence in international travel, further emphasising Uruguay’s commitment to tourism and to keeping tourists safe and protected.
      Turning challenges into opportunitiesUNWTO Members addressed the key challenges facing tourism today and opportunities for recovery and growth. The debates among member states were complemented by special interventions, including the presentation the Tourism Promotion Hub for Latin America, Latina Tower, in New York City, and by the Latin American Development Bank (CAF).
      CAF, the leading investor in infrastructure across the region, addressed for the first time a UNWTO governing body, advancing the newly-established partnership between the Bank and UNWTO. Alongside this, a policy discussion on “Accelerating Recovery and Building Resilience”, benefitted from insights of leaders from across the region, 
      Generating trustWithin the framework of the Regional Commission, Members met for a seminar on the UNWTO International Code for the Protection of Tourists. The landmark legal code, designed to offer tourists more protection and so increase confidence in international travel, was adopted by Members at the UNWTO General Assembly in 2021. Two countries of the Americas, Ecuador and Paraguay have already made steps to incorporating it into national legislation, while Uruguay will initiate the corresponding process. UNWTO’s legal experts provided updates on the implementation and workings of the Code, with a focus on addressing existing gaps in the provision of assistance to tourists caught in emergency situations, drawing from lessons of the pandemic.
      Next StepsOn the side-lines of the Regional Commission meeting, Secretary-General Pololikashvili met with the Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Carlos Brito, and then separately with Minister of Tourism from Guatemala, Ms. Anayansy Rodríguez, to discuss their countries’ tourism sectors and opportunities to work more closely with UNWTO in the post-pandemic recovery phase.  To conclude, Members States voted to hold the 68th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas in Ecuador in the first half of 2023.

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