Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Chestertons, one of the world’s oldest and leading real estate advisory services, is galloping ahead with its international expansion with the launch of Chestertons Polo in the Park Dubai. Taking place for the first time in the Middle East and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, Chestertons Polo in the Park Dubai will be held on Saturday, 11 November at The Desert Palm Polo Club.
Chestertons, which has over 30 offices in London, UK, has sponsored Chestertons Polo in the Park London for more than 10 years, during which time it has grown and evolved into the largest three-day polo event in the world, attracting more than 30,000 people each year.
Chestertons Global, headquartered in the Middle East, is now bringing Chestertons Polo in the Park to Dubai as part of its continued international expansion. The first event is on an invitation only basis, with plans to host annual, public events from next year.
Chestertons Polo in the Park Dubai features two exciting matches between British and Middle Eastern teams.  The England Polo Team will play Northern Data Group Team Dubai, followed by Boadicea The Victorious Team Riyadh taking on Chestertons Team London.
Salah Mussa, Chairman and Owner of Chestertons Global, said: “Chestertons has proudly supported this exciting form of city polo since it first came to London in 2010. Since then, it has grown in popularity and is now a firm, much-anticipated fixture in London’s summer social and sporting calendar. ADVERTISEMENT
“With our international headquarters in the UAE, bringing our event to Dubai is a natural progression in line with our continued growth in the region and internationally.  As a leading location for world class sporting events, Dubai is the perfect destination for Polo in the Park. We look forward to a successful event on 11th November – and every year thereafter.”

Older
ETIHAD AIRWAYS UNVEILS STUNNING NEW LOUNGES AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL’S NEW TERMINAL A

Newer
WTM Global Report: Domestic tourism leading Africa’s post-pandemic recovery More

2023 has marked a triumphant chapter for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry; a return to 1 million visitors by September and a total of 1.5 million anticipated for the year. With rebranding for a strong country brand to be launched at WTM, enhanced trade partnerships and collaboration, and a substantial Global Tourism Brand marketing budget for 2024 the destination looks set for further growth in 2024.
Despite the challenges that loomed at the beginning of the year, including an economic downturn, dollar deficits, and commodity price hikes, Sri Lanka’s resilient and resourceful government efficiently managed the situation, swiftly putting the nation back on its feet. This positive turn of events ushered in a reinvigorated tourism sector including the operation of new airlines with improved airline connectivity and increased cruise calls. In September a notable milestone was achieved as Sri Lanka welcomed its one millionth tourist arrival.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has proven its competitive edge, especially compared to regional counterparts such as the Maldives, India. The UK, Germany, France and Russia are the primary source markets driving growth. The positive trend continues, and Sri Lanka remains optimistic about surpassing its annual target of 1.5 million tourists by the year-end.
At WTM, Sri Lanka is poised to unveil a new brand for tourism. The “check-in” campaigns, already underway, will pave the way for a “thematic” campaign in the coming year, 2024. Its primary objective is to attract more visitors from key markets through these strategic campaigns while championing sustainable tourism initiatives. Visitors to WTM can find out more at the opening ceremony of the stand, press conference and networking event. 
“The Ministry and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s paramount focus is to create a robust country brand through a comprehensive rebranding exercise, highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique assets. To achieve this, we will prioritise the key source markets through year-round digital and PR campaigns, with a particular emphasis on the UK” commented the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando “Ongoing promotions will introduce new initiatives to maintain a competitive edge for the destination” he added. ADVERTISEMENTThe UK is traditionally an important market for Sri Lanka. British visitors enjoy the unique culture, many historical sites, wildlife, diverse gastronomy and tea plantations with their British architectural style.
Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier, is gearing up to extend its routes, connecting more UK cities and other key destinations, thereby providing travellers with convenient access to Sri Lanka. Details of these expansion plans will be unveiled shortly.
Enhanced Partnerships and Collaboration were secured in 2023, through country partner status with key travel associations such as ABTA and the ITAA, while maintaining a longstanding relationship with Antor. These affiliations strengthen Sri Lanka’s rapport with the UK travel trade and allow it to deepen relationships with influential media outlets and journalists through collaborative efforts.

Older
EGYPTAIR Announces Expansion Plans

Newer
WTTC unveils unique diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging report More

For travellers ready to take on new experiences, Quito’s cable car is a portal to a natural paradise in the Ecuadorian Andes. From its starting point located at 2,950 metres above sea level, this wonderful means of transport is one of the highest cable cars in the world and offers a gentle ascent up to the heights, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,100 metres. The trip offers breathtaking panoramic views of Quito’s majestic beauty, as well as the impressive volcanoes that surround the city. This natural treasure is more than just incredible panoramic views. It also offers the opportunity to explore the Área de Intervención Especial y Recuperación Pichincha – Atacazo (Pichincha – Atacazo Special Intervention and Recuperation Area), covering more than 23,400 hectares, home to a moorland ecosystem with wild fauna and typical Andean flora. This is a privileged area thanks to its natural resources and water fountains that provide this vital resource to Quito. 
Quito’s cable car is an experience suitable for all. The most adventurous visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking and mountain biking, always accompanied by a guide. It is open all year round and easily accessed from the city centre, making it an exciting tourism experience, whatever the season.

Older
THE CALL TO LEADERSHIP

Newer
Travel Uni steps in to help companies impacted by OTT Closure More

In the first three quarters of 2023, The Bahamas welcomed more than 7.2 million visitors, equalling in nine months the total number of arrivals for all of 2019, putting the country squarely on target to welcome more than 8 million visitors this year.The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation can confirm that arrivals by air and sea, from January through the end of September 2023, numbered 7,209,165. Of this record number of visitors to our beautiful islands, 1,332,752 came by air and 5,876,413 came by sea as total arrivals are outpacing 2019 by 33 percent.Elaborating on the country’s 2023 tourism performance, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said: “The overall goal of our efforts in tourism is to continually increase visitor arrival numbers to our destination, year after year. Our tourism performance in 2023 has been spectacular on two fronts. We have surpassed the tourism benchmark year of 2019 across all metrics, and our visitor arrival numbers are a resounding indication of a complete post-pandemic rebound.”
Cruise arrivals from the beginning of the year through September are up 61 percent over the corresponding period in 2022, and 45 percent ahead of 2019. Foreign air arrivals, which include stopovers and day visitors, are up 21 percent over the same period in 2022 and stopover visitors through September, are just shy of the total number of stopover visitors for the same period of 2019.
Hotel occupancy is up over 2019, with average daily room rates and room revenue significantly ahead of that year. The Bahamas also continues to see gains in the overall spend of visitors onshore.
DPM Cooper hailed the result as a confluence of strategic planning and hotel and cruise operators’ continued confidence in the strength of The Bahamas brand. He said, “we are now certain to have a record year for tourism arrivals, and it’s no fluke.”
“We have some of the most attractive cruise destinations in the region, with the new Port of Nassau making waves on social media and throughout the travel sector. Nassau, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Half Moon Cay and other destinations have seen remarkable growth in cruise arrivals in the past two years, with more visitors coming off the ships and spending more time onshore. This activity is being felt throughout the economy.”ADVERTISEMENTDPM Cooper pointed out that the metrics are also changing with stopover visitors. “We see that room rates are nearly 60 percent higher than they were in 2019, yet occupancy rates are higher and room nights sold continues to increase.”
“This not only translates to higher revenue for all tourism stakeholders, but also speaks to the extraordinary demand that exists for our product. Importantly, we are seeing a healthy hold in repeat visitors from our main source markets, while witnessing major increases in new arrivals who are spreading the message about The Bahamas.”
Cooper said the dedication of tourism stakeholders to providing new experiences and stellar service year in and year out has not only helped The Bahamas tourism industry, recover to pre-pandemic levels, but is also pushing us toward gaining significantly more market share in the region.
“We must be incredibly intentional about tourism. The Ministry of Tourism and its partners spend a great deal of time and energy to better understand our customers,” he said. “What we know is that with the projects underway in many of our islands and, the next few years of redevelopment of airport infrastructure across our islands, we will continue to grow our arrival numbers, barring any acts of God or global shocks.”
“This is the strongest tourism has ever been, and we only expect our performance to get stronger.”

Older
TAT concludes the second edition of “The One for Nature” campaign

Newer
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa Opens in Indian Wells, CA More

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has concluded the second edition of “The One for Nature” project with a series of online and on the ground responsible tourism initiatives that underline Thailand’s direction towards high-value and sustainable tourism experiences, following the success of the campaign’s first edition in 2020.Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “The campaign corresponds with the TAT’s Corporate Plan 2023-2027, which aims to elevate TAT’s position as the strategic leader in driving Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism. Activities under “The One for Nature” campaign are conceptualised to strengthen the awareness of Amazing Thailand as a quality destination for sustainable tourism that appeals to environmentally conscious travellers.”
In its second edition, “The One for Nature” campaign is aimed to offer environmentally conscious travellers from all over the world the opportunity to immerse themselves in even more abundant natural surroundings once again after natural sights across Thailand have rejuvenated and restored their natural beauty.
The campaign kicked off with online and on the ground activities from August to September 2023. During the one month, the online campaign garnered 10,369,360 impressions.
Travellers were invited to join an online activity via www.tourismthailand.org/theonefornature by uploading their own photo of their favourite travel destination in Thailand and share on social media for their friends to vote. The top two participants with the highest votes were awarded an exclusive four-day/three-night sustainable tour package. Each package included round-trip flight tickets for two, accommodation, meals, and activities. The third, fourth, and fifth-place winners also received prizes.
Travellers were also invited to join on the ground responsible tourism activities of learning how to recycle and turn trash into treasure. The activities were arranged at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and the Walking Streets in Chiang Mai and Phuket.ADVERTISEMENTThe campaign concluded in Phuket with a collaboration between TAT, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and SCG to construct coral larval settlement with 3D Cement Printing Technology using marine-friendly materials for marine ecosystem rehabilitation. The placement of coral larval settlement under the sea at Ko Racha Yai was proceeded by Racha master diver volunteers and the Racha Phuket Hotel.

Older
Six Strategies to Reduce Stress and Enhance Well-Being in Business Travel

Newer
Bahamas Visitor Arrivals Now at Pre-Pandemic (2019) Levels More

According to recent research, four in five business travellers will experience poor mental health and heightened stress, anxiety, exhaustion and loneliness during work trips.
It’s true that travelling can still be stressful due to the demands of work, unfamiliar environments, and the pressure to meet deadlines. These trips can be successful though, if there is plenty of careful planning and support provided by employers to minimise stress and maximise productivity.
With National Stress Awareness Day just around the corner, I discuss how businesses can make corporate travel less stressful for employees…
#1 Plan in advance
The foundation of a successful business trip is thorough itinerary planning. This includes scheduling meetings, arranging transportation, and booking accommodations for employees in advance to ensure that everything runs smoothly.ADVERTISEMENTBusinesses should develop a schedule that factors in buffer time for unexpected delays. Providing your employees with additional time and a well-structured schedule can help alleviate stress and worry if things don’t go to plan.
Corporate travel coordinators will also need to be mindful of travelling between time zones. Jet lag can significantly hinder an employee’s performance. Careful planning of this often-overlooked facet of business travel will ensure employees have the time to rest and adjust to local time ahead of important meetings.
#2 Use a travel management company (TMC)
Consider using travel management platforms and apps to streamline the booking and expense tracking process. TMCs typically offer 24/7 support and assistance in case of travel disruptions or emergencies. Knowing that help is just a phone call away can reduce the stress associated with unexpected situations.
Some platforms will also include integrated expense-tracking features. Employees can easily log their expenses, such as meals and incidentals, during their trips, which are automatically recorded in the system. This not only reduces the administrative burden for both employees and organisations, but also ensures accurate and consistent expense reporting.
#3 Prioritise wellbeing in your travel policy
A clear travel policy, which outlines expectations, reimbursement procedures and guidelines for booking travel is essential.
But travel policies should go beyond making sure staff adhere to certain rules. Businesses have a responsibility to boost employee wellness where possible, particularly during stressful scenarios like travelling for business.
A TMC can assist here in helping companies create individual travel profiles to enhance workers’ travel experiences and optimise their performance. This could involve building unique, personalised plans, which encompass dietary requirements, fitness routines and even entertainment preferences.
Even small details like providing employees with an adequate budget for nutritious meals, and access to flat beds for quality sleep can go a long way in improving the physical and mental wellbeing of your workforce while travelling.
Companies may choose to recognise their ‘road warriors’ with bigger perks. Frequent business travellers are likely to bring in substantial business, so acknowledge their efforts with added benefits to boost morale and retain top talent.
This could mean implementing specialised policies for your ‘high mileage’ workers like upgraded accommodation or more flexible work arrangements to help balance work and travel demands.
#5 Take advantage of corporate rewards.
Encourage employees to join frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programmes, which can lead to perks like upgrades, lounge access and faster check-ins.
Employees can also simplify the travel experience by using mobile boarding passes to skip the lines at the ticket counter or enrol in programmes like Fast Track to expedite airport security screening.
These simple additions to an employee’s journey not only save time but also reduce the stress associated with long security lines and the potential risk of missing a flight due to delays.
#6 Enhance travel support with technology.
Embracing technology is essential for businesses looking to reduce stress among business travellers as it streamlines travel processes and enhances communication.
Many airports and hotels are introducing biometric authentication technology, like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, which reduces waiting times during security and check-in processes.
AI is becoming more recognised for its potential to ease travel stress too. For example, AI-driven virtual assistants, are useful for providing real-time updates, suggesting travel options, and even rebooking flights in the event of cancellations. American Express, is already investing in Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve traveller care operations and answer questions efficiently.
While there are benefits to using AI in travel, it’s hard to say if it will ever fully replace the human touch. AI is not always accurate and can frequently provide incorrect answers. Additionally, the travel industry is dynamic, and there still needs to be a human level of understanding to navigate the differing priorities of suppliers, companies, and travellers.

Older
Khiri Travel Introduces Diverse Travel Experiences Across Southeast Asia

Newer
TAT concludes the second edition of “The One for Nature” campaign More

Southeast Asia based destination management company Khiri Travel has launched new travel products in eight countries in the region.
Each Khiri travel experience is listed in one of six categories: Signature, Select, Personality, Sundowner, Picnic, and Wow!
The categories give tour operators and travel agents in source markets a quick indication of what to expect.
Specifically, Khiri Signature is reserved for special travel experiences not offered by other operators. Khiri Personality is for conversations with renowned local experts such as historians, authors and artists.
Khiri Sundowner presents amazing views at sunset with private drinks service away from other tourists. Khiri Select is reserved for experiences that reflect the essence of a place with activities that give unique insights and memories.ADVERTISEMENTKhiri Picnic allows clients to enjoy the best of locally sourced food with freshest ingredients prepared by locals in appealing locations unconstrained by restaurant availability.
Khiri Wow is for when money is no object.
Within that six-point framework, Khiri Travel will showcase its latest travel products at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 6-8 November and at Further East Bali on 6-9 November.
Sample experiences that Khiri will promote at both events include off-the-beaten track markets and temples of Cambodia, white water rafting on the Mae Taeng river in Thailand, sunset barbecues on the beach at Hoi An, Vietnam, kayaking to remote villages on Inle Lake in Myanmar, meeting ethnically diverse tribes of the Bolaven Plateau in Laos, and encountering the orangutans of Sumatra in Indonesia, to name a few.
“At Khiri, we mix and match the experiences to meet the personal needs of clients,” said Khiri Travel CEO and founder, Willem Niemeijer, who will attend WTM.
“We can create some remarkable travel experiences by combining categories such as signature, wow, personality and sundowner on any given trip. That’s when our 30 years of DMC know-how and intimate knowledge of our destinations really shines through,” he said.
Khiri Travel offers B2B destination management services to tour operators sending clients to Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Maldives.
WTM and Further EastTravel professionals can meet Mr Niemeijer and Khiri’s General Manager for Cambodia and Laos, John Black, at Stand N11-400 at WTM London, and Aini Wikamto, General Manager Indonesia, at Stand S10-220. Bookings are available here. https://khiri.com/join-khiri-travel-at-wtm-2023
Khiri Travel will be represented at Further East Bali by Mahiru Fernando, General Manager of Khiri Travel Sri Lanka, and Aaron Edgington, General Manager Vietnam.
Further information: Khiri.com.

Older
Sail Croatia Launch New Yoga Themed Cruises for 2024

Newer
Six Strategies to Reduce Stress and Enhance Well-Being in Business Travel More

Celebrating 50 years of guiding travellers, Lonely Planet has released Best in Travel 2024, expanding its list to 50 remarkable destinations worldwide. For 2024, the American Midwest shines as the number one Best Value Destination due to its cultural richness, diversity, and outstanding value, offering travellers an extraordinary experience at an exceptional price.Illinois, located in the heart of the American Midwest, stands out as the gem within this region, and it’s one of the key reasons why the Midwest is hailed as a Best Value Destination in 2024. Illinois offers travellers a diverse array of experiences that combine history, culture, and natural beauty, all while providing exceptional value.
Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism said, “We are delighted that America’s Midwest, which includes Illinois, has been highlighted by Lonely Planet as the Best Value Destination for 2024. From thrilling outdoor adventures to its world-class architecture and culinary scene, Illinois offers a diverse range of free and budget-friendly activities and attractions for all ages and interests, making it an attractive destination to global visitors.”
Chicago, the state’s largest city, is renowned for its striking skyline, iconic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. The city boasts world-class museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, where visitors can explore an extensive collection of art and exhibitions. From the start of Historic Route 66 to picturesque Millennium Park and the eclectic Navy Pier, Chicago offers a range of free attractions that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
In addition to its urban charm, Illinois also offers travellers the opportunity to explore its natural wonders including beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan and nearly 70 state parks. Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is a hidden paradise, featuring dramatic rock formations, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails, including the popular Garden of the Gods. This stunning outdoor playground is ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers, and it’s easily accessible without straining your travel budget.
History buffs will find plenty to discover in Illinois as well. Springfield, the state capital, is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a captivating destination that delves into the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States. Visitors can also tour the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and explore other sites related to the nation’s history.ADVERTISEMENTFoodies will be delighted by Illinois’ culinary offerings. Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and diverse international cuisine, making it a top destination for food lovers on a budget. The city’s 77 neighbourhoods, including Pilsen, Logan Square, Hyde Park and Chinatown, offer affordable and delectable dining options that reflect the city’s multicultural heritage. In Springfield travellers can visit the Cozy Dog Drive In – home to the world’s first corn dog on a stick, and Motorheads – a restaurant, museum and live music venue that serves a local delicacy – the horseshoe sandwich. While across the state local distilleries, wineries, and craft breweries are waiting to be explored.
In 2024, Illinois becomes an even more attractive destination with a variety of cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that provide insight into the state’s rich heritage, including the 20th anniversary of Chicago’s Millennium Park, and the crossroads of the Total Solar Eclipse in southern Illinois on April 8, while in 2026 Illinois will celebrate the centennial of Route 66.
For more information on Illinois, or to plan your trip, visit www.enjoyillinois.co.uk

Older
Mews adds Expedia Group to its collection of direct OTA integrations

Newer
Chalet Hôtel Blythe Opens in Les Gets in December 2023 More