Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Allianz Partners USA, the travel insurance and assistance company known for popularizing the term “micro-cation” in 2019 has identified yet another travel trend making waves amongst Americans.Allianz Partners’ 15th Annual Vacation Confidence Index* has revealed that around three in 10 Americans will choose to work remotely from a vacation destination in 2023, an intentional move that goes beyond “bleisure” travel that blends working time with vacation.The new work-from-a-vacation-destination travel trend, which Allianz Partners is calling a ‘pay-cation,’ has been encouraged by flexible remote work policies developed during the pandemic and is especially popular among young working Americans. The survey found that respondents in the 18 to 34-year-old demographic are more likely (42%) to travel to a vacation destination to work remotely, compared to 26% of those ages 35 to 54 years old and 12% who are 55 years and older.
In other survey findings, travelers are putting themselves and their mental wellbeing first in 2023, another trend led by young Americans. Among all survey respondents, two in five (39%) say that wellness and self-care are a priority for travel this year, including a majority (54%) of those ages 18 to 34 who mark it top of mind.
“Younger Americans who spent the early years of their career during the work-from-home era in the pandemic are re-shaping our preferences for the way we work and travel,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “While some companies have already returned to in-person work, our findings clearly show that a healthy balance of work and play is here to stay, and prioritizing self-care is going to impact the way Americans view travel and time off the clock.”
Not only are younger Americans committing to wellness and self-care, they also are more likely to engage in a solo travel experience this year versus older generations. Two in five (42%) of them will embark on a trip alone this year, compared to almost one in three (31%) of 35- to 54- year-olds and seventeen percent (17%) of ages 55 and older.
But solo travel doesn’t always have to equal alone time. Emotional well-being also extends to the inclusion of companion animals on trips, with four in ten (41%) of 18–34-year-olds opting to include their pets on vacations, compared to 36% of 34- to 54-year-olds and 20% of travelers aged 55 and older who want to bring a pet along on their travels.ADVERTISEMENT
The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2009 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Partners USA. A vacation is defined as leisure travel of at least a week to a destination at least 100 miles from home.
Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

Older
Holland America Line Expands Programming for 2024 Solar Eclipse Cruises

Newer
Cunard launches 2024 Event Voyages program More

Usain St. Leo Bolt, renowned as the world’s fastest man, traded his racing lanes for the resplendent deep sea waves off Cabo San Lucas on an extraordinary fishing trip.The Jamaican sprinter embarked on an exhilarating deep-sea fishing escapade, adding yet another string to his bow of vast athleticism. Under the seasoned guidance of local experts, Bolt skillfully reeled in a stunning haul of four striped marlins.
The day’s thrill reached its zenith when Bolt engaged in a breathtaking duel with a majestic blue marlin. Despite a grueling struggle, the fish sadly didn’t survive. Acknowledging the sanctity of marine life, Bolt and Tag Cabo Sportfishing crew decided to responsibly harvest the creature, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices even in recreational pursuits.
The idyllic waters of Cabo San Lucas bore witness to an extraordinary day as the world’s fastest man showcased his love for the sport, alongside his beloved wife. This adventure not only demonstrated the diverse talents of Bolt but also highlighted the unique, thrilling experiences the Cabo region has to offer.
As Bolt continues to captivate the world with his talents and charisma, his venture into the heart of Cabo’s adventurous landscape exemplifies the region’s wide array of exhilarating experiences. From speed on the track to strength on the sea, Bolt’s deep-sea quest underlines the enchanting allure of Cabo.
Tag Cabo Sportfishing stands as Cabo’s premier deep-sea fishing company, renowned for its exceptional services and commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Their aim is to provide unforgettable, ethical, and conservation-minded sportfishing experiences to all their clients.ADVERTISEMENT

Older
Budget-Friendly European Journeys: Trains Beat Planes for Flight-Free Summer Vacations

Newer
CHOICE HOTELS EMEA APPOINTS MARIELLE VROEMEN TO SPEARHEAD NEW FRANCHISEE PERFORMANCE DEPARTMENT More

For those that like to pack as much as possible into their holiday and enjoy a thrill or two, Algarve Tourism has come up with their top list of adrenaline-fueled activities, that will have your pulse racing and your family and friends talking about their experiences for years to come.With a golden coastline stretching over 200 kms, caves and grottos to explore and great surf breaks, the region is the perfect backdrop for kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and surfing. Whilst inland, tracks that weave their way through almond groves and white-washed villages up to the mountainous region of Monchique, are great for off-road adventures.
After a busy week of activities, there is nowhere better to relax than on one of the 85 Blue Flag beaches, for which the Algarve receives annual accolades.
Off Road Buggy TourAre you prepared for the ride of your life? Well your ticket to an unforgettable off-road adventure awaits you. With Extremo Ambiente, you’ll embark on an exciting off-road tour on a Polaris RZR vehicle that will take you around the amazing landscapes of the Algarve, while zooming through dirt roads, hills and rivers.
Cost: £140 for 2 people www.extremoambiente.pt
  2.  Jet Ski TourADVERTISEMENTIf you’re looking for an exciting way to get to know the Algarve coast and visit the magnificent caves, there’s no better way to do it than with a Jet Ski tour.
Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you cruise the crystal-clear waters of the coast on your high speed water scooter.
This unique experience will allow you to see a completely different side of the Algarve. And for those that like cruising around the coast in a calmer fashion, they can choose a slower ride as a family or couples outing.
Cost: 3 hour rentals from £190 per adult. Rental with skipper for one hour and 30 mins from £196 per adult www.royalnautic.pt
  3.  Tandem Sky Dive
Securely harnessed to your qualified tandem skydiving instructor you will experience the thrill and excitement of freefall whilst enjoying some of the most spectacular and incredible views of the Algarve. The activity is open to any one over 16 years old* even if you have never jumped before.
* Parental consent required for 16/17 year olds.
Thrill seekers can choose from different packages, including a choice of jumping from 10,000 or 15,000ft in a tandem.
Costs from £153 per person. www.skydivealgarve.com
Mountain BikingFor those who prefer exploring new destinations by pedal power, the Algarve offers some diverse scenery, from rugged mountain tops to the dazzling Atlantic coast, passing through the typical Algarve’s barrocal. Popular routes are Via Algarviana, an inland route connecting Alcoutim in the far east to Cabo de São Vicente in the far west that consists of rural paths across the mountains and valleys that will allow you to see the great variety of fauna and flora of this region and to immerse into the local culture of rural villages. On the west coast the Rota Vicentina has many popular routes that provide sweeping views of the Atlantic.
Routes can be planned using the Tourism’s website www.portuguesetrails.com.
For guided daily bike tours visit www.algarvebikeholidays.com. Daily tours cost £47 and include the bike, helmet, guide and Insurance. Mountain bike rental is £23 per day.
Open Top Jeep Tour– Best of the WestTo see a completely different side to the Algarve, a guided tour in an open-top jeep in the Natural Park of Costa Vicentina in the south west of the region, is a must. Expect magnificent beaches, rocky coastlines, breathtaking views, fishermen’s villages, paleontological sites, historical insights, and soaring birds.
Cost: £81 per person. Visit hw.geographic-algarve.com
  6.  Surfing
With its emerald waters and waves, the Algarve reigns as one of Europe’s greatest surfing playgrounds. 
If you want to break a wave or two, Freeride Surf School in Sagres, the most south-western point in Portugal, is the perfect choice for your surf holiday.
From group lessons to private lessons or surf guides, the surf school has the best team of professionals for surfers at any skill level.
With lessons running from March to December, surfers can pick from either one- day packages to six day lessons.
Costs start from £55 per person for a day and from £153 per person for 3 days.
www.frsurf.com
  7. Kayaking/Cave exploration
This breath-taking guided Kayak tour in Ponta De Piedade navigates you through a labyrinth of caves, arches, rock formations and secret beaches, allowing you to discover the beauty of the Portuguese coastline at sea level.
And you’ll be free to soak in all the beauty as an experienced guide gives you the necessary tips and techniques to navigate your kayak safely through the caves.
Over the course of two hours and 15 minutes, kayakers will travel a distance of 10 kilometres, which is equivalent to 5.4 nautical miles.
Cost: £35 per person for adults and children. Minimum age 6 yrs. www.bluefleet.pt/en/experiences/kayak-grotto-tour/

Older
Feast from the Blue Mountains to Orange

Newer
Prepare for Celebrity’s Onboard Gratuity Increase This Month More

Additional October and December flights to The Gambia have been announced by UK specialist tour operator The Gambia Experience to meet high customer demand.With holidays sold out for its Friday 20th October departure, The Gambia Experience has secured an extra Gatwick flight for seven night holidays during the popular half term period on Monday 23rd October.
The Gambia Experience has also increased capacity over Christmas and New Year, adding new Thursday December departures on December 21st for 14-night stays, and December 14th for 21-night holidays with a flight-only option also available.
Karen Durham, product manager for the company said:
“We’re delighted to have secured additional flights to avoid disappointment and provide our customers with the best holiday choice for the upcoming season. We have some great new beachfront hotel options, along with some incredible wildlife and cultural tours that are perfect for tailormade holidays. We’re also excited to offer a ‘Rivers of West Africa’ seven-night cruise aboard the Harmony G Mega yacht, plus new bird watching tours with Springwatch presenter and naturalist Megan McCubbin, in conjunction with our *award-winning guide Malick Suso. However, with holidays selling fast, we strongly advise customers book now for key dates, including May half term next year.”
Convenient daytime departure slots are offered on all flights. Lounge access at Gatwick and Banjul, along with Star Class upgrades on board its flights with Titan Airways are also available.ADVERTISEMENTThe Gambia is on the same time zone, and with temperatures averaging 32 degrees, has long been an appealing holiday choice for winter sun lovers. Offering tropical sunshine within six hours of flying time from the UK, its unspoilt golden sand beaches, abundant birds and wildlife and vibrant African culture give visitors a true taste of Africa without the jet lag.
Holidays are fully ATOL protected and packages include luggage allowance, and transfers, along with festive gala dinners for Christmas and New Year bookings.
Call 01489 866 939 or visit www.gambia.co.uk

Older
Ming Dynasty Culture Forum 2023 opens in Beijing

Newer
A New Look Revealed for St Lucia’s Favourite Boutique Hotel Cap Maison More

Trip.com Group hosted a delegation led by H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, the Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and TourismDuring their visit to the Group’s HQ, H.E. Saleh Al Geziry and his delegation were welcomed by Trip.com Group CMO Bo Sun. Both parties discussed ways to enhance the strong relationship as well as new areas of collaboration to promote Abu Dhabi.
The two parties signed a strategic partnership at the Arabian Travel Market last year to promote the UAE capital as a premium travel destination, with campaigns targeting travellers in key markets across Asia and Europe.
During the discussion, both sides expressed willingness to deepen cooperation in various areas, including product development and marketing, particularly in newly developed Abu Dhabi attractions.
Mr Bo Sun and H.E. Saleh Al Geziry shared ideas on enhancing product variety and strategies to leverage Trip.com Group’s channels to further promote Abu Dhabi’s new offerings and increase visitor arrivals.
Both sides also touched on various ideas to enhance Abu Dhabi’s presence and influence in the Chinese market.ADVERTISEMENTCtrip search volume shows that Abu Dhabi-related keywords far exceeded the level seen from January to June 2019. The average daily flight search volume in 2023 has increased by 78% compared to the same period.
Mr Bo Sun, expressed, “We at Trip.com Group are excited to enhance our partnership and collaboration with Abu Dhabi, a remarkable travel destination known for its fascinating history, breathtaking natural beauty, and lively cultural scene.
“With its extensive brand portfolio and worldwide network, Trip.com Group will strategically expand its reach in the Middle East while supporting its destination partners, including Abu Dhabi.
“We are honoured to host H.E. Saleh Al Geziry and his delegation, and we appreciated the engaging discussion. Going forward, Trip.com Group will continue to leverage its strengths in marketing and technology capabilities to showcase and promote Abu Dhabi’s beauty and diverse experiences to international travellers worldwide.”

Older
BAHA MAR CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BAHAMIAN INDEPENDENCE

Newer
IATA Statement on Schiphol Airport Capacity Cuts More

UNWTO will work with Alpitour World as a strategic partner to advance innovation, education and sustainability across every part of the tourism sector.Reflecting UNWTO’s focus on harnessing the power of public-private partnerships, the newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding with Alpitour World, will see the two organizations work together around shared strategic goals. In this context, the two organizations will particularly focus on supporting innovators and driving forward the digital transformation of the sector.
Working together for a smarter tourism
The partnership between UNWTO and Alpitour is aimed at strengthening the links between tourism’s public and private sectors. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Alpitour World President Gabriele Burgio. Among its key aims are to:
Develop strategic collaborations in the field of tourism innovation, including through supporting the creation of a tourism startup ecosystem.Recognize and supporting the best new talent through the organization of Start-Up Competitions focused on advancing tourism’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.Advance tourism as a pillar of rural development, including through Alpitour World’s support of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative.Collaborate in training hospitality workers, including through joint education courses and other training materialsThis Memorandum of Understanding lays the foundations for future, specific joint initiatives, establishing Alpitour World as a key partner of UNWTO in innovation and sustainability.
Alpitour World is a leading tourism operator, with its own airline, hotel chain and a global network of more than 2,400 travel agencies.As part of the partnership, UNWTO and Alpitour World will hold regular joint meetings and strategy sessions as they continue to advance their collaboration and adapt to the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing tourism.ADVERTISEMENT

Older
easyJet Announces Eight New Winter Routes for UK Customers

Newer
IATA Releases Industry Net Zero Tracking Methodology More

The president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) appealed to Caribbean tourism leaders to craft their own fate in the vital travel and tourism sector and not be driven by the agendas of interests outside the region.Nicola Madden-Greig noted that although overall tourism activity in the Caribbean is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, with some destinations growing by “leaps and bounds”, others are lingering in recovery mode, largely because of an imbalance in the dispersal of flights and insufficient marketing resources.
For the region’s tourism industry to recover fully and equitably, Madden-Greig said it was important for government leaders to frame policies and strategies to boost regular, predictable, inter-island connectivity.
The head of the region’s leading private sector tourism organization pointed out that such a move would not only encourage tourists to visit more islands, but also would help to meet the needs of Caribbean residents who travel for family, business and leisure activities. “We must support those airlines which are stepping up to the plate to strengthen our aerial linkages, but we also should embrace this crisis in airlift as an opportunity for a homegrown solution within our region,” she commented.
Madden-Greig echoed the advice of Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, who exhorted the region’s tourism leaders to shed post-colonial attitudes, take control of their tourism sectors, and be “shapers not takers”, while delivering the keynote address during CHTA’s successful Caribbean Travel Forum, which preceded the association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados in May.
She also agreed with Prime Minister Mottley’s call for better use of regional capital, and urged policymakers to design new financial instruments that could be used for the region’s biggest earner, tourism, rather than left idling in low interest-bearing accounts.ADVERTISEMENTNotwithstanding its inherent volatility, Madden-Greig described tourism as “the world’s fastest growing and the most dynamic sector of the global economy,” adding that the Caribbean “should not be left helplessly tied to the fates of others alone. While international partnership has its value, regional collaboration is essential. The work is too important to not have independent regional solutions.”
She commented: “We must continue to solidify links with our international partners, but we must also take a leaf from the pages of entrepreneurs like Adam Stewart and Kevin Hendrickson in Jamaica, Peter Odle in Barbados, the Lamontagne family in St. Lucia, and the Hopkin family in Grenada, to name a few, and become craftsmen of our own fate.” Tourism is the region’s economic driver but it can also be a vehicle for creation of generational wealth for Caribbean nationals, she asserted.
Madden-Greig, who is Group Director of Marketing & Sales with The Courtleigh Hospitality Group in Jamaica, believes that as the tourism industry continues to grow there should be a serious effort aimed at implementation of tourism worker pension schemes across the region, especially given the volatility of the current labor market. Heralding successful efforts by the Jamaican government to implement such a system, she reasoned that the welfare of tourism workers, who have been the foundation of building the region’s greatest revenue driver, must be a priority. “Many of our workers are retiring with little to no safety net and it is time we took a more serious look at solving this problem,” she commented.

Older
SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Atlanta

Newer
easyJet Announces Eight New Winter Routes for UK Customers More

As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season got off to a busy start, key stakeholders in the Caribbean tourism sector convened a virtual forum last week, placing a spotlight on the pivotal role of effective, strategic crisis communications when responding to, and recovering from, natural and manmade disasters.
During the forum, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the consensus was clear: collaboration across regional, national and community levels, paired with efficient, proactive communications, forms the backbone of successful crisis management and resilience in the tourism sector.
Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the intergovernmental CTO, noted that just three weeks into the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season the region had already witnessed three tropical storms, which forecasters signaled was an early and aggressive start to the hurricane season.
Walters told ministers, senior officials and private sector leaders participating in the webinar that, “Communication plays a vital role in managing crises, as it shapes perceptions, builds trust, and ensures that accurate and timely information reaches both internal and external audiences during times of crisis … (which) can mean the difference between chaos and order, despair and hope.” He further highlighted the importance of the CTO and CHTA collaboration, in working together to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, industry professionals, and local communities.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic as “the world’s most devastating health crisis in over 100 years,” Nicola Madden-Greig, Director of marketing and sales for The Courtleigh Hospitality Group in Jamaica, and President of CHTA, which represents the private sector, asserted that partnership between the CTO and CHTA on disaster preparedness has been pivotal to navigate the various challenges that confront the Caribbean tourism sector. She noted the contributions of various partner organizations and surmised that maintaining the legacy of resilience and success as a region and destinations was tied to “working together at the regional, national and community levels.”ADVERTISEMENT“Effective collaboration must be accompanied by effective communications, and in the age of multiple channels of communications, and when any of us with a cell phone and internet access can quickly report, accurately or not, on the status of a crisis, it is essential that we continue to build and implement sound communication plans to ensure that what is actually happening on the ground is reported in the most accurate way,” said Madden-Greig.
The virtual tourism forum, which focused on Crisis Communications and Best Practices for Hazards Response and Recovery, was the second in a series, jointly organized by the CTO and CHTA, as part of efforts to support disaster preparedness, sensitization and capacity building for the tourism sector.
Bevan Springer, president of Marketplace Excellence (MPE) who moderated the session, noted that timely, accurate press releases and updates are necessary, but it is equally important to ensure the narrative is from a Caribbean perspective, thereby framing the destination’s future agenda. “Every crisis prepares us to deal with the next crisis, and learning from one crisis to another is something that is critically important,” he declared.
Springer, who is also founder and president of the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), recommended developing post-crisis marketing plans to reboot and recover, such as the one MPE and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism instituted after the twin “Irmaria” storms in 2017 to help get the Territory back on the map and into the marketplace by partnering with airlines, travel advisors and other strategic partners.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Trevor Moss, general manager of travel compliance for the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for The Bahamas. He outlined the integrated communication and cooperative system used by his country to deal with crises: “We work as one voice, one response with many moving parts, ensuring the safety of lives throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas by maintaining a structured method of response with clear communications prior (to), during, and after major incidents.”
Speaking about public relations initiatives for recovery in the British Virgin Islands after 2017’s twin storms, Lauren Kaufman, senior vice president and director of operations at MMGY NJF, asserted there were two types of crises: dangerous situations such as hurricanes, and reputational crises, which tend to last for months beyond some of the disasters comprising dangerous situations. For both situations, she recommended a robust media relations program. She encouraged stakeholders to be proactive by quickly getting messages out and securing control of the narrative.
Wrapping up the session, Lelei LeLaulu, a communications advisor to Marketplace Excellence, stressed the importance of first finding out what affected communities need to ensure delivery of appropriate aid in the aftermath of a disaster. He recommended a fundraising web page or portal and highlighted the need for regular updates on the status of recovery, as well as reporting to donors on how their resources were used.
The forum was designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, lessons learnt and experiences, with the aim of fostering a culture of tourism sector resilience.

Older
Popular Holiday Destination Issues Warning About Invasive Algae Causing Unpleasant Odor On Beaches

Newer
SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Atlanta More