NEWS | Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) met the the Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant to appeal for charter flights

The importance of restarting charter tourism in Goa cannot be understated. According to available information with the Goa Tourism department, in 2018-19, there were 813 charter flights bringing in more than 2 lakh tourists into the state. In 2020, that figure was somewhere in the region of 600 flights before the lockdown was announced.

Soon after a joint delegation of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) met the Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant to appeal for him to begin working towards restarting international charter tourism to Goa—Sawant came out with a statement that the state would the state government will write to the Centre to take steps to revive tourism.

The chief minister said, “It (allowing charter flights) is in the purview of the Government of India (GoI) and until the GoI does not give the permission, we cannot start. Even earlier this request had been conveyed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism. This time also we will be writing for them (TTAG). Until now we have not taken any decision but there is a willingness now and there is no harm in thinking positively about this. They (TTAG) want it to be started by October, which is still two months away. They wanted time to prepare for this and in case the number of Covid-19 cases increases, we can cancel it (permission for charter flights),”

As the leading international leisure tourism destination of India, the delegation asked the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to restart charter services on a reciprocal basis from countries that have opened their borders for Indian citizens. They said that charter flights from destinations like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, should be allowed to operate to Goa.

“With the full closure of international flights and visas since March 2020, many operators and stakeholders have closed offices and are facing severe financial constraints,” the delegation said.

The delegation demanded the opening of International tourist charters from October onwards so that foreign operators have time to market and prepare for the operations. This will also help to save this season from going to waste. In case there is a third wave of COVID-19, the cancellation can be made by September or October.

Since the Visas are suspended for international tourists, special charter tourist visas should be worked out which can be issued manually by the local embassies or temporary landing permits can be issued on arrival to tourists, as done in the past, the delegation said.

Source

UAE affirms commitment to rescuing travel & tourism

The UAE has affirmed its commitment to supporting global travel and tourism at a time when the coronavirus is causing havoc. Speaking at the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME), said the pandemic has brought about an opportunity for tourism to come back triumphant.

Al Falasi explained that the virus has transformed not only travel and tourism but the entire globe, changing daily lives and behaviours of billions.

He added: "We, in the UAE, believe that there is an opportunity generated along with every challenge and that the exposure to shocks makes us stronger and resilient in the face of future crises. Therefore, we are confident that the tourism sector, although it is the most affected by the pandemic, will emerge stronger, faster and more resilient."

While the oil-rich UAE capital continuously works to diversify its economy, the emirate of Dubai has long been a tourism hub in the Middle East. The modern metropolis saw an all-time high of 16.73 million overnight visitors in 2019 according to The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). Tourism spending last year amassed to US$27.9 billion.

Loews Hotels Launches New Brand Campaign

Loews Hotels has launched “Welcoming You Like Family,” a dynamic multi-channel brand campaign, utilizing video, photography, digital-experience platforms, and on-property touchpoints.

The Welcoming-You-Like-Family brand message stemmed from a positioning exercise Loews Hotels conducted through internal-stakeholder interviews, external focus groups, and a multi-disciplinary internal workshop.

On property, the campaign is further reflected as part of the “new normal” with signage and touchpoints throughout hotels to guide guests through their stay.

For More Information Click Below:

www.hoteliermagazine.com/loews-hotels-launches-new-brand-campaign/

Tourism and Hospitality sector seeking 680-million dollar aid package from province

According to the Tourism Association of BC, over 100-thousand jobs in the sector have been temporarily or permanently lost due to the pandemic.

The sector is seeking a 680-million dollar stimulus recovery package from the BC Government.

Chairperson, Vivek Sharma told Vista Radio businesses are facing some increased costs after re-opening.

“Any businesses that have re-opened has had to do at a significant cost to change the way they do business bringing in barriers, personal protective equipment, and implementing ways of doing contactless operations, all of that comes at a cost.”

Sharma added several businesses have been ravaged because of COVID-19.

“Ten percent of our restaurants have closed permanently and another 50% are expected to close if they don’t get any assistance. Hotel occupancy has been down about 65% for June over previous years.”

“We need to get strategic on how we aid industry now and when we came up with this amount we broke it down into three categories so that we know how the aid is required.”

The three components are:

A Working Capital Recovery Grant ($475 million) to help sustain and maintain solvency for businesses that have prospects to return to profitability in the medium term (i.e. 18 months). This could include the provision of low or no-interest loans with an extended payback period. As the timing and magnitude of out-of-province visitors are uncertain, the immediate priority would be to sustain businesses that normally rely on these visitors and generate significant revenues for the visitor economy, as well as businesses that play central roles in attracting visitors to a community or a region.

Support for Adaptation Costs ($190 million) that would provide funds to help businesses adapt their operations to the health and safety requirements of COVID-19 and protect their workforce, visitors, residents, and local communities; and develop innovative ways of delivering tourism experiences to augment and accelerate recovery.

Support for Developing Resilient, B.C.-focused Supply Chains ($15 million). The goal would be to support industry subsectors (accommodation, attractions, transportation, food services, and retail) refocus their supply chains and forge new relationships with B.C. suppliers, to create supply chains that will not only promote recovery over the next 18 months but also contribute to the industry’s resilience going forward.

Destination BC’s projection for this year is a 69% decline in tourism revenue from the $20.4 billion generated in 2018 to $6.7 billion in 2020.

Hyatt Announces Face Coverings Requirement for Guests at Hotels in the U.S. and Canada

 At Hyatt, the safety and security of our colleagues and guests is always a top priority. Guided by our purpose – to care for people so they can be their best – and following medical expert guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, beginning Monday, July 27, for the foreseeable future, all Hyatt hotels in the U.S. and Canada will require face coverings within indoor public areas, which include meetings and events spaces, restaurants and bars, and fitness centers. Some guests may be exempt from this mandate, including but not limited to people with medical conditions, consuming food or beverages in restaurants, and children under the age of two years.

Guests who are not wearing face coverings indoors will be asked to wear one, and at all Hyatt hotels, face masks will be made available to guests who do not have one. Additionally, Hyatt hotels request all guests practice proper social distancing in indoor and outdoor public areas, and social distancing guidelines are prominently placed throughout all hotels.

Hyatt will continue to require colleagues to wear face masks – and additional personal protective equipment based on job specifications – at all Hyatt hotels globally. In April, Hyatt introduced the Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment (hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness) which prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of colleagues and guests through enhanced business and operational practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond at all Hyatt hotels globally.

“This new policy comes at a pivotal time amidst the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and helps us care for the health and safety of our guests and colleagues,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO, Hyatt. “In an effort to enable safe travel, we support AHLA’s recently expanded Safe Stay initiative and traveler checklist that help us come together as an industry to promote clear guidelines, which for the foreseeable future include the wearing of face coverings in indoor public spaces and practicing social distancing throughout the hotel.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Hyatt remains committed to supporting industry partners like AHLA and following medical expert guidance that supports face coverings and social distancing as successful ways to mitigate the spread of the virus. Hyatt will continue to closely monitor the situation as well as local government mandates and consider expanding this mandate to other regions.

‘Dubai Assured’ recognizes establishments complying with health and safety protocols

Dubai has launched a compliance program to certify and recognize hotels and retail establishments, F&B outlets, and attractions that have implemented all public health protocols for the prevention and management of COVID-19. 

The initiative is part of efforts to showcase Dubai as one of the world’s safest destinations as it continues to receive tourists following the city’s reopening to international visitors on 7 July.

A verification and validation process has been established in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy) and Dubai Municipality for issuing the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp to the hotel and retail establishments, F&B outlets and tourist attractions that have complied with health and safety guidelines issued in accordance with the preventive protocols outlined by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

The specially designed ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp, to be issued free of charge, will have a validity of 15 days. It can be renewed every two weeks upon further verification by inspectors from the relevant authorities. With the reopening of many public and private facilities and amenities, including beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, swimming pools, and golf courses, and the resumption of popular activities like water sports and camping, the ‘Dubai Assured’ program will cover all key tourism touchpoints across the city. Over 1,000 establishments have already been inspected for compliance with relevant guidelines, as part of the program, making them eligible to receive the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp.

The stamp is a visual mark reassuring guests that safety and hygiene measures prescribed by the authorities have been complied with across all tiers and categories of tourist and resident touchpoints such as hotels, attractions, retail, food & beverage, and leisure and entertainment. The establishments can feature this stamp in their marketing communications.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, commented: “The successful strategy adopted in combating the pandemic, based on the vision and wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has helped create an environment that is conducive to reopening our city to tourists from 7 July. Nonetheless, the health and safety of our residents and visitors remain our utmost priority. The compliance program we have rolled out across the hospitality sector with the wholehearted support of Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality is not the only testament to the continued efforts being made to further enhance health and safety standards but is also a confidence-boosting measure to reassure travelers that Dubai is one of the world’s safest destinations.

“With health and safety foremost on the minds of travelers when selecting their destination, the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ seal is a simple yet critical mechanism to ensure tourists enjoy a smooth and safe experience at every stage of their journey, from arrival at our airports to their departure from Dubai. The Safe Travels stamp Dubai received recently from the World Travel & Tourism Council further validates the city’s efforts to implement stringent hygiene and safety protocols and align itself with international health and safety standards and best practices,” HE Almarri added.

Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy, said: “The outstanding commitment demonstrated by commercial establishments in complying with precautionary measures has contributed significantly towards Dubai being able to reopen for business and welcome visitors in spite of the global pandemic threat. In fact, we have seen stronger coordination and co-operation between the government and the private sector, and a new level of preparedness in Dubai. Safety, stability, and resilience are paramount in the new scheme of things, and ‘Dubai Assured’ is an inspiring statement that Dubai has strengthened its credentials as a safe destination and global hub for tourism, retail, and leisure.”

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality said: “Dubai Municipality is taking effective steps to promote health and safety and facilitate a gradual return to normal life in a safe environment. We are committed to ensuring that tourists can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay in hotels in Dubai. We have outlined precautionary measures for all hotels to ensure their guests can enjoy activities in all its facilities including beaches. We continuously follow up to ensure compliance with precautionary measures as part of making sure all hotels in Dubai are prepared to receive guests with the highest standards of hygiene and safety.”

According to a survey by global consulting firm HVS on future destination selection, 85 percent of travelers will prioritize their travel plans based on the destination’s reputation and the action taken by its government in managing the pandemic including safety and security measures and the quality of the healthcare system and services.

Besides the standard precautionary measures of social distancing and wearing masks at all times by guests and employees, Dubai hotels have deployed stringent disinfection measures covering contact points in lobbies and other areas including restaurants and swimming pools. Entrances have been fitted with equipment for contactless screening of guests. Mall operators are using advanced technology to minimize risks including the use of thermal scanners and cameras to monitor traffic at entry points. Public parks and beaches under Dubai Municipality have reopened with strict guidelines for visitors while restaurants are allowed to serve guests with reduced seating arrangements and the enforcement of a distance of two meters between tables.

Dubai has also deployed a wide range of preventive measures across all other customers facing high-frequency touchpoints of visitor and resident interaction in line with detailed reopening guidelines for both government and private establishments.

400 people -- Seychellois and foreigners -- have lost jobs in tourism downturn

Nearly 230 Seychellois and more than 170 foreigners in the tourism sector in Seychelles have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Employment Minister, Miriam Telemaque, told SNA that out of the 100 applications, 33 have been processed and approved leading to 171 expatriates and around 228 Seychellois losing their employment.

To cushion some of the financial impacts on employment, the government set up a Financial Assistance for Job Retention scheme to guarantee salary payments for employees and self-employed individuals, for both local and expatriates, from April to the end of June 2020.

For more information Click Below :

www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/13165/+people+--+Seychellois+and+foreigners+--+have+lost+jobs+in+tourism+downturn

Sleep Under The Stars With Switzerland’s Stellar New Hotel Concept

In an effort to draw visitors to less-known regions throughout the summer, Switzerland Tourism has launched the brand new accommodation concept, Million Stars Hotel.

Accommodation options, designed for two, range between a cozy hotel room in a mountain gondola to a tented treetop stay and rooftop set-up in Zurich.

For More Details Click Below :

www.forbes.com/sites/laurenjadehill/2020/07/07/sleep-under-the-stars-with-switzerlands-stellar-new-hotel-concept/#592b22e8159b

Himachal government announces interest subvention on working capital loan for hospitality sector

To provide relief to the COVID-19 affected the tourism sector, the state government has introduced a scheme for interest subvention on working capital loans for the hospitality sector.

The eligibility criteria as well as the magnitude of financing being provided will be based on the unit’s GST payment history.

If the registered tourism unit has paid an average GST up to Rs 1 crore per year, the unit will be entitled to a working capital loan of Rs 50 lakh. 

Distressed deals in hospitality biz on the rise

Owners of hotels and resorts are dialling real estate consultants in desperate efforts to sell their properties amid the demand destruction in the tourism and hospitality industry from the coronavirus pandemic.

These properties, which have gone on sale in the past two months, are valued between ₹50 crores and ₹500 crores each and include some of the top domestic and international hospitality brands.

For More Information Click Below:

www.livemint.com/companies/news/distressed-deals-in-hospitality-biz-on-the-rise-11594254376840.html

UK govt announces 50% discount at restaurants for everyone in August

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government will give everyone a 50% 'eat out to help out' discount during August. Meals at any participating business from Monday to Wednesday will be at 50% off up to a maximum discount of £10 per head. VAT has also been cut from 20% to 5% for the hospitality and tourism sectors for six months.

For More Information Click Below :

inshorts.com/en/news/uk-govt-announces-50-discount-at-restaurants-for-everyone-in-august-1594219688657?utm_source=news_share

Sarovar Hotels set to achieve milestone of 100 hotels by 2021

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts which started its journey 25 years ago, is on the verge of completing 100 hotels by 2021. With about 30 properties under development, the group aimed to achieve the target by the end of 2020. However, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has pushed the milestone to 2021.

Sarovar Hotels operates in various segments, i’e, budget, mid-budget and luxury.Average Room Revenue  in every segment is equally hit where 20% to 40% of ARR is bleeding. Sarovar Hotels is also focusing on the international market. The hospitality major had strategically expanded into Africa.

For More Information Click Below :

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/sarovar-hotels-set-to-achieve-milestone-of-100-hotels-by-2021/76788910

This swanky new Hotel in Las Vegas is for adults only

We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Circa Resort & Casino since the debut property was announced in early 2019.

It’s a new-build, 44-story resort with 777 rooms on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Circa is designed for guests ages 21 and over the only playground with a pool amphitheater, where guests can relax in one of six pools on three different levels while gazing up at a 40-foot HD screen. There will also be a “Garage Mahal” — not just a parking garage, but a veritable work of art. 

For More Information Click Below :

thepointsguy.co.uk/news/adults-only-las-vegas-hotel-circa/

71-room Fairfield by Marriott Hotel opens in Whitewater

The Fairfield by Marriott Hotel Inn & Suites in Whitewater is now open. The Fairfield at 1242 W. Main St. operates as a Marriott franchise. The project was first announced in August 2018.

The new hotel features 71 rooms and additional amenities including an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, valet laundry services, and complimentary hot breakfast.

For More Information Click Below :

www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2020/06/30/new-hotel-comes-to-whitewater.html

Dubai is ready to reopen its doors to receive visitors and guests from all over the world

Dubai prepares to reopen its doors to receive visitors and guests from all over the world, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing confirmed its complete keenness to provide distinguished experiences for visitors within the framework of a package of preventive measures that put the health and safety of everyone at the top of their priorities.

Emphasizing the importance of adhering to physical distance and putting masks throughout to combat the virus.

For More Details Click Below:

www.gulfnewstoday.net/2020/05/dubai-is-ready-to-reopen-its-doors-to.html?m=1

Tsogo Sun takes over 3 hotels as Marriott withdraws due to Lockdown

Tsogo Sun Hotels announced that they would be taking over three hotels from which hotel group Marriott International decided to withdraw. Marriott International closed three hotels and would be removing them from the Marriott system due to the impact of Covid-19.

The hotels are the Mount Grace in Magaliesburg, the Edward in Durban, and the Protea Hotel Hazyview in Mpumalanga.

For More Details Click Below :

www-news24-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.news24.com/amp/fin24/companies/travelandleisure/tsogo-sun-takes-over-3-hotels-as-marriott-withdraws-due-to-lockdown-20200623

Tripadvisor quietly tests consumer-to-travel agent service Reco

 Tripadvisor over the last few months, work has commenced on a new platform to connect consumers to "travel designers" who will plan and book their trip.

The service, known as Reco, works on both desktop and via a smartphone app for Apple devices, giving travelers access to a portfolio of agents for a $199 fee each time.

Travelers select dates for a trip, length of stay, type (getaway, festival, reunion, cruise, etc.), budget range, interests and "vibe" (romantic, spiritual, chill, etc.) and then Reco offers a range of matches to agents with expertise in those areas.

For More Information Click Below:

www.phocuswire.com/Tripadvisor-Reco-travel-agent-platform

The First-ever Adults-only Casino in Vegas Will Have America’s Largest Pool Amphitheater

Circa Resort & Casino plans to be the first-ever adult-only, 21+ casino-resort in Las Vegas history. As a special tribute, the resort will be home to Vegas Vickie, one of the most iconic neon signs from the Strip, in their own lobby. Circa Resort & Casino will house a truly unique pool amphitheater. 

Circa will also offer some unique dining experiences, such as Saginaw’s Delicatessen (a family-style deli), Victory Burger & Wings Co.

The resort was planned to open in December 2020, but the company has recently announced it will be opening its first five floors and parking garage to guests as soon as Oct. 28, 2020.

For More Information Click Below:

www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/adults-only-casino-circa-resort-las-vegas

Dubai to allow tourists from July 7

Key Take Away

Dubai to welcome tourists from 7 July 2020; tourists required to present recent COVID-19 negative certificate or undergo testing and adhere to strict protocols at Dubai airports

International tourists must download the COVID-19 DXB app and register their details. They must also have valid health insurance and the airline has the right to refuse to board. Tourists must do a PCR test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate themselves for 14 days at their home or in an institutional facility provided by the government at their own expense.

For More Details Click below :

www-hoteliermiddleeast-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/business/118146-dubai-to-allow-tourists-from-july-7?amp

Seaside Finolhu to reopen on Oct 1 after major upgrade

Key Take Away

Seaside Finolhu is set to reopen its doors to visitors on October 1 after completing its highly anticipated transformation project. This keenly anticipated transformation covers guest villas, restaurants, public areas, and a state-of-the-art indoor golf studio.

In line with the resort upgrades, Finolhu will also introduce the new names and concepts for its four restaurants and spa. Translated as “sandbank”, Finolhu is one of the finest island resorts located in the UNESCO-protected Baa atoll.

The resort also encourages its valued guests to continue sharing their memorable #SeasideFinolhu stories on social media.

For More Information Click Below :

maldives.net.mv/39631/seaside-finolhu-to-reopen-on-oct-1-after-major-upgrade/