MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine the global monthly online magazine since 1997
vol. 24, issue 2, February 2021
Bushy Park, Middlesex, United Kingdom
Discovering KEROS, Greece A Night to Remember…. BURNS night Canadian Pacific Hotels VILINIUS, LITHUANIA Setting The Example… New Venue Openings GLOBAL TOURISM faces challenging recovery in 2021 PERU’s CAPITAL LIMA, celebrates 486th anniversary…
MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Volume 24, Issue 2, February 2021 edition – Online since 1997
Contents 8-11 Discovering KEROS, Greece 15 WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM launches new global initiative… 17 BIT MILANO 2021 - To take place in May 18 AIME 2021 cancelled due to covid-19 implications 20 Some establishments to resume operation in BANGKOK 21-23 A Night to Remember…. BURNS night 26 United Kingdom Government to fund electric air taxis 27 EASYJET holidays sees summer bookings surge 250% 28 CHINA’s ‘super bullet maglev’ prototype with top speed of 620 km/h Robert Burns
30-34 Canadian Pacific Hotels
37 BRAZILIAN tourism expects to recover after 2022 38 Unemployment still rising fast across tourism and HOSPITALITY SECTOR 39 VILINIUS, LITHUANIA Setting the Example… New Venue Openings
40 ETHIOPIA, targets more chinese tourist arrivals in coming years 41 UNITED KINGDOM staycation holiday boom 42 GLOBAL TOURISM faces challenging recovery in 2021 43 NEW ZEALAND closes its borders during 2021 43 PERU’s CAPITAL LIMA, celebrates 486th anniversary… 45 GREECE, 3-step plan to revive tourism
45Message from
Caroline-Artemis February is here…where did January go! Despite another lockdown, we have been busy getting another edition of MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine ready. Now it has arrived….are you sitting comfortably? As many of us seem to be like a ‘yoyo’, going in and out of lockdown every few months, this has led us to not that the risk of booking a holiday in the coming months. Even though we know we want to go on holiday, and we desperately need one, even more than ever! So, this year ‘holiday local’ with a ‘staycation’. There was a time when that was the only option for a holiday; it was consi dered a big trip to leave London to make the journey down to the south coast or up to Scotland or to Cornwall in the South West of the UK.
Not only are you sure you will not get caught up in quarantine restrictions, you will support small businesses as well as your national tourism sector and in turn, support thousands of local jobs and keep the local economies going for the many destinations that rely heavily on tourism. So, get out and explore... but within your national boundaries! See the positive opportunities a ‘staycation’ offers, and at the very least discover more about your country and region that you ever knew before, (in line with any regulations)
Welcome to a new future… welcome to the online future through MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine and enjoy this February edition!
Caroline-Artemis Laspas co-founder & editor MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine
DISCOVERING KEROS GREECE by Dimitri Laspas
Daskalio Island, Cyclades, Greece
The island of Keros is part of the Greek Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was called Keria in ancient times.
It has a rich history and was home to a thriving pre-Cycladic civilization in the early Bronze Age (2750BC to 2300BC). Excavations of its natural white fine grain marble have shown that it is the world’s earliest maritime sanctuary and until recently little has been known about its true importance throughout antiquity. First discovered in the 1960s and since then several investigations have been conducted over the years. The findings have transformed the understanding of life during that time with it now being known that Keros was a centre of pan-Cycladic ritual practices. Myth says that the Leto, mother of the gods Artemis and Apollo, gave birth to Artemis on the island which is why evidence suggests that many religious celebrations to this God took place on Keros. During medieval times, Keros as well as the larger close island of Koufonissia were used as a safe harbour by pirates. In 1952 ownership of the island was given to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary Hozoviotissa of Amorgos Island. Tragically, during the 1950’s and 60’s many artefacts were stolen from the island and never recovered. Significant finds to date include marble statues; two famous statuettes of women with arms folded across their chest, and of a harp player and a flute player. Another Harp Player statuette is on display in the Metropolitan Museum in New York and a large head is housed in the Louvre, in Paris.
Most of the other artefacts like utensils made of stone and ceramics, obsidian blades can be seen in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece.
In the early 1990’s through collaboration with Sotherby’s Auction House in London and the Museum of Cycladic Art, 81 pieces were recovered and are back in Greece. Some items from the Thesaurus of Keros are also exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos.
Keros island, Cyclades, Greece Daskalio Island, Cyclades, Greece
Throughout all the excavations, it had always seemed strange to the archaeologists that so much of what they found was badly broken, however, further investigation has proven that they were broken during religious rituals, confirming that Keros was maybe the first centre of worship in the Aegean region and maybe the first such island centre in the world. MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine
On the most western peninsula of Keros, next to the sanctuary, lies the prehistoric settlement of Daskalio. Recent excavations have discovered many imposing and tightly built buildings that are far more impressive than anything else found to date. This indicates that it was a very significant site in the region in the early bronze age. Daskalio is shaped like a stepped pyramid which would require specialist craftsmen to create, as they also constructed success ive rows of massive retaining walls.
The structures were all built using imported stone from the island of Naxos over 10kms away. The island is small, but the archaeological site in its former glory would have looked like a very impressive and magnificent settlement complex rising out of the sea. This new discovery means that the settlement is largest known in the Cyclades of that period. Excavations have also uncovered an impressive staircase on the lower terraces. Under it was a network of complex drainage pipes, which predated the Mycenaean palaces by 1,000 years. The level of expertise and technological sophistication of this Keros civilisation is like nothing seen before and as there is no drinking water on the island it is thought that either the pipe system was for the flow of fresh water or for sewage.
As the years go by technology improves and now the latest methods are being used to find out more about life on Keros. From digital recordings of data, 3-dimential models and laser scanners allow for so much more to take place quickly and allow for all members of the dig to have access to findings.
Each year excavations continue to throw light on this small and most mysterious Greek island. Accessible only with permission, the chance to be part of this excavation process has needless to say attracted archaeological students from all over the world, keen to be part of this exciting dip into the past.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Venues
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR RESPONSIBLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT The World Economic Forum has launched the Global AI Action Alliance (GAIA), a new flagship initiative to speed up the agreement of inclusive, transparent and trusted artificial intelligence globally. AI (artificial intelligence) holds the potential of making organisations 40% more efficient by 2035, allowing for an estimated UK£10 trillion in new economic value. However AI's transformative potential also poses risks by unsafe or unethical AI systems. Controversy on facial recognition, automated decision-making and ‘health crisis’ tracking has highlighted that AI will be a hard sell to many from citizens and governments alike. What is key is the basis that they trust that AI is being built and used ethically. Therefore, over 175 organisations have proposed ethical AI principles, but these still need to be turned into practical tools for organisations to ensure AI's positive future. The GAIA brings together over 100 leading companies, governments, international organisations, non-profits and academics united in maximising AI's societal benefits while minimising its risks. The Alliance initial areas of focus include: • Educating government and industry leaders on AI risks, opportunities and best practices • Fostering international peer learning between legislators focused on AI • Driving responsible product design and use within AI-driven organizations • Developing a certification mark for responsible AI systems • Identifying and reducing bias in AI systems • Increasing inclusion in the AI ecosystem and expanding AI’s benefit to underserved groups • Unlocking access to justice through the application of AI in judicial systems • Leveraging AI to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals • Preparing citizens for the AI future and empowering them to help shape it • The Davos Agenda
IACC CEO MARK COOPER WILL CHAIR EIC BOARD IACC has announced that its CEO, Mark Cooper, has been appointed 2021 Chair of the board of the Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards. The EIC board is comprised of nominated members of the overall EIC that consists of more than 30 organisations in the events industry. These leaders are the governing body for the overall council with fiscal responsibility and strategic direction for all EIC programmes. Mark has significant experience within the business events industry, having been CEO of IACC since 2012. He has also held senior posts with respected conference venue operators and global agencies, including Dolce Hotels & Resorts, Sundial Group, Conference Direct and Warwick Conferences.
4TH CHINA INTERNATIONAL IMPORT EXPO REGISTRATION OPEN! Shanghai will host the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's largest import-themed expo, from 5-10 November 2021. Registration is now open. Over the past 3 years the event has grown in terms of space and influence, making the CIIE a must-attend event for international businesses. The Intelligent Industry Information Technology Exhibition Area of the last CIIE attracted more than 300 enterprises from nearly 40 countries and regions, and had an exhibition area of more than 70,000sq.m. The CIIE has created a special committee on industrial digital transformation, which is dedicated to incorporating the whole industrial chain of industrial digital transformation and offering advanced digital transformation solutions to enterprises in the field of industrial production to help them increase efficiency and improve quality. The CIIE provides a leading gateway into understanding and benefiting from China's market of 1.4 billion people.
NEW DATES
BIT MILANO 2021 - TO TAKE PLACE IN MAY The leading tourism exhibition in Italy, BIT Milan has decided to move the event to later in the year to allow BIT to fully exploit its role as both driver for the sector and as an exceptional tool for international buyers, ensuring a sufficient period in which to effectively reorganise and plan the relaunch of tourism activities and offering, anticipating future scenarios. BIT 2021 will once again present a wide range of conferences, the ideal setting in which to meet with key players in the sector. BIT 2021 is set to take place from 9-11 May 2021 at fieramilanocity.
BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM WINS A PRESTIGIOUS ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB HISTORIC AWARD The UK’s British Motor Museum has won a prestigious Royal Automobile Club Historic Award in the Collection category. The annual Awards recognise outstanding achievements within the British historic motoring and motorsport world. The British Motor Museum had strong competition from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and Vauxhall Heritage to win the highly coveted Collection category award. The Museum won the award for a number of reasons, namely hosting 3 exhibitions during 2020 and through 2 lockdowns. These included a major exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Range Rover and ‘Metro at 40’ which celebrated one of Britain’s best-selling small cars. The exhibition is free to view from the Museum’s website and gave everyone the chance to celebrate this iconic car’s special birthday. For more information please visit https://metro.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ In October 2020 the Museum opened an exhibition from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. ‘When Jaguar Bought Daimler’ told the story of when Jaguar bought the Daimler Company from BSA in 1960. The Museum also remained very active online throughout the unprecedented year with its #historybeginsathome social posts and a lively blog. On 13 October 2020 the Museum held its first ‘Gaydon Gathering’, an informal socially-distanced evening for enthusiasts and their classics, with the opportunity to see the Museum's collection in action.
HOKKAIDO TO HOST ADVENTURE TRAVEL WORLD SUMMIT 2021 The Adventure Travel World Summit 2021 will be held in Hokkaido, Japan from 20-23 September 2021. It is the first Adventure Travel Trade Association’s annual summit to be held in Asia Pacific. It will attract hundreds of industry professionals from around the world for education sessions, business exchange, networking, and masses of pre and post event adventures around Hokkaido. Over the past few years, Hokkaido has diligently worked on developing its adventure travel products to ready for the international market, and is especially excited to be able to welcome the ATTA community. Registration is now open for the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) annual industry event, the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS).
www.miceandtourismaroundtheworld.com
AIME 2021 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 IMPLICATIONS AIME has made the decision to cancel the 2021 event, which was scheduled to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and online in March. The reason is due to concerns around the continued situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organisers Talk2 Media & Events have shared that like many other event organisers, the event faced challenges brought about by international and domestic travel restrictions despite healthy interest for the event from exhibitors and buyers. “As the past year has shown, it’s difficult to predict if border closures will be required to slow the spread of future outbreaks. As difficult as it is to cancel, we cannot in good conscience stage an event that devalues the quality of experience or accessibility of AIME in delivering meaningful interactions for exhibitors and visitors, alongside subsequent appointments with our international networks. “The Business Events industry is facing many challenges and the entire Talk 2 Media & Events team will be there to support our community, until we meet again at AIME 2022,” said Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events. AIME 2022 will play a significant role in the business events industry’s recovery and create and re-establish valuable connections to drive commerce for the wider region. It will take place on 21–23 March 2022. “As we navigate through these trying times, we remain optimistic that business events will adapt, innovate and emerge stronger than ever. We cannot wait to see you all next year – to connect and reunite as a community,” added Mr Pearce.
MELBOURNE CONVENTION BUREAU EXPANDS DIGITAL PRESENCE IN CHINA After more than 15 years’ active in-market representation across China and Hong Kong, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) will deepen its engagement with one of Victoria’s most valuable business and tourism markets with the launch of a new in-language website and popular Chinese social accounts. Clients in China will now have all the information they need for a memorable, once-in-a-life time event in Melbourne – the city where creativity and innovation thrives - right at their fingertips via website and YouKu. Chinese speaking decision makers, influencers and planners can now also communicate directly with MCB’s lo cal team in Shanghai through WeChat. MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said the website and social tools were the latest additions to the company’s ongoing and active strategy to engage with Chinese clients and demonstrated the bureau’s commitment to the region. “Whilst they may not be able to travel now, the appeal of Melbourne and Australia to the Chinese planners remains high. These assets, in conjunction with our in-market team and our regular Event Planner webinars will enable the bureau to strengthen existing connections, create new and meaningful relationships, and future business opportunities. “We know it’s important now more than ever to be flexible and adapt the way we support events for our clients. This vital infrastructure provides a much more convenient and effective platform for Chinese clients to connect with us, communicate in real-time and an opportunity to easily search, locate and consume information about Melbourne, so that when they’re ready to plan their event, MCB is ready to help.” China is the top visitor market for Meetings Incentive, Conference, Events (MICE) groups to Victoria. Over the five years pre-COVID19, MCB welcomed 23,000 delegates from Chinese MICE groups to Melbourne injecting $100 million in economic contribution to the Victorian visitor economy. Melbourne is a very welcoming city for Chinese visitors, offering a multitude of exclusive experiences to suit every group. What continually sets the city apart is its personalised Team Melbourne approach and MCB partner initiatives in place to adequately cater to the Chinese traveller. “It gives us confidence when we secure a group and send them to hotels and attractions that understand what Chinese delegates are looking for,” Ms Swanson added. The new in-language website and presence on WeChat and YouKu boast relevant and engaging content; from information about MCB and its services, local knowledge to support planning a business event in the destination, to sample incentive programs, case-studies of successful programs and the latest news on Melbourne incentive travel and business events.
www.destinycfu.com
SOME ESTABLISHMENTS TO RESUME OPERATION IN BANGKOK The Governor of Bangkok has confirmed that certain establishments can begin to resume operation after the enforcement of temporary closure since the beginning of 2021. 1. These venues or establishments can resume operation or certain activities. Game arcades, Internet shops, Senior Nursing homes, Martial arts schools (gyms), All kinds of sport venues, except those for cockfighting, boxing, horse racing, cow fighting, fish fighting, or similar establishments, Banquet halls, catering venues, including similar establishments, Amulet markets, Beauty salons, tattoo and piercing shops, Fitness centres, Healthcare service, spa, traditional Thai massage, foot massage, Boxing training gyms, boxing camps, gymnasia, Bowling alleys, skating rings, rollerblade rings, or similar establishments, Ballroom dancing academies. 2. All venues and establishments listed in (1) must strictly comply with the disease control measures in the annex of BMA’s announcement (No 17). 3. Other venues and establishments not subject temporary closure or obliged to specific measures by the previous BMA’s announcements must execute disease control measures as follows: Temperature screening, respiratory symptoms screenings, Wearing surgical masks or fabric masks, Social distancing, at least one metre away from each other, and limit the number of people staying in any area to prevent overcrowding, Hand-washing stations with soap, alcohol gel, or disinfectants, Frequently cleaning of the surface areas before, during, and after any activities, Registration both before and after using the establishments, encourage visitors to use the government tracing applications 4. Violators or those who fail to comply with BMA’s announcements number 15 dated 1 January 2021, number 16 dated 4 January 2021, and number 17 dated 21 January 2021 shall be forced to close the venues or establishments for 14 days.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER….
BURNS NIGHT by Caroline-Artemis Laspas
Robert Burns
All around the world, nations celebrate national heroes, be it writers, musicians, scientists, freedom fighters, or their nation’s independence day! Here we look at one of Scotland’s heroes who is celebrated once a year, but is in fact part of many a New Year celebration around the world. Robert Burns is to Scotland what William Shakespeare is to England.
William Shakespeare th
Each year on the 25 January, the life and works of Robert Burns is celebrated in ceremony, style and of course with a big traditional feast! It comes as no surprise that Robert Burns, like so many others, became really famous only after his death, but over 200 years since his departure, his memory and literacy works live on. Robert Burns was born, the eldest of 7 children into a farming family in 1759 in the village of Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland. He died at the age of just 37, at his home in Dumfries, Scotland. Burn’s father recognised the importance of education and ensured that, alongside working on the family farm, his children learnt to read and learn. Robert Burns wrote lyrics and songs for his own amusement and that of his friends, in Scots and in English. It was only at the age of 27 that he became famous following the publication of his 1st collection of poetry, ‘Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect’. Today all over the world celebrations of this man’s heartfelt work is marked on Burns th Night (25 January). This tradition of a celebratory dinner began in 1801 when 9 of Burns’ close friends got together to mark the th 5 anniversary of their friend’s death. This is no simple celebration; there are many traditions that take place during the ‘Burns Supper’. Firstly, if you are invited to a Burns Night Dinner, make sure you dress for the part! Your outfit must include anything in tartan; from full Scottish dress with kilt, to a tartan tie or hat. Robert Burns Monument, Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom
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The centrepiece is the ‘haggis’. This dish combines meat with oatmeal, onions, salt and spices, traditionally cooked in a she ep's stomach (a historic way of preserving meat), but most haggis today is made using a synthetic sausage casing. It is served with ‘tatties and nips’ which are mashed potatoes and turnips. The cooked dish is ceremoniously brought into the dining room, help up high with a bagpipe player leading the way. Burn’s poem ‘Address to a Haggis’ is recited and when the lines 'His knife see rustic Labour dicht, An' cut you up wi' ready slicht', are spoken, a knife and plunged into the haggis, slicing it open in dramatic fashion! A toast is then proposed to the haggis. Being a Scottish celebration, it would not be complete without the toast being made with Scottish whisky! After the meal, there are traditional recitals of Burn’s poems including a speech commemorating Burns and a toast to the great man, known as the 'Immortal Memory'. At the end of the evening, everyone stands, joins hands and sings the song most associated with Burns ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Burns wrote the song in 1788 and it is now sung not only on Burns Night, but also at the stroke of midnight on ‘Hogmanay’ (New Year's Eve). The lyrics of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ are in the Scots language and its direct translation means … ‘For the sake of old times’. It is now a global anthem of brotherhood and has been translated into more than 30 languages. It encourages the listener to put the previous year behind them and look forward to the New Year ahead. Maybe never before have we all held the words and meaning of this song so dear; forget 2020 and look forward to the year ahead!
UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT TO FUND ELECTRIC AIR TAXIS The UK Government has agreed to fund research into an electric air taxi project in the SW of England. The consortium led by Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, and involving Vertical Aerospace and the West of England Combined Authority has been awarded the research grant with the aim of conducting demonstrations in a live environment in the future. The UK£2.5 million project was awarded partial funding through the Government’s Future of Flight Challenge, which was created to find innovative methods of achieving greener flight, finding new ways to travel, increasing mobility, improving connectivity and reducing congestion. This is an important and tangible step towards making Advanced Air Mobility a reality with real trials expected as early as 2023.
DUBAI TO HOST WORLD CONGRESS OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 2024 The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai is to host the World Congress of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS World Congress) 2024, marking the first time the event is held in the region. RTA was nominated by ITS Europe. The Congress is supported by: ITS Europe, ITS America, and ITS Asia-Pacific. The Congress is widely regarded as the top global gathering of ITS and digital solutions of traffic, roads and transportation.
Dubai is progressing fast in advancing ITS with its various smart projects undertaken by RTA in anticipation of the future such as intelligent transport centres, and self-driving transport as well as the enablers of the 4th Industrial Revolution such as the IoT, AI applications, machine learning, big data, robotics, and mobility power solutions.
GUANGZHOU BAIYUN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, BUSINESS AS USUAL!
Annual passenger footfall was 43.77 million in 2020 and the airport welcomed a total of 373,400 flights. In November 2020 the airport became the only airport in the world with a monthly passenger flow exceeding 5 million since the beginning of the pandemic. Other parts of the world have a long road ahead of them to get their aviation industries back on their feet let along reaching these impressive figures.
NEW RUSSIAN PASSENGER PLANE IL-114-300 TAKES OFF! The new Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft has taken its maiden flight recently to test the operation of all systems, as well as the performance of the new Russian aircraft engines TV7-117ST-01. The new passenger aircraft is set to launch in 2023. Up to 100 new aircraft are due to be delivered to global customers in the next 10 years. The aircraft is a modernised version of the Il-114 - the regional turboprop craft developed in the USSR during the 1980s. The Il-114-300 is designed for autonomous operation in low-equipped airports. The aircraft has built-in airstairs for passengers, while its landing gear ensures landing on unequipped airfields with both concrete and unpaved surfaces.
EASYJET HOLIDAYS SEES SUMMER BOOKINGS SURGE 250%
Low cost airline, EasyJet has seen a rise in summer holiday bookings up by 250% on last year. This is good news for the airline industry that people will travel once lockdown restrictions are eased. With tougher lockdown rules in place across Europe, combined with the closure of air corridors, and uncertainty about travel now the UK has left the EU, it is a time of great change for the airline industry.
VIETRAVEL AIRLINES WELCOMES THE FIRST AIRCRAFT Vietravel Airlines has been launched by the Vietravel Group and aims to be an airline to transport passengers, cargo and service parcels, as well as to develop the tourism industry and other travel needs for Vienam, the region and internationally. It expects to serve 1 million passengers in the first year (2021) st and create 600 jobs. The 1 charter flights will operate in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc. Guests wishing to fly charter flights of Vietravel Airlines must buy air tickets with tours (currently the airline has not opened commercial flights).
www.vietravelairlines.vn
CHINA’s ‘SUPER BULLET MAGLEV’ PROTOTYPE WITH TOP SPEED OF 620 KM/H
A prototype of a high-temperature superconducting maglev train, or ‘super bullet maglev train’ can reach a top speed of 620km per hour. st It is the 1 of its kind having been designed and manufactured in China. The high-temperature superconducting maglev is different from the current and equally famous maglev trains, which use lowtemperature superconducting technology and enables a firmer ride for the train. With its lightweight carbon fibre body, bullet-shaped nose and the heavy-haul high-temperature superconducting technology, the train is the fastest of any vehicle on earth!
EMIRATES EXPANDS IN THE AMERICAS FOLLOWING INCREASED PASSENGER DEMAND Emirates is to resume non-stop services to Seattle, Dallas and San Francisco. This will take Emirates' North American network to 10 destinations following the resumed services to Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Toronto and Washington DC. In South America, Emirates will begin a 5th weekly flight to Sao Paulo. Emirates is currently operating to 114 destinations on 6 continents as it comes out of the pandemic. All Emirates customers can travel with greater confidence and peace of mind with the airline industry's first multi-risk travel cover.
FINAVIA STARTS RENOVATION OF HELSINKI AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 DEPARTURE LOUNGE Extensive renovation work has begun at Helsinki Airport’s Terminal 2 departure lounge. Covering 35,000sqm the renovation is part of the Helsinki Airport Development Programme of Terminal 2 with investment of approximately UK£882 million. The renovation will completely revamp the existing departure lounge and arrivals hall, integrating them into the gate area and centralised baggage claim hall. Finavia’s investment programme: Terminal floor area increased by 45% (103,000sqm). The total area of the terminal in 2024 will be more than 250,000sqm. More bridge gates for widebody aircraft: 100% increase. More baggage handling capacity: 50% increase. More passport control capacity: 50% increase. Renovated apron area (aircraft Parking areas and taxiways) amounts to 450,000sqm. A new multimodal travel centre, linking different modes of transport. More parking spaces: 4,800 parking spaces (extension to car park P5 and a new parking garage).
CHINA’S C919 BEGINS DELIVERIES China's homemade passenger aircraft, the C919, will begin delivery in 2021. The C919, is a narrow-body passenger plane, with China Eastern Airlines being the first among global carriers to take delivery of the aircraft. The C919 is comparable to the updated Airbus 320 and Boeing's new generation 737 planes, adding huge competition to the aviation market. So far there are 815 orders for the C919 from 28 Chinese and overseas companies.
Canadian Pacific Hotels by France-Ella Mclaurin
When Canada completed the railway line connecting the Atlantic and Pacific o ceans in 1885, it was considered one of Canada's greatest feats of engineering. It allowed for Canadians to travel more quickly and easily across the vast country while enjoying the stunning scenery as they went .
The railway then needed to reap the rewards of such a big investment. It was not only bringing new life and settlements to more remote parts of the country, but the railway transported goods too. However, it was tourism that would be its biggest source of revenue. However, Canadians and international visitors needed to be attracted to travel the country by rail. The answer was the construction of the Canadian Pacific Hotels (CPH), a division of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). Passenger revenue made a significant part of the railways profitability, but the passengers needed somewhere to stay at their destination and so the building of hotels was essential for attracting passengers. The hotels were established mainly at locations that connected with other passenger rail or ferry routes. Some were also built in more remote regions that allowed rail passengers to stay and experience the remote destinations, like in Banff Springs in Banff National Park.
Canada’s grand railway hotels really put Canadian tourism on the map. They were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The 3 earliest hotels were at Mount Stephen House, Glacier House and North Bend and were initially only dining stops, necessary because steep railway grades made hauling a dining car uneconomical. Château Frontenac
One of the original hotels, the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, opened in 1893. It was designed to rival European luxury chateau-style hotels, and its stunning location overlooking the city and the Saint Lawrence River, made it a city landmark. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and over the years has welcomed Prime Ministers, Presidents and royalty. CPH used the châteaux style of architecture and many of the buildings featured steeply pitched copper roofs that had turned blue-green from oxidation, ornate gables, dormer windows, and a lot of towers and turrets. The Château Laurier in Ottawa was a French Renaissance-style grand chateau built of granite, white Italian marble, Indiana limestone, with a copper roof. The hotel’s interior was pure luxury too, offering travertine marble staircases and Czechoslovakian crystal. The hotel dominated downtown Ottawa. Château Laurier,
Today the hotel is managed by Fairmont, who in fact manages many of the original CPH hotels. Many of the original features remain and have been preserved, including its art deco swimming pool. In fact guests can take a self-guided tour of the hotel using an iPad. There are also 2 heritage galleries that highlight the hotel’s history. Overtime, the more remote locations like those in the Canadian Rockies/Selkirk Mountains became tourist destinations in their own right. With such success from the original Banff Springs Hotel, CPR requested that the Canadian government create Banff National Park, the first of its kind in Canada. The hotel then offered mountaineering excursions, using professional Swiss guides.
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Banff National Park
Banff Springs Hotel
As more people became self-transporting with cars, they were looking for more reasonable accommodation and so CPH kept the more profitable urban and destination hotels while the resort hotels were only open during the peak summer season. It was only in 1969 that the Banff Springs Hotel opened all year round and in 1974 for the Chateau Lake Louise.
In 1988 CPR bought the Canadian National Hotels chain, making Canadian Pacific Hotels and Resorts Canada’s largest hotel owner. In 1998 CPR purchased the Canadian Delta Hotels chain and the international Princess Hotels chain. Following that Fairmont Hotels and Resorts chain was acquired. All CPH properties were branded as either Fairmont or Delta. In 2001, CPH was renamed Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. In 2006, Kingdom Hotels International and Colony Capital, which also owned the Raffles and Swissotel chains, bought Fairmont. Most of these hotels have been maintained, preserved and restored over the years and they are very much a part of the Canadian history and its modern day tourism offering.
Chateau Lake Louise
Europe, Africa, Americas & Asia
Rimini, Italy
MARRIOTT FOCUSES IN ASIA PACIFIC WITH 100 PROPERTIES
Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Jiuzhaigou, China
Marriott is to expand its portfolio in Asia Pacific with plans to open almost 100 properties in the region in 2021. It opened 75 properties in Asia Pacific in 2020 and celebrated its 800th hotel opening in the region. Marriott added almost 27,0 00 rooms to the region’s development pipeline in 2020, and has signed its largest branded residences project in Vietnam just rec ently. The company said that Greater China has led the global recovery so far and it expects to open its 400th hotel in Greater Chin a and its 50th hotel in Shanghai in spring 2021; JW Marriott Shanghai Fengxian. Leisure bookings in mainland China are up 25% year-on-year and it plans to open more properties this year, including W Changsha, W Xiamen, St Regis Qingdao and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Jiuzhaigou. Once the last is open, China will be the 1st country in Asia Pacific to offer all of Marriott’s luxury brands. Marriott also plans to bring W Hotels to Japan with the opening of a property in Osaka, and 6 additional Fairfield by Marriot t hotels located along ‘Michi-no-Eki’ roadside stations. These are aimed at revitalising the country’s local sightseeing spots. Marriott expects to open 30 hotels under the brand by the end of 2030. Australia will have the 1st of The Luxury Collection when The Tasman opens in Hobart, in addition to the 2nd W Hotel in Melbourne in the spring and the Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands in early 2021. Further openings include the Ritz-Carlton brand in the Maldives, early summer; the JW Marriott brand in South Korea in late 2021, and the company’s wellness brand Westin in Goa in the summer.
BRAZILIAN TOURISM EXPECTS TO RECOVER AFTER 2022 Although seeing slow but steady tourism growth over the past 6 months, tourism activity is still 30% less than pre-pandemic levels. It is therefore expected that the tourism sector will not be able to recover its losses before the end of 2022. Tourism sector employment between March and November 2020, saw 437,900 formal job losses. The states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the main areas where Covid-19 hit in Brazil, accounts for 51.2% of the national job loss.
NASA'S PERSEVERANCE ROVER CLOSE TO LANDING ON MARS NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is scheduled to land on Mars on 18th February. Once at Mar’s atmosphere, it will take the craft 7 minutes to reach the planet surface. The rover is the biggest, heaviest, cleanest, and most sophisticated sixwheeled robotic geologist ever launched into space and will search for signs of ancient life and collect samples before returning to earth.
UNEMPLOYMENT STILL RISING FAST ACROSS TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR The number of job losses for the tourism, travel and hospitality sector is more than double what of official figures being more like 70%. The travel-dependent Leisure & Hospitality industry is suffering from a 70% unemployment rate; nearly triple that of the national level of each country, but mainly in Western countries. Asia has shifted its focus on domestic tourism and has started to recover. Other Asian countries are adapting to attract more interregional travellers and business travellers and many are imposing strict limits on the number of Western tourists especially from Europe. It is estimated that by the end of 2021, that 55% of all direct travel, hospitality, civil aviation, tourism jobs will be los t. National relief is still desperately needed and the recovery is going to take years not months. The knock on sectors that supply the tourism and hospitality sector will also suffer hugely. The tourism and hospitality industry needs a clear and simple relief package to include measures to save the entire industry with accessible fair loans, reduction of taxes and full support by the national, regional tourism boards and associations, otherwi se tourism as known in 2019 will be closed for good.
WALES NEEDS TO REOPEN BY EASTER Tourism is a major pillar of the Welsh economy and it is therefore crucial the sector is allowed to reopen by Easter, after the lockdown ends. South Stack Lighthouse, Wales, United Kingdom
Already many tourism companies have closed for good while others are just holding on, hoping for a bumper 2021 after the nonexistent season in 2020. Many companies have ensured they have become Covid ready in anticipation of reopening. However, holiday bookings although are coming in, they are no way close to the normal level of bookings seen in previous years for the beginning of the year.
URUGUAY TOURISM DOWN MORE THAN EXPECTED The Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism has confirmed that tourist occupancy is worse than expected due to the pandemic impact. Almost all destinations saw a significant decline in visitors, except for the hot springs, with a lower occupancy at the weekend. The region of Colonia was lucky to see higher levels of tourists. The Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism is working with the Aeronautical Chamber and its partners in the Chamber to find a way for tourists to access the country in small groups.
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The Palacio Legislativo, Montevideo, Uruguay
VILINIUS, LITHUANIA SETTING THE EXAMPLE… NEW VENUE OPENINGS Discover 4 brand new venue openings in Vilnius, which can offer multi-functionality, creativity and adaptation to new event requirements and the ‘new normal’. The Smoke Factory - a historic 19th c. building – what used to be the largest scythe factory in the world. The area of the building totals 1200m2, of which 750m2 is used for events and the remaining part belongs to the modern craft brewery Sakiškių Alus. Getting to the venue could be really fun by special train from the main railway station, which stops right next to the Smoke Factory.
Smoke Factory
Be surprised by the Senatorių Pasažas - a historical mansion in the heart of Vilnius Old Town dedicated to quality farm-to-table concept food. Here you will find two well-known restaurants 14Horses and Nineteen18, a wine bar, shops with products from local farmers and more. The mansion’s courtyard is perfect for events of up to 200 participants.
Paupys
Discover Paupys - a new district in the historic Old Town of Vilnius with its newly built cinema Paupio Pasaka. The cinema features 2 halls in a cosy Scandinavian minimalistic style building, where the biggest hall can accommodate up to 112 persons. The new Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport Hotel & Business Centre located next to the Vilnius Airport, has just opened its doors and safely welcomes its guests. The hotel has 4 meeting rooms, which can accommodate up to 300 persons and the largest meeting room up to 150 persons.
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ETHIOPIA TARGETS MORE CHINESE TOURIST ARRIVALS IN COMING YEARS
Uriftu Resort and Spa, Lake Bishoftu, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
As part of a wider 10-year development plan, Ethiopia is to boost its partnership with China in the tourism sector. Ethiopia saw UK£27.2 million in revenue from 9,925 Chinese visitors in 2020, making the Chinese the 2nd largest source of visitors to Ethiopia after the USA. Chinese visitors came to Ethiopia for reasons including conferences, business trips and leisure. Ethiopia is currently working with Chinese tour operators to promote Ethiopia's tourism sites. Ethiopian Airlines is also the only African air carrier traveling to 5 Chinese destinations; Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu and Guangzhou. It plans to beg in flights to Shenzhen and Chongqing, as the potential to attract more Chinese tourists is huge. With already good collaborations, Ethiopia and China have great opportunity to further strengthen their partnership in the to urism sector, among other areas. Chinese companies are also helping Ethiopia's drive to create prominent tourist attractions across the east African country. Progress is coming on with Ethiopia's Chinese-built landmark recreational avenue located at the heart of the capital, Addis Ababa. ‘Friendship Square’, it is currently being constructed by the China Communications Construction Company. The first phase of the project covers 32 hectares.
GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT RELEASES IN-DEPTH TRENDS REPORT, “THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS 2021” The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has released its top 9 wellness trends for 2021 the new directions that the organisation believes will have the most meaningful impact on the multitrillion global wellness industry. The trends were presented at a v irtual press event attended by thousands worldwide. Forecasting trends in the fast-evolving wellness space is daunting every year. In 2020, we experienced a global pandemic, economic meltdown, racial injustice, polarising politics, and a mental wellness crisis that changed every aspect of human life. The pandemic made wellness radically more important to people overnight, while COVID19 exposed the terrible human cost for not controlling chronic, underlying conditions, radically strengthening the case for preventative wellness. At the same time, there was accelerated fatigue with a wellness industry overly focused on elitist, hyper-trendy, evidence-free wellness solutions—which suddenly feel ‘so 2019’. Wellness today is at a watershed moment. The trends report reflects how wellness is poised to take a bigger seat at the health care table (see ‘The Self-Care Revolution’ trend). It predicts a future industry that will be more inclusive, accessible and affordable (see the ‘Adding Colour to Wellness’, ‘The Entertainment Industry Jumps into Wellness’, and ‘Just Breathe!’ trends). How it will basically ‘get real’ and more evidence-based (see ‘The Future of Immune Health: Stop Boosting, Start Balancing’) and tackle tougher, more crucial human pain-points (see ‘Money Out Loud: Financial Wellness Is Finding Its Voice’). And the report also predicts how wellness will continue to rewrite vast industries, from travel, to architecture and design, to the meetings industry. This is the only wellness forecast based on the insights of hundreds of top executives of wellness companies, economists, doctors, investors, academics and technologists (from dozens of nations) that gathered in person and virtually at the recent Summit to debate where wellness was headed—making for a uniquely informed, global set of predictions.
WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ALLIANCE LAUNCHED New European sales & marketing group targets travel and tourism entities worldwide ahead of post-Covid vaccine travel boom. The Worldwide Travel Alliance (WTA) has been launched to provide sales, marketing, representation and PR services to global travel brands seeking European customers. The Alliance consists of 6 leading sales and marketing experts based in the UK, Germany, France, Russia and Thailand. The Alliance’s market reach extends beyond country borders to include all English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese speaking markets. The WTA’s main targets are hotels and resorts (individual or group), national and regional tourism boards, DMCs, theme parks, tour operators, cruise lines, medical tourism outlets, travel associations, and more. WTA market directors have served, or continue to serve, clients such as Kempinski, Outrigger Resorts, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Khiri Travel, COMO Hotels & Resorts, and DMC Luxe Voyage. WTA launch directors include Andrea Hogg of Wendum Travel Services (UK), May Kamya of Eastern Favourites (German -speaking markets and Scandinavia), Anabela Dos Santos of ADS Consulting (French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese markets), Elena Vetrova of Travel Media (Russia, Ukraine, CIS and Baltic States), and Ken Scott and Anchalee Sriwongsa of ScottAsia Communications (UK & Thailand). Sales channels primed and ready, Travel brands need sales channels primed and ready to bring back business after Covid. “After the travel industry trauma of 2020, all travel brands are setting new priorities and targets -- many are effectively starting over in 2021,” said Ms Hogg of WTA UK. “This is where WTA can step in and quickly help them create business from important source markets.” Ms Kamya said that travel brands that move quickly will secure better results in the much -anticipated 2021 rebound. “While a lot depends on the vaccine roll out, at WTA we expect travel bookings to surge from January 2021. People who have been denied international travel for nine months are ready to act on their bucket list,” she said. Between them, WTA directors have intensive in-market expertise in B2B sales, road shows, virtual and physical event representation, media relations, fam trip organising, PR, and digital content creation. Each consultancy is well known and has an extensive network of travel industry stakeholders in each market. WTA can be engaged on an individual country or pan -European basis, depending on client needs. WTA will cover Scandinavian markets from Berlin.
UK STAYCATION HOLIDAY BOOM London, United Kingdom With the announcement that anyone coming in to the UK will be required to quarantine for 10 days has led to a sudden surge in staycation bookings by UK citizens not wanting the hassle of such restrictions upon return from any vacation outside the country. Bookings are rising quickly from rental cottages to campsites as well as to luxury hotels. This is the boost the sector needs to help keep it afloat and recover from the pandemic restrictions. The bookings are also as a result of past experience from last summer where people got caught out trying to rush back to the UK from abroad to avoid new quarantine measures. Bookings made last year, but were then cancelled due to lockdowns have been honoured for the same dates in 2021, again boosting the number of bookings so far.
APPROVED! UK£566 MILLION FOR GERMAN TRADE FAIRS Germany is to receive a huge compensation package of UK£566 million to help companies active in the trade fairs and congress sector who have suffered due to the pandemic. The scheme is open to owners and operators of fairs and congress infrastructure in Germany, as well as intermediary companies that lease trade fairs and congress infrastructure from the owner to 3rd parties, and to those third parties leasing it. Companies will be eligible if they have incurred a loss of profit between 1 March and 31 December 2020.
GLOBAL TOURISM FACES CHALLENGING RECOVERY IN 2021 2020 saw over 140 million jobs lost and a 4.2% drop in the global economy. The World Travel and Tourism Council has confirmed that 2021, global tourism will face huge challenges in trying to recover this engine of the global economy. Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and CEO of the WTTC, affirmed that 'it is essential to recover the millions of lives affected in our sector, that there is international coordination, that countries share experiences, that they agree and that they provide certainty and a clear path to recovery. It is crucial that we do not make the same mistakes in 2020 so that freedom and mobility can be restored safely, responsibly and with certainty.' ‘We welcome a new year, in which we expect a recovery and, finally, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is important to redouble efforts so that the desired normality returns as quickly as possible. Sadly, the recovery process will not be smooth. Some countries and destinations have already started effectively with the coordinated reactivation of their national and regional tourism, but we see with concern other countries that, although they reacted effectively to the handling of the pandemic, did not plan well to open it up and it is having a negative impact.’ In 2021, the request for rapid tests can be expected before making an international trip, when it is from a nation with a high level of contagion to a country with a low index. Only passengers with negative tests will be allowed to board the flights. Vaccinatio n should not be a condition of travel and we must all continue to respect the protocols. By travelling, we can help recover millions of jobs which in turn benefit families who have been affected. Travel and tourism contribute to the generation of 1 in 10 jobs in the world.
CELESTYAL CRUISES, DELAYED START TO SEASON th
Celestyal Cruises 2021 season will commence on 24 April with the 7-Night Idyllic Aegean itinerary. The first 4-Night th th Iconic Aegean will sail on 26 April whereas the3-Night Iconic Aegean sailings will now commence on 30 April.
Bookings due to travel th before 24 April, 2021 Guests currently booked on the cancelled March and earlier April voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the amount paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 20% of the actual cruise fare paid. As an added element of flexibility and recognising the prolonged effects of the pandemic, Celestyal will allow guests currently holding FCCs as well as guests about to receive FCCs, as a result of the new recommencement date, the opportunity to apply the FCC towards Celestyal’s soon-to-be-announced 2023 itineraries in addition to 2021 and 2022 itineraries.
EGYPT MAJOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES AT SAQQARA SITE With constant excavations across the country, Egypt has recently discovered a new treasure trove at the Saqqara necropolis site, south of Cairo. The discovery included more than 50 sarcophagi. The wooden sarcophagi, which date back to the New Kingdom, were found in 52 burial shafts at depths of 10-12m. The funerary temple of Queen Naert, the wife of King Teti, as well as 3 warehouses made of bricks were found on the site. Saqqara, is home to over a dozen pyramids, ancient monasteries, and animal burial sites. It is a vast necropolis of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Last November, they discovered over 100 intact sarcophagi, the largest find of 2020. The sealed wooden coffins and statues of ancient deities date back to over 2,500 years and belonged to top officials of the Late Period and the Ptolemaic period of ancient Egypt.
NEW ZEALAND CLOSES ITS BORDERS DURING 2021 New Zealand's borders will remain closed for much of the year to reassure it does not receive any new covid-19 infections and to assess the global impact of vaccine distribution among populations. Since March 2020, New Zealand’s borders have been closed to foreigners and mass tourists with only New Zealand citizens and foreigners who live and work there able to enter the country. It will only allow entry of foreigners arriving via ‘travel bubbles’ with Australia and other Pacific nations.
PERU’S CAPITAL LIMA CELEBRATES 486th ANNIVERSARY AND ANNOUNCES LONGTERM STRATEGY TO REVITALISE TOURISM As Lima’s celebrates its 486th year since being founded, it is planning to restore the country’s future by joining the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement). Together they will create a strategy that will prosper a resilient and equitable system that acts as an engine to drive the recovery of the sector and prepare for long-term qualitative growth benefiting all interest groups. rd
Basilica Cathedral, Plaza de Armas Arequipa, Peru
This is a first for the country and for the 3 largest city on the South American continent. There will be multi-stakeholder participation in order to achieve the reorientation of the business and tourism sector and see it contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meetings sector plays a fundamental role in ensuring that future events have a positive net effect on society and the environment in which they take place. As part of the Global Covenant of Mayors, a global alliance for city’s climate leadership, the city of Lima has a vision of a green, prosperous, and fair city for everyone. PROMPERU, on behalf of the destination Lima, will bring together stakeholders to identify a sustainability strategy, compare and evaluate the performance of meetings and business events in Lima through the GDS-Index. Together with the Municipality of Lima, through the Department of Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, they will collaboratively lead the development and increase awareness and action on the SDGs in the sector.
AUSTRALIA WILL NOT FULLY REOPEN BORDER IN 2021 Australia has confirmed it is unlikely to fully open its borders this year even if most of its population is vaccinated. This is bad news for airlines that were hopeful they could resume flights from July. At present only citizens, permanent residents and those with exemptions are allowed to enter Australia as long as they complete 14-day hotel quarantine at their own expense. Australia's national carrier Qantas has reopened bookings as it expected international travel to ‘begin from July 2021.’ The national vaccination scheme is due to begin in late February.
GREECE 3-STEP PLAN TO REVIVE TOURISM The 3 key elements to reviving the Greek tourism sector as well as all EU nations are: vaccination against Covid-19, rapid tests and data exchange. Greece also believes it is vital that all European Union governments meet with travel and tourism stakeholders and coordinate actions to simplify travel and ensure everyone's safety. People who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 should be able to move freely. However, it is absolutely clear that vaccination should not be mandatory or a prerequisite for travel. Therefore a certificate of vaccination throughout the European Union would allow a secured travel and the reactivating of the economy. Rapid antigen testing is also essential elements to address potential risks after borders were reopened.
The Charioteer, Delphi Museum, Greece
OVER 1.2 MILLION COLOMBIANS TRAVELLED ABROAD in 2020
El Peñón de Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia
During 2020, 1,274,830 Colombians travelled abroad, representing 28.5% of the 4,478,963 whole travelled in 2019. Top destinations were the USA, Mexico, Spain, Panama, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Canada. Colombia welcomed 1,000,491 foreign visitors in 2020, just 25.1% of the 3,978,445 who arrived in 2019. The recovery of tourism has become a top priority for both public and private sectors. The strategies devel oped, as well as the favorable price of the dollar and the euro combined with the desire for Colombians to continue travelling, offer a good outlook for the future.
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