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Guam embraces vaccine tourism
In a bid to revive its tourism industry, Guam Visitors Bureau offers Air V&V — a program for travellers interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while vacationing in Guam. The Air V&V program offers visitors the administration of the vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen), COVID-19 tests as need, and digital vaccination records. Participants can also enjoy concierge medical service in the comfort of their hotel while enjoying the beautiful island of Guam. Travellers ages 12 years and above can take advantage of the program. Starting 4 July 2021, all incoming visitors, except for fully-vaccinated travellers and passengers who present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Guam, must undergo quarantine. Reports claimed that hundreds of Taiwanese are flying to Guam to take part of the program. As Taiwan is struggling to procure COVID-19 vaccines, some people cannot wait and book trips to the US just to get jabs. According to Focus Taiwan, as of Wednesday, Taiwanese travel agency Lion Travel had sold about 600 five-day package tours to Guam, and two of the biweekly flights to that destination were fully booked. Travel packages do not cover the cost of the three COVID-19 tests and two vaccine shots, which total USD880 per person under Guam's Air V&V program. Travellers who wish to be vaccinated must register at airvandv.guamcovid.com. Eligible travellers can obtain a COVID-19 vaccine shot the day after their arrival and freely tour the country after that. Thanks to vaccine tourism, travel companies are anticipating the rise of travellers flying abroad for vaccines and book quarantine hotels upon their return.
Guam tourism thrives despite NK bomb threat
Tourists are not being deterred from visiting the Pacific island of Guam, despite North Korean threats to drop bombs close to the US territory. The island, which forms part of the Micronesian archipelago, attracted approximately 1.5 million international visitors last year, the vast majority of which came from Japan and South Korea. And the Associated Press (AP) reported one large South Korean travel agency as saying that the recent war of words between Pyongyang and Washington DC hasn’t led to a series of cancellations. "It seems North Korea racks up tension once or twice every year, and travellers have become insensitive about it," Won Hyung-jin, an official from Modetour was quoted saying. His company sends about 5,000 travellers to Guam every month, mostly on package tours. North Korea has threatened to land bombs bear Guam Guam, which has a population of 160,000, is only about three hours by plane from Tokyo and Seoul. The number of South Korean travellers in particular has grown recently, mainly because of the launch of a series of new flights by the country's low-cost airlines. These include Jin Air, Jeju Air, T'way Airlines and Air Busan. Japanese demand is expected to be boosted later this year when HK Express, another LCC, launches direct flights to Guam from Nagoya. Korean Air and JAL also fly to the island, while US carriers Delta and United Airlines both operate services between Guam and Japan. Antonio Muna, vice president of Guam Visitors Bureau, told the AP that this airlift helped boost inbound arrival figures to a 20-year-high in July 2017. He added that he expects another strong month in August, with North Korean threats unlikely to impact arrivals from its two main source markets. "Japan and [South] Korea make over 90% of our arrivals, and they’re much closer to North Korea than Guam is," Muna was quote saying. President Trump called Guam’s Republican governor last week to reassure him of US support for the island territory. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had threatened to land missiles "near" Guam, but the president warned of a strong response to any attack. "Let’s see what he does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before, what will happen in North Korea," President Trump said.
Three New Executive Board Members join PATA
Picture: L/R: Dr Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA); Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board; and Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) ratified the election of new Executive Board members: Dr Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). Additionally, Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), has been appointed as an Executive Board member. "Dr. Chuwit, Sharzede and Raki have been incredible supporters of PATA over the years, offering their time, expertise, and passion in ways that have truly made a difference,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid following the ratification. “Their contributions, both as former Board members and active supporters of our events and initiatives, have helped advance our mission to grow tourism in a more responsible and inclusive way. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both of them, and I look forward to building on our collaboration in the years ahead." Elected by PATA Board members to serve a two-year term of service, Dr Mitrchob and Salleh Askor will work with other members of the Executive Board towards the Association's objectives in promoting responsible tourism development in the Asia Pacific region. Dr Mitrchob and Salleh Askor are replacing outgoing Executive Board members Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, and Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Convention Bureau (representing Sabah Tourism Board). Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob is the Deputy Director-General of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) under the Kingdom of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. He has played a key role in fostering collaboration between DASTA and international tourism bodies, including pioneering efforts to bring the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) into Thailand’s sustainable tourism framework. He was also instrumental in supporting the establishment of the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN). His work spans low-carbon tourism, creative tourism, gastronomy tourism, and community-based tourism. His expertise extends to guiding cities toward inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), notably Sukhothai (Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art) and Petchaburi (Creative City of Gastronomy). Sharzede Datu Hj. Salleh Askor holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at STB and concurrently serves as a member of its Board of Directors. Prior to joining STB, she held leadership roles across various industries, including a Malaysian conglomerate, an advertising consultancy, and an international exhibition and convention centre. With over 30 years of experience in integrated marketing communications, branding, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and executive management, Sharzede is a strong advocate for inclusive tourism. She believes that every stakeholder plays a crucial role in enhancing Sarawak’s global visibility. Her vision focuses on making responsible and niche tourism the cornerstone of Sarawak’s tourism industry—strengthening local economies while embedding sustainable environmental practices into the region’s tourism ecosystem. Raki Phillips leads the strategic development of Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class tourism destination and was named 2023 Businessperson of the Year by Arabian Business magazine. In his role, he is not only focused on strengthening the competitive performance of the tourism sector but also committed to driving the Emirate’s economic and social prosperity, while enhancing quality of life for all residents. Dr Mitrchob, Salleh Askor, and Phillips will join the other Executive Board members including Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Suman Pandey, President, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure; Luzi Matzig, Chairman, Asian Trails Ltd.; Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts; Henry Oh, Chairman, Global Tour Ltd.; Mayur Patel, Head of Asia, OAG; SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited; and Alexander Rayner, CEO, SmartData.travel Limited trading (Tourism Cyber Centre).
Northern Philippine province of Ilocos hopes to hit 5M arrivals target by 2028
The office of the Philippine Department of Tourism in the Ilocos Region (DOT-1) announced an ambitious goal to hit over five million tourist arrivals by 2028. Officials say that this will be made possible through various programmes and infrastructure projects. Addressing a forum organised by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in San Fernando, La Union earlier today, 4th March, DOT-1 officer-in-charge Evangeline Dadat said they aim to register PHP6 billion in tourism receipts and generate at least 30,000 direct jobs within this period. Dadat said: “DOT Ilocos remains steadfast in its mission to generate quality employment opportunities by diversifying our tourism offering and promoting both established and emerging destinations.” Where the numbers currently stand DOT-1 recorded about 1.8 million tourist arrivals, earning PHP3 billion in tourist receipts, in 2024. However, Dadat noted that these figures came from only 53 percent of the local government units (LGUs) in the region. The OIC then pointed out the need to provide LGU personnel and tourism professionals relevant training to increase compliance on data submission. Delving into gastronomic and wellness tourism In line with the Philippine Experience of the DOT, the regional office launched May-Kan, a gastronomy tour to promote food tourism, in 2023. According to the DOT, May-Kan was taken from the Iloko and Pangasinan words “umay” or to come from one place to another, and “makan”, which means food. Ilocos Region will also join the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto Asia and the Pacific in November this year to promote gastronomy tourism in the region, she added. Under health and wellness tourism, Dadat said they are mapping potential sites in the region to develop tour packages, citing Balungao, Pangasinan and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur as among the areas being considered. She said: “Tourists visited the country for medical tourism availing dental holidays, beauty travel, fertility intervention, and wellness vacation.” In 2024, the booming industry attracted over 200,000 tourists from Guam, Papua New Guinea, United States, United Kingdom, Pacific Islands, Australia, and Hong Kong.
United creates magic with 13 Fantasy Flight routes to the North Pole
The holidays are always a Claus for celebration and ahead of what's expected to be the busiest travel period, United Airlines announced today the launch of its newest seasonal hub – the "North Pole" (JOY). United will transport deserving children and their families to the North Pole with direct "Fantasy Flights" from 13 cities around the globe and take the holiday spirit to new heights. "The team made a list, I checked it twice and the answer was clear – with so many deserving children on the nice list this year, it only made sense to launch a seasonal hub in the North Pole," said United's Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Kate Gebo. "We've stocked up on de-icing fluid to fly from even more cities. United is honored to uplift children and their families through the joy of the holiday season. Making the North Pole closer than ever is one of the many ways we can show support for the communities where we live, work and fly." United's Fantasy Flights are local, customized experiences for pre-selected children and their families to board a United aircraft headed for Santa's hometown to make joy-filled memories. After a short trip, either in the air or on the ground, children arrive at the North Pole – a winter wonderland elf-iciently created by United airport employees and local volunteers who transform an average airport gate or maintenance hangar into a sea of twinkling lights, sparkling Christmas trees and Santa himself – along with his elves. This year, United will transport a large number of children and their families on Fantasy Flight departures from 13 airports around the globe, including: Cleveland, Chicago-O'Hare, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Guam, Honolulu, Houston Bush, London, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington-Dulles. United Express operated airports across the system will also host Fantasy Flights. Honolulu (HNL) December 5 Washington-Dulles (IAD) December 7 Houston Bush (IAH) December 7 Los Angeles (LAX) December 7 London (LHR) December 7 Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) December 7 San Francisco (SFO) December 7 Tokyo (NRT) December 8 Cleveland (CLE) December 10 Fort Lauderdale (FLL) December 10 Guam (GUM) December 13 Denver (DEN) December 14 Newark (EWR) December 14 Santa and his elves, led by United team members, volunteer every year to build and staff Fantasy Flights across United's global network, partnering with local nonprofits and hospitals in each city to create these special memories for kids and their families. Make-A-Wish is partnering with United this year to send wish kids on select Fantasy Flights in Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, and Guam. For those looking for ways to support children in need this season, this Giving Tuesday, United® is partnering with Make-A-Wish® to bring joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses. Donate miles or money through December 31, 2024, and United will match up to 5 million miles total and match monetary donations of up to $500,000 total through travel certificates, doubling the impact and helping grant even more life-changing wishes. In addition, illy coffee is offering a donation to Make-A-Wish on sales of cold brew throughout the month of December. Illy will donate $1 for each cold brew sold on United flights, up to $25,000, in support of the organization. "The generosity of United and its MileagePlus members through the Miles on a Mission program is life-changing for wish kids and their families," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "These donated miles enable transformative wish experiences that bring hope, joy, and the strength to persevere during the most challenging times. We are deeply grateful for United's ongoing partnership and dedication to making a lasting impact in the lives of children with critical illnesses." The Fantasy Flights program is the story of how Good Leads The Way® for children in need. The latest installment in United's award-winning Good Leads The Way brand campaign tells stories in a uniquely United way about how the world's biggest airline creates all kinds of good, for all kinds of people, every single day. This chapter emphasizes that United's network is designed around our passengers to give them the greatest flexibility and options for travel worldwide.
17th ITB Asia 2024 opens with 85+ tourism organisations and convention bureaus in Singapore
ITB Asia 2024 begins in Singapore, alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia bringing together travel trade for business, networking and conferences from 23 -25 October 2024. Addressing the attendees at the opening of the ITB Asia 2024, Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO, Messe Berlin stated: “A very warm welcome to our 17th edition of ITB Asia, where, here in Singapore in Marina Bay Sands alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. Thank you all for joining us for powerful meetings of good discussions. ITB Asia 2024 is a key platform that brings together thought leaders from different areas to discuss travel and tourism, opportunities for proliferation and industry growth.” Dr. Mario Tobias “This years’ show promises to be the biggest and most diverse till now. The show is spread across 17,000 square metres filled with exhibitors from all over the world and guests, showcasing everything from destinations, airlines, hotels to cruises and MICE. Cutting edge and groundbreaking technologies for the years to come would be showcased there. Over 85 Tourism organisations and convention bureaus have joined us. There is an increase of more than 75 per cent from exhibitors joining from the African region compared to the last year’s show. The European region also has an increase of over 25 per cent. We see new participants from the Asian countries, America and from ME. Among the exhibitors we have the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism from the Sultanate of Oman, Visit Norway, Tourism Armenia, Visit Jordon, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and many more.” He concluded: “ITB Asia 2024 is all about innovating for tomorrow, strengthening future resilience in travel and tourism, we will be diving into critical discussions and into leisure and corporate travel, MICE and rapidly evolving technologies. With over 160 speakers, 100 sessions and nearly 70 hours of fully packed programs. There remains a wealth of information to be imbibed.” Alvin Tan The Guest of Honour at ITB Asia 2024, Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and the Ministry of Trade & Industry, Government of Singapore, he thanked all for coming and stated that the city is open for many events. He said: “Singapore is a place to experiment. If you have new ideas, you have new suggestions and you need to try them out, then Singapore is the destination. We recently held the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 night race, that is extremely popular. We also we were also asked to hold the first international Olympic E ports week in Singapore. If you have a good novel idea, and you want to execute in Singapore, we are open for business. Thank you very much for your time and your confidence in Singapore, and have a great idea to be ITB Asia 2024.” This was followed by the keynote address from Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director Asia-Pacific and Sr Advisor to CEO World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment Limited and Chief Executive Officer, The Ascott Limited. The premier event is covering key verticals in the travel industry – MICE, Leisure, Corporate Travel, and Travel Technology. Under this year’s theme “Innovating for Tomorrow: Strengthening Future Resilience in Travel and Tourism", the agenda of the three-day conference comprises knowledge and insights across three focused tracks on how to adapt to changing consumer expectations, improve operational efficiency and create more sustainable and immersive experiences Participating Tourism Organisation and Convention Bureaus, representing the full spectrum of the global travel industry, include Bangladesh Tourism Board, Business Events Perth, Czech Tourism, Guam Visitors Bureau, Ho Chi Minh Tourism Promotion Centre, Hokkaido Tourism Organisation, Johor Tourism Board, Malta Tourism Authority, Marianas Visitors Authority, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of Tourism Government of India, Penang Tourism Board, Philippines Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Board, Sapporo Convention Bureau, Sarawak Tourism Board, Seoul Tourism Organisation, Singapore Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Armenia, Visit Almaty, Visit Anchorage, VisitBerlin, Visit Finland, Visit Iceland, Visit Jordan, Visit Rovaniemi, Visit Sarajevo, Zagreb Tourist Board.
Carnival Cruise Line makes its first visit to the Philippines
Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) celebrated its first-ever visit to the Philippines after Carnival Panorama arrived at the Manila South Harbour’s Eva Macapagal Super Terminal on Friday. Carnival Panorama’s shipboard leaders, captain Luca Lazzarino, chief engineer Stefano Gazzolo, and hotel director Hector Groves, led the commemoration activity along with local dignitaries and representatives of Cruise Administration Services, Inc (CCL’s Manila back office) and Open Sea Crewing Agency, Inc (CCL’s authorised manning agency in the Philippines). Carnival Panorama’s Manila visit was part of her 25-day Transpacific Carnival Journeys cruise from Singapore to Long Beach, California. Carnival Journeys are a limited series of special, longer sailings that provide guests with unique travel experiences. Measuring 1,055 feet in length and with a capacity of 4,000 guests and 1,450 crew members, Carnival Panorama debuted in 2019 and is based in Long Beach, California. Carnival Panorama departed Manila at 6pm to resume her 25-day Carnival Journey. She will visit Guam and Hawaii before returning to her Long Beach homeport. A voyage through Asia In August, Carnival Panorama embarked on an 18-day Carnival Journey from Long Beach to Yokohama, Japan, which included stops in Alaska. After the 18-day Transpacific voyage, Carnival Panorama entered drydock in Singapore for refurbishments. On 12th October, Carnival Panorama left Singapore to begin her voyage back to Long Beach and visited Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia before arriving in Manila. A happy homecoming for the crew Carnival Panorama’s Philippines visit gave guests a quick glimpse of the historic city of Manila and allowed the vessel’s crew members to go ashore and spend some time with their families. Carnival Panorama also welcomed the families of Filipino crew members, giving them a glimpse of life on board. Lazzarino said of the historic visit: “We know this visit is a special moment for our Filipino team members, so we wanted their families to see their workplace. This is our first time docking in the Philippines and we prepared lunch on board as a thank you for the warm welcome.” CCL crew and travel operations team director Igmedio Cariaga added: “Filipino seafarers are among the top three nationalities sailing with the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Carnival Panorama’s visit is a momentous occasion for CCL’s Filipino shipboard talent and a unique opportunity for them to be with their loved ones. This is why we prepared this homecoming event for them.”
Courtyard by Marriott opens new location in Sapporo
Courtyard by Marriott recently opened its eighth hotel in Japan: Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo in Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost island. This recently opened hotel is also the brand’s first in the area and, as such, captures its rich culture and unique history in its overall design. Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo is right across Nakajima Park, home to a lake with carp and waterfowl, and offers stunning seasonal scenery. The hotel also provides easy access to Susukino's dining and entertainment, Nijo Market and Odori Park Marriott International’s area vice-president for Japan and Guam Karl Hudson expressed his excitement over the opening of the latest Courtyard by Marriott. Hudson said of the new establishment: “[Our] hotels combine innovative technology with style and comfort, with open and inviting public spaces. We are looking forward to welcoming Next-Gen guests at Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo, whether they are traveling on business, leisure, or both." The hotel’s general manager Masaru Yamaguchi said of its amenities: "Connecting travelers through comfortable and innovative spaces, intuitive service and a commitment to personal fulfilment is at the foundation of what we offer at Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo and our commitment to exceptional Japanese hospitality promises to create unforgettable experiences for our guests." Designed with comfort in mind The hotel’s aesthetic reflects a theme of harmony between nature and urban living, with 321 guest rooms and suites all tastefully designed to best support the needs of every guest with natural textures and accents, providing a comfortable stay. All rooms are furnished with Serta beds for exceptional comfort, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guest rooms located on upper floors also enjoy views of the ever-changing scenery of the area. To keep guests moving forward and help them pursue their passions while on the road, the hotel offers a fully-equipped 24-hour Fitness Center with the latest Technogym machines for a complete workout. The exclusive Japanese Spa also features a modern Japanese-style bath that welcomes guests to indulge in blissful relaxation for the body and mind at the end of a busy day of work, sightseeing or skiing.
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