Peru’s Inca Trail permits go on sale for the first time since March 2020, with limited capacity

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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Peru:

After nearly 16 months, Inca Trail permits go on sale for the first time today through licensed operators at 50 percent reduced capacity for the remainder of the year starting July 15 2021, according to Intrepid Travel.

Today marks the first opportunity for hikers to resume booking guided tours to explore the infamous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu since the Peruvian government closed its borders last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers can only reserve a permit through authorized travel companies and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The number of hikers allowed on the trail has been cut in half from 500 to 250 until at least the end of 2021 and includes tourists, porters and guides, which means travellers will be limited to 100-120 per day.

In addition to the reduced capacity to accommodate for social distancing, other pandemic-related modifications include smaller walking groups, temperature screenings, enhanced cleaning protocols for tents and equipment, social distancing between tents and trekkers and mask-wearing policies.

Rules for the 2022 season for the trail have not yet been released.

Although Peru is a year-round destination, April to October is considered to be the best time to visit given that it’s the country’s dry season, with June and July being the most popular among hikers. The trail is closed yearly in February for maintenance.

While there is no minimum age for hiking Inca, most travel companies recommend children be at least 10-years-old and able to handle a “moderate trek” surpassing 10,000 feet. Highlights include WinayhuaynaInti Punku, also known as Sun Gate, Llactapata Dead Woman’s Pass and of course Machu Picchu, one of the world’s top tourist destinations. For those looking to skip straight to Machu Picchu, you can book directly through the Peruvian government, with the similar caveat of booking ahead and being flexible due to capacity limitations and social distancing measures.

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The Best Boutique Hotels in Bariloche, Argentina

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Argentina:

From art hotels with original Argentinian pieces to chalet-style ski resorts, these are the best boutique hotels in Bariloche – all bookable on Culture Trip.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into Central Europe upon arrival in Bariloche, Argentina. With a thriving chocolate industry, ski resorts and chalet-like boutique hotels, there is a distinctly Alpine feel to this Patagonian outpost. Yet, on further inspection, it becomes clear that Bariloche has a distinct character. From pine-fringed Nahuel Huapi lake to the hotel restaurants specializing in sizzling steaks and Malbec wine, this Argentinian city is a delightful blend of cultures. These are the best boutique hotels in town.

El Casco Art Hotel
While the original Argentinian art is certainly worth a look, it’s the views over Nahuel Huapi lake that are the real draw. Ingenious design frames those views from every angle: through the glass wall bordering the indoor pool, over steak and scallops at the Patagonia-inspired restaurant and from the bubbling outdoor hot tub at the spa. Art-filled rooms sport dark-wood furnishings and, in some cases, balconies overlooking the lake.

Aldebaran Hotel & Spa
Aldebaran, with an intimate, cabin-like atmosphere, looks back at Bariloche over an inlet of Nahuel Huapi lake. A fire roars in the stone-walled lobby, wicker abounds in the dimly lit rooms and a sauna and pool invite you to unwind. Book your spot at Sirius restaurant, which has just 20 seats, serving smoked meats and asado, as well as a selection of more than 150 wines. Heading out to explore the area? The staff here specialize in organizing ski trips to nearby Cerro Cathedral.

Galileo Boutique Hotel
From the outside, this boutique hotel, located at the base of Patagonia’s premier ski destination (with 53 slopes), resembles a clapboard chalet resort. Inside, however, rooms have a modern feel and range from king-size studios with a jacuzzi to a four-bedroom villa that sleeps up to 10. Unusually, there’s an astronomical observatory on site, with a Celestron telescope and weekly visits from an amateur guide during the winter season. During the summer, staff can organize biking and paddle boarding trips.

Monasterio
On the pine-forested slopes of Cerro Otto, in suburban Bariloche, accommodation at Monasterio is on the larger side – from the junior suite with hydromassage tub to the wood-panelled two-bed cabin, with fireplace and kitchen-dining room. Tired after skiing? A Scandinavian-style spa offers hot-stone massages and facial treatments along with the use of a sauna and pool. There’s also an on-site gym, if you have the energy.

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The One & Only Portonovi offers luxury on Montenegro’s Adriatic

Written by Traveltalksteam on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Montenegro

Lord Byron once called this coast “the most beautiful encounter between land and sea”. Now Montenegro has made it on to the luxury-travel map. This Balkan country, part of the former Yugoslavia, with a population of only 628,000, has been under the radar for far too long. But all eyes are on its Adriatic shoreline, where, in Portonovi, the One & Only group has opened its first European hotel.

It joins the country’s rapidly expanding roster of high-end venues, which began with Aman Sveti Stefan in 2011. Since then, the Regent Porto Montenegro and the Chedi Lustica Bay have followed, with a Ritz-Carlton promised for 2024. But Portonovi is where the buzz is this year — and even though Montenegro is on the UK’s amber

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Elephants to be moved from UK zoo to Kenyan wild in ‘world first’

Written by Traveltalksteam on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Kenya

An entire herd of elephants from a British zoo will be released into the wild in Kenya in what conservationists have hailed as a world first.

The 13 elephants live at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent, southern England, and will be flown more than 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles) to Kenya, according to a press release from animal conservation charity the Aspinall Foundation.

Twelve of the elephants were born and raised in Kent and one was born in Israel. None of the animals have ever lived in the wild.

The group weighs 25 tons in total and includes three calves. It will be the first time that a herd of elephants has been “rewilded” in the world, organizers say.

Rewilding aims to restore ecosystems to a natural state, and often involves the reintroduction of native animals.

The charity said that it hopes the project will discourage the global trade in elephants and encourage the return of animals to the wild where possible, adding that no elephants belong in captivity.

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India Travel Update

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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India:

Indian aviation industry will bounce back to 80% of pre-Covid capacity during October-December 2021 period as about 9.2 crore domestic passengers are expected to take to the skies during financial year (FY22) and 14.4 crore during FY23. This was revealed by Morgan Stanley Research in its recent report on the aviation sector. “Overall, we estimate 9.2 crore domestic passengers in India in FY22 against 14.1 crore in FY20,” the report said, assuming that there is no further impact from the pandemic.

Air traffic picked after lockdown was lifted in May 2020 and rose every month till March 2021 before the second wave of Covid-19 hit the country. During May, the government set a cap stating that India will be able to sell seats up to 50% of their total capacity on domestic flights citing high number of Covid-19 infections and as travel demand fell during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Air passenger traffic in India rose for the sixth straight week during the week ending on July 10 as a fall in Covid-19 cases and easing of curbs by most states led more people to take to the skies.

“As vaccination rollouts continue across the world, key markets are seeing a sharp rebound in domestic air travel,” Morgan Stanley said. “With the second wave appearing to ebb, airline passenger traffic is again seeing a modest recovery.”

Over the past week, daily airline passenger traffic reached an average of about 140,000, implying about 36% of pre-Covid traffic (about 175,000 passengers on July 4, 2021, implying about 44% of pre-Covid levels),” the report said. “We believe that there is a significant pent-up leisure travel demand in the system and swift vaccination drive can aid the return of such demand,” it added.

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PLAY Airlines unveils exciting schedule through 2026

Airlines in India will bounce back to 80% pre-Covid capacity this year

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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Cyprus showcases ancient undersea harbor to draw tourists

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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Cyprus:

It’s said that Demetrius the Besieger, a mighty warrior king and one of Alexander the Great’s successors, built this harbor on Cyprus’ southern coast 2,400 years ago to thwart a potential naval invasion from the ruler of Egypt, Ptolemy I, another of Alexander’s heirs.

French archaeologists who initially studied the ancient harbor of Amathus believe it to be an incomplete military fortification work, the three piers of which would have accommodated the best of the ancient world’s naval ships, ready to repel an attacking force.

Lying just a few feet underwater a mere 200 feet off the coastline near the resort town of Limassol, the harbor will soon be Cyprus’ newest tourist attraction where adventurous holidaymakers can snorkel over its submerged stone remains.

It’s a novel direction for Cyprus’ tourism authorities, who are looking beyond the east Mediterranean island nation’s long-held “sun and surf” product to reach out to specialized tourism markets.

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Four Eid al-Adha travel destinations to cure your wanderlust

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Most destinations around the world require either a negative PCR test, a negative antigen test, a vaccination certificate, proof of previous infection, or some combination of these elements, before you can enter.

If you’re itching to travel during Eid, be prepared by checking in online and arriving at least three hours before the flight. Those travelling from Qatar should have their Ehteraz app ready for checking at all times, and masks are essential. Bring along printed copies of all documentation needed.

Now that you’ve been equipped with the tips on how to travel smoothly this season, here are the top destinations to travel to during this Eid al-Adha holiday.

Turkey
With Covid-19 cases slowly decreasing in the country, fully-vaccinated travellers from Qatar are not required to present a negative PCR test nor quarantine, and only need to present a vaccination certificate.

Considering the massive importance of Eid Ul-Adha in the Islamic faith, Turkey is a perfect destination to explore some incredible religious architecture and landscapes. With an array of other things to do in this historical land, it’s worth checking out the Agia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Place in Istanbul.

Eid is almost always synonymous with gift giving, so Istanbul’s markets and bazaars are the perfect place to pick up some interesting and unique presents such as jewellery, handicrafts, spices and various other souvenirs and knickknacks.

Jordan
This jewel in the Levant offers landscapes beyond belief. Book a tour of Wadi Rum, the famous Mars-like valley that has been the scene of many award winning Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated upcoming film Dune.

Travellers can also expect to be mesmerised at the awe-inspiring Red Rose City of Petra, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

You can also enjoy your Eid floating in the waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, while also simultaneously enjoying the healing benefits of the Dead Sea mud at this top natural spa destination.

Those who have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will not need to undergo a PCR swab test upon arrival to Queen Alia International Airport.

However, those who have not taken the full jab are required to present a negative PCR test obtain at most 72 hours before arrival to Jordan.

Unvaccinated citizens and residents coming from Jordan – including pregnant women, lactating mothers, people aged 75 and above – must quarantine at a hotel for seven days.

Georgia
Explore the historic Georgia in a memorable trip to the nation straddling both Europe and Asia. Whether you opt for riding the aerial tramway of Tbilisi, or visiting the Batumi Botanical Gardens, Georgia is the perfect mix between nature and a buzzing city.

Fully vaccinated citizens and residents of Qatar can get a taste of the affordable and dazzling nation without the need to quarantine or show a negative PCR test.

For travellers coming from Qatar, those who hold a valid Qatari ID can get a Georgian visa on arrival, making it more convenient for individuals to visit the country’s iconic monuments. Bars, restaurants, and tourist places are also open, with some health precautionary measures in place.

However, unvaccinated citizens and residents coming from Georgia must quarantine at a hotel for an extended period of 10 days.

Azerbaijan
This nation will offer you a glimpse into a different side of Europe, so if you’re tired of the traditional images of the continent, Baku may be the place to go.

With over 7,000 heritage sites, Azerbaijan is ideal for discovering new and exciting landscapes. With caves, national parks, and even an ancient Fire Temple, Azerbaijan will leave you surprised.

Azerbaijan is perfect for architectural enthusiasts, and its diverse scenery will having you seeing an ancient ruin and towering skyscraper in one day. Baku is a cultural and economic hub to be reckoned with, and its metropolitan influence will surely leave you fascinated.

The country is open to residents and nationals of Qatar, and passengers must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before their flight, as well as a Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

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Canadian airports welcome lifting of border restrictions

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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Canada:

Airport operators have applauded Transport Canada’s decision to lift US travel border restrictions from 9 August 2021.

The government today announced that from that date, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents of the US currently residing there will be permitted to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) travel.

Entry to Canada will continue to be prohibited for US travellers who are not fully vaccinated and for all other foreign nationals, unless they already meet an exemption set out in the Orders made under the Quarantine Act.

Airport retailers and other commercial operators will welcome the news as will Canadian land border duty free retailers.

The government also announced today that on 7 September – provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable – it will open the country’s borders for discretionary travel by travellers from any country who have been fully vaccinated with Government of Canada-accepted vaccines at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Such travellers must also meet specific entry requirements.

The government said that the changes are in line with the advent of increased vaccination rates in Canada, declining COVID-19 cases and reduced pressure on health care capacity.

To be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents must have received the full series of a vaccine – or combination of vaccines – accepted by the Canadian government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering the country.

Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide evidence supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation (along with the original).

Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) said: “YVR is pleased with the government’s announcement today that provides clear direction for fully vaccinated travellers to enter Canada from the US for leisure purposes, effective August 9, 2021.

“We are ready to welcome back our US passengers and this is a significant and positive step forward in the government’s safe, risk-based and measured approach to re-opening Canada’s borders.”

The government said that the changes are in line with the advent of increased vaccination rates in Canada, declining COVID-19 cases and reduced pressure on health care capacity.

“We are ready to welcome back our US passengers and this is a significant and positive step forward in the government’s safe, risk-based and measured approach to re-opening Canada’s borders.”

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Egypt: An Ideal Destination for Vacation

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Egypt:

Egypt is a destination that is really worth a visit, especially at this time of the year, between May and June, it is not yet too hot, and you can really appreciate the scenery and go back in time to the very beginning of our civilization.

The Sphinx
These imposing monuments built more than 5000 years ago are not far from Cairo. In front of the ancient tombs of the pharaohs the sphinx stands guard. Note that by the end of 2018 the Grand Egyptian Museum will open its doors at the foot of the pyramids of Giza.

The Red Sea
For lovers of scuba diving, the Red Sea is one of the best spots where to practice it. Its clear waters, its exceptional seabed teeming with fish corals are a real treat for the neophyte as well as for the experienced diver.

Nile cruise
It is one of the best ways to discover Egypt. Most Nile cruises leave from Luxor to Aswan, as this part of the country is where most of the landmarks are found. You can opt for a cruise of 4 to 8 days, or, for a more romantic side, opt for a trip in a felucca, these ancestral sailing boats.

The Valley of the Kings and Luxor
In archaeological terms, the site is the richest in the world: it is here that the pharaohs were buried, hoping to be able to meet the Gods in the afterlife. Among the monuments not to be missed are the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, the Ramesseum, the Colossi of Memnon, the temple of Amun and the incredible temple of Karnak located on the east bank of the Nile. The ideal is to have several days ahead either to take the time to visit and to start early in the morning to avoid heatstroke. You can also enjoy the breathtaking landscape by taking a hot air balloon ride. For photo enthusiasts, the setting is ideal.

The Oasis of Siouah
Not far from the Libyan border, the Siouah oasis is one of the most charming places in Egypt. Due to its isolation in the middle of the desert, it has remained very authentic in a landscape of lush orchards.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Finally, we could not end this list without saying a word about one of the largest museums entirely devoted to ancient Egypt. More than 160,000 objects are kept there, including Tutankhamun’s famous treasure which can be admired on the 1st floor.
A trip to Egypt is a unique experience that one cannot forget as one is touched not only by the cultural richness of the country but also by the beauty of the landscapes.

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Florida Keys Packed With Tourists, Seeing Record Summer Crowds

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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Miami:

Typically, tourism in the Florida Keys is slower during summer months, before the snowbirds arrive, allowing many Floridians to enjoy a close-to-home escape that’s easily accessible, budget-friendly and relaxing—but not this summer.

This year, it’s quite a different story for the string of tropical islands scattered off the Sunshine State’s southern tip. Non-local visitors are flocking to the Florida Keys for their post-pandemic domestic vacations, sending hotel rates soaring and creating long lines at landmarks, attractions and restaurants.

“Every tourist attraction has a long line,” Boca Raton resident Dara Krauss, who visited Key West and Islamorada last week, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “The resorts were full and hotel prices were high. There was almost nothing to be had.” Her family is one of those that usually vacations abroad during the summer but has opted to stay stateside this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. “We’re taking a lot of smaller trips within the U.S.,” she said.

One of the reasons for this anomaly is the fact that plenty of countries, Canada included, still won’t accept American tourists, as the world continues to contend with COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant. Nearby Mexico and much of the Caribbean are open to U.S. visitors, but venturing outside the country still seems like a dicey prospect for many American tourists.

For instance, one might wind up stuck in a foreign country if borders were to close without warning because of changing COVID-19 conditions. International travel might be otherwise complicated by mask-wearing, quarantine, and pre- or post-travel testing requirements set by the destination, and the need to test again to re-enter the U.S. Yet, everyone is desperate to travel right now.

Airlines have also recently increased air-travel connections to the Keys, likely inducing more travelers to consider a trip to the archipelago. Allegiant, American, Delta, Silver, JetBlue and United all began offering nonstop service to Key West International Airport in June, where record-high passenger counts had already been reported earlier this year.

The arrival of the masses and increase in demand has forced consumer costs up, with the destination’s average daily hotel rate rising from $288 per night back in 2019 to $385, according to the Keys’ Tourist Development Council. Tour operators with sold-out schedules and restauranteurs whose premises are packed are reporting the same influx of tourists.

As early as May, the islands experienced a record-setting hotel occupancy rate of 83.6 percent, while occupancy in Key West alone hit 91.3 percent with an average daily hotel rate of $412.38—numbers that the Council described as “astounding”.

Sheldon Suga, vice president and managing director of Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, offered a partial explanation for increased hotel pricing, saying that the cost of hotel operations has multiplied exponentially since COVID-19 shut down the majority of businesses that, then, could only reopen with new sanitation and health protection measures in place.

Suga said that employees are presently in short supply, and his current staff members are paid higher wages as an incentive to stay, new cleaning protocols are more complex and labor-intensive and his suppliers’ food prices have risen in the past few months—by as much as 60 percent for certain beef products.

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Las Vegas Seeking Tourism Boost of Another Major Sports Team

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Sports.

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Las Vegas:

Denied a major professional sports franchise for decades because of the potential for gambling interference, the city of Las Vegas is looking to add its third team in the last five years.

Tourism officials are ecstatic about the chatter – and it’s only chatter right now – that the Oakland Athletics could relocate to Sin City, just as their neighbor the Oakland Raiders football team did in 2020.

According to a terrific story in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Oakland Athletics president Dave Kaval visited Las Vegas in May and took in a playoff hockey game featuring the Golden Knights, the city’s first major pro sports franchise that joined the National Hockey League in 2017.

Prior to that, Las Vegas had been known more for hosting big professional fights and, later, Ultimate Fighting Championship events NASCAR races.

“We believe live sporting events are a draw for our visitors,” Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of communications and public affairs with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, told the LVRJ. “We’ve seen visitation increase to the destination with annual events such as the National Finals Rodeo, UFC events and NASCAR, but also see the opportunity to drive further visitation with our professional sports teams.”

Baseball is a different bird, however.

Las Vegas only hosts 41 home hockey games a year at the state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena. The Raiders play eight home games a year at Allegiant Stadium.

Baseball teams, however, play 81 home games in a schedule tht is heavily skewed toward division rivals. So while a potential Las Vegs Athletics franchise would see traditional opponents like the Houston Astros or Los Angeles Angels or Seattle Mariners two or three times a year for three- or four-game series, it would see big draws like the New York Yankees and Mets, the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs just once a year – and some of those not at all depending on how the schedule fell.

Then again, as the article suggested, there’s a lot to be said for attracting visitors who want to make attending a ballgame a part of their Vegas experience.

The Vegas Golden Knights have proved that theory with T-Mobile Arena every year hosting thousands of Canadians who want to see their Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens,

Jeremy Aguero, who monitors the Southern Nevada economy with Las Vegas-based Applied Analysis, said he has seen no studies indicating what percentage of fans at Golden Knights games are from out of town. However, he believes between 15 percent and 20 percent of T-Mobile’s 18,000 seats are filled by out-of-towners.

In addition, of the 55,000 personal seat licenses sold for Allegiant Stadium to see the Raiders, 22,000 went to people outside Las Vegas, including 7,000 from Oakland.

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Stay Cool This Summer at One of AMResorts’ Waterparks

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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The hottest time of the year is happening now, and what better way to spend it than at a relaxing resort where the kids can enjoy a waterpark just for them?

AMResorts offers plenty of family-friendly resorts to choose from, each with its own waterpark specially designed for the younger guests in mind. Many of the resorts offer the Explorer’s Club and The Core Zone Teens Club, which both provide fun and social activities for children from three to seventeen.

At the Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, parents can enjoy a traditional Temazcal ceremony, partake in a watersports activity the children can’t, like scuba diving, or just laze on the beach while the children enjoy the Explorer’s Club, complete with a splash pad, wading pool and smaller slides for the younger kids. The biggest fun is had at the resort’s water park, where kids and adults alike can enjoy three different waterslides.

Guests at the Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana can enjoy as much fun in the sun as possible, with water slides, toboggan rides, racers and a lazy river to relax in. There’s also a kids pool with recreation equipment and a splash pad for younger children. The Dreams Natura Resort & Spa also offers three distinct waterslides for the family to enjoy, as well as a lazy river and a splash pad with smaller slides for younger children.

The Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa and the Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort offers plenty of pools and waterslides that will delight any children, as well as the Explorer’s Club for children to go when the parents need some time to themselves and the Core Zone Teens Club for teenagers to visit and meet others their age.

At the Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, kids and families can enjoy all of these things, with two children’s pools, a waterpark and the two kids clubs. But the spotlight at this resort is on the Delphinus Dolphin Habitat, where children and families can learn about and interact with these smart creatures as they’re cared for by responsible and knowledgeable dolphin caretakers.

Guests at any of these resorts can enjoy unlimited childcare services for children over three years of age with the Unlimited-Luxury option, in which everything is included in the stay – the Explorer’s Club for children, 24-hour access to food and beverage options, 24-hour concierge services, free Wi-Fi and free access to plenty of activities, from Spanish lessons and yoga to kayaking and snorkeling in the ocean.

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Mexican President Confirms Tulum International Airport Location

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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Mexico:

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador confirmed the upcoming Tulum International Airport project would be located in the municipality of Tulum and not in Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

According to the Riviera Maya News, President Lopez Obrador clarified the location of the new airport after confusion stemming from comments he made during a morning press conference last week.

Over the weekend, Lopez Obrador cleared up the situation while speaking during a Maya Train presentation.

“The purpose of the train, for those who arrive in Cancun, is so they go down into everything that is in the Mayan region,” Lopez Obrador said. “As the Cancun airport is so full, the construction of a new airport in Tulum is about to begin. It will have a capacity to receive four million visitors.”

The new Mexican Caribbean airport will be located between the Ejido Jose Maria Pino Suarez and Muyil, approximately 15 miles southwest of Tulum and 43 miles northwest of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

In the same speech, Lopez Obrador said Tulum International Airport—which was originally announced in October 2020—and the Maya Train are expected to be operational sometime in 2023.

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Explore the Fascination of Frankfurt Airport

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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Germany:

New Fraport Visitor Center to open on August 2, Visitors’ Terrace and Airport Tours now operating again.

New multimedia Visitor Center that will open soon in Concourse C of Terminal 1. The popular airport tours will also resume in early August 2021.

“Smart windows” use virtual reality to supplement the apron panorama with real-time data on parked aircraft. Frankfurt Airport is gaining another attraction: a new multimedia Visitor Centre that will open soon in Concourse C of Terminal 1.

The new facility puts the fascinating world of Germany’s largest airport at visitors’ fingertips. It’s an opportunity for airport fans of all ages to explore the aviation business with all of their senses. How about slipping into the role of marshaller and guiding a jet into its parking position? You can do it here! Or hurtling through the winding tunnels of the airport’s automated baggage conveyor system? Just put on a virtual reality headset and start the exhilarating Motion Ride!

The exhibition’s centerpiece, The Globe, also lets you playfully experience worldwide aviation in action – and learn about the important role that Frankfurt Airport plays in it.

The path through the exhibition spanning 1,200 square meters is indicated by glowing overhead stripes that precisely match the paths used by giant aircraft to take off and land. Right at the start, a 55-square-meter model of the Airport City (at a scale of 1:750) invites guests to embark on a virtual voyage of discovery. This detailed replica of the entire airport and its 400-odd buildings can be interactively explored using an iPad.

Over 80 digital points of interest deliver a wealth of interesting information in the form of texts, videos and 3D animations. “Smart windows” use virtual reality to supplement the apron panorama with real-time data on parked aircraft. Engrossing stories about zeppelins and the Berlin Airlift can also be enjoyed during a trip back in time.

“The Globe”, a gigantic interactive LED wall comprising 28 monitor screens, visualizes all ongoing flights between FRA and other points worldwide in real time. It’s an impressive way to experience the enormous web of global connections and the complexity of international aviation.

The popular airport tours will also resume in early August. The Starter Tour lasts 45 minutes and includes live narration to provide a fascinating stream of figures, data and facts on the airport and its activities. The 120-minute XXL Tour provides a more extensive look behind the scenes.

Guests get to watch ground handling operations, take-offs and landings while passing close to aircraft, and also catch glimpses of the new fire station number 1 and the construction project to build the new Terminal 3 in the south of the airport.

The perfect way to round out an excursion to the airport is to enjoy the view from the popular Visitors’ Terrace. This platform at Terminal 2 provides a bird’s-eye perspective of planes from around the world landing and taking off and the bustling activity on the airport apron. To celebrate its reopening, admission is free of charge for a limited time – to cap the number of visitors at any given time, however, it is necessary to reserve a time slot.

Reservations are required for all of the facilities and can be made in the ticket shop at www.fra-tours.com. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to do so on site. During the summer school holidays in the German state of Hesse, guests of the Visitor Centre can park free of charge in FRA’s public parking facilities: simply take a ticket when driving in and get it validated at the entrance of the Visitor Centre. Also for day trippers, Frankfurt Airport is always a worthwhile destination – naturally while complying with the current rules to prevent infection.

Important to know: like the Visitors’ Terrace, the multimedia Fraport Visitor Centre can also be booked for holding events of all kinds.

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Rome Has a New Bridge: Unfinished Project of Michelangelo Now Finished

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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Italy:

Rome has a new bridge, or rather a portion of it, built in record time by hundreds of volunteers. This is the Ponte Farnese, a work that retraces the unfinished Michelangelo’s project in a key so eco-sustainable that it can float in the air.

1- The bridge, 18 meters long, is entirely made of cardboard and held in suspension by three large balloons.

2- This is the result of the genius of the French artist Olivier Grossetete on the initiative of the French Embassy together with the Institut Francais Italia.

3- The group Webuild also supported this project in collaboration with Villa Farnesina-Accademia dei Lincei.

The Ponte Farnese, named “Ponte tra le Epoche,” (Bridge between Epoch) was inaugurated on the evening of July 13, 2021, with the lifting of the work in the stretch of the Tiber near Ponte Sisto. It will remain suspended at a height of 18 meters until July 18, when it will be uninstalled and the cardboard used for the construction – all entirely recycled.

Construction was carried out in a sort of “flying” construction site with workshops open to people of all ages and with the guidelines of the French artist and in the presence of his team.

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Seoul sets sights on CES-style show

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

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South Korea:

Seoul sets sights on CES-style show

Korean capital’s convention bureau offers organisers strategy based on hybrid events and business coming back this year. Seoul wants expo organisers to emulate Vegas electronics show

SEOUL Convention Bureau has set its sights on creating a “global standard” with a recovery strategy based on hybrid-event formats and a goal or creating an event to match the famous Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The strategy involving safety measures ethnology and subsidies for organisers is linked to the bureau’s Reassuring Package and based on business resuming this year, according to Seoul Convention Bureau.

“Strategic long-term plans were introduced to transform the industry into a hybrid model, a global standard to-be in the post-Covid era,” a spokesman for the bureau said in a statement.

“Such efforts are made to better ensure the safety of both the ‘face-to-face’ and ‘screen-to-screen’ business interactions and provide the most quality environment for a supreme hybrid event.

“The cutting-edge meeting technology based on powerful ICT of the city remains a key player, along with the existing quarantine countermeasures for on-site events.”

Seoul’s strategy involves:

The Reassuring Package
Designed to build an effective safeguard for MICE participants when “business resumes within the year”, vital services to ensure a safe stay for delegates under the package include emergency medical insurance, translation services, concierge services for hotels and transport reservations.

Virtual Seoul platform
Financial support is available for hybrid event organisers. The Virtual Seoul platform not only offers 3D graphics offered at no extra charge, but up 10 million won (about US$8,880) for operating expenses.

Easier bidding process
Application requirements have been eased so event planners can receive the appropriate support when hosting an international conference. Customised support at the bidding phase include thorough consultation, official supporting letters, presentation tips and a maximum of 200 million won during the hosting phase.

Zero-contact events
Exhibitions and fairs will speed up the use of hybrid and zero-contact means under plans to develop an international exhibition comparable to the annual CES in Las Vegas.

A total of 34 exhibition organisers have been selected for each stage and provided with support of up to KRW 80 million. Consulting services in international marketing and IT technology are helping organisers respond to the increasing demand for hybrid events.

Korea Exhibition Organisers Association
An online platform is being developed in cooperation with the Korea Exhibition Organisers Association to relieve some of the burden that comes with creating online platforms.

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Volvo XC60 scores in Pico’s Shanghai launch

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, Sports.

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China:

EXCITEMENT among soccer fans as the European Championships kicked off was harnessed by Pico as the brand activation agency blended artistic elegance and football fandom to launch the new Volvo XC60 in Shanghai.

Volvo, a brand with its origins in Sweden, saw the potential of connecting the launch with the Euros and Pico integrated a “football carnival” into the event at the Ansa International Convention Centre in Shanghai.

The event was held in a venue of nearly 15,000 square metres with Pico responsible for turnkey event management and on-site operations for the June 11 launch.

Highlights
The immersive nature of the event began even before the launch conference, with guests invited to a “mingle area” to enjoy interactive experiences designed to stimulate different combination of the senses while building anticipation for the new XC60.

A popular activity was the 360-degree panoramic photo experience – a hit among guests who wanted to capture the moment, and everything that was happening.

Guests could explore details of the Volvo brand at a series of display areas. One display focused on the brand’s environmental protection philosophy and commitment to customer wellbeing, with a combination screen projection, scents and audio effects highlighting Volvo’s interior materials and how it strives for balanced relationship with the natural world.

Holographic
Meanwhile, the performance and impressive technologies of the new XC60 were showcased with a stunning holographic projection.

A stunning holographic projection also showed the XC60’s performance capabilities and technologies.

The experiential journey for guests culminated in the product launch conference which saw the latest XC60 unveiled with striking lighting effects on a metallic and futuristic-designed stage.

Music, including hits by singer-songwriter Jane Zhang, and dance performances add to the impact of the launch. A live band led guests outdoors to the football carnival featuring food stations, the new XC60 and a DJ who took over the audio elements and added to the Euro championship atmosphere.

Some 430 people participated in the event, including representatives from more than 260 media outlets, while 30-plus media took part in the live broadcast of the launch.

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Sarawak tops Malaysia’s industry vaccine drive

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Malaysia:

SARAWAK is working on reopening for business events and tourism by the end of the year with the Malaysia Borneo state’s vaccination rates being the highest in the country.

More than 2,000 of Sarawak’s events and travel industry “frontliners” are expected to be fully vaccinated as the final phase of the three-day Industrial Covid-19 Vaccination Programme came to a close in the state capital Kuching on July 18.

Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to have completed the programme, Business Events Sarawak said at a press conference.

“The prospect of reopening Sarawak for tourism and business events is high,” said Malaysia’s tourism minister Nancy Shukri, adding that tourism and business event destinations will reopen “once the targeted herd immunity of 80 per cent is achieved”.

Under the National Recovery Plan, Sarawak is at the second stage of a four-phase roadmap that would see the reopening of domestic travel by the third stage.

Shukri added that business events would be a main focus of her ministry during the National Recovery Plan’s third phase.

Sarawak state’s tourism minister, Karim Rahman Hamzah, said: “We anticipate entering phase three by the end of August, [when] we aim to restart tourism and business events in Sarawak by the fourth quarter this year.

Officials warned that safety protocols would not be overlooked as Sarawak worked towards a reopening of its state borders to tourism and business events.

“Tourism and business events activities will be organised with strict adherence to the government stipulated Standard Operating Procedures,” said Hii Chang Kee, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak.

“The safety of those involved – whether as hosts, suppliers or visitors – remains a top priority in our state.”

“We are 70 per cent in delivering our state recovery plan for business events with updated SOPs and improved incentivised packages, alongside creative marketing and promotional materials to ensure the success of the events that are being held in Sarawak,” she said.

“We are all eager to restart again and can’t wait to launch our brand new recovery efforts soon.”

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Qatar to open over 100 new properties in FIFA 2022 World Cup countdown

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 19, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Qatar:

Qatar is adding 105 new hotels and serviced apartments to its already extensive portfolio of properties, as the country gears up to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The new properties will broaden Qatar’s appeal to a range of travellers and enhance the visitor experience, as Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) continues its mission to turn the country into a world-leading destination.

One exciting recent hotel opening is the Banyan Tree Doha, a five-star luxury property, elegantly designed by renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia. Hotel openings on this year’s horizon include for example the Pullman Doha West Bay, a five-star Accor property; the JW Marriott West Bay, with an eye-catching and towering exterior; and the Steigenberger Hotel, famed for its exclusive hospitality.

Each of these new hotels contribute a unique amenity or experience to Qatar’s 183-property strong portfolio, which is made up of nearly 32,000 room keys.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive and secretary general of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are continuing to expand our tourism offer to ensure guests enjoy the best of Qatari hospitality while being able to choose a hotel, resort or serviced apartment that accommodates to their budget and needs. These upcoming properties are part of our strategy to diversify our offering and broaden our appeal to visitors. We are expanding our global tourism offer in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and provide travellers with more options to experience the very best of Qatar.”

The recently opened Banyan Tree Doha offers an oasis of luxury in the heart of the city. The five-star hotel boasts five opulent dining options, 341 rooms, suites and residences, with all facilities and amenities enclosed within a circular architectural marvel.

For a blend of work and play, the Pullman Doha West Bay, due to open later this year, offers 375 revitalising rooms and suites and 93 stylish apartments. Those looking to soak up views of Doha’s skyline will soon be able to enjoy a stay at the53-storeyJWMarriott West Bay. Travellers looking for accommodation close to the airport will be able to book into the Steigenberger Hotel Doha.

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