BAD BEHAVIOUR NO LONGER WELCOME IN SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

Unruly house guests, deceptive hosts and letting agents behaving badly will be subject to strict new short-term rental accommodation laws that could see them banned from participating in the sector.

Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new industry Code of Conduct provided clear obligations for hosts and guests centred on minimum standards of good behaviour.

“If you are a house guest from hell behaving disgracefully in a holiday rental or a shady host trying to swindle an unsuspecting customer, under these changes you will face penalties, and could be banned from the industry for five years,” Mr Anderson said.

“While the tourism boom is fantastic news for local communities getting back on their feet following last summer’s bushfires and the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19, it also reinforces the need for increased protections against anti-social and disruptive behaviour.”

Mr Anderson said a key feature of the new laws was the establishment of an exclusion register, which will introduce a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ policy.

“We are introducing these laws as part of our broad reform of the sector. Together, they will ensure the minority of participants who are giving the sector a bad name are penalised or removed and the sector is improved for hosts, guests and communities,” Mr Anderson said.

All participants, including booking platforms, will be required to comply with the Code and with directions and requests from the Commissioner.

For more information please click here.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Destination NSW
https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/

Bambu Stage Performing Arts

The “Experience Mekong Collection” showcases small, responsible, and sustainable travel businesses in the Lancang-Mekong Region.

The Experience Mekong Collection is operated by Destination Mekong. 

Introducing our newest EMC Member - Bambu Stage – Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bambu Stage is a platform for performing arts in Cambodia—a performance venue with daily shows, a workshop space for Cambodian puppeteers, and a gathering space for artists and art lovers. We operate as a social enterprise and collaborate closely with NGOs, other social enterprises, and ethical businesses in the community.

The key responsibilities of business are to We have change perceptions about the history, culture, and issues that affect Cambodia and to nurture local talent in professional, technical, and artistic collaboration. In the end, the business is strongly desired to contribute to a sustainable arts sector in Cambodia.

Travel Experience
Bambu Stage is a platform for performing arts in Cambodia—a performance venue with daily shows, a workshop space for Cambodian puppeteers, and a gathering space for artists and art lovers. We operate as a social enterprise and collaborate closely with NGOs, other social enterprises, and ethical businesses in the community.

Responsibility
The key responsibilities of business are to We have change perceptions about the history, culture, and issues that affect Cambodia and to nurture local talent in professional, technical, and artistic collaboration. In the end, the business is strongly desired to contribute to a sustainable arts sector in Cambodia.

Business Case
Bambu Stage has worked with WORLD OCEAN ALLIANCE, PLASTIC FREE CAMBODIA and GAEA to develop ANGKOR ROO – a street theatre project that uses the concept of eco-repetition to reinforce community values.

Bambu Stage – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Year of Establishment - 2010
Address - Bamboo Street, Wat Damnak Village, Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Cambodia
Phone Number +855 97 726 1110
Email -tickets@bambustage.com
Website - https://bambustage.com/

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Campaign 'Travel to Help Thailand' aims to help boost Thailand's local tourism

For the first time in 20 years, global extreme poverty has risen this year as the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic compounds the forces of conflict and climate change, which were already slowing poverty reduction progress. According to the World Bank, The COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to push as many as 150 million more people into extreme poverty by 2021.

As one of the world’s favorite travel destinations, Thailand’s travel sector has been the driving force of Thailand’s economic growth over the past half century. While many businesses have struggled to cope with the impact of this crisis, Socialgiver has formed a new coalition of businesses that are committed to building ‘a better normal’. More than 300 businesses have signed up.

Socialgiver has just launched a campaign called 'Travel to Help Thailand' aims to help boost Thailand's local tourism and local communities as well as to raise funds to support those who continue to be impacted by this ongoing crisis. Much more than travelling to help travel businesses, Socialgiver’s goal is to help businesses help society’s most vulnerable people and places. Socialgiver believes that society can only flourish out of a crisis when everyone is taken care of, especially those who have been left furthest behind.

The hotels that have joined Socialgiver have committed to donate the first night revenue from all GiveCards sold on Socialgiver.com to support the ‘Thailand Recovery Fund’.

For restaurants, customers can shop for GiveCards at special prices while 70% goes to support local projects that are making a lasting difference in thousands of lives across Thailand. These incredible bargains are aimed at building a movement of socially conscious consumers who Socialgiver and the businesses hope would support socially responsible businesses even more when they visit.

With over 300 of Thailand’s leading brands from across Thailand already signed up for this campaign, Socialgiver is aiming to raise funds to support a range of social and environmental projects that are working effectively on a range of important issues from supporting children living with disabilities to providing education opportunities for underprivileged children.

During the campaign period, Socialgiver has also organized ongoing promotional activities on their website , mobile app, and facebook page such as zero baht deal promotions, giveaways, top spender prizes, and a stream of blogger collaborations to promote tourism across Thailand.

Today more than 40 influencers have signed up to volunteer to share their Socialgiver travel stories with their audience, which is an excellent way to encourage people to start traveling while giving back and supporting various social projects. Socialgiver’s goal is to help everyone make better lifestyle choices together - more frequently, more transparently- just by doing more of what you love.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

The top-ranked passports of the world for visa-free access in 2020

Passports are what allow passage from one country to another. But not all passports allow this quite as easily – particularly in 2020, when international travel has been brought to a near-standstill by a raft of restrictions designed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

If you’re an international investor, or you’re another kind of professional that needs to travel frequently between countries, then you might find your ability to operate hampered by the status of your passport. Fortunately, there’s a solution: apply for a second passport.

Obtaining a second passport can be relatively simple, if you have the right immigration lawyers in place to fight your corner. With a second strong passport, your options when it comes to international travel will be vastly broadened; you’ll no longer be hampered by the weak international standing of your country of origin.

How are passport strengths calculated?
Indexes of passport strength look at the 193 United Nations member states, in addition to six smaller territories like Kosovo, Palestine and the Vatican City. Each passport is cross-checked against the destinations that it can access, even if those destinations don’t come with passports of their own.

Of course, Covid-19 has thrown a spanner into the works of international travel, and this has distorted the picture for those considering a second passport. Arton Capital’s list of the most capable passports puts New Zealand on top, thanks to the 129 destinations reachable using its passport. When calculating which passports are stronger in the long-term, it’s actually more useful to look at rankings which are less frequently updated.

The Henley Passport Index represents the gold standard when it comes to considering the relative strengths of passports from various territories. At the time of writing, the top three countries are as follows:

Japan
Before the impact of the novel coronavirus, Japanese citizens were afforded access to an unprecedented 191 countries. Interestingly, Japan still sits near to the top in the more recent rankings, at 128 next to New Zealand’s 129.

Singapore
Citizens of Singapore can travel to 190 destinations. Combined with the open nature of the economy, this makes the island city-state an attractive destination for those looking to invest in Asia – especially given the uncertain status of Hong Kong’s future.

South Korea and Germany
Sharing the number three spot are South Korea and Germany, whose passports allow for passage into 189 territories. Given both country’s reaction to the pandemic, they have been among the better performers in more recent league tables, too.

Of course, the strength of a passport should be judged against the particular needs of the person applying for it. If you need to access a particular set of countries, then you should examine which passports afford you access to those countries. This is something that a competent immigration lawyer like Withers should be able to help you with; they’ll be able to apprise you of your options, and guide you through the process of actually obtaining the citizenship necessary. Given how complex and fast-changing the international situation, their expertise might be critical.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Dak Nong Geopark earns global status

The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong on November 24 received a certificate recognising its geopark as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

The Dak Nong Geopark is the latest member of the global network and the third to obtain this title in Vietnam.

It covers more than 4,700 sq.km. of land in six of the eight district-level localities in Dak Nong, namely Krong No, Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Dak Song, Dak G’Long, and Gia Nghia, equivalent to two-fifths of the province’s total area.

According to domestic and foreign scientists, there are 65 heritage and geomorphological sites in the Dak Nong Geopark, including volcanic craters, volcanic caves, and waterfalls.

Notably, this geopark is home to the largest system of volcanic caves in Southeast Asia, with more than 50 caves and a total length of over 10,000m.

Once coming to the Dak Nong Geopark, visitors can also explore the Central Highlands’ space of gong culture – a UNESCO-recognised masterpiece of the intangible heritage of humanity, the culture of M’Nong people – the ethnic group that has the longest residence history in the province, along with the culture of other ethnic minorities.

UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Michael Croft said the Dak Nong Geopark boasts the combination of natural beauty and locals’ unique culture, both of which need to be preserved and capitalised on via economic and tourism activities.

He highlighted the importance of local residents’ participation and pledged UNESCO’s close cooperation to help tap into tourism potential of this geopark.

On July 7, the Programme and External Relations Commission of the 209th UNESCO Executive Board approved the Global Geoparks Council’s proposal to recognise the Dak Nong Geopark as a global geopark,

Earlier, the Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang province and the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in Cao Bang province, both in the north of Vietnam, had been named members of the Global Geoparks Network.
Source: Nhan dan online

Photo: A volcanic cave in the Dak Nong Geopark (Photo: VNA)

Tags: Dak Nong Geopark, UNESCO Global Geoparks Network,

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
http://www.vietnamtourism.gov english/.vn/

Cebu Pacific offers antigen tests to passengers

Testing is just one out of the three key steps CEB strictly implements to regain passenger confidence. Other approaches include safety and sanitation, as well as track and trace.

The Philippines’ carrier, Cebu Pacific, commercially launches its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process for passengers flying from Manila, after its successful pilot run with the local government of General Santos. This process makes use of an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.

The TBB testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is now open for walk-ins from 2AM to 2PM daily. CEB passengers will only have to register onsite and pay the fee directly to CEB’s diagnostic partner, Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory (PADL).

Throughout the pilot run from 3-14 December 2020, CEB tested a total of 1,143 passengers, three of whom tested positive and were not allowed to proceed with their flight. Only those who tested negative were allowed to board the aircraft. Subsequently, based on the data provided by the local government of General Santos, CEB passengers were retested after their 7-day quarantine and results were still negative, showing consistency with the earlier results of the TBB process.

“Following the successful TBB pilot, Cebu Pacific is ready to offer this option to all their passengers. We are urging everyone to take advantage of this convenient alternative, especially since the testing site is strategically located at the airport, making the whole process easy and hassle-free for our residents,” said Mayor Ronnel Rivera of General Santos City.

Apart from General Santos, the local governments of Butuan, Dipolog, and Pagadian also accept negative antigen test results as a pre-travel requirement. CEB passengers going to these destinations may also conveniently avail of the TBB beginning December 17, 2020.

As a number of local and international destinations require negative RT-PCR test results prior to entry, CEB is offering RT-PCR tests in special prices via its three partner laboratories, namely PADL, Health Metrics, Inc. (HMI), and Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. (SDDI).

Passengers booked on Cebu Pacific and Cebgo can easily choose and book appointments via bit.ly/CEBFlightRemindersSG. One will simply have to click on the “Testing Options” tab and choose from any of those in the list. From there, they will be redirected to each laboratory’s page to finalize their schedule online.

“We remain committed to making flights affordable for everyone and seeing that testing is required by a number of destinations at the moment, we have partnered with accredited laboratories that may offer affordable testing options. We look forward to the day trust and confidence in air travel have been restored, but until then, let us all work together towards that,” said Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience.

Testing is just one out of the three key steps CEB strictly implements to regain passenger confidence. Other approaches include safety and sanitation, as well as track and trace. CEB continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety and has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance. Passengers are also constantly reminded to register in the Department of Transportation’s Traze App for a more efficient contact tracing process.

Guests are still strongly urged to always check with the concerned LGU for latest updates.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Banyan Hua Hin launches value card

Pioneering healthy and active lifestyle community Banyan Hua Hin, is adding value to golfing getaways on Thailand’s gulf coast with the launch of a new card that promises reduced rates at the award-winning Banyan Golf Club, access to exclusive events, and a wealth of extra benefits with local partners.

Using the new Value Card, holders are entitled to special deals and discounts at the 18-hole championship course, which was designed by Thailand’s leading golf architect, Pirapon Namatra, has been recognised as one of the “Rolex World’s Top 1000 Golf Courses” and was named as the “Best Golf Experience in Asia Pacific” once again in 2020. Benefits include a generous 20% discount on green fees, 10% off lessons and multi-day courses at The Golf Academy, 10% discounts on products at the Pro Shop, and 10% off all food and beverages at The Terrace and Mulligan’s Pub.

New members need to load their Value Card which can then be redeemed for the services of Banyan Golf Club. Cards are valid for one year from the date of issue, or until 31st December 2021. This makes the Value Card a fantastic festive gift for every passionate golfer and for anyone who would like to join the fast-growing Banyan Privilege Club, which now counts over 700 members.

The Value Card offers the opportunity to join the popular Banyan Privilege Club, which provides an array of preferential prices and promotions at more than 40 local partners, such as restaurants, beach clubs, water parks, sport centres, wellness facilities and more. The new card cannot be used to pay for services with these partners, but it does allow the holder to receive members-only promotions.

Finally, Value Card holders will be able to attend Banyan Privilege Club’s special events! The most recent of these was the “Banyan Privilege Club Golf Classic”, which was hosted on 29th November 2020 and featured a golf tournament for any skilled player, a complimentary golf clinic with PGA pro John Wither for those who are new to the game, and ended with a barbecue dinner party under the stars, attended by a mix of 140 golfers and non-golfers. A full calendar of social events and entertaining activities is being planned for 2021, creating plenty of opportunities to mingle and make new connections.

“The Banyan Privilege Club is an active community of 700 like-minded people in Hua Hin and beyond. We understand however, that there are many more local residents and expats who would love to take advantage of the benefits this programme offers and to join our events. That’s why we created the Value Card, a highly rewarding addition to the Privilege Club Card that enables everyone to enjoy attractive discounts at the Banyan Golf Club and other Privilege Partners. We look forward to meeting our new members at Banyan Privilege Club’s events, which are always a highlight of the social calendar in Hua Hin,” said Mr. Tjeert Kwant, CEO of Banyan Group.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Keep your distance! Exploring the 'middle of nowhere' in Japan's national parks

Japan is home to 34 national parks - from Hokkaido in the north to tropical Okinawa in the south - all of which boast incredibly diverse landscapes, climates and natural phenomena. All national parks in the country are managed through a region-centric natural park system meaning local residents, governments and private organizations come together to preserve the natural environment and maintain visitor facilities of each park. This is led through a variety of local initiatives including the annual nationwide Natural Parks Clean-up Day, to maintain parks and keep them trash-free, a Junior Park Ranger program which educates young people about the importance of these lands, and Green Worker programs that educate the community about nature preservation. Below are a few of Japan's dreamiest national parks which offer incredible national attractions throughout the year.

Akan-Mashu National Park, Hokkaido Region
A beautiful snapshot of thousands of years of natural forces at work, the extraordinary landscape of Akan-Mashu has been molded by millennia of volcanic upheaval. Dotted with multiple serene caldera lakes, the park offers visitors guided canoe tours to quietly explore Lake Kussharo and Lake Akan, and row upstream along the Kushiro River while watching for local fauna. Because of the area's volcanic activity, several hot springs are located throughout the area, including Kawayu Onsen and Akanko Onsen. The largest Ainu settlement is located in Akanko Onsen and travelers can learn about the indigenous group at the Ainu Theater Ikor. There, visitors can watch a traditional Ainu dance that has been designated as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Tohoku Region
A diverse landscape full of contrasting imagery, Towada-Hachimantai National Park's ecosystem has been shaped by ancient volcanic activity and bitter winters, making it a premier destination for ski lovers. The park is split into two regions which both offer an incredible array of activities, including a boat tour of Lake Towada, snowshoe trekking to Oyunuma Pond, and hiking across the Yakehashiri Lava Flow. Mount Hakkoda also offers a variety of activities, including skiing, hiking and the Hakkoda Ropeway, an aerial lift line which gives travelers ease of access throughout the area's mountain range and offers exquisite winterscape views of the land. After an incredibly long day of exploring the snow-covered landscapes of this park, the region has a variety of onsen towns for travelers to unwind and relax, such as Tsuta Onsen and Nyuto Onsen.

Nikko National Park, Kanto Region
A two-hour train ride from Tokyo, Nikko National Park offers a serene escape from the city. Along with its incredible diversity in landscapes, ranging from valleys to highlands and canyons, the national park is also home to many UNESCO Heritage sites including Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan-jinja Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple. For guided experiences, guests can try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Chuzenji, cruise down the Kinugawa River in a gondola, hike to the secluded Sukkansawa Waterfall, and practice Zen meditation and waterfall purification rituals in Kirifuri Highland. However, travelers who prefer to go their own way will find no shortage of hiking trails and nature paths, including many that go through the Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest, the Numappara Marshland, and Mount Nikko-Shirane.

Daisen-Oki National Park, Chugoku Region
A massive area spanning three prefectures, mountains, forests, coastlands and islands makes up the Daisen-Oki National Park's varied landscape. The region is so diverse in its geography that many stories from Japanese mythology were directly inspired by this park. In the Okinoshima Area, visitors can get incredible views of the coastline and the Oki Islands from Jodogaura Beach and take a walk along the coastline to see how it was sculpted by the sea and by ancient volcanic activity. Mount Sanbe and its surrounding areas are a great place to hike and the three ponds around the mountain provide an excellent opportunity to learn about marshland wildlife. The true crown jewel of the Daisen-Oki National Park is the Oki Islands Archipelago. Consisting of 180 islands created from volcanoes, the islands can be explored by boat, canoe or cruise with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling to meet oceanic fauna.

Aso-Kuju National Park, Kyushu Region
Filled with lush green fields, caldera lakes and towering mountains, Aso-Kuju National Park gives visitors a special place to relax. The landscape allows travelers to have unique experiences in the park, including paragliding around Mount Aso, horseback riding and a helicopter ride to see an active volcano. The Mount Aso area is home to the Aso Caldera, one of the largest calderas in the world and within its central crater is a bubbling acidic turquoise pool surrounded by a rocky area. Surrounding the caldera is the Kuju Plateau, a vast green field often used by farmers as a pasture for their livestock. Other natural attractions in the area include Kikuchi Gorge, which is home to various waterfalls and streams, Komatsu Jigoku, a natural fumarole zone near the volcano, and the Shirakawa Headspring, one of the water sources of the Shirakawa River.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

DESTINATION NSW RELEASES NEW SUITE OF CONTENT

Destination NSW invites tourism operators, industry bodies and media organisations to take advantage of its new suite of photographic and video assets celebrating the beauty of NSW, which are available in its expansive Content Library.

The new content, which has been created by some of Australia’s most talented photographers and videographers, includes:

• A hero NSW video
• Social media-ready images of Sydney (available in 1:1, 4:5 and 9:16 ratios)
• Above the action images
• Sunsets and sunrises images
• Bird’s-eye view images
• Aquatic and coastal images
• Ocean pools images
• Flora and fauna images
• Natural attractions images, and
• See the stars images

The complete suite of brand-new NSW content can be found here.

Destination NSW has also become the first Australian State Tourism Organisation to offer a Content Library service in various foreign languages. The Content Library can be translated from English to Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese and German.

Information on how to register and use the Content Library is available here. Please note the service will be ‘offline’ temporarily between 24 December and 11 January,

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Destination NSW
https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/

1st Destination Mekong Summit

The 1st Destination Mekong Summit was a great success this year with many interesting sessions with speakers from the public and private sectors.

Recordings of the sessions, including the Chapter 4 panel discussion with the representative from Ministry of Culture and Tourism of PR China Mr. Mi Han and the owner of The Linden Centre Mr. Brian Linden to learn about China's strategies in opening tourism domestically, challenges, and solutions. The session was moderated by Mr. Yereth Jansen from Go Kunming.

All sessions are available on the event website at https://www.destinationmekong.com/dms2020/

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au