Friday, 29 January 2021

ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY SEEKS TO BOOST ECOTOURISM

The Ministry of Environment and Tour Guides Association are working together to better manage tourism in protected areas.

Minister Say Samal said that he held a meeting with tour guides to also identify more protected areas which had the potential for ecotourism.

He said tour guides had to look for areas highly valued for biodiversity conversation which could safely be turned into ecotourism spots through well-managed tours which do not harm the environment.

He said that ecotourism is a new trend in Cambodian society and helps build the local economy, adding that the ministry will pay more attention towards ensuring the safety and health of tourists, deal with emergencies, sanitation management and cleaning up the environment at protected areas for the long-term benefit of future generations

Read the full article at Khmer Times: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50804269/environment-ministry-seeks-to-boost-ecotourism/
Caption: Minister of Environment Say Samal conducts a meeting with tour guides to promote ecotourism.
Photo: Khmer Times
Tags: Cambodia, ecotourism

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
c/o 3rd Floor, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 154 Rama 1 Road National Stadium, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Web: www.mekongtourism.org
Tel: +66 2038 5071-1

Hunter Valley: Taste the Trio

The Hunter Valley's beautiful wide-open spaces beckon during the lazy summer months. The tantalising trio of Tyrrell's, Brokenwood and Audrey Wilkinson, all part of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collective, combine to create an idyllic day on the vines.

Begin your special day at historic Tyrrell's for a VIP Premium Tour and Tasting of the Tyrrell family's favourite wines. A member of the team will guide you through a set tasting list, treating you to a variety of wines across the ranges, including the premium Single Vineyard and Winemaker's Selection.

Now that you've worked up an appetite, head to Audrey Wilkinson for a Picnic Among the Vines. Collect your bottle of hand-picked wine along with a delicious picnic hamper and choose your own picturesque spot on the 270-acre property. There's nothing quite like nibbling on mouth-watering goodies and sipping fine wine in your own secluded corner of this lush vineyard estate. This is the life!

Once you've had your fill and a lovely doze in the sun, it's time to move on. No visit to the Hunter Valley is complete without exploring 5-star Brokenwood. On The Brokenwood Journey your personal host guides you through six premium Brokenwood wines (three white and three red) perfectly paired with six specially prepared canapés. You even have the chance to meet the chef as he takes you through each unique food match.

Continue the adventure with a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery where you will delve deep into the art of winemaking and the history of Brokenwood. Your tour ends with a tasting of pre-release Brokenwood wine straight from the barrel.

After a perfect day of relaxed indulgence, it's easy to see why the Hunter Valley is Australia's most popular wine region and the perfect culinary escape. Make your experience completely carefree with a trusted driver.

Book Rides Australia offers transfers to and from a single experience or can be chartered for the day to allow your group to enjoy multiple Ultimate Winery Experiences and explore the picturesque wine regions. Ride in style in Book Rides Australia's premium vehicles and spend a day on the vines that you'll never forget.

Discover more at www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

‘Plan for [a] Vacation’ to Sonoma County in 2021

As part of National Plan for Vacation Day on January 26, Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) encourages visitors to plan the perfect restorative getaway to enjoy all the well-being properties found only in Sonoma County.

National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD) coincides with the U.S. Travel Association’s Let’s Go There initiative. 97% of potential travelers say that having a trip planned makes them happier. Additionally, survey data shows that 84% of Americans are excited to plan a vacation in the next six months, indicating an impending surge in travel demand once conditions improve.

As travel opportunities become more available, SCT advises savvy vacation planners who are able to book future trips now to take advantage of these offers before demand picks up.

“Sonoma County is the place to immerse, engage, and connect with the earth, nature, and most importantly, with each other,” says Claudia Vecchio, president and CEO of SCT. “Our hospitality businesses have made significant enhancements to ensure that safety continues to be Priority #1.”

Enjoy a free night at Sonoma County’s new Mine + Farm, the Inn at Guerneville
Set on two and a half acres of natural landscape, this restored 1906 farmhouse is a thoughtfully designed boutique Inn experience for today’s traveler. Mine + Farm’s design approach is modern; curated with historical elements of the property and surrounding area. The property is dog-friendly with lots of outdoor space for the four-legged guests. Included in the stay is a locally driven, full organic meal with house made juices. Book any room for four nights, and your 4th night is free.

Bike, Ballooning and your choice of Beverage
Experience two of the best views in Sonoma County! Feel like you are on top of the world taking in the lush vineyards and redwoods from a colorful hot air balloon escorted by experienced F.A.A. pilots and instructors from Up & Away Ballooning. After the balloon ride, hop on a comfy bike from Ace It! Bike Tours and take a journey through the famous Russian River Valley to either wineries or breweries. Bike tours are available the same day or a different day of your balloon ride. Package price is $404/pp.

Buy 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary at Farmhouse Inn & Spa
Everything you've heard is true. Sommelier-led wine tours. A Michelin-starred restaurant. 25 rooms with curated wine refrigerators and feather beds. Farm-to-table full-service spa. Owners so intimately connected to Sonoma that their story dates back five generations. This -and so much more- is why Farmhouse Inn ranks among the most highly rated hotels in the world. More packages available.

For more offerings on lodging and activities throughout Sonoma County check these deals and discounts. Samples include California Dreaming: 40% off at Gaige House + Ryokan and at Kenwood Inn & Spa; and Midweek Winter Escape to Bodega Bay at Inn at the Tides.

With a greater emphasis on health and wellbeing than ever before, Sonoma County offers an ideal place to relax and focus on mindfulness and connectivity. The unique combination of stunning natural wonders and wellness-focused businesses, Sonoma County offers myriad opportunities to renew and reconnect with oneself and nature. Here, visitors can retreat with meditative nature hikes along coastal bluffs and forest bathing in the ancient redwoods. Nourish the mind and body with local ingredients and experiences, while learning about the heritage of sustainability rooted in our agrarian economy and appreciation for our natural surroundings. More information about the wellness experiences can be found within the Wellness Guide.

Sonoma County Tourism reminds everyone to continue practicing safety measures, including wearing face coverings in public and keeping distance of at least 6 feet from others. We also encourage visitors to review The Safe Travels Promise, which provides guidelines to ensure safety. In addition, SCT recommends to make reservations ahead of time, to ensure availability. Click here for the latest about how Sonoma County is protecting both visitors and residents.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Raffles Hotel Singapore takes its legendary guest experience to the next level with Adyen

Raffles Hotel Singapore implementing Adyen’s services to provide a contactless and seamless customer journey across the various consumer touchpoints.

Raffles Hotel Singapore has appointed Adyen, the global payments platform of choice for many of the world’s leading companies, as its preferred payments partner to deliver a holistic and frictionless hospitality experience within and beyond its iconic property walls.

Always committed to being relevant and ever evolving to adapt to the changing needs of today’s traveller, the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore is at the forefront of technology adoption with its latest offering of seamless and hassle-free payment experiences to its guests. Through Adyen, Raffles Hotel Singapore powers its unified commerce offering, providing simpler, faster and more customer-centric payment experiences across all sales channel touchpoints, from online to offline, including suite reservations, dining in its restaurants and bars as well as at Raffles Spa and Raffles Boutique.

Chadi Chemaly, Hotel Manager, Raffles Hotel Singapore comments: “Delivering bespoke and sincere service is always at the core of our legendary Raffles experiences that guests have come to love and appreciate. We believe that the guest journey with Raffles Hotel Singapore needs to be seamless from the start to the end and payment processes are key to achieving this. With innovative and flexible solutions, Adyen stood out to us as a preferred strategic partner to meet our vision. Collaborating with Adyen has successfully allowed us to deliver a promise that is secure and contactless while enhancing our offerings as a lifestyle destination where guests can stay, dine, shop, celebrate and relax as they create treasured memories, without interruptions.”

Warren Hayashi, President, Asia Pacific, Adyen comments: “We are honoured to be chosen as the preferred payments partner to Raffles Hotel Singapore, and to support the property in meeting its vision of creating extraordinary experiences for its hotel guests. With our rich data and advanced technological capabilities, we are committed to providing the right insights to hotel partners, so they can drive smarter engagement, while focusing on the softer touches, as part of their recovery strategy.”

A new chapter in hotel guest experiences
Through this partnership with Adyen, Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the first hotels in Singapore to offer a truly contactless check-in and check-out with tokenized payments, heralding a new chapter in hotel guests’ experiences. With the implementation of Adyen’s payment solutions, Raffles Hotel Singapore can now securely capture a guest’s card details, encrypt the data, and replace it with a secure token ensuring faster hassle-free checkout experiences later. The implementation of this technology reaffirms the iconic property's commitment to being at the forefront of innovation to deliver a guest experience that is seamless and holistic, allowing guests to enjoy the curated experiences, hassle-free.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns around hygiene and safety, Raffles Hotel Singapore has always been committed to upholding the highest standards and delivering modern hospitality experiences to its guests. Prior to its reopening in August 2019, Raffles Hotel Singapore was already planning to implement contactless check-in/check-out which finally came into fruition in July 2020.

Contactless check-in/check-out means guests can register and check-in prior to arrival, and check-out via the web, on their mobile devices using a QR code, through a phone call, or via a mobile payment terminal brought to their room. The ability for guests to check-out and pay securely via a phone call is a first-of-its-kind offering for the hotel and provides a new channel touchpoint with hotel guests. Prior to leaving the property, without needing to visit the front desk or make payments, hotel guests will receive the option to check-out via a phone call, through which they can go through payment-related processes, ultimately minimising face-to-face interactions for payment matters. To date, the hotel has seen a 90% take-up rate for this check-out option.

Payments across locations and devices
With Adyen’s technical solution that supports a large variety of currencies and payment methods, Raffles Hotel Singapore will now be able to offer hotel guests and customers options to choose their preferred payment methods. The hotel will now be able to accept all major credit cards, as well as Alipay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, UnionPay and WeChat Pay.

In addition, Adyen will provide simpler, faster and more customer-centric payment experiences across the following:
Raffles Hotel Singapore-operated restaurants: With its single platform approach and technical solutions, Adyen is giving the hotel property the ability to offer more local payment options, including via WeChat Pay and Alipay, as well as offer contactless in-restaurant payment options at the table through mobile point of sales terminals.
Raffles Spa & Raffles Boutique: With customer demands for contactless payment offerings, Adyen has enabled in-property retail outlets to offer tap-and-go alternatives across more payment options (via card and mobile wallets). This shortens queues in-store as the terminal response times have increased and staff can also take payment terminals to customers around the shop.
E-commerce Platforms: With the rise of payment methods available and increased use of digital options, Raffles Hotel Singapore has implemented Adyen’s e-commerce platforms to extend its sales channels online for retail as well as food and beverage offerings. Additionally, online sales options will also be made available for special occasions such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Diwali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Adyen is committed to supporting hospitality partners across the world with tailored features for the industry, especially as they embark on the gradual road to recovery. From booking to check-out, and everything in between, Adyen takes a unified approach to help hotels manage payments and provide superior guest experiences.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Check out the treasures of Japan in our newest campaign!

An oasis of luxurious experiences that will make your next trip to Japan the most rewarding one yet! 

Join our exciting Story Contest and tell us about your memorable moments during your Japan travel. 

Whether it’s a joyous occasion or simply a well-deserved holiday, we would love to hear about it! 

Visit JAPAN by Japan website to find out more!
https://japanbyjapan.com/yourjapan/lavishtrip/

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Facebook Visit Japan Now https://www.facebook.com/visitjapan2010

IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 moves to Shanghai, China August 10-13

This year’s Expo will begin with a full conference day on Tuesday, Aug. 10, followed by three days of programming featuring a dynamic tradeshow floor, additional education programs, exclusive special events and more August 11-13.

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 will take place in Shanghai, China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) August 10-13, 2021. Originally planned to occur in Macao, China in June, the relocation and date change are in response to the continued impact the global COVID-19 pandemic, and growing optimism for increased recovery as the year progresses.

“IAAPA’s role has always been to help members meet, do business, and learn from each other. It is more important than ever we provide such opportunities in a safe manner, at the right time, in the right location. After careful review and with significant input from our team, members, exhibitors, and the IAAPA Board of Directors, the decision has been made to relocate IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 to Shanghai, China,” shared Hal McEvoy, President and CEO, IAAPA. “Given the continued uncertainties impacting travel – international and domestic – we believe the relocation and event date change will provide more opportunity for exhibitors and attendees to participate.”

Plans are underway to ensure a smooth transition to the SNIEC. This year’s Expo will begin with a full conference day on Tuesday, Aug. 10, followed by three days of programming featuring a dynamic tradeshow floor, additional education programs, exclusive special events and more August 11-13.

“The health and safety of our members and our team remains our top priority,” McEvoy continued. “While it is still hard to believe we are still working through global effects of the global pandemic, we are encouraged by the news that the initial vaccines are being administered in locations around the world. We know it’s going to take time and the phases of recovery will vary by region, but we are optimistic about the outlook for our industry. During IAAPA Expo Asia we will follow safety guidelines and operational procedures recommended by global and local health authorities, and event industry experts. We look forward to returning to Shanghai for IAAPA Expo Asia, and once again bringing the global attractions industry together.”

Since 1997, IAAPA Expo Asia has been the attractions industry’s premier event in Asia. Current exhibitors contracted for Macao should contact the IAAPA Global Sales Team at ExhibitSales@IAAPA.org to discuss options related to the new event dates and exhibiting in Shanghai. In addition, industry manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants can still book exhibit space for IAAPA Expo Europe 2021 in Barcelona in September and IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando in November. Attendee registration for all three Expos will open later this spring.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR DINE & DISCOVER

Eligible dining, arts and tourism businesses across the state can now register to take part in the NSW Government’s major economic stimulus program, Dine & Discover NSW.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet encouraged businesses to register early so they are prepared when the program goes live in coming months.

“We’ve heard loud and clear just how tough it has been for businesses across NSW. This program will reinvigorate local economies and provide customers with hip pocket relief,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said Service NSW is launching a specialised app for participating businesses, so they can scan and track voucher usage over the life of the program.

“After applying online, NSW businesses will be able to track the progress of the application through their MyServiceNSW Business Profile. Business owners will then receive a step-by-step process on how to get ready,” Mr Dominello said.

Businesses will be paid automatically – typically – within five business days for the value of vouchers redeemed.

Residents can download the Service NSW app now in anticipation of the rollout.

Phase one includes a pilot at The Rocks and Broken Hill in early February. The pilot will then be extended to the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley Shire Council, which is expected to commence in late February. Statewide rollout is expected to commence in March and run until 30 June 2021.

Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total: two $25 vouchers for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, and two $25 vouchers for entertainment and recreation including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week (both streams exclude public holidays).

The vouchers can only be used within COVID-safe registered businesses. For more information on Dine & Discover NSW business registration and eligibility, visit www.nsw.gov.au.

Image: Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

Thursday, 28 January 2021

STR: Asia Pacific hotel performance for 2020

Hotels in the Asia Pacific region saw record-low performance during 2020, according to data from STR.

U.S. dollar constant currency, 2020 vs. 2019
  • Occupancy: 44.5% (-35.6%)
  • Average daily rate (ADR): US$74.99 (-22.2%)
  • Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$33.39 (-49.9%)

Each of the three key performance metrics were the lowest for any year on record in the region.

Local currency, 2020 vs. 2019

Australia
  • Occupancy: 44.7% (-39.4%)
  • ADR: AUD163.90 (-11.5%)
  • RevPAR: AUD73.32 (-46.4%)

The 2020 occupancy and RevPAR levels were the lowest for any year on record in Australia. However, after falling to its pandemic low point in April (occupancy: 19.8%), Australia reported continued performance improvement through the end of the year. In December, each of the three key performance metrics were the highest for the country since February: occupancy (52.8%), ADR (AUD189.50) and RevPAR (AUD99.98).

Philippines
  • Occupancy: 42.6% (-37.6%)
  • ADR: PHP3,689.33 (-32.0%)
  • RevPAR: PHP1,572.32 (-57.6%)

The absolute occupancy and RevPAR levels were the lowest for any year in STR’s Philippines database, while ADR was the lowest since 2004. June was the country’s worst month in terms of occupancy (27.0%).

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Thrilling experiences in Binh Chau-Ho Coc

Binh Chau- Ho Coc tourist site in Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, offers travelers interesting tourism experiences.

From Ba Ria City, tourists will travel to Phuoc Hai Town on a coastal road boasting a blue sea on one side and a vast primary forest dotted with sand hills on the other side. The landscape also includes lakes offering beautiful white water lilies.

Ho Coc white sand beach stretches over three kilometers with lines of poplars running to the horizon. Both the scene and the sound of sea waves slapping to the shore may be inspiring and uplifting viewers.

Visitors may next take part in outdoor activities such as surfing, jet-skiing, volleyball playing on the beach, etc. Then, take a rest to enjoy fresh seafood and admire the scenery in the thatched huts along the beach.

After Ho Coc Beach, tourists should visit Binh Chau hot mineral stream system in the heart of a Melaleuca forest. Big and small hot mineral water lakes and streams are at 37 to 82 degrees Celsius. They contain minerals believed to be good for health. The location is now a tourist site giving mineral water and mud bath services. Besides, tourists can stroll under the shadowy foliage of age-old Melaleuca trees next to white flowers in full bloom along Suoi Mo Lake. The fragrance from these flowers is surely relaxing.

Don’t forget to taste the local eggs boiled naturally in hot mineral water and enjoy them right on the spot.

Bang Stream, about three kilometers from Binh Chau hot mineral water stream, is part of the Ray River in Dong Nai Province which flows through Binh Chau–Phuoc Buu primary forest. Tourists will be enchanted by the local granite rocks and gorgeous cascades across the stream.

Thrill-seekers can participate in night hunting and stay overnight in thatched houses in the forest. A trekking tour of the forest on ox-wagons is also worth a try.
Source: SGT
Tags: Binh Chau-Ho Coc, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province,

KEP PROVINCE TO BECOME TOURIST HOTSPOT

The Ministry of Tourism is drafting a master plan for the development of Kep province into a high-end, eco-tourism destination, identifying four major sites and 251 development projects.

Tourism minister Thong Khon presided over a meeting on January 14 to discuss proposals for inclusion in the strategic plan.

During the meeting, Ny Phally – ministry undersecretary of state and director of the secretariat of the inter-ministerial commission – announced that the four primary development areas were Kep town, Ankol beach, the Phnom Vore region, and the province’s archipelago.

Phally said the master plan provides for improvements of the existing Kep beach and development of Angkol beach as a new tourist site.

“Apart from improving these coastal areas, there are many other development projects, including expansion of international sports facilities, construction of a tourist-oriented war museum and organisation of visits to the 13 islands which are rich in biodiversity like corals, sea dolphins, dugong, fish and many other rare species,” he said.

Phally said the master plan will also turn the Sre Ambel salt-field area into an agro-tourism destination with the establishment of a museum introducing the local salt production chain.

He said: “We will also establish minimart, night market and food street, connect waterway tourism from the international port in Kampot [province] to Kep and arrange festivals and other events.”

The inter-ministerial commission outlined nine key strategies in its draft master plan, Phally said.

These strategies include the development of tourism resources in Kep town, investment in development of tourism travel corridors and improving the quality and safety of tourism in the region.

Additionally, provisions aim to develop local human resources for the tourist industry and implement marketing and promotion. Strategies will be created to manage and support tourism development, strengthen supply chains, innovate solutions and strengthen governance for the monitoring and evaluation of progress.

Minister Thong Khon said the commission seeks to make Kep an attractive and competitive luxury destination for regional and international travellers.

He said: “The master plan for the development of tourism in Kep is an important strategic document that can promote tourism in Kep and help restore the industry, during and after the Covid-19 crisis.”

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents president Chhay Sivlin described Kep as one of the country’s potential coastal destinations. Development of the province will create new tourism products, making it more attractive to domestic and international tourists when the pandemic subsides.

“Kep is a rich natural tourist destination with Preng Stream, seafood, salt marshes and mountains. I believe it has great potential to attract tourists,” she said.

Sivlin hopes that the plan to develop Kep into a tourist destination will help revive Cambodia’s tourism sector which, like its counterparts around the world, has been decimated by policy responses to Covid-19.

Read the full article at The Phnom Penh Post: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/kep-province-become-tourist-hotspot
Photo: Tourists visited Kep beach last year. (Photo: Hong Menea)
Tags: Cambodia, eco-tourism, Kep province, tourism development

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
c/o 3rd Floor, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 154 Rama 1 Road National Stadium, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Web: www.mekongtourism.org
Tel: +66 2038 5071-1