2020 British Christmas Gift Guide

© ©VisitBritain/ Leyla Cobián

Many of us have had to put our travel plans on hold this year, but we can all still dream of future trips. The festive season is a magical time to visit Britain, and we know there will be many people unable to travel, wishing they could be exploring England’s Christmas markets, drinking whisky by the fire in Scotland, or enjoying sparkling lights and decorations in Wales.

Although we may have to wait to welcome you in person, there are plenty of British products (available in or can be shipped to Australia) you can gift this festive season to bring the travel experience right to you and your loved ones, inspiring plans for your trip to Britain next year.

1. Clothing and accessories

Facemasks are not going anywhere, so why not get them one they love and order the beautiful fabric of Liberty London print accessories, which they can use as scarves, bags and facemasks ($82 for set of 5).

A Classic Tartan Cashmere Stole ($785) from Johnstons of Elgin. Woven from the finest of cashmere fibres, this stole is renowned for its extreme softness, warmth and lustrous quality, equipped with the ripple hand-finish and signature cashmere yarns, which is spun at their Elgin mill.

For the leather fanatics, they will swoon over an Ettinger leather flask with cups (£135) or the Smythson Panama Travel Wallet ($725). Both perfect to bring on their next trip to Britain, the soft leather on the flask will keep their fingers protected from the cold metal while they enjoy a cuppa on the road, and the travel wallet features five card slots and two slip pockets, perfect for organizing tickets, currencies and keeping all their documents safe.

For more than 150 years, Penhaligons has dazzled the darlings of society with delightful concoctions with not one but three royal warrants to their name. Their fun and engaging online fragrance profiling will ensure you come away with the perfect scent.

2. Home

© ©VisitBritain/ Graham Niven

Stay warm through winter with a gorgeous wool blanket or throw (starting from £55) from Melin Tregwynt. This small, charming mill has been owned by the same family since 1912, and proudly uses the finest Welsh wool and traditional designs to create top-quality blankets, clothing, bags and accessories that are both useful and beautiful to look at.

Limited edition Floral & Citrus Christmas Cracker ($34) from Molton Brown. This luxury fragrance gift set features everything you need for an indulgent and relaxing bath or shower.

A cozy Harris Tweed accessory or piece of furniture. Harris Tweed® cloth must, by law, be made in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland using 100% pure virgin wool. The iconic cloth is handwoven by skilled island weavers at their homes and finished at one of three mills on the Isle of Lewis, ready to be transformed into a forever-lasting Harris Tweed® garment, a statement piece of furniture or a small token accessory.

3. Food and Drink

Watch with Whisky: Scottish Whisky Pairings with Iconic Movie Experiences. Luxury Scottish travel providers Away from the Ordinary have launched an innovative new series designed to take would-be-travellers on an immersive cinematic journey directly to Scotland, from the comfort of their home. The Watch with Whisky series allows attendees to gain a deeper and more meaningful connection to classic Scottish films, by carefully pairing exciting whiskies with relevant key cinematic scenes. The box (£102 per box) includes five curated whiskies with instructions of when to drink the whiskies during the film.

A bottle of Brut NV English Sparkling Wine from Chapel Down (starting from $48 per bottle and available for shipping worldwide). Yes, you heard that right. The south of England is coming on the map as wine destination with many new vineyards producing award winning sparkling varieties. Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer, and their Brut NV is an elegant sparkling wine with aromas of red apple, lemongrass and freshly baked bread together with hints of strawberry and quince on the palate. The fresh, vibrant wines are perfect to pair with a homemade British Christmas dinner, or to add to their bottle collection.

A bottle of Portobello Road No. 171 London Dry Gin (starting from £25, available in Australia). This classic take on a London Dry Gin is named for the famous road in Notting Hill where four friends decided to open a unique distillery and gin experience in 2011. Offering a characteristic blend of juniper, citrus, liquorice and nutmeg, this traditional London Dry Gin is recommended to serve with tonic and a twist of pink grapefruit.

If you are gifting a foodie, let them enjoy all the classic British favourites with Fortnum & Mason. Ensuring they have the sweetest holiday season, the selection available includes their world-famous biscuits, cakes, chocolates, jars of lemon curd and jams, and, of course, tea, all wrapped in a beautiful signature packaging.

© ©VisitBritain/ Rama Knight

4. Stocking stuffers

A puzzle! If your loved one has taken up a new puzzle hobby during their time at home, why not put something together that can inspire a future trip? This Gibsons Best of Britain puzzle ($120) showcases a map of Britain jam-packed with landmarks, buildings, food and people that make up each region of the country.

If they can’t put down their books, luckily there are plenty of British novels, coffee table books and cookbooks they will fancy. Great British Baking Show fanatics will love “The Book of Amazing Cakes” ($49.39) with recipes from the show, or opt for “The Other Side of the Coin” ($15.99) for those obsessed with the royals, the official book with never-before-seen photos of The Queen, her wardrobe and her jewels.

If British movies and TV are more of interest, subscribe them to a year subscription of BritBox, the digital streaming service created by BBC and ITV, so they can binge their favorite British content; from original mysteries & drama to new comedies, as well as the classics. ($89.99 for 1 year subscription).

If your international trips were cancelled this year and you are resorting to a road trip like many others, don’t fret. Order the Scottish Road Trip in a Box (£55 plus shipping). Included is everything you need to experience the sounds and senses of Scotland, from wherever you are in the world. The box includes a curated collection of tales, songs and music to play in the car, Scottish scented car freshener, handmade soap, artisan Scottish mementos, traditional Scottish tea and snacks for 2 people and more.

For more unique gift ideas, visit notonthehighstreet.

Season's Greetings!

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Website: www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/

Border uncertainty threatening the survival of Australia's business events industry

Whilst there is a genuine appetite to conduct events, the impost of border restrictions is impacting the confidence of event organisers and participants to make commitments and we are now seeing events cancel for the first half of 2021 as a result.

One month in to 2021 and the business events industry continues to face uncertainty, severe limitations and restrictions compromising its pathway to recovery and survival.

Throughout 2020, the industry invested heavily in preparing its businesses to deliver COVID Safe events in terms of protocols, training and infrastructure and has demonstrated its ability to do so safely and effectively.

However, the critical challenge now being faced by the business events industry is uncertainty in relation to border management, conflicting guidelines for event approvals across the states and the financial implication to businesses with the impending conclusion of JobKeeper.

Whilst there is a genuine appetite to conduct events, the impost of border restrictions is impacting the confidence of event organisers and participants to make commitments and we are now seeing events cancel for the first half of 2021 as a result. Event organisers managing the financial risk of events are reliant on national participation. For participants, the perceived risk to fly interstate to attend a conference, exhibition or meeting is too high if there is a potential threat of border closures or enforced quarantine, which will affect them professionally, personally and financially.

The annual Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event, set to take place in Melbourne in March, had a significant role to support recovery as a place where business events buyers and sellers come together to do business over the short to medium term, but it too has had to cancel this week as a consequence of internal border uncertainty.

The business events industry will not recover if it is limited to conducting state-based events as a result of this uncertainty. We need to be able to leverage off the size and scope of national event participation and the contribution it makes to the visitor economy. With the current limitations on international inbound business, our industry is even more reliant on this national market to recover in 2021.

The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) is calling on our State and Federal leaders to create confidence in business once again and commit to an evidence-based approach to managing internal borders. A nationally consistent approach to the management of hot spots that may arise is essential to avoid the haphazard and unnecessary shutdown of borders. This approach is critical to enable survival and then recovery of the business events industry.

Many businesses in our industry are now looking at 12-18 months of little or no revenue and face the ongoing challenge of survival, sustaining their organisation and retaining their employees without an income stream until events are reinstated to a more robust level.

The introduction of JobKeeper enabled many companies to survive throughout 2020. The business conditions that saw the scheme being introduced have not altered for our sector, and in some cases, they have worsened for 2021. With the limitations and restrictions surrounding our industry, most organisations continue to experience loss of revenue more aligned to 70-100% rather than the 30% criteria, yet JobKeeper will conclude industry wide in March 2021.

The business events industry challenges extend well beyond March 2021 as we face at least 3-6 months of lag time in the planning, marketing and delivery of events before revenue starts to flow through the supply chain. Ongoing targeted support is needed as an urgent priority to ensure we can sustain our industry and retain our event professionals into the future.

Dr Vanessa Findlay, Chair of BECA commented: “We are not in the position of recovery we envisaged for early 2021 and continue to face extraordinary challenges to ensure the survival of the business events sector.

“With the impending conclusion of the JobKeeper scheme, the industry is deeply concerned that the conditions that led to JobKeeper have not improved for the business events industry. Businesses cannot remain viable with revenue losses that are averaging more than 70%, and this has been ongoing for over 12 months now. We cannot see a path to recovery for the industry if it does not include some form of ongoing targeted Government support.

“BECA continues its work with the Federal Government to formulate options for ongoing support programs and extends its calls to our State Leaders to consider state-based recovery grants. We have business in the pipeline for 2021 and beyond and need to ensure we can sustain the infrastructure and professional expertise through this critical period”.

BECA represents the major industry associations and organisations as the ‘single voice’ to Government. BECA represents the membership and advocacy interests of the AACB, EEAA, MEA, PCOA and the Australian Convention Centres Group that pre-COVID supported more than 229,000 jobs and delivered almost $36 billion to the Australian economy.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

$14M CALLAN PARK REVAMP

Callan Park is set to undergo a $14 million makeover, taking Sydney a step closer to connecting its harbour foreshore with public parks and shared paths.

Now under the management of Greater Sydney Parklands, the plans for Callan Park include a proper pedestrian track and the removal of two dilapidated buildings to make way for new picnic spots, accessible amenities and landscaped areas.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said: “These works will see a tricky section of the Bay Run fixed, meaning pedestrians and cyclists will no longer have to weave around motorists looking for parking in a space that will make better use of its prime position on the foreshore.

“We’re enhancing the best of Callan Park’s heritage while maximising public space to make this one of the true jewels in Sydney’s crown.”

The Callan Park upgrade is expected to begin later this year and will complement the $2 million upgrade to Waterfront Sports Ground undertaken by Inner West Council in 2019.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN TRAIN FOR WESTERN SYDNEY

Infrastructure in Western Sydney is progressing rapidly, creating jobs and new opportunities for the area as a result of significant NSW Government investment.

The revitalisation of Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ is well underway with the first tracks laid for Parramatta Light Rail in the dining precinct.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said major light rail construction on Church Street is being fast-tracked for completion in mid-2021.

“Construction crews are working a combined 8,500 hours a day right across the whole 12-kilometre alignment to deliver this project as quickly as possible, so everyone can enjoy the benefits,” he said.

A celebration is planned for August ahead of installation of light rail stops, and network testing and commissioning. For more information on the project - which will connect Westmead to Carlingford – go to www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.

Meanwhile, a new warehouse and distribution hub in Kemps Creek neighbouring the Western Sydney aerotropolis will secure up to 1,650 new jobs and $242 million in economic investment for the state.

The approved new Kemps Creek Warehouse, Logistics and Industrial Facilities Hub will create 700 construction jobs and 950 operational jobs to support major global retailers, e-commerce providers, health and pharmaceutical companies, warehousing and logistics operators, light manufacturing and data centres.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said creating jobs and boosting business is a priority for the NSW Government.

“This is just another example proving that COVID-19 won’t stop NSW from growing stronger, and the Hub also supports our plan to foster new sources of growth, jobs and investment in Western Sydney,” he said.

Construction will begin this year with the first building to be completed within 12 months.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

SYDNEY TOWER EYE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

Sydney Tower Eye has kicked off its 40th anniversary celebrations by announcing an extension of its lease until 2030.                                                                                                            Merlin Entertainment Group Divisional Director, Midway Asia Pacific, Rob Smith, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to offer a world class tourist attraction from the tallest building in the city until at least 2030, and we are pleased to be celebrating this alongside Sydney Tower’s 40th anniversary.

Despite trying times in the tourism and attraction management industry, we are focused on ensuring that we continue doing what we do best – working together to create magic and memorable experiences.” 

To celebrate the Tower’s milestone anniversary, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a number of new offerings throughout 2021, including two brand-new VR Pods in March. 

Visit the website to find out more.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

THAILAND’S TOURISM INDUSTRY AND CORONAVIRUS 2021

The industry needs a way out of quarantine for visitors, testing and vaccination maybe the answer. Also the industry is crying out for financial help to survive along with unity and leadership.

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine this week for emergency use in the country.

Two private hospitals are also ordering millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines ahead of this regulatory approval. This is in addition to the government’s order of 63 million doses from two main sources as Thailand rushes to implement vaccinations for the majority of its population.

With regard to it’s non-Thai residents it is still unclear if this includes the substantial expat community or whether they will be excluded, as the country tackles a second wave of the virus.

The future of travel in Thailand is to open borders while mitigating the risk. This can be achieved by ensuring illegal border crossings are tightly controlled and all travellers tested. Tourists arriving should not only be tested showing they are free from covid, but to avoid quarantine, must also have been vaccinated. The numbers will be small to start with but the industry is at a complete standstill. I have never experienced anything close to the devastating effects of the coronavirus.

The tourism industry has ground to a halt and is currently battling a spate of infections brought about by poor Burmese workers searching for work and sneaking across the border and spreading infections before restrictions were put in place. As a counter measure to reduce the spread the government has restricted everyone from high risk areas from travelling freely around the country. Putting a firm brake on domestic tourism in addition to international arrivals. The introduction of colour coded zones has been put in place since a major outbreak occurred in Samut Sakhon at a seafood market with illegal Burmese migrant workers. In addition to restricted domestic travel an amnesty for the illegal entrants has been offered by the Thai government in a serious effort to reduce infections and have all illegal migrants registered and tested.

Qantas is also toying with requiring vaccinations and was the first airline to announce it will require international passengers to be vaccinated. Singapore is also considering relaxing its quarantine rules for vaccinated travellers if clinical trials show vaccines lower transmission risks. (However short-term visitors will need to show evidence of insurance to cover medical treatment and returning Singapore citizens from Britain and South Africa will be subject to additional restrictions).

Until there’s an abundance of approved and delivered vaccines, it’s all but impossible for anyone outside government to get a shot. However there will be a market driven by those with money to jump queues as we saw recently. Once the U.K. approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, travel agents in India started seeing an increase for quick vaccination trips to the U.K. Attention is now on the U.S. and Russia as possible vaccine destinations.

But it’s not all about money. In Thailand according to a Reuters report, a million doses of the Sinovac vaccine has been ordered by the Thonburi Healthcare Group, with an option to buy nine million more. The hospital group plans to use half to inoculate staff in its network of 40 hospitals.

The Thai government has separately ordered two million doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech and expects delivery of 200,000 doses with plans to inoculate frontline workers and medical professionals in high-risk areas next month.

The government has also ordered 61 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which will be produced by local firm Siam Bioscience for domestic use and export.

For patients, Thonburi’s medical centres plan to offer two vaccine injections for 3,200 baht ($106) and say they cannot take a profit because it is a humanitarian issue for the country.

However it is claimed that rich nations are stockpiling the most promising coronavirus vaccines, and people in poorer nations could miss out as a result. Campaigners are urging pharma companies to share technology so more doses can be made.

Just one in 10 people in dozens of poor countries will be able to get vaccinated against the coronavirus because wealthy countries have hoarded more doses than they need, said the People’s Vaccine Alliance, a coalition including Oxfam, Amnesty International and Global Justice Now.

They claim that rich nations have bought 54% of the total stock of the world’s most promising vaccines, despite being home to just 14% of the global population, said the Alliance.

Those wealthy nations have purchased enough doses to vaccinate their entire populations three times over by the end of 2021 if the vaccine candidates currently in clinical trials are approved for use.

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns that the world is on the brink of a “catastrophic moral failure” over COVID-19 vaccine distribution, he urges countries and manufacturers to share doses more fairly across countries. Mr. Ghebreyesus said this week that prospects for equitable distribution are at serious risk. “Ultimately these actions will only prolong the pandemic.”

Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines mean that life, including travel, are likely to get back to normal one day. Assuming that vaccines also protect against most virus mutations as well as against spreading the virus, COVID restrictions should end once *herd immunity is achieved. The whole world needs immunity, and achieving that in 2021 is unlikely.[ AJW: *Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through vaccination or previous infections, reducing the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity.]

Not all businesses have been forced to close down but widespread financial uncertainty means the tourism industry has struggled over the last year. It is grim, however I think even if we get a small fraction of the 39m tourists of 2019 we can survive and prosper.

The short term goal is survival and then to start to thrive in the ‘new world’ of tourism. Getting back ALL that was lost is not realistic or achievable nor should it be a goal.

Our focus on combating the virus and providing relief to our tourism industry should be the goal of all travel and tourism associations here in Thailand. Unity and leadership is so desperately needed if we are to look forward to recovery including the introduction of stimulus measures.

Accelerating the distribution of vaccines is the key to getting travel back to normal, and to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

For many travel business owners and hoteliers the challenges are to ensure a positive cash flow and GOP. Any asset value increases would be welcome but unlikely just now as property prices are currently turning south. Property maintenance and equipment replacement will be a real challenge in the future as ROI fall short.

Government assistance on tax and payroll would be really helpful at this juncture but our industry is so fragmented and ‘unorganised’ in a collective sense. Governments consider hospitality and service industries in general as good employees of the grey areas of the workforce, that have a way of “sorting themselves out” with little need for government help. Any cries for help are often ignored as the political will is simply not there. Our voice is drowned out by louder more organised industries that offer opportunities of jobs and local investment.

The tourism industry is called an invisible export…

However government grants and loans to small businesses are essential, the economic hardships of the pandemic will persist, so it is important that struggling businesses receive assistance to maintain operations and keep workers on payrolls.

Travel will play a vital role in Thailand’s economic recovery in the months ahead, but businesses will need lifelines by the government to survive until regular travel can fully resume.

Also a key lesson I see from other industries is that they be able to adapt quickly, look at noodle sellers here in Bangkok. Lines of Grab Bikes delivering take away food — changes are happening overnight and there’s no time for long deliberations and discussions. Those that can react quickly to these big shifts in consumer demands and priorities are going to come out on top.

As to jumping on a plane anytime soon, well that appears most unlikely. My birth country the UK, according to it’s current rules, once the lockdown is over, Brits could legally go on holiday abroad if they live in tiers one or two. However, holidays are effectively off the cards for the UK until at least April 2021.

As for Thailand our seven steps to navigate before anyone may be granted permission to enter, greatly impact the process of entering the country.

The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) warned last week that 70% of travel agents in Thailand would cease to operate this year if the Thai government did not step in with assistance.

It is clear the second round of the Covid-19 epidemic has severely affected faith in the future inbound tourism industry, many agents have to decide to either suspend or close operations. The Thai government has not offered the private sector any substantial assistance, short or long term. There is considerable confusion about whether to invest in keeping a business going or whether to close. The government must be clear in its policy to help or not help the travel industry.
*Proudly contributed by Andrew J. Wood
Photo: Thailand’s iconic tuk-tuk in the deserted streets of Bangkok.

Tags: COVID-19 impact, Thailand, tourism industry

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Website: www.DestinationMekong.com

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

Aman Nai Lert Residences Bangkok, the finest address for holistic wellbeing in the Thai capital

Rising from the lush private oasis that is Nai Lert Park in central Bangkok, Aman Nai Lert Residences will not only offer an abundance of space in a peerless natural setting, they will also provide residents with state-of-the-art wellness facilities including a medical grade spa. 

Humankind has never been more aware of the importance of physical, emotional and mental health. To have the means to holistically maintain every aspect of one’s wellbeing on the doorstep is therefore no longer the ultimate luxury, but perhaps a true necessity.

The healing power of nature with her vast apothecary of medicinal plants and nurturing beauty is well documented. Even simply walking through a garden has a powerful effect on wellbeing. Nai Lert Park is a pristine tract of jungle preserved since 1915 by the Nai Lert family, once on the outskirts, but today the living green heart of the city. A verdant sanctuary for Aman Nai Lert residents and their guests, the park’s mature trees and winding pathways create shady bowers and sunlit glades for quiet reflection and forest bathing, setting the tone for the cool serenity of the extensive wellness facilities high above.

Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International, the 36-storey Aman Nai Lert tower will encompass an Aman hotel as well as the exclusive residences. Along with two world-class restaurants, the hotel will house a 1,500-square-metre Aman Integrative Wellness Centre which will be a haven of urban wellness spread over two floors – the Medical Spa on the 8th floor, and the Holistic Spa on the 10th. Aman Nai Lert residents will enjoy privileged access to the Aman wellness lifestyle with these two spas, as well as to the additional and exclusive residents-only wellbeing facilities on the 30th floor. 

These will include an infinity swimming pool and bubble bed, a Fitness Centre and a studio for pilates and yoga, all embracing panoramic vistas of the cityscape stretching the horizon. There will also be a Kids’ Club and a children’s swimming pool on this floor with professional childcare services available, ensuring that residents who are parents can relax and train with complete peace of mind.

Overseen by a team of certified lifestyle and medical doctors, the fully integrated Medical Spa will offer eight private clinic rooms, one examination room and an IV Lounge for Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Infusion Therapy and the latest technologies to be used alongside specialist practioners. 

Drawing on Aman’s experience at Amanpuri, where the brand’s first ever medical-grade Holistic Wellness Centre was launched in 2019, the Medical Spa will focus on integrative lifestyle and preventative healthcare programmes combining advance health science, as well as conventional medicine practices and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) such as acupuncture and personalised herbal remedies. In addition, bespoke nutrition and supplement plans using Aman’s supplement brand SVA will be available.

Due for completion in 2023, Aman Nai Lert Residences Bangkok will number no more than 50, representing a unique opportunity to own a home within a very select community immersed in the Aman lifestyle and benefiting daily from its focus on holistic wellbeing.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Sri Lanka Welcomes You with Open Arms "Borders Reopened after Ten Months"

After a period of ten months, Sri Lankan borders finally reopened for international tourism on the 21st January 2021!

 

And we cannot wait to welcome you back to our shores with our traditional Sri Lankan warmth and smile! 

You will find below a link to the most recent and updated set of Health Guidelines as laid out by the Sri Lankan authorities earlier this week. 

These may be liable to change from time to time dependent on the country COVID19 situation.

Updated Health Protocols - Click Here

Columbus Tours obtains the special Covid Safe and Secure Certification

We are delighted to advise you that Columbus Tours Sri Lanka has recently been awarded the Safe & Secure Tourism Certification of Compliance, by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) with the independent assessment conducted by KPMG Sri Lanka. 

This certification is in compliance with the UNWTO safe traveling guidelines. Columbus Tours has followed a disciplined and stringent audit process which included all health guidelines stipulated by the health authorities and SLTDA for Tour Operations. KPMG Sri Lanka and SLTDA has formulated the safety protocol in consultation with many stakeholders in Sri Lanka tourism. This certification includes an unique QR code which enables guests to check information and authenticity of the documentation. Here’s looking forward to serving you safer and better, in the new normal! Read More

Riva Negombo by Taru Villas

Experience traditional Sri Lankan heritage through our charming 180 year restored manor house Taru Villas – Riva is one of the finest luxury boutique hotels in Negombo offering a personalized service within the comforts of this renovated Wallawwa. Immerse in the tranquil surroundings of our old, colonial mansion nestled in a lush shaded garden of colorful plants and towering coconut trees.


Located inland, just 20 minutes from the Colombo International Airport and 10 minutes from the main town of Negombo, Riva is the ideal base to either start or end your journey in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re reeling from your adventures around the island or shaking off the jetlag, lounge in the tranquility of our 5-acre coconut plantation as you unwind by the pool before retreating to the soothing spaces of our plush bedrooms Web Site

In Colombo a must stop would be the Barefoot Gallery

The name barefoot represents what is spontaneous and in touch with the earth. Barefoot is about people. It is a story of simplicity. We are about the craft of weaving and the art of design. Barbara Sansoni’s designs of brilliant colour and simple geometry have given our cloth its internationally recognizable character. In 1964 Barbara Sansoni, an artist, was invited to design for women learning to weave in a convent workshop just north of Colombo. 

Today, Barefoot, the company she founded has a band of dedicated designers providing training, designs, and raw materials. There are no factories and no production lines; each worker is responsible for the quality of his or her final product. The Barefoot experience, shop, art gallery, bookshop and courtyard café, offers you a kaleidoscope of colour, good design, wonderful art and delightful music – an oasis right in the center of Colombo Web Site

For latest Covid-19 updates in Sri Lanka visit Sri Lanka Health Bureau website For specific questions, reach out to your travel consultant.

Columbus Tours (Pvt) Ltd.
No. 06, Tickell Road, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka.

Website: https://columbustourssrilanka.com/

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Quang Binh moves to welcome back visitors after COVID-19

Still suffering from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Quang Binh province was hit hard by the recent historic rains and floods in early October. However, the provincial hospitality sector has exerted every effort to overcome its difficulties, poured more investment into upgrading tourist infrastructure, and implemented tourism stimulus programmes to welcome back visitors after the pandemic.

According to the provincial People’s Committee, rains and floods caused serious damage to the tourist infrastructure system and services at Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.

As the site’s management board utilise natural materials such as bamboo and rattan, most of the infrastructure at the park was severely destroyed and required a lot of time to repair.

Meanwhile, at Chay River - Dark Cave tourist site, hundreds of metres of wooden stairs as well as equipment for tourist activities inside the caves were swept away by floodwaters, with total damage of nearly VND750 million.

At the same time, the Mooc stream ecotourism area temporarily closed its gate for visitors due to torrential rain and flooding.

Thien Duong cave tourist site also faced a similar situation as the fast flowing flood waters washed away everything in their path

Statistics from the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Tourist Centre showed that floods caused more than VND3.8 billion in losses across the tourist sites in the complex.

According to experts, it is more difficult to implement tourist activities in localities which are commonly affected by floods, like Quang Binh, as investors may have to invest in these works many times. For example, soon after Thien Duong cave opened for visitors in 2010, floods swept away the wooden stair system inside the cave, requiring the Truong Thinh Group, the manager and investor of the site, to reinvest money and build new ones. This year, the stair system was destroyed again due to floods.

Striving to welcome back tourists
In mid-December, Quang Binh provincial People's Council approved a resolution on reducing entrance fees at local tourism destinations, which will take effect from January 1, 2021 to the end of December 31, 2021.

Accordingly, tourists in the province next year will enjoy a 20% discount on entrance fees to Phong Nha, Tien Son and Thien Duong caves, Mooc stream ecotourism area, and Song Chay River - Dark Cave tourist site.

Up to 50% discounts are also available on tours to En caves, Sinh Ton (Survival) valley, Va, Nuoc Nut and Tu Lan caves.

In response to the resolution, Oxalis Adventure company has launched a tourism stimulus program for their adventure tours in 2021. Accordingly, when booking a Hang Va Expedition 2 Days, visitors will receive a bonus of one night stay at Chay Lap Farmstay, prior to the departure date.

For the Tu Lan Expedition 4 Days, guests will be given 2 nights at Chay Lap Farmstay before and after the tour. In addition, they will get a free two-way transfer from Oxalis between Dong Hoi Centre and Chay Lap Farmstay when participating in the Tu Lan 4 Day Expedition.

The company has also upgraded the facilities used in its tours, such as adding Jungle Steambath to help visitors enjoy a steam bath upon arriving at the campsite in the afternoon, improving the environmentally-friendly toilet, enhancing the professional skills of tour guides, and operating training courses for chefs to increase the quality of the meals on the tours.

Other travel businesses in Quang Binh have provided discounts of 10% to 30% off on their products and services while affirming tourist’s safety in accordance with current regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control.

It is expected that the close coordination between local authorities and travel businesses will result in encouraging outcomes for the provincial hospitality sector, helping it rejuvenate after COVID-19.
Source: Nhan dan online

Photo: Quang Binh province offers large discount on tours of some famous caves in the province Tourism hit hard by massive floods

Tags: Quang Binh, visitors,

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

DA NANG OFFERS FREE CITY TOURS TO TOURISTS

Visitors to Da Nang from now to the end of April will be offered free city tours to explore popular destinations in the central coastal city.

This is part of the activities by the local tourism sector in a bid to attract more domestic tourists after the heavy damage caused by the COVID-19 outbreaks as well as natural disasters in the past year.

The city is building new products and services to stimulate tourism demand. Of which, the Da Nang Department of Tourism has cooperated with local travel agencies to launch free half-day city tours (morning or afternoon), taking visitors to some notable tourist attractions in Da Nang with support from the Da Nang Tour Guide Association.

The tour follows an itinerary across Linh Ung Pagoda, Son Tra Peninsula, Love Bridge, Dragon Bridge and Marble Mountains, along with offering souvenir products.

Visitors can book the tour before 17:00 daily for free pick up with departure from 07:30 to 08:30 the next day.

In addition, from now until March 30, Da Nang will give away five tickets a day for an open bus round trip tour between downtown Da Nang and the favourite tourist destination Ba Na.

To restore domestic tourism in the context of the complicated COVID-19 epidemic and while Vietnam is still unable to welcome international visitors, the Da Nang tourism industry is focussing on organising travel events to promote local tourism, especially meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

Read the full article at Nhan Dan: https://en.nhandan.org.vn/travel/item/9501702-da-nang-offers-free-city-tours-to-tourists.html
Photo: Cruises take visitors to see Dragon Bridge breathing water during a free tour to the river at night offered for the two nights of Jan 1 and 2, 2021. (Photo: VNA)

Tags: danang, domestic tourism, tourism campaign, Vietnam

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