ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

Τρίτη 31 Δεκεμβρίου 2019

Britons would forgo complimentary food, drink and magazines for cheaper flights




Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Britons would forgo complimentary food, drink and magazines for cheaper flights


A survey conducted by worldwide luxury holiday specialist Kenwood Travel, has revealed British travellers would gladly forgo complimentary in-flight items such as food and drink, WiFi, magazines and even in-flight entertainment, in return for cheaper flights.
The survey of more than 1,000 British holidaymakers found the in-flight magazine would be the first to go, with more than half (56%), saying they would be happy for airlines to ditch these complimentary mags, if it meant less costly flights.
The survey also reveals that whilst many flyers enjoy the on-board complimentary treats, available on most mid-to-long haul flights, more than one in 10 (12%), say they would be satisfied if airlines no longer offered free food and drink, as long as this meant cheaper flights.
Despite more and more Britons owning their own smartphones and tablets, it also seems the majority of travellers would rather use the onboard entertainment system and WiFi.
According to the survey, eight in 10 British flyers (80%), would rather enjoy watching the seat-back TV or movies and take advantage of the onboard WiFi, rather than using their own devices, even if it meant airlines could offer cheaper flights if they ditched in-flight entertainment and WiFi.
The survey also found that when it comes to seating and hand luggage, the majority of British holidaymakers would not sacrifice these, even if it meant cheaper flights.
Only 8% said they would be happy to swap reclining seats for cheap seats, and just 5% would forgo the free seat choice option, in return for cheaper flights.
According to the survey, the ability to carry hand luggage free of charge is most important to travellers, with only 2% saying they would happily pay extra for this service, even if it meant the flight was cheaper.
Alex Stuart, Head of Sales at Kenwood Travel comments: “Our survey reveals that for many British travellers, cost is king, and if airlines cut back on services such as complimentary food and drink, they wouldn’t mind, as long as the savings were passed on and the seats themselves were cheaper.”
“Most people carry and use their own devices in-flight now, so over time, in-flight entertainment may become redundant. However, our survey suggests British fliers consider free hand luggage, seat choice and reclining seats, essential items.”



The Valencia Conference Centre increases its operations by 34% in 2019


Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για The Valencia Conference Centre increases its operations by 34% in 2019



The Conference Centre Chairman and City Councillor for Tourism Emiliano García said this morning that the municipal organisation “has increased its operations over the past year by 34% and grown its international business by 48%.” In his view, “these figures make 2019 one of the best years in the Valencia Conference Centre’s history and endorse Valencia as one of the most cutting-edge destinations in MICE tourism.”

He was speaking alongside the Conference Centre’s Managing Director Sylvia Andrés at the press conference called to present the venue’s annual results. The organisation’s figures show that this 34% increase in operations has generated a total of 99,386 overnight stays in the city. Furthermore, the Centre’s Chairman noted that “61% of delegates come from outside Spain which makes the conference centre a benchmark in MICE tourism at world level.”

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για The Valencia Conference Centre increases its operations by 34% in 2019
Valencia_Conference_Centre

As for the organisation’s financial situation, the conference venue ensures its creditworthiness and forecasts profits of €1,630,000 and an EBITDA of €1,875,000 by the end of the year. In August this year, it also paid off all its loans amounting to €2,243,000. Sylvia Andrés commented that “these data are the outcome of the hard work put in by the team which has helped to consolidate the Valencia Conference Centre’s international leadership.”

In 2019, the activity report reveals that the Centre’s team has made over 800 sales visits and submitted 198 event bids. This has boosted the future portfolio which currently has some 70 events confirmed until 2022 that will generate 125,348 overnight stays in the city. Emiliano García praised the work done by the City Council Department, the Visit Valencia Foundation and the Conference Centre to “promote the Valencia brand in the international MICE market” and which he thinks “is reflected in the outstanding results obtained.”

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για The Valencia Conference Centre increases its operations by 34% in 2019

This year the Conference Centre has set aside €345,000 for investment designed to enhance the building’s potential and increase the satisfaction of delegates. 33% of the investment has gone on acquiring state-of-the-art technology in order to keep the venue competitive.

Moreover, 40% of the investment has been sustainable as part of the Centre’s environmental commitment which is central to its strategy. Looking ahead to 2020, the investment plan aims to allocate €2,250,000 to the venue. This will be used mainly to replace the seating and carpeting in Auditoriums 1 and 2 after more than 21 years of use as a result of the high level of activity in the Centre.


SOURCE: VALENCIA CONFERENCE CENTRE

TAGS: SPAIN THE VALENCIA CONFERENCE CENTRE VALENCIA

Last Saturday, China opened its ‘Snow City’ to wow tourists!




Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για This Saturday, China opened its ‘Snow City’ to wow tourists!

On Saturday, a famous snow sculpture park has been opened in China, impressing visitors for the 19th year at a stretch with complicated designed ice attractions.

The park spreads across an area of 60,000 square meters. The fairytale land in the Mudanjiang Snow Castle Park was made using about 22,000 cubic metres of snow.

The park in Heilongjiang Province in northeast China offered visitors a three-dimensional experience with 2019’s themes including “Tom and Jerry” and “Last Night,” as part of the initiation to endorse the integration of culture and tourism.

The snow castle park has become a massive attraction for Mudanjiang City – which is called the “snow city” – since 2001, attracting tourists from home and abroad every year.

The average temperature in Mudanjiang in December is between -8C (17.6F) and -11C (12.2F).

“It is my first time to Mudanjiang.”

“I heard about the ice sculptures so I came for a visit.”

“This is the first time that I’ve seen such a giant and beautiful snow sculpture,” said Jin Lan, a tourist from southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

“The Snow castle park is a lot fun and very beautiful,” said Ward Josh, an American tourist.



JW Marriott strengthenspresence on China’s holiday island with opening of JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay




Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για JW Marriott strengthenspresence on China’s holiday island with opening of JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay


HONG KONG – JW Marriott, part of Marriott International, Inc., announced the opening of JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay, located on the Haitang Bay, the National Coast of China. The property marks JW Marriott’s second resort on Hainan and eighteenth hotel in Greater China, seamlessly blending in with the lush landscape of Haitang Bay and illustrating the beguiling charm of the entire coast.
Adjacent to Yalong Bay National Tourism Resort, Haitang Bay boasts stunning scenery including tropical forests, white sandy beaches and shimmering waters. A 40-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, the area is home to numerous tourist attractions including Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya Haichang Fantasy Town, Nanshan Temple and the Wanda International Cinema, among others. The new JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay is located on a 21.8-kilometer-long shoreline, providing a luxury escape for travelers who come to feel present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized through the brand’s curated programming.
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay
“We are truly delighted to continue to expand our brand portfolio in Sanya, China” said Mitzi Gaskins, Vice President & Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay is bringing a modern, luxurious setting to our guests in Sanya, as well as encouraging them to embrace the present and savor life to the fullest in a mindful and nourishing environment.”
Inspired by the theme of ‘stone’, the subtle design by Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart (SRSS) connects guests at JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay with nature through endless arcades, ceramic accents, an octagonal fountain and peacock pavilion that reflect the hotel’s luscious backdrop. The property’s 142 guestrooms and 18 villas, ranging from 735 sq. ft. to 7,180 sq. ft., feature private balconies and combine modern designs with genuine aesthetics to create the optimum sense of relaxation. 
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay
Two exquisite dining facilities ensure the ultimate epicurean experience for travelers. Guests can enjoy live cooking presentations in JW Kitchen’s all-day open-kitchen restaurant or relax in the tropical ambiance of the JW Lounge, featuring signature cocktails and wines from around the world. Additionally, JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay highlights its commitment to naturally-inspired dining through its JW Garden to offer fresh, local ingredients for authentic farm-to-table dining experiences, hands on cooking classes and specialty drinks.
JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay is the perfect venue for hosting romantic weddings, corporate meetings and special events with over 37,600 sq. ft. of meeting space, 86,000 sq. ft. of outdoor lawn, flexible seating solutions and comprehensive business facilities. Guests can rejuvenate at the fully-equipped Health Club featuring over nine different-sized pools, or enjoy pampering at the luxurious Spa by JW.
“The increase and transformation of the tourism market within China and specifically Hainan is significant, with the island now housing 23 hotels, covering different lifestyle needs,” said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “The expansion of the JW Marriott brand in Sanya allows us to add unique offerings and enriching, thoughtfully-curated experiences for guests, leaving them with unforgettable memories.”



Caribbean Tourism Organization chief: 2019 was a ‘varied’ year




Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Caribbean Tourism Organization chief: 2019 was a ‘varied’ year

New Year’s message from Neil Walters, Acting Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization:
If we were to stop and reflect on this year as it comes to a close, we would most likely describe 2019 as a varied year, which both highlighted the strengths in Caribbean tourism and its inherent weaknesses.
The sector’s strengths were evident in the significant growth rates experienced by most Caribbean countries. Despite contraction in some larger destinations, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean experienced an overall 6.1% level of growth in visitor arrivals during the first nine months of the year. It is noteworthy that the growth rates of those countries affected by the 2017 hurricanes were substantial, in some cases up to triple-digit levels.
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Caribbean Tourism Organization chief: 2019 was a ‘varied’ year
This level of recovery speaks volumes about the commitment of the Caribbean to this industry which has become the lifeblood of several countries.
During early September, a portion of the northern Bahamas was ravaged by Hurricane Dorian, a super hurricane that broke many records. The devastation caused was a further wake-up call to us in the region that the climatic changes are here and likely irreversible. It is our responsibility to create resilience in not only the tourism sector but all sectors of our economies and by extension all sections of our societies. We continue to commiserate with our brothers and sisters in The Bahamas on the loss of life and property experienced as a result of Dorian.
The cruise sector has also had a strong showing in 2019 with a 5.8% growth rate for the first three quarters. Implicit in this growth of cruise visits is the fact that as occurred in 2018, there has been consistent growth of cruise visits in each quarter of 2019, albeit at rates that are lower than those experienced in 2018.
During the last two months of 2019, we at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) announced that the organization would be going through a process of restructuring. This is currently underway, and it is our intention to emerge from this process with a revised structure which more adequately serves the needs of all our members.
The Caribbean tourism sector is ending 2019 in a position of which all of us can be proud, having seen an overall reversal of the position at the end of 2018. As we look to 2020, we should not rest on our laurels, but continue to work to sustain the growth which was realized this year. At the same time, we must remember that we live in a volatile climatic region which while providing the palate for amazing experiences for our visitors, must always be respected and considered in our planning and development.
In 2020 we continue with the theme of the ‘Year of Festivals’ as we recognized that it was all but impossible for us to fully embrace the rich culture of the Caribbean in one twelve-month span. This year we hope to move even further along the path of integrating our festivals and other cultural events into the tourism product in all our countries. We recognize that not only do these aspects of our individual countries distinguish us from each other, but they also hold significant potential in the quest to attract even more visitors to our shores.
What is also becoming clearer to us is that we have not begun to fully and responsibly harness the power of our culture and heritage in defining who we are, and this is critical as we seek to offer authentic experiences which benefit both the visitor and the communities in which these experiences exist.
Given the results recorded so far in 2019, it is our expectation that 2020 will, all things being equal, be another year of growth, likely at a rate slightly lower for both stayover arrivals and cruise visits. One way that we can arrest the reduction in growth – or even maintain growth at current levels – is to embrace the value of speaking with one voice, ONE CARIBBEAN, to the rest of the world. To this end, it is our expectation that one of the outcomes of the restructuring of the CTO will be a new way of speaking with one voice to the rest of the travelling world, thereby pooling our limited resources to become a stronger force for the maintenance and growth of the market share which the Caribbean, the most tourism-dependent region, values.
On behalf of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, Board of Directors and the staff of the CTO, I want to thank you all for standing with us in 2019 and we look forward to your support in 2020. I wish for a year filled with blessings, growth and prosperity for this region we love.


To boost Ayurveda, Kerala is ready to greet wellness tourists!




Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για To boost Ayurveda, Kerala is ready to greet wellness tourists!


Kerala is ready to greet the wellness tourists who come to the state to enjoy the magic of Ayurveda. It’s fast turning Kerala into a global medical tourism destination, drawing vacationers along with international celebrities, with packages to experience the centuries-old traditions of preparing ayurvedic medicines and the cultivation of medicinal plants.

The Responsible Tourism Mission under the Tourism Department is working together on the project. It has reached an understanding with about 48 farmers from all over state who are the owners of medicinal plant gardens ranging from 3 to 10 acres and about 180 small scale medicinal farmers. The project explains that the wellness tourists who come to Kerala for ayurvedic massages and undergo other treatments also witness the process of preparing ayurvedic medicines and the traditional maintenance of medicinal plants in the meantime.
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για To boost Ayurveda, Kerala is ready to greet wellness tourists! 
According to state RT mission coordinator Rupesh Kumar, handful of the hundreds of ayurvedic treatments in the state own farms though they produce their own medicines. “This project will give them an opportunity to take their guests to the medicinal plant farms and the tourists will be able to come close to the traditional and authentic form of cultivation and preparation of ayurvedic medicines,” he said.

It provides ayurvedic wellness seekers an authentic Ayurveda experience which they can avail from close quarters and will also distinguish Kerala Ayurveda from the countless, sometimes the fake ayurvedic centers in other states. In short, the project would help brand Kerala as the go-to place for authentic Ayurveda across the globe.
 Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για To boost Ayurveda, Kerala is ready to greet wellness tourists!
In the meantime, once the process of categorizing the Ayurveda centres into three different categories – Ayur diamond, Ayur gold and Ayur silver, keeping in mind the facilities and quality of services offered at each of these centers is completed, Kerala Tourism would open the aforementioned packages for wellness tourists. Currently, the package is ready in two destinations – Vaikom and Kumarakom in Kottayam, in the state as part of the ‘village tour’ project of the department.


Choices of travelers to China in 2019



Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Choices of travelers to China in 2019


In the year of 2019, The China Guide organized custom private tours in China for thousands of travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and beyond. As 2020 kicks off, they are releasing their third annual tourism report on the popular choices of our travelers in 2019.
In this report, they take a look at the choices of the thousands of travelers we served and offer some insights into the Western travelers' preferences when it comes to planning a visit to China. Following the footsteps of other travelers can be a convenient and reliable way to plan a trip, and we hope this report will help people who are considering visiting China to craft their own itineraries while saving valuable time.
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Choices of travelers to China in 2019
Popular months to travel to China
When planning a trip, the first question many people ask is when to go. Considering the mild weather and pleasant temperatures, spring (March, April, and May) and fall (September, October, and November) are usually the two most popular seasons to visit China. This is also well shown by our statistics on the distribution of travelers in 2019.
Based on our data, 65% of our clients traveled to China in March, April, May, September, October or November. While Chinese summers are hot on most days, June, July, and August received a share of visitors similar to spring or fall. One reason is the summer break, which makes these months a good time for families to travel. Due to the cold weather and the holiday season, December, January, and February saw the lowest number of visitors, with only 7% of travelers choosing these three months to visit China.
Weather, public holidays and school breaks are some of the factors worth considering when planning a trip to China. Here you can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of visiting the country in different months/seasons.
Top 10 China destinations
In 2019, 90% percent of our travelers included Beijing either as their sole destination or as one stop of their multi-city tours. This is understandable, as Beijing is generally considered the main gateway to China, both geographically and culturally, and is home to two of the best-known attractions that the country has to offer: the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. To this figure, it largely contributed the many layover/transit passengers or business travelers who usually take one or two days off to do some sightseeing. Our statistics show that in 2019 travelers spent an average of 2.3 days exploring Beijing.
Shanghai, another major city and the financial capital of the country, attracted 25% of our travelers. Like Beijing, Shanghai also attracted a large number of layover/transit passengers and business travelers. The average time our clients spent in Shanghai in 2019 was 2.1 days.
Xi'an, home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, ranked 3rd on our list of most popular destinations, with 23% of our travelers visiting in 2019. Travelers spent an average of 1.9 days touring Xi'an this year.
Following behind, Guilin/Yangshuo, Chengdu, Suzhou, Zhangjiajie, Hangzhou, Pingyao, and Luoyang complete our list of top 10 most popular destinations among travelers to China.
Aside from the top 10 destinations, Yunnan, Datong, and Huangshan also attracted a good number of travelers in 2019, while Tibet, which requires more time and a bigger budget because of its remote location and difficult access, did not receive many of our clients despite being frequently inquired by our travelers.
Top 10 multi-city tours and average trip length
Most people who visited two or more cities were typically on a vacation and our 2019 statistics show that their destinations were quite diverse, especially when the travelers wanted to add one or more cities on top of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai.
According to our numbers, different combinations of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai made the top three popular itineraries. In particular, our Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai tour, also known as the "Golden Triangle of China," was picked by 15.3% of the multi-city travelers, making it the top choice among our multi-city travelers to China in 2019. Our statistics show that this tour took our clients an average of 8.6 days to complete.
On top of the three most popular cities, Guilin/Yangshuo, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Hangzhou, and Luoyang were also frequently picked by our multi-city travelers in 2019. Popular combinations included Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai-Guilin/Yangshuo, Beijing-Xi’an-Shanghai-Chengdu, Beijing-Xi’an-Shanghai-Zhangjiajie, Beijing-Xi'an-Luoyang, Beijing-Shanghai-Hangzhou, and Beijing-Guilin/Yangshuo.
Aside from these popular routes, there were a lot of diverse itineraries, mostly different combinations of the cities listed above.
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Choices of travelers to China in 2019
How long in advance did travelers book their trip to China?
According to our statistics, the longer a trip was, the longer in advance travelers booked their trips. This is understandable since longer tours require more planning and preparation time.
Based on our numbers, most people booked a 1 to 3-day tour an average of 28 days in advance, a 4 to 6-day tour an average of 53 days in advance, 7 to 10-day tour an average of 62 days in advance, and a tour of more than 10 days an average of 85 days in advance.
Booking a tour early means having more options when selecting accommodation, guides, cars, and other services, and can also help save money since prices in China tend to go up often.


Hainan hosted The 2019 Tropical Island International Tourism Food Festival!




Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Hainan hosted The 2019 Tropical Island International Tourism Food Festival!

At the 2019 Tropical Island International Tourism Food Festival organized in Sanya south in China’s Hainan Province on Dec. 29, 2019, visitors bought crunchy snacks. On Sunday, the festival kicked off and will last till Jan. 1, 2020.

A child closely watches food sculptures at the 2019 Tropical Island (Sanya) International Tourism Food Festival.

In the festival, a total of about 400 booths and five exhibition zones will be featured. Representatives from almost 12 countries and regions worldwide including Russia, South Korea, Australia, and Spain can be seen showcasing their countries’ exotic flavors at the festival, creating an exhilarating food experience for attendees.

The festival has the following five exhibition areas: “time-honored brand” exhibition area, a “poverty alleviation” exhibition area, a domestic food exhibition area, an international food exhibition area, and a branded enterprise exhibition area.


Faroe Islands saw double-digit tourism growth in 2019





Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Faroe Islands saw double-digit tourism growth in 2019

Tourism in the Faroe Islands showed double digit growth in 2019. Two brand new hotels and an appearance in the upcoming James Bond film are set to fuel even stronger growth in the North Atlantic archipelago in 2020.
The Faroe Islands are increasingly becoming an aspirational destination for travelers looking to go beyond the beaten tracks with visitor numbers increasing steadily. 
According to official figures from the Faroe Islands airport, visits to the Faroe Islands have increased by 13% so far in 2019, and the growth is set to accelerate next year with the arrival of an international hotel chain and Faroese scenery is expected to feature in the upcoming James Bond movie.
Tourism is the second largest industry in the Faroe Islands after the seafood industry and on track to meet Visit Faroe Islands’ official target of tourism generating 1.5bn DKK by 2025.
The largest marketplace for independent Faroe Islands tours and activities, Guide to Faroe Islands, also reports strong growth in 2019. “This year alone, Guide to Faroe Islands saw the arrival of over 20 new independent local tour operators and the local tours and activities on offer on the site grew from 100 in 2018 to 150 in 2019” says Høgni Sigrunarson Reistrup, founder and CEO of Guide to Faroe Islands.
“It’s evident that the Faroe Islands have become a more accessible destination over the last couple of years with a better organised local tourism and more to offer visitors. The main challenge now is maintaining tourism at sustainable levels and avoiding over-tourism in the most popular spots," says Høgni Sigrunarson Reistrup, who founded Guide to Faroe Islands two years ago with a vision to promote sustainable and well-organised tourism in the Faroe Islands that benefits people throughout the whole country.
The James Bond effect 
The new James Bond movie “No Time to Die” is set to include Faroese scenery from the spectacular Kalsoy island, one of the most photographed and visited sites in the Faroe Islands. The film will premiere in April 2020. 
If the film sparks a growing interest in the Faroe Islands, the local hotel industry will be ready to welcome them. There are currently three major hotel projects ongoing in the Faroe Islands. Local airline Atlantic Airways is building a brand new 4-star Hilton Garden Inn, the first hotel chain to set their eyes on the Faroe Islands, and local ferry operator Smyril Line is building the 4-star Hotel Brandan with 124 rooms and high green environmental standards. 
Closed for Maintenance 
Despite strong growth, the Faroe Islands tourism sector is determined to steer clear of overtourism in the Faroe Islands. During the 16-17 April 2020, most major tourist attractions in the Faroe Islands will be closed for regular visitors and only open to volunteers - or voluntourists - who wish to help maintain them and promote a future of sustainable tourism in the Faroe Islands. The initiative is led by Visit Faroe Islands and is part of a greater effort to preserve the Faroe Islands as one of the most unspoiled and unpolluted places on the planet.


Korea Hosts Major Chinese Incentive Trips






Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Korea Hosts Major Chinese Incentive Trips


Korea welcomed 3,500 international employees of Shanghai-based multinational retail company WEINA Cosmetics Co. this month for corporate events and travel. The arrivals follow a successful bid to host the global group’s overseas incentive trip by the Korea MICE Bureau (KMB) division of the Korea Tourism Organization.

WEINA Cosmetics Co. is a Shanghai-based cosmetics company established in 2003 currently operating 11 branches throughout China, including Xi’an of Shaanxi Province and Qingdao of Shandong Province. The group’s employees arrived in Korea three groups between the 12th and 19th of this month.

The celebration kicked off with a special Welcome Ceremony at Gangneung Curling Center on December 17th. Participants enjoyed a range of Korean-themed cultural entertainment courtesy of the KMB, including performances by Gukak (Korean traditional music) B-boy group S-Flava and a musical gala show. The group also enjoyed an exclusive K-POP performance at Yongpyong Resort in Pyeongchang, featuring Hallyu star, Min Kyung-hoon.

Staying at a resort-style accommodation in Gangwon Province, employees visited popular attractions in Seoul and Gangwon Province over the 6-day trip, including Jade Garden Natural Arboretum in Chuncheon, Ohjukheon, Gangneung Coffee Street, and Gangneung Curling Center, where the Welcome Ceremony will be held.

gangneung

KMB has been pushing to recover the Chinese incentive market this past year, promoting new, Hallyu-related contents as part of its program. The efforts have proved successful, with official figures for the number of Chinese incentive travelers to Korea in 2019 as of November estimated at 99,857, indicating an increase of 200% over that time last year.

According to the Director of Corporate & Incentive Team Ik Soo Cheong, there has been very high satisfaction from Chinese incentive participants with performances by Hallyu stars. “We will continue providing various Hallyu contents such as K-POP and K-Drama to attract even more meetings and incentive groups from multinational companies,” he said.


TAGS: INCENTIVE TRIPS, KOREA, SEOUL




Sunrose 7 Hotel was awarded the Gold Travelife Certificate





Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Sunrose 7 Hotel was awarded the Gold Travelife Certificate
This fall Sunrose 7 – Heritage Boutique Hotel opened. Austro-hungarian villa originally built in 1890 welcomes guests with 18 designer rooms and nearly 130 year-old tradition!
In 2019 the hotel had been completely reconstructed using the latest and greatest materials: premium glazing, local spruce and oak solid woods, ECO ceramics that use 30% less energy, 30% less CO2 emissions and whopping 80% less water to produce.
Sunrose 7 has an ongoing commitment to minimise its environmental impact through actions carried out every day: the garden and plants are watered with rainwater, highly energy-efficient heat pumps are used to warm up and cool down the Hotel, and both
fireplace stoves harness the heat via heat exchanger and deliver the energy throughout the Hotel. Bathrooms have certified organic toiletries and eco-friendly cotton bathrobes and towels. Organic food is sourced locally and prepared fresh.
Famous Savica waterfall inspired the designers to install the unique showering experience in the suite. It is the only such shower in Slovenia and offers a multisensory water experience, like a personal spa, making you feel like under a waterfall.
Sunrose7-Bohinj-Boutique-Hotel
Sunrose 7 combines tradition and heritage with contemporary design. Hotel revolves around Digital Detox concept. There are no TVs, multimedia or other consumer electronic devices. Instead, a library, pleasant ambient with views of the garden, the protected chestnut grove and the river please the guests along with the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park right on the doorstep.
International sustainability certificate Travelife recognizes environmental, corporate social responsibilities as well as energy efficiency of accommodation providers for better, more sustainable future. Slovenia Green Standard encourages accommodation providers to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Project manager, Anže Čokl: “Our commitment for environment and sustainability has always been part of our personal values from the very beginning. Gold Travelife Award supports our cause for a brighter, more sustainable future.”
SOURCE: KONGRES MAGAZINE


DTTT Insights: Predicting top trends in 2020 in destination marketing




Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για DTTT Insights: Predicting top trends in 2020 in destination marketing


As we approach a new decade, we reflect on another year gone by, and start to think about what the next year has in store. We know the world of travel and digital is constantly changing so who knows what the new year may bring.
One thing we do know for sure, the visitor economy will continue to thrive, but there are means and solutions to ensure a positive impact. We believe existing trends over the last year and looking towards 2020 will only continue to develop and strengthen as more DMOs adopt a similar approach.
During #DTTTGlobal 2019 and with the knowledge and insights of DMOs, leading social platforms and tech companies, the conversation mainly centred around sustainability, smart destinations and innovation.
There has never been a better opportunity for destinations’ to do what’s right for the planet and local communities than today.



The Health tourism summit of Azerbaijan will be arranged in 2020



Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για The Health tourism summit of Azerbaijan


In January-February 2020, the summit of Azerbaijani health tourism will be arranged as part of the 24th East Mediterranean International Tourism & Travel Exhibition in Istanbul. Ruslan Guliyev, the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Association for Support of Medical and Thermal Tourism (AHTTSA) remarked at the 24th annual meeting of the Baku club of the international tourism organization “Skal International” organized in Baku on December 26, local media reported. Azerbaijani members of the Skal during the event assessed the annual activities of the club and informed the participants about the projects they will execute next year.

The representatives of the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency, the Ministry of Culture, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs, the University of Tourism and Management, the National NGO Forum, as well as travel agencies and hotels took part in the event. Ceyhun Ashurov, president of Skal Baku, explained that the Scal International Association of Tourism Professionals, established in 1934, is the world’s one of the longest-running organizations. He stated that the organization at present has 315 clubs and over 15,000 members in 80 countries and incorporates all aspects of tourism.



Brand new $850 million cruise ship MSC Grandiosa crashes into pier in Italy


Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Brand new $850 million cruise ship MSC Grandiosa crashes into pier in Italy


The brand new MSC Grandiosa, one of the world’s biggest cruise ships, crashed into a pier in Palermo, Italy, as it attempted to dock on Monday morning.

The luxury liner, which made its maiden voyage only last month, viciously scraped against a wall as it approached the docks on the island of Sicily at around 8:30am.

Video footage showing the enormous vessel trying to dock captured the moment it walloped against the pier. The ship’s horn can he heard blaring in the moments after the crash

The impact caused part of the wall to crumble away, and the impressive vessel – worth $853 million – was left with visible damage to its hull after the encounter.

Despite the unfortunate crash the ship later docked without incident. The MSC Grandiosa is the second largest cruise ship in the world in terms of capacity and, weighing in at 181,541 tonnes, it is the seventh biggest in overall size.


Tags:  MSC Grandiosa