Health issues on the rise for business travellers: Increased risk in a changing world

A growing number of business travellers and expatriates are being sent to countries with higher medical risks, and more of them are requiring medical assistance than ever before.

International SOS Medical Director - Medical Information, Dr Irene Lai said: “Our message is clear. If you haven’t thought about preparing your travellers and don’t already have programmes in place to do so, the time to act is now.

Many hospitalisations and medical evacuations are due to preventable causes such as injuries and cardiovascular problems and the risk of evacuation is related to the medical risk at the destination. Preparation of travellers, including a risk assessment, education and health check programme for staff, will reduce the need for intervention after travel. This is especially important for those travelling to high and extreme risk countries.

Potentially such preparation can have a positive impact on business continuity. If companies are not proactively managing the health of their travelling staff prior to deployment, they are running the risk of failed assignments, preventable costs, litigation, or even a tragic outcome.”

Key findings from 2013 – data from approximately 600,000 medical cases in 2013 Global

• Over 40% of medical cases occurred in countries classed as ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ risk - a sharp increase from less than 25% in 2010.
• Looking at medical cases by type, heart disease ranks number 5 for men but isn’t in the top ten for women.
• 11% of medical cases in extreme countries are due to cardiovascular disease, while another 11% can be attributed to infectious illnesses including malaria and dengue fever. Many of these cases could be prevented through pre-deployment programmes such as screening for heart disease, or education on preventing mosquito-borne infections.
• As in previous years, injuries, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems are the three most common reasons that our members will contact us for medical assistance.

Asia and Middle East

• 50% of cases in Asia and the Middle East are in ‘high’ risk countries with assistance most commonly required in Indonesia, India, China and Vietnam. This compares with 29% in 2010.
• Other regions
• Africa continues to be without any countries classed as ‘low risk’. The combined share of medical cases in high and extreme risk countries has increased since 2010, from 78% to 85%.
• In medical terms Europe remains a largely low risk continent. Nevertheless, members still require medical assistance in low risk areas. A greater proportion of people (87%) are contacting us from low risk locations, whereas in 2010 the figure was 59%.
• Medical cases by risk category in the Americas are generally at similar levels to 2010. The number of cases in extreme risk countries has decreased slightly.
• The number of medical cases in higher risk Oceania countries has increased over the last 4 years, from 14% in 2010 to 25% in 2013.

Our travellers
The number of male and female adults under 40 who seek our help prior to, or during, travel is the same. However over the age of 40, the number of men who call us for medical assistance is more than double the number of women.
Men are more likely to be injured than women whilst overseas. They are also more likely to have a cardiovascular event (such as a heart attack) or suffer from insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
The data analysis mirrors recent research from International SOS which shows:
Nearly 50% of travellers and expatriates hospitalised in a high risk country will require a medical evacuation.
In an extreme risk country, that figure rises to nearly 80%.
Only 32% of the 628 organisations surveyed by the International SOS Foundation conduct person/location risk assessments prior to expatriate assignments.

Hotel association confirms: SuitePads set to replace traditional guest directories

BERLIN, GERMANY - The underlying trend in the hospitality industry extends further into hotel rooms. As tablet-PCs in hotel rooms become more and more commonplace, the German hotel classification association recently reacted by allowing hotels to replace traditional guest directories, and other items in hotel rooms with tablet-PCs. In some cases, hotels are even awarded additional points in the classification process for offering guests digital services via tablet.

Tablet-PCs in hotel rooms made their first appearance roughly one year ago. Since then, the number of hotels switching to the in-room devices has increased substantially.

The German hotel classification association took this recent trend into account when revising its guidelines for hotels nationwide. Hotels are now able to replace a number of objects in hotel rooms, such as guest directories, TV channel lists, radios, etc. with tablets and administrate the information on the devices centrally. “We’re excited to see the classification guidelines now accommodating our vision of a paperless hotel room”, says Moritz v. Petersdorff-Campen, co-founder and MD at SuitePad. SuitePad’s clients can even look forward to earning extra points with their tablets, as the devices offer not only guest information, but also internet access, games, and daily newspapers. All of which count as extra digital services rewarded by the classification association with additional points.

The “guest directory 2.0” has come a long way since its launch one year ago, and is now widely regarded as the replacement for paper-based guest information. Increasing guest demand and plummeting prices for hardware are likely to contribute their share to the spread of this concept.

Louis Cruises on the Executive Committee of CLIA Europe

Louis Cruises was invited to participate in the Executive Committee of CLIA Europe. CLIA Europe represents the leading cruise companies operating in Europe and has 43 members and 36 executive partners. CLIA Europe promotes the interests of cruise operators within Europe, liaising closely with the EU institutions: the commission, the Parliament, the Council of Ministers and their Permanent Representatives as well as with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Mr. Kyriakos (Kerry) Anastassiadis  

CLIA Europe’s Executive Committee has all the powers of operational management and administration of the Association. The Executive Committee is responsible for the implementation of all the activities of CLIA Europe and of the national associations in each of the countries in that region.

Commenting on the invitation to participate in CLIA Europe’s Executive Committee, Kerry Anastassiadis, CEO of Louis Cruises, noted: “It is a great honor and pleasure to be able to work even more closely with our colleagues in Europe. We certainly look forward to contributing our utmost towards the fulfillment of the noble goals and aims set by CLIA Europe”. 

CLIA meeting in Piraeus: The two associations explore ways for facilitating cruise growth

from left to right: Robert Ashdown (CLIA Europe secretary general), Stavros Hatzakos (MedCruise President), Didier Scaillet (CLIA vice-president), and Thanos Pallis 

MedCruise and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) held a meeting on Tuesday 25 February at the headquarters of MedCruise at the Port of Piraeus in Greece.

During the meeting, MedCruise and CLIA executives discussed the latest developments in the cruise sector and explored the prospects for the collaboration between the two Associations in order to further advance the sustainable growth of cruise activities. The themes of the meeting included promotional and regulatory issues of mutual interest, as well as ways to further improve the attractiveness of cruising.

CLIA, which was represented at the meeting by Didier Scaillet, CLIA vice-president, and Robert Ashdown, secretary general of CLIA Europe, presented among others the latest developments in the organisation, the scope and aims of the recent restructuring of the Association that represents cruise lines across the globe.

MedCruise, which was represented by Stavros Hatzakos, MedCruise president, and Thanos Pallis, MedCruise secretary general, presented the growing activities of MedCruise, and its strategy for promoting cruise in the Μediterranean and its adjoining seas, via an engagement in a dialogue with cruise lines.

The two parties decided to hold further meetings aiming to a sustainable communication between cruise lines and the ports for the benefits of the members of the associations representing the supply and the demand side of the market respectively.

This meeting follows the submission joint statement of CLIA Europe and MedCruise to the European Commission, aiming to put cruise at the core of the European maritime growth strategy, and is indicative of the building up of a common understanding between the two associations.

UNWTO supports Qatar’s new Tourism Strategy

UNWTO is supporting Qatar to implement its new tourism strategy through collaboration in the areas of legislation, institutional strengthening, statistics, marketing and capacity building. During an official visit to the country, where he met H.E. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar and attended the launch of Qatar’s Tourism Strategy, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai welcomed the high priority afforded to the tourism sector in Qatar (22-25 February 2014).

“I would like to commend the government of Qatar for placing the tourism sector as a strategic pillar within its National Vision 2030. This is a clear recognition of the role tourism can play in boosting the image of Qatar, diversifying its economic base and driving sustainable development in the country”, said Mr. Rifai.

During an audience with H.E. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, UNWTO Secretary-General presented him with the UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter on Travel and Tourism. The Open Letter reaffirms the commitment of a country to tourism as vital sector in the economy and the society.

Looking into the future, the Secretary-General said “According to UNWTO long term forecast, the Middle East is expected to triple its current volume of international tourism by 2030 when it will welcome 149 million international tourists a year. With an investment portfolio of US$ 17 billion over the next five years, including 130 new hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities, a new international airport, a new port with cruise passenger terminal, some 12 sports stadiums and various cultural iconic centres, Qatar is set to become a leading tourism destination and take full advantage of such growth.”

UNWTO has been collaborating with the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in the implementation of Qatar’s Tourism Strategy. Meeting with H.E. Issa Al Muhannadi, Chairman of QTA, Mr. Rifai discussed how to advance the collaboration between UNWTO and QTA in areas ranging from institution building, such as the legislative and organizational framework and the regulation of tourism activities, to the development of Qatar’s national system of tourism statistics.

Qatar’s tourism has grown significantly over recent years with the total number of international tourists visiting the country rising from less than half a million in 2000 to over one million today.

Commission welcomes European Parliament's vote for improved aviation safety

The European Parliament adopted yesterday new rules to help prevent aircraft accidents. With the "Regulation on the reporting, analysis and follow up of occurrences", information on aviation safety incidents will flow more efficiently and faster, allowing for a thorough analysis and adoption of necessary action to help prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said: "Most aircraft accidents result from a combination of smaller errors or malfunctions which, taken together, cause an accident. By gathering more information about isolated safety incidents, and taking action to address them, we will help to prevent future accidents. With the expected increase in air traffic in the next two decades, we need to deliver such a system, and make sure that the EU remains the leading region in the world for aviation safety. I am glad the European Parliament shares our vision and fully supported our proposal."

The system involves all actors in the aviation sector – airlines, manufacturers, air traffic controllers, aircrew, mechanics, national authorities and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); they must gather and exchange incident information, and ensure that action is taken where it is most effective. A European network of safety analysts will be hosted by the EASA. It will be charged with detecting trends and safety issues of pan-European significance and with recommending appropriate action.

The new system is a cornerstone of a modern approach to safety policy that seeks to improve safety further by learning not only from accidents but also from small incidents and occurrences even if they have not had serious consequences in themselves.

Next steps
Following the vote in the European Parliament, the Council is expected to endorse the text as adopted by the Parliament, in accordance with the informal agreement reached between the two institutions in December 2013. The new regulation is expected to enter into force in May 2014. It will apply in full 18 months later. In the meantime, preparations will be made to adopt the necessary implementing regulations and to develop necessary guidance material and IT applications for the recording, exchange and analysis of information.

Vayant sets sights on airline opportunities at ITB Berlin

Vayant Travel Technologies, a world leader in airfare search innovation, will be at ITB Berlin 2014 to tell the industry how its portfolio of Core Shopping and Pricing, Fare Management and Distribution, e-Marketing, Merchandising and Competitive Intelligence solutions is helping airlines drive conversions and sales through human-shaped shopping.

  

In the last twelve months Vayant has made significant commercial progress in the airlines space, adding Lufthansa and Air Europa to an airline customer roster that includes also airBaltic and Austrian Airlines.  On the product side, Vayant launched the third generation of OneSearch, its core B2B airfare pricing and shopping system. The latest OneSearch includes personalized search, more agile airfare pricing and is designed to be ‘NDC-ready’.

Eric Dumas, CEO of Vayant, said: “We developed our patented technology specifically for airlines, and we have a proven track record helping airlines increase their sales through human-shaped shopping and smart distribution. We see strong growth opportunities for Vayant in a sector that’s always striving to find new ways to connect with customers.”

  

Vayant will share a stand with partner HitchHiker GmbH, a provider of software solutions for airlines, consolidators, online portals, travel agencies and tour operators.

ITB Berlin Convention 2014: focus on diversity

The ITB Berlin Convention will be underlining its role as the leading think tank of the international travel industry with a wide and fascinating range of topics. From 5 to 8 March 2014 leading international experts and tourism professionals will be gathering to discuss the future of the travel industry. This year Malaysia, the Convention & Culture Partner, will be making a special contribution. The Hon. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, the Malaysian Minister of Tourism and Culture, will be opening the ITB Berlin Convention. For trade visitors and exhibitors admission to the ITB Berlin Convention is free of charge.

On 7 March the ITB CSR Day will again be addressing the key topics of sustainable tourism and social responsibility. The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is sponsoring the event, which is organised by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The world’s leading travel trade show will also be setting the tone with a focus on human rights in tourism. Furthermore, at the ITB CSR Day ITB Berlin will sign an agreement committing to support human rights in tourism and will also hold a round table on the subject. A discussion round including Dr. Christian Baumgartner, general secretary of Naturfreunde Internationale, Hiran Cooray, managing director of Jetwing Hotels, and Tom Koenigs, a member of the German Bundestag and chairman of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, will be examining problems, causes and practical recommendations. Afterwards, Matthias Leisinger, head of Corporate Responsibility at Kuoni Travel Holding and Antje Monshausen of the German offices of the Round table on Human Rights in Tourism will be discussing the observation of human rights and the opportunities and challenges facing companies. For the first time a management concept has been laid out that advises tour operators on how to address the issue of human rights. A new guide will provide companies with practical tips to assist its implementation.

At this year’s Studiosus discussion the topic will be ’Supporting tourism projects – is it all just greenwashing?’ Taking this statement as its premise the discussion will outline the various approaches to supporting tourism projects. Dr. Ines Carstensen, managing director of Futouris e.V., Barbara Glanz, general manager of Central Europe Intrepid Group, Dr. Nicole Maldonado Pyschny, deputy head of Economic Policies and Finances at the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and Dr. Christine Plüss, managing director of the working group tourismus & entwicklung Basel will be debating how effective supporting projects is in realising human rights in tourism both now and in the future.

Jenny Rushmore, director of Responsible Travel Tripadvisor, and Deirdre Shurland, senior consultant, UNEP Tourism & Environment Programme will be discussing how marketing heads can successfully communicate the idea of sustainable tourism in exciting ways. Tripadvisor’s Green Leaders Programme will be evaluating the comments on sustainable practices found on customer review platforms and presenting its findings at the ITB Berlin Convention. Glamping represents a niche market with promising growth prospects. Marco Walter, managing director of Ecocamping e.V. will be discussing whether luxurious rental accommodation at camping sites poses a threat to the hotel industry and how glamping and sustainable tourism can go together. Cruise tour operators have come under fire as regards their approach to sustainable tourism. In an interview Thomas P. Illes, a cruise market analyst, university lecturer and journalist, and Dr. Henning Brauer, principal consultant, DNV GL, and former head of Neubau Europa 2, Hapag Lloyd Kreuzfahrten, will be talking about new technologies and how effective they are.

The ITB Destination Day will also be addressing the topic of human rights. As part of the discussion round on ’Illegal trafficking and tourism – the anti-trafficking campaign of UNWTO, UNODC and UNESCO“ experts will be talking about efforts to urge responsible behaviour among tourists. The members of a panel taking place on day two of the ITB Destination Days will be discussing the prospects for sustainable tourism in the Arab countries. H.E. Sheikha Mai Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Michael Frese, managing director of DER Touristik GmbH and Samih Sawiris, chairman of Orascom HD, will be discussing future developments at tourism destinations in the Arab countries and whether the results will meet the needs of European source markets. Furthermore, Loveleen Tandan, the award-winning director (8 Oscars, 4 Golden Globes) of Slumdog Millionaire, will be holding a keynote speech on ’dark tourism’ in slum areas, war zones and extreme regions.

On 5 March in Hall 7.1c, taking as its slogan ’Cult of Context’, PhoCusWright@ITB will be discussing the possibilities for targeting today’s customers on an individual basis. Nowadays, holidaymakers expect tailored products rather than standard solutions. At a discussion on holiday tours and activities Johannes Reck, CEO of GetYourGuide, and Brad Weber, CEO & president of Gray Line Worldwide, will be talking about how to make the relevant choices and about innovative online marketing. Nicolas Brusson, co-founder & COO of BlaBlaCar, promises to shake up the market for car sharing agencies. As a pioneer in the European market she will be talking about the future of mobility in the economy of the future. At a discussion round on the market’s up-and-coming startups and innovative technologies Kevin May, co-founder and editor of Tnnoz, and Roman Roulleau, senior vice president of E-Commerce Accor, will be among those taking a look at the future. Rod Cuthbert, CEO of Rome2rio, will be examining the European trend towards multimodal travel. His search method looks for services offering a range of transport products. At the panel debate on ’Big Data, Big Dreams – a very personal offer’ tourism managers from various parts of the industry will be discussing the use of technology and business intelligence to target relevant services. Douglas Quinby, vice president of Research at PhoCusWright will be offering an insight into the desires and needs of Chinese travellers and thus providing valuable tips on how to better understand this increasingly important and lucrative tourism market. Concluding PhoCusWright@ITB will be Malte Siewert, managing director of Trivago, with a discussion on the topic of ’Hotel Meta in Europe and the world: what does the future hold?’.

ITB App: the complete guide to ITB on your smartphone

Visitors to ITB Berlin who have the free ITB Mobile Guide app are always well informed. Once again, this trade fair guide has numerous useful features, including “What’s on“, an overview of current events, plus, for the first time, all the main information under FAQs. This year the Android and iPhone versions showing the grounds are once again linked to a comprehensive map of the halls. Also featured is a list of events along with press conferences, presentations, receptions, the entire programme of the ITB Convention, including all the speakers and a function for looking up exhibitors. As usual, the app offers a list of all the exhibitors, links to the Virtual Market Place, detailed descriptions, logos as well as product information. The ITB Mobile Guide is available from the App Store and Google Play. This year, for the first time, it is being provided by Wohlgemuth & Team, the publishers of the ITB catalogue.

Live internet streaming

The ITB Summit on 4 March as well as other Theme Days at the ITB Berlin Convention will be streamed online. The papers at the ITB Future Day on 5 March, the ITB Hospitality Day on 6 March as well as the ITB Marketing and Distribution Day on 7 March will be streamed live at http://www.techcast.com/events/itb/de.

ShuiQi Spa at Atlantis announced the best spa in the Middle East and Africa at the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2014

Multi-award-winning ShuiQi Spa and Fitness Centre at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai celebrated winning ‘Hotel Spa of the Year’ for the Middle East & North Africa region for the second year in a row at the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2014 on Sunday, in a glittering black-tie event held at the Guildhall, London.

Launched in 2012, the World Spa & Wellness Awards recognise and reward hotels and destination spas in Western Europe & Scandinavia, Middle East & North Africa, North & South America and Asia & Australasia.

One of the leading honours in the industry, the World Spa & Wellness Awards acknowledge excellence of care, service and standards within the Spa and Wellness industries, with the aim to inspire spas around the world and raise global industry standards.

  

As part of the comprehensive judging process, all shortlisted spas are visited by both an official and a mystery judge – each possessing detailed knowledge of the region they are judging.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts of our team which has resulted in ShuiQi Spa receiving this award for the second year in a row. At ShuiQi Spa, our aim is to blow away our customers, as a result, we continually strive for perfection and remain at the forefront of technology and trends in the Spa and Wellness world to ensure our guests not only have a truly luxurious experience that rejuvenates the mind and the body, but also leave with unforgettable memories.” commented Neil Hewerdine, Vice President of Spa Services at Atlantis, The Palm.

“We are very proud and honoured to have been appointed ‘Hotel Spa of the Year again” says Serge Zaalof, President and Managing Director of Atlantis, The Palm. “It is an amazing accomplishment to have won the prestigious category for the second year in a row, at this year’s World Spa & Wellness Awards. We celebrate our win and share the honour with all of our colleagues who work hard to reach everyday excellence at ShuiQi Spa”, Zaalof continued.

ShuiQi Spa & Fitness at Atlantis, The Palm captures the imagination and curiosity of guests and draws them into a haven of relaxation and well-being set in a tranquil place of serenity, opulence and pure indulgence

Set over two magnificent floors within the Royal Towers of Atlantis, guests are greeted by a serene water wall as they walk the earth-hue natural stone steps along the streaming water pathways to one of the 27 treatment rooms before they experience a sublime range of exclusive treatments, bathing options, and traditional and water therapies. 

The Royal Spa Suite includes a private pedestal jetted tub, lounge area and terrace, all large enough to share, whilst the treatment room allows for couple therapies. ShuiQi further offers full salon services for his and hers beautifying sessions and. The ShuiQi menu is as extensive as it is enduring with offerings ranging from Spa journeys to body therapies.

The newly refurbished ‘Wellness’ Centre at ShuiQi Spa & Fitness features Technogym’s exclusive ARTIS range, the first integrated collection of cardio, strength and functional equipment in the Middle East and Africa region. The exclusive ARTIS, the first of it’s kind in Dubai, comprises of a complete cardio line (Treadmill, Elliptical, Vario, Bike and Recline), strength pieces and functional stations.

Organised by UK-based Professional Beauty group for the past 17 years, which has an in-depth knowledge of the field, the World Spa & Wellness Awards incorporates a thorough and independent judging process in which all spas are assessed by experienced industry professionals.

DoubleTree by Hilton announces an all-suite property at Savannah Airport

Hilton Worldwide and DoubleTree by Hilton announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Airport, an all-suite property located at the Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport and convenient to Historic Savannah and the area’s many beautiful golf courses. The four-story hotel, formerly the Cambria Suites Savannah Airport, debuts 97 fully-updated one- and two-bedroom suites all featuring expansive living and sleeping areas with all-new amenities. DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Airport is owned and operated by Pooler Financing LLC and managed by Image Hotels.

  

Following the property-wide makeover, the hotel debuts a boutique-like ambience marked by contemporary décor and warm earth-tones throughout the property. Perfect for families and long-stay guests, the hotel’s updated guestrooms feature two 32-inch flat-screen TVs in each suite, luxurious DoubleTree by Hilton SweetDreamsTM beds, a sleeper sofa, work desk, microwave and refrigerator. The opening also marks the launch of the hotel’s new bistro-style lobby restaurant and bar, Savannah Kitchen, which offers a range of comfort foods and local cuisine for lunch and dinner with both buffet dining and a la carte menus. Guests can also indulge in custom cocktails and local craft beers in the intimate setting of the restaurant’s full-service bar.

“DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Airport is ideally-suited to everyone from business travelers to leisure guests seeking an upscale, full-service hotel offering that is convenient to everything this charming city has to offer,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our newest hotel, and delivering the globally-recognized service that is synonymous with the DoubleTree by Hilton name all over the world – starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie presented to each guest upon arrival, and continuing throughout every aspect of their stay.”

  

With 1,200 square feet of flexible meeting space, as well as an outdoor patio that can house events up to 65 people, the hotel can accommodate gatherings from wedding receptions and social functions to business meetings. Guests can stay connected via complimentary WiFi service throughout the hotel’s public areas. Hotel guests will also enjoy access to the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport as well as within a five-mile radius of the hotel, a 24-hour business center, 1,500-square-foot fitness center and a 24-hour relaxing heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool.

“From business travelers on-the-go to families looking to enjoy the area’s multitude of historic and outdoor attractions, guests will find the DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Airport to be a welcoming retreat throughout their stay,” said Kal Patel, president, Image Hotels. “We are elated to join the DoubleTree by Hilton family and to embrace its renowned guest-first service culture.”

  

In addition to the warm cookie welcome, guests will also enjoy DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and an industry-recognized service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience, for guests, team members and the community.

Hilton HHonors members will be able to earn and redeem points with their stay. To mark the opening, the hotel will participate in the Hilton HHonors “Double Your HHonors” promotion from May 1 through July 31, 2014.