Sustainable, ethical tourism amplifying conservation efforts

Singita Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

Reducing energy consumption was an intrinsic part of the building design, resulting in a low-impact mechanically assisted natural ventilation and cooling system; The Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) model estimated that the building would be 44% more energy efficient than a similar traditional building. Additionally, the project’s regional grid supply is made up of 100% hydro-generated power.

The surrounding area has been rewilded, combining multiple farmed subsections into one large buffer zone for Volcanoes National Park. The lodge’s on-site nursery, Akarabo, planted 250,000 indigenous orchids, forest shrubs, bamboo shoots and trees as part of an ambitious reforestation initiative. Many of these plants were purchased from local communities.

Cited from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/cop26-buildings-green-architecture-build-better-now-climate-change/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2761566_Agenda_weekly-5November2021&utm_term=&emailType=Agenda%20Weekly

5 Companies Using Blockchain to Change Travel

Blockchain is emerging as a powerful technological force that promises to change the travel industry’s status quo. In fact, it’s already being heralded as a game-changer for many different industries. Remember that blockchain is a type of database that is commonly used in the cryptocurrency market wherein data is stored in blocks and then chained together.

Services that are based on blockchain are already isolating major pain points in a very fragmented industry—travel and tourism. It should come as no surprise that this sector is broken up into different parts. Think flights, hotels, car rentals, among other factors. So how can blockchain help? These services are able to ease hurdles in the industry by resolving common challenges and streamlining processes while building a more equitable ecosystem that shuns gatekeepers.

The technology’s impact is more than hypothetical, though, with several businesses disrupting several nodes on the industry’s supply chain. The following five companies are improving key aspects of the travel ecosystem and establishing blockchain’s place in the industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Winding Tree aims to connect travelers with service providers while minimizing fees and costs for both.
Webjet is an online travel agency that tracks and alerts travelers, hotels, and agents about booking inaccuracies.
Sandblock’s blockchain technology helps users maximize points collected through loyalty programs.
The Known Traveler Digital Identity System is a joint platform developed by Accenture and the World Economic Forum that collects and hosts information from frequent international travelers.
TravelChain allows users to collect and monetize travel data, and receive tokens as compensation for sharing with travel service providers.

1. Winding Tree: Displacing Online Booking Hubs

Major travel service aggregators like Expedia and Priceline dominate airfare bookings. But this comes at a serious cost to both travelers and airlines. Booking through these websites often includes hefty fees and surcharges made possible by their largely unchallenged status as gatekeepers. Blockchain-based startup Winding Tree works to unseat these entrenched giants by challenging their role as industry middlemen.

Winding Tree is a private company based in Switzerland. Founded in 2017, it reaches numerous parts of the travel and tourism industry, including hotels and airfare.¹ The company uses “blockchain technology to enable a fair and competitive travel distribution market.”

The company seeks to connect travelers directly with service providers like airlines, hotels, and tour guides with its LÍF token. The aim is to minimize fees for travelers while reducing costs for service providers. LÍF is Winding Tree’s platform cryptocurrency.

The company’s clever use of smart contracts and the ERC827 protocol delivers better savings for every stakeholder in the travel and tourism industry. Winding Tree’s nonprofit status assures there are no middlemen adding unnecessary fees to the booking process.⁵

2. Webjet: Adding Assurances and Avoiding Inaccuracies

Inaccurate or lost hotel bookings add considerable stress and anxiety to a travel experience. When this happens, customers usually have to take on fees across several layers of the supply chain while providers consistently extract value.

Thanks to blockchain’s immutable distributed ledger technology, Webjet has built a new model designed to avoid these irritating booking experiences. The company is a prominent online travel agency based in Australia and was founded in 1998.⁶ Webjet claims that it is Australia and New Zealand’s leading online agency and is a leader in online tools and technology.⁷

Webjet officially launched its blockchain platform in 2019. The system enhances the customer experience by recording all entries on the blockchain’s immutable ledger, which reduces the likelihood of mistaken or lost bookings and reduces the layers between sellers and consumers. It does this by locating real-time data problems that may occur between customers, agents, and hotels and sending messages to every party.⁸

The technology’s improved security features provide better protection for the ecosystem. Apart from building greater supply chain efficiencies and reducing costs for hotels, travelers ultimately benefit from lower-cost bookings along with more transparency and greater accountability.

Decentralization is a key component of blockchain technology. It transfers control from a centralized entity to a larger network.

3. Sandblock: Improving Loyalty’s Fungibility

Loyalty rewards have gone through several iterations in the competitive travel and tourism industry. Many frequent travelers belong to airline and hotel loyalty programs. Spending points and miles often means jumping through multiple hoops to redeem rewards.⁹ Despite high participation rates in loyalty programs, many customers report a willingness to accept better deals from competing carriers and service providers if the price is right.

Sandblock is one of the newest entrants to this part of the industry. Founded in 2017, Sandblock is based in France.¹⁰¹¹ It aims to change the loyalty landscape with its blockchain-based platform by allowing travel providers to create their own loyalty tokens, which can be exchanged for brand-specific rewards. Not only that but they can also be used like real coins and exchanged for fiat money.¹²

Users can also apply their tokens to redeem rewards across a variety of services beyond the company that awarded them and can earn more by being active participants in the community.¹³ For businesses, the reward is better data and transparency, and an ecosystem that actually returns value thanks to improved targeting and happier consumers.

4. Accenture: Striving Towards Shorter Lines

Spending hours waiting in lines at airports is one of the major annoyances of traveling the globe not just for travelers but also for airlines and airport staff. Congestion can add to the time spent in lines for security, customs, and passport control. Security needs are also trumpeted as the reason for tighter controls and oversight, all of which contribute to frequent travelers’ headaches.

To overcome these challenges and expedite the security process, Accenture (ACN) developed the Known Traveler Digital Identity System. The consulting firm partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to help disrupt the global travel industry.¹⁴

This blockchain is designed to collect and host identifying information from frequent international travelers, enabling a freer flow of data between travelers and customs agents to ease the clearance process.¹⁵

This allows travelers to gain control over their digital identities with better security thanks to distributed ledger technology. Airports and airlines benefit from accelerated processing and better security, helping shorten lines all while alleviating one of the biggest traveler pain points.¹⁵

5. TravelChain: Making the Most of Data

Data is a prized commodity in today’s economy. It offers businesses insights and advantages when used appropriately. Data generated by travelers, which is highly valuable to service providers, is generally restricted to gatekeepers such as Expedia and Orbitz. These companies offer a faster booking process at a price. This raises costs and adds to the informational asymmetry for service providers.

TravelChain is a new entrant that wants to upend the paradigm with an open-source blockchain. The Russian company seeks to remove intermediaries on the supply chain. Users are empowered to collect and monetize their travel data, keeping it safe from prying eyes and receiving tokens as compensation for sharing with travel service providers.¹⁶ These tokens can then be redeemed for services or money.¹⁷

Participating companies can access more granular information about travelers, channeling these insights for more pinpointed promotion targeting. Apart from personalizing marketing, these companies can offer customized tours and promotions based on a traveler’s preferences, closing the entire ecosystem loop and delivering value to all stakeholders.¹⁷

The Bottom Line

Traveling should be comfortable, cost-effective, and most importantly, enjoyable. While fees, booking irregularities, bad reviews, and long lines may be symptomatic of the current travel environment, blockchain is challenging this status quo with a host of new services designed to modernize and streamline the travel experience.

Investing in cryptocurrencies and Initial Coin Offerings (“ICOs”) is highly risky and speculative, and this article is not a recommendation by Investopedia or the writer to invest in cryptocurrencies or ICOs. Since each individual’s situation is unique, a qualified professional should always be consulted before making any financial decisions. Investopedia makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein. As of the date this article was written, the author owns cryptocurrencies.SPONSOREDEnter Trading Easily with FBSStart simple yet powerful trading with FBS. This is a worldwide and reliable broker with over 17 million clients and more than 150 countries of presence. Get up to a $140 Level Up Bonus to enter the market, gain and boost your skills. Access to any asset you want: Forex, stocks, crypto, metals, and more. Also, make your trading x2 more efficient with a 100% Deposit bonus. Take a step to financial freedom with FBS now. Explore it now.

Thanks to the formation of more equitable ecosystems constructed to reduce the presence of intermediaries, travelers and service providers can build more mutually fulfilling relationships that contribute to better overall value.

Author JOE LIEBKIND Fact checked by SUZANNE KVILHAUG Reviewed by ERIKA RASURE on September 22, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This article is cited from https://www.investopedia.com/news/6-companies-using-blockchain-change-travel-0/

From lockdown staycation to sustainable tourism: accelerating change

During the current public health crisis, we have grown perhaps a little too familiar with our own four walls. COVID-19 and the widespread lockdown have forced upon us a period of reflection, removing the possibility of travel altogether in the interim. What with closed borders, cancelled flights and several ports having suspended their operations, we are increasingly looking for ways to get that holiday feeling from the comfort (or discomfort, as the case may be) of our homes.

When we consider the prospect of resuming travel, some of us may be all the more eager thanks to pent-up demand, while others may be tentative about braving the big wide world and the health risks inherent in travel in the aftermath of a pandemic. Certainly, different demographics may have different attitudes towards this. There may be one aspect, however, that old and young alike can get behind: the relaunch of the tourism industry giving us the unique opportunity to reset and rethink. When we do so, we’d be well advised to strive for sustainable tourism.

Hitting reset

If we are mindful of our choices, this could prove to be the very moment when we consciously step away from the pitfalls of the past. Overtourism, which brings with it overcrowded and overexploited mainstream attractions, pollution, disturbed ecosystems and a depleted natural environment born purely of a lack of consideration and exaggerated orientation towards profit-making. Irresponsible waste accumulation and resource consumption. The disruption of local economies and insufficient respect for communities and human resources. The tourism industry is well overdue for an overhaul.

These, it seems, are issues that were on the radar well before COVID-19 had such a far-reaching impact on our day-to-day lives. Certain trends towards sustainable tourism have been emerging that might now simply be turbo-boosted as we emerge from crisis. Many of these revolve around environmental concerns. Acceptance of greenwashing is waning as travelers grow savvier thanks to increased transparency. Waste reduction and efficient consumption are being incorporated into business strategy. Emission reductions are taking on a new dimension as the race towards carbon-negative commences. These are just a few of the ways in which sustainability is climbing the priority list as travel, tourism and hospitality (TTH) companies compete to keep their guests happy.

The environment, though, is but one side of a complex story. Given the nature and proliferation of the tourism industry, its impact is felt in various dimensions – the environmental dimension, yes – but also human, social and economic dimensions. It is for this reason that, as argued by Hospitality Insights, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are a good pointer for orientation. TTH businesses are in a position to contribute to sustainable tourism by defining good working conditions, ensuring safety and security, and fostering growth in local economies, while policies regarding holiday lets, for example, impact local housing markets – with Airbnb and its community-minded counterpart Fairbnb being a case in point.

Implementation

How does one go about making such a far-reaching change? It just so happens we have already begun to make changes during lockdown, summoning our inner creativity and stepping up support for those in our neighborhoods who need it. As The Conversation succinctly points out:

These responses challenge the atomized individualism that has gone hand in hand with the consumerism of travel and tourism. This public health crisis reminds us our well-being depends not on being consumers but on being part of a community.

Bigger hearts? Renewed focus on what it means to be human? There are also far more tangible consequences of the pandemic that could contribute to the sought-after notion of sustainable tourism, shielding the industry from some of the risks encountered during the pandemic and arming stakeholders in tourism, travel and transport with new tools and approaches. Take it from the international organization for public-private cooperation, the World Economic Forum–two tech- and data-oriented solutions in particular could take off:

1. Seamless travel

An extension of touchless travel, which in itself might include touchless document scanning and an increased reliance upon voice commands, this concept along with the prerequisite technologies will see our face and bodies become our passports. Options such as contactless fingerprinting, and iris and face recognition are expected to play a role in the realization of this health-minded and efficiency-oriented goal.

2. Decentralized identity

Against the backdrop of our increasingly digital identities, this concept implies that individuals themselves would be “in possession of and control their identity attributes, such as their date and place of birth and physical characteristics, but also travel history, health information and other data.”

As the tourism industry gets back on its feet, it should bear in mind the World Tourism Organization’s recommendations for sustainable tourism. In a nutshell:

Make optimal use of environmental resources, maintain ecological processes, and help conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
Respect host communities, conserve their cultural heritage and values, and contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance.
· Ensure viable and long-term economic operations, providing fairly distributed socio-economic benefits and opportunities to stakeholders, contributing to poverty alleviation.

As is amply presented in Hospitality Insights’ article entitled “Sustainable Tourism: A Long Road Ahead” and touched upon in a recent NBC article, achieving these goals will demand the involvement of us all: tourists making better decisions, considering the impact of their holiday choices, governments introducing sound policies, and TTH companies recognizing and acting upon their responsibility to change for the better in the interests of future generations.

Incentives

Such idealistic endeavors may seem an unlikely focus in a growth- and revenue-oriented industry like tourism. However, the respective efforts need not be as altruistic as they appear at first glance. In fact, committing to sustainable tourism can benefit the industry itself just as much as third parties. Embracing sustainability and orienting your business decisions towards it will boost your brand appeal. Valuing your workforce and treating them accordingly increases the likelihood of them successfully contributing to a positive guest experience. Not to mention the gradual, long-term savings or returns you might see once any initial investments are accounted for.

We will need to shift our mindsets. We will need willpower. We will need the courage of our convictions to do away with the old and usher in the new. But if we are able to surmount this hurdle, if we appreciate the lesser known wonders of the world, if we redefine adventure to include volunteering in exotic but underprivileged locations, if we forego over-hyped offerings on a platter in favor of the tropical joys of nature conservation, for instance, we can be the change we want to see in the world. We can provide tourist satisfaction and meaningful encounters, while also ensuring future generations can experience the splendor the world has to offer as we have had the privilege to do.

Author: ehlausanne

This article is directly cited from https://insights.ehotelier.com/insights/2021/11/04/from-lockdown-staycation-to-sustainable-tourism-accelerating-change/?goal=0_e17a7bf7c4-7ef98a4a7a-327206962&mc_cid=7ef98a4a7a&mc_eid=fc1a397e4d

How blockchain can transform tourism

Blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize the way we travel. The use of blockchain in tourism is going to provide a new experience altogether in the way we book travel tickets and hotel rooms, providing a seamless user experience

The global tourism market crossed USD 8 trillion in 2017. It is forecasted to have year on year growth rate of 4.7% to reach USD 11.38 trillion by 2025. The use of digital technologies like blockchain in tourism will only help in expanding the sector further. Many companies have realized the potential benefits of blockchain and have applied the technology at their workplace.

Applications of blockchain in tourism industry

Blockchain has raised a plethora of interest in the tourism industry. Many major companies have incorporated blockchain technology in their services. The following are the ways blockchain is being utilized in the tourism sector

Decentralized payment system

Blockchain enables transportation assets to be better utilized right from the planning to the travel stage. The primary application of blockchain in tourism is to enable secure, traceable payments. The first step in international travel is booking of flight tickets. This process is relatively easy in today’s age. However, the process can be simplified even further using blockchain-based methods. Winding Tree is an open-source distribution ecosystem which facilitates the process of booking flight and hotel tickets. It has resulted in reduced transaction costs up to 20% for consumers availing blockchain facility for ticket bookings. Airline companies like Air New Zealand have incorporated blockchain technology, making the ticket sales process less complicated. It can also help prevent over boarding of flights. Payments for the services can be made quickly and securely using blockchain methods. Thus, it enables faster checkout during transactions.

Blockchain uses cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which eliminates the need for using digital payment methods that rely on third-party payment apps.. The payment can be made between the two parties involved directly. This forgoes the need for a payment merchant altogether. The need for payment gateway companies like Visa and MasterCard may become obsolete because of blockchain technology. A future where a person walks into an airport and directly boards a flight without having to stand in queues for verification or even letting go of third party apps like Expedia to get the best deal will be possible because of blockchain technology.

Private cab aggregators like Uber and Lyft will only help drive the technology forward. Blockchain-based payments will help minimize the time taken for the completion of payments. It will also facilitate payments for customers using autonomous cab services. Transactions are completed by deducting the amount automatically from the user’s digital currency.

Governments can also utilize blockchain technology to provide a quicker, secure experience for people using public modes of transport. The need for a physical rail and bus ticket can be eliminated due to blockchain and AI technologies. A single database would be sufficient to map a user’s travel across all modes of services used by the customer. A single identification and payment method will be sufficient to avail the various public transportation services. Governments can also regulate private transportation services by incorporating them into the blockchain system. The payments can also be made easily using blockchain on a daily or monthly basis at the user’s convenience.

Another area in which blockchain is useful is eliminating the need for physical contracts. Blockchain lets go of physical documentation, replacing it with digital ones. Digital contracts are signed, which are time-saving and can also be helpful in case of a dispute. A digital copy of the agreement can be used by the consumer to understand the terms and conditions stated by the service provider.

Simplified customer identification

Customer identification is crucial for the travel and tourism industry. Immigration officials must verify the identity of every foreign tourist for security reasons. Blockchain has the potential to transform the current practices for verification of travelers. The present scenario requires a traveler to produce identification at multiple stages like airport check-in and immigration.. This results in significant wastage of time, which accumulates at every stage. . Blockchain will reduce the time spent for customer verification at immigration, check-in times at hotels, long queues at embassies, facilitating a time-efficient experience. The need for a passport may also be eliminated if international governments adopt blockchain technology for their tourism industry. However, this seems a bit far-fetched as it will be hard for major countries to adopt blockchain technologies. ShoCard is a digital identity platform built on blockchain to authenticate people without usernames and passwords. Blockchain eliminates the need for the username and password methodology used for digital payments. The system is also more secure as it doesn’t contain a central database, which the hackers can exploit.

Baggage management

Baggage handling is one of the critical aspects of the aviation sector. Instances of misappropriation of baggage is a significant issue faced today. Baggage mishandling and loss is a common concern today for airline companies. International baggage has to change multiple hands during transportation. The luggage is misplaced in transit due to human error. Baggage loss or mishandling can be reduced significantly using blockchain and other technologies. Blockchain data can be used to identify and monitor luggage. It can be used with AI and sensor technologies to determine the location of the baggage, in case it gets misplaced. Sensors can be attached to bags to track their exact location even if the handlers misplace it. The use of blockchain in tourism for baggage management helps eliminate the baggage loss issues faced in the industry today.

Customer rewards system

Travel service providers run loyalty schemes to encourage returning customers. Blockchain can assist with these programs, allowing customers to access their loyalty rewards easily. Services using blockchain can reward the customer with cryptocurrencies, which can be used for future travel. They also eliminate the need for a third-party mediator platform. Services like Trippki uses a loyalty reward system for their customers. Customers are allocated crypto tokens for staying in hotels. These tokens are permanently recorded in the blockchain which can be used during future transactions. The use of blockchain in tourism helps companies retain customers and increase their revenues. It also helps combat fraud in this field as the blockchain data cannot be manipulated.

Transparent business ratings

People are increasingly using the internet to check forums and read user reviews before traveling. However, their accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Many businesses put up fake reviews for themselves as well as their competitors. These fraudulent activities have become more rampant because of increased competition. This has led businesses to adopt illegal activities to promote their businesses. The users’ experience may be completely different than what they may have imagined from reading reviews online. It reduces the trust a user has with regards to other online reviews that he may encounter. Data stored on blockchain is highly secure, which enables greater transparency and consumer trust.

Author: Naveen Joshi

published on August 21, 2019

https://www.allerin.com/blog/how-blockchain-can-transform-tourism

Augmented Reality in Tourism

For many countries, tourism is one of the largest industries in their domestic economies. The tourist business is always trying to keep pace with time and to step up the game with new technology. Especially now, when the dominant part of travelers are the millennials. Augmented reality in tourism has a great potential to enhance travelers’ experiences. New AR mobile apps provide useful information, navigation, guides, and translations.

Tourism industry stands firmly on four whales: accommodation, transport, catering, and tourist attractions. Let’s see how augmented reality can assist and improve each of these sectors.

Accommodation

Hospitality sector has been one of the first to implemented AR. You may wonder in which way hotels can use augmented reality and be surprised by the range of options.

Advertising & information
Using AR to create all-around room tours with accommodation details, prices, etc. It is a good way to advertise your hotel and to engage guests to try out a full spectrum of hotel services. Also, turning one-time guests into regular guests, probably.

More convenience

Say you are in your hotel room and need to find out about services, housekeeping, sights to see. So you just get your smartphone or tablet, open the hotel app, point to a certain marker and see the info. Plain and simple, that’s augmented reality. For example, Hub Hotel has an interactive wall map in every room, that guests can point their phone to and check local tourist attractions nearby.

New ways to observe

Today’s tourists won’t pay attention to simple pamphlets. AR makes it possible to discover information on a new level – getting 3D animations from printed flyers. Marriott Hotels had collaborated with Blippar to produce such interactive ads in their magazine. Furthermore, hotel app users can even scan the advertisement to unlock a presentation video.

Interactive hotels
Pokemon Go has inspired many other businesses to utilize AR, including the hospitality industry. Imagine how such gamification can encourage and interest people to stay in a particular hotel, especially the youngest ones. Check how PAI Hotels offer an app, that displays every site of their hotel with additional AR objects, and by collecting 7 of them guests can win awards.

Transport

Imagine your plane has just landed, or you step out of the bus/train/car in unfamiliar places, and you are wondering where to go from there. If you have a travel app with AR, you point at the transportation object to get direction, route, next stop and places of interest.

For foreign travelers especially this could be quite enjoyable during their trips. With AR you can turn a metro map or other items alike into an interactive guide in multiple languages. For example, Tunnel Vision does this with the New-York subway.

In big cities, you can often see tourist buses moving around. What if we use AR to change the classic look of them. What if there could be a projection on windows or the previous versions of buildings and monuments.

Restaurants/Catering

Keeping it brief, restaurants, bars, and other catering facilities can use AR solutions for their benefit in several ways:

Brand new restaurant menus with an interactive 360-view of each dish, correct portion size, and ingredients, as by AR application Kabaq
AR games/quests, as many restaurants are even using Pokémon Go to lure clients in
Navigation help with special mobile apps using AR to provide information about restaurants, cafes and bars nearby

Attraction

Exploring tourist destinations and attraction with augmented reality transforms those classic city tours in something more extraordinary. We can travel back in time, seeing the evolution of landmarks in time perspective, enjoy 3D models of places, get fun tour guides. Great examples are theme parks and zoos.

According to Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger, they prefer AR to VR headsets. And his argument is that augmented reality is more sociable, communicative and apprehensive. Also, L.I.V.E. Centre theme park is going to leverage AR/VR at full capacity in 2018, combining art, culture, architecture, design, and retail with projections, surround sound and special effects.

Key advantages of AR to parks/zoos:

Navigation. Usually, theme parks are large in a territory with a map stand and direction signs. As an alternative, think of interactive navigation and cartoon/animal characters to play with.
Gamification. For instance, treasure hunts and games (“The Battle for Cedar Point”, “Kim Possible’s World Showcase”, etc.) or quest apps to find hidden 3D animals.
Education. Rich, useful and visual information about any animal, even now extinct.
Time-killer quiz. To entertain visitors waiting in lines, let them make pictures with AR objects.

During the last decade, museums all over the world witnessed a decrease in visitors, unfortunately. Augmented reality can help, as, in fact, every piece of art on display can become an augmented model. A nice example is The National Museum of Natural History. They have launched the Skin and Bones app, which allows people to see a full live representation of extinct animals based on their skeletons in the museum.

AR in tourism and travel

Thus, museums can create visual tour guides and exhibitions, bring non-existent objects to life, educate visitors in a memorable way, and fascinating people in general. Augmented Reality in tourism also presents other beneficial options.

Marketing

All of the tourist agencies have tons of paper brochures and travel catalogs. Possibilities of AR with print media are virtually endless, as we’ve already been saying. Getting animated visualization would interest your customers much better. With AR marketing you can provide valuable information and help make the final decision quicker.

Navigation
The main purpose of any tourist trip is to discover new destinations and sights. And it can be quite challenging to travel through unfamiliar places. Maps with AR or AR apps for navigation make this much easier.

Language barriers

When you travel abroad, surely, you might not know the local language and signs. AR apps or features (e.g. Google Translate) help to avoid misunderstandings by instantly translating info into your native language.

Summary
Traveling is always new experiences. With AR tools this is truer than ever, and what’s more, augmented reality in tourism comes very handy for:

hotel tours, booking
accessible travel information
no language barriers
advanced navigation

ABOUT AUTHOR
Nadia Kovach

Nadia Kovach is a dedicated analyst for software development and marketing companies reviews, she is an analyst and researcher. She applies various business analysis methods to evaluate and report on leading IT companies, startups and enterprises. Over the years, she has collaborated with Yarza Twins, Brights, Avex Design, Creative Repute, and Digital Operative. As of 2020, the number of her readers exceeded 500K.

The mobile guest journey in 5 steps – now is the time to implement contactless technology

Pernilla Brodd

Around the world, consumers are becoming more and more reliant on self-service, leveraging their own smartphone to take care of everything from bank errands to order food. Thus far, the hotel industry has been slow to adopt mobile technology, but the Covid-19 pandemic has become a driving force in the digital transformation.

“The pandemic has been a fundamental turning point when it comes to digitizing the hospitality industry. What we’re seeing is the relatively old and conservative industry changing and that change has accelerated much more in the past 12 months than it did in the previous 36 months.” Even Frydenberg, Zaplox CEO.

The mobile journey is transforming the way guests navigate their travel experiences. Modern travelers have shifted away from the traditional, legacy models to demonstrate a decided preference for the convenience and frictionless nature of the mobile experience.

A mobile guest journey is no longer perceived as a supplemental or optional experience — it is the experience. Hoteliers are investing in mobile technology to respond to what guests demand.

As the Hospitality Technology’s 2021 Lodging Technology Study: Reimagining Hospitality explains, now more than ever, guests are requesting contactless experiences and hotels are implementing or planning to implement contactless features to meet these requirements.

Data from Exploding Topics, a company that analyzes search data, also shows how the interest for contactless check-in has exploded since pandemic started in 2020.

Searches for contactless check-in since 2016 Source: https://explodingtopics.com

Of course, the effective utilization of mobile technology cannot occur without first understanding the mobile journey at its core. Much like you can’t expect to be a great basketball player if you’ve never played the game, hoteliers cannot expect to provide an exceptional mobile guest experience if they haven’t taken the time to understand it first or don’t know what type of experience their guests want. And if the traditional service journey was relatively linear, the mobile journey is anything but. The mobile guest journey creates new guest touchpoints that require hoteliers to learn how to engage effectively – throughout the entire guest journey.

The 5 steps of a mobile guest experience
The mobile guest journey improves the traditional service model, creating a more personalized and seamless guest experience with more opportunities to connect and create a truly memorable stay, through a mobile guest app that is integrated with the hotel’s property management system. Let’s start with understanding what happens in each step of the mobile guest journey.

Pre-stay

By using a mobile guest app, hotels can curate more personalized relationships with their guests before they even arrive at the property. Via the app, hoteliers can connect with the guests via customized messages, reminders, push notifications and chat communication.

Direct-bookings via the app. Guests who already have the hotel’s guest app on their smartphone, can be incentivized to use the app to make future bookings, consequently contributing to more direct bookings and better profits for the hotel.

Keep guests in the loop for smooth arrival. The app can be used to communicate important pre-arrival messages about the hotel’s safety protocols, pre-screenings, and other practical details that contribute to a smoother arrival.
Upsell add-on services and special packages. The app can be leveraged to upsell add-on services and special packages that can be added to the reservation, contributing to the hotel’s bottom line while making the stay more enjoyable for the guest.

Arrival day; Check-in
By enabling guests to use their phone to manage their reservation, check-in, and unlock the hotel room door, guests are empowered and can control their own on-property experience and decide how much they want to interact with the hotel staff and other guests. Checking-in to the hotel becomes hassle-free and convenient, allowing each guest to focus on other more important aspects of their stay. With a native app that has check-in and keyless entry features built-in, guests can bypass the lines at the front desk and immediately enjoy the hotel property and their room, entirely on their terms.

Contact-free mobile check-in.

Mobile check-in has become a “must-have” as guests demand contact-free solutions. Guests no longer have to stop at the front desk, but can use their phone to access the reservation and check-in before they even arrive at the hotel.
Alert the guest when the room has been cleaned. Once a room is marked as ready, the room number immediately becomes available and is linked to a reservation. The guest is alerted via the hotel app and he or she can avoid waiting in the lobby and can instead go straight to the room.

Guest registration and special requests.

During the mobile check-in process, guests are prompted to confirm their guest details and pre-authorize the payment if required by the hotel. Special requests such as late checkout, food and beverages orders, and requests for extra amenities can also be communicated via the mobile app.
Mobile key, no need to handle plastic key cards. The mobile key becomes available in the app as soon as the check-in is completed. Guests unlock the door by holding the phone against the electronic door lock. The mobile key can easily be shared electronically with other guests of the same party.

During stay: On-property targeted communications and offers

Reports show that guests are more likely to engage and act upon hotel upsell opportunities and upgrades without the presumed pressure of the hotel staff. Guests feel empowered to ‘choose their experience’ when given the opportunity to make purchases or upgrades through their mobile device. According to Hotel online, there’s an 18% increase in room service orders when made via a mobile device and guests typically spend 20% more when ordering via mobile (Taxi2Airport).

Dinner reservations and spa appointments. Guests can use the app to schedule spa or gym appointments and make dinner reservations. They can also use the chat to decline cleaning of the room.

Get access to other hotel facilities with the mobile key. The mobile key is used to unlock the room throughout the stay, but it can also be used to access other hotel facilities such as the gym, pool or business center.
Spend less money on printed materials. The app provides easy access to information about the hotel amenities, restaurants, and things to do in the surrounding area. By providing a digital compendium, hotels can significantly reduce the number of calls to the front desk and lower the cost for printed materials.

Resolve issues quickly via chat. The use of chat communication is another way to maintain the high quality, personalized service that guests expect while at the same time minimize in-person contact between staff and guests. Service requests can quickly be resolved by contacting the staff via the app’s chat function.

Departure day
Guests no longer need to stop at the front desk to return the keys and pay when they check out from their room. Instead, the app reminds the guest when it is time to check out and the guest can use the app to check out and pay.

Review of room charges. Prior to checking out, the guest can review the folio and all the charges directly in the app.

Mobile Payment & Checkout. After reviewing the folio, the guest can use the app to finalize the payment of the room and the other charges. Once checked out, the mobile key is deactivated and the room is marked as “dirty” in the PMS.

Departure Services. The guest can use the app to request bell service or arrange for transportation to the airport.
Receipt sent to the email. The guests receive their invoice directly in their email, avoiding the annoying moment when the guest forgets to ask for his invoice in front desk.

Post-stay
The guest experience does not end when the guest leaves your property — after all, online reviews and feedback can make or break a hotel’s success in the modern age. With the right technology in place, hoteliers can extend their guest courtship efforts beyond the guest’s stay with personalized post-stay communications, surveys and relevant offers that drive loyalty and future direct bookings.

Connect with guest after they leave. A mobile guest app helps hoteliers to improve the post-stay engagement with their guests, including distribution of guest surveys and relevant offers to make sure their hotel stay is top of mind for future bookings.
Promotions and direct bookings. Hoteliers can use the app to communicate special offers and customers can book their next stay directly in the app.

The mobile experience is imperative in the eyes of the modern guest, which means an integrated, mobile-optimized solution should be at the forefront of every hotel’s strategy. With the inclusion of mobile technology, hotels can receive a sought-after, modern facelift across all aspects of the guest journey – from pre-arrival and on-property to post-stay.

No matter how big or small your hotel business is—at the end of the day, we’re all just human beings interacting with other human beings. Each touchpoint of a guest’s journey is an opportunity to connect with your guests to transform their stay from only an accommodation, to an experience. By investing in mobile technology for every step of the guest journey and having a holistic, personalized approach, you can ensure that guests will continuously invest back in your hotel.

Download

The mobile guest journey guide to learn more about the contactless guest experience

Klik untuk mengakses Sexan2021.pdf

Tags: Contactless Technology, mobile guest journey

About the Author:

http://www.zaplox.com
Pernilla Brodd is CMO and head of Strategic Alliances at Zaplox. Pernilla has nearly 30 years of broad experience in the technology field with leading roles in Sales & Marketing, Partner Strategy & Development and Product Management, strongly focused on expansive growth and sales within segments as Hospitality Technology, Supply Chain Logistics, and Global Software and Hardware Vendors – in Europe and North America.

Source: https://insights.ehotelier.com/insights/2021/06/08/the-mobile-guest-journey-in-5-steps-now-is-the-time-to-implement-contactless-technology/?goal=0_e17a7bf7c4-34ebb3de46-327206962&mc_cid=34ebb3de46&mc_eid=fc1a397e4d

I Travel Therefore I Am: The Philosophy of Travel

Calling for a sustainable approach to tourism.

Through travel, ‘we are forced to expand and rethink what we know,’ says philosopher Emily Thomas

Posted: March 12, 2021

Philosophy of travel isn’t a recognized field, but philosopher Emily Thomas says it should be. She argues ‘travel is a vein that has been running through Western philosophy for centuries.’ (Cris Bouroncle/AFP via Getty Images)

Philosophy of travel isn’t a thing, but philosopher Emily Thomas says it should be. As most of the world is grounded by COVID, we take a journey of the mind through the past and present to ask the question: what is the meaning of travel? How does it change us — and how does it help us understand our own minds? 53:59

In March 2020, global tourism came to a screeching halt.

Flights were cancelled, borders were closed, and soon millions of people across the world found themselves under lockdown in their homes. A year later, the travel industry has lost nearly a trillion dollars. And frequent flyers have been given ample chance to reflect on the essence and impact of their trips around the planet.

Philosopher Emily Thomas tells us that travel is essentially an encounter with the unknown. Travel, she says, “shows us otherness” by offering us an “immediate sense of things we have never experienced.”

And through these new experiences, Thomas believes “we are forced to expand and rethink what we know.”

How travel transforms thinking

As an encounter with the unknown, the value of travel is like the benefit of a good book: it improves our mind by introducing us to new customs and cultures and truths about the world. In fact, Thomas claims travel is similar to philosophy and science to the extent that each of these activities “map out new territory.”

The connection Thomas sees between travel and education, generally, is borne out by what we now dub ‘The Age of Discovery.’

As European exploration of the globe increased in the early 17th century, the philosopher and scientist Francis Bacon used travel to question the long-held belief that we could understand the world by sitting around and thinking.

Sir Francis Bacon created a philosophy of science grounded on observation and experimentation. He believed that ‘travel was absolutely central to this enterprise,’ according to Emily Thomas. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

After reading reports from abroad, Bacon argued the best way to expand our knowledge of the world was through observation and experimentation, and he believed travel was a key component of this project. As Thomas puts it, “we cannot understand the seas and its fish by sitting in armchairs.” Instead, “we must go out into the world and look about.”

The educational and experimental value of going out and looking about suggests that traveling to new places transforms the way we think. And to explain how and why learn through our travels, Thomas appeals to the extended mind hypothesis.

According to this hypothesis, our minds are not simply in our heads, but extend to the world around us. To see this, think of the way we use our smartphones to remember a friend’s birthday or find our way around a city. In both cases, we have offloaded a cognitive task to a piece of technology, and this means our thought process is not separate from but continuous with our surroundings.

Of course, if our mind is continuous with our surroundings, then changing our surroundings implies changing our minds. “As we leave one place and get involved with another,” Thomas writes, “our cognitive tools change, along with our minds.”

Author Emily Thomas has visited approximately 80 countries in her lifetime. In her book, Meaning of Travel: Philosophers Abroad, she explores how travel changes us and helps us understand our own mind. (Oxford University Press/emilythomaswrites.co.uk)

And it is this change in mind affected by unfamiliar surroundings that puts us in a position to learn something new.

The power of travel to change our minds and teach us something new explains its mass appeal. But it is not all good news, as mass tourism is turning ancient cities into amusement parks, destroying irreplaceable ecosystems, and expediting climate change via an increase in aerospace carbon emissions.

An appeal for sustainable tourism

Thomas is particularly interested in what’s known as ‘doom tourism’ — the rush to see places like Antarctica or the Great Barrier Reef before they disappear completely. In principle, Thomas maintains there is nothing wrong with doom tourism.

“If I run out to see a rainbow before it vanishes,” says Thomas, “no harm is done.” But in practice, the toxins released into the air and sea when traveling to Antarctica or the Great Barrier Reef hasten their demise and thus render this form of doom tourism problematic.

Tourists visit Chiriguano Bay onboard boats, in South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, Nov. 8, 2019. During the 2018-2019 season, 56,000 people travelled to Antarctica, a 53 per cent increase over the number of tourists in 2014-2015, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. (Johan Ordonez/AFP via Getty Images)

In response to the environmental concerns raised by travel, Thomas takes inspiration from Bhutan and calls for a sustainable approach to tourism that sets limits on the number of travelers permitted to visit any particular destination.

She also notes that the pandemic has shown us that “a great deal of business travel is unnecessary” and she states that “traveling by land and cutting back business travel are relatively easy ways to reduce our carbon footprint without causing too much harm to those who depend on the travel industry.”

But most importantly, Thomas believes the pandemic has taught us that travel cannot be taken for granted.

“There is a tendency,” she says, “to think that travel will always be easily and cheaply available, but the lockdown has shown us just how wrong that idea is.”

And as a frequent flyer, who loves learning new things, Thomas says:

“When we can travel again, I will breathe a big sigh of relief and I’ll appreciate traveling like I never have before!”

*This episode was produced by Aaron James Wendland, a Senior Research Fellow at Massey College in the University of Toronto, with help from Melissa Gismondi.

A glacier at Chiriguano Bay in South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, 2019. During the 2018-2019 season, 56,000 people travelled to Antarctica, a 53 per cent increase over the number of tourists in 2014-2015, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. (Johan Ordonez/AFP via Getty Images)

Source: https://www-cbc-ca.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5946511

Changing Travel Style: “Don’t just …., Be ….” by STB

Singapore looks ahead to the future of travel, visitors become more engaged when visiting the city.

DON’T JUST PARTICIPATE, BE AN ACTION SEEKER.

Action Seekers looking for heart- pumping, recreational activities or fun-filled spectator action will discover that Singapore is Southeast Asia’s premier hub for action and sports. The city houses world-class sporting infrastructure and offers unique sporting activities for thrill-seekers to be part of. With many activities for all ages, Action Seekers can find new and exciting ways to work up a sweat and chase excitement across the island. Families can go on aerial adventures at Mega Adventure Park – Singapore in Sentosa or try wakeboarding at Singapore Wake Park, the country’s only cable-ski park at East Coast Park. Visitors can also have a go at the 44 adrenaline pumping treetop obstacle courses at Forest Adventure in Bedok or get a dose of exhilarating Grand Prix Season Singapore

A hive of heart-pumping activities

Raise the adrenaline limit with these adventurous activities. Sentosa is the perfect spot for Action Seekers to start their trip. Be blown away at iFly Singapore, a simulated
indoor skydiving experience in a vertical wind tunnel or get the ultimate thrill rush at AJ Hackett Sentosa by dropping 40 metres from the Giant Swing or taking a plunge with the 47-metre-tall Bungy Jump.

A calendar of sporting events all year around

With a full calendar of sporting events all year round, there is a wide range of activities to satisfy an Action Seeker’s thirst for a non-stop sporting action and entertainment. Watch the best in the world compete
at world class sporting events such as FORMULA 1TM SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2019 and International Champions Cup Singapore , or get your heart pumping with sports activities such as volleyball and kayaking at Singapore Sports Hub, an integrated sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub.

DON’T JUST BUY, BE A COLLECTOR.

Singapore is a paradise where Collectors with a passion for shopping can find unique and reasonably priced pieces from both international and local labels. There are many places where Collectors can get their fix—from mega shopping malls with multi-faceted retail options to pop-up events and stores. Singapore designers have been creating everything from art and fashion to quirky accessories, which can be found in trendy malls and chic neighbourhood stores. One success story is Bynd Artisan, a craft atelier. Its history dates back over 70 years to its founding company and has since gained a strong fan base in Singapore for its handmade books. Collectors will love local indie stores such as Supermama and LOVE SG, for their range of quirky Singapore- themed products.

Only in Singapore

In Singapore’s multicultural environment, every Collector will find a slice of local life to take home. Shops in the cultural enclaves of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Katong & Joo Chiat have unique, made-in-Singapore souvenirs ranging from food such as bak kwa (barbecued meat slices) and kaya a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs) to modern cheongsams (a body-hugging traditional Chinese dress). For delightful fragrances that soothe the soul and nourishing body products, visit homegrown brand To Be Calm at I12 Katong and other outlets.

One-of-a-kind experiences

Orchard Road , Singapore’s premier shopping belt, is home to multi- concept stores such as IN GOOD COMPANY, as well as international brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Michael KorsTM and UNIQLO, which have set up flagship stores here. Find unique shop experiences at Design Orchard, a new space showcasing Singapore’s most beloved brands, lauded designers and talented newcomers, or pick up leather crafting at workshops in Naiise. Be sure not to miss out on lifestyle destinations like Jewel Changi Airport and Funan They offer not just an array of retail and dining options but a fresh perspective on shopping that integrates play, retail and new experiences.

DON’T JUST LOOK, BE A CULTURE SHAPER.

Culture Shapers who want to immerse themselves in arts and culture will find Singapore an inspiring locale to soak in creative energy and find new perspectives. Apart from being home to local artists who constantly push artistic boundaries across a range of mediums, the city also welcomes international artists to perform and stage shows here. In the Civic District, numerous arts and cultural institutions such as the National Gallery Singapore , Singapore

Distinctive activities and creative districts

Visitors can enjoy an array of arts activities that pay homage to our rich, multicultural heritage.
Visit Chinatown during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations for plenty of performances and activities, inspired by Chinese culture. To learn about Little India’s rich stories, heritage and traditions, check out ARTWALK Little India where they are brought to life through murals, installations, film screenings and workshops. Another neighbourhood to visit is Tiong Bahru, which has drawn in artists and indie stores, including BooksActually, a quaint bookstore that stocks local writers. Visitors can also explore the Bras Basah.Bugis neighbourhood —peppered with art galleries, art institutions and museums.

A forum for exchange of passion for Arts

The city plays host to many signature arts and cultural activities that will appeal to Culture Shapers, as well as art practitioners from around the world. There are many engaging platforms such as ART SG and Singapore Biennale where passionate local and international talents can exchange ideas and opinions on industry trends.

DON’T JUST SIGHTSEE, BE AN EXPLORER.

Explorers are constantly seeking to uncover new experiences and cultures in an organic way. As a City in a Garden rooted in multiculturalism and a rich heritage, Singapore offers many places and spaces for travellers to create their own adventure. History enthusiasts will delight in visiting museums or decoding the architecture styles of historic buildings in Singapore, while nature lovers can check into the wonderful green spaces that dot the city and provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city . Explorers looking for more unique activities may check out Singapore’s many first-of-its-kind experiences including getting up-close with animals at the Night Safari, the world’s first night zoo, and the S.E.A. AquariumTM, which boasts more than 100,000 marine animals.

For the history buffs

The Singapore story—from a mangrove-filled island to a bustling metropolis—is well-told by our museums, memorials and architecture, and appeals to Explorers seeking to learn more about our city state’s journey. National Museum of Singapore , the oldest museum in Singapore, inspires with stories of Singapore, while Civic District is the place for Explorers to see historically significant architecture that now houses a modern tenant mix of restaurants, galleries and retail shops.

For the nature lovers

Our bountiful green spaces offer Explorers a treasure trove of places to discover. Explorers can visit attractions such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens , Singapore’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage site, or the Southern Ridges, a ten-kilometre trail that connects parks along the southern ridges of Singapore . Nature lovers can also discover the biodiversity in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or get in touch with nature at its offshore islands such as Kusu Island, Pulau Ubin, Sisters’ Islands and other Southern Islands.

DON’T JUST EAT, BE A FOODIE.

Singaporeans are obsessed with food and there’s no doubt why—the city is a gastronomic playground, with much to tickle the taste buds. Foodies to Singapore have countless options when it comes to eating. The influences of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures have created a unique variety of heritage-rich flavours rooted in culture and tradition. From tasty traditional fare that locals swear by to experimental modern Singaporean (‘mod-Sin’) cuisine where homegrown chefs put a contemporary spin on local dishes, travellers can work their way through the city’s delectable offerings just like a local. With a culinary landscape that has lots of local flavours, award-winning restaurants and trendy dining concepts, every foodie traveller is bound to have a feast.

Local delights / Award-winning and celebrity chef restaurants

Singapore’s food scene caters to all budgets and dietary preferences. For wallet-friendly fare, Foodies can head
to hawker centres such as Chomp Chomp Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat to enjoy local favourites such as chicken rice, roti prata (South Indian flatbread) and satay (grilled meat skewers). Travellers looking to indulge in gourmet food can check out award- winning and celebrity chef restaurants such as CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the one-Michelin-starred steakhouse or National Kitchen by Violet Oon , for a taste of the homegrown chef’s authentic Peranakan (Straits-born people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage) food.

Experiences for the food-obsessed

Beyond hawker centres and restaurants, food lovers can gather and mingle at the numerous food festivals that take place all year round. An unmissable event is the Singapore Food Festival in July, where visitors can experience the different cuisines in Singapore, dishes that put a modern twist on local favourites and cooking demonstrations. At Chinatown Food Street, visitors can enjoy The 50 Cents Fest and savour local dishes from as low as 50 cents (S$0.50). Wine enthusiasts can look forward to the Singapore Wine Fiesta, where they can try over 200 wines from across the globe and attend talks and classes led by wine experts.

DON’T JUST GET TOGETHER, BE A SOCIALISER.

Socialisers, who love to let their hair down and party the night away, will feel right at home in Singapore’s thriving lifestyle, entertainment and nightlife scene. With parties, festivals, stand-up comedy gigs and a nightlife scene unlike any other in the world, Socialisers will have no lack of options. Those who love a good tipple can bar hop on a trail of award-winning bespoke bars in Chinatown, while clubbers can dance the night away at the hottest nightspots along the Singapore River. Immerse in distinctive and diverse entertainment, nightlife experiences, and connect with great company all in the bustling city-state.

An outstanding nightlife scene

Singapore’s cosmopolitan setting means there are many trendy places for Socialisers to be seen at. One of the city’s biggest nightlife icons is ZoukTM, Asia’s top club, which is constantly voted as one of the best dancefloors in the world and is always a hit with clubbers. Socialisers should also spend a night out at 28 HongKong Street, Manhattan Bar and NATIVE , which are highly raved about and also ranked on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019. For the ultimate insider’s guide into a city filled with music, Socialisers can get the scoop from one of Singapore’s own Socialisers–singer-songwriter Nathan Hartono (http://www.VisitSingapore.com/singapore-itineraries/2-day- guide-to-social-singapore).

An exciting lifestyle calendar

Socialisers can immerse themselves in the city’s infectious energy with Singapore’s exciting lifestyle calendar, filled with events and activities all year round. The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown is Singapore’s biggest year-end party and promises an unforgettable night out for visitors. The countdown will feature performances by some of the island-state’s most beloved entertainers and DJs. The night will culminate in a spectacular firework display to welcome the new year.

DON’T JUST HOST OR ATTEND BUSINESS EVENTS, BE A PROGRESSOR

CONNECT, NETWORK, GROW AND EXPAND YOUR HORIZON

Progressors looking to connect, collaborate and innovate will find that Singapore has all they need for a seamless and rewarding MICE event. As a gateway to the region, Singapore has extensive global trade
and communications networks as well as access to the fast-evolving Asian region and marquee events across multiple industry sectors. Business event visitors will have invaluable opportunities to network and seek business growth. With unique strengths across various areas from banking and finance to infocomm technology and media, the country is at the forefront of innovation. Furthermore, Singapore offers Progressors perfect wind-down activities such as shopping, soaking in a vibrant nightlife scene, dining at award-winning eateries and exploring quaint neighbourhoods between or after business events.

Plan business events with ease

Singapore is a global leader for business events. As the lead government agency for the business events sector in Singapore, the Singapore Exhibition & Convention BureauTM (SECB) is responsible for helping event professionals, meeting planners and incentive organisers from around the world plan and execute successful events. The bureau provides grants and incentives for Events Organisers such as the Business Events in Singapore (BEiS) scheme and the Approved International Fair (AIF) scheme. For more information on assistance provided by SECB and a calendar of MICE events, visit http://www.VisitSingapore.com/mice

A seamless MICE leisure experience

Singapore offers a range of different leisure experiences to enhance one’s meeting or incentive travel trip, including distinct dining experiences, a vibrant arts scene and world-class shopping venues. After a day of business meetings, Progressors can head to cultural precincts such as Kampong Glam and Katong & Joo Chiat or swanky malls in the city centre, such as ION Orchard and Raffles City Shopping Centre for some retail therapy or to savour delectable food offerings.

Source: STB Destination Guide 5th Edition 2020

Indonesia’s Recipe for Tourism Recovery: News from ITB Berlin 2021

Innovation, collaboration and adaptation – Indonesia’s recipe for tourism recovery

Date March 10, 2021 Categories 2021 DAY 2 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Exclusive Interview: Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga S. Uno

Sandiaga S. Uno was recently appointed as Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. We began by asking him what he will be doing differently to his predecessor.

Our President, Joko Widodo, has entrusted me with a responsibility to develop Indonesian tourism, upon which more than 30-million people depend for their livelihoods in our country. Thus, rather than doing things differently, I prefer to continue the efforts and programmes of my predecessors to develop the tourism and creative economy of Indonesia. We will continue to focus on developing tourism and creative economy in the five Super Priority Destinations (DSP), under President Joko Widodo’s direction, namely Lake Toba I North Sumatra, Borobudur – Central Java, Mandalika – West Nusa Tenggara, Likupang – North Sulawesi, and Labuan Bajo – East Nusa Tenggara; and the backbone destinations, namely Bali, Jakarta, and Riau Islands.

I must say that it is quite a challenge to develop tourism during this pandemic. However, since the President has not given us much time, we will carry out our programmes by working quickly and working together. We will also implement the MOTCE’s three pillars: namely innovation, collaboration, and adaptation, in order to obtain satisfying results.

“We will continue to focus on developing tourism and creative economy in the five Super Priority Destinations (DSP)…”

It is evident that the Covid crisis has had a massive impact on your economy. What is your plan moving forward?
This pandemic has hit us all hard; not only in Indonesia, but also in the whole world. However, we cannot just stand-by waiting for situation to get better. We must manage to survive and strive in this pandemic situation. The Indonesia’s statistical organisation, in its latest report, noted that the national economy in 2020 experienced a contraction of 2.07%. Bali, one of the backbones of Indonesia tourism was minus 9.3% cumulatively in 2020, which is the deepest contraction for Bali Province.

Cutting the transmission of Covid-19 is surely the key in reviving the tourism and creative economy sector. In addition, we must put our efforts into fostering confidence among tourists in order for them to travel back to Indonesia. Our current focus is on encouraging domestic tourists to travel within the country, in order to move the economic wheel, by campaigning #DiIndonesiaAja (Travel in Indonesia) and #BanggaBerwisatadiIndonesia (Proud of Traveling in Indonesia).

The need to guarantee the safety and health of tourism service providers and visitors is our driving force to promote the programme of CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability). The aim of the programme is to ensure that the tourism products and destinations in Indonesia fulfil all health protocols and standards. This year, MoTCE targeted about 65,000 tourism industries to be CHSE- certified.

The MOTCE also proposes that all workers in tourism and the creative economy are prioritised in the second phase of COVID-19 vaccinations.

What are your thoughts about the current format of ITB Berlin NOW, and how important is this opportunity in helping you achieve your communication goals?
In this pandemic situation, we must be able to adapt to the situation. The pandemic has made it impossible for us to have on-site exhibitions. Thus, adopting a digital format is highly compatible with the current situation. This has enabled us and our tourism and creative economy industry to continue promoting our tourism potential and tourism destinations, despite the pandemic.

This is also in line with our strategy to adopt technology in the tourism and creative economy sectors. We have previously encouraged our tourism and creative economy actors to make use of digital technology in promoting their products. I believe that by using this digital format, we can still manage to undertake ‘normal’ exhibition activities and to achieve our goals.

Indonesia @ ITB Berlin NOW

There are more than 100 Indonesian tourism industry players participating in the first fully digital edition of ITB Berlin.

Indonesia will run four exhibitor presentations:

9 March 2021; 10:00 – 10:30 am CET
“INDONESIA – Travel Update and current measurements in Indonesia”
ITB Berlin NOW Convention Stage 2

10 March 2021; 1:00 – 1:30 pm CET
“INDONESIA HERITAGE:Explore Ecotourism and Community Based Tourism Activity (Sumatra, Java and Bali)”ITB Berlin NOW Convention Stage 1

11 March 2021; 11:00 – 11:30 am CET
“INDONESIA ADVENTURE & RESPONSIBLE TOURISM:Experience the Colours of People, Culture & Nature (Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi & Bali)”ITB Berlin NOW Convention Stage 2

11 March 2021; 12:00 – 12:30 pm CET
“INDONESIA SUSTAINABLE & LEISURE HOLIDAY:Visit the Paradise on the East: (Lombok, Komodo, Flores, Timor, Sumba, Papua and Bali)“
ITB Berlin NOW Convention Stage 2

Indonesia’s “Quick Win” strategies

In order to recover tourism and creative industries amid the pandemic, as well as lowering the risk of surging cases, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (MoTCE/TCEA) has come up with “Quick Win” strategies during 2021, namely:

1/ Implementing Cleanliness, Healthy, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) protocols in all tourist destinations as the primary focus;

2/ Accelerating CHSE certification in all tourist destinations;

3/ Crowd Control or visitor management that utilises specific technology;

4/ Creating new attractions, such as events (MICE, festivals, concerts, art performance, etc.), wellness tourism, culinary tourism, sports tourism, golf, running, swimming, diving, paragliding, edutourism, ecotourism, etc.

5/ Marketing through Big Data:

Targeted and segmented-based marketing;
InDOnesia Care or I Do Care campaign to recover tourists’ sense of security and safety;
Encouraging people to travel within the country with the featured hashtag #DiIndonesiaAjad. Encouraging people to help tourism and creative business through loving and using home-grown products with hashtags #BanggaBuatanIndonesia and #BeliKreatifLokal.

Source: https://news.itb.com/newsroom_list/innovation-collaboration-and-adaptation-indonesias-recipe-for-tourism-recovery/

Hotels with On-site COVID Test

These International Hotels Offer On-site COVID Testing to Help American Travelers Comply With New Rules

By Skye Sherman January 22, 2021

Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles such as border restrictions and stay-home orders, the travel industry is adapting. For the millions of people who work in travel or indulge in it, this ability to pivot bodes well for the future and promises brighter days ahead.

However, a recent order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further complicates matters (all in the name of safety, of course): a negative COVID-19 test will be required from everyone entering the United States by air, whether they’re a visitor or an American returning home from an international trip, as of Jan. 26.

Now, regardless of vaccination status, travelers have to figure out where to acquire a COVID-19 test abroad — and consider what they’ll do if their results are positive, essentially stranding them and barring re-entry to their own country.

Fortunately, some hotels are offering a hassle-free solution that provides both logistical ease and peace of mind: on-site COVID testing. Several types of tests are available and at varying prices, from completely free to several hundred dollars. Note that some countries, like Canada, require proof of a negative PCR test, while travelers to the U.S. have the option of a PCR or antigen test.

Below, we rounded up hotels offering on-site COVID testing; some even offer complimentary accommodations for quarantine should the result come back positive.

Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts, Mexico and Jamaica

All Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts throughout Mexico and Jamaica now offer departure antigen testing on-site at no cost to guests traveling to the United States, for up to two guests per room. Testing is administered by in-house lab teams and results are delivered within 30 minutes. For guests traveling to countries requiring PCR testing, the resort’s concierge can facilitate on-site testing through a third party, but additional fees will apply.

If a guest tests positive and cannot depart, the resort will cover the cost of quarantine for up to 14 days, for up to two guests per room, should both guests test positive. Additional rapid tests will be available for $19 per guest.

Palmaïa – The House of AïA, Riviera Maya, Mexico

At this luxury all-inclusive resort in the Playa del Carmen area of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, on-site antigen tests are free and promise same-day results, and PCR tests are available through a partnership with a local medical center for $150. PCR results are received within 48 to 72 hours.

Should a guest test positive and need to stay, a 14-night quarantine will be offered complimentary, including three meals a day and non-alcoholic beverages, delivered to the suite. Of course, any guest who tests positive will be confined to their suite during this entire period and will not be permitted to use hotel facilities.

Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

At Eden Roc Cap Cana, PCR and antibody tests were already offered to overnight guests, but now the service is free of charge. Tests are conducted privately inside guestrooms and results can be expected within 48 hours (or as few as six, depending on the test taken). In addition, all resort guests receive free travel health insurance issued by the government — which covers expenses and accommodations on property should the result come back positive.

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort has offered on-site testing since fall 2020. Price varies from $25 for a rapid antigen test (results in as little as 15 minutes) to $400 for an expedited RT-PCR test, with results within six hours.

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

The house doctor at Curtain Bluff can administer both rapid and PCR testing in the privacy of your room, with rapid results available within 30 minutes and PCR results within 48-72 hours. The cost is $250 per person for either test.

Sensira Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Sensira Resort & Spa is a brand-new all-inclusive luxury resort opened January 2021. NAAAT and PCR tests are available on-site from $150 and must be requested 24 hours ahead of time. If the test is conducted early in the morning, results are delivered within 24 hours.

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort offers guests on-site access to COVID-19 testing. An antigen test is available for $30, with results expected the same day. PCR tests are also available for $220, with results in 24 hours.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Guests of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal can work with the hotel’s Personal Concierge team to arrange an on-site COVID-19 test through a third-party medical professional. Antigen tests are $30, with same-day results expected. PCR tests are $220, with results in 24 hours.

Casa Chameleon Hotels, Costa Rica

Casa Chameleon Hotels, a collection of luxury boutique villa resorts in Costa Rica, now offers daily on-property COVID-19 testing for all guests at two locations: Mal Pais and Las Catalinas. Guests who stay five nights or more will receive one complimentary test per person; otherwise the tests cost $145 per person. Results are available in 24 to 48 hours.

Various hotels, resorts, and villas, St. Lucia

There are currently 18 hotels in St. Lucia offering free antigen tests to guests who need to show a negative result in order to return home. According to the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, additional properties are expected to roll out complimentary testing in the coming weeks.

As of Jan. 14, the hotels offering complimentary antigen testing to qualified guests include: Anse Chastanet; all five Bay Gardens properties; Calabash Cove Resort & Spa; Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel; Cap Maison Resort & Spa; Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa; Jade Mountain; Ladera Resort; Marigot Bay Resort and Marina; Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia; Serenity at Coconut Bay; Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort; Stonefield Villa Resort; Ti Kaye Resort & Spa.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico

For guests traveling through March 31, 2021, all Karisma Hotels & Resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Riviera Maya region of Mexico will offer complimentary on-site antigen testing for guests traveling to the U.S. PCR tests are also available on-site for a discounted rate.

If a guest tests positive, Karisma will provide quarantine accommodations for free up to 14 nights or until a doctor certifies clearance for travel with a negative test result.

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Aruba

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino will provide on-site testing for all guests, the first resort in Aruba to do so, through a new on-property COVID-19 testing facility.

The resort’s We’ve Got You Covered package, available for stays of four nights or more, includes complimentary antigen testing with a 24-hour turnaround for up to two people per room in advance of departure. Rates for the package start at $332 per night and can be booked through March 31, for travel between Jan. 26 and April 4, 2021.

Guests who do not purchase the package can still utilize the on-site testing facility, with antigen tests priced at $50 per person.

Tierra Magnifica, Costa Rica

Tierra Magnifica, a 14-room adults-only boutique luxury resort, recently expanded with the debut of new suites and a small spa. Now, Tierra Magnifica is offering a Peace of Mind package that includes a credit of $425 to cover the cost of two on-site COVID tests and the average cost of the travel insurance required to visit the country, mandated by the Costa Rican government.

The package is available for stays of seven days or longer in Vista category rooms. Rates for Vista rooms, including the newly built Vista Suites, are currently 20% off, starting at $319 per night after discount. All rooms include complimentary made-to-order breakfast, afternoon appetizers, personal laundry service, and unlimited access to the Beach Club at The Gilded Iguana.

Meliá Hotels International, Mexico and the Dominican Republic

At all 10 hotels owned and operated in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Meliá Hotels International will offer free, on-site antigen tests to all guests with reservations of at least three nights who are required to present documentation of a negative result prior to re-entering their home country.

Meliá also introduced Travel Safe with Meliá, a travel insurance policy that covers a wide range of medical and travel expenses, including a complimentary extension of the guest’s hotel stay for up to 15 days and assistance for travel companions. The insurance is now included with all reservations.

Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, Anguilla

At the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, private on-site testing with a registered nurse is available. The nurse has a temporary testing facility with all the necessary supplies set up in one of the guest rooms, but is also available to go directly to guest rooms to administer the tests.

In Anguilla, strict protocols are in place to protect the island’s extremely low COVID rates — there has been no community transmission since March 2020, according to its tourism board. An entrance fee of around $300 per traveler, now required by Anguilla’s government, covers the cost of two tests (one when you first arrive at the airport and the other before returning to the U.S.). The fee can vary depending on group size and length of stay.

Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

An on-property PCR test is administered to guests of Belmond Cap Juluca prior to departure. Advance notice of 72 hours is required, and results are provided by the Anguilla Health Department. The cost is included in Anguilla’s entry fee.

Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco

Royal Mansour — owned by the King of Morocco — partnered with a local laboratory to make PCR tests available to its guests ever since reopening in October 2020. The test, which costs 700 MAD (about $78) per person, is conducted by a nurse in the privacy of the guest’s riad the day before their scheduled departure.

Nayara Resorts, Costa Rica

At the luxurious Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs, and Nayara Tented Camp, a private lab is offering on-site, in-room tests to guests, who can expect results within 24 to 48 hours. The test costs $170 per person.

#hotels #resorts #covidtest #covid19 #travel

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/hotels-on-site-covid-testing?did=601766-20210127&utm_campaign=tal-january_relationship-builder&utm_source=travelandleisure.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=012721&cid=601766&mid=49719272162

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