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Dubai emerges as a family vacation destination.

Dubai emerges as a family vacation destination.

Dubai stands out as an ideal destination for family vacations because it provides a delightful variety of activities for people of all ages. With direct flight connections and a streamlined visa process, Dubai is readily accessible to Indian tourists, making it a desirable destination for a quick family vacation or a long, memorable vacation. Some must-see landmarks for short-stay family excursions that will make your time in Dubai unforgettable: Aquaventure is the largest waterpark in the globe. It has over 105 attractions, slides, and experiences. You and your family can experience thrilling adventures and attractions, such as the Raging Rapids, the Tower of Poseidon, and the Leap of Faith, that will leave you wanting more. The park also features a 1 km private beach where visitors can relax and soak up the sun while admiring the iconic skyline of Dubai. Green Planet is a unique “bio-dome” containing over 3,000 tropical vegetation and animals. Families can observe a variety of animals, reptiles, and fish kept in open habitats that closely resemble their natural environments. It is an excellent opportunity for children to learn about endangered plant and animal species from around the globe. The Museum of the Future is a marvel of architecture where families can experience innovative and futuristic ideas. Interactive displays emphasise the most recent technological and environmental advancements, including virtual reality experiences and immersive displays. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to have joy while learning about the future of technology and innovation.If you have more time and are planning a prolonged family vacation, here are some additional activities to add to your travel bucket list. LEGOLAND Hotel is an excellent option for families wishing to extend their Dubai stay. The hotel has 250 themed rooms and suites decorated with colourful LEGO elements. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, a LEGO play area, daily LEGO building activities, and an outdoor pool. Additionally, you have simple access to the adjacent theme park and waterpark, ensuring that you will never be bored. MotiongateTM Dubai, Legoland® Dubai, and Legoland® Water Park are all located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest integrated theme park destination in the Middle East. With more than 100 thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and enthralling live performances, guests can experience a day of endless fun. The rides and attractions at Legoland® Dubai and Legoland® Water Park are ideal for families with small children, as they are designed for children ages 2 to 12. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a wonderful place for families to make unforgettable memories in Dubai. AYA Universe is a place that will leave you astonished and in awe. As soon as you enter this 40,000-square-foot area, you will be captivated by the breathtaking displays that surround you. Each of the twelve zones here will transport you to a distinct immersive world. Wild Paint House offers a unique and fun way for families staying in Dubai for a longer period to make art. The studio was created with the belief that art should be accessible to anyone, making for a fun and liberating experience. With six distinct concepts, families are guaranteed an unforgettable experience and will return for more vibrant times. Source: traveldailymedia

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How can travel sellers prevent a bust as the boom in revenge tourism wanes

How can travel sellers prevent a bust as the boom in revenge tourism wanes?

A recent report by Bankrate in the United States revealed that affordability is limiting traveller options, and sun-and-sea destinations in southern Europe have reported a booking slowdown that was unexpected this early in the season. In other terms, “revenge spending” is likely declining. What precautions can those who have benefited from this ‘peak’ take to avoid a ‘bust’ that is too severe? Experts in the travel technology industry from around the globe offer advice on how to best adapt. Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips, the leading multi-product B2B travel platform, notes that “while the boom may be waning, agents and other types of B2B sellers still have a bright future: people’s desire to travel remains, but their requirements and budgets are changing. The right technology and tools can assist B2B and B2B2C sellers in showcasing a broad range of travel options that appeal to all travel budgets. Now is the time to leverage tech-enabled platforms to identify best deals and secure sales with fintech options such as flexibility or BNPL (buy-now, pay-later) services, and get ahead in what is likely to be a return to a highly competitive environment. Alex Gisbert, CEO of Fastpayhotels, a B2B platform for travel sellers and hotels worldwide, concurs and adds, “Everything indicates to an inevitable shift in traveller behaviour, but we already knew that, didn’t we? As interest rates continue to rise and inflation persists, it is evident that disposable income will decline. Continue providing travellers with as many pertinent options as possible, and do so by segmenting and leveraging data to better understand their needs.” Janis Dzenis from the price comparison website WayAway believes that in the post-pandemic era, “loyalty and discounts have become key factors in enticing cash-strapped travellers to book their next trip.” While the popularity of’revenge travel’ has waned, travel suppliers and agencies can continue to attract customers and withstand the changing landscape of the travel industry by maintaining an unwavering commitment to customer loyalty and offering discounts when possible. Alex Barros of BEONx, a hotel revenue manager, argues that concentrating solely on room rates is too myopic. Instead, he suggests encouraging travellers to book travel at a lower price point, and then maximising profit by cross-selling additional services. Barros believes that “by offering personalised suggestions for add-ons or upgrades, travel suppliers can create a win-win situation for both themselves and their customers.” Regarding the possibility of cancellations, rescheduling to later in the year, or changes to cheaper room types, Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships at Cloudbeds, a technology provider for independent hotels, advises: “Although non-refundable room rates may be an enticing solution, don’t rush into it without weighing all the alternatives. Generally, it is best to offer both refundable and non-refundable rates, ideally using technology to determine which is more likely to appeal to a particular traveller based on the booking channel, types of prices or rooms searched for, the source market, or any other information you have on the traveller. Talking about the potential even for cancellations, rescheduling to later in the year or changes to cheaper room types, Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships from Cloudbeds – a provider of technology to independent hotels – feels that: “Whilst non-refundable room rates might be a tempting solution, don’t just jump in there without considering all the options. Often the best thing is to offer both refundable and non-refundable, ideally using technology to consider which is more likely to be appealing for that traveller based on the channel they’re booking via, types of prices or rooms searched for, the source market, or any other details you have on the traveller.” Ticketing changes and cancellations would mean more costs for travel businesses when it comes to the payments side of things, whether that be admin or actual charges for a B2B transfer warns Spencer Hanlon from global real-time payments platform Nium. He also points out that often bank charges have flat minimum fees regardless of payment amounts, “your average sale value might have fallen 30% but your bank charges you the same to settle with the airline or hotel”. Spencer feels that there has never been a better time to invest in efficient payment technology for this reason alone. As a final thought on the matter, one area where it would be tempting for travellers to cut costs could be insurance policies. Whilst this would be short-sighted,Katie Crowe from travel insurer battleface feels that it is the responsibility of insurers “to consider unbundling their benefits so that travellers can pick and choose the coverage most specific for their needs, and drop parts they don’t want, to make policies much more relevant and competitively priced for the needs of the cost-conscious traveller.” Source: traveldailymedia

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Reed & Mackay adds granular CO2 data to its sustainability arsenal.

Reed & Mackay adds granular CO2 data to its sustainability arsenal.

Reed & Mackay, a company based in Navan, is empowering travellers to make environmentally responsible decisions without sacrificing travel experience or budget. Reed & Mackay’s clients can now view enhanced CO2 data for air, rail, vehicle rental, and hotels on R&M/Book, the proprietary online booking platform of the global TMC. Reed & Mackay announced a partnership with SQUAKE earlier this year to provide its clients with enhanced CO2 data. Carbon calculations within Reed & Mackay’s online booking platform now take into account the number of passengers, aircraft model, booking class, and more. This latest release is the first in a succession of sustainability-focused enhancements scheduled to arrive over the next few months. Reed & Mackay’s Global CEO, Fred Stratford, stated, “As companies seek to balance achieving their ESG goals with the need to stay connected with the international business community through in-person meetings, they are increasingly turning to their travel and events partners to empower their travellers to make informed choices with the most up-to-date CO2 intelligence. In addition, they wish to reconcile sustainability objectives with cost management and traveller productivity. This is what Reed & Mackay enables its clients to do.” The enhancement displays the relative carbon position of a flight relative to other flights on the same day, along with explicit policy indicators, and allows users to sort results by cost, preference, and carbon emissions. Reed & Mackay’s Global Director of Product, Fahim Khan, stated, “This is a new chapter for our in-product sustainability offering, which was designed in collaboration with clients to help them fulfil their ESG goals. By leveraging SQUAKE’s data, we go beyond the current market standard of generic calculations, thereby providing clients with more comprehensive information and ultimately more informed decisions as they work to manage Scope 3 emissions in support of their broader ESG objectives.” Philipp von Lamezan, CEO and co-founder of SQUAKE, commented on the partnership as follows: “Reed & Mackay is a leading name in travel, and with their prestigious client base increasingly seeking next-level support to manage their travel-related emissions, we knew our solution would add a vital new component to Reed & Mackay’s R&M/Book system. We are so pleased to have collaborated with Reed & Mackay on this project, and we look forward to seeing how their clients take advantage of this potent new feature.” Reed & Mackay has joined the United Nations Global Compact, partnered with Neste for sustainable aviation biofuels, and committed to setting near- and long-term company-wide emission reduction targets in accordance with climate science through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) over the past two years. EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most reputable provider of business sustainability ratings, reaffirmed Reed & Mackay’s Gold rating in April 2023, placing the company in the 94th percentile among its industry peers. Source: traveldailymedia

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In collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas, the Nautilus Maldives introduces the Energy Harmony Retreat.

In collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas, the Nautilus Maldives introduces the Energy Harmony Retreat.

In collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas, The Nautilus, a five-star ultra-luxury private island hideaway in the Maldives, will stage a wellness retreat titled “Energy Harmony Retreat” this winter. This retreat will provide the ultimate restorative wellness experience by combining Ananda’s expert ayurvedic and yogic knowledge with The Nautilus’s timeless hospitality offering. Ananda in the Himalayas is one of the world’s premier luxury wellness sanctuaries, aligning with The Nautilus’ ultra-luxurious bohemian philosophy. The partnership debuted in January 2022 with a series of curated experiences offered at The Nautilus, augmenting its already extensive wellness offerings. This new retreat brings transformative wellness to the Maldives, offering a specially designed, integrated holistic experience for guests seeking to rebalance body, spirit, and mind. The Nautilus, located on the Baa Atoll in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its entirely bespoke experience, tailoring vacations to individual requirements and providing an unscripted and timeless offering. The private island is surrounded by only 26 beach and oceanside houses and residences and a vast array of facilities and leisure amenities. Hanifaru Bay is one of the world’s largest manta feeding locations, boasting white sand beaches, pristine waters, and coral reefs. The Nautilus is the ideal private island resort for relaxing, resetting, and recharging due to its extraordinary, tranquil location and unparalleled five-star ultra-luxury experience. Ananda, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the birthplace of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, combines these ancient practises with therapy and oriental medicine. The healthful gourmet cuisine served at Ananda contributes to the body and mind’s restoration. Chakras, the seven points of whirling energy centres within the human body, are affected by our movements and thoughts. These chakras can achieve balance through daily therapeutic Ayurvedic and Tibetan massages, yogic asanas, ancient meditation techniques, visualisation, and guided breathwork. The four therapy sessions, Reflexology, Kudalini Massage, Indian Head Massage, and Ananda Moksha, will be administered in the glass-floored private treatment pavilions of the overwater Solasta Spa. Geetika Sharma, Director of Wellness Strategy at Ananda in The Himalayas, says, “The Ocean transports you to the centre of your own being. Ananda, situated in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, provides the sense of belonging and rootedness that is so often desired. Wellness specialists from Ananda facilitate healing as an inside-out process by imbuing The Nautilus with the mystique of Himalayan soil. “Beginning the process of self-cleansing from the energy realms of the mind and meridian systems into the physical realities of our bodies. Ananda in the Himalayas and The Nautilus wellbeing experience is a perfect juxtaposition to introduce the ancient wisdom of Yogic asana, Ayurvedic therapies, discovering energetic passages with meditation, sound, and imagination, while nourishing the senses with natural flavours. At the Energy Harmony Retreat, we collectively seek to understand the source and path of all movement within us through the use of silent intentions and nurturing actions. Arun Kala, the executive chef of Ananda, will design a gourmet menu that incorporates anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic principles, where the fundamental food flavours are meticulously combined with macronutrients. The retreat’s menu will feature cleansing dishes, seasonal ingredients, and local produce. Ananda’s cuisine philosophy is tailor-made to support the deep yogic work of balancing the chakras. Source: traveldailymedia

In collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas, the Nautilus Maldives introduces the Energy Harmony Retreat. Read More »

Eurostar welcomes nearly 50,000 passengers to London in conjunction with The National Railway Museum to conserve LGBTQ+ history in rail travel during London Pride.

Eurostar welcomes nearly 50,000 passengers to London in conjunction with The National Railway Museum to conserve LGBTQ+ history in rail travel during London Pride.

Eurostar Group, the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe, has erected a three-meter structure depicting the Progress Pride flag to greet nearly 50,000 customers from the Continent to London this weekend (29 June – 1 July 2023), during the London Pride celebrations. The 200-flower flag also signifies Eurostar’s collaboration with The National Railway Museum to chronicle and preserve LGBTQ+ history in rail travel. Diversity is ingrained in Eurostar’s DNA. As a global train operator, Eurostar connects countries and cultures, enabling its commuters to cross borders in a single journey. The National Railway Museum has partnered with Eurostar to document intergenerational interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community to honour and educate all those who identify as LGBTQ+ and work in the rail industry. This is part of the museum’s recently funded People, Pride & Progress initiative to preserve LGBTQ+ rail histories for the future. The National Railway Museum’s Archivist, Ashlynn Welburn, explains, “Our recently funded initiative, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will produce up to seventy oral history interviews with individuals from the rail industry, including Eurostar. We intend to document the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, including Eurostar employees, in order to close a knowledge deficit in the rail industry. We are thrilled that so many people will be travelling by rail to London Pride this year, utilising a network that has provided LGBTQ+ individuals with access to a larger community.” Eurostar Group CEO Gwendoline Cazenave states, “Eurostar Group connects consumers to Prides across Europe. Our business reflects the diverse cultures and communities of our cities. We are extremely pleased to support the National Railway Museum’s initiative to preserve the LGBTQ+ history of the rail industry for future generations.” During London Pride weekend, customers can take photographs with the floral Pride flag that will be on the Eurostar platform at St Pancras. Source: traveldailymedia

Eurostar welcomes nearly 50,000 passengers to London in conjunction with The National Railway Museum to conserve LGBTQ+ history in rail travel during London Pride. Read More »

Resilient Consumer is on the rise in travel, according to Accenture

“Resilient Consumer” is on the rise in travel, according to Accenture

In an era of uncertainty, “The Resilient Consumer” adapts to change, according to a survey by Accenture. According to new research from Accenture, the majority of consumers (85%) believe they are currently experiencing uncertainty, with more than half (52%) expecting this to last for more than a year. This is the latest in a series of consumer surveys that Accenture has conducted to gauge consumer outlook and sentiment since the start of the pandemic. This is ushering in a “Era of Volatility” in which a persistent state of uncertainty prompts people to alter their behaviour abruptly and, frequently, in unexpected or contradictory ways. “The Resilient Consumer” The survey of more than 10,000 consumers in 16 countries revealed that despite persistent unpredictability, the “resilient consumer” is emerging and adapting to ongoing disruption by seeking out means to protect and control what is essential to them. In addition, nearly three-quarters (73%) of consumers anticipate that their discretionary income will remain the same or increase over the next 12 months. Jill Standish, senior managing director and global lead of Accenture’s Retail industry practise, stated, “Retailers and brands should not overgeneralize when examining the drivers of consumer behaviour in order to flourish in this market. Instead, they must comprehend the nuances of the consumer as an individual, pay close attention to data and analytics, and use this understanding to offer the right product and the right experience at the right price in the right locations and through the right channels.” Resilient expenditure categories The intention of consumers to spend more is a strong indicator of their resilience. When asked how their anticipated expenditures will change over the next six to 12 months, respondents said they intend to spend more in eight out of 15 categories, including leisure travel and wellness (e.g., Self-care), compared to six categories in 2022. In addition, after several years of pandemic-related travel restrictions, consumers were reminded that travel is more than just a vacation. It involves human connection. After a year of robust growth for the travel industry, 71% of consumers intend to maintain or increase their current spending on leisure travel in the coming year, despite limiting their spending in the majority of discretionary categories. Eight in ten consumers (78%) are planning leisure travel within the next year, and half (50%) are planning two or more leisure excursions. This indicates that consumers continue to view travel as essential to their lives. Emily Weiss, senior managing director and global lead for Accenture’s Travel industry practise, stated, “As they focus on capturing this buoyant desire to travel and driving growth through customer acquisition, travel companies are aware that they must put the traveller at the centre of their operations and customise their offerings for various types of consumers. This requires going beyond traditional silos and contemplating the customer’s entire journey by integrating all customer touchpoints with technology. It is about personalization at scale, maximising the value of micro-moments, and meeting guests where they are rather than attempting to dictate their path – for instance, having the insight to know whether they are seeking self-service or direct contact and then meeting those needs. Source: traveldailymedia

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Guidelines for navigating extreme weather during the Hajj season.

Guidelines for navigating extreme weather during the Hajj season.

The pilgrimage, which will occur in Saudi Arabia from 26 June to 1 July, is anticipated to attract two million participants. As age and travel restrictions are lifted, it is anticipated that the number of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia will return to its pre-pandemic levels. The country has established operational procedures to accommodate the increase in travellers entering the kingdom. As this year’s Hajj season takes place during the summer, pilgrims can anticipate experiencing high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, International SOS advises businesses to encourage their employees to take the necessary precautions for a safe and healthy Hajj. Dr. Marie Louise Van-Eck, Regional Medical Director for International SOS in Dubai, advises, “Our bodies are naturally designed to maintain a temperature of approximately 37°C (98.6°F).” The body automatically maintains a balance between heat gain and heat loss; however, if it is unable to effectively cool down, the interior “core” temperature can rise to potentially lethal levels. This results in the degeneration of bodily systems. Even strong and healthy individuals are susceptible to heat exhaustion. Certain individuals are at a greater risk than others, including young children/babies, pregnant/nursing mothers, the elderly, and those with medical conditions; therefore, it is essential to keep a close watch on these individuals. The good news is that heat-related maladies can be prevented. In order to combat the challenges of extreme heat during the hot season, it is essential for pilgrims to maintain appropriate hydration by consuming copious amounts of water. As they contribute to dehydration, excessive consumption of caffeine and saccharine beverages should be avoided. Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight, and preferably light-colored garments allows the body to breathe and remain cool. Pilgrims should safeguard their head and face with a hat or umbrella and frequently reapply sunscreen. It is recommended to take frequent pauses to rest in cool shaded areas and to avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pilgrims should heed to their bodies and refrain from overexerting themselves. Lastly, it is imperative that pilgrims comply with all health regulations and practise excellent hygiene to avoid prevalent diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Udit Mehta, Executive Vice President at International SOS, stated, “It is crucial for devotees performing Hajj to comply with all directives issued by local authorities in Saudi Arabia and home country government officials. All necessary approvals should be obtained prior to departure, and the use of a reputable provider with experience in facilitating pilgrimage excursions is strongly advised. Typically, religious gatherings such as the Hajj are accompanied by large groups, which can pose unique challenges requiring mitigating measures. Those visiting Saudi Arabia for purposes other than Hajj are advised to take note and adhere to all local customs, as religious and cultural tensions are likely to be heightened during this time. Enhanced caution is advised, particularly in densely populated areas, and the need to comply with all government directives is emphasised. In addition to preparing for potential travel disruptions, visitors should plan flexible itineraries to accommodate increased infrastructure demand. Allowing additional time to transit through airports in Saudi Arabia is essential, in addition to general flexibility considerations when travelling to the country during this period.” Source: traveldailymedia

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Saudi Arabia announces new e-visa options for visitors that are instantaneous.

Saudi Arabia announces new e-visa options for visitors that are instantaneous.

Saudi Arabia recently announced new immediate e-visa options that will make it easier for UK, US, and Schengen visa holders, as well as permanent residents of the UK, US, and any EU country, to obtain tourist e-visas to Saudi Arabia via www.mofa.gov.sa. This is the latest step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to make it simpler than ever for visitors to experience the Kingdom’s authenticity, in line with the country’s goal of attracting 100 million tourists annually by 2030. Since opening to tourism in 2019, Saudi Arabia has become one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets, with 93.5 million arrivals anticipated in 2022. This accomplishment is the result of the extraordinary efforts made by destinations throughout Saudi Arabia to provide visitors with unmatched experiences and a seamless travel journey. The Saudi Tourism Authority is intensifying its efforts to facilitate international tourism. Through digitization, Saudi Arabia is expanding simplified entry routes for tourists, with the aim of allowing all visitors to appreciate the country’s natural and cultural diversity. The new instant e-visa is one of several initiatives introduced by Saudi Arabia in the past year to enhance the visitor experience. In 2022, the Saudi Tourism Authority collaborated with the Pilgrim Experience Programme to introduce the Nusuk platform. Nusuk, Saudi Arabia’s first official integrated digital platform, provides pilgrims and visitors with an intuitive planning portal for their journeys to Makkah, Madinah, and beyond. Saudi Arabia has previously extended regulations to provide visas on arrival to holders of valid US, UK, and Schengen visas as well as permanent residents of the UK, US, and any EU country, and e-visa eligibility has been extended to GCC residents. This year, Saudi Arabia also announced the introduction of a new Stopover Visa. The visa, which is free and available to SAUDIA and flynas passengers, is open to an even wider range of countries than the previous tourism e-visa, and will allow visitors to remain in the country for up to 96 hours. Saudi Arabia is an underexplored destination with a rich cultural history and a wealth of attractions. In Diriyah, the origin of Saudi Arabia, tourists can enjoy upscale shopping and dining at Bujairi Terrace, and at the UNESCO World Heritage site in AlUla, they can immerse themselves in a living museum containing more than 200,000 years of human history. In Jeddah, tourists can explore the ancient historical district of Al Balad, and this year, the Red Sea Development, the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism destination, will open its first hotels, including Six Senses, St. Regis, and a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Source: traveldailymedia

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Britain values Spain

Britain values Spain

For many years, Spain has been the most popular relocation destination for British citizens. Thousands of families and retirees will continue to find solace on the coast and in the laid-back lifestyle for many years to come. At MoneyTransfers.com, they sought to determine which Spanish regions are most popular with British expatriates. Key Findings With a total of 92,180, Andalusia has the highest proportion of British expatriates in all of Spain. In fact, three out of ten British expats in Spain reside in Andalusia. Valencia is not far behind with 87,699 British expatriates residing there. The Canary Islands (29,631), Catalonia (24,689), and the Balearic Islands (19,564) round out the top five destinations for British emigration to Spain. Ceuta is the least desired region in Spain, with only 39 British expats residing there, representing only 0.01% of all British expatriates in Spain. They also examined these figures in relation to each region’s population and discovered the following British expatriates constitute 1.72 percent of Valencia’s total population, or more than one in every 100 residents. Likewise, British expatriates account for 1.58 percent of the Balearic Islands, 1.31 percent of the Canary Islands, 1.15 percent of Murcia, and 1.0 percent of Andalusia. Jonathan Merry, CEO of MoneyTransfers.com, remarked, “Spanish regions such as Valencia and Andalucia have a large British population, and it is simple to see why, with culture readily available, affordable living, an excellent work-life balance, and 3,000 annual hours of sunshine. Additionally, it has a welcoming expat community, the opportunity to enrol in British institutions, and supermarkets stocked with British goods. Whatever you’re searching for in a relocation destination, Spain seems to offer it.” Source: traveldailymedia

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Government of Jamaica Developing Tourism Strategy To Maximise Tourism Sector's Vast Potential.

Government of Jamaica Developing Tourism Strategy To Maximise Tourism Sector’s Vast Potential.

The Government of Jamaica is devising a robust strategy that will allow Jamaicans to tap into the vast potential of the local tourism industry. The initiative is a collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and involves industry leaders.Issues pertaining to economic development, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and quality of life will be addressed. Edmund Bartlett, the Minister of Tourism, stated at the first Tourism Strategy Development Workshop held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, that a well-defined tourism strategy and action plan “will help us identify the strengths and weaknesses of our tourism industry, chart our goals and objectives, and define the road map to achieve them”.While the country remains a premier tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year, it must evolve in order to maintain its competitive edge. “We are internationally renowned for our breathtaking natural grandeur, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. However, we can no longer rely solely on these assets to propel our tourism industry, as the Minister emphasised. In addition, he stated, “We must recognise that the global tourism market is becoming more competitive, and we must constantly evolve and adapt to stay ahead of the curve… to ensure that we offer the best possible experience to visitors.” To ensure that the people of Jamaica benefit from and capitalise on future tourism opportunities, we must continually evolve and adapt.” Consequently, the Minister emphasised that the need for a robust and comprehensive tourism strategy will further stimulate economic growth and expansion. He noted that the sector now directly employs 175 000 Jamaicans and indirectly employs more than 354 000 others, including farmers, artisan vendors, entertainers, and transportation operators. “In addition, tourism is the single largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP), the country’s primary source of foreign revenue, and one of its primary export sources. “Over the past 30 years, the tourism industry has grown by 36% compared to the overall economic growth of 10%,” he noted. The vision, according to Bartlett, is to make tourism inclusive, the economic engine, and the hub of community enrichment and human development. “It requires a collective commitment from everyone in this chamber today. “Let’s seize this opportunity to work together, unifying our vision and efforts to secure the future of our beloved country and create a legacy that we can be proud to pass on to future generations,” he said. This was the first of a series of strategy development workshops being conducted in resort destinations with the participation of stakeholders from a diverse array of industries and government agencies. Source: travelbizmonitor

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