Travel News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With only days remaining until the implementation of tax-collected-at-source (TCS) on overseas tour packages purchased with credit cards, industry bodies have written to the government to express their concerns, fearing that domestic travel agents will be negatively affected. Numerous industry organisations, including Ficci, Assocham, PHD Chamber of Commerce, and others, have argued that it is equivocal, citing the recent clarification that exempts debt and credit transactions of up to INR 7 lakh. There is concern among domestic agents that they will lose business to foreign competitors who operate via travel platforms. They have argued that institutions, rather than themselves, should be responsible for monitoring compliance. In addition, agents reported that the financial sector is not prepared to implement it on July 1. However, some credit card issuers, such as SBI Card, have begun mailing cardholders under the new system. Following a meeting, they suggested in a letter to revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra that the INR 7-lakh threshold should apply to all modes of travel, including bundles. According to their findings, senior citizens and first-time travellers prefer packages, whereas frequent international travellers make individual reservations. In addition, they want the threshold to include all payment methods, including net banking and UPI, as well as the purchase of foreign currency and the loading of pre-paid forex cards. Source: travelbizmonitor

Society Pass Incorporated, Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, has announced that it will formally introduce its universal loyalty application, Society Pass Loyalty Wallet, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Clifford Pier, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326. In revealing its paradigm-shifting SOPA Loyalty App to +100 invited investors, media, and the general public, SoPa management will highlight the SoPa Loyalty App’s ease of use and value proposition for consumers and merchants to buy, collect, and redeem Society Points. Guests will observe the seamless integration of the SoPa Loyalty App with Nusatrip.com, Indonesia’s oldest online travel agency, and Gorilla.Global, Society Pass’ travel communications company. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, SoPa anticipates connecting all of its subsidiaries within its ecosystem to the SOPA Loyalty App, facilitating an unrivalled shopping experience for its 3,3 million registered consumers and 650,000 registered merchants. Customers and retailers can now obtain Society Pass on: The SoPa loyalty platform generates the following advantages for merchants: permanent customer loyalty, the replacement of cash discounts, and the creation of new revenue sources. The more consumers purchase from merchants, the more rewards they will earn and the more revenue merchants will generate. The Sopa Loyalty platform encourages ongoing consumer engagement with brands, thereby boosting conversions and revenue. Society Pass/Society Points are available to consumers and merchants registered in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. Users can make purchases in-store, in-app, and online. SoPa Loyalty Wallet enables users to pay for products and services by scanning QR Codes and using a credit card, debit card, or Society Points. Source: traveldailymedia

With the assistance of EY Transaction Advisory, Prague Airport, a joint stock company, has initiated the search for a strategic partner for its subsidiary, Czech Airlines Technics (CSAT). The primary objective is to increase the CSAT company’s competitiveness and ensure its appeal to consumers. “The procedure will begin by contacting potential collaborators who are active in the field of aviation repair and maintenance. Following a number of stages of negotiations, the most suitable partner will be chosen. We plan to conclude the process in the first half of next year, in close cooperation with our sole shareholder, said Ji Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, adding: “Fostering the optimal form of partnership, the degree of future synergies with Prague Airport, and the plan for development activities will be essential components of the evaluation of the offers received.” Czech Airlines Technics was founded as a subsidiary of Czech Airlines on 1 August 2010. Since April 2012, the company’s solitary shareholder has been esk Aeroholding, a.s., and since October 2018, due to a national merger by acquisition, its sole shareholder has been Prague Airport, a public limited company. Czech Airlines Technics, the former technical department of the national airline of the Czech Republic, has nearly a century of history and expertise with hangar maintenance of aircraft, particularly with the maintenance of jet aircraft from various manufacturers and aircraft equipment. The company employs over 600 qualified technicians, engineers, and administrative personnel and guarantees the high quality of services and work conducted, with an emphasis on strict adherence to safety standards. Source: traveldailymedia