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An unexplored gem for tourism in Southeast Asia – Vietnam

The picturesque country in the Southeast Asian region Vietnam has made quite a reputation as a popular tourist spot. With the volume of arriving tourists increasing on a yearly basis, the demand for Vietnam as a tourist spot has skyrocketed! From lush landscapes, to breezy beaches along with the mesmerizing rice terraces- The tourists have a long list of places to visit in Vietnam.


According to a report of search results by Google Destination Insights, between the month of March and
June, Vietnam rose up to the seventh place in the list of most sought-after tourist places. Furthermore,
throughout the countries in Southeast Asia region, Vietnam is the only one to bag the position in top
twenty!

The rising number of travellers and tourists is the sheer proof of the rapidly increasing popularity of Vietnam as a tourist hub. In the month of June, it was declared by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism that Vietnam was being flocked by more than five and a half million travellers, as shown in the half year report of 2023.

It is being predicted that the tourist sector of Vietnam will witness more influx has set a goal of 8 million
visitors for the second half of 2023. The numbers may rise up to 10 million as well, as stated by tourism
bureau.

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NEWS UPDATES TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Chat GPT and its relevance in advancing the future of tourism

Renowned Entrepreneur Max Elmann Arazi has recently shared his viewpoint on how the usage of artificial intelligence tools is going to influence and impact the promotion tourism, in the upcoming days. As per Arazi, the fact that all the levels of Mexican tourism are going to profit from AI, is a considerable feat.


In a world where technology has become an inseparable part in the life of mankind, the tourism sector of Mexico has recently got a new technological ally which will become instrumental in the betterment of tourism experience, and also improving tourism service management. This technological ally is none
other than – Chat GPT.


In a nutshell, Chat GPT is an AI tool which is designed with the objective of enacting conversations and giving apt answers to queries, just like a regular conversation between two humans. As per the experience of many tourists, one of the biggest obstacles they face in Mexico is the struggle to get correct and latest
information about the places they wish to visit, activities they wish to perform and several other travel-
related facilities.


According to Arazi, tourists will now be able to have solutions to the above mentioned problems, thanks to the quick, accurate, detailed answers and user-friendly experience of Chat GPT.

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EUROPE TOURISM NEWS

Tourists visiting France witness countrywide fury

The Eiffel Tower, chateaus in the Loire Valley along with cars ablaze. Tourists visiting France witnessed a
new truth all through an outbreak of countrywide fury after the police killed 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk.


Hotel proprietors spoke about a decline in reservations in certain areas, and the French administration maintained that the general image for the tourism segment remains healthy, and assured of a wonderful season for visitors in spite of the present anger.


Representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance met on Thursday with the officials of the
tourism sector to deliberate on the significances that the countrywide discontent after the death of Nahel has had on the tourist movement of France and global image.


The deadly gunfire ignited rage across France and triggered current pressures regarding racial and class-
related judgment in policing, which often aims vicinities with low-earning families with roots from previous French settlements. The ferocity receded this week; however, the origins of the strains still linger.


The Union of Hotel Trades and Industries (UMIH) said that hotel revocations in Marseille went up to 30%
because of the disputes, and expected that presence at bars and eateries in Paris might fall by half.


Native and nationwide reports quoted global flight and hotel revocations caused by anxiety, on top of assets harms suffered by businesses for the duration of numerous days of fierceness.

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American Travel News TRAVEL NEWS

Tourism in Monterey gets prepared for busy July

July commences with a boom making people delight in the weather and happenings comprising 4 th of July revelries. There is the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach. There is also the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Laguna Seca.


The hospitality division in Monterey County is all set to greet them.

Monica Lal, the President and CEO Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce said that she has spoken with quite a few members and business frontrunners and the sensation is mostly optimistic and bright concerning the summer time. She said that they are definitely heading into summer, and they need to understand that they are associating year-over-year statistics to a record-setting year, 2019 or 2022 where hotels influenced the charges because of requests.


Nonetheless, Central Coast magnetisms and proceedings are contending for visitors with other
regions in California.


Lal said that with winter storms extending from the conclusion of 2022 and into 2023. It initiated an
outstanding and lengthy ski term. On top of that, the Central Valley has not actually heated up. Europe is
also now welcoming for travel, and there are much more choices for people.

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HOTEL NEWS New Appointment TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Announces New Executive Chef

Four-Seasons-New-Executive-Chef
Four-Seasons-New-Executive-Chef

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, an enchanting luxury boutique resort comprised of 65 intimate casitas, announced today Chef Andrew Fox as its new executive chef.

Fox will oversee all culinary operations, including the Resort’s signature restaurant Terra, where global influences meet regional delights with elegant cuisine backdropped by iconic mountain views.

Fox is a seasoned hospitality professional with more than two decades of experience leading the culinary operations at luxurious resorts and hotels, upscale restaurants and cruise ships across the United States. Fox has held impressive tenures at Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Vail Cascade resort & Spa in Vail, Colorado; Kessler Collection Resort & Spa in Beaver Creek, Colorado; Bottlefish Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California; Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans along with a previous stint at Four Seasons Resort Santa Fe; Moorings Park at Grey Oaks in Naples, Florida; and most recently at Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe.

Originally from Michigan, Fox has always been drawn to connecting his cuisine to the surrounding environment, from selecting native produce and protein to building relationships with local farmers. Through the years, Fox honed his skills by serving in various executive sous chef and executive chef positions before planting his first flag with Four Seasons at Four Seasons Resort Santa Fe in 2017.

Fox later became the opening sous chef at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans signature restaurant Miss River alongside celebrity Chef Alon Shaya. Craving the mountainous beauty, seasonal changes and access to local game and produce that Santa Fe provided, Fox is now marking his Four Seasons homecoming in The City Different.

“From being back in the kitchen with Executive Sous Chef Alejandro Di Bello and the rest of the chefs and interacting with all of the Resort staff, I feel like I’m back in the presence of family,” says Fox. “As we look ahead to the upcoming seasonal menus from Terra, I’m working alongside the team to create dishes that give guests and locals a true taste of Santa Fe’s flavours by utilizing the city’s celebrated chiles and seasonings that are available at our fingertips.”

Terra at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is a culinary destination unto its own. Known to locals and guests alike as a place to dine and imbibe in a relaxing, inviting atmosphere, Terra offers stunning, panoramic views of the region and features seasonally inspired cuisine with a range of evolving dishes showcasing local flavours and fare as unique as the rich culture that surrounds it. Guests can dine indoors at the restaurant, in the intimate courtyard lounge, at the private chef’s garden or outside on the expansive patio taking in the surrounding high-desert mountain landscape and New Mexico’s iconic sunsets. With its large outdoor firepit, Terra Bar also offers the ideal gathering spot to unwind and enjoy its progressive selection of original craft cocktails, signature libations and extensive wine options.

Situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Resort serves as the ultimate destination for everything from private events to weddings and weekend getaways for a high-desert retreat.

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EUROPE

Coming together to develop a dream for county tourism

Cumbria Tourism has been of late accredited with a Local Visitor Economy Partnership. It has been entrusted with most important development of the new county-wide plan.


It’s working directly with a wide variety of stakeholders comprising local government, businesses, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, transport providers, communities, public sector associations and others.


This week, at the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus, the procedure gets under way with a special workshop event where many partners are sharing their initial views and expertise.

Cumbria Tourism will show the way to a wide-ranging program of stakeholder engagement to meet more comprehensive info both locally and countrywide, comprising a second workshop in November.


Then, the latest Destination Management Plan of Cumbria will be formally disclosed at the beginning of the coming year, to overlap with the 50th anniversary year for Cumbria Tourism.


Dan Visser, Chairman of Cumbria Tourism, said that this will be a seriously significant document in terms of their visitor economy. The fresh Destination Management Plan would not fit in to Cumbria Tourism; it will be a combined, county-wide plan with comprehensive shared priorities and resources to run their first-rate destination between at the present time and the end of the decade.


Jointly they are looking to shape a well-determined yet attainable plan with distinct roles for organisations, businesses and individuals.

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News Pick TOURISM NEWS TRAVEL DESTINATION NEWS TTW APP NEWS

Israel struggles to reach pre-pandemic tourism levels

Israel is finding it tough to go back to the tourism levels before the pandemic, as per the figures presented by the Israeli Tourism Ministry.


In the first part of this year, 1.97 million travellers came to Israel, and spent 11.7 billion shekels (USD
3.16 billion) said the country’s ministry.

However, these numbers are still underneath the equivalent period of 2019, which was a record-setting
year for tourism in Israel.

2019 was also the last complete year of global travel before the pandemic travel constraints started in 2020.


Throughout the first part of 2019, 2.26 million tourists came to Israel. By the end of the year, Israel saw 4.9
million tourists spending 8.46 billion shekels (USD 2.29 billion).


The ministry said that tourism from Ukraine and Russia plunged harshly since Russia attacked Ukraine.

Prior to the war, Russia was the second leading foundation concerning tourism, after the US.


Centered on the present facts, the Israeli ministry aims that 3.9 million travellers will visit by the year end.


Israel Tourism Minister Haim Katz stated that Israel is attractive presenting a treasure of experiences.

He said that he will work to eliminate obstructions for visiting the country, stepping up the speed of constructions and adding housing options, so as to recognize the tourist prospect.

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Asia

Koh Samui witnesses acute water shortage

Koh Samui, a well-known tourist place in Thailand’s east coast, is suffering from a severe water
insufficiency. Authorities are now working diligently to make sure that the island, popular for its white sandy seashores, scenic temples and beautiful resorts, does not turn into a ‘disaster zone.’


A lot of water reserves, comprising the Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs along with Hin Lard
cascade, have witnessed a noticeable drop in their water heights, which has additionally aggravated the
disaster in freshwater.


As said by local approximations, there is hardly sufficient water for the coming 30 days. The faucets in
the resorts at the island are also running dry, leading to a dearth of tourists to the island. 

Sutham Samthong, the Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui, has requested everyone to make use of the supplies
sensibly, since a dearth of rainwater and tourism prosperity is adding to the disaster. Mr. Samthong said
that with appropriate supervision, the island’s freshwater source is not adequate for the next two
months, after which rains are foreseen. Mr. Samthong said that they are not self-satisfied. He said that they are striving to resolve the present condition and do not want the regional or higher management to declare that Koh Samui is an adversity zone.


There are also doubts that the island would see even more austere scarcities in the impending months due to the occurrence of El Nino, which normally brings heated settings and limited rain.

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News Pick TOURISM NEWS TRAVEL DESTINATION NEWS TTW APP NEWS

After COVID, Americans rush to Europe’s hotspots

As the hold of pandemic fades gradually, the tourism of Europe is going through an extraordinary change.

Once empty streets have now created ways to busy landmarks, perked up by a huge rise in visitors from America.


American tourists to Europe compared to 2022, have risen in numbers by 55%. This set new records. 

Airlines are also planning to improve the condition by creating new options to make trips to Europe more reasonably priced for all passengers.


London, Paris, and Rome at present are fully crowded with tourists, in absolute opposite to the vacant paved streets seen in the recent lockdown times.

To find the way through the rush, tourists are taking on ground-breaking approaches like going on board on Vespa sidecar tours.

The founder of Vespa Sidecar Tour, Luca Di Trappano, said that this year’s rise in crowds surpasses everything that he has seen erstwhile.


To local businesses, the rise in tourism is bringing respite that turned off the major impact of pandemic.  


The head of hotel association of Rome, Giuseppe Roscioli, witnesses a huge rise in tourism as a magic moment after experiencing almost complete close down of three years of hotels.

Room prices in response to the huge rise in demand have hugely increased in Rome by 20%, followed by London by 30% and in Paris by 50% respectively. 

Though, not each and every tourist is bringing positive attention.

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New Appointment NEWS UPDATES Travel Association News TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

PATA Announces New Executive Board Appointments

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Ms Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia and the election of Dr. Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, USA to the PATA Executive Board for a two-year term beginning June 27, 2023.

On the announcement, PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “I would like to first thank Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Maldives for his time and contribution on the Executive Board over the past two years. His support and experience were a great asset to us during a critical time for our industry coming out of the pandemic. I would also like to welcome back Ms Noredah Othman and welcome Dr. Gerald Perez to the Executive Board. Their proven track record and background will make them a great asset to PATA and our members.”

With 30 years’ experience in Sabah Tourism, Ms Noredah Othman is the longest-serving officer with Sabah Tourism Board. She is responsible for marketing and promotion of the destination.

Ms. Noredah Othman has held various positions since October 1990 and served as Deputy General Manager (Support Services) from 2016. Prior to that, she was the Senior Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA markets from 2011 to 2015. She was the Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe and Australia from 2005-2010.

Ms. Othman, a mother of three children, completed her education in Singapore, started her career as tourist assistant with the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (STPC), the forerunner of STB, in 1990. Between 1991 and 2005, she held the position of assistant public affairs officer and later as communications manager. Ms. Othman was awarded the PATA Foundation’s scholarship for Executive Development for Tourism (EDIT) Programme in 2015.

Dr. Gerry Perez is a dedicated and accomplished individual who has made significant contributions to various fields, particularly in tourism and public service. Born and raised on Guam, he graduated from Fr. Duenas Memorial School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management with honors from the University of Idaho. He also holds a PhD in Tourism Development and Public Policy from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

In his private business endeavours, Dr. Perez has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success. He retired in 2003 as a Travel Retail Executive, where he oversaw over 500 employees during his 23-year tenure. He is also the proprietor of Micromed Suppliers and has served as the General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau. Gerry’s outstanding business acumen led to his induction into the Guam Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2017, and he represented the White House Business Conference as a delegate in 1994.

With an unwavering commitment to promoting tourism, Dr. Perez has been actively involved in various organizations and conferences. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Guam Visitors Bureau and is a founding member of the Micronesia Cruise Association. As a renowned speaker, he has shared his expertise at international forums such as the Beijing International Forum on Chinese Overseas Travel and the SKAL Asia Tourism Congress. Gerry’s dedication to the tourism industry is further demonstrated through his memberships in the Guam Tourism Foundation and the Executive Board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gerry has been actively engaged in civic and government roles. He has served as the Chairman of the GovGuam Retirement Fund Board of Trustees and the Vice-Chairman of the University of Guam Board of Regents. Gerry has also held positions in organizations such as KGTF Public Television, the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, Guam Economic Development Authority, and the Department of Agriculture, where he worked as a Wildlife Biologist.

Ms. Othman and Dr. Perez will join the other Executive Board members including Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Benjamin Liao, Vice Chair, PATA and Chairman, Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei, Singapore; Suman Pandey, Secretary/Treasurer PATA and President, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, Nepal; Tunku Iskandar, Group President, Mitra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia; SanJeet, Managing Director, DDP Publications Private Ltd., India; Luzi Matzig, Chairman, Asian Trails Ltd., Thailand, and Dr. Fanny Vong, President – Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM), Macao, China, as well as non-voting members, Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO, AsiaChina Pte., Ltd., Singapore and Mayur (Mac) Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, Singapore.

The new Executive Board members were ratified at the PATA Annual General Meeting held online on June 27, 2023.