Officially launched at ISE 2022, PPDS’ exclusive, by invite, Global Partner Alliance (GPA) programme, was created to connect multinational businesses with PPDS’ top tier of regional integration specialists, for seamless execution of hospitality projects, of any scale, anywhere in the world.

Announced to members during the third global meeting for the PPDS GPA, hosted in Barcelona, Spain, the Alliance has grown by more than 50 additional partners – almost doubling numbers from 60 to 118 and now covering China and India – delivering enhanced specialist knowledge and support.

Each Alliance partner is selected based upon their capabilities, certifications, and ongoing relationship with PPDS. All GPA partners are trained and certified to deliver the best knowledge and performance across PPDS’ portfolio of products, services, and solutions.

Heading up the PPDS GPA, Simone Gagliardi commented: “We have been thrilled by the continued success and unrivalled relationships being formed within our Global Partner Alliance since it was officially launched. We are delighted to welcome new members to the community, bringing even greater strengths and wider reach to deliver seamless and consistent services to customers almost everywhere on the planet. With the GPA, we aim to remove the pain points traditionally experienced with multinational integrations, reaching through regional barriers to ensure projects are completed consistently, quickly and efficiently. There is nothing quite like the PPDS GPA.”

Franck Racape, VP Global Commercial at PPDS, concluded: “At PPDS, we strive for excellence in everything we do, from the products we are making in our factories through to the support we offer for installation and beyond. A significant and crucial part of that process is unquestionably our relationships with our partners. The GPA, together with our International Key Account Management approach, have allowed us to develop even closer relationships with the channel, aligning to bring ever greater value to our mutual customers.

“Since launch, the GPA has advanced from being a list of valued partners to a true global community. Far from being competitors, many of our GPA partners are now in regular communication, supporting each other where needed and, as clearly demonstrated at our GPA dinner in Barcelona and at other exclusive GPA events, they have become close business allies in the process. On behalf of PPDS, I welcome all our new GPA members and thank everyone for their continued devotion. Here’s to expanding into another successful year.”

The article PPDS Global Partner Alliance expands to deliver regional support and international expertise to hospitality industry across six continents first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Furthermore, Lindsay Morvan explained how Mauritius is dealing with the over-tourism crisis. He also mentioned the more sustainable plans, that will lead the industry into the future.

Lindsay Morvan participated in “Sustainable Coastal Destinations” panel discussion, along with Şadan Kaptanoğlu – Chairperson, TURMEPA, Rachel McCaffery – Director, Green Case Consulting / Chair, GSTC’s Destination Stewardship Working Group, Kevin Fsadni – Director of Product Development, Malta Tourism Authority and Luigi Cabrini – Chairman, GSTC as Moderator.

GSTC2023 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference was held in Antalya, Türkiye, from the 9th to 12th of May.

The article Lindsay Morvan (Mauritius Tourism Authority): “Our target is to make Mauritius a green destination until 2030” first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

During Zuiderdam’s journey around the world, the ship visited 57 ports in 30 countries on four continents and cruised 35,651 nautical miles (39,875 land miles). Highlights included funds raised for Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, Africa; blankets knitted by guests for Project Linus; and celebrating the company’s 150th Anniversary in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha.

“Like our guests, we have been eagerly anticipating the return of our Grand World Voyage, and the 2023 world cruise was an exceptional journey for not only the places we visited, but the memories made along the way,” said Antorcha. “A world cruise is more than just a travel experience; it’s building a community of friends and family. And our guests generously gave their time and funds for some worthy causes during the journey, for which I extend gratitude on behalf of everyone at Holland America Line.”

Guests Raise Funds and Knit for a Cause

Zuiderdam guests raised $10,000 for The Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, which was presented to the organization during the ship’s call at Walvis Bay. The BNC services approximately 150 kids in grades one through seven who come in after their school day to receive support, food, additional education and positive social interaction.

Continuing a tradition that began more than a decade ago on the Grand World Voyage, guests made 618 blankets for Project Linus throughout the sailing. Nearly 75 blanketeers and 20 non-knitting volunteers participated in the Project Linus endeavor this year. With yarn brought on by guests, donated prior to departure and funds given by Holland America Line, guests of all knitting and crocheting abilities made blankets for children in the United States who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

Organized this year by guests Gail and Marty Gottlieb, the couple drove a U-Haul truck to Port Everglades for the start of the Grand World Voyage with one-million yards of yarn in over 40 different colors, along with hooks, needles and ball winders. The blankets will be picked up by the local South Florida chapter of Project Linus at the port.

Themed Events and Culinary Delights

During the voyage, guests dressed to the nines for events that featured a Grand Masquerade, Derby Night, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras Night of Music and “Once Upon a Time.” More than a dozen casual, themed evenings around Lido pool included a glamp out, Burgers and Beer, Grand Fair, surprise party with the ship’s team members, Biergarten Festival, “Let Them Eat Cake” and “An Evening in France.”

2023 Grand World Voyage Highlights and Fun Facts:

• Zuiderdam visited imaginary Null Island (0°N/S & 0°E/W) where the equator crosses the Prime Meridian and visitors became an Emerald Shellback, the rarest shellback (a sailor who has crossed the equator) designation.
• On April 18, Antorcha visited the ship in Amsterdam during an overnight call to celebrate the company’s 150th Anniversary.
• Guests indulged in 31,248 bottles of wine and champagne.
• 200,606 lbs. of fresh vegetables and 173,903 lbs. of fresh fruit were consumed.
• 40,905 fresh eggs were scrambled, poached and used as ingredients.
• Guests drank 133,293 soft drinks.
• The ship served nearly 200,000 lbs. of meat (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, veal).
• Guests enjoyed 56,306 lbs. of seafood.
• 7,793 tea bags were used to brew a cuppa, as well as 3,277 bags of coffee.
• More than $200,000 in foreign currencies were exchanged.

Future Holland America Line Grand Voyages:

• 2023 Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 7, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zaandam.
• 2023 Grand Africa Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 10, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand World Voyage — 128 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage — 94 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from San Diego aboard Volendam
• 2025 Grand World Voyage — 124 days. Departs Jan. 4, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole — 133 days. Departs Jan. 25, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam.

Bookings for the 2025 Pole to Pole and Grand World Voyage officially open May 24, 2023. Travelers interested making a deposited Future Cruise Request to get priority booking confirmation prior to May 24 can call Holland America Line’s World Cruise Reservations Desk or a travel advisor.

The article Holland America Line’s first Grand World Voyage since 2020 successfully concludes after 57 port visits first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

A driving concept behind HotelSlash is understanding that hotel rates are in constant flux. This creates an opportunity for HotelSlash to ensure that travelers don’t leave any money on the table when booking their hotel stay. Using its proprietary algorithm, HotelSlash not only seeks exact room matches at lower prices but also identifies opportunities for upgraded rooms and other auxiliary benefits. For instance, a customer who initially booked a standard room without breakfast might benefit from HotelSlash’s algorithm, which could uncover an equal or lower rate that includes breakfast or even an upgrade to a superior room.

Typically, when searching for hotel accommodations, people book a reservation and forget about it, inadvertently missing out on opportunities to save money or upgrade to a superior room or enhanced amenities as their travel date approaches. Just because someone has the best available deal today does not guarantee that the same rate will remain the best tomorrow, next week, or even right before check-in. HotelSlash bridges the gap between the reservation and the date of stay, ensuring that travelers capitalize on every opportunity to maximize their value without leaving any money on the table.

According to the company, early users of the service saved an average of up to 30% on their hotel rates if they book approximately one month ahead of their arrival date.

HotelSlash offers two primary methods for travelers to save money with the service:

• Users can book directly through HotelSlash, which will automatically keep tabs on their reservation, checking for price drops and identifying any available upgrade opportunities.
• Users can book a refundable hotel reservation through any website they like, and HotelSlash will monitor it on their behalf, continually searching for an improved deal and notifying the user as soon as one is discovered.

“We’re excited to take the wraps off HotelSlash and officially introduce it publicly,” said Jonathan Weinberg, co-founder and CEO. “HotelSlash provides exclusive, members-only access to exceptionally discounted rates, which are currently unavailable to the general public, for over one million properties worldwide. It’s like price protection for your hotel reservation.”

The team behind the newly launched company have a proven track record as innovators in the travel industry, with over two decades of experience helping travelers save money, including more than $100 million from online car rentals. HotelSlash, which has been in stealth mode since 2020 is led by Jonathan Weinberg, co-founder and CEO, who also co-founded and leads AutoSlash. Other key members of the leadership team include:

• Ludovit Pauliny: Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer
• Matthew Horne: Co-founder, Vice President of Software Development
• Michael Miller: Co-founder (also co-founder and CTO of AutoSlash)

The founders bring tremendous depth to this new hotel-focused venture, addressing a growing demand first noticed among AutoSlash customers and then in the larger consumer travel market particularly as inflationary pressures have elevated the average cost of a hotel stay.

HotelSlash is a subscription-based service, providing a no-questions asked, 100% refund guarantee. The company is dedicated to saving users an amount equal to or greater than the membership fee on their initial bookings. The membership model enables HotelSlash to present exclusive, deeply discounted rates not typically accessible to the general public. During this introductory period, HotelSlash offers a complimentary trial period without requiring a credit card, allowing travelers to experience the service firsthand and discover the potential savings.

The article Launch of HotelSlash, a premier platform for deeply discounted rates at over one million hotel properties worldwide first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge was originally built in the early 1990s,” recalls Kevin Pretorius, &Beyond Managing Director for South Africa Lodges. “Back then, the lodge’s innovative and progressive design made a huge statement on sustainability, as it was sensitively constructed within the ancient sand forest with minimum impact at the heart of the project.”

Pretorius continues, “Phinda, which started as an amalgamation of denuded farmlands in 1991, has grown into an extensive conservancy at the cutting edge of conservation, a modern example of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People. What was only our second owned and operated lodge following the birth of the company at &Beyond Phinda will now be reborn.”

Interior designers Fox Browne Creative, who have previously worked on the refurbishments of the other five lodges on the reserve, are partnering with architectural designer Jack Alexander to reimagine and bring to life the new Phinda Forest Lodge in a design that will offer past guests the comfort and familiarity of one of their most loved lodges while also providing exciting improvements in room flow and functionality. Nestled inside 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of Africa’s last remaining dry sand forest in the north of &Beyond Phinda, the lodge embodies a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment. Its iconic rooms were built in perfect harmony with the existing flow of the forest and their design has stood the test of time. As such, the existing room structures will be used to redefine the new lodge in a way that will continue the legacy with which it was originally built.

“The sand forest is one of Phinda’s most distinctive and delicate habitats. It occurs on deep sands, the leftover fossilised dunes of an earlier coastline,” explains Pretorius. Many of the plant species encountered in sand forest can be found nowhere else on earth. Normally shy mammals such as the red duiker, suni and Tonga red squirrel are often encountered in sand forest, and the area is also rich in birds, with several species restricted solely to this habitat.

Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, the lodge refurbishment will utilise existing lodge and room structures to minimise impact associated with an entire rebuild, while also updating the architectural design and taking care not to detract from the essence of the lodge design and its original ‘Zulu-zen’ concept. Throughout the rooms and main guest areas, the interiors will be reimagined with new fixtures and finishes drawing inspiration from the surrounding sand forest, blending aspects of Japanese minimalism with an ode to local culture.

Elements of the natural forest and Zulu culture will be brought into the room through the use of tactile textures and natural materials such as woven matting, textured grass cloth wallpaper, and hardwood floors, with natural stone tiling in the bathrooms. The intention is to reconfigure the room within the existing structure, creating a more comfortable layout that better utilises the existing space, while maximising the connection to the forest through wide open views.

Phinda Forest Lodge has always provided &Beyond guests with an exclusive, private experience immersed in the sand forest, and this will be enhanced through the redirection and reduction of pathways to and from the rooms. In order to assist with the rehabilitation of the old pathways, we have established a nursery which will cultivate sand forest tree species to be planted along the trails.

Major structural additions include a family suite, a library and lounge, a walkway with central fire pit linking the main area to the library, a newly reshaped and tiered pool, and significant upgrades to the main dining and bar areas. In keeping with the other lodges in &Beyond’s portfolio, the family suite will comprise a contemporary designed and decorated standard suite linked to a newly built second bedroom, which can be accessed privately or through an additional linked passageway.

A new purpose-built building will contain the library and sitting room, centred around a reading table and doublesided fireplace with surrounding areas for guests to relax. Timber sliding doors will lead to an outdoor deck with its own shaded spaces, nestled among the trees with views of patches of forest and the wetland areas. The interior of the library and sitting room will combine elements of traditional Zulu culture with cosy minimalist elegance. A wooden walkway will seamlessly connect the library to a new pool area, which will include a reshaped and tiered swimming pool designed to maximize the scenic setting and timeless beauty of the sand forest. An all-new massage sala will also be constructed next to the pool.

Other innovative additions will include a central fire pit that will be located between the library and main area, cast out toward the wetland and offering guests the opportunity to indulge in a fireside chat before and after dinner.

“We are excited about the refurbishment of one of our most loved lodges, and we hope to welcome guests back to Phinda Forest Lodge as of 1 December 2023,” says Pretorius.

“Phinda was where &Beyond’s vision and impact model were born,” he recalls. “Over the years, we have curated a set of unique, immersive experiences born out of this ethos, which guests at Phinda Forest Lodge will continue to have access to. These include experiences focused on the conservation of species such as white and black rhinoceros, as well as Temminck’s ground pangolin, and a unique Zulu Village Tour which allows guests to ethically immerse themselves in traditional Zulu culture.”

Phinda is also uniquely positioned to offer other extraordinary adventure activities like diving or ocean safaris at nearby Sodwana Bay. Depending on the season, guests may also be able to enjoy expeditions to admire turtles nesting along the Indian Ocean coastline.

The article &Beyond announces refurbishment of well-loved eco-lodge in South Africa first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Soft opened in March 2023 – with full inventory set to come online in the second half of the year – the new upper-midscale property is designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers and deliver high levels of comfort and convenience for short or extended stays in a prime location only 5km from the Central Business District.

Alongside 14 deluxe hotel rooms, 30 studio apartments, and 56 one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, the deluxe property features a convenient grab-and-go shop, a modern Italian-inspired all-day dining outlet called The Olive Restaurant, and a stylish rooftop bar named The Aviary Lounge. Here, guests can enjoy cocktails and creative bar snacks while soaking up stunning city views.

The property also boasts an ultra-modern rooftop gym, a heated swimming pool, well-equipped meeting rooms, and easy access to the numerous shopping centres and restaurants for which the Westlands neighbourhood is renowned.

The Nairobi National Park – the only national park in the world within a capital city – is just a 45- minute drive from the property, and the hotel’s team is on hand to help guests arrange day trips for the chance to spot lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and other big game.

“We are delighted to officially open the doors of Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi and welcome guests and residents to experience our distinctive brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality,” said the property’s General Manager, Mr Daniel Chao. “From our prime location to our spacious rooms and apartments to our vibrant restaurant and chic rooftop bar, our unique hybrid property has all the elements in place to deliver high levels of convenience, experience, and value for business and leisure travellers alike. Fully embracing the four pillars of Dusit Graciousness – Personalised Service, Locality, Well-being, and Sustainability – we look forward to bringing long-term, sustainable value to our broader community too.”

Dusit’s property portfolio spans 17 countries and comprises 49 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and more than 300 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

The article Dusit International officially opens Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The new frequency will be added on Wednesday, operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft following the regular night flight departure from the Luanda International Airport. On this route, the average load factor is 73%, a positive reference within the civil aviation benchmarking. Ticket sales are open already, and passengers benefit from special conditions for purchases made exclusively via the TAAG.com website.

More than a point-to-point link, Sao Paulo and Luanda are positioned as connection hubs between Latin America, Africa, and Europe, with growing transatlantic demand of passengers, from tourists, families, and the business segment, in transit to TAAG in those geographies.

TAAG is committed to continually improving customer service, providing families and the corporate segment with greater connection availability covering destinations with high demand.

The article TAAG Angola Airlines increases frequences in the Sao Paolo-Luanda route from August ahead first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

In the face of a changing economic landscape, post-pandemic preferences for experiences over things1 and a consistent demand for leisure travel shape the 2023 outlook. Initially lagging leisure travel, business travel found its footing in the latter half of 2022, especially in cultures prioritizing a return to office. With an uncertain economy providing some cross-market turbulence, mainland China’s reopening is expected to bolster growth globally with concentrated impact in Asia Pacific, according to Mastercard Economics Institute estimates.

Key findings include:

• Leisure and business travel are growing at the same pace. Global leisure travel remains robust, with flight bookings up roughly 31% in March 2023 compared to the same month in 2019.2 In the second half of 2022 into early 2023, corporate flight bookings caught up to leisure flight bookings driven by regions with a strong return to office culture.3 Global leisure and business travel are now growing at similar rates. Our insights show demand for in-person meetings, with the most significant growth in commercial travel and entertainment expenses being led by Asia Pacific and Europe up 64% and 42%, respectively, between January-March 2023.4
• Mainland China’s reopening benefits global and Asia Pacific tourism. China’s reopening following tight COVID regulations comes at a time when it will likely have a positive impact on the experience economy as pent-up demand for travel is expected to drive strong tailwinds. By March 2023, spending on experiences was notably 93% of where it was in 2019 despite minimal travel last year.6 Economies in the Asia Pacific region could be obvious beneficiaries of China’s opening, given their strong ties to international trade, tourism, and geographical proximity. Based on Mastercard Economics Institute estimates, other countries that are expected to benefit include northern Europe – Germany and France – and Brazil, which could see a boost in their exports to China as the economy recovers.
• Travelers establish new corridors. As consumers are enjoying higher incomes and returning to some level of pre-pandemic comfort, they’re also starting to venture further from home to new locations. Germany and Spain are becoming more popular for Latin American travelers, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt have become popular destinations for travelers from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The U.S., previously ranked as number 5 in the top destinations for European travelers in 2022, now ranks number 4, signaling a building desire to explore across the pond7. Traditionally tourism-driven European countries like France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece could disproportionately benefit from resilient global tourists.
• Tourists continue to prioritize experiences. Preference for experiences over things persists, and travelers are demonstrating new demand for the unique. Potentially influenced by social media and entertainment, travelers are landing in lesser-known destinations in search of cultural immersion. As of March 2023, global spending on experiences was up 65% while spending on things is up 12% compared to 2019.8 Experience-oriented spending is surging in certain corridors where pandemic lockdowns have expired, but Chinese tourists who traditionally over-index on luxury retail compared to other tourists could provide a boost to goods spending across markets.

“In the first full year of unfettered travel since the pandemic, consumers are acting on pent-up desire to explore new locales, connect with friends and family, and accumulate experiences to make up for lost time,” said Bricklin Dwyer, Mastercard chief economist and head of the Mastercard Economics Institute. “Despite evolving economic landscapes, resilient consumers continue to prioritize travel. And with new corridors emerging and China reopening, the 2023 outlook indicates good reason to be optimistic.”

Comprehensive support to travelers & tourism sector

Travelers want a good experience from the time they book their plane ticket to their first step on new soil, and companies that understand that are better positioned to establish longer and more valuable relationships with their consumers. This key shift in expectations has already started to change not only how companies work with their consumers, but also the way in which we travel. And though consumer behavior will continue to shift alongside the macroeconomic environment, providing more choice in how to pay (like redeeming points for bookings), and tailoring experiences, recommendations, and offers are just two strategies that keep the individual traveler at the center of engagement.

The article Mainland China reopens, experiences endure, and business travel bounces back first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The journey will be as diverse as it is luxurious. Drawing on two decades of adventure travel as well as aviation and luxury hospitality expertise, the team have hand-picked each destination. Co-Founder and CEO of White Desert, Patrick Woodhead explains “These countries have been chosen because they are unusual, many are hard to reach destinations and they all epitomise the height of adventure without sacrificing a luxurious experience.”

Starting in Mexico City, guests will then travel to Colombia, Easter Island, Fiji, Borneo, India, Turkey, Namibia, South Africa and will finish the journey with White Desert’s signature trip – into Antarctica. In fact, guests will have the choice of two endings to this incredible journey. Guests can choose either White Desert Antarctica’s ‘Greatest Day’ trip into the 7th Continent where they will have a few hours on ice or a chance to extend their stay for a further five days in Antarctica before flying back to Cape Town (numbers strictly limited).

White Desert World will focus on offering authentic, local experiences and highlights will include Caribbean cooking in Cartagena, a graffiti street art tour of Getsemani and a sailing trip to Club de Pesca for a night of rum, chocolate and salsa music. Other activities will include sampling the best food and drink offerings, experiencing epic street parties and the opportunity to join in with local traditions. These will be coupled with off-the-beaten track city tours, bustling market visits, and collaborations with artisans and musicians; while expert guides will offer guests an adventure of a lifetime.

Guests will travel around the world in a unique Boeing 757-200 set up in a private configuration with 50 lie-flat seats. All air operations will endeavour to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) where possible and the White Desert World journey will be fully off-set. Indeed, White Desert have been carbon neutral since 2007 and this is an important tenet of all of their operations. White Desert are currently implementing a seagrass meadow planting project, which will help them be even more progressive in their sustainability and conservation efforts.

White Desert World’s 7 Continent Adventure is available for a maximum of 50 guests and will take place from 10th – 31st January 2024. White Desert World’s team will be travelling alongside the group and experienced local guides will be supporting on the ground in each destination.

The article Launch of White Desert World – blending unique adventures with iconic destinations first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Deal activity in the travel and tourism sector suffered a significant setback across several key markets and regions as deal-makers seemed to have become cautious amid recession fears, geopolitical tensions, and uncertain economic conditions.”

North America, the traditionally dominant region in terms of travel and tourism related deal activity, recorded a massive 50.4% decline in deals volume during January-April 2023 compared to January-April 2022.

Other regions such as Europe, Asia-Pacific and South and Central America also experienced a decline in deal activity by 48.1%, 28.9% and 66.7% during January-April 2023 compared to January-April 2022, respectively. Meanwhile, deal volume for the Middle East and Africa region remained unchanged.

Travel and tourism related deal activity also remained subdued across several key markets. The US, the UK, Japan, France, India, and South Korea saw deals volume decline by 51.1%, 39.5%, 47.6%, 18.2%, 55.6%, and 30%, respectively during January to April 2023 compared to January to April 2022. Meanwhile, deal activity in China and the Netherlands showcased some improvement.

Bose adds: “All the deal types under coverage also witnessed a significant year-on-year decline in volume during January-April 2023. The numbers of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), venture financing, and private equity deals declined by 41.4%, 36.2%, and 62.7% during January-April 2023 compared to January-April 2022, respectively.”

*Comprising mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and venture financing deals.

The article Travel and Tourism sector deal activity down by 43% YoY in January-April 2023, finds GlobalData first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.