COVID 19 Supplier Updates - Pacific Destinations Fiji
Supplier updates from Pacific Destinations, Fiji
We hope you are keeping safe and well. Please see below updates from Warwick Fiji Resort, Pullman’s Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, and Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa relating to their operations.
Warwick Fiji Resort to close
With reference to the COVID – 19 global pandemic and the subsequent closure of international borders with airline suspensions; please be kindly advised that Warwick Fiji Resort will be closing down from April 3rd 2020 until further notice.
This is a temporary measure in light of the situation and the resort’s reservations department will be open for general inquiries only.
Opening dates will be advised as soon as information is received from relevant authorities.
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa closes
It is with sadness that Sofitel Fiji Resort advises that due to the current situation we have with COVID – 19, and subsequent border closures, Sofitel Fiji will be significantly scaling down it’s operations and not accepting any guests at the resort from 27th March 2020 until 22nd June 2020.
For any bookings that yo have with us for your clients, there are three options to choose from during this period:
- We will cancel your client’s booking with a full refund of any monies paid.
- We will reschedule your client’s booking to a new date in 2020 (which must end by 24th December 2020) – existing bookings will be moved, and the current rate quoted will be honoured. We will also offer a FJD 100 resort credit on the new dates. Any payments made for existing bookings will be transferred to new dates.
- We are happy to reschedule your client’s booking to a new date in 2021 – any payments received will be credited towards a new booking. However there may be a slight rate difference for new dates in 2021.
During the next three months, we will have a skeleton staff looking after and maintaining the resort. We are also looking at the possibility of trying to push on with the renovation program and have it completed sooner than originally scheduled. This will be dependent on deliveries and shipments still being able to get through to the resort.
Thinking of our travel industry partners over this incredibly difficult time for all of us – we look forward to continuing to welcome your clients to Sofitel Fiji once this is all behind us.
Pullman Nadi Bay – Reservations
We wish to advise that due to the current circumstances surrounding the impact of COVID – 19 the resort will not be accepting any bookings between now and 30 June 2020.
If you have clients booked with us between these dates, please do contact our team to reschedule their bookings (tours@pdfj.com.fj)
We look forward to continuing to work with you and to welcoming your clients to Pullman Nadi Bay in the future.
Thank you for your support and wishing you well.
COVID - 19 Update, COLTUR PERU
A message from Miguel Velasco, CEO COLTUR Peru
In the exceptional circumstances we are all experiencing, I hope that you and your families are well and enjoying good health. With this message, I want to thank you for your continued trust during this difficult situation, and to keep you informed regarding our actions at COLTUR PERU.
I am proud to be able to confirm that 90% of our travellers have already been able to return home safely, thanks to the work of our dedicated team. We remain committed to assisting those travellers who were unable to leave, and we are doing everything necessary to help them during their stay in Lima.
The drastic decisions made by the Peruvian government in order to contain Covid-19 have been widely praised and they have proved decisive in avoiding an exponential spread of the virus in our country. I am pleased to be able to state that no member of our staff or their immediate families has been infected.
Our president has made the decision to extend the period of mandatory social isolation and border closure until Sunday, April 12th. While our operations remain temporarily suspended, our office staff will continue to assist you as they work from home.
We are developing new experiences and seeking creative ways to continue offering travellers the very best of Peru. When the time is right, we will be ready to welcome them once more and continue sharing with them the magic of our country.
I would like to close with a message of optimism. Tourism in Peru has shown its resilience in other challenging circumstances. We will continue working with the AUTHENTIC DEDICATION that has always characterized us, contributing with you to the development of our country’s travel industry, and to the wider economy.
We are all in this together
A message from Anna Nagy, Director of BeBrazil
From my desk at home, I’m thinking about each one of you. Over the past few weeks, countries and cities have asked their citizens to stay home to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, to care for the elderly and their loved ones. We at BeBrazil have done no different. Our main concern is with the health and well-being of our team, our families, our passengers, suppliers, and partners worldwide. The only thing we can do to help, is stay home.
We have been working from home since Monday last week, and have been in close touch with many of you postponing bookings, helping guests get back home, looking at the future, and standing together during this time. Thank you to each one of you for your continued support.
Our industry is about people and for people, although we are in a social distancing mode, we would love to invite you for a “virtual casual Coffee” to break the routine, say “Hi” and catch up. We are happy to schedule online training and webinars to help you increase your destination knowledge.
During this time, our team will be dedicated to creating new exciting programs, updating our product, and getting ready for the near future where you will all need our full support and creativity.
I’m personally very thankful for the great team I have today at Be, and know for certain that we will come out of this stronger together.
We work in an industry that delivers dreams, connects people, explores different cultures, and enriches us every time. I believe that after this period of isolation, the desire to explore will increase and we are here stronger than ever to help deliver each and every one of those dreams.
Stay Home, Stay Healthy and BE POSITIVE always!
What is new in Horizon Travel?
CEO of Horizon Travel Elected General Secretary of the Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies
With an immense amount of hard work comes recognition and through that recognition the President and C.E.O. of Horizon Travel, Aristides Tsaldaris, has been elected as General Secretary of the Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA).
Since the establishment of HATTA in 1927, the Association has been contributing dynamically to the development and promotion of tourism throughout Greece. HATTA has been able to provide through its members, such as Horizon Travel, a variety of different services that have been supporting the country’s development efforts while upgrading the quality of the tourist services offered.
We look forward to seeing the continuous growth and success of HATTA and Greece’s tourism under the new leadership of Aristides.
For further information please, click here.
The Latest in Greece?
Brand new hotels in 2020!
Athens Capital MGallery hotel – Athens – 5-star city hotel – Opening in April 2020
Athens Capital Hotel, located in the ideal place in the heart of Athens on Syntagma Square next to the Parliament House, is your perfect choice for an eco-urban break to discover the city vibes. Stroll into the beautiful Athenian surroundings, explore the ancient Greek history and track the Philosophers’ path by creating your own story through an authentic experience. In a bright, relaxing and clean ambience space, its restaurants welcome you for a casual lunch break. Otherwise, the all-day bar will be waiting for you to relax and unwind with a variety of beverages, meet for your afternoon tea or enjoy your cold beer, long drinks and cocktails in the evening.
Lalibay Resort – Aegina – 5-star resort– Opening in summer 2020
This ideal location will be ready to welcome you during Summer 2020. A huge renovation and redecoration, Lalibay will provide you with experiences full of sea, with its nautical decoration being one of the indications! Lalibay resort is ideal for long or short breaks from your daily routine. Additionally, for those who want to combine business with pleasure, inspirational spaces designed for your professional lifestyle and well-equipped venues for business meetings as well as conferences are available.
Koukoumi Hotel – Mykonos – 4-Star Vegan Hotel – Opening in May 2020
This summer Mykonos welcomes the first vegan hotel in Greece! Koukoumi makes a promise to operate in a 100% vegan friendly way; there is no room for elements connected directly or indirectly to animals. This means no leather, fur or any other animal products are used anywhere in/on the hotel premises, while a promising vegan restaurant is about to serve exclusively vegetarian and vegan options. Fourteen suites, pool, spa and gym amenities are going to operate in Eco-friendly terms, with recyclable and environmentally friendly elements. Sustainability and vegan philosophy make Koukoumi a tempting travelling choice; how about relaxing while leaving no carbon footprint behind you?
Aegon Hotel – Mykonos – 5-Star luxury Hotel
Set on one of the most cosmopolitan islands of the Mediterranean and nested in an infinite sandy beach overlooking the Aegean Sea, Aegon Mykonos Hotel welcomes you to a unique self-gratifying experience, offering luxurious facilities, savvy island vibes, along with energizing fitness and wellness activities.
All 76 guestrooms are luxuriously decorated featuring bespoke design elements and state-of-the-art items, while the hotel’s natural color palette emulates the organic landscape and the purity of the Cyclades.
Kalesma – Mykonos – 5-Star hotel – Opening in June 2020
New built 27 suite and villa luxury boutique hotel set on the hillside of Ornos Bay, seemingly secluded, yet easily accessible and offering stunning views to the Aegean Sea and glorious sunrise and sunset views. Kalesma is a place where the Greek spirit of hospitality meets the new lifestyle hotel and offers the opportunity to experience both authentic island experience and privacy. Elegantly designed, decorated in a stylish, neutral palate and embellished with natural materials such as real wooden beamed ceilings, each of the rooms emanate a unique Cycladic charm and grace.
Orama Hotel & Spa – Santorini – 5-Star hotel– Opening in May 2020
Discover the eclectic elegance of Orama Hotel & Spa and experience a stay driven by extraordinary feelings of comfort and relaxation. The capital of Santorini, only a few meters away from the cliff of the caldera and the panoramic view of the volcano invite you to indulge yourself and enjoy a unique experience of Cycladic hospitality. One can find in Orama Hotel & Spa the absolute place to stay; built with respect to the Cycladic architecture, it includes the finest services and amenities that speak to the guests’ needs.
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa – Elounda, Crete – 5-Star resort – Opening in June 2020
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is in north-eastern Crete, in the famous Elounda bay overlooking the island of Spinalonga, a candidate for the UNESCO List of World Heritage Site. The concept behind the development of Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is focused on the timeless values of Greek culture, Greek hospitality, and of the lasting Cretan tradition. The architectural design of the outdoor and indoor areas of Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa aims to showcase the incredible beauty of the landscape from every angle. Modern comfort and luxury coexist harmoniously in an environment that respects and enhances our cultural heritage.
For further information, please click here.
DMS Connect 2020
Kick off 2020 with a trip abroad by attending DMS Connect
The pioneers of destination consulting down under, DMS Destination Marketing Services will deliver captivating door prizes at their flagship showcase DMS Connect. Qualified attendees will be in the running to embark on enlightened trips to Tahiti, Sri Lanka, North America, Bali, Fiji and Hawaii.
Airline partners for the 20th anniversary edition of Connect, include Air Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui and Sri Lankan Airlines. The Sydney showcase will be held at the iconic Sydney Opera House in the new Yallumundi Rooms where travel professionals will have the opportunity to meet with the likes of Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Belmond, Visit Monaco, Robertson Lodges, Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Korea Tourism Organization and Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
DMS’ ground operators will attend in full force at all three shows; the latest to join the line up include, Key Events (a Host Global partner) from San Francisco and DestinAlp from Switzerland. The world is again being served up on a silver platter to events and leisure practitioners with reliable suppliers specialising in both MICE and high-end leisure program design at DMS Connect.
Full exhibitor lists: destinationmarketing.com.au/dms-connect/
DMS Connect 2020:
Monday 24 February: Auckland (The Maritime Room)
Tuesday 25 February: Melbourne (Aerial)
Thursday 27 February: Sydney (Sydney Opera House)
Enquiries: Thea Mendes – thea@destinationmarketing.com.au +61 2 9368 1811.
Wuhan Coronavirus Update
WUHAN CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
In light of the recent increasing cases of novel Wuhan Coronavirus Pneumonia, we wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the situation and how it’s impacting our operations.
1. WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS?
- Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.
- The novel coronavirus (named 2019-NCoV) has caused cases of severe pneumonia in China and few cases have been exported to other cities and countries.
- Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
2. WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION?
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
- To anticipate and prevent the spread of the virus, the Chinese authorities have put strong measures in place including travel prohibition and closure of airports and train stations in 20 cities in China
- For any travel (outbound/inbound), Chinese immigration and customs has launched health checks at immigration. Travelers who arrive in China (including Chinese and foreigners) are obliged to complete a health declaration form.
- To prevent infection with Coronavirus, tourist attractions in Beijing and Hong Kong are temporarily closed, international airlines have reduced or stopped flights to and from China.
3. FROM THE PACIFIC WORLD TEAM – WHAT MEASURES ARE WE TAKING IN VIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION?
- Pacific World is committed to the health and safety of guests and team members at all times so our offices in China and the rest of Asia are operating following the advisories and protocols established by local authorities.
- We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work with local health authorities and suppliers to understand the measures that venues, hotels and other logistic suppliers have put in place for the events happening in the next months.
- To ensure we provide proper safety measures for our employees and guests, Pacific World teams in the Asia Pacific Region have been getting regular updates from the local government and the WHO on the Coronavirus. A network of communication across countries / offices and our operations have been set up.
- In China, we are following specific preventive measures, which include delaying the date of reopening offices in Shanghai and Beijing and urging our employees to work from home and away from any means of transmitting the virus. For any employee who needs to be on-site, we are providing surgical masks, alcohol spray and gloves for protection. Every employee will do a health declaration every day.
- In Asia (outside of Mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong), please note that operations are continuing with heightened hygiene and security measures but without any hindrance to daily travel. Incoming and outgoing flights, hotels, venues and Pacific World offices are operating as usual.
We are constantly monitoring the situation to keep you informed of the developments from a local (destination based), Asia Pacific and global perspective.
Please check with the corresponding Pacific World Destination Manager for specific measures taken in their corresponding countries.
Questions, Doubts?
For further information please click here.
NYC Birthday Celebrations
Shackman Associates New York is turning 30 in 2020!
We invite you to join us in celebrating 30 years of partnership and momentous events in our ever-evolving city.
For every ground program or event you book with Shackman Associates New York with a minimum value of 30,000.00 USD. We will credit you 3% on the total revenue. Rediscover the magic of New York, while exploring the new face of the most exciting city in the World!
Applicable for group travel during July and August 2020 and January, February and March 2021. Site Inspection fees do not apply.
For more information, please CLICK HERE.
NYC Myth Busters
A quick guide to help counter the 5 most common misconceptions about bringing your MICE group to NYC
#1 NYC – It’s Always Too Expensive
NOT TRUE.
| Low peak months (Jan – Feb, Jul – Aug) are a great way to get low rates from venues and accommodations, especially if a Sunday night is included in the stay. Q1, specifically January and February, offer some of the best values of the year, like July and August, and Shackman’s relationships with the vendors can work in your favor to reduce F&B minimums during off-season.
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#2 NYC – It’s A City Destination
ACTUALLY…
| New York City has 14 miles of beaches: from beauties in the Bronx, to the historical sands of Brooklyn, or even for surfing from Queens’ Rockaway Beach or Long Beach – 30 Minutes to 1hour transfer by coach or even by ferry from lower Manhattan.
For fans of the outdoors, a Glamping (urban camping) option is available. What better way to experience New York than with the Skyline of Manhattan and Statue of Liberty as a backdrop – New York has more to offer than most think and is always worth a visit.
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#3 NYC – Been There – Done That!
ALL OF IT…?
| New York City has 5 Boroughs and most visitors only get to see Manhattan. However, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx are home to almost 80% of New York City residents hence there is so much more to see. For example, Williamsburg, the hip Brooklyn neighborhood draws the young and fashionable to its cool hotels, chic boutiques, trendy cafes and buzzy restaurants. Street art brightens residential thoroughfares and repurposed factories, while the Brooklyn waterfront provides stunning views of Manhattan and seasonal venues for outdoor concerts and food markets. Dance clubs, happening bars and music halls liven up the nightlife scene.
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#4 NYC – Too Much Time in Traffic Getting from Place to Place
FALSE!
| New York has 30,000 Restaurants and is a walk-able City. As your local partner on the ground, Shackman Associates can provide good alternatives in walking distance or within a short transfer from your hotel – minimizing the transfer time. And, with creative ideas to enhance the ride, Shackman can make a transfer entertaining. |
#5 NYC – Not Enough Large Meeting Space
WRONG!
| New York’s Javits Center alone is just completing a $1.5 Billion project that provides a 1.2 million-square-foot expansion. The soon-to-be-completed facility will offer 27 new loading docks, a green roof terrace and pavilion, 45,000 square feet of new meeting room space, and a 55,000-square-foot ballroom – the largest of its kind in New York.
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For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Direct Flights to Santorini
Qatar Airways Announces New Seasonal Flights to Santorini
Qatar Airways, the top leading airline of the world, announced their new direct flights from Doha to Santorini Island as of May 2020. The airline will be the first Gulf carrier to commence direct flights to Santorini. Qatar Airways now flies direct to the following destinations in Greece:
Athens
Mykonos
Thessaloniki
And the upcoming… Santorini!
The seasonal flights to Santorini island will be operated by an Airbus A320, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy Class, therefore offering more options and flexibility when planning business or leisure trips.
For Further Information, please CLICK HERE