Pattaya’s Walk and Eat food festival coming up

 Foodies in Pattaya have something to look forward to. The city’s Walk and Eat food festival is coming up, after being cancelled or restricted for years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The long festival will run from December 10 to January 29 at the Naklua fish market in Old Town Naklua. Attendees can sample tasty local dishes, and enjoy concerts and cultural events. But that’s not all, there will be activities for children, The Pattaya News reported. This will be the 14th Walk and Eat festival.

According to a Facebook post by the Direct Line to the Mayor of Pattaya City, the festival’s objective is “promoting and encouraging people and communities to participate in the conservation and development of tourist attractions in the local community area.”

Renowned as a tourism hub, Pattaya is known for hosting numerous festivals. These festivals have come back in full force now that Covid restrictions have been lifted.

From Friday to Saturday, the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival met its goal of drawing over 100,000 spectators. The fireworks illuminated the skyline of Central Pattaya Beach, and could also be seen from other points including Bali Hai Pier, and Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint near Bali Nai Pier.

The festival featured stunning fireworks displays from Canada, the Philippines, Belgium, and Malaysia.

Last month, tourists flocked to two seafood festivals in Pattaya over the three-day weekend. The Central Pattaya shopping mall held the “Sea Bear” food festival, bringing in income for vendors.

There was also a seafood festival at Terminal 21 shopping mall, which saw hundreds of vacationers stopping by, Pattaya Mail reported. The festival had planned to feature street food vendors from across eastern Thailand, under a street market theme. The festival was hoped to bring in revenue to local vendors to revive Pattaya’s tourism. In May, the 20 vendors at Pattaya’s new Squid Fair seafood festival earned almost 30,000-40,000 baht a day. The president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association said that 3,000-4,000 visitors went to the festival every day it was held.

The ‘Walk and Eat’ festival is another opportunity for Pattaya dwellers and visitors to savour delicious foods while supporting the local economy.

Source - The Thaiger

YOUR AFFILIATE / REFERRAL LINK HERE

.

Thailand reopening: 9pm booze ban in certain areas could be lifted by mid-November

The head of the National Security Council in his capacity as CCSA chief indicated there could be good news regarding the ban on alcohol sales in 15 days, reported Thai Rath yesterday.

Supoj Malaniyom said that the 9 pm limit in pilot provinces for reopening would stay in place at restaurants for now but there were reviews as to how this was going every 2 days.

The bigger picture was that by November 15th he hoped to have better news.

He stressed that whether places were allowed to open - and this could be pubs and clubs soon - all depended on the compliance and the Covid-19 situation.

Elsewhere media was speculating that a change to the rules was in the offing that could pave the way for the opening of clubs in 17 provinces.

Supoj noted that early signs were good that Covid protocol compliance was good in Bangkok and he asked for this to continue otherwise things could take a step back.

Supoj had met with restaurateurs and retailers calling for the ban to be eased.

In a wide ranging article that quoted all the leading figures in Thailand's Covid battle there was much rhetoric and little detail, notes ASEAN NOW.

Thai Rath quoted PM Prayuth Chan-ocha who is attending the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow as saying that he was delighted with Thailand's reopening on Monday.

Noting that the speed with which tourists are processed needed to be upped a little he thanked the Thai people and visitors for their forbearance.

He said that the reopening of the country was for all people not just the rich as he implored his countryfolk to be good hosts.

Heath Minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul said that the opening of the country had been seamless.

The Thailand Pass site processed 4,000 people and early glitches had been sorted.

Government spokeswoman Traisuree said that transport problems associated with taking tourists to AQ and SHA+ hotels were being addressed.

Meanwhile the Thai Chamber of Commerce said that they hoped 10 million people would visit Thailand in 2022.

Such pronouncements would normally make the top of the news but Thai Rath went with the easing of the booze ban as did many other local media.

Source - ASIAN NOW

VISA AGENT  /  How to register for: THAI PASS 

.

#US travel industry to see 40% drop in spending: Study

Domestic US travel spending is expected to collapse this year amid the corona-virus pandemic, suffering a 40 percent decline compared to 2019, while international spending will plunge 75 percent, according to new research.

The report, commissioned by the US Travel Association, showed spending by US residents will drop to $583 billion this year from $972 billion last year.

Total travel spending, including domestic and international visitors, is projected to fall 45 percent to $622 billion, according to research by Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics.

That decline follows three years of steady, albeit modest, growth of around four percent a year, although international travel dipped in 2019.

The association labeled the downturn "The Great Travel Depression," and said 8.1 million travel jobs have been lost.

The group is lobbying Congress to provide additional support for the travel industry, including expanding the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to include organizations that promote tourist or business venues and also provide $10 billion in grants to provide healthy travel practices.

These destination marketing organizations "drive demand and economic development to communities across the country and are vital to recovery," the association said in a LinkedIn post Thursday.

"We need relief, protection and stimulus to revive the travel industry and set America on the path toward recovery."

Other sectors also are seeking more support beyond, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are crafting legislation to help the food services industry, which has been hard hit by the shutdowns and fears of the virus, leaving businesses struggling to attract customers and remain profitable.

Some businesses may face renewed struggles when the short-term PPP funding runs out if shoppers and diners fail to return.

The National Press Club in Washington -- which has two restaurants and hosts numerous events and luncheons -- told its members Friday it will furlough 50 of 113 employees, and cut the pay of remaining workers by 15 percent after its PPP funds were used up.

Source - TheJakartaPost

#Greece to restart tourism mid-June, international flights July 1

Greece will restart its tourism season on June 15 and gradually restore international flights from July 1 to boost its economy after the virus lockdown, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Wednesday.

With Greece suffering fewer than 170 COVID-19 deaths over two months into the pandemic, Mitsotakis said the country's prompt response to the virus would be a "passport of safety, credibility and health" to attract visitors.

"The tourism period begins June 15, when seasonal hotels can reopen, and direct international flights to our tourist destinations will gradually begin July 1," Mitsotakis said in a televised address.

"We will win the economy war just as we won the health battle," Mitsotakis said.

Tourism Minister Harry Theocharis said a list of nations resuming flights to Greece would be announced by the end of May, noting that Athens would focus on reviving a travel front "from the Balkans to the Baltic."

Bulgarians and northern Europeans including Germans will be among the first visitors, the minister said, in addition to Israelis and Cypriots.

Incoming travelers will not be required to undergo virus testing or quarantine, but sample tests will be carried out in tourist areas for epidemiological purposes, the minister said.

Greece so far has carried out fewer than 140,000 tests among 11 million.

Theocharis added that 600 beds would be specifically set aside for coronavirus care on Greek islands, which are traditionally among the country's top travel destinations.

The EU last week said holidaymakers could be asked to wear facemasks on planes, respect social distancing on the beach and even book slots to use hotel pools.

Restaurants to reopen Monday

The country, which is still recovering from a decade-long debt crisis, badly needs tourism income that directly and indirectly accounts for over a fifth of its economy.

Many operators have expressed skepticism about reopening owing to strict spacing rules.

Lockdown restrictions began to be lifted on May 4, reversing a wave of shutdowns which followed Greece's first recorded COVID-19 death on March 12.

Restaurants are scheduled to reopen on Monday after open-air archaeological sites were opened earlier this week and paid beaches over the weekend. Museums are to reopen on June 15.

According to Bank of Greece figures, the country in 2019 had over 34 million visitors and revenue of over 18 billion euros ($20 billion).

To increase Greece's appeal, tax on all transport will be reduced to 13 percent from the current 24 percent for the coming five months, the prime minister said.

And struggling businesses can be flexible with staff working hours to cut cost, he said.

The Greek finance ministry earlier on Wednesday noted that without support measures for businesses, the country could face an economic contraction of up to 13 percent this year.

The jobless rate is also expected to approach 20 percent this year.

The Greek government has announced a support package of around 24 billion euros, including EU funds, to help shore up the economy.

Source - TheJakartaPost

EU looks to save summer holiday

 The EU will present recommendations on Wednesday to save the summer season in Europe’s reeling tourism sector, which has been pounded by the coronavirus crisis.

The European Commission will urge EU countries to gradually reopen shuttered internal borders and to above all treat each member state on the same criteria.

According to a draft seen by AFP, the Commission insists that reopening of everyday life after the pandemic must be done in a "concerted" and "non-discriminatory" manner and must remain "as harmonious as possible".

.

 .

The points are only recommendations on the part of the EU's executive as it is up to national governments to decide whether to lift the restrictions put in place to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Brussels recommends that when countries are in a comparable epidemiological situation and have adopted the same precautionary measures, they should be treated in the same way.

If, for example, Austria opens its borders with Germany, it must also open its borders with the Czech Republic if that country is in a comparable situation to Germany.

Similarly, when a country opens its borders with another country, it must do so for all the residents of that country, whether or not they are nationals of that country. 

This issue of restoring freedom of movement within the passport-free Schengen area is crucial for European tourism, a sector which accounts for 10 percent of the EU's GDP and 12 percent of employment.

In some southern European countries, such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, this impact is even greater and if holidaymakers were to stay home, their already bad economic situation could worsen further.

In its recommendations, the commission also addresses the thorny issue of whether or not to reimburse cancelled trips and holidays.

Under EU rules, the European consumer is entitled to a cash refund, but many operators and airlines prefer to offer a credit instead.

"Carriers and tour operators should follow a common approach, offering passengers and travellers an attractive choice between a cash refund, in line with their rights under EU law, or the acceptance of a voucher," the document said.

Late last month, 12 European countries asked the European Commission to suspend the obligation for airlines to reimburse passengers whose journeys have been cancelled because of the coronavirus. 

Source - TheJakartaPost

#Vietnam safe to travel around, tourism officials assure

.

Vietnamese tourism officials have stressed that the nation has the new coronavirus epidemic under control and it is a safe travel destination.

In a letter sent to foreign partners in multiple languages on Wednesday, Nguyen Trung Khanh, director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration (VNAT), has affirmed that the country’s tourism sector has been actively responding to the Covid-19 epidemic.

"Since the outbreak of the disease last December in China and the Vietnamese government declared it an epidemic on February 1, Vietnam has controlled the epidemic well. The treatment and prevention measures have been effective, so there is no spread of Covid-19 in the community," the letter says.

Of 16 people infected with the virus so far, seven have been discharged from the hospital.

.

.

The letter says the administration has cooperated with localities and travel agencies to take urgent measures to prevent and minimize the risk of infection and ensure safety for tourists. Tourist attractions have been sanitized, and face masks and brochures on preventing any infection are being handed out to visitors.

Vietnam’s tourism sector constantly prioritizes the safety of international tourists, it notes, adding that tourist attractions, historical sites and restaurants remain open to serve them.

The letter allaying visitors’ concerns over the Covid-19 has been written in the context of a dramatic drop in tourism since Vietnam first confirmed two Covid-19 infections on January 23.

Hanoi had seen 19,300 international tourists cancel hotel bookings as of February 6. Khanh Hoa Province, home to travel hotspot Nha Trang where 70 percent of tourists are Chinese, now has 5,000 empty rooms and 5,000 unemployed tourism staff, local data shows.

 The Covid-19 epidemic could cost Vietnam $5.9- $7.7 billion in Q1 tourism revenues this year, or about 25 percent of the industry's revenue last year, the VNAT estimates.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam suspended flights to and from China starting early this month.

The epidemic has struck at a time Vietnam has enjoyed a tourism boom, with visitor numbers last year growing 16.2 percent year-on-year to a record high of 18 million. The United Nations World Tourism Organization has put Vietnam seventh among world’s 10 fastest-growing tourist destinations.

The Covid-19 outbreak, with its epicenter in China’s Wuhan City, has so far infected more than 60,000 and killed 1,369 people, almost all of them in China. It has been detected in around 30 countries and territories so far.

Source - VN Expess

What makes Bali hotels so popular among luxury travelers?

Outstanding guest service, grace and genuine kindness are among the highlights of Bali's five-star properties, contributing to their regular inclusion in world's best hotel lists, according to Forbes Travel Guide CEO Gerard J. Inzerillo. 

"We have some incredible hotels on our list in Bali, and of course leading the way are the two Four Seasons properties and The Villas at Ayana Resort Bali. Though these Forbes Travel Guide five-star hotels are particular standouts for an all-round commitment to excellence in service and facility, across Bali all the hotels on our list show a dedication to very high levels of guest service, grace and genuine kindness—we see this come through quite clearly in our numerous visits and evaluations of the area," Inzerillo told The Jakarta Post via email.

Forbes Travel Guide, which claims to be the only independent, global rating for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, recently celebrated its 60^th anniversary and unveiled its latest list of worldwide Star Rating winners in February. Among the five- and four-star hotel winners in Indonesia are the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, The Villas at Ayana Resort Bali, Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali, Conrad Bali and Amandari.

.

.

Currently there are 1,609 Forbes Travel Guide-rated properties across 50 countries. To determine the ratings, the Forbes Travel Guide’s ratings department vets each destination and identifies potential hotel, restaurant and spa candidates. A team of anonymous inspectors then conduct a short stay before assessing properties according to the organization’s set of 900 objective standards.

.

FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS

.

Inzerillo added that as a destination Bali also nicely served the needs of family travel, a growing trend in luxury hospitality. 

"Accommodations that serve multi-generational guests who can be together in a villa setup—perhaps with some private facilities, such as a pool or access to a private chef, yet with all the conveniences of the main hotel or resort—is a growing need. Bali serves this need particularly well, offering the privacy /exclusivity aspect so many luxury travelers demand."

An avid traveler himself, Inzerillo said guests should expect more than stunning facilities when choosing to stay at a luxury property.

"While a stunning facility should rank high on a guest’s list of priorities in the luxury market, what is crucial is knowing you will receive a consistently high level of personalized service that strikes that fine line between being too attentive and too discreet," he said.

"Hotels that have staff committed to assisting every guest in a manner that serves each unique situation or preference in an intuitive manner is what will truly make for an all-round luxury experience. We like to say at Forbes Travel Guide that when the guest has to think, luxury stops." 

Source - TheJakartaPost