Throughout 2020 and 2021, there was a silver lining amidst the travel shutdown – companies were given the opportunity to step back, reassess their consumers’ needs and wants, and take action accordingly. What several companies found was that with a newfound focus on health and wellbeing, booze was beginning to take a backseat. In fact, nearly 50 percent of travelers surveyed in October 2021 said they’re likely to choose a non-alcoholic beverage over a beer or cocktail (Source: Hyatt Travel Pulse). Hyatt Introduces a New Zero-Proof Beverage ProgramIn response to travellers' increased focus on wellbeing and growing interest in alcohol alternatives, Hyatt launched its “Zero Proof, Zero Judgement” beverage program bringing dedicated alcohol-free cocktail options to a collection of hotels across the U.S. Hyatt restaurant and bar teams have enhanced their beverage menus with unique non-alcoholic options, most of which are created using Ritual Zero Proof and Fever-Tree products. One of the inventive new cocktails is a refreshing drink comprised of Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative, basil, cucumber, lime, and ginger at Hyatt Centric Times Square New York’s Bar 54. Another is an enticing cocktail made of Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative, blueberry, honey, lime, and Fever-Tree Ginger Beer at the newly opened Thompson Savannah’s Lobby Bar. Inspired by Anna Welker, sober bar manager of Topside at Revival Baltimore (a JdV by Hyatt hotel), the new program aims to ensure non-drinkers who visit Hyatt hotels are met with understanding and provided a tasty collection of alternatives. “Ultimately, it’s about providing an incomparable hospitality experience that’s reimagined with intentional options for guests who choose not to drink or to drink less,” said Miranda Breedlove, Hyatt’s National Director of Bars, Lifestyle Operations. Royal Caribbean Introduces Zero-Proof Drinks at SeaRoyal Caribbean has revamped their beverage menu and now proudly has options for everyone to enjoy with the launch of its first zero-proof drink menu. This beverage menu is not comprised of your ordinary mocktails or virgin drink recipes but was carefully curated as standalone drinks without alcohol. The new zero-proof drink menu provides you with a wide variety of cocktails to enjoy in most bars and lounges throughout Royal Caribbean’s fleet like the Viking Crown Lounge, Boleros, and the Schooner Bar. Geared towards tweens, teens, and adults alike, these light and refreshing drink options are sure to tantalize the taste buds. The new menu, only available on Royal Caribbean, is inspired by some of the most popular drinks like the delicious mojito or the classic Shirley Temple to name a few. Check out your new favorites:
0 Comments
With all that’s going on in the world, even the most stoic among us are reveling in an appreciation for things we may have taken for granted (or perhaps even whined a little bit about) prior to 2020. We’ve gained a new perspective on simple, everyday privileges like dining out, gathering with family, meeting new people, feeling safe in our own homes and countries, living our day-to-day lives without fear, and even breathing fresh, clean air. With all this time to think, we’ve refined our outlook on travelling, too. This year, as we venture out, we’re focused on quality instead of quantity. We’re digging deeper, paying better attention, and noticing things we may have missed before. We’re savoring our connections to other people and delighting in their cultural heritage. And, we’re more mindful of the delicate ecosystems that teem and bloom all around us. We’re packing gratitude and sharing it generously wherever we go. In light of this trend toward being better travellers, we dedicate this article to the facets of travel that are worthy of our gratitude journals. Here are eight things we are deeply grateful for: 1) The Advice of an Expert Travel Advisor - Now More Than EverAs Covid-19 slowly made its way around the world, many travellers were in the middle of their annual vacation. There were two types of travellers – those who booked with a travel advisor and had someone on their side advocating on their behalf, and those who didn't. This new world of post-pandemic travel requires constant vigilance, something most travellers don't have time for but most advisors consider one of the most important parts of their jobs. Keeping up with ever-changing openings and shutdowns, new regulations, and testing requirements is a full-time job. It doesn't have to be yours. 2) Open Waters, Open Borders - Free To Travel AgainIf there’s one word that describes where we’ve been for the last two years, adrift is probably it. We’ve been waiting, floating, impatient for a time when we could wriggle with the anticipation of an upcoming vacation again. Perhaps nowhere more so than out in the open waters, where salty breezes and sun-kissed sea days beckon. As borders reopen, more options will become available. If you just can’t wait to get out there, ask your Charrisma travel advisor about booking a small yacht charter for your “bubble” or securing surprisingly affordable seats on a private jet to a remote seaside villa. 3) Close Friends and Family GatheringsGosh, we’ve missed each other. Not that we didn’t appreciate Zoom and FaceTime, but boy-oh-boy it has been good to meet face to face again. To see each other in three dimensions. To hug our grandparents and playfully pinch the little ones’ cheeks. Here are a few tips on how to ensure those gatherings remain healthy and fun for everyone. Families with Children: It’s never too early to start exploring, and travelling with your children will introduce them to a life of wonder. Involve your kids in the planning, consider a theme park vacation, and don’t forget to plan a date night for you and your spouse. Intergenerational Family Reunions: Unless she was an Olympian, your 85-year-old grandmother probably won’t appreciate a ski vacation, and your toddlers and teens probably won’t love trudging through art museums. Think about activities for all ages and plan in advance, consider an all-inclusive resort, take everyone’s budget into account, and make sure to schedule alone or small group time. Gathering with Friends: After so little togetherness, some of our best vacations will be girlfriends' getaways, male bonding adventures, or just a bunch of old friends hanging out. Get to know each other’s travel styles and destination interests before the trip, be flexible, and consider renting a villa for maximum space and private communal spaces. 4) North America's Small MiraclesThere’s big joy to be found in small things all across North America. This year, we are immensely grateful for the small towns, cozy diners, tiny boutiques, and little corners of our world that might otherwise go unnoticed. When we take time to look, there’s a wealth of small wonders just waiting to be explored. And, right now, small and independent businesses need us more than ever. 5) Rediscovering Our BlissEven if we felt robust and healthy during the lockdowns, celebrating our own wellness seemed insensitive to those who were caring for or mourning the loss of beloved family and friends. But wellness is something we can be even more grateful for now. As restrictions ease up, we’re ready to get moving again and double-down on our bliss-finding and physical fitness goals. 6) The Bold, Beautiful and Brand NewWhile many of us were compelled to pause or pull back on our goals last year, a bold few among us powered ahead. These intrepid businesspeople launched new cruise lines and ships, mod hotels, and even vacation resorts despite the pervasive uncertainty. Today, we’re celebrating these plucky folks — the gritty, tenacious people who persevered against the odds to bring us new places to stay and new experiences as the world opens up again. 7) Creative Work-Travel Options“The Long Now” is a concept that’s been building steam for a while. It’s the idea that we can accomplish bigger, more meaningful things if we focus our sights farther out into the future. One of the ironic blessings of 2020 has been the opportunity to get a fresh perspective on our over-scheduled lives. For the first time in forever, we lifted our heads from our computers and got comfortable looking farther ahead. While serious “long now” activists are talking thousand-year projects, many of us are using the concept to re-imagine travel. Instead of short getaways, we’re looking at long-haul flights, months-long adventures, and living overseas for a year … or two. There’s even a new “Bleisure Class” emerging of remote workers with extended-stay visas. 8) Our Ability to Help OutIf 2020 taught us anything, it’s that every traveller leaves an impact. In a positive light, this means every one of us has the power to nurture the people and places we visit. So, this year, we’re packing a new appreciation for our interconnectedness with other nations, their cultures, and the precious eco-systems that sustain them. As we make our travel comeback, we’re doing so more carefully and meaningfully. We’re treading lighter, noticing every opportunity to reach out, lend a hand, offer a kind word, or fund a worthy cause. Instead of rushing there and back again, we’re embodying the Hawaiian concept of mālama — taking care of, tending to, preserving, and protecting. April 2022 · By Ensemble Travel Group
Our favourite travel destinations are back in business, and we couldn’t be more excited to visit them once again. Throughout various stages of the pandemic, each of these five countries was hard hit and/or shut down completely. We’re happy to announce all five of these countries are now open for tourism. Disclaimer: This information is subject to change. For more information on who can visit these five countries and what their entry requirements are, talk with your travel advisor. 1 | Australia From the dramatic desert landscapes to lush ancient rainforests to coastal cities fringed with golden beaches, Australia is known around the world for its natural beauty and dazzling cityscapes. There’s also a rich culture which can be summarized as a love for nature and wildlife, a sense of adventure, and an enjoyment of living life outdoors. While some things have remained the same Down Under, in recent years, everything from food to fashion has had a fresh new makeover, and plenty of new tourism experiences and places to stay have opened in hidden corners of the country. After a 20-month closure, the country began to open at the end of February. Only fully vaccinated travellers are permitted to enter, and they must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test before departure. 2 | Italy Wine country, Italian cuisine, spectacular coastlines, stunning architecture and art museums, and exceptional culture – Italy is a country comprised of several bucket list destinations. From small Tuscan towns to metropolises like Milan and Rome to picturesque coastal cities, the options in Italy are endless and one trip just isn’t enough. While Italy was one of the hardest hit countries at the onset of the pandemic, its borders have reopened for tourism. Currently, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers can visit Italy, but you need to either be fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery from a COVID-19 infection within the past six months. You must also provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival, to avoid self-isolation. 3 | New Zealand New Zealand offers incomparable space to explore. Discover unique wildlife in its natural habitat, from the nocturnal native kiwi to the rare and impressive sperm whale. Admire the magic of a clear night sky, or be first in the world to see the sun rise over an endless ocean. Witness the impressions rivers have carved across the landscape over centuries and the geysers bubbling up from underground. Observe the place where two oceans collide, or explore lush native bush and beautiful botanic gardens. New Zealand has what it takes for a perfectly unique and intimate experience. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the country adopted very strict policies meant to suppress the virus. Its zero-COVID strategy made it one of the world's most closed-off nations, but this has started to change. The country is opening up with a five-phase plan; however, it’s still harder to visit New Zealand than these other four countries. In all five phases (most Americans and Canadians will fall under phase four), visitors must be fully vaccinated and self isolate for 10 days. 4 | South Africa Known around the world for its breathtaking scenery, captivating natural beauty, incredible wildlife, and cultural diversity, South Africa is a true destination of choice. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the country placed the destination on travel ban lists but, fortunately, some of these restrictions have since been lifted. Most tourists like to go on a safari in the African reserves to see the Big Five, take a city break in Cape Town which allows them to explore the coastline and beautiful beaches, explore part of the regional wine route, retrace the steps of Nelson Mandela, and immerse themselves in the vibrant South African culture. While anyone can travel to South Africa, subject to the usual visa regulations and a negative COVID-19 test, not all borders are open and there are strict protocols to follow. 5 | Spain Although the Spanish people are known for their midafternoon siestas, there is no lack of livelihood in Spain. From its energetic Mediterranean beaches, iconic architecture wonders, and world-renowned Flamenco dancing, to its endlessly flowing sangria, delectable paella, and famous tapas-style of eating, the country is a cultural phenomenon. While Spain announced last June that no vaccines or COVID-19 tests were required to enter the country, they changed their rules this past September requiring all travellers to be vaccinated or show proof of a recent infection no more than 180 days prior to visiting. Some unvaccinated travelers who meet exceptional situations are permitted to enter with a negative COVID-19 test. March 2022 ·By Ensemble Travel Group
After two years of lockdowns, quarantines, and confusing testing requirements, consumers are more than ready to start travelling again. They are booking more and longer vacations, and they are spending more to upgrade their experiences having saved up during the pandemic. But along with an increase in interest and bookings are the varied misconceptions about travelling in a post-COVID world. Below are some of the most common ones to help travellers separate fact from fiction. Myth #1: Any kind of travel increases the likelihood of getting COVID. While no aspect of life is immune from the spread of COVID, travel is one of the most restricted activities in our daily lives and one that is subject to higher levels of testing and preventive measures. Science and data show that the rate of transmission is much higher when participating in regular daily activities such as shopping, going to a restaurant, or working out at a local gym. Hotels have invested millions of dollars upgrading ventilation systems and introducing new cleaning protocols to ensure rooms and public areas are disinfected to the highest degree possible. Cruise lines are doing 21x the rate of testing than the U.S. is doing overall, and the positivity rate aboard a cruise ship is much lower than onshore where it is 33% higher, according to data provided by Cruise Lines International Association. In addition, the cruise industry has achieved a nearly 100% rate of vaccination compared to the general U.S. population at nearly 63% or Canada where the rate is approximately 80%. Myth #2: If I purchase travel insurance, I will be covered for anything that goes wrong. Travel advisors have long encouraged their clients to purchase insurance to protect them from large out of pocket expenses while travelling and potential emergency situations. The pandemic has only reinforced the need to have a safety net that travel insurance provides. However, not all plans are equal, and it’s important to read the fine print and to consult your Charrisma Advisor to ensure your plan covers what you need. No matter what your vaccination status is, if you plan to travel, you may want to have a financial safeguard in place for pandemic-related problems. This is especially true if you’re travelling abroad where your health plan may have limited global coverage. Travel insurance can provide that safety net, but not all travel insurance plans cover COVID-related problems. To help you find the right plan, ask us which ones offer the best coverage if you were to need to quarantine as a result of a positive COVID test or for other situations that are unrelated to the pandemic but can result in unexpected expenses. Myth #3: Consumer interest in sustainable travel dropped off as a result of the pandemic. Ironically, the pause in travel actually resulted in an increased desire to travel more sustainably post-pandemic. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 83% of global travellers surveyed said they would make sustainable travel a priority in the future. But while many travellers want to travel more responsibly, they often don’t know where to start. At Charrisma Travel, we can help clients offset their carbon imprint through affiliations with organizations such as Cool Effect and Trees4Travel. In addition, we can help ensure that you support local businesses and tour operators to ensure your money spent locally stays there and benefits the communities that rely on tourism as their primary economic driver. Myth #4: Business travel is dead. While business travel dropped off significantly during the pandemic, it has resurfaced in a new form. As the lines between work and life blur, so do the distinctions between business and personal travel creating a hybrid of business and leisure travel now referred to as “bleisure.” This trend goes beyond bringing your family along to a conference; it allows for adding weekends or weeks to work trips while also bringing the family along. Myth #5: My vacation will cost more if I book with a travel advisor. The reality is that travel advisors can save you time and money. We have relationships with partners that include pre-negotiated rates that are not only better than what you would get from booking on your own or through an online travel agency, but we can often also include amenities such as complimentary breakfast, upgrades when available, and early check-in/late check-out. More importantly, we are your advocate for in case of an emergency. While the pandemic may have shown on a grand scale how having a travel advisor can help you during a crisis, there will always be something that has the potential to ruin your vacation. Whether it’s a flight cancellation, problems at a hotel, or an unexpected illness, at Charrima, we can quickly jump in, assess the situation, and then navigate all the roadblocks to find a solution. While travel confusion may still linger as restrictions are lifted around the world, your Charrisma travel advisor can help you plan your dream vacation and help ensure smooth sailing. March 2022 ·By Debra Loew In our new era of social distancing, mask wearing, and working from home, where does travel fit in? Some borders are open, some are not. Requirements and regulations are ever-changing and different in every place and space. It’s confusing and overwhelming, and if you’re like me, you probably just want a vacation from it all. BUT, WHERE CAN YOU AND SHOULD YOU GO? WELL, THE “CAN” PART FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF A TRAVEL ADVISOR. DURING THIS COMPLICATED TIME, IT’S HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO USE A PROFESSIONAL WHEN PLANNING A TRIP. TRAVEL ADVISORS HAVE THE ANSWERS, INSIGHT AND GUIDANCE, AND THEY’LL BE THERE FOR YOU BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER YOUR TRIP. PLUS, THERE IS NO NEED TO ADD STRESS TO WHAT SHOULD BE A STRESS RELEASE. HOWEVER, WHEN IT COMES TO THE “SHOULD,” NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO REVISIT YOUR FAVORITE PLACES, NO MATTER HOW CLOSE TO HOME THEY ARE. WHY? BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW THE DESTINATIONS, YOU’RE COMFORTABLE WITH THEM, AND YOU’LL INHERENTLY FEEL SAFER. AFTERALL, STAYING WITHIN YOUR COMFORT ZONE ISN’T ALWAYS A BAD THING. But, if you’re looking for additional reasons to travel back to the places you’ve been before, here are three to consider: More Personalized and Private Experiences Far fewer people are currently traveling which means destinations are far less packed. In fact, Thanksgiving is said to be the busiest travel time of the year in the U.S., and only 560,902 people traveled on Thanksgiving Day in 2020 in comparison to 2,648,268 in 2019 (according to TSA checkpoint travel numbers). And, fewer people mean more personalized and private experiences are available. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll simply have more space on a beach; many travel suppliers are now offering new small-group and private options while still delivering big experiences. Private transfer options are even becoming the norm, meaning from the moment you step off the plane, you’ll enjoy five-star traveling like never before. More for Your Money Similarly, the rising popularity of small group traveling and travel bubbles has changed the travel game. Travel suppliers know that in order to attract consumers, they must adapt, which has led to the average traveler receiving much more for their money than in the past. A private tour, a secluded experience — these things used to cost more than most were willing to spend. However, now, with new health precautions in place, these “exclusive” and secluded experiences are readily accessible. More Flexibility One of the silver linings to the pandemic era is the increased flexibility within the travel sphere. Most suppliers, if not all, have changed their cancellation policies making travel planning much less stressful. For example, Contiki has made it easy to change travel plans up to 30 days prior to their trip’s departure date. Guests can now choose new dates and/or a new destination without penalty on the land portion of their trip. Additionally, travel insurance has also changed, and Allianz Travel Insurance, for example, is reimbursing you for nonrefundable cancellations if you or someone named on your plan becomes ill with COVID-19 before or during your trip. Simply put, travel is poised for a renaissance in the post-pandemic era with a newfound focus on the consumer and his/her overall experience. This means that even your most favorite places you’ve visited time and time again will have something new to offer. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to travel back to your safe spot and experience your comfort zone like never before. May 2021 - Alexa Wheeler
As social scientist and writer, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, once said: “Confidence isn’t optimism or pessimism, and it’s not a character attribute. It’s the expectation of a positive outcome.” This feels especially true when we think of travel and what the tourism industry and society in general have had to overcome in the past year. But to us, this also means hope. Hope for a renewed sense of interconnectedness, for what the future has in store for us, and for a tourism landscape that is more sustainable, more inclusive, and that has a deeper meaning. Here are seven reasons to remain hopeful and confident about the future of travel. 1 | WE ARE ALL CRAVING IT. HOPE IS IN THE AIR FOR TRAVELERS ALL OVER THE WORLD. ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY BY VACASA AND ALLISON + PARTNERS, A MAJORITY OF U.S. CONSUMERS (53%) SAY THEY FEEL HOPEFUL ABOUT 2021. AND OF THOSE, NEARLY 60% WERE PLANNING TO TAKE A VACATION THIS SPRING. THIS TREND EXPANDS WORLDWIDE. ACCORDING TO BOOKING.COM’S REPORT ON GETTING BACK TO TRAVEL, 66% OF THE 28,000 TRAVELERS FROM 28 COUNTRIES SURVEYED FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT TRAVELING IN 2021, AND AN EQUAL NUMBER HAVE A HEIGHTENED DESIRE TO SEE THE WORLD AFTER BEING UNABLE TO DO SO IN 2020. SO MUCH SO THAT 71% OF GLOBAL TRAVELERS WOULD RATHER GO ON A VACATION THIS YEAR THAN FIND TRUE LOVE! NEED WE SAY more? 2 | VACCINATIONS ARE ROLLING OUT. THE ROLL-OUT OF COVID-19 VACCINES IS A BIG PART OF WHAT GIVES TRAVELERS HOPE FOR THE FUTURE, WITH A MAJORITY OF TRAVELERS SAYING THAT THEY WILL NOT BE TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY UNTIL THEY’VE BEEN VACCINATED, AND THAT THEY WILL ONLY TRAVEL TO COUNTRIES WHERE VACCINATION PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED. IN THE UNITED STATES, THE CDC SAID THAT THOSE WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED CAN TRAVEL “AT LOW RISK TO THEMSELVES” BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY (WITH PRECAUTIONS SUCH AS WEARING A MASK, SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND HAND WASHING). AS VACCINATIONS KEEP GETTING MORE TRACTION, THIS IS MUSIC TO OUR TRAVELING EARS. 3 | COUNTRIES ARE REOPENING TO TOURISM. GREECE, ISRAEL, ICELAND, COSTA RICA, ECUADOR, CROATIA, TAHITI, BARBADOS, BELIZE, POLAND, ESTONIA, GUATEMALA, MONTENEGRO, SEYCHELLES, SLOVENIA... THIS LIST SUFFICES TO SPARK OUR TRAVEL-DEPRIVED WANDERLUST. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IT DOESN’T STOP THERE! ALL AROUND THE WORLD, COUNTRIES ARE WELCOMING BACK TRAVELERS. AND, WITH THE LIST GETTING LONGER EACH WEEK AND THE PROTOCOLS BEING DIFFERENT IN EVERY COUNTRY, YOU’LL NEVER BE HAPPIER TO HAVE A TRAVEL ADVISOR BY YOUR SIDE TO HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF THE REQUIREMENTS AND MEASURES IN PLACE TO KEEP YOU SAFE. 4 | COMPANIES ARE FOLLOWING THE PACE. EVERYWHERE, OPERATORS ARE GETTING BACK TO TRAVEL. IN APRIL, G ADVENTURES CELEBRATED ITS 100TH TOUR CONDUCTED SINCE THE RESTART. WITH THEIR “TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE” POLICY, THEY ENSURE THAT THE MOST UP-TO-DATE HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE TO PROTECT TRAVELERS, STAFF, AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES. ON THE AIR SIDE, TAP AIR PORTUGAL ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL GRADUALLY RESTORE ITS PRE-COVID OPERATIONS ON 100 ROUTES BY AUGUST, WITH SERVICE TO LISBON FROM MANY NORTH AMERICAN CITIES AND EASIER ACCESS TO A COVID-19 TESTING SERVICE FOR PASSENGERS. CRUISE LOVERS WILL REJOICE ABOUT THE LONG-AWAITED RETURN OF CRUISING, WITH SEABOURN, ROYAL CARIBBEAN, CELEBRITY, SILVERSEA, CRYSTAL AND MORE RESUMING OPERATIONS THIS SUMMER. AGAIN, YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR CAN GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE MOST RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND HELP YOU CHOOSE THE SAFEST OPTION For you. 5 | BOOKINGS ARE TRENDING UPWARD. WITH THE INCREASE IN FLEXIBLE BOOKING OPTIONS, MANY COMPANIES ARE SEEING SIGNIFICANT PENT-UP DEMAND FROM LANDLOCKED TRAVELERS, INCLUDING FOR CRUISES IN 2022 … AND BEYOND! SILVERSEA CRUISES RECENTLY SAW ITS 2023 SOUTH SIDE STORY WORLD CRUISE – A 139-DAY, ARTS-INSPIRED ITINERARY VISITING 66 DESTINATIONS IN 34 COUNTRIES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE – SELL OUT WITHIN HOURS OF ITS GENERAL OPENING! OCEANIA CRUISES’ 2023 AROUND THE WORLD IN 180 DAYS VOYAGE – CRUISING TO 96 PORTS IN 33 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND VISITING OVER 60 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – ALSO SOLD OUT IN ONE DAY IN JANUARY. THIS SHOWS JUST HOW MUCH TRAVELERS ARE YEARNING TO FINALLY MAKE THEIR BUCKET-LIST JOURNEY A REALITY. 6 | THE CRUISE INDUSTRY IS RESILIENT. DESPITE THE HARDSHIPS OF 2020, THE SOLD-OUT WORLD CRUISES SPEAK TO JUST HOW RESILIENT THE CRUISE INDUSTRY IS, AND HOW MUCH CRUISING IS MISSED. THE CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION (CLIA) REPORTS THAT, AFTER SCIENCE-BACKED MEASURES AND ENHANCED PROTOCOLS WERE PUT IN PLACE, MORE THAN 200 SAILINGS TOOK PLACE FROM EARLY JULY THROUGH MID-DECEMBER 2020. AND, THERE IS OPTIMISM HEADING INTO 2021: ACCORDING TO CLIA’S 2021 STATE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK, TWO OUT OF THREE CRUISERS ARE WILLING TO CRUISE WITHIN A YEAR, AND 58% OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS WHO HAVE NEVER CRUISED BEFORE ARE LIKELY TO CRUISE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. 7 | We have the power to shape a more sustainable future. The pandemic has given us, as individuals and as a society, the opportunity to reflect on what we want for the future of travel. Science shows us that it is more important than ever to become more conscious travelers, to support businesses who share our values, and to visit destinations where we have a positive impact on communities. The tourism industry has sometimes been known for its tendency to harm natural environments and cause frictions with local people. But, with travel on hold for a year, we now have the ability to shape a more sustainable future for travel. Buying from small, local businesses, hiring local guides, valuing diversity and inclusion, being cognizant of our carbon footprint in order to reduce it, avoiding single-use plastics… These are all simple but actionable ways to start contributing to making travel better for the future and making our long-awaited travel experiences that much more memorable. May 2021 - By Isabelle Labrosse
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
May 2022
Categories |