CROWNE PLAZA ALBANY the Desmond Hotel Reopens

Before the pandemic, the citizens of Venice in Italy were pleased that large cruise ships had been banned from the lagoon shores. It would limit tourists swamping the narrow canals and streets of the water city. Now tourism is affected due to a massive drop in tourists due to the pandemic. Latest estimates believe that approx. 100,000 tourist units are on the verge of bankruptcy. The pandemic caused a drop in tourists, which resulted in a €26.85 billion drop in revenue to €17.45 billion in 2020. 25.5 million visitors arrived in the country, down from 65 million in 2019; a drop of over 60%.

However, this has given the opportunity to look at tourism in a new way. No longer will they welcome mass tourism but controlled tourism. Cities like Venice and Florence were sinking with over-tourism and now their Mayors have unveiled a joint plan to protect cities and control tourism. Fines will be issued to mis-behaving tourists and smart surveillance will monitor the city hot spots.

Improved regulation of accommodation rentals, a relative reduction in certain tourist activities and a special emphasis on maintaining local shops and craft in the neighbourhoods of the historic city centres is also part of the plan.

Termoli, Molise, Italy

Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel is now open following a full renovation bringing fresh, modern designs. The family-owned and operated property offers superb accommodation, outstanding service and a unique guest experience since opening in 1974. Located just half a mile from the Albany International Airport and adjacent to premier shopping and business destinations, the hotel is the perfect location for business and leisure alike.

The hotels contemporary, refined design with 323 guest room and suites, including spiral staircase duplexes, suites with private entrances and patios, and ADA accessible rooms.

The property houses Plaza Workspace, Crowne Plaza’s flexible work and meeting design, as well as nearly 25,000sq.ft of meeting and ballroom space. The two iconic indoor courtyards have been fully renovated, featuring 30′ and 36′ high ceilings with large atrium skylights, koi pond with fountains, and guest room balconies that overlook year-round, park-like landscaping. The hotel’s indoor heated pool has been modernised, and the 24-hour fitness centre was completely redesigned and expanded in size.

CHINA INTRODUCES 144-HOUR VISA-FREE TRANSIT

To facilitate the easier move of people within the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development plan, a transit without visa policy for foreigners holding effective international travel documents, determining dates in 144 hours has been created in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.

It allows foreign citizens of 53 Countries to enter for 144 hours visa-free with a valid passport issued by 53 countries, or a visa for a 3rd country or region. All travellers must also have a fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no., issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender), plus an onward ticket with confirmed seat / Port of Entry and Exit.

Shenzhen, China

The visa is allowed at: Beijing:Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing West Railway Station. Tianjin:Tianjin Binhai International Airport,Tianjin International Cruise Home Port. Hebei:Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport,Qinhuangdao Port.

VinGroup has officially opened Phu Quoc United Centre, a brand-new resort and entertainment complex in Phu Quoc Island, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang. The aim is to help turn the ‘Pearl Island’ into a world-class tourism hub.

The all-in-one tourism universe holds the record for Vietnam's largest complex with diverse entertainment and resort forms, Vietnam's largest bamboo construction, Vietnam's first Teddy Bear Museum, 3D multimedia show with the most Vietnamese historical references, Vietnam's largest floating multimedia show inspired by European culture.

Called the ‘Sleepless City,’ Grand World, part of the project is set for the development of a night-time economy in Vietnam, with the Grand World Phu Quoc Night Market, NightZone 68, and Saigon Seafood Hub Market. Tourists will be able to eat, play and buy anything from streets full of bars, restaurants and shopping outlets.

To experience it all, visitors will need to stay at least one extra day to explore The Grand World, helping support the local tourism sector. To date tourist arrivals in Phu Quoc is increasing with around a 25 – 30% increase annually.

CRUISING RESUMES IN THE HEART OF VENICE, ITALY

After much global publicity, cruise ships were finally banned from docking in the main lagoon in Venice. They will now dock at the nearby industrial port of Marghera. However, until a suitable terminal reception facility at Marghera is ready, cruise ships will still dock alongside St. Mark’s Square from this summer.

It is a bitter – sweet situation with Venice desperate to see tourists back after the pandemic, but not at the cost of such a long fight to get cruise ships away from the main area of the lagoon.

Several Cruise ships have already confirmed that will be operations from late June and so it seems that for the time being, life will continue as it used to in Venice until the new terminal is ready at Marghera.

Niccolo Chengdu has celebrated its 6th anniversary of opening in Chengdu. Inspired by luxury fashion, the brand has been leading the fashion and elegant lifestyle.

Since its opening in 2015, Chengdu Niccolo Hotel has been recognised by the industry winning awards for the ‘Business Travel’ Chengdu Best Business Hotel Award, ‘Target’ Annual Best City Landmark Hotel Award, and ‘Man Travel’ China Travel Awards China's Top 100 Hotels, ‘New Travel’ Luxury Hotel of the Year Award, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice China's top hotel list, among others. The hotel offers dedicated and meticulous service to create a calm and luxurious stay experience for travellers.

On the 6th anniversary, Chengdu Niccolo Hotel hosted a banquet in the dazzling garden auditorium, inviting 60 business leaders from all walks of life, fashion celebrities and the media to come together for the grand event.

Torre del Reformador, Guatemala City

GUATEMALA UPDATES TOURISM STATISTICS

In March 2021, Guatemala welcomed 55,685 visitors, 41% less than for the same month in 2020. 45% of visitors comes from North America; the USA, representing the largest tourist source market, followed by El Salvador representing 27%. Outbound tourism in March 2021 was a total of 29,318 residents travel abroad, of which 93% were tourists and 7% were hikers.

JAPAN OPENS 1ST OFFICE IN THE GULF REGION

TOURISM TO LEAD MALDIVES GDP GROWTH BY 17%

Due to increased tourists arrivals since the end of 2020, the Maldives’ GDP is expected to grow by 17.1% in 2021.

Thanks to a strong recovery and continued investments in tourist facilities tourism is looking to achieve a greener and more resilient growth.

Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) plans to set up an office in Dubai as part of its strategic efforts to achieve the goal of welcoming 60 million international visitors by 2030. It will be the first JNTO office in the Middle East.

JNTO will highlight Japan’s unique and diverse tourist attractions under the promotional banner of ‘Japan Endless Discovery.’