It’s hard to predict what 2022 will look like for travellers, but here’s a look at some potentially hot destinations for the year ahead. AUSTRALIA There’s going to be tons of pent-up demand for trips Down Under if the world can get past Omicron, and avoid the next variant. In Queensland, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel will allow visitors to learn about conservation efforts and the local ecological system from indigenous guides. The Tasman, Marriott’s first Luxury Collection Property in Australia opened last week (Dec. 15) in Hobart. It’s the first big hotel in Read more
Asia
A new tourism/travel product called Roamies combines the social hostelling experience with small group adventure travel . Hostels have long been a cornerstone of the tourism eco-system, making travel accessible and affordable, and fostering a sense of community and camaraderie amongst young people keen to explore together. It’s this sense of community and joint passion for innovation that has led Hostelworld and G Adventures to join forces on Roamies, which brings a new style of travel to 18 to 35-year-olds. This new collaboration launches with a collection of 38 tours in 15 countries staying across more than 50 hostels, and sees Read more
As the Omicron variant spreads around the world, the travel rebound we were seeing just a few days ago is now looking like another setback. How big that setback will be could be determined in a few weeks, experts suggest. Meanwhile, here are some headlines you should be aware of as we head towards the first day of December. NEW TRAVEL RULES FOR CANADIANS START TODAY Starting today, unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 won’t be allowed to board a plane or train in Canada. Also, a negative COVID-19 test will no longer serve as a substitute for most Read more
Business travel is on the mend, according to a new study from the World Travel and Tourism Council and McKinsey & Company consultants. The latest WTTC/McKinsey report suggests that, following a 61% decline in 2020, global business travel spending is expected to rise by 26% this year and by 34% in 2022. Overall, they expect business travel to recover to two-thirds of 2019 levels by next year. But the report, titled Adapting to Endemic Covid-19: The Outlook for Business Travel, says recovery will vary by region. In the Asia-Pacific region, business travel is expected to rise 32% this year and Read more
Germany takes the cake, but Canada wins the silver medal. A new Nations Brand Index report from Anholt Ipsos finds Germany ranks in first place out of 60 countries around the world. It’s the seventh time overall and fifth year in a row that Germany has taken top honours. Germany was the highest ranked NBI nation in 2008, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and now in 2021. With another first place ranking this year, Germany has now tied the United States’ record of seven years as the top NBI nation. Germany’s reputational strengths lie on the Exports, Immigration and Read more
