Holiday & Travel

Saint Lucia continues to prove why she is a destination that inspires travelers to visit and explore her beauty and splendor.

Visitors can now enjoy a stress-free vacation while they play and stay at 22 properties on the island that are offering guests a holiday guarantee if their vacation were to be interrupted by adverse weather.

Though Saint Lucia is seldom affected by hurricanes, hotel operators associated with the Saint Lucia Hotel Association and Tourism Association created the holiday guarantee, so visitors could book their vacations with confidence at any time of the year. This unique Holiday Guarantee programme covers cancellations made prior to arrival and if the vacation is cut short because of a hurricane.

The guarantee becomes effective when a hurricane warning is issued by the Saint Lucia Meteorological Service and offers a waiver of cancellation penalties and an opportunity to rebook the vacation.

Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Mrs. Tiffany Howard said, “Given the impact of the 2017 hurricane season on the region, it is utterly important that this guarantee remains in effect to assure visitors that Saint Lucia takes pride in its tourism product. While Saint Lucia is rarely affected by hurricanes, this guarantee provide another security blanket to our visitors.”

Hotels offering holiday guarantees include Coco Palm Resort; Rex Resorts; Harmony Marina Suites; Hotel Chocolat; Ti Kaye Resort & Spa; Villa Beach Cottages; Bay Gardens Resorts; Cleopatra Villas;  Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort;  Stonefield Villa Resort; Sugar Beach- A Viceroy Resort; Villa C'est La Vie;  Marigot Beach Club; Dive Harmony Marina Suites; St. James Club; Calabash Cove, and Castles in Paradise.

ARE people living and working in major tourism destinations happy and content, or miserable due to tourism? Or somewhere in between? We will soon find out.

A new global survey of local residents’ happiness in World Heritage sites called Planet Happiness has been launched to address the issue. In an age of escalating overtourism, the initiative aims to show that measuring community wellbeing and happiness is, arguably, a more important metric than GDP, money, and perpetually growing visitor numbers.

The 15-minute online survey is available in 18 languages and is open for anyone to do. The survey measures key indicators, such as satisfaction with life, access to nature and arts, community engagement, standard of living, life-long learning, and health.

“The purpose of tourism in destinations such as Barcelona, Brasilia, Kakadu, Luang Prabang, Kyoto, Yosemite, Mt Everest, Victoria Falls and other renowned places is to strengthen and support the happiness and wellbeing of local people,” says tourism consultant Dr Paul Rogers, co-founder of Planet Happiness. “If tourism fails to do this, it is neither responsible nor sustainable, and local policies should change accordingly.”

Planet Happiness has been launched at a time when overtourism is becoming a major concern in visitor hotspots around the world, especially World Heritage sites. At the same time there is growing interest in happiness and wellbeing issues among individuals, communities, small and large businesses and nation states.

Rogers admits that the survey results may show that people in tourism destinations are happy and that no major changes are needed. Either way, he believes it will be highly useful to compare reactions and responses to tourism and wellbeing in different travel hotspots around the world.

“It’s more about finding where there are deficiencies – such as having meaningful access to community fulfilment and feeling valued,” says Rogers. “The survey will show people where they are doing well compared to other tourism destinations, and possibly where they should seek to improve their lives.”

He added: “It’s a new, fresh, more responsible and holistic way of looking at tourism.”

The Planet Happiness survey is a response to the fact that travel and tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries, with over 1.33 billion visitor movements across borders in 2017. Today more than 1 in 10 people are employed in tourism globally.

“The more people who do the survey, the better,” says US-based Laura Musikanski, a lawyer, sustainability process expert and Executive Director of the Happiness Alliance at happycounts.org.

Musikanski says that aggregated local and global data from the Planet Happiness Survey Index will be open source and accessible to everyone with an interest in sustainable tourism and community wellbeing. The project will never share information that could personally identity any individuals.

The Planet Happiness project encourages all residents and workers in UNESCO World Heritage destinations to take the 15-minute online survey here. The Planet Happiness website will post and regularly update results and share them with journalists, students, businesses, government officials and interested parties around the world.

Vivid Sydney is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from individuals and organisations across the global creative community to participate in the world's largest festival of light, music and ideas in 2019.

Following the success of this year's festival, NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall announced EOIs have opened for Vivid Sydney 2019 across the pillars of Vivid Light and Vivid Music, and that Vivid Ideas will open soon.

“Vivid Sydney brings together emerging and pioneering global creative innovators and this year attracted 2.25 million attendees from Australia and across the globe, generating more than $172 million for the NSW visitor economy,” Mr Marshall said.

“The Festival is a grand platform for out-of-the-box thinkers, artists, musicians, creative professionals, educators and businesses to showcase their talents to local and international audiences and I encourage everyone to submit their Expression of Interest and be part of this exceptional event.”

The Vivid Sydney EOI invites submissions across the Festival's three program pillars – Light, Music and Ideas.

Vivid Light transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of colour with awe-inspiring light sculptures and large-scale architectural projections onto iconic landmarks. Artists, designers, creative industry practitioners, equipment suppliers, businesses, and educational institutions are invited to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in Vivid Light.

Vivid Music features an extensive program of performance, multi-genre musical collaborations, and contemporary and experimental music at venues across Sydney , and includes the Vivid X|CELERATE program; a partnership with the City of Sydney which is devoted to celebrating Sydney's local musical talent by awarding grants and marketing support to venues, artists, and promoters with good ideas. Submissions are being sought from across the industry including music venues, producers, promoters, industry associations and innovators interested in being part of Vivid Music.

Vivid Ideas celebrates and champions creativity and innovation; connecting audiences and creative professionals with world-class creators, makers and thinkers, to share cutting-edge insights, market and industry updates, and building tools and skills for the future. Events which ignite a national conversation, bring professional practitioners to Sydney for training and development, and which actively build networks throughout the Asia-Pacific region are sought for Vivid Ideas.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer and Vivid Sydney Executive Producer Sandra Chipchase said, “Whether you're an industry innovator, aspiring creator or have a unique concept to share, this is a chance to be part of Australia's largest event. If you have what it takes to shape, market and present an installation, gig or event with interesting and innovative content, Vivid Sydney wants to hear from you.”

In celebration of 85 successful years, Turkish Airlines has unveiled a fresh look with a new uniform specially designed for its cabin crew. The new uniforms will begin to be used following the opening of the Istanbul New Airport, the “new home” of the flag carrier airline.

Inspired by many classic elements of Turkish design and culture, the new uniforms incorporate traditional patterns found in artisanal glassware, ceramics and calligraphy with contemporary textures and details. The collection combines shapes and colours found in Istanbul Bosphorus with a new ‘flow detail’, created to symbolise the effortless and dynamic energy flowing through Turkey’s most dynamic city as an intersection between East and West.

The global airline, which flies to more countries than any other, paired up with Milan-based Haute Couturier Ettore Bilotta to create the dynamic new uniform design heralding a new era and brand identity for the national flag-carrier.

Unique and recognisable with a deep red and anthracite grey palette, the collection includes hats, gloves, dresses, bags and accessories. Another key aspect of the project is that the uniforms of cabin, cockpit, flying chefs, and ground services will be streamlined under a single design approach to offer the passengers to live a holistic brand experience. Bilotta’s designs bring together the form and function, an essential consideration for an airline that flies to most international destinations in the world. New designs were not only conceptualised in consultation with fashion leaders and Turkish Airlines’ own team of cabin crew, but tested rigorously on long-haul trial flights in different climates.

1. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee commented; “Turkish Airlines is always thrilled to collaborate with such creative and distinctive talents which blend elegant and practical design. While maintaining traditional elements of Turkish design and culture, our new uniforms are professional and stay true to a culture of hospitality, just like our airline.”

To launch the new look, the national carrier teamed up with globally renowned British photographer and artist, Miles Aldridge to shoot the new Turkish Airlines cabin uniform collection in Istanbul’s unique spots.

Rich in culture and history, and vibrant in colour and texture, Istanbul, spanning two continents, provided a stunning backdrop to the uniforms.  Drawing on his ability to combine a meticulous approach and rare flair for drama and narrative, Miles Aldridge shot the collection using the city to create a selection of bright and distinct images, ready for the launch of the uniforms. A moment that just happens to coincide with the airlines 85th Anniversary. “I was really inspired when I saw the uniforms as they hark back to a golden age of couture fashion from the 1950’s, but with a very contemporary twist. Again, it’s very much like my own work which is always referencing the past but very much being in today.”

Put yourself in the shoes of the 20^th Century traveler; just a couple of years ago, the avid explorer would watch interesting programmes on TV or head to the library to research destinations. Then they’d head to a travel agent and browse brochures before making a booking. That would involve a trip to the bank, too, and then still another trip to the mall to get travel supplies and suitable clothing. All that traveling before even leaving home. Now, it’s possible to do all of that and more from your mobile phone or laptop. The world as we know it is changing, with technology disrupting how we explore the global village.

The African experience emerges

Across Africa, countries are coming online at a faster rate than any other continent on the planet, largely because we have lagged in developing the necessary infrastructure, but this is enabling young entrepreneurs to develop innovative travel solutions suitable to our own context. It’s creating jobs that didn’t exist 25 years ago and is at the very heart of a transformative revolution that spans many nations. Travelers and tourism professionals are, quite literally, holding their future in their hands.

The more African countries come online, and visitors can share their travel experiences via social media channels while traveling, the more we’re opening up to the global travel market. It may have been tricky to find out about certain countries previously, with very little being available even in libraries, but now you can follow a hashtag like #ExploreZambia (for example) and get a vivid explorer’s eye view for the land, to whet your appetite for travel.

The theme for the UNWTO’s World Tourism Day for 2018 is digital transformation in tourism, described by the organisation as “helping to put the opportunities provided to tourism, by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, on the map of sustainable development. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) sees digital advances and innovation as part of the solution to the challenge of marrying continued growth with a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector.”

Furthermore, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has stated that harnessing innovation and digital advances provides tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment, and efficient resource management, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda, and those are critical elements to the development of which we are very much aware in South Africa.

Inclusivity – a call to action

Our innovative approach to addressing water shortages has proven that we’re capable when it comes to doing just that, with initiatives ranging from desalination projects to awareness campaigns that reinforce our activities. New technologies are breaking down barriers to access in business, such as on-the-go payment options like Yoco and Snapscan, widening opportunities for SMEs and making it easier for visitors to pay.

Another means by which we’re tackling transformation is within our neighborhoods, driving inclusivity by showcasing micro-tourism businesses so that the whole world can see what life is like in neighborhoods such as Langa, Gugulethu, and Khayelitsha, for example. This enables us to work with communities to ensure that the benefits of tourism don’t just dwell with larger tourism enterprises, but that SMEs can share in the economic impact.

Our journey to sustainability in tourism cannot be steered by one organisation or government department, it must be a factor that’s central to every business strategy. With increased access to remarkable technological solutions, we have no excuse for ignoring this call to action – the more energy we put into expanding our technological transformation, the more we’ll see entire communities benefiting, from increased economic rewards to job and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Enver Duminy is CEO of Cape Town Tourism and has been asked to share his vision at the UNWTO Summit in Seoul, Korea, in September 2018.

The African Tourism Board is in the process to bring Africa together. With Tony Smith, head of the iFREE Group,a global company pioneering new ways to stay connected in the world of travel and mobile communications joining the African initiative. From international calls and data roaming solutions to Wi-Fi connectivity and unique travel products, the iFREE Group has set a goal to break down barriers and bring the world closer together

Comfort Suites Paradise Island is offering a "Book Now and Receive a FREE Private Island Excursion for Two" special that gives hotel guests a full-day beach excursion to Sandy Toes private island when they stay at the popular hotel.

This Sandy Toes special enhances the exceptional value of Comfort Suites Paradise Island, a 223-room, all junior suite hotel commonly regarded as "one of the most family friendly and affordable hotels on Paradise Island, Bahamas".

Located on Rose Island, Bahamas, Sandy Toes is a private island excursion just off the shores of Nassau and Paradise Island. The popular attraction is home to a sanctuary of protected wildlife, including royal peacocks, curly tail lizards, ocean reef life and the world-famous swimming pigs (a segment of the operation which attracts additional fees).

The limited-time Sandy Toes offer is available to hotel guests who book stays of four (4) nights minimum in any room category for travel through December 15, 2018. The booking window closes on September 30, 2018.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island offers incredible value-added amenities such as complimentary access to the exclusive features of Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, with access to the water parks and charging privileges at all of Atlantis' restaurants and bars. Also included at Comfort Suites are complimentary full American buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.

In recent years, this unique Paradise Island property has left no stone unturned as it invested more than $11 million in upgrades. Guests can now experience its newly rejuvenated outdoor facilities, which include the extensive refurbishment of the entire pool deck, pool and surrounding areas. The entire outdoor facilities received a complete "facelift" and as a result were totally transformed.

The extensive refurbishment of these areas included a newly resurfaced pool, pool deck retiling, outdoor patio furniture upgrade and a newly refurbished pool bar, which has been rebranded and re-launched as Splash Pool Bar. The Crusoe's Restaurant veranda also received extensive refurbishments, including the retiling of the floors, new outdoor restaurant and bar furniture, as well as the expansion of its lush surrounding gardens.

All Comfort Suites Paradise Island Tour Operator Partners may participate in the offer by using the booking code CSPISANDYTOES2018 . The excursion redemption date should be requested at the time of booking, and is based on availability.

The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Mitur) launches promotional campaign "Smile" which focuses on the beauty and hospitality of Dominicans as the main reason why it is an ideal destination. The campaign presents the distinctive factors of the country that incorporate a contagious smile between tourists and locals alike.

Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, indicates that "The 'Smiles' campaign offers a new approach to destination advertising promoting one of the most valuable but intangible assets of our country, happiness, which is not it's just a feeling in our country, but a way of life. "

Tiribio also highlights that: "The campaign uses stunning visual images and attractive and eloquent content to capture the true warm and welcoming essence of the Dominican Republic, while extending a personal invitation to visitors from all corners of the world to experience it first-hand, causing an endless and contagious smile "

The campaign includes digital, print, social and traditional public relations tactics that promote the north and east coast of the country. Among the promotions there are two videos that show the wide range of offers, starting in Santo Domingo, the most modern and dynamic metropolis of the Caribbean, to the emblematic white sand coasts of the east coast in Juan Dolio, La Romana and Punta Cana.

The second video invites visitors to explore the north coast and participate in adrenaline pumping activities such as kite surfing in Cabarete, cultural exploration in Puerto Plata, endless natural beauty in Samaná and enjoy the gastronomic delights in Sosúa and Miches.

In addition to the launch of the campaign, the Dominican Republic is proud to share in the first seven months of 2018 more than 4.1 million visitors who entered the Dominican Republic, an increase of 5.9 percent compared to the same time in 2017, according to the Bank. Central.

While the sun and the beach are still the most sought-after attractions in the country, Mitur is dedicated to expanding the knowledge of its diverse offerings, which include golf, culture, gastronomy, sustainability and adventure.

LAX may be known for its high-end shopping experiences and eateries. However, there are also plenty of family-friendly activities that are waiting to be discovered to keep your children entertained while you are waiting to board.

LAX has recently gone through a USD $14 billion dollar transformation, which has changed the whole airport experience!  The renovations have seen a range of new openings, including new escalators and walkways to help travellers and their little ones get to their gate quicker, along with a 'Great Hall' for premier dining experiences.

• LAX Beach Play area - Located in the The Great Hall behind Duty Free shopping in Tom Bradley International Terminal, the play area is the perfect place for kids to run around before a long flight. The space is composed of hand-painted, soft, sculpted foam pieces which resemble beachscapes, along with a slide and equipment for children to climb on and 'ride'. Parents can also relax with adjacent seating to watch their children.
• Taste the variety of Californian inspired dining options and cuisine. From delicious sandwiches at L.A.'s ink.sack, to tacos at the iconic L.A. restaurant and food truck, Border Grill get a taste of L.A.'s world-renowned cuisine right from LAX. You can even wander down to Terminal 3 to taste the milkshakes and burgers at the newly opened Shake Shack. Vanilla Bake Shop also has the perfect cupcakes and delicious, dainty confectionary for kids too.
• Flight Path Museum and Learning Center - Depending on how much time you have to spend, located inside the LAX Imperial Terminal is the hands-on museum perfect for a kids “field-trip” to get out those plane jitters. Aussie travellers have the opportunity to check out showcased scaled models of various aircrafts and LAX's aviation history. The Flight Path Museum is free and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 3pm.
• Bead Factory (TBIT) - Explore the colourful rings, bracelets, necklaces and headpieces at the Bead Factory. The  perfect shop for children where they can design their own jewellery, or pick out their favourite affordable baubles and costume jewellery.
• LAX Presents - Children can boogie their plane jitters away at LAX presents, which features live music by local L.A. artists. This years line-up includes six classical performances, a DJ with dancers and a percussionist, a puppet show and an Indian dance troupe.

Around the world, popular tourist destinations have reached a tipping point. A growing middle class, improved connectivity, and the desire of people everywhere to see the world means that these destinations are being saturated with visitors in a new phenomenon known as overtourism.

Overcrowding is disrupting daily life, degrading precious natural and historic sites, and impacting the traveler experience. This phenomenon, dubbed “overtourism,” has led to civic protects and residents demanding that tourists go home.

The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) and The George Washington University’s International Institute of Tourism Studies is presenting a day-long interactive forum to discuss solutions to the global problem of overtourism on September 27, 2018 at The George Washington University, Jack Morton Auditorium, 805 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052.

The 2018 World Tourism Day Forum will focus on this increasingly important issue. The forum will feature five moderated panel discussions covering historic cities, national parks and protected areas, World Heritage Sites, coastal and beach communities, and national and regional destinations. Speakers will share innovative insights on how to protect these special places.

The heatwave has fizzled out, September beckons and with the onset of autumn, chilly thoughts of winter need to be dispelled with plans for holidays in the sun.

Key ingredient for a winter break is, of course, guaranteed sunshine and the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is a sure-fire winner. And with different styles of accommodation to suit every budget, the island should be a firm favourite on any winter destination shopping list.

Out of approximately 700 islands in the Caribbean, Aruba consistently ranks as having the least rainfall – averaging about 15 inches for the entire year. Temperatures from November to March will average 27°C, meaning Aruba's fabulous white sand beaches, lapped by the azure Caribbean Sea, are a sun-seeker's dream.

Visitors can choose from luxury and all-inclusive beach-side resorts to cosy B&Bs and a wide range of self-catering accommodation, making it an ideal choice whether you are looking for family-friendly stays on a budget or to splurge with a little luxury.

An online search of winter holidays in Aruba will quickly identify plenty of choice for holidays under *£1,000. And with a good choice of scheduled flights to Aruba – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines daily from 17 UK regional airports via Amsterdam, and British Airways and a number of US carriers offering options from London-Heathrow via US gateways, such as New York and Miami – it is easy to tailor-make a holiday with a departure date to suit personal requirements.

Aruba ticks just about all the boxes for winter sun holidays, whether you want to chill or get up and go. It has award-winning beaches close to many of the island's leading hotels, with safe bathing. The island is very popular with snorkelers and divers and it also offers just about every imaginable activity on or under the water. Golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, beach volleyball and fishing are just some of the other activities available.

Renowned for its cuisine, Aruba's multi-cultural make-up is reflected in its restaurants, offering local menus, as well as those specialising in dishes from around the world, including French, Italian and South American. Again, the island serves up choices for the budget-conscious or those who want fine-dining.

And for those who like to party on into the night, Aruba has a vibrant after-hours scene. Clubs and discos, dinner cabaret shows and a wide range of casinos will entertain you into the small hours – before you safely make your way back to your hotel by taxi (no fare surcharges at night) or on foot.

And if you are planning a winter stay in February or March, 2019, you could catch Aruba's colourful and extraordinary carnival season. A series of events culminates in the Grand Parade through island capital Oranjestad on Sunday, March 3. This parade is filled with music and luxurious floats and costumes in various designs and decorated with a wide variety of colourful stones and feathers, creating a unique display. Aruba's main event starts at 12 noon in Oranjestad and continues into the evening. This is the largest and longest of all the Aruba carnival parades with the most spectators and participants. The midnight burning of King Momo, a life-size effigy of the spirit of Aruba's carnival, signals the end of the season.

New research by MoneySuperMarket reveals that Brummies are borrowing more than other locations to pay for their holidays, with those from Birmingham taking out over £7.5 million in holiday loans since 2016 - nearly £3,000 on average per person.

The study shows that almost half (48 per cent) of Brits are willing to borrow money in some capacity to go on holiday, with holiday loans now being the third most common way to fund a trip after saved cash and credit cards.

Millennials are most likely to borrow to fund their travels, with over a fifth saying that they would consider a holiday loan. Two in five millennials who said they would take out a holiday loan would be open to using it to upgrade their hotel, compared to only 12 per cent of those aged 35+, while a quarter would use a loan to upgrade to an all-inclusive holiday.

When looking at the length of the loan, 44 per cent of Brits expect to take less than a year to pay off their debt. This figure rises for millennials, with over half (53 per cent) believing that they’ll be able pay off their holiday loan in less than a year. In reality, the average term is nearly two and a half years (29.3 months).

When it comes to those in the Midlands who are considering a holiday loan…

26 per cent would go abroad rather than staycation

14 per cent would upgrade to all-inclusive

13 per cent would go up one or more stars in accommodation

14 per cent would extend the length of their stay

11 per cent would add excursions or activities

Those in the Midlands could be spending nearly three times as much on their holidays than they initially predicted. The research found that on average, Midlanders are willing to borrow £1,100 to fund a holiday. However, the actual average holiday loan amount according to MoneySuperMarket is just over £3,000 – meaning that a large percentage of holidaymakers could be spending more than anticipated.

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife has taken the pool party concept to a new level with the launch of 'Lagoon Party'; a series of events featuring renowned international DJs, acrobatic performances, live musical entertainment and tropical vibes around its huge man-made lagoon located next to the hotel on the edge of the island's south-west coast.

Set to the rhythm of live music by the likes of Eric Morillo, Harry Romero, Sebastian Gamboa, Rudimental, Nervo and Roger Sánchez, as well as saxophonists and percussionists, each Lagoon Party offers ten hours of non-stop fun on alternate Saturdays throughout the summer until October.

After premiering in style earlier this summer, bringing together an average of 2,500 people who gathered to party to live sets by Eric Morillo, Harry Romero and Rudimental among others, Lagoon Party returns on 18 August with Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill, and promises to keep surprising party-goers with new performances and musical sessions every other Saturday until 27 October.

In addition to the live sets by some of today's hottest DJs, guests can expect dancers, live music, floating bars with refreshing cocktails and delicious food at The Beach Club and Munchies Surf Bar at each event.  For an even more exclusive experience, there are three VIP areas that can be booked in advance, including three private Jacuzzis next to the lagoon and a dedicated space on the Hard Rock beach, where a special food and drinks menu will be offered.

The family run Northern Lights Resort & Spa, located in the picturesque Yukon River Valley, is building three new extravagantly appointed Aurora Glass Chalets for the 2018-19 winter season. The chalets are purposely built with the ultimate Aurora viewing experience in mind, however, they will be available for year-round use.

Aurora viewing packages in the chalets can now be booked for 1 December 2018 onwards and a minimum of a three nights stay is required. The Aurora Glass Chalets can also be booked for Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the summer season from June to August 2019.

The new chalets are a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in a warm bed. The large floor-to- ceiling wrap-around windows open to the Northern Sky, directly in front of the queen size bed.

All the chalets are designed for double occupancy with a queen bed, cosy recliner chairs behind the floor-to-ceiling windows, in-floor heating and an elegant fireplace, a small kitchenette, and beautifully appointed bathroom with tiled walk-in shower.

Just a few steps away from the chalets are the resort's other services including a spa, an outdoor jacuzzi, lounge, bar and dining room and other catering services. Northern Lights Resort & Spa also has four cosy and traditional log cabins, all with the same comfort and amenities as the new glass chalets.

Kenya’s tourism industry has undergone challenges such as the uncertainty surrounding the political landscape in 2017. Yet, its resilient performance has been impactfully felt on the Kenyan economy, directly contributing Ksh. 294.6 billion (USD 2.9 billion), which is approximately 3.7% of the GDP in 2017. By the end of 2018, the contribution is expected to rise by 5.2% to Ksh. 310.1 billion and to Ksh. 515 billion by 2028. In a hospitality report by Jumia Travel, Kenya earned 1.2 billion US Dollars from tourism expenditures last year, up from approximately 989 million US Dollars in 2016; a 20% increase. This, as international arrivals to Kenya reached 1.4 million as compared to 1.3 million in the previous year, representing an increase of 9.8%.

Some of the economic drivers that highly contributed to the stability included enhanced security in the country, infrastructural developments like The Standard Gauge Railway, a steady macroeconomic environment, improved budgetary allocations by the government, and increased air connectivity within Africa. Serena Hotels’ Regional Sales and Marketing Director Rosemary Mugambi, applauds the government’s strides in enhancing the industry in the areas mentioned below.

More diverse tourism products

Kenya’s core tourism resources are beach and safari products. It can be noted from the National Tourism Blueprint, that the government has identified existing gaps and is now set to do much more in identifying new opportunities that should allow the opening of a wider scale of diverse tourism products, addressing needs within existing products and developing new ones. It should be expected that in addition to market research to identify best practices and products, there will be closer partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure long term sustainability and alignment of tourism products with market needs.

Tourism Marketing

Recently, countries like Rwanda, and traditionally South Africa have noticeably upped their tourism marketing strategies to maintain and increase market share in the international tourism market. Whilst Kenya’s reputation as a top African tourist destination has always managed to place the country as a leader in the industry, it is imperative that marketing campaigns for destination Kenya be more innovative to capture the imagination of travelers across different segments; from the niche market to the more budget conscious. Adequate marketing funds also need be availed consistently.

Promotion of Domestic Tourism

Domestic tourism has taken off exponentially in the last few years, generating 62% of direct travel & tourism GDP in 2017 as foreign spending contributed 38% according to the hospitality report. Concerted efforts by both government and the private sector to increase the local tourism numbers at times when international tourist figures went down have paid off handsomely; and all players stand to be lauded for the hard work. The unified brand of #TembeaKenya through the Kenya Tourism Board has certainly helped build awareness especially within the counties – a good initiative that must continue to receive the necessary support. Much remains to be done to educate Kenyans on their country as a travel destination, and in continually positioning Nairobi as a regional hub. The resultant benefit is Kenya being a ‘must go to’ destination for both corporate and leisure travel from the region and beyond within the continent.

Protection of Tourism Resources

The conservation of valuable resources like wildlife is paramount. It is commendable that the elephant population in areas like the Tsavo National Park has increased significantly following efforts to contain poaching and management of human-wildlife conflict by the Kenya Wildlife Service. A park which previously had become almost forgotten is now slowly coming back to life as a viable tourism area. This is just one example of success stories that are not told enough for rightful gain.

However, the unfortunate death of 11 rhinos (the eleventh was found dead on the morning of Monday the 6th Aug) during a translocation from Nairobi and Nakuru national parks to Tsavo East; is an example of occurrences that hurt the sector and which should not happen in future. Ultimately, the government must play the role of ensuring that the right policies and regulations are in place and adhered to and provides the enabling environment. The industry must also play by the right rules and procedures in developing the industry to ensure Kenya maintains and grows its slice of the cake in the market. It is all about partnerships.