Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief. It is packed with the latest deals, updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
Hurtigruten Norway launches two Premium Journeys for 2023
Hurtigruten Norway will introduce the two new offerings, the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express, next year. The Svalbard Express will launch on June 3, 2023, just one month ahead of the company’s 130-year anniversary, while the first North Cape Express will depart on September 26, 2023. The new Svalbard Express and North Cape Express itineraries will offer an elevated addition to the existing Coastal Express product. Guests will enjoy a new iconic experience along the Norwegian coast on board a fully refurbished MS Trollfjord, and in the case of Svalbard, the world’s northernmost permanent populated area.
Final COVID-19 restrictions lifted in Italy in time for peak summer season
In good news for Australian and New Zealand travellers packing their bags for an Italian summer holiday, Italy has dropped mandatory mask wearing on public transport and in indoor venues from Wednesday 15 June, paving the way for a return to carefree travel in time for the official start of summer and perfectly timed with the launch of the new direct route to Rome from Perth, commencing on Saturday 25 June.
Save 20 percent on winter adventures with G Adventures
G Adventures has released its trip departure list for July, and the number of trips available to book increases to 1,300 trips in more than 50 countries. This represents the highest number of trips operating since the onset of the pandemic and heralds a welcome return to tourism for local communities in the countries visited. In July, Laos also returns, which means the reopening of G Adventures’ popular ‘Indochina loop’ experiences in Asia, taking travellers to Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam in one trip.
And with 20 per cent off trips departing before July 31, 2022 (when booked up to July 05, 2022) there is plenty of savings available for agents to pass on to travellers who are still looking to book their winter escape. For those looking to depart further out, a 15 per cent discount is available on trips scheduled for August and September departures.
Toyooka City Launches “All In Kinosaki” Inbound Tourism Welcome Campaign
As Japan gradually begins to open up to international visitors and ahead of local governments nationwide, Toyooka Tourism Innovation and Toyooka City have launched an inbound welcome campaign for English-speaking countries, focusing on Australia and the USA.
Kinosaki Onsen, a touristic highlight in the Toyooka City jurisdiction, is a town that has warmly welcomed visitors with the spirit of “coexistence and co-prosperity” that likens the hot spring town to one ‘inn’ (with the town’s station as the entrance, the streets as the corridor, the town’s ryokans as the guest rooms, and the outdoor hot springs as the public bath”. The campaign title “All in” expresses the spirit of “coexistence and co-prosperity” in which both the welcoming host and the visiting domestic and foreign guests can enjoy the journey together.
In 2019, before the COVID-19 virus, around 60,000 overseas guests stayed in the city and it bustled with tourists. In the hope that this bustle will return to a safe, secure and evolved environment, the city and tourism-related businesses have launched CLEAN and SAFE TOYOOKA the city’s own certification system for infectious disease counter measures, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the city has been recognised for it’s efforts as a sustainable tourist destination, having been selected as one of the “Green Destinations 2021 Top 100“. Furthermore, the city has been working to increase the added value of accommodation facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is well prepared to welcome guests from overseas at any time.
Aman announces Aman Beverly Hills
Preeminent lifestyle and hospitality brand, Aman, together in partnership with the privately held investment firm, Cain International and Alagem Capital, announces Aman Beverly Hills. The project will comprise an Aman hotel, a collection of exclusive Aman Branded Residences and an Aman Club, set within eight acres of botanical gardens. Aman Beverly Hills is expected to open to guests, residents and club members in 2026. Aman Beverly Hills will form part of the pioneering 17.5-acre One Beverly Hills development, situated on the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, less than a mile from the world-renowned Rodeo Drive.