W
JUNE JU
AMResorts opened a new all-inclusive
AM n
p property, Now Emerald
Cancun Resort & Spa, in Mexico, with a further two resorts to follow in October and December. In Asia, hotel group Riu was the first Spanish brand to open in the Maldives, with four-star Riu Atoll and five-star Riu Palace Maldivas, while Mark Warner unveiled its refurbished Paleros Beach resort. G Adventures founder Bruce Poon
Tip told the company’s Change Makers’ Summit in Peru that the overtourism debate must focus on smaller communities, while the Asian Resilience Summit held later that month in Nepal heard calls to avoid low-cost mass tourism. New York hosted WorldPride, for
which Virgin Atlantic operated a special Pride flight from Heathrow, while in Florida, Universal Orlando opened a new ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in its Islands of Adventure park.
JULY
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association threatened to boycott
Booking.com over its policy to levy commission on service charges, while Barbados imposed a ban on
single-use plastics. Clia signed a pledge to create a sustainable tourism model in Dubrovnik, and Italian resort Gardaland revealed plans to open Europe’s biggest water park in 2020.
AUGUST
Universal announced the addition of a fourth theme park, Universal’s Epic Universe, at its Orlando resort. Tourist board Visit Orlando, meanwhile, revamped its online training programme, giving agents the chance to become a Certified Orlando Expert and qualify for offers and discounts on their own holidays. Caribbean destinations reported a 6% rise in UK visitors, with Dominica among the top performers, seeing a 65% increase.
SEPTEMBER
Ajman Tourism launched an incentive offering £100 a month to the agent who makes the most Ajman bookings. Jamaica Tourist Board hosted Jamaica Travel Market, bringing suppliers to a trade event in St Albans, while Sandals excursion provider Island Routes produced its first agent brochure to help agents sell more add-ons.
OCTOBER
Tourism Australia held its first Australian Marketplace, a two-day networking event for the UK and
European trade. > Destinations awards shortlist, page 44
Dominica
WHAT LIES AHEAD
Sustainability has never been so important for the future of the travel industry and this emphasis will continue to grow in 2020. Customers will increasingly look for travel companies that have established credentials and credible policies to benefit the environment and local communities. Abta and its members will continue to emphasise the importance of checking Foreign Office advice and there will also be a greater spotlight on accessibility.
WorldPride, New York Nikki White, director of destinations and sustainability, Abta
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November 2019
travelweekly.co.uk
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