Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCN)

Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCN) is one of the best developments that has taken place over the years, and they are still enhancing as Singapore strives towards a City in Nature by 2035. The PCN is Singapore’s island-wide network of linear green corridors linking and connecting major parks and natures across Singapore. They provide a wide variety of recreational, outdoors, nature, therapeutic and exercising opportunities for fitness, outdoors enthusiasts, as well as for our international visitors to visit the PCN and explore local heartlands, parks and nature areas of Singapore.

Do visit NParks Park Connector Network website – https://pcn.nparks.gov.sg/ for more information and updates!

Completion of the 18km Eastern Corridor 

On 17th February 2024, NParks announced the completion of the 18km Eastern Corridor, offering additional recreational connectivity between Pasir Ris Park and East Coast Park via Bedok Reservoir Park. The Eastern Corridor has been progressively opened since 2021 after it was first announced, allowing members of the public to enjoy walking and cycling along sections of the Eastern Corridor as soon as they were ready. 

For the public who would like an alternative route to travel between Pasir Ris Park and East Coast Park, the completion of the Eastern Corridor offers this alternative travel, linking parks in the east that presents a variety of nature-based recreational experiences for visitors to the parks. Some of them include bird watching/bird photography at Tampines Eco Green, therapeutic experiences at Sun Plaza Park, and sports activities at East Coast Park.

Half of the Eastern Corridor route is located among waterways, including those enhanced under national water agency PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, such as the Sungei Tampines and Sungei Bedok. They offer visitors to the parks a scenic cycling and walking experience along beautiful water landscapes in the east. 

The Eastern Corridor also features the new 600m Bedok Park Connector (Eastern Bank), and the recently completed park connectors along Tampines Ave 9 and Tampines Ave 10, totalling over a distance of 3.2km. Through the use of multi-tiered landscaping along those park connectors, NParks enhances greenery and attracts biodiversity along the Eastern Corridor route and in the area. 

I do visit Pasr Ris Park a number of times for wildlife/bird photography (especially during low tide days), sunset photography and nature therapy. I have yet to revisit Tampines Eco Green since my last visit a few years back, as it was going through upgrades and enhancements as part of the Eastern Corridor route. I would revisit again to check out the wildlife/bird photography in the area, and explore part of the Eastern Corridor route. 

Upcoming enhancements to the eastern half of Round Island Route (RIR) 

The eastern half of the RIR was opened in January 2022, stretching over 75km, making it Singapore’s longest recreational connection, encircling Singapore in the east, from Rower’s Bay Park in the north-east to, Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park and past the Singapore River towards Berlayer Creek (Labrador Nature Park) in the south.

NParks will be enhancing the recreational experience along the eastern half of the RIR, they will be introducing way finding such as map boards and directional signage to allow for better navigation and improved user experience, and multi-tiered landscaping to provide shade and greenery. 

NParks will also be introducing marine habitats through the installation of marine tiles to attract biodiversity along the route. They will be progressively introduced at key points along the eastern half of the RIR. NParks is also planning three new cycling bridges at Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park to improve the experience for visitors to the parks.

Explore Singapore via island-wide recreational connectivity PCN

Visitors (both local and international) to the parks are able to explore Singapore via island-wide recreational connectivity PCN, this will not only bring the community closer to greenery, enabling them to benefit from the positive effects of nature on their health and well-being, they will also connect communities and bring about a sense of space many times beyond Singapore’s small island city-state. 

These are part of NParks’ overall plans to curate a 360km island-wide network of recreational routes by 2035, as Singapore transforms into a City in Nature. 

I have been exploring, documenting and photographing Singapore’s nature areas and parks, together with Singapore’s wildlife and bird photography, using the PCN, I am going to spend more time sharing my travelling experiences on the PCN between parks or nature areas in Singapore, with the local community, as well as with my friends from around the world when they plan to visit Singapore. 

* Information courtesy of NParks *

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Travel and Tourism Recovery from global pandemic, future growth and development 

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has identified investments as one of the key priorities for the world travel and tourism industry recovery, for its future growth and development. The time is now for innovative and new solutions, going beyond the old school ways of traditional investments. Probably an underestimated and underrated force of economic growth and progress for the world economy, with tourism and green investments, they can be a force of change and example for the world, as we battle climate change, as well as many other challenges that the world is facing ahead. 

This is a collective effort by the whole world, for the whole world. We, as a world united together, can only be stronger and better adapt to face the looming key climate challenges ahead.  

TGH Photography exploration with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II

I have been actively exploring locally in Singapore with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II, producing local visual storytelling using TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production. From wildlife, arts, heritage, culture, community events, conferences, wedding and portraiture shoots with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the photography adventures had been diverse and interesting.  

However, I realised that I am not doing enough on the sustainability and environment segments that I had written down earlier to work on more in-depth. Therefore, I would make and set aside the time for more nature, outdoors and environmental photography and awareness with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II for Q4 2023, and to balance out my photography work, documentation and visual storytelling next year 2024 and beyond.

Sustainability, Environment, Social, Governance and Responsible Travel

The areas of sustainability, environment, social, governance and responsible travel have gained priority and importance for the whole world, not just pertaining to certain industries. Everyone in this world has a part to play, no matter how big or small. 

Being one of the co-hosts of #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chat, I had been networking with like-minded travellers and travel industry professionals around the world every Tuesday. We learnt from each other, exchanging notes, tips and practices on the world travel and tourism industry during our regular #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chats. The topics of sustainability, environment, social, governance and responsible travel are some of the key messages that the #TTOT community are advocating strongly.   

As I am making a comeback into travel photography and travel visual storytelling on World Tourism Day 2023, the areas on sustainability, environment, social, governance and responsible travel would have more focus and feature. 

Making a comeback into travel photography and travel visual storytelling

On World Tourism Day 2023, I am making a comeback with more travel visual storytelling and travel photography content. It’s been a few years since my last trip overseas, the global pandemic situation doesn’t help. A sector that I tried to enter, I wasn’t successful, met with a number of obstacles that I would not go into detail. I am working on my travel visual storytelling and travel photography content again, finding my own travel journey, building up networks and opportunities.  

My travel writing style has evolved as well, it’s time for a new era of TGH Travel Visual Storytelling version 2.0.

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   Photography by Isaac Ong

Inspired by Fernando Gros “How to choose a Yearly Theme”, this is my 4th year writing and announcing a Yearly Theme, an approach that I personally feel that it’s more forward looking for a new future, a new era of working, thinking and how we connect as an individual, as a collective, society and the world. It’s not that goal settings or setting resolutions are no longer popular or useful, they still have a purpose and it still works for some people or industries

Recap of previous Yearly Themes

Before I announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for my photography and travel, let me bring you back  into my previous Yearly Themes through a recap below:

• Year 2020: Striving to Excel
• Year 2021: Recovery and Rejuvenation 
• Year 2022: Onward

Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) – “Explore”

Now let me introduce and announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for photography and travel – “Explore”.

Why “Explore”? 

The word “Explore” has always been part of my life, from my Scouting days in school, to my traveler explorer days, in both my professional/business and personal life. My photography themes/projects have always been on exploration, in both nature, wildlife, history, heritage and cultural areas. 

Photography 

In year 2023, I am going to explore new collaborations in both professional and personal capacities. 

On the photography business sector, there would be changes and approaches to my portfolio of services or specialisation.

On my personal photography segment, there are a lot more plans, ideas, collaborations and new collaborations that I more than want to explore, the personal side of photography keeps my passion and fire burning in a commercial photography, content creation world.

If there is something deep inside me that I want to do, they would be along the lines of 

• Back to basics, back to analogue 
• Honing my craft and eye for creativity 
• Collaborating with like-minded creatives for new projects  

Some sectors that I would like to explore further are photography training/educator and consultancy. I made some progress and headways in the two sectors, I am going to continue building up from there. 

Travel

I made a decision not to travel out during 2022 when borders reopened along with the lifting of risk management measures, even though my travel wanderlust was strong. In 2023, I am planning to re-explore my travel photography and travel writing again, after a 3 years hiatus due to the global pandemic situation.

I hope to explore new travel destinations (ASEAN, Japan, Europe) that I haven’t previously visited. Of course, I would still love to revisit some of my favourite travel destinations. I am also planning to explore the area on Sustainability further and wider in travel, tourism, hospitality industries, around the region before venturing further out.

Writing and Publishing Books and Zines

One of my new philosophy in photography, writing and creativity is “Bringing my projects to life”, into prints, zines or books. In a heavy social media usage and consumption world where everything is digital, maybe a return to analogue or old school, can spark us a revival in how we work and live.

Therefore, I am going to explore new personal visual storytelling projects, beyond my current ones. I want to explore further, wider and deeper as a content creator and visual storyteller.

Should I go for a photo book or a new travel visual storytelling project or new zine collection project? Or all of the above? Exploring new publishing projects for year 2023, I would share more in details when the time is ripe.

Complementing my photography training and consultancy, I am going to explore publishing photography guides for the modern creative and social media world.

New set of Uncertainties and Dark Clouds in 2023

In a period of uncertainties and crisis (hopefully it doesn’t reach that stage), there might be new opportunities. Time to explore other opportunities as a new set of dark clouds (challenges and uncertainties) looms over 2023. We are facing inflation, higher costs of living, economic slowdown (or even possibly world recession) and geo-political worldwide crisis in a worst worst case scenario. 

In a period of uncertainties and political crisis in some regions (hopefully it doesn’t escalate beyond that stage into bigger crisis), there might be new opportunities. Time to explore other opportunities as a new set of dark clouds (challenges and uncertainties) looms over 2023.

Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal)

In this year 2023, I decide to try something different again, I chose two themes, one for my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog, one for my TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog. What did I choose for my Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal)?

Explore with me in my visual storytelling journeys in 2023

I would like to invite you and join me, come explore with me in my visual storytelling journeys in 2023. 

Together we can and we might explore something new, heart warming and touching visual stories.

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The Kärcher Klean!Star car wash gantry was officially launched at Esso Lorong Chuan. This automated car was gantry relieves existing labour shortage, its state-of-the-art system offers consistent and thorough cleaning with efficient use of manpower. You might think car washing waste a lot of water, however this is something different, this with Kärcher Klean!Star system is big on sustainability as it recycles up to 85% of all the water used during each wash.

Vincent Sim, Managing Director of Kärcher Singapore said: “We are proud to have this opportunity to bring the automated car wash back together with Esso Singapore. Kärcher’s Klean!Star car wash gantry will help to tackle manpower shortage and reduce costs by recycling up to 85% of water used during each car wash.”

Lim Xu En, Retail Sales Manager, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, said: “At Esso, we believe in continuously improving our offers for customers. By partnering with industry leaders like Kärcher on projects like this automated car wash, we hope to give our customers good value while doing our part for the environment.” ExxonMobil has a network of service stations across Singapore under the Esso brand.

Kärcher Klean!Star Auto Car Wash

Kärcher Klean!Star auto car wash can save water by recycling up to 85% of all the water used during each wash. Drivers and motoring enthusiasts can view part of the filtration system located beside the auto car wash gantry. 

The wastewater from the car wash is funnelled through a filtration system, and stored in a tank that can be used during the initial round of washing before freshwater is used to complete the wash. The car wash can be also draw power from solar panels installed at the station. 

This entire car wash is timed to be under five minutes, with simple drive-in instructions to help drivers move their car into the washing position. This would also mean less labour is required to run the system, helping operators to save on labour costs.

Kärcher Klean!Star is fitted with an array of sensors that is used together with specifically foamed polyethylene brushes to contour to the shape of different vehicles from sedans to vans, providing a thorough clean car wash without scuffing the vehicle exterior. 

Kärcher Klean!Star car wash gantry was awarded the Green Good Design Award in 2019. This is the world’s oldest design award that acknowledges products, services, programmes, ideas, and concepts, which contribute to a healthy and sustainable world.

Kärcher Klean!Star Auto Car Wash Locations

The Kärcher Klean!Star automated car wash is now available at Esso Lorong Chuan, there are two additional locations coming soon by the end of 2022. 

Car owners and motoring enthusiasts in Singapore, keep a lookout for more updates on more Kärcher Klean!Star auto car wash locations opening up in 2023! The time is now for a return of the auto car wash in Singapore with Kärcher Klean!Star! Let Kärcher Klean!Star auto car wash give your car a good pampering, wash, clean, dry and care!

* Information courtesy of Kärcher and Gloo *

** A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R10 Explorer Series Production **

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From visiting major modern cosmopolitan cities such as the stunning neon street lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo, to world heritage destinations packed with rich traditions and culture such as Kyoto, or the scenic powder white snow of Niseko, Hokkaido, there is so much to see and do in every city/town in Japan. Scott Dunn’s travel experts have curated several Japan travel itineraries below for you to rediscover the wonders and beauty of Japan again.

Escape to some of Japan’s most luxurious and intimate ryokans

The Japanese ryokans are some of the best places to experience Japanese hospitality at its best. Those traditional Japanese inns are often small in size, they are family-run establishments, just like a boutique spa hotel. All you have to do is relax, enjoy and use be.

In this indulgent itinerary from Scott Dunn, you’ll get to discover beautiful onsens set against incredible backdrops, feast on delicious Kaita-kaiseki dining, and discover Japan’s famed omotenashi-style hospitality that will leave you wonderfully refreshed and rejuvenated.

Explore Japan’s gorgeous natural wonders from waterfalls to cherry blossoms

Japan has gorgeous natural wonders, thanks to its varied topography and geography. They are the perfect setting for a great outdoors adventure, as well as a travel photographer’s haven. Travel out and beyond the buzzing metropolis, discover the remote islands, towering volcanoes, secret springs and snow-capped mountains. They are waiting for you to explore them!

Veer off the beaten track and venture down some of Japan’s most beautiful walking trails in Scott Dunn’s Exceptional Japan itinerary. One of the trails that guests will get to experience is the Nakasendo Trail. Lined with traditional villages and beautiful mountains, this trail follows the ancient road that samurai used to take while travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto.

If you are a Japan cherry blossom fan, you would know that March and April are the best times to visit this iconic world famous spectacle of pastel pink as the cherry trees begin to blossom with sakura in Japan. This special itinerary from Scott Dunn will take you through some of the most picturesque places to see the cherry blossoms, including stops at Hakone National Park and Miyajima Island. Plus, thanks to Scott Dunn’s intrepid travel experts, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms at lesser-known parks and viewing points only the locals are privy to.

Time to start planning for your Japan’s cherry blossom season in March and April 2023!

美味しい! Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights

Food lovers, we know how Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights are! Japan is a food haven for foodies!

Enjoy a sake-themed day tour of Saijo where you will visit local brewers and have the chance to taste, learn and identify the subtle difference between different varieties of sake, or explore the endless maze of bars and restaurants of Shinbashi, where Tokyo’s ‘salarymen’ come to enjoy an after-work snack and drink.

In Scott Dunn’s Hidden Gem Food Tour, you’ll get to enjoy delicious snacks — such as savoury okonomiyaki pancakes and yakitori — and dine just like the locals do.

Take a cultural journey through the remarkable island of Naoshima 

Art enthusiasts will love the contemporary art paradise that is Naoshima island. Home to numerous museums and art displays, this small island began to grow as an art mecca in the 1980s: It even offers guests the unique opportunity to stay in an art museum – one designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, and one that is equipped with stylish guest rooms and suites that boast the best views of the inland sea.

There, guests can indulge in decadent French and Japanese cuisine, pamper themselves in the nearby spa, and of course, explore the dozens of galleries and exhibitions spread across the remarkable area.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn and White Label PR *

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Going back in time to 2021, there was a period during Q3 when I was at a very low point, I wasn’t in a good shape, my mental health and well-being was probably at the bottom of that rabbit hole that I spiralled myself downwards into. 

The above photo was shot on 24th September 2021 by fellow photographer friend Ryan Cheng. A picture speaks a thousand words, on the state of my mental health and well-being during that period. My article on World Mental Health Day 2021 translates them into a pretty lengthy article if you like to know more.

A year has passed, my situation has definitely improved from that dark and down period in 2021, putting aside the normal routine high stress and pressure in running my own photography business in a swinging up and down economic cycle. I am not writing as much in this article (I try to not write as much), as compared to my 2021 article whereby my photography and visual story telling allowed me to unleash (rant) a lot of my thoughts, feelings and emotions at that point in time.

In a period of crisis, there are lessons to be learnt, for you to take note, be mindful and improve on. There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is a beautiful rainbow at the end of this storm. One of the bright sparks/rainbow omen that appear for me, is that my second photography zine (publishing soon) is based on my photography therapy journeys that I embarked during my route to recovery. 

Today on 10th October 2022, World Mental Health Day 2022, I am continuing to spread the message on taking care of your personal mental health and well-being. Please visit and check out this article my alma mater University of Queensland (UQ). “What the health: How do we maintain a healthy headspace”, published by UQ Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, is a good read.    

Be aware and mindful of your personal mental health and well-being. Take good care and be safe as we rebuild a new future of living and work in a post global pandemic world. 

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Photography Business

Business side of things

Q1 2022 started off alright, with signs of a more stable recovery for economy that could flow down to the other levels of the economy. It didn’t seem to sustain with Q2 2022 seems to be a bit of a slow down after coming out full steam in Q1, things didn’t go as expected and planned, making me worried. Q3 2022 was a bounce back into life again. 

There were disappointments, there were lost opportunities, there were new ones too. While there is not a big boom type of growth, there is a good momentum, hopefully this will carry on forward into Q4 2022.

Just like running any business, the levels of stress and pressure are never ending, never low on the scale, sometimes it also come in wave after wave.

Photography consultancy and coaching/training

My years of photography experiences in both professional and personal capacity has finally opened up an avenue that I wasn’t really expecting, the past 2 quarters have been an interesting expansion, slow and steady. The photography consultancy segment also give me ideas on how I might be able to expand this further and wider.

Through my consultancy, it brought me back to coaching/training my friends my photography skills, knowledge and sharing my experiences. A sector that I am planning to expand further, I am back again, having “students” or “disciples”, with me the photography “Shifu”, coined by my former friends who went out with me on various photography outings and walks. 

Although I don’t have an official number, I should have 2-3 “disciples” under my personalised photography care and coaching/training. 

Photo walks 

I used to conduct this regularly, part of my photography coaching/training programme. This went quiet for a period of time, now I am bringing it back again, for my photography coaching/training. I have some expansion plans in mind for this segment, working out the nitty gritty details in Q4 2022.

Photography Zine/Books and Publishing

Since I printed my first photography book in 2015 after my Hokkaido trip in November 2014, I entered into the world of printing and publishing my photography, creative and visual stories into photography zines. 

2nd photography zine update

My 2nd photography zine is now in the 2nd mock up stage, the final phase of editing and amendments. I am setting aside and scheduling my time to get this final hurdle completed and ready for publishing and sale. Thereafter, I would make the official announcement of my 2nd photography zine, pricing and availability. 

What book or zine projects should I embark on?

I have started a number of different photography projects over the years, in different areas and interests over the decade. I am seeking and looking at new photography/documentation/visual story telling projects. 

Some projects on my mind are 

• MF analogue B&W landscape photography
• Produce and publish new photography zines, photography books and photography guide books. 
• From my earlier photography projects in history, heritage and culture, I might choose, work on it and expand them further, and tap on funding if possible.
• Writing and producing my own short films/videos along with my photography projects and visual story telling.

Personal photography

Beyond my photography business, my personal/leisure photography is just as important and crucial for me. This segment is not so much about money, it’s a lot more about personal fulfillments and commitments to personal photography works from documentary to interests. 

Analogue medium format 

Medium format (MF) photography has been an area that I really wanted to explore some years back. Some MF photographers said to me that I won’t understand MF photography even though I have been shooting 35mm or APS-C format for quite a number of years. Personally, I don’t begrudge them since I never tried MF photography before. 

Over the years that I was keen to explore MF, I started off with a Lubitel 166+ TLR although my interest didn’t sustain long enough and it went into my dry box. Yes, it’s a bit embarrassing to confess to this. I was still enquiring on MF cameras, 645, 6×6 or 6×7, which camera brands to look at, does it make sense to get an analogue MF camera body and lens, pair it with a MF digital back instead of a film back. The answer to this, was not recommended, as shared by some of my photography mentors.

Most recently, I was very blessed to inherit some analogue MF cameras from a fellow photographer friend’s uncle, who used to be a commercial photographer in the analogue film days. Now, I finally have a chance to embark on my MF photography journey. 

As this is still a work in progress, checking and sending for repairs if necessary, it’s going to take a bit of time. Once this is settled down, I would share more updates in another article.

Travel 

When should I travel again?

The travel restrictions are gradually lifted around the world, more countries are reopening up their borders for business and leisure travel over the past 2 quarters . Many people could be seen traveling out of Singapore, on one hand I am envious, on the other hand, the airfares are not exactly cheap, the travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries are playing catch up to meet the demands and pent up frustrations. 

Travel Photography Bucket List

On my travel photography bucket list, countries in APAC region would be my priority since they are much nearer to Singapore:

Japan

A lengthy list of prefectures to visit in Japan, with a return to Hokkaido on my plans, continuing on with my 4 seasons of Hokkaido travel photography project. Another key region in Japan that I would like to visit is the Kansai region. 

Malaysia

More than just a neighbour to Singapore, I have relatives in Malaysia, I hope to plan some time and visit them again after 2+ years of global pandemic lockdown. I am also keen to revisit Sabah again for wildlife photography and trekking.

Vietnam/Taiwan/Indonesia/Thailand 

They are a short flight away from Singapore, making them pretty accessible for short getaways. 

Europe and beyond

I have been chatting and discussing on TTOT community chat that I am planning to visit Europe. They are in my travel plans, probably in the next phase after visiting ASEAN and APAC regions first.

Guiding/Leading travel photography trips

In conjunction with my photography consultancy, photography training/coaching and photo walks, would all these lead me to guiding/leading travel photography trips overseas? I shall leave it here as it is for now, if and when the time is ripe, there might be some news.

Goals Setting for Q4 2022 

First and foremost, I have set myself a number of goals setting for Q4 2022. I recalled that there were a few years whereby I didn’t want to reveal them. For this Q4 2022, I am aligning myself to change my approaches and way of doing things, not the old school way though of writing specific and detailed goals, objectives and plans for Q4 2022.

Goals for Q4 2022

• Officially launch and publish my 2nd photography zine
• Make a breakthrough in my travel photography/writing/related segments
• Kickstart my analogue MF photography journey 
• Rebrand and realign my commercial photography services 

Last but not least

This Q3 2022 reflection and plans for Q4 2022 somehow feels pretty lengthy with quite a lot of personal thoughts, feelings, and emotions in the areas of my photography and travel.  

Last but not least, thank you for taking the time to read it till the end of my personal ranting (in some ways).

The post Reflecting Q3 2022 and Plans for Q4 2022 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Looking back at World Tourism Day 2021 and World Tourism Day 2020, how would be we approach World Tourism Day 2022, rethinking tourism and its future, from both demand (consumers) and supply (providers) perspectives? How can the world rethink tourism, make the necessary changes and transform world travel and tourism for the future of Mother Earth and human race? What is the future of tourism and travel that we want, beyond just consumerism and capitalism?

Rethinking tourism, there are a number of areas/issues on hand that the world travel and tourism industries are looking into. Personally, the areas/issues that I am interested in are on sustainability, eco-friendly and community-based tourism. From a travel photographer/travel writer perspective, and as a co-host for TTOT (Travel Talk on Twitter) chat community, I believe that we consumers can play an integral part, we can be more responsible and prudent in how we consume resources.  Everyone can and must play a part to make the changes and transform, from the consumers/customers to the tourism and travel providers.

Community-based tourism is an area that I would like to explore further, how we can help and benefit this sector that might not fully benefit from the growth and boom of tourism growth over the decades.

On 27th September 2022, World Tourism Day 2022, as the world is Rethinking Tourism, what is the future of travel and tourism, and what do we want for our future generations, in a post pandemic world? 

The post World Tourism Day 2022 – Rethinking Tourism appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Laos is now open to both vaccinated travelers, as well as for those who are not vaccinated but they have tested negative for the COVID-19 virus. Around the world, some countries still have restorative measures in place, while for Laos, they have moved quickly to simplify the arrival experience with the goal of boosting the number of visitors to the country. This is a dynamic reversal after two years of tightly controlled borders.

For international visitors planning to visit Laos, they can have the confidence in the tourism providers in Laos. Through LaoSafe program of education, certification, and promotion; at the time of writing, more than 50 restaurants, 60 hotels, 500 tour guide, and 180 drivers, along with 2 airlines have certified by the LaoSafe initiative.

This form of openness, combined with the safety and security of LaoSafe-certified tourism businesses, has made Laos attractive for international travelers.

LaoSafe is implemented by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and approved by the Ministry of Health, LaoSafe is a nationwide initiative designed to create a world-class health and hygiene system within the tourism and hospitality industry. Sector-specific standards have been developed for accommodation, food and beverage, tour guides, and drivers, to raise the benchmark of hygiene provision throughout the country and build international confidence in Laos as a safe tourist destination.

The LaoSafe program was initially rolled out in several areas loved by travelers – including the UNESCO World Heritage city Luang Prabang. This program is now expanding throughout other destinations across Laos. This investment in both local and national tourism providers, along with Laos fully open borders and lack of internal movement restrictions, making Laos an outstanding tourist destination.

“The LaoSafe certification program has used the time of Laos’ closure to prepare for an influx of tourists post-Covid. “Now that the country is open again, the tourism industry is more prepared than ever to welcome travellers and to establish its reputation as Southeast Asia’s premiere destination”, said Mme Darany Phommavongsa, Director General of the Tourism Management Department, under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

The LaoSafe program is supported by the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), which is co-financed by the governments of the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

For more information on LaoSafe, please visit https://laosafe.gov.la/

* Information and pictures courtesy of LaoSafe and Media Outreach *

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The topics on climate change, sustainability, eco-friendly measures, waste reduction and key environmental issues have been on my mind especially over the past few years as I started to be more mindful and conscious of climate, global warming, urbanisation, wastage of resources. During the global pandemic period that started from 2020, our work and living was thrown upside down, while the world travel and tourism industries were severely affected, it did give the world  travel and tourism industries the time to look at sustainability, eco-friendly measures that can be implemented for the good and future of our planet Earth.

Impact Report

Since TTC launch its sustainability strategy, in the space of 15 months, the global operator has been working tirelessly towards its 11 goals that are anchored to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Inside TTC Impact Report, it highlights the cumulative progress that they have made so far as the company seeks to shape a better future for the travel industry, the local communities and local people it visits, the planet and wildlife. 

“This first, and future Impact Reports, enable us to evaluate the progress we’re making as a company as well as individual brands, so we can track our increasing achievements and acknowledge the areas that need more work,” says Shannon Guihan, The Travel Corporation’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Our sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right, was carefully designed to enable meaningful measurements with a clear focus on action. We are singularly focused on the success of these actions on the issues we aim to address, and recognize that our impact can only be understood through measurement and transparency.” 

TTC recognises that there is a growing expectation from guests and customers around the world who want to make responsible choices and travel more sustainably. That includes supporting local communities and reducing environmental impacts. Travelers are also seeking a meaningful holiday experience with the guidance of a knowledgable Travel Advisor.

“With the upcoming Stockholm+50 international environmental conference convened by the United Nations General Assembly, issues including climate change, sustainable food production and animal welfare are global issues which require urgent action,” adds Brett Tollman, Chairman of The Travel Corporation. “In sharing our blueprint to do better, we hope to engage our industry to join the fight against these critical planetary challenges, as it’s only in working together with clear intent that we can truly make travel a force for good and safeguard our planet for future travellers,” he concludes. 

How We Tread Right

TTC and its 41 brands within TTC’s family, they want to address sustainability in two key ways, through HWTR, its sustainability strategy featuring 11 SMART goals, and its TreadRight Foundation that supports the advancement of these goals through giving. 

Here are some key takeaways from the Impact Report highlighting its cumulative progress against TTC’s 11 sustainability goals from September 2020 through December 2021 include:

PLANET 

• Developed net zero targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), currently under review and will be shared later in 2022. 
• Contiki announced their carbon neutral trips as of January 1st, 2022. 
• Sourced 28 per cent of their global electricity needs from renewable sources. 
• Switched nine additional properties to 100 per cent renewable electricity. 
• Introduced food waste management systems at 30 per cent of our hotels and Uniworld ships. 
• Reduced printed brochures by 88 per cent from 2019. 

PEOPLE 

• Introduced 554 MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences across TTC itineraries, educational experiences designed to advance the UNSDGs, which positively impact and support the people and communities they visit. 
• In 2021, 51 per cent of all TTC itineraries had at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, surpassing the goal set to reach 50 per cent by 2025. 
• Offered 65 TTC itineraries visiting 110 developing regions. 

WILDLIFE 

• Assessed 400+ wildlife experiences to ensure 100 per cent compliance with our Animal Welfare Policy. 

If you like to know more information on The Travel Corporation’s full Impact Report and learn more about the progress TTC and its brands have achieved against its How We Tread Right sustainability strategy, please visit their website https://impact.treadright.org/progress/ 

Personal Thoughts and Views

This is part of my ongoing “Special Theme Q2 2022 – Fully Restarting Tourism” series, covering news and developments of the travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation industries worldwide.

As travel restrictions are gradually lifted across the world, we should be witnessing a (truly and finally) fully restarting tourism movement in Q2-Q3/Q4 2022. The travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries around the world would need time to ramp up, getting back to speed, from getting skilled and experienced staff back, to re-training and getting back to pre-pandemic levels again. 

The topics on climate change, sustainability, reducing food waste, eco-friendly measures are crucial and very important areas for the whole world to take necessary actions starting now and in the coming years ahead.

Although the world travel and tourism industries are gradually reopening up again from the recent global pandemic situation, working to get back on track, the areas of sustainability, reducing wastage, eco-friendly measures and many more areas are key areas for the world travel and tourism industries to work on, hand-in-hand together as we move out from this global pandemic situation.

It’s good to know more in-depth about The Travel Corporation and the 41 award-winning brands within TTC’s family global initiatives, strategies, directions and leadership in sustainability and care for the planet. 

We are all in it together, the time is now to tread right, to fight climate change, achieve sustainability, reduce wastage of resources and many more work needed to be done, for the home we are living in, Planet Earth.

* Information and pictures courtesy of The Travel Corporation and Redhill *

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