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.

The post World Tourism Day 2023 – Tourism & Green Investments appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“The Legendary Series”

The Legendary Series, as this limited offer is called, is available only to 999 members worldwide. They features a variety of money-saving features and surprises designed to delight today’s international traveller. For those who show support for Really Cool Airlines at this early stage, members are rewarded not only by tangible benefits, they can also enjoy the excitement of seeing Really Cool Airlines grow and expand its network in coming years.

The estimated value of the benefits in The Legendary Series is USD$15,000. If you choose to be an early supporter, again only 999 worldwide, you will pay only USD$6,000 for a block of benefits that includes:

• 2 free Super Cool seats round trip to any destination Really Cool Airline flies, with no expiration date (Super Cool seats are the Airline’s equivalent of business class seats) 
• 2 vouchers for 50% off when buying return Super Cool seats, available for any destination on the network, a benefit that is awarded every year for life 
• 2 free upgrades to Super Cool seats when buying return Cool Seats (economy) to any destination in the network, another benefit that is awarded every year for life 
• And “Surprise Drops” from partners, which will include free hotel rooms, airport transfers and free car rentals 

(Terms and conditions apply) 

While this limited-time Legendary Series has an attention-getting suite of cost-saving benefits, CEO Patee stresses that the overall Digital Membership Program will meet the needs of all Really Cool Airline customers, and delight them all, no matter when they join. CEO Patee also adds that as Really Cool Airline continues to grow, the benefits and capabilities offered by the ReallyCool US Program will continue to expand.

Really Cool Airlines CEO, Mr. Patee Sarasin says “I am incredibly excited to unveil the ReallyCool US Digital Membership program, the world’s first membership program in the airline industry. This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to our ongoing commitment to enhancing the travel experience for our customers. With only 999 exclusive Legendary Series memberships available globally, we are offering a truly unparalleled opportunity to elevate your travel lifestyle. By offering a truly unique opportunity, we are redefining the way our customers travel and ensuring they enjoy the best that the aviation industry has to offer.” 

CEO Patee also disclosed that Really Cool Airlines plans to commence flying in Q2024. The initial flight routes in Asia are likely to include Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taiwan, with European routes added the following year.

For more information on ReallyCool US Digital Membership, please visit https://www.reallycoolus.com.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Really Cool Airlines and Full Circle PR *

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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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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. 

The post World Mental Health Day 2022 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? 

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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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