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.

The post Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

A wide variety of travel adventures and activities await you, from trekking through the verdant jungle of Borneo in search of majestic orang utans, to cruising along the winding waterways of Mekong Delta, South East Asia has it all for us travelers. There are many destinations to visit in this remarkable South East Asia region of the world, as they start to relax their COVID entry requirements, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip. Check out this video by Scott Dunn, the beauty and charm of South East Asia!

Whether you’re planning a family retreat, a unique escapade for one, or a romantic getaway for two, let Scott Dunn bring you on a journey to uncover the natural wonders of our tropical neighbours and engage with the region’s rich and colourful history.

Indonesia 

The allure of Indonesia is undeniable – a diverse country where blue waters lap deserted beaches, rice paddles cut into hillsides and volcanoes soar over lush rainforests. The different cultures and people of Indonesia offer warm hospitality and the hotels are some of the most luxurious in the Asia Pacific. There is no better place to reconnect with nature than on Indonesia’s many island paradise.

• Family Holidays in Indonesia: From paddle boarding to parasailing, the ocean is a playground for the whole family where crystal clear waters awaits with conditions ideal for kids learning to swim. Unique accommodation options afford you the comfort and privacy of a home away from home, in an exotic setting where villas are spacious with enough rooms for kids to play, teens to bask in the sun, and parents to recline in the shade of a leafy palm. As a key highlight, navigating the far flung islands of Komodo and Flores or Raja Ampat is an extra special way to celebrate an occasion or spend quality time together, guaranteeing that both young and old are catered for from start to finish.
• Honeymoons in Indonesia: From Java to Bali and Lombok, Indonesia is arguably the ultimate honeymoon destination and it is for good reason that discerning honeymooners have long fallen under the spell of this enchanting string of paradisiacal islands. As a haven for scuba diving, white sandy beaches and utterly romantic experiences, it is the perfect place for a truly romantic getaway. Expect post-nuptial pampering and total relaxation in equal measure.
• Temples in Indonesia: Indonesia is a cultural phenomenon and a mosaic of temples, shrines and stupas, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites to its name. From the shores of Indonesia’s low lying coastal regions, to its spongy hilltops and rice paddy clad fields, temples in Indonesia abound – seamlessly interweaving different cultures into the fabric of Indonesia. Visiting the country’s temples during regional festivals or national celebrations – such as the vibrant Bali Arts Festival or the holiest festival in Buddhism, Waisak – is a wonderful way to witness these incredible sites in all their glittering glory.
• Unique Experience: Cruise the extraordinary Komodo National Park aboard a luxury yacht for the most unique way to explore this untouched region. Stop off at the snorkelling and diving hotspots, the pristine beaches and the islands in search of the mighty Komodo Dragon before returning to Bali’s south coast for a relaxing end to your holiday unwinding on the beaches of Seminyak.

Vietnam

There are few places in the world where you can experience an exotic and rich culture the way that you do when you travel in Vietnam. A nation carpeted in greenery and studded with historic cities, it stretches along the South China Sea and snuggles up to Laos and Cambodia to the west and China to the north. There are so many fascinating places to visit in Vietnam from astonishingly beautiful scenery and beaches to evocative cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hoi An – it’s a country hard to beat.

• Vietnam for Families: Children are warmly embraced by the people of Vietnam. Kids will love the enchanting water puppet theatres, beaches, train and boat rides, and colonial city tours by Vespa. With dazzling beaches, lush mountains, fascinating hill-tribe villages, fabulous food and a deep history, Vietnam is a country like no other. Travelling with your family from the south to the north allows you to take in all that is alluring the country has to offer. From the emerald waters and limestone karsts of Halong Bay to vibrant and bustling Saigon, Vietnam has something for every member of the family.
• Vietnam Luxury Honeymoons: The different weather patterns along the length of the country make Vietnam a year-round destination, and therefore a fabulous option whatever the time of the year you are seeking a romantic getaway. From fascinating old meets new culture, fantastic cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and some incredible luxury beach properties, Vietnam is a great luxury romantic destination for two.
• Our Guide to Vietnam: With much to see and do in Vietnam, we recommend journeying like locals on the back of a Vespa through the streets of Saigon – through the central coast countryside by bike or buffalo cart and learn to fish Vietnam style. In Hanoi, meet a Feng Shui master or have a pre breakfast Tai Chi class and explore its colonial streets by jeep. Further north, trek from Sapa to Ta Giang Phinh across the waterfall scattered and undulating landscape past numerous villages, home to lesser-known ethnic groups and charming stilt houses.
• Unique Experience: Discover Hoi An’s mysterious nightlife from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter with a Street Food Tour. From the most famous white rose and fried wonton restaurant in town to the incredible BBQ specialties and charcoal grill, be sure to also join the locals with some glasses of cold beer and learn the art of Vietnamese wrap ‘n’ roll. Feast to your heart’s delight through Vietnam’s busy streets and alleyways.

Cambodia

From magnificent ancient temples shrouded in luminous jungle to blissful beaches that line the coast, Cambodia is a small country with a huge amount to offer. With the world famous UNESCO protected temples of Angkor at its centre along with its burgeoning riverside capital, Phnom Penh, dig deep for captivating insights into Cambodia’s intoxicating past – making Cambodia a country bursting with things to do, easily filling four to five days as part of a longer tour.

• Cambodia for Families: From the patchwork of paddy fields to the world-famous temples of Angkor, Cambodia offers everything for an exotic out-of-the-box family adventure. Try gourmet temple breakfasts, experience kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake, or even helicopter to remote and rarely seen temples. Scott Dunn is here to create the most amazing family for your 7, 17, and 70 year olds.
• Cambodia for Honeymooners: Epic Cambodia makes a luxuriously romantic escape in Amansara in Siem Reap and the indulgent island resort of Song Saa on Cambodian’s coast. With a wealth of unique and luxurious accommodations, private island escapes and one-in-a-lifetime experiences. Enjoy exquisite farm-to-table gourmet meals surrounded by paddy fields before going on breath-taking helicopter tours to remote locations across Cambodia.
• Our Guide to Cambodia: As Asia’s most celebrated destinations packed full of other worldly experiences Cambodia brings a sense of mysticism with an exploration of ancient temples tangled in jungle at dawn and experience the revered Angkor Wat soaring from the dusty plains at sunrise. Navigate its sleepy colonial towns and luxuriate on its glistening beaches as you enjoy warming smiles in its pristine villages. Ideal for families and couples alike, Cambodia offers visitors a wealth of experiences and insight into one of the world’s most fascinating histories where you can be sure to succumb to its charm.
• Unique Experience: Your own private dinner at the Angkorian temple lit up at night offers a breathtaking backdrop for any special occasion. Greeted at this stunning setting with pre-dinner drinks and canapés, dine on sumptuous Khmer cuisine and enjoy a traditional Apsara Dance Show for the evening’s entertainment while gaining insight into the current Cambodian cultural renaissance.

Thailand

Legendary white sandy beaches and warm people are only a small part of the appeal that draws people to Thailand. A land of contrasts, expect an overload to the senses with an eclectic mix of glistening temples, chaotic cities, and delicious Thai food.

• Thailand for Families: Thailand comes to life with a range of unique family-friendly experiences that go beyond the obvious. Take your youngest to the east coast for calm, shallow seas – perfect for new swimmers, or to the range of glimmering temples to marvel at playful monkeys and cave shrines. Many temples also have fortune-telling areas, which is an especially fun hands-on experience for children. Zip around the city in a tuk tuk and spend a day at an elephant sanctuary for the highlight of every family adventure in Thailand.
• Thailand for Honeymooners: An undeniably romantic backdrop, Thailand has the potential for many great journeys around the country. A popular option is to explore some of its dreamy islands and their luxury hideaways overlooking immaculate beaches and sapphire waters. Scott Dunn’s itineraries will take you East Coast Island Hopping, Floating Markets, and Powdery Beaches. Sample some of the most heavenly resorts and retreats in the country twinned with incredible experiences and vistas to really make your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon an unforgettable one.
• Our Guide to Thailand: As one of the most visited of all Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is a blend of sacred spaces, refined cuisine, vibrant metropolis, incredible beaches alongside crystal waters and jungle landscape hiding ancient ruins and magnificent elephants. Encounter off-the-beaten-track villages in the northern mountains, waterfalls and boundless expanses of verdant rice paddies as you venture through the Thai culture in style and sophistication with some magical experiences thrown in for good measure.
• Unique Experience: Keep an eye out for the local wildlife including gibbons, deer, wild boars and more than 350 species of birds as you trek through the Doi Inthanon Waterfalls which plummet 70 metres before crashing into the shallow pools at the base of the falls. Spend some time here enjoying the wonderful natural surroundings before heading back to Chiang Mai.

Borneo

Borneo’s emerald rainforests and rugged mountains are some of the most diverse in the world – with an incredible array of plans and wildlife; so much so that Sir David Attenborough has described the island as one of the planet’s “richest treasure-houses”. From world-class diving through the vibrant coral reefs off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruises, Borneo is a fascinating island offering unforgettable wildlife encounters.

• Family Fun in Malaysia and Borneo: Ideally suited for families, uncover the very best of what Borneo has to offer. From exhilarating water sports off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruising along the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and proboscis monkeys, the whole family will enjoy exploring our top picks for Malaysia and Borneo.
• Borneo for Couples: Scott Dunn’s Epic Malaysia and Borneo itinerary is perfect for honeymooners. We’ve set the bar high with this incredible two-week adventure to Borneo. Get ready for wildlife encounters, lush emerald jungles and tropical marine underworlds, dine at world-class restaurants and enjoy romantic moments under the moonlight on a deserted beach. This is a unique opportunity to discover new things and relax with the one you love.
• Ultimate Borneo: Journey through the heart of Malaysian Borneo, see pygmy elephants and orangutans in the pristine Kinabatangan Wetlands area before enjoying some respite on one of Sabah’s beautiful outer islands, Gaya Island. For a truly special experience, stay at a traditional rainforest lodge deep within the Danum Valley as the perfect introduction to Borneo and its highlights, combining incredible wildlife with the stunning beaches.
• Unique Experience: Immerse in the Orangutan’s natural habitat and discover the wonders of the Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary. Spanning 43 square kilometres and currently home to 60 to 80 orphaned, injured or previously captive orangutans, watch them learn to climb on ropes and trees in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Which South East Asia travel adventure is calling out to you?

Even though I have visited different destinations in South East Asia, there are still a lot more travel adventures for me to explore and discover. I am always seeking nature and outdoors adventures, high up in the mountains or deep into the rainforest.

There are many travel adventures out there for you in South East Asia for you to discover and explore. Which South East Asia travel adventure is calling out to you?

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

The post Rediscover South East Asia again with Scott Dunn appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

History of Contiki

With its roots starting from 1962, Contiki has come a long way since then. When a young Kiwi, John Anderson, armed with the dream of exploring as much of Europe as possible, posted an advert on a hostel notice board (“European Tour, only two seats left”) and promptly set off on a European adventure with twelve other trailblazers in a battered red kombi minivan named “Tiki” – Maori for good luck. Since that first fateful trip, Contiki has inspired millions of young travellers to embark on unforgettable journeys to discover new cultures and make lifelong connections with other like-minded globetrotters. With over 350 social travel itineraries available across Asia and globally, the original youth adventure travel brand has its sights set on delivering even more meaningful and memorable travel experiences. 

“Contiki has always been about bringing people together and discovering the world. After 60 years — which is an incredible milestone for us—the journey continues. As a brand, we’ve always kept our finger on the pulse of what matters to youth travellers. We look forward to elevating our signature sense of community together with our sustainability efforts to create experiences where our travellers can be united in caring for the one planet we share – whilst still having a lot of fun along the way.” said Mr. Adam Armstrong, Contiki’s CEO. 

Contiki Cares: Renewed Sustainability Efforts

Contiki kicked off its 60th anniversary year with care for and to stand with the environment. They are making significant progress in their parent company The Travel Corporation’s 11 sustainability goals, which are anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In January 2022, they achieved the milestone of making its trips 100% carbon neutral. Since then, Contiki has also eliminated single-use plastic in all its accommodations in favour of reusable and compostable materials. They have also switched all its accommodations to run on renewable energy. In addition to that, 81% of its itineraries now include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that leave a positive impact on People, Planet and the Wildlife. 

Chateau Big Weekender: The Party of a Lifetime

An anniversary party is going to be a big party, there are not party like this scale and significance. Contiki intends to celebrate in style with the Chateau Big Weekender, an exclusive, one-time-only itinerary that will see travellers partying like French royalty in the Contiki Château de Cruix, a palatial property in Beaujolais, France that has wowed travellers for decades. 

Taking place from 5th to 7th August 2022, this 3D2N summer extravaganza is going to excite partygoers, living i up with pool parties set against thumping beats of live music spun by DJs, legendary nights spent dancing till the dawn inside the on-property La Cave club and making priceless memories with international friends, both new and old.

In between the bouts of revelry, more cultured activities await, including painting evenings accompanied by wines from the region, exploring the Beaujolais vineyards followed by an al-fresco French feast, and yoga on the Château’s manicured lawns. 

In line with Contiki’s commitment to making progress on its sustainability goals, the Contiki Chateau runs on 100% renewable energy, and all meals by the inhouse chefs are prepared with fresh ingredients that originate from local sources and around France. 

Throughout the trip, Contiki’s quality mainstays will remain, with an Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team and Local Guides offering friendly insights and timely support for a hassle-free trip. Starting from US$349 per partygoer for a QuadShare room at the Château, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s not to be missed. Bookings can be made on Contiki Chateau Big Weekender – limited slots available. 

What’s in store for 2022 and beyond?

Looking ahead, Conitki will continue to build on its impressive momentum to deepen its commitment to achieving the brand’s sustainability goals by progressing on its efforts to reduce food waste at its owned properties, improve local sourcing and introduce more MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences to its itineraries. 

At the same time, the social travel brand will be ramping up its newly launched Contiki Ambassador programme, an insider programme where socials-savvy youth can share about travel and be rewarded with trips and bonuses. With this, Contiki hopes to inspire a new generation of travellers and ignite in them the very spirit of adventurous social travel that characterised the first Contiki trip back in 1962. 

Finally, Contiki will continue to expand its impressive offering of social travel itineraries with new trips launching throughout the year = to brand new locations as well as evolving and much-loved classics. Contiki are experts in multi-country trips, allowing youth travellers to see the best of the best, and help them get back into travel in a safe, enjoyable and sustainable way – for 2022 and beyond. 

* Information and pictures courtesy of Contiki and Red Hill Asia *

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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 *

The post LaoSafe helping Laos to reopen up tourism and travel appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography 

Business

Running any business, no matter whether it’s a small, medium or big business, it’s just very tough, very difficult and very stressful. Throw in a global pandemic situation that further transformed into an economic crisis, the magnitude increased exponentially. No educational textbooks can really teach you everything about running and operating a business, let alone a photography business. 

While I didn’t exactly started off properly in my photography business a few years back due to some unforeseen circumstances, when this global pandemic wave hit us in 2020, this was a major setback. I didn’t know exactly know what steps to take, it took me a while to navigate, adapt and change my photography services portfolio. 

In a harsh and brutal analysis, switching photography genres and services can be playing catch up with fellow photographers in those particular fields. Considering the ongoing and near future impacts of this global pandemic situation, I have switched my photography genres services as well as adding digital marketing/social media marketing into a digital agency setup. Therefore, I established TGH Digital Studio earlier in the year and I am working to expand on this in Year 2022. 

Personal/Leisure

Although I didn’t put more time into my personal/leisure photography as I would love to, I was glad to rediscover the art and wonder of nature therapy/forest therapy, a.k.a. Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) – forest bathing. Entering into the world of nature, green spaces and the great outdoors was my haven for refuge during this particular period whereby I was in a rut, in a really bad emotional and mental health well-being. 

A big thank you from the bottom of my heart to my photography outdoors explorer friends that trekked together with me exploring forest bathing and offering me priceless and unwavering support and encouragement during my downtime. 

Travel 

Exploring my own backyard / Domestic 

The good and bad thing about us being unable to travel overseas, is that we explore our own backyard. For me, even though I have been regularly going out to explore my own backyard, it feels good and refreshing to re-explore my own backyard again, documenting and updating my collections.   

The bad thing to me is, everyone is now a hiker, cyclist, nature lover or heritage and conservation advocate probably because they can’t travel out of Singapore for their regular holidays. While they probably have good intentions, their actions and ethics prove/shown otherwise. 

International 

At the start of 2021, I was cautiously optimistic that I would be able to travel out again around Q3 or Q4 2021. However, I got myself thrown into a spiral downwards into a rut due to various situations happening in mid 2021. The travel situation in the earlier part of the year wasn’t that optimistic as well. 

As time progressed into Q3 2021, there were vaccinated travel lane (VTL) arrangements between Singapore and a list of countries, opening up the possibilities for people to travel out. However, there were still many uncertainties with this ongoing global pandemic situation. The emergence of the new variant Omicron has put international travel back to a slowdown again.

As a co-host of Travel Talk on Twitter (TTOT) community chat on Twitter taking place every Tuesday 9:30am GMT and 9:30pm GMT, I learned a lot more about the international travel and tourism situations from fellow travel and tourism friends and networks. 

I was reminded on this life lesson, “Travel can be a privilege”, a constant reminder to myself. During this global pandemic crisis, this quote is even more prevalent, revealing the widening gap between the rich and the rest.

There are still many travel uncertainties, rules, restrictions and lockdowns can change at the snap of the finger by the respective authorities of the country. I also have a tight financial situation due to my photography business being affected by this pandemic. 

When can we really truly restart tourism again? I would share my thoughts and views in another article in January 2022, an update to my earlier articles “When can we Restart Tourism?” and “World Tourism Day 2021”. 

Last but not least

Year 2021 had been a very turbulent year of many ups and downs, disappointments and heartaches from unnecessary expectations. There were many life and business lessons handed out to me, priceless and painful.

Do visit my TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog too! I have also published a reflection, thoughts and views article in my technology, business and personal segments.

Signing off Year 2021 with a beautiful sunset to say goodbye to Year 2021, good riddance to bad rubbish. It’s been a very painful time, very difficult and tough, mentally, emotionally and financially for me personally. I will learn, remember and apply the good and bad lessons from this year. I will also make sure that I will never let myself fall as low as what happened to me in 2021. 

Year 2022 is starting soon, a new year, a fresh and brand new start in an ongoing global pandemic situation. I would share more about my plans and directions in the Year 2022 for my photography and travel segments inside my upcoming Theme and Goals for Year 2022 article. 

To all those who had pulled me up when I was down at the bottom, as well as those who supported and encouraged me throughout this very difficult Year 2021, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart, no amount of words can show my utmost appreciation towards what you all had done for me. 

It’s time to say Goodbye Year 2021 and Welcome Year 2022.

The post Reflecting Year 2021 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

The ongoing global pandemic has caused massive economic and financial impacts to the world tourism and travel industries. I wrote, shared and published an earlier article on “When can we Restart Tourism?” in June 2021. I was cautiously optimistic, however the world situation didn’t go according as planned with the Delta variant causing havoc and further disruptions towards many countries plans to reopen their economy, as well as their tourism and travel industries. On World Tourism Day 2021, this would be my follow up article that I published earlier in June 2021.

Looking back at my travel adventures over the years, I am missing it a lot. During this ongoing global pandemic period, my wanderlust for travel has also made me reflect a lot on the future of travel as it would never be the same again before the days of COVID-19. 

First and foremost, I will now always remember these words of wisdom, travel may be a privilege for some of us, not everyone can get to travel out overseas. This ongoing global pandemic could have further widen this gap between those that can travel and those who can’t.

When the time arrives whereby we can Restart Tourism, travel overseas safely again, this would be the time to add on more travel photography adventures to my TGH Photography travel portfolio, Flickr travel photography collections and travel explorer stories here on my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I am keen to work on two areas when the world travel and tourism industries reopen – community based tourism and nature based/conservation/sustainable tourism. As we are preparing for the eventual reopening and recovery of the world travel and tourism industries, I am reaching out to the travel and tourism worldwide networks on collaborations and partnerships.  

While this global pandemic situation has caused massive impacts to the world tourism and travel industries, this is also an excellent opportunity for a “reset”, to address and change some of our tourism and travel industry standards, operating procedures, practices, mindsets, habits etc etc, to make a change for the better, for the future. 

Let’s help to restart the world tourism and travel industries again when it is safe to do so, sometime down the road, hopefully soon. Meanwhile, do support your local/domestic travel and tourism industries too. This is the time for inclusive growth. 

Meanwhile, when can we restart tourism again? A number of countries have started to open up their tourism markets in small and at specific destinations. Some countries have started to open up more than other countries. We are all taking steps towards reopening the international tourism and travel industries.

Till the day when we can safely #RestartTourism and travel overseas again, take care and be safe! I look forward to meeting my travel and tourism network friends when I get the opportunity to travel and visit them in their countries! 

The post World Tourism Day 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I came across World Tourism Organisation recent article dated 2nd June 2021, “Tourist Numbers Down 83% but Confidence Slowly Rising”. During this difficult period for everyone in the world, it’s comforting to read this news, not just for the travel and tourism industries, it’s also for everyone of us feeling the travel wanderlust. We are still some time away from the reopening of the world travel and tourism and we would get there in time to come.

Travel bubbles

A number of travel bubbles have been mentioned in the local/regional press, it’s a start to get international leisure travel and tourism back on their feet again. I am unable to keep track of the travel bubbles arrangements around different regions of the world, therefore, I always keep in touch with fellow travelers from different regions and I would check with them.

Meanwhile, I am keep a close watch on the travel bubbles in Southeast Asia and Greater Asia, keeping my fingers crossed on their developments and changes. 

When can we travel overseas again?

Q4 2021? 

My personal humble opinion is, Q4 2021 is possible, given the rate and percentage of  the Singapore population that have two doses of vaccination. I am also not keeping my expectations and hopes too high, keeping it really low or even zero. 

Even though we may be vaccinated and ready for travel, the countries that we want to visit may not be ready to receive overseas visitors. Nobody wants to visit another country for leisure holidays and they have to be quarantined before they can travel around the country. Vice versa, we don’t wish to be quarantined when we return back home to our home country. 

Year 2022?

Setting the target to year 2022 is a more prudent, safer and sensible option for the countries to reopen their travel and tourism industries to welcome international visitors. 

What’s next? Mass tourism? Scheduled tours? Independent travel?

I am more of an independent traveler or small group (3-4 pax) travel type of traveler, not a fan of scheduled tour groups. Based on the current travel and tourism situation, as well as the restrictions imposed, I don’t think we would get back to the mass tourism days that fast, we might not be able to do independent travel, small group DIY travel package may still be possible with a licensed travel agency or travel guide in the destination country. 

Until the world reaches a stage whereby COVID-19 is endemic and becomes part of our everyday life, like the common flu, scheduled tour groups might be the traveling restrictions to adhere to for a period of time as the world travel and tourism industries safely open up again. 

Which countries would I like to visit?

My travel bucket list is getting more lengthy, I have a huge travel wanderlust, I would really love to travel around the world again. Since I am unable to travel around the world, my priority shortlist would be: 

Japan 

Kansai region – Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Wakayama and Mie

Chubu region – Shizuoka, Gifu, Nagano, 

Hokkaido – to continue my personal travel photography project on Hokkaido 

Malaysia – Visit relatives and friends in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah in East Malaysia

Africa – for wildlife safari and trekking 

Australia – visiting friends in SA, QLD

Other countries in my shortlist includes, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Finland/Norway, Austria/Switzerland and many more. 

I can only do much travel even in a post COVID-19 era, nevertheless, I still hope to travel to as many different countries all over the world. 

Collaborations with travel agencies, tourism bureaus with digital/social media marketing, content creation, visual storytelling and travel photography

Since I got onboard the Travel Talk on Twitter (TTOT) chat community as a co-host with Melvin and Sonja, I expanded my travel networks with many people from different parts of the world. The TTOT chat community is great, allowing me to meet a few travel agencies as well tourism bureaus. 

I have recently embarked on upgrading new skills and knowledge, going for courses to get myself certified with digital marketing specialist diploma. I hope to apply my digital/social media marketing, content creation along with visual storytelling and travel photography, seeking collaborations/partnerships with travel agencies and tourism bureaus. 

Therefore, I am reaching out to travel agencies and tourism bureaus, if there is an opportunity to partner and collaborate together, let’s chat!

We can overcome this

This ongoing global pandemic COVID-19 has severely impacted the world travel and tourism industry, it’s still ongoing, exerting massive stress on the livelihoods of those in the travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries. Let’s hope we can start to revive the travel and tourism sectors around the world soon.

Many of us travel wanderlusts are eagerly awaiting for the opportunity to travel away for a holiday again. A massive test for the world, it’s not easy, we have the resilience and tenacity to overcome this global pandemic situation. 

When can we #RestartTourism? Keeping our fingers crossed that it’s getting closer soon! 

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