Happy World Tourism Day
On today’s World Tourism Day I’ve been reflecting on how much value travel brings to our lives. My work life has always involved travel, and as a Dane, married to an Australian/Swiss, with stepchildren living in Vietnam and the US, one of my favourite pastimes is to plan the next family gathering, somewhere in the world.
I have always loved to travel and truly appreciate exploring different countries, experiencing new cultures and learning from the people I meet wherever I go. Like many, I have fond memories of my last work trip before lockdown, a European Owner Association board meeting at the magnificent InterContinental Marseille Hotel-Dieu.
For the past few months these opportunities have been restricted, with most of us having to stay much closer to home as the pandemic prevents us from moving as freely as we are used to. It has served as a reminder that there are many fabulous places to visit closer to home, which for me meant a staycation in Yorkshire. What a beautiful part of the world!
The Covid-19 pandemic may have hit our industry hard this year, but I take comfort in knowing that people will always want to travel and explore the world, meetings will be held again and events will need to be celebrated. Europe will continue to be important to world tourism, with France, Spain and Italy among the top 5 inbound markets in the world and Germany, the UK and France being the largest outbound markets in Europe.
I’m proud to see that we’re still signing and opening new hotels in exciting destinations such as Rome, Amsterdam and St. Petersburg, a great sign of confidence from our Owners in the future. We’ve also recently brought our newest upscale brand voco to two new markets with the opening of voco Paris Montparnasse and voco Villach in Austria. So take note of these as you build your list of ‘places to visit next’!
The recovery will still take time, but as we regain our freedom to travel again, our IHG hotel teams in Europe are ready to deliver a safe, clean and trusted experience, bringing their amazing passion and dedication to doing what they do best - providing #TrueHospitality for everyone.
#WorldTourismDay #IHG
Social Media Manager at Realatte
1 年https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/tony-alan-estates-ltd_worldtourismday-tourism-tourismday-activity-7112707189634445313-HGdd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
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2 年Karin, thanks for sharing!
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3 年Karin, thanks for sharing!
Thought Leader | Strategist | Growth catalyst @ IDeaS Revenue Solutions
4 年Happy #worldtourismday Karin, great article. We all dearly miss travel, but especially us passionate hoteliers at heart. One thing is for sure, once the world feels safer one of the fist things people will do is take a trip! I personally have started to tip my toes back into travel with a recent stay at the beautiful Indigo Denver and I can't wait to stay at the Voco Villach, Austria - my birthplace - the next time I visit my family, whenever that will be. Bill and you stay safe.
Tour Guide / Blue Badge Accredited / Member of British Guild of Guides and Institute of Tourist Guides / English and French speaking / Public Speaker / Midsomer Murders & Setjetting tours / Multilingual
4 年Tourism broadens the mind, can lead to the establishment of life-long friendships and a more fulfilled life. #escapetheeveryday and support the tourist industry this Autumn in whatever way you can!