From Gibraltar to Ireland, and the Bahamas, Tracey Poggio, ANTOR chairman, offers an overview on what to expect from these popular destinations in 2021.
As we start a new decade in 2021, we find ourselves still in uncertain waters. Relieved to have a trade agreement with the EU, as we start fresh new global trade relationships, we are still fighting the newly mutating COVID-19 outbreak, with strict travel restrictions imposed. However, at the same time, vaccinations are being rolled out across the country and there is hope that everyone will be vaccinated by Easter.
Future travel trends from the research available shows that as soon as they can, UK will want to travel away from home. Easter may seem a long way off and the summer even further, but within the context of COVID-19, it isn?t. Now is the time to encourage your customers to think ahead positively and put those dreams into booking reality, benefitting from the numerous sales and COVID-cover deals out there, from the close-by comfort of the Island of Ireland, and the more European feel of Gibraltar, to the exotic appeal and safety of the Bahamas ? there will be a place and an experience suitable for all travellers.
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, received unprecedented interest as a tourism destination towards the end of last year and looks forward to continuing to welcome British visitors, whose travel to Gibraltar, like the Island of Ireland, is not affected by Brexit, when the time is right.
The Island of Ireland is rolling out the green carpet to welcome visitors back in 2021. Like all ANTOR members Tourism Ireland and their tourism industry would like to thank the travel industry for its ongoing support over the past year.
In the Republic of Ireland, the COVID-19 Safety Charter has been designed to reassure visitors that government approved hygiene and safety procedures are in place. Tourism Ireland has also welcomed the approval in the Republic of Ireland of a new ?traffic-light? system for travel by the EU, which is an important step on the road to re-starting overseas travel. Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, the tourism and hospitality industry has adopted the "Good to Go" policy, which presents certified evidence that a business has adhered to government guidelines and is safe to open. Easily accessible, thanks to the great sea and air access available, and the Common Travel Area agreement, ensures that travel will remain a straightforward and simple process.
The Bahamas rolls out new hotel openings in 2021. The Margaritaville Beach Resort is in a ?soft opening? stage until February 15, 2021, and is now taking bookings. This casual-luxe, 284-room property, located just steps from the historic capital Nassau, will offer all manner of holiday water activities, and a high-tech entertainment complex will include virtual-reality sports. While parents relax in the St. Somewhere Spa, younger guests can hang out at Parakeets kid?s club. The recently opened Caerula Mar Club offers a true ?Out Island? experience. Sitting on 10 secluded beachfront acres in South Andros, the largest and least populated island, Caerula Mar?s six private villas and 18 Clubhouse Suites are designed to evoke a sense of barefoot luxury. Guest rooms and villas are made with sustainable, natural materials and feature breezy outdoor living spaces, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in their island surroundings.
