I NEWS I Daily Briefing
I NEWS I Daily Briefing By David Ruetz, Head of ITB Berlin NOW Hello, and welcome back to ITB Berlin NOW. Today, I think the “key” word is probably “resilience”. Indeed, the feedback we’re getting from all those taking part in this year’s event is that despite the heavy knock-out punch that has been received by the global travel industry, hope springs eternal and all are confident there will be a strong comeback over the next two years. To this end, today’s keynote interview at 10:15am with the Honourable Edmund Bartlett – Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, by CNN’s Richard Quest, will be very timely. Titled “Resilience and Recovery of Tourism Destinations”, its content will be of vital interest to each and every person attending the show. Following this, at 11:20, the ITB Resilience Roundtable (with Jacobs Media and the Resilience Council) will see thought leaders from the public and private sector discussing policies that have been or will be launched… and their impact. With Government Ministers from Kenya and Bosnia-Herzegovina, along with the CEO of Global Rescue and WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara all taking part, this will be a not-to-miss session. TODAY’S KEYNOTE INTERVIEW AT 10:15AM WITH THE HONOURABLE EDMUND BARTLETT – MINISTER OF TOURISM OF JAMAICA, BY CNN’S RICHARD QUEST, WILL BE VERY TIMELY. This morning at 10:35am, Charuta Fadnis, Senior Vice President, Research and Product Strategy for Phocuswright, will share the organisation’s projections for key markets through 2024 and delve into the trends and technology that will influence post-pandemic travel in “Looking ahead: travel market projections and technology trends”. In the afternoon – at 5pm, European Capitals of Smart Tourism - The Road to Recovery will see representatives of the 2020 European Capitals of Smart Tourism - Gothenburg (Sweden) and Málaga (Spain) presenting how they address the current challenges in the tourism sector, how they see the road to recovery and how they became European Capitals of Smart Tourism. LGBT+ tourism is very much under the spotlight, with a high point being the LGBT+ Leadership Summit at 5:15pm. And for DMOs, the ever-changing travel landscape, and how to keep up with the new traveller will be the key topics of the DMO Masterclass by Google at 6pm. So just where is the industry headed? Pentup demand will drive a recovery in travel and tourism over the next few years. But, the shape of the recovery will vary across countries and regions, and by segment. Don’t forget to drop by the ITB Berlin NOW cafés for a chat afterwards. I look forward to seeing you there! 4 ITB BERLIN NEWS • THURSDAY 11 TH MARCH 2021 www.itb-berlin-news.com
ADVERTORIAL I NEWS I Lata Berkoh, Taman Negara, Pahang Getting back to real nature Malaysia's national parks offer unparalleled experiences for families or adventure lovers Malaysia's nature is one of its key draw-cards, with pristine jungle and wildlife unlike anywhere else on the planet. Its dozens of national parks are just breath-taking. Here is just a selection... TAMAN NEGARA, PAHANG Among the oldest rainforests in the world – 130 million years old – covering around 4,343 square kilometres and located in the Malaysian state of Pahang, the name Taman Negara has become known to nature lovers around the globe ever since it was established in 1938. This humongous park hosts around 150 mammal species as well as almost 500 species of birds. Filled with magnificent wonders throughout, it exhibits a wide range of places to explore... from refreshing waterfalls, tortuous rivers with rushing rapids, to 40-metre canopies, plush valleys and a majestic mountain range with the vivid landscape of Mount Tahan. Visitors experience a breathtaking view even before scaling the 2,187m mountain itself... Just some of the awesome activities available in Taman Negara. KINABALU PARK, SABAH As the habitat of more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, Kinabalu Park is a pristine land, and an extraordinary wildlife experience for all nature enthusiasts. Established as Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the park offers visitors a premium experience, interacting with the endemic and unique creatures of Sabah. The park surrounds the well-known Mount Kinabalu and covers nearly 754 square kilometres. The park consists of numerous activities for nature lovers and is also the "Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia". The dense rainforest is also the home for the world’s largest pitcher plant, Nepenthes Rajah. Although the biggest attraction in this area will surely be the towering Mount Kinabalu, there are still numerous other nature-based activities to enjoy. Eight different trails await jungle-trekking fans, with all trails providing a unique portrayal of the green landscape around the park. BAKO NATIONAL PARK, SARAWAK Bako National Park is the oldest and one of the most frequented attractions in Sarawak, depicting the unrivalled biodiversity of the magnificent Borneo Rainforest. Bako was officially made a national park in 1957 and, spanning only 27 square kilometres, is one of the smallest national parks in Malaysia. Albeit small in size, the park houses diverse flora and fauna species, including approximately 600 flower species and 267 wildlife species which casually roam the park’s compound such as silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, slow loris, flying lemurs, mouse deer, wild boars, pangolins, and the pinnacle of the park; the rare wild proboscis monkeys. Bako National Park also takes pride in its white sandy beaches, providing a relaxing shift for a short rest throughout your journey in the jungle. ROYAL BELUM STATE PARK, PERAK Deep in the lush greenery of Gerik, Perak, lies 454 sq km of pristine jungle. A destination dedicated to all outdoor enthusiasts, a spot to escape from the hustle of life and get in touch with one's adventurous side: lo and behold – The Royal Belum State Park! Surrounded by the Royal Belum Rainforest, Lake Temenggor – Malaysia’s second-largest man-made lake – is a haven for passionate anglers, dotted with countless small islands to visit. By boat, one can venture into and explore all the nooks and crannies of this lake, among which are the Pulau Tujuh Waterfall, Pulau Talikali Lookout Tower, Temenggor Dam, Kampung Chuweh, the White Rocks and the Salt Licks VISIT BR AND CARD RAFFLESIA FLOWERS IN ROYAL BELUM STATE PARK, PERAK ONE OF THE MANY TRAILS IN BAKO NATIONAL PARK - A STONE'S THROW FROM KUCHING IN SARAWAK MOUNT KINABALU, SABAH ITB BERLIN NEWS • THURSDAY 11 TH MARCH 2021 5
