Low is the New High -- Seriously
Low Season Travel – The Penny Drops
For the last 20 years, Ged Brown, a UK-based travel industry professional has travelled to over 75 countries during their low seasons. He enjoyed the experiences so much that he created Low Season Traveller, which focuses strictly on the benefits of low season travel. Valencia, Belfast, Nuremberg, Iceland and Australia’s Northern Territory have all been featured. A Myanmar podcast and profile have just been added. “Low season travel is a powerful antidote to overtourism and undertourism,” says Ged, who makes his point with a series of blogs, videos, articles and podcasts. Join him on journeys away from the crowds here.
Serious Points of View in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Anurak: A Place to ‘Peak’ the Interest of Ecotourists
Scenery like this is all around the Anurak Community Lodge adjacent to Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, southern Thailand. Even the view from the lodge’s open-sided Hornbill restaurant is worth the journey alone. 'Anurak' means ‘conservation’ in Thai language and is the guiding ethos of the 18-room (12 bungalow) retreat which prides itself on its responsible tourism credentials. The resort recently introduced jungle cooking classes, combining a guided forest hike with preparation of a delicious feast in the ultimate back-to-nature setting. Hiking, rafting, canoeing and trips to the magnificent Chiew Larn lake are also available.
Seriously Sanuk in Samui
Activities with a Thai Twist for Couples on Koh Samui
Couple-friendly Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort has created 16 resort activities for guests who want outstanding resort service with a Thai twist. Thai cooking classes, a candlelit dinner on the beach, a Thai sampler platter, poolside fruit kebabs, making your own Samui mojitos, the Coconut Daily newspaper, communicating with a frog (!), and helping young Thai hotel staff are just some of the highlights. The 52 villas and suites all have private pools. Full details on the 16 activities are here. (PS: sanuk means ‘fun’ in Thai)
Serious Implications for Turkey
When Too Much is Never Enough
The Minister of Tourism and Culture in Turkey has announced that he would like to increase tourism arrivals from 40 million in 2018 to 70 million in 2023 – an extra 30 million in four years. Has there been any consultation with local communities in coming to that number? What kind of safeguards, checks, balances, policies and regulations will be put in place to ensure an enjoyable and sustainable experience for locals and tourists alike? Chris Flynn, the CEO of the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, expresses his concerns here.
18 PR Myths - Don't Take Them Too Seriously
The Myths of PR Exposed
UK-based PR professional Rich Leigh debunks 18 misconceptions about PR and communications in his recent book, The Myths of PR. Rich takes on myths such as PR is all spin, smokescreen and lies, you can make something go viral and consumers want conversations with brands. He also cracks open that hoary old chestnut: all publicity is good publicity. Watch my two-minute debrief of Rich’s book in the Seriously V (video) clip above.
Seriously Productive Face Time
No Wall to Communication in Berlin
Meet me at IMM Berlin on 5 March or at ITB Berlin on 6 March to talk business. It will be my honour to represent Outrigger Resorts to journalists and bloggers at both events once again.
Seriously Good PR Value
ScottAsia Communications: Value Proposition
Are you struggling to create and execute effective external communications and grow your travel brand in B2C and B2B markets? If so, let ScottAsia Communications fix that for you.
Relieve your workload and free up your time as you outsource your PR and communications function to a professional who knows how to distil the essence of your brand, create key messages, write and distribute press releases and newsletters, handle all media relations, set up media interviews with your CEO, vet bloggers, supply information to journalists in a timely fashion, and deal with awkward issues communications.
Relax while ScottAsia works with marketing, SEO, website building, digital production and social media partners to give you a one-stop solution
Simply visit scottasia.net. Email kens@scottasia.net