For the first time, International SOS has added climate change to its country risk level assessments around the world, along with medical and security threats. Jenny Southan reports

Security and health risk services company, International SOS, has released its interactive Risk Map 2024, which has been designed to help companies and business travellers better understand the risks they face when travelling abroad.

The Risk Map highlights medical and security change risk ratings reflecting the impact of disruptive events, such as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas.

The safest places to visit in 2024:

• Iceland
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Denmark

For the first time, the Risk Map also includes a layer that also flags climate change risks. Compiled by INFORM (a collaboration between the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change and Joint Research Centre of European Commission), the data provides quantified estimates of the impacts of climate change on the future risk of humanitarian crises and disasters.

This risk index is intended to inform policy choices across climate mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and humanitarian assistance for greater resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change.

The 2024 Risk Map can be used as a tool to build a comprehensive view of the risk landscape around the world, better enabling companies to fulfil their duty of care responsibilities.

Climate change increases health risks

International SOS is seeing a rising trend in the number of climate-related alerts being issued to clients as rising global temperatures are increasing health risks such as air pollution and wildfires around the world.

Greater support has been requested by businesses on this issue. There were 80 per cent more medical alerts issued by International SOS relating to climate change factors in 2023 compared to 2022. This statistic highlights just how significant the issue is to businesses and their leaders.

Dr Irene Lai, global medical director at International SOS, says: “Extreme heat events, with the first-ever named heatwave ‘Cerberus’ hitting Europe [in 2023], may become commonplace.

“In addition to the physical impacts of extreme heat, there can be significant negative effects on mental health. It is essential businesses plan for this, adapting our way of living and working to protect health, while also taking steps to slow and eventually reverse the trend in rising temperatures.”

In terms of climate risks, some of the riskiest countries to visit are Mali, Chad, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, Mozambique, Afghanistan and Syria, followed by Mexico, Brazil, India and the Philippines.

Geopolitical risks continue to dominate global security concerns

The Risk Map also provides a better understanding of the wider security situation in countries which employees may be travelling through or working in. It helps to better inform organisations so they are able to create tailored solutions to mitigate the specific risks that their workforces may encounter.

Sally Llewellyn, global security director, at International SOS, says: “For the coming year, geopolitical tensions, unrest and political instability are expected to impact business operations.

“This is reflected in the map with the Sahel, parts of the Middle East and Ukraine in the ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ security risk category. International SOS continues to support organisations operating in these locations, including through providing verified information and advice on how such risks will affect their workforce or by supporting evacuations where needed.”

Due to new and evolving conflicts, some of the most notable risk rating increases this year have been parts of Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Russia and across the Sahel. Ecuador and parts of Colombia have also increased following a consistent rise in criminality and unrest.

In some regions, the risk rating has decreased. Most notably, the risk ratings for El Salvador and parts of Nepal have reduced following sustained downward trends across a number of risk factors.

Changes to medical risk continue to vary across countries and regions. Two notable improvements in medical risk this year are Bolivia and Côte d’Ivoire, largely based on the gradual improvement in access to quality medical care, particularly in the major cities.

The Risk Map is an important risk management tool, which assesses medical, security and climate change risks on a five-level scale – from “Low” to “Very High” for the medical and climate change layers, and “Insignificant” to “Extreme” for the security layer.

MEDICAL: THE RISKIEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN 2024

1. Syria
2. Iraq
3. Afghanistan
4. Yemen
5. North Korea
6. Palestinian Territories
7. Haiti
8. Libya
9. Niger
10. Burkina Faso

CLIMATE CHANGE: THE RISKIEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN 2024

1. Syria
2. Iraq
3. Afghanistan
4. Yemen
5. Chad
6. Niger
7. Mali
8. Nigeria
9. Central African Republic
10. South Sudan

SECURITY: THE RISKIEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN 2024

1. Ukraine
2. Syria
3. Iraq
4. Afghanistan
5. Libya
6. Yemen
7. South Sudan
8. Central African Republic
9. Somalia

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Providing a boost to inbound travel, China has implemented a new visa-free policy for passports holders from five European countries, as well as Malaysia. Jenny Southan reports

China’s new visa-free travel policy was instated on December 1, 2023, and will last for one year. Those benefiting need to hold passports for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain or Malaysia.

The policy applies to trips of up to 15 days for business travel, tourism, visiting relatives and friends and for transitioning within China. The aim of this policy is to create convenience for passport holders from these countries in order to stimulate inbound tourism.

According to booking data from Dida Travel, since the implementation of the recent visa-free policy, hotel bookings from the six countries named increased by over 50 per cent in the first week of December, in comparison to the previous week.

In fact, hotel bookings for travellers from Spain to China hve jumped by more than 100 per cent compared to the same period at the end of November. Bookings from Italy and Malaysia to China saw an increase of 50 per cent and 67 per cent week-on-week, respectively.

Meanwhile, although the wider Chinese inbound market has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels due in part to the fact that China’s borders only fully opened in early 2023, DidaTravel’s year-to-date inbound hotel sales to China have seen a remarkable 151 per cent growth versus the same period in 2019. This highlights DidaTravel’s ability to outpace wider market dynamics and capture significant new market share.

According to DidaTravel’s year-to-date total transaction value, Spain, Malaysia, and Italy have been among the top 20 source markets for inbound China travel in 2023. The most booked destinations in China are Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Suzhou, Langfang, Dongguan and Wuhan.

Rikin Wu, founder and CEO of Dida Travel, says: “We were really excited about the growth opportunity for China’s inbound tourism sector as result of this news and these initial figures are very encouraging.
“Thanks to proactive policies like this, that create a strong business environment for tourism, we are able to unlock the full potential of the demand that exists to experience China.

“As one of the pioneering B2B hotel distributors in China, we are committed to supporting our global partners with our expertise and leading portfolio of products in China – including not only hotels, but also tours, experiences and transfers. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world and exploring new opportunities for collaboration within the country’s ever evolving tourism industry.”

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There has been a surge of enthusiasm among Chinese and Japanese travellers to explore European destinations but the weather is a key factor in decision making. Gemma Harris reports

According to the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer published by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV, which tracks the travel intentions of people from from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan and the US, there has been a renewed interest in European travel – particularly from Asian travellers.

Notably, the most significant surge in travel interest comes from Chinese travellers, with 74 per cent expressing their intention to visit Europe between September and the end of the year, representing a 10 per cent increase compared to the same period last year and an even more significant leap compared to the autumn of 2019.

This travel eagerness is being led by those between 34 and 49 years old (83 per cent) and those 50 years and above (70 per cent).

Similarly, Japanese travellers are also making their mark on this trend with a 10 per cent surge in their intent to travel to Europe compared to the same period of 2022.

Following the publication of the report, Miguel Sanz, the ETC’s president, says: “After a long period of disruption due to the Covid pandemic, Europe is reestablishing its connection with Asian tourists.”

While these Asian markets stand out in this enthusiasm to explore Europe, the US and Canada have also witnessed a slight uptick in enthusiasm for European travel.

However, the same is not reflected for Australians and Brazilians, with both countries recording a 3 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to increased interest in exploring other destinations and the allure of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, which has led to a boost in domestic travel.

High prices associated with travel have also been identified as a deterrent in these markets. Across all markets, 23 per cent of respondents say they will not compromise on in-destination experiences despite rising travel costs.

To adapt to rising prices, tourists are embracing new strategies to maximise experiences while minimising costs, and it has been increasingly popular to take advantage of low-cost flights and rail passes for convenient inter-European travel.

In terms of the attraction to Europe, the report highlights that culture and history remain the biggest draws for tourists in five out of the six markets, with the exception being China, where there is a strong interest in gastronomic and urban experiences.

“Our appeal remains strong to long-haul travellers worldwide, with Europe’s timeless culture and history as the biggest draw. It’s particularly encouraging to see the growing popularity of rail and increased interest in slow travel among tourists. Now more than ever, it’s important that we pay special attention to the responsible development of the tourism industry,” adds Sanz.

There has been a 7 per cent increase in “slow travel”, while iconic landmarks and world-renowned sites remain popular draws for travellers. Additionally, climate considerations are important for Chinese (39 per cent) and Australians and Brazilians (34 per cent).

Transportation preferences among long-haul travellers are also evolving. Australian travellers are shifting toward train travel, with an 8 per cent increase in the purchase of train passes. For Canadian tourists, rail travel remains top, with 34 per cent inclined to purchase a rail pass. US travellers are also drawn to rail transport due to its affordability and efficient travel times.

However, low-cost flights are the most popular choice overall. Even in markets where rail travel was traditionally preferred, such as Brazil, air travel is gaining popularity, with a 13 per cent increase in interest in low-cost flights. A similar trend is observed in the Canadian market, where the popularity of cheap flights rose by 9 per cent.

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The Bear Grylls Survival Academy will offer a variety of courses on wilderness training and expedition leadership in a desert setting. Gemma Harris reports

Saudi Arabia may be a controversial country for a lot of people but that isn’t stopping Western travel brands from working with them. Next up is renowned survivalist Bear Grylls, who is set to launch an outpost of his adventure academy in Saudi Arabia in partnership with multi-project developer Red Sea Global.

The Bear Grylls Survival Academy (BGSA) will provide opportunities to learn team-building skills, wilderness education and desert survival techniques through various courses designed by Bear Grylls himself – a former British Special Forces operative and TV presenter. BGSAs can also be found in Greece and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.

John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, says: “Bear Grylls is known the world over for his exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping adventures in nature’s most challenging environments. Yet, always at the heart of these exploits is the central message that nature plays a profound role in shaping us as people – instilling strength, resilience, self-belief and teamwork.

“We believe that everyone should have the chance to follow their sense of adventure and will work with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team to develop outdoor experiences for all, whether adults or young people, irrespective of physical and cognitive ability.”The Academy will offer not only survival training but also physical and mental wellbeing programmes in conjunction with Red Sea Global’s adventure sports brand, Akun.

Red Sea Global also says that it is “committed to recruiting and training local outdoor enthusiasts in the art of survival and expedition leadership, creating hundreds of jobs for Saudis in a new industry for the Kingdom”. It says: “This group of local adventurers could end up working in Bear Grylls Survival Academies around the Kingdom, leading courses themselves and creating a new generation of survivalists and adventure-seekers.”

Paul Gardiner, BGSA managing director, says: “From its steep mountains to its deep wadi valleys, across sand dunes, canyons and coastlines, The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia has some of the most diverse natural environments we’ve ever seen. We look forward to developing a series of BGSA’s signature challenges and assets that allow people to test and ultimately overcome their own limits and expectations.

“The fact that Red Sea Global has pledged to make this a wholly inclusive guest experience aligns perfectly with the Academy’s mission to bring a sense of achievement and the principle of Never Give Up to as many people as we can.”

The Red Sea project is poised to welcome its first guests with a fully operational international airport and the recent launch of the Kingdom’s first seaplane company, Fly Red Sea. Before the end of the year, the Six Senses Southern Dunes will open, followed by the upcoming opening of Amaala, remaining on track to welcome guests in early 2025.

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Bhutan has led the way in imposing hefty taxes on inbound visitors but are they the solution to overcrowding in popular destinations? Sam Bradley reports from the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Overtourism is undoubtedly a problem, with images abounding of Barcelona’s Las Ramblas or Thailand’s pristine beaches resembling life in a sardine tin. The Austrian village of Hallstatt, home to 800 residents and said to be the inspiration for “Frozen,” was on track for one million visitors per year – until residents built a wall blocking a popular lookout point. Portofino in Italy is even introducing a €275 fine for visitors loitering to take photos, as there are simply too many tourists. The Japanese city of Kyoto is banning photos of geisha.

To curb this problem, many destinations are in the process of implementing a “tourism tax”. While this nuanced topic has generally been enacted slowly, tentatively and with much consultation, Bhutan boldly blazed a trail in 2022 with its eye-wateringly high US$200 per person per night levy.

The fact that changing the price of a product will also affect its demand has been understood by economists for almost as long as money has been in existence. As quoted in the bestseller book “Freakonomics”, ‘incentives are the cornerstone of modern life… ferreting them out is the key to solving just about any riddle…’. Policy makers and government advisers largely subscribe to this doctrine, using incentives (or disincentives, such as taxes) as a lever to change people’s behaviour.

Tourism bodies are no different, with many popular destinations such as France, Greece and Bali already charging a tourist tax, and others such as Iceland, Edinburgh and Thailand planning something similar soon. In theory this serves the dual purpose of keeping tourist numbers down while also raising funds for development and infrastructure.

Venice and its crowded canals often serve as the case study for overtourism: for every resident it receives a staggering 370 visitors per year, making its bridges and main squares claustrophobically crowded. Not only that, but large cruise ships have been blamed for flooding and damage to the city foundations. Under increasing pressure, lawmakers have responded by banning cruise ships from the historic centre and are currently trialling a €5 fee for day visitors to reduce numbers. It’s also cracking down on bad behaviour by fining tourists for sitting on bridges or steps, swimming in the canals, eating or drinking while sitting on the ground, or walking around in swimwear.

Whether these measures are enough remains to be seen. Most policymakers introducing tourism taxes have done so in a similar manner to Venice: timidly, and after much consultation and many delays. Not so Bhutan, which leads the way both in the amount charged as well as the speed of implementation. Referred to as a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), tourists currently pay a fee to the government of Bhutan (recently reduced to US$100 per day) which is used for a range of development initiatives.Measuring the success of this policy is hard, both because of the devastating effect covid had on tourist numbers as well as numerous changes to the fee (the slow recovery for Chinese tourism, as well as the Russian Ukrainian war haven’t helped either). However, based on discussions with people working in tourism in Bhutan, it’s clear the SDF has had a wide range of consequences.

There are many critics who have pointed out that the speed and enormity of the changes have left local suppliers with little time to adapt. Having stayed constant since 1991, and mere months before reopening after the pandemic and with little warning, in June 2022 the SDF was more than tripled to US$200 per person per night.

While Bhutan has never had a backpacking or budget tourism industry, the increased fee severely dented even the more expensive mainstream tourism industry. Many businesses were forced to close, and it’s rumoured as many as 20,000 Bhutanese (out of a total population of only 800,000) have permanently moved abroad, mainly to Australia. Most of those departures have been for better salaries or study opportunities abroad, but a sizeable proportion have left due to a diminished tourism sector and worse career prospects in Bhutan.

USD-paying tourist numbers are expected to hit 50,000 this year, and while that’s on track to meet government forecasts, it’s only 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Subsequent discounts to the SDF suggest backtracking from the government, possibly because the levy has reduced tourist numbers too drastically.

The format of the US$200 fee was adapted in June 2023 so that four-night visas included another four free nights, and likewise seven for seven, and 12 for 18 free nights. The change didn’t last long though, as recently (from 1 September 2023) the fee has been reduced again, this time down to US$100 per person per night.Another criticism is that the fee should be equally applied, as Indian residents currently only have to pay circa US$15 per day. This is for geopolitical reasons (Bhutan borders both India and China, and for security has very close diplomatic ties with India) but it has resulted in many tourists visiting from India. This has left some of the attractions occasionally feeling rather crowded; not quite the extensively luxurious atmosphere Bhutan was aiming for with its high value, low volume model. However, it’s still a vast improvement as Indian visitor numbers are only 25 per cent of what they were in 2019 (when they had no visa fee to pay).

However, despite the criticisms, the increased SDF has definitely also yielded positive results. Luxury hotels abound in Bhutan, from Six Senses and Amankora (with five hotels each, for now) to numerous boutique offerings such as Como Uma, Gangtey Lodge and Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. All seem to be showing strong occupancy levels, especially during the festival season which runs from March to May and then September to December.

DrukAir (the flag carrier of Bhutan) is also reportedly doing well, having increased its fares in response to the increased wealth of its clientele – although the government is now reportedly talking to the airlines about decreasing prices to attract more tourists. It’s also reported that there have been more private jet landings in Bhutan than ever before, and the luxury tour operators are also busy and profitable.

Speaking of the benefits on the levy, Carissa Nimah, the chief marketing officer of the Department of Tourism Bhuta, says: “The Sustainable Development Fee funds a range of initiatives such as free healthcare and education for all citizens of Bhutan, supporting various environmental and conservation projects, infrastructure upgrades, upskilling the tourism sector, and much more. It’s about making sure that the benefits from tourism positively impact the whole community.

“Visitors who are drawn to the Kingdom are attracted to meaningful, authentic experiences and carefully managing tourism ensures the preservation of these unique qualities that draw visitors in the first place. While we would still like to responsibly grow our tourism numbers, we are on the right track. We welcomed 9,559 guests last month (in September 2023), which was a 34 per cent increase over our forecast for the month and most of those bookings were made before the SDF 100 revision took effect. When guests understand where their SDF money is going and why it’s so important to Bhutan, they support it.”

Personally speaking, the reason for my visit was to host a luxury trip for the tour operator of my employment, Cookson Adventures, and I was blown away by the experiences we were able to offer our guests. Our action-packed week included glamping in the verdant forests of Haa Valley, fishing and rafting in pristine rivers and hiking to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

In terms of cultural experiences, we watched traditional dance performances from the remote Layap tribe, participated in hotly contested archery contests, joined traditional cooking and craft classes, and toured many of the dzongs (monasteries). Bhutan felt safe, friendly and well organised, complemented by charming people and an amazing culture. My main takeaway was that it has an inherently strong product: it’s natural beauty, remarkable architecture and unique way of life mean there will still be tourist demand, no matter how high the tourist levy.From these anecdotal viewpoints, results therefore appear mixed, and the SDF fee has undoubtedly had at least a few positive consequences. However, other countries looking to imitate Bhutan would do well to heed some of the factors that make the kingdom unique, and resist the temptation to blindly copy and paste their policies.

Nicknamed the hermit kingdom, Bhutan only properly opened to tourism in 1974, allowing a measly 30 visitors per day. Television and internet only made an appearance around the turn of the century, and the country has done well to maintain its unique culture and traditions. In many ways Bhutan is still different: it measures Gross National Happiness as well as GDP, and its abundant forests make it one of only three carbon negative countries in the world.

It has an incentive to keep visitor numbers low, both to protect its natural assets and to continue to safeguard its culture and traditions from outside influences. In 2019 it welcomed roughly 380,000 visitors (including non-fee-paying Indian tourists) which was felt by many to be the limit the country could manage. As it rebuilds after the pandemic, it is therefore trying to selectively control numbers before it reaches this upper ceiling once again.

So, what should other countries learn from Bhutan, if anything? Bhutan’s policy undoubtedly proves that a large tourist tax will indeed decrease the number of visitors (economic policy still works, even in a country as remote as Bhutan). And looking at the current global shift towards tourist taxes and levies, its clear many countries are going to continue to implement them in the coming years. The biggest challenge countries will face is how to make the tourist tax as effective as possible.

A flat tourist fee is a blunt instrument, as a standard “per person per day” fee will have a disproportionate effect on visitors who are younger or from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Countries simply looking to reduce their tourist numbers will achieve their aims, but it’s not a fair system. After all, why should only wealthier travellers be allowed to view historic landmarks? I know I’m not the only student who backpacked parts of Europe on a shoestring budget, complete with homemade picnic lunches and some questionable youth hostel choices. Concessions may need to be made for travellers depending on their age, their country of origin and possibly even their social background, which won’t be easy to administer.

Government departments of tourist hotspots will also be aware a tourism tax won’t solve all their challenges. There are plenty of well-behaved tourists on a budget, and just as many wealthy but badly behaved visitors. A tourism tax won’t price out drunken stag-dos in Prague, or put an end to licentious full moon parties in Thailand. Policy planners looking to change the type of tourist visiting their shores will need to work a lot harder than simply implementing a fee, as they’ll need to change their image and reputation (a lot easier said than done). And as social media and television continue to highlight certain attractions and lead to mass tourism, expect to see more tourism boards try to disperse crowds to more rural areas, with Indonesia’s “5 new Balis” campaign serving as a prime example.

With Covid (hopefully) in the rearview mirror and tourism bouncing back in spectacular fashion, it’s clear governments need to act to control their tourist numbers and protect their landmarks. A good proportion of visitors (up to 40 per cent by some reports) have no problem paying a fee to help maintain and protect the areas they are visiting, provided it’s a reasonable amount and used properly. The devil will be in the detail – expect the “who, what, where and why” of these fees (and the many changes they’ll undoubtedly undergo) to be a hot topic over the next few years.

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Trojena will be a unique four-season destination that goes beyond winter athletics within Saudi Arabia’s futuristic Neom project. Olivia Palamountain reports

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to construct Trojena, a one-of-a-kind mountain destination that will serve as a sustainable ski resort within the innovative Neom project.

Located 50km inland from the Gulf of Aqaba coast, Trojena will span nearly 60 sq km across elevations from 1,500m to 2,600m, and will house six distinctive clusters that blend real with virtual architectural and engineering innovations.

The area experiences sub-zero winter temperatures, along with a year-round moderate climate, making it ideal for winter sports – however surreal that sounds.According to officials, Trojena aims to be an engineering feat as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly ski resorts, with renewable energy, minimised water usage and maximum water recovery enabling carbon neutral snow production without chemical additives.

An all-year Ski Village will offer hotels, outdoor activities, dining and entertainment so that visitors can enjoy winter sports in colder months and other pursuits during warmer months.

The destination will comprise a man-made freshwater lake to accommodate water sports and offer over 100 indoor and outdoor activities to attract adventure seekers – think hiking, kayaking, water sports, skiing, zip lining, alpine coaster, mountain biking, skateboarding, bicycling, climbing, snow sports and ice skating.

Trojena will also also host concerts, festivals, exhibitions and other cultural events. There will even be a 3,000-seat mountainside amphitheatre. Other highlights include “The Vault”, a vertical village carved into the mountainside with retail dining and nightlife.

In total, Trojena will house more 3,500 hotel rooms and 42,000 sqm of retail space. Luxury Slope Residences with panoramic views are also planned.

Officials say a key goal is making new sports such as skiing accessible to Saudis and others in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans for Trojena in 2022; engineers have already broken ground on infrastructure to turn the ambitious sustainable mountain resort concept into reality.

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Black Tomato has launched a ‘joyful’ collection of group experiences that are designed to bring people together at a specific place and point in time. Jenny Southan reports

Luxury adventure travel company Black Tomato says it has had a long-held belief that some experiences are “exponentially more meaningful and memorable when shared with those you love”.

This has inspired Black Tomato to review the best and worst parts of group travel and to develop a new innovative range of pick-and-mix experiences called “See You in the Moment“, which take place at a specific place and point in time.

Working with partners around the world, Black Tomato has curated a collection of more than 30 “remarkable travel moments”, which can be incorporated into existing or newly created Black Tomato itineraries. They are categorised by: The Meal, The Event, The Challenge, The Journey and The Celebration.

Rather than booking a restaurant or private chef for a birthday dinner, Black Tomato suggests organising a gourmet banquet (The Meal) inside Iceland’s Thrihnukagigur volcano crater, illuminated by a thousand candles.

For a VIP bonanza, Black Tomato can take groups to Italy for Siena’s famous biannual Palio horse race (The Event) where they will watch the medieval spectacle from a private balcony overlooking the Piazza del Campo.

Alternatively, a group might want to embark on an expedition down the Apurimac River (The Challenge), through the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, where they will navigate the otherwise inaccessible Ancient Valley of the Incas by raft, staying at “mind-blowing” luxury campsites along the way.

Tom Marchant, co-founder, Black Tomato, says: “Serving as an antidote to over-scheduled, time-poor stressors that pervade our busy lives, ‘See You in the Moment’ encourages being fully present in the moment with others; being mindful, which by design is innately therapeutic.

“At Black Tomato, we have a deep understanding of the psychology of travel, pioneering travel experiences designed to be transformative and bring lasting impact, from getting lost (Get Lost) to find yourself in Mongolia, to harnessing travel as a self-improvement tool, with Bring it Back.

“Ultimately, we believe these unforgettable shared experiences foster a profound sense of belonging and togetherness, bonding a group by becoming part of their shared narrative. While some moments can still be enjoyed as a couple, there are some that are so much better with more people, when ten years on you just have to look at a friend and there’s an immediate connection from the past that keeps you reminiscing together down the line.”

While Black Tomato has long excelled in executing group trips, the new range of “shared moments” are hoped to appeal to families and friends who want to “connect and commit to carving out time to do more incredible things together with those who matter”.

Black Tomato says: “In looking at how we curate and optimise group travel, which is traditionally defined by compromise, from a practical perspective, a core innovation of ‘See You in the Moment’ is bringing everyone together for a celebratory moment, made all the more poignant and captivating when shared with others, but allowing everyone’s individual needs to be met via bespoke itineraries.

“Crucially, this flexible and customised approach, which removes common friction from the inherent challenges and frequent pain points of group travel, is driven from years of hearing about myriad challenges when clients attempt to organise group trips themselves, with one set itinerary for all.”

Here are some examples of See You In The Moment experiences:

The Meal: Dining under the midnight sun in the Lofotens, Norway

A gourmet private retreat in the Nordics, perched on a secluded beach on an uninhabited island in the Lofotens, is where guests will enjoy the best of nature’s bounty, while relishing the simplicity of living in the elements. A tailored takeover allows creating a memorable multi-day adventure, with options for hiking, kayaking, surfing, RIB boats, cold-water plunges, while a team of world-class chefs and artisans will create magnificent meals throughout the stay, culminating in a gastronomic beach barbecue on a deserted shore accessed by Zodiac; a magical setting for sharing stories.

The Event: Discovering the Lost Songkran, Thailand

Celebrations for the bucket-list festival, Songkran, take place in a local village in the untouristed Isaan region of Thailand, with the chance to forge cherished local connections. Lost and forgotten traditions await discovery as guests will observe the festivities at a temple, take part in a traditional rural temple blessing of the elders, join the night market merriment, and spend an evening with a historian explaining the origins and variations of Songkran across Thailand. Back in a luxurious exclusive-use villa, a private celebration will include a joyous, no-holds-barred water fight with water guns, water balloons, a sand pagoda building contest, and a lavish Thai feast to wrap the day.



The Challenge: An expedition to the last extremity of The Andes, Peninsula Mitre, Argentina

An intrepid and first of its kind exclusive expedition to the very tip of Tierra del Fuego, an almost unknown corner of the world, where guests will tackle an extreme physical challenge together and celebrate their sense of esprit de corps, against the backdrop of crashing surf at the confluence of the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans. Far from Argentina’s usual travel circuit, this high adrenaline trip combines helicopter and sailboat journeys, hiking and horseback riding, with specially built nomadic campsites along the way, all designed to test the group’s endurance and spark camaraderie, in total isolation from civilisation.

The Journey: Exploring untouched oceans surrounding Poor Knight Islands, New Zealand

Onboard a privately chartered, sustainable motor yacht, affiliated with ocean conservation charity, Live Ocean, which works to protect the fragile underwater ecosystems, guests will embark on a pioneering journey to explore untouched oceans off the remote, undeveloped Poor Knight Islands, in search of some of the world’s best diving. Accessible only by sea, this life-affirming experience offers a new perspective on New Zealand and culminates in a collective dive into the subtropical waters amidst orcas, dolphins and rays, before spending the evening stargazing, mesmerised by the clear night skies devoid of any light pollution, replete with an astro-photographer onboard

The Celebration: Ring in the New Year with a Celtic Celebration, Scotland

Blend tradition and modernity in a fitting NYE celebration, immersed in the rich history of the highlands. Learn from the land in bushcraft survival while imbibing on the spirits of the region, learning to pair flavours with modern spices. Explore the mysteries of the loch before participating in a personalised Highland Games, both as spectator and athlete. A gala complete with traditional Ceilidh dancing will ring in the New Year with an awe-inspiring firework display shimmering over the waters of the loch.

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Most of Europe faces a ‘severe’ air pollution crisis but the Nordic regions are escaping unscathed. Will they become a destination for ‘Clean Air Tourism’? Olivia Palamountain reports

A comprehensive study published in the journal Nature reveals that 98 per cent of Europeans are breathing dangerous levels of air pollution.

The findings are based on detailed satellite imagery, over 1,400 ground monitoring stations and advanced modelling techniques.

Experts say the results paint a dire picture of Europe’s air quality crisis that is posing a major threat to public health.

“This is a severe public health crisis. Nearly everyone in Europe is breathing unhealthy air,” said lead researcher Roel Vermeulen of Utrecht University.

The analysis focuses on PM2.5, tiny and hazardous particulates produced by burning fossil fuels. The World Health Organisation recommends average annual exposures remain below 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Shockingly, the study discovered that two-thirds of Europeans live in areas where PM2.5 pollution is over 10 micrograms, more than double WHO limits.Several European countries, including North Macedonia, Poland and Serbia, have average concentrations four times the recommended level.

The highest pollution hotspots cluster in Eastern Europe, though Northern Italy also faces extremely elevated exposures. Even in Western Europe, a majority of the population lives in areas exceeding WHO guidance.

In Sweden, by contrast, there is no area where PM2.5 reaches more than twice the WHO figure, and some areas in northern Scotland are among the few across Europe that fall below it.

The researchers estimate PM2.5 exposure causes 400,000 premature deaths annually across Europe. The particulates can penetrate deep into lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more

“These deaths are preventable. Europe faces a unique opportunity to take bold action and prioritise public health,” said air pollution expert Dr Hanna Boogaard.

The study comes as the EU is considering strengthening its PM2.5 limits to align with WHO advice by 2030. Experts urge policymakers to act swiftly given the magnitude of the problem.

While some cities are implementing anti-pollution initiatives, study author Vermeulen said “politicians must act with more urgency” in light of the evidence.

Tackling the crisis will require system-wide transformation but promises enormous health benefits.

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One year after hiking its ‘sustainable development fee’ to US$200 per person, per night, Bhutan has decided to halve it to attract more visitors. Jenny Southan reports

Meanwhile, elite educational travel company the Luminaire has designed a new nine-day trip that will be guided by the pioneers of the environmental initiatives that maintain Bhutan as the world’s first carbon-negative country.

Many of the experiences have never been offered by travel companies before. Options include joining Bhutanese researcher Dr Tiger Sangay in monitoring camera traps tracking the movements of Bengal Tigers, to research hiking through the Phobjika Vallery with one of Bhutan’s most influential naturalists Dr Sherub Sherub. Additional experiences include:

• A private dinner with expert environmentalist, considered amongst Bhutanese communities as the “Godfather of Conservation”, Dashjo Benji. Founder of Bhutan’s Royal Society for the Protection of Nation, Benji is the leading expert on the Kingdom’s renowned black-necked cranes.
• Descending into the fertile valley of Punakha to the Mo Chhu (Mother River) to explore it by raft.
• Visiting UNESCO-protected Boudhanath Stupa – the largest spherical stupa in Nepal.
• Sustainably foraging for wild edible orchards with expert eco-farmer Sangay Rinchen.
• Private farm-to-fork dinner at Krishnarpan restaurant sourced from Dwakira’s organic farms.
• Guided forestry exploration with tree planter, Sonam Phuntsho, discovering the country’s carbon-negative status.

Guests will stay at a series of luxury lodges with strong sustainability credentials, carefully selected to offer complete sanctuary, including the Dwarika’s Hotel Kathmandu, Six Senses Thimphu, Gangtey Lodge, Punakha River Lodge and Uma Paro.

Pricing starts from £16,990 per person based on two travellers and includes all accommodation, activities, transfers and some meals. This exclusive journey is available on a private basis.

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According to the World Health Organisation, 1.3 billion people (or one in six of us) experience “significant disability”. Rosanna Chopra, executive director of destination development, for Red Sea Global reveals how Saudi Arabia plans to become the world’s most accessible holiday destination.

The forthcoming Red Sea destination on the west coast of Saudi Arabia is on track to welcome its first guests this year when the first three hotels and phase one of the Red Sea International airport opens. Upon completion in 2030, it will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Phase one of Amaala will be ready to welcome its first guests in 2024.

“We pledge to pursue a total commitment to accessible tourism from day one. As a visionary developer, we have the chance to build in accessibility from the ground up, creating exceptional experiences for every visitor to treasure, regardless of their physical or cognitive ability.”

John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global

Rosanna – tell us about Red Sea Global’s new accessible tourism initiative and what inspired you to spearhead it?

“I have a special needs daughter called Aurelia. She has a very rare brain condition called lissencephaly. When she was a baby it was easier to manoeuvre her around but now she’s 11, she’s grown a lot so travelling with her is becoming more complicated. And it’s not just the airport – airports are usually amazing. My youngest child loves travelling with her big sister because she doesn’t have to queue. Where the real challenge comes is at a destination. Often they have badly built assets or assets that were not built with disability or accessibility in mind. And the cost to retrofit them is significant.

“So I started thinking – could bring Aurelia to Saudi Arabia? When I started to look into it, yes I could, but what could Red Sea Global be doing that would make the experience better? I studied the UN-backed standard, ISO 21902, for accessible tourism and could see that many things were being done, but there were many things we needed to do. I presented my idea to our group CEO John Pagano in January 2023 and he approved – and not just for the Red Sea Project, but for every project in the Red Sea Global portfolio. We have called it ‘Project Aurelia’.”

What will this look like in reality? What kinds of improvements will there be on the ground?

“The ISO guidelines are very well written out. You have everything from built area and mobility, to operations, to wayfinding and signage, to experience design and destination marketing. It really sets out the framework for what you must follow. So firstly it’s about raising awareness of visitor accessibility needs and the disability services so we can provide support.

“Then we will look at adaptive equipment for sailing, diving, stand-up paddle boarding, and for people who want to go on adventures in the desert. There is so much new and amazing stuff becoming available. Our diving subsidiary, Galaxea, will even provide PADI-certified adaptive support divers.”

For a lot of people, when they think of accessible travel, they think of just the sort of practical logistics of sort of getting around in a wheelchair like and don’t really think beyond that. But it’s also about how to have fun holiday with a disability isn’t it?

“You’re absolutely right. That’s what people think. They think, do we have a ramp? Do we have an ambulift? But I am asking ‘how can we as a family can happily go on holiday?’ That’s where the industry currently has a challenge because in so many instances, it’s almost easier to leave Aurelia at home where she would be more comfortable, more settled. But then we as a family become fragmented in our down time. This whole initiative goes beyond addressing the mandatory things.

“There’s also the adventure and the excursion opportunities for children with autism, with ADHD, right through to physical disabilities and major neurological disabilities but also people who are going through physical rehabilitation after an accident or surgery. It’s the experience part that is a real anchor.”

Tell us how Project Aurelia will help “regenerate humans” who visit Saudi Arabia?

“Project Aurelia is also about regenerating humans. Consider the fact that 80 per cent of parents of children with special needs get divorced. Sometimes days are really dark and your heart hurts so much – you wonder how you’re going to move to the next point. And when two parents are trying to deal with that level of pain and hurt, often they have to do it as individuals. It’s a very difficult thing to do together.

“Where I’ve been so fortunate in my life is my family are up trees, on boats, on paddle boards – we are out doing everything and are very practical. Aurelia is included in everything, even if it means hoisting her on to a boat, using a winch, which it is not meant for hoisting people. What I’m saying is that my husband and I have been lucky enough to bank a lot of positive, happy experiences as a united family, which have helped us get through the really difficult times.

“What we want to do through our adventure company Akun, for example, is create experiences that help people have a sense of achievement and accomplishment, and help them develop courage and resilience. We want to help families bank these positive experiences that will make them stronger. People with impairments also get so tired of dealing with it. It’s draining. So if they have moments where they’re okay and they have peace, they themselves will feel stronger.

“Red Sea wants you to leave as a better version of yourself – that’s always been our ethos. It’s more than coming and getting a sun tan and perhaps learning a new skill and eating some great food and having a wonderful time. It’s the broader commitment that we’re making to accessibility.”

Are there any other destinations or resorts that you’re looking at that are doing this well at the moment?

“It’s been interesting to see Queensland in Australia. They’ve made a real commitment and what’s been impressive there is how they are empowering local businesses. There is also a brilliant initiative in Greece to make hundreds of their beaches accessible through a partnership with Seatrac.”

What’s next for Saudi Arabia as an accessible tourism destination?

“People with limited mobility and those who need accessibility support will be welcomed from day one, when the first hotel opens. Can we do things better? Must we do things better? Will this be an ongoing process? 100 per cent. But going forward, every single design brief and every consultant we engage with must stipulate in their RFP or in their awarded contract that they must adhere to the ISO standard. We no longer accept submissions from entities where they have not factored this in.

“We won’t get it all right on day one. But if all we do is try and apply the same gentleness and softness and humility of the very child who inspired this, and we continue with that same honesty and humility that John leads the entire organisation with, I’m quite confident we’ll do great things that will contribute to something that goes beyond the boundaries of Saudi Arabia.”

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