Banding together for a better tomorrow
Ian Stalker
Three weeks into 2021 and the New Year’s resolutions are continuing to arrive.
Last week Travel Courier shared several resolutions made by prominent people in the travel industry and this week brings a look at more ways the trade are being proactive.
Here they are:
Dallyce Macas
explora
Dallyce Macas has entered 2021 determined to promote a type of travel that she believes will serve travellers well and the planet too.
In fact, Macas, who oversees the Canadian operation of South American resort company explora, says the type of travel she wants to promote is a winner all-round.
“Having the opportunity to think about how our industry ‘reboots’, my resolution is to promote ‘slow travel,’” she says. “Using electric or hybrid vehicles, trains, ocean-going vessels, cycling and walking as often as possible will not only benefit our Earth but also our minds. Taking fewer trips, but making each one longer in duration to really absorb all there is to offer in a destination is a smart strategy for the benefit of future generations.”
Macas is well aware that the travel industry has come under criticism from some in recent years.
“Over-tourism and fast travel was becoming a liability for our industry,” she says. “It has been the elephant in the room for the past 5 years. Great for profit, bad for the environment. It is time for travel organizations to rethink their business model. In fact, one of my clients, explora, has become a signified Carbon Neutral Company and is on the road to becoming a B Corporation, a highly regarded certification for sustainable and environmental operations.”
Macas is confident her resolution won’t fall by the wayside.
“Resolutions are about progress, not perfection,” she adds. “You may stumble on your hike, but you keep going, knowing there is a great local treat at the end.”
Renata Snidr
NARAT Inc.
Renata Snidr’s is determined to emerge from 2021 hale and hearty.
“My resolution this year is self-care; catering to one’s health and well-being,” says the NARAT employee.
“The global pandemic that has impacted the world for almost the year grounds you and brings into clear focus the fragility and preciousness of life. You take your health for granted most of your life and it takes a monumental health crisis such as Covid-19, to put everything in firm perspective. NARAT has been operating tours that incorporate health and wellness options for many years and we have specific tours that concentrate solely on wellness; such as holistic journeys through Bali, regarded as the wellness capital of the world; yoga tours of India that incorporates a visit to Rishikesh, the birthplace of Yoga; and tours with fitness components such as kayaking, walking and cycling in Portugal and Spain, amongst other destinations.
“My intent is to participate myself on some of these tours as well as take a proactive approach to an active lifestyle. What makes it interesting is that the tours’ wellness components weave in a different experience of the destination. Even active tours that incorporate walking, communicates a separate experience; such as walking in the captivating gothic quarter of Barcelona sampling tapas as opposed to experiencing the same part of the city through the window of a tour bus or car.
“I think medical tourism is potentially going to become more prominent with consumers in the upcoming years, though it is not a product we offer. Holidays by themselves have been scientifically proven a health necessity.”
Snidr says she’s committed to keeping her resolutions and NARAT is committed to keeping its clients safe. “I intend to maintain personal time to focus on health and well-being. In terms of our operations, we conduct administrative and ground checks to ensure procedures are adhered to and make changes as needed to maintain standards.”
THEMUSEUM
Kitchener, Ont.
A Kitchener, Ont. museum has resolved to get the word out that even if You Can’t Always Get What You Want, you can land an exhibit showcasing the Rolling Stones if things go your way.
THEMUSEUM has put up banners announcing that it will host The Rolling Stones UNZIPPED from Nov. 30, 2021, until Feb. 27, 2022.
The exhibit has already appeared in Europe, the United States and Asia.
“It brings me much excitement to be able to announce… that we dub 2021 as The Year of The Rolling Stones in our community,” said David Marskell, CEO of THEMUSEUM.
UNZIPPED is expected to bring tens of thousands people to the community, putting the Waterloo Region on a much larger cultural map.
With 10,000 square feet of one-of-a-kind artifacts, UNZIPPED will take visitors backstage into the lives of the world’s greatest rock band. This particular Canadian engagement of UNZIPPED will boast more than 300 original objects from the Stones’ personal collection. Along with instruments and stage designs, the exhibition includes rare audio fragments, video footage, personal diaries, iconic costumes, posters, and album covers.
Tickets are on sale now for The Rolling Stones | UNZIPPED. For more information on the exhibition and ticket sales, visit unzippedkw.ca.
