TravelWise with Phil Blizzard

In this episode, Phil Blizzard at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai,  explores the rich history and vibrant culture of this fascinating kingdom.  Starting  with  the historic centre of Diriyah,  a UNESCO World Heritage site that's steeped in tradition and heritage he talks to Naif Awlia, Tourism & Engagement Director, DiriyahThen a preview of Bab Al Samahn,  first hotel to open within Diriyah where ancient charm meets modern luxury.  Phil taks to Fabrice Ducry, GM, of this Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott.From there we head south, so to speak,  to the stunning region of Aseer,  where natural beauty and warm hospitality await -  according to  Dr Amr Homoud Almari, CEO - Oerations, Aseer.You can watch the interviews in this podcast on You Tube, using the links below.Diriyah interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTrdEePg3GYBab Al Sanhan interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNEDvjQaYUYAseer interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Jt0AUC9cA

A TravelWise podcast vignette with Jawad Saade, GM, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences, Jewel of the Creek talking about their Ramadan Iftar offerings along side the wonderful Dubai Creek.The podcast of the full interview with Jawad Saade, GM, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences, Jewel of the Creek is now available.

Join Phil Blizzard as he continues his exploration of Dubai's newest destination - the Jewel of the Creek. In this episode he visits the Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences to meet Jawad Saade, General Manger who talks about the guests first point of contact - the traditonal Arabic welcome with a cup of qahwa (listen to find out what this is). He talks about the appeal of the serviced apartments, their creekside location and some of the activites they offer visitors staying at 'The Heart of Dubai'.

Join Phil Blizzard as he explores one of Dubai's newest destinations - Jewel of the Creek. In this episode he visits the Marriott Marquis Dubai and meets Fredrik Reinisch, the general manager to talk about this newly opened hotel and what guests can expect, the heritage of the location and the importance of the MICE market, plus  a lot lot more!

The first TravelWise podcast of 2025 with Phil Blizzard talking to Bani Haddad, Co-founder and managing director of Aleph Hospitality, a Dubai based, independent hospitality management company, which will be 10 years old in 2025The talk is about the services they offer to key markets across the MIddle East and Africa, their entry into Morocco and, of course, Saudi Arabia - the challenges and opportunities.Along with a reflection on key activities in 2024 and  a look ahead to plans for 2025 - including further development of their Innovation Lab, their collaboration with 'Evolvin Women' and the development of Dubai's Jewel of the Creek.

TravelWise onboard the Star Legend luxury yacht in the Mediterranean for the inaugural 'Legendary Winter in the  Mediterranean' cruise. Join Phil Blizzard on board  Star Legend, from Windstar,  as he explores the luxury yacht as it sails from Rome to Barcelona.  He talks to key members of  staff about the facilities,  the various dining options, entertainment and the shore excursions available at ports of call along the way,  This boutique yacht has just over 300 passengers per sailing!Ports on the cruise include Civitavecchia, Rome and Livono for Pisa in Italy, Nice  and Marseille in France and the arrival port of Barcelona, Spain.Phil concludes this episode with Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Office, Windstar  and some exciting news about future 'Legendary Winter in the  Mediterranean' cruises for Winter 2024/25If you are someone who is looking at a boutique cruise experience which is personal and friendly and takes you  to the less-visited places than this is the travel experience for you.For further information about this cruise and the others operated by Windstar contact www.CruiseMaster-ME.com Travel Wise from Phil Blizzard - News, Views & Interviews, along with travel tips to enhance your journey.

Abu Dhai tourism news from Abdullah Yousef, Director of International Operations, Department of Culture & Tourism who talks to Phil Blizzard at the World Travel Market, London.Listen to this comprehensive overview of the tourism development plans for the capital of the United Arab Emirates - from dedicated zones to the worlds largest entertainment sphere.

TravelWise on the road in the 'Land of Smiles' with Phil Blizzard and this trilogy which will take you 'off the beaten track' down south in Khao Tao, jungle trekking in Chiang Mai and a re-vist to the increasingly popular Hua Hin.  This episode begins in Wongamat, Northern Pattaya, which is close to U-Tapao the arrival point in Thailand for flydubai and their daily service from Dubai. Travelling south to the 'Royal Resort' of Hua Hin Phil catches up with Richard Jackson from English radio station Surf Fm to talk about the latest news on events, happenings & places to go. Plus information on a super affordable way to travel to the capital from Hua Hin airport in a comfortable air condition bus.Plus my travel tips on where to stay, places to go in this 'The Royal Resort of Thailand'.Featured hotel - Supatra Beach Resort Hua Hin - https://www.daviniaresort.com/Featured High Spot - Vana Nava Sky Bar - Holiday Inn Hua Hin - https://www.vananavasky.com/Recommended Transportation Service - Thanyakarn Ying Transport - https://www.facebook.com/ying.transport

The settings of the fabulous Brecon Beacons, Bannau Brycheiniog, in Wales is the location for this podcast whereby Phil Blizzard, in his studio, links up with organiser Janine Price to talk about the regions first Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Festival.Further details - https://wellsynergy.walesLocation of the festival is Onnenfawr Leisure Ltd Crai LD3 8PYBannau Brycheiniog means “The Peaks of Brychan's Kingdom”, with Brychan a legendary king who is said to have ruled the Brecon area during the 5th century

Discover Qatar with Phil Blizzard talking to Phil Dickinson from Qatar Tourism who is responsible for the Leading International Markets & MICE marketing.  Highlights of the interview include the 'Discover Qatar Stop-Over' programme which, in conjunction Qatar Airways, offers visitor stays in 4* hotel from just US$14 per person per night, along with a 24hr check-in service! Phil Dickenson also talks about the key aspects of their current tourism strategy programme which, following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 , is based around 'demand spaces' in the leisure, cultural and romantic stay sectors.For more information visit the website - www.visitqatar.qa

Seychelles Tourism minister, HE Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism,  talks to Phil Blizzard about their developments and key focus for the future of this industry within the Seychelles islands. The podcast also features. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary, Seychelles Tourism who talks about new hotels opening, the events and festivals taking place,  including the prestigious FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 which will be taking place in the capital Victoria in May 2025.For more information visit: Seychelles Tourism  www.seychelles.com/culture/creole-rendezvousSeychellois Creole Experiences  - www.kokosye.com

TravelWise podcast with Phil Blizzard and in this vignette epsiode we link up with travel and tourism expert Gemma Greenwood who is in Sydney, Australia. Gemma takes us away from  the city centre and it's iconic tourists magnets - Bondi Beach, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. This time her 'Off The Beaten Track' recommendation is a 9 hour drive up the coast from Sydney to Cabarita Beach in northern New South Wales! Listen to find out why!TravelWise vignettes are short, snappy podcasts less than 10 minutes in duration, featuring all the essential information you need to know about a particular destination and this is what you will hear from Gemma.

A TravelWise vignette as Phil Blizzard checks into  Dubai's newest destination the Jewel of the Creek – home to the glittering Marriott Marquis Dubai and Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences. In this podcast he discovers what the destination has to offer by talking to  Anders Lingard-Johannesson, General Manager, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences.

"Talking to Adrian Hayes is an adventure in itself " says Phil Blizzard with this episode taking you, via your "Airpods'  from the comfort of your 'zone' to the frozen, almost,  vertical rock face close to the 8,586m summit of Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas.Adrian Hayes is heading back to the Himalayan 8000m giants with an expedition to attempt the majestic Kanchenjunga - the little known, 3rd highest mountain in the world, located on the Eastern Nepal and Indian border.  We start by talking about the preparations  for the expedition and the challenges to be faced.In this conversational journey  we reflect on his previous major expeditions and his collection of world records - including the Three Poles Challenge. Climbing Mount Everest and walking to both the North & South Poles!  Which, when talking about bringing up a teenage daughter he said "was more demanding than summiting  Everest and reaching the two poles "!Our common connection with the Middle East comes into the conversation - with my memories of him dragging car tyres across the beaches of Dubai for some reason or other! How the UAE and the delightful Oman offers so much to adventurers. Plus recollections of 'The Soldier of Arabia - David Neild'  and so much more, including the special affiliation Adrian has with the Gurkha regiment.Adrian also talks about his other life  - that as a professional speaker - human development and what adventuring brings to that table, and vice versa. Finally a concluding piece which Adrian Hayes has provided about the forthcoming expedition.‘Kanch' rises to a height of 8,586 m (28,169 ft); is huge, remote, steep and technical, with a near vertical rock face near the summit and, above all, the longest summit push of any 8000 m mountain on Earth. The fact that there are only approx. 25 climbers attempting it this year, compared to the hundreds that will shortly be on Everest, testimony to it being one of the least climbed 8000ers. It has always held a special place with me, being located in my former Gurkha regiment's recruiting heartlands of Eastern Nepal; having first seen it in the early 90s on a welfare trek whilst serving in the Brigade; and long having ambitions to climb it. On the trek in I will be visiting 7th Gurkha Rifles pensioners and their families gathered for their annual reunions in the Gurkha Welfare Trust Welfare Centres of Phidim and Taplejung - a role I undertook in 2022 which was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in the country.It's 18 years since I climbed Everest, 10 years since summiting K2 and nine since our aborted attempt on Makalu (the 5th highest mountain in the world). And following last year's return to high altitude mountaineering and our ‘warm up' attempt of the difficult Pumori (7181 m), I have been preparing and planning ever since - the joys, total absorption and complete focus of a major goal!For further information visit www.adrianhayes.com

TravelWise podcast with Phil Blizzard and in this vignette epsiode we link up with travel and tourism expert Gemma Greenwood who is in Sydney, Australia. In this episode Gemma takes us away from  the city centre and it's iconic tourists magnets - Bondi Beach, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.   Her 'Off The Beaten Track' recommendation is the beachside town of Cronulla. Listen to find out why!TravelWise vignettes are short, snappy podcasts less than 10 minutes in duration, featuring all the essential information you need to know about a particular destination and this is what you will hear from Gemma.

Check out the latest episode in the TravelWise vignette series - short and snappy podcasts that are less than 10 minutes long.  All the essential information you need to know about a particular destination or in this episode a featured airline & flight!Phil Blizzard checks  out the flydubai service from Dubai to U-Tapao, Pattaya International Airport, Thailand.  Recorded on board the Boeing 737-  MAX 8 you will get information on the seat layout, the meal service and in-flght entertainment and digital services.For more information visit www.flydubai.com

Check out the latest episode in the TravelWise vignette series - short and snappy podcasts that are less than 10 minutes long.  All the essential information you need to know about a particular destination or in this eposode a featured hotel!Phil Blizzard checks-in to Al Hamra Village Hotel to check-out what they offer since their refurbishment. For more information about the hotel and their current room rates visit  https://alhamra.ae/hospitality-al-hamra-village-hotel/

TravelWise onboard the Star Legend luxury yacht in the Mediterranean for the inaugural 'Legendary Winter in the  Mediterranean' cruise. Join Phil Blizzard on board  Star Legend, from Windstar,  as he explores the luxury yacht as it sails from Rome to Barcelona. He  talks to key members of  staff about the facilities,  the various dining options.  entertainment and the shore excursions available at ports of call along the way,  Ports on the cruise include Civitavecchia, Rome and Livono for Pisa in Italy, Nice  and Marseille in France and tyhe arrival portb of Barcelona, Spain.Phil concludes this episode with Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Office, Windstar  and some exciting news about future 'Legendary Winter in the  Mediterranean' cruises for Winter 2024/25If you are someone who is looking at a boutique cruise experience which is personal and friendly and lets you visit to the less-visited places than this is the product for you.For further information about this cruise and the others operated by Windstar contact www.CruiseMaster-ME.com Travel Wise from Phil Blizzard - News, Views & Interviews, along with travel tips to enhance your journey.

Phil Blizzard is onboard Star Legend, a luxury small yacht from Windstar, for his TravelWise podcast and to experience their debut 'Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean' cruise. In this interview he talks to Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Office who provides a profile of Windstar Cruises, the small ships they operate and their various cruises, along what can be expected for passengers on a 'Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean' cruise.  TravelWise - the 'Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean'  experience with Phil Blizzard will be the next episode in this mini series.

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard attends the the sell-out Mid Wales Tourism Conference, held at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells and talks to key stakeholders at the event.  Tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales are being encouraged to work with Visit Wales to bring more international visitors to the region Mid Wales is recognised for its culture, adventure, landscape, history and heritage and is being  marketed by Visit Wales to countries France, Germany, Netherlands, USA and Ireland. 

In this the third episode of the TravelWise  World Travel Market Trilogy series  the focus is on two major tourism projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - first its AlUla which has been described as a living museum of sandstone outcrops, historic developments, and preserved tombs . But with a 'jam packed' events and activity calender it is more than that as I discovered when I spoke with Melanie D'Souza, Executive Director of the Royal Commission for AlUla .   So in this podcast discover the extraordinary heritage and more of AlUla. The other stopping off point is the Red Sea - a phenomenal project in the Kingdom, now coming to life with the opening of luxurious accommodation as highlighted by John Pagano, CEO, Red Sea Global, along with their philosophy of regenerative tourism.

In this the second of the TravelWise  World Travel Market Trilogy series  we have a focus on aviation as I take off with Saudi Arabia's start up airline - Riyadh Air where I talk to Vincent Coste, CCO  about their plans and how starting from scratch in the digital era is a big  advantage to both the airline and it's future customers. Next on my WTM  fight path is a stop over at the Kingom of Saudi Arabia's legacy carrier - Saudia. The focus here is their rebranding and the use of technology, including AI, to enhance the customer experience.  Final destination in this aviation special is Air Mauritius and the latest news regarding their UK - Mauritius route. New airport, new aircraft and new daily service.

In this the first of the TravelWise  World Travel Market Trilogy series  we have a focus on Dubai as I talk to two brothers, both CEOs and both leaders of key tourism and hospitality entities.   The  brothers are  Fahad Kazim, CEO,  Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Africa and Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Tourism. Both attended the World Travel Market,  London to promote  Dubai by meeting key players from across the world in this major tourism event.In the second episode of the World Travel Market Trilogy the focus will be aviation and the third part with feature the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

TravelWise - Phil Blizzard goes luxury cruising, samples the Emirates  Premium Economy Experiences and visits the World Travel Market, London - find out more in this preview of the episodes to end the year.

A private jet service for you and your pet canine is the focus of this episode! Phil Blizzard talks to Adam  Golding, Co-Founder, K9 Jets to find out more their 'barking' flights and the new service linking London with Dubai.We find out how the dogs get on together in the luxurious cabin of a private jet, the checkin process, along with the benefits of flying in a private jet.

Check out the latest episode of TravelWise podcast with Phil Blizzard! This time, we're introducing our new vignette series - short and snappy podcasts that are less than 10 minutes long, featuring all the essential information you need to know about a particular destination.In this edition we provide a little insight into beautiful Bergamo in Northern Italy. Whether you're planning a trip or just want to learn more about this stunning location, our podcast has got you covered! From Bruce Springsteen at the nearby Monza Autodrome to the delightful mountain Lake Iseo. With Elisabeth Campanini, at the Across Bergamo tourist office we talk about  cuisine, art, the funicular railway to the Old Town in Bergamo and much more, including flydubai's new gateway to Milan. If you want more information about this enchanting destination visit www.acrossbergamo.comBergamo is the Italian Capital of Culture during 2023For accommodation check out - https://www.hotel-bb.com/en/hotel/bergamoStay tuned for more exciting episodes of TravelWise and make sure you're always TravelWise

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard and the summer season of  'On Location' podcasts gets underway in the Spanish capital - Madrid.  So expect vibrant flamenco dancing from the Corral Del La Moreria a club which has been visited by so many super stars - from the Beatles  to Marlon Brando, and so many more.  We also feature roof top dining at the Picalagartos Sky Bar with its stunning vista's across the city.The podcast opens from the NH Collection Palacio de Tepa hotel in the heart of the capital. Where Monica Torres, the  general manger of the hotel offers on overview of this historical hotel,along with lots of general information for visitors to the city.The Picalagartos Sky Bar is located on the roof top of the NH Collection Madrid Gran Via 

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard touring the Middle East's largest travel event - the Arabian Travel Market.  In this podcast recorded at a very vibrant ATM  you can discover Emirates Airlines Premium Economy class offering as Phil talks to Adnan Kazim the airline's Chief Commercial Officer.  He also reflects back to the size of Emirates at the time the ATM started. Next stop is Dubai Tourism and a conversation with Hoor Alkhaja, Associate VP - International Operations, Dubai Economy & Tourism.  Finally, a look at hotel loyalty programmes and the importance of hotels to embrace  sustainability with Christopher Hartley, CEO of Dubai based Global Hotel Alliance. Episode 2 will feature various key entities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Paris based luxury hospitality brand Fauchon is the focus of this episode with Phil Blizzard talking to Jacques-Olivier Chauvin who commences the conversation by highlighting their 100 year history - from Luxury Teas Shops to Luxury Hotels. Jacques explains why they selected Dubai 'born and based' Aleph Hospitality for a partnership to develop their brand across the Middle East and the appeal of their product to 'high net work females in the region.  No stranger to the region Fauchon,  with a strong presence in Kuwait and Bahrain, are looking to open in Dubai. Explaining that in order to survive in the highly competitive Dubai market the product has to be a fresh, new concept.  So listen out in the podcast for the 'Gourmet Hotel'.Talking just after International Woman's Day Jacques was delight to talk about the accolade they has just received - with Fauchon L'Hôtel Paris receiving the award "Best Hotel for Women" in the "Five Stars & Luxury category". 

Dubai born and based Aleph Hospitality is the focus of this episode with Phil Blizzard talking Bani Haddad the Founder and CEO of the management company who starts the conversation by explaining what they do and their different approach to hotel management. Bani talks about they way their  company are seeing rapid expansion across the Middle East and Africa and expands on the recent news of their partnership with Paris based luxury brand Fauchon.

Pattaya located on the northern most part of the Gulf of Thailand is a one of two new gateways to the 'Land of Smiles' offered by flydubai. In this travel special podcast Phil Blizzard begins his journey onboard a flydubai Boeing 737 Max for the 7 hour flight from Dubai to Utapao airport. Once there he catches up with fellow broadcaster Richard Jackson from one of Thailand's most popular English language radio station - Surf Fm102.5 based in Hua Hin. The conversation is Pattaya related and moves onto the devleopment of this part of Thailand. Following this you can expect some tips on 'getting around',  where to stay and perhaps more importantly where 'Not to Stay' - including Phil's big escape!!. You will also hear about shopping at Terminal 21 and the world's largest wooden temple - The Sanctury of Truth. Part 2 in this gateway mini series will feature Bangkok an dthe Royal Thai resort of Hua Hin.

TravelWise Aviation News - part 1b of the flydubai to Pattaya Special.News from the major airlines in the Middle East - including record profits for flydubai and their new routes to Saudi Arabia. Plus the big NEWS being the new national airline for the KIngdom of Saudi Arabia

TravelWise Aviation News - part 1a of the flydubai to Pattaya Special.News from the major airlines in the Middle East - including new pilot training facilities to be built by Emirates,  Qatar Airways taking on board the F1 Airline sponsorship and  a raft of new destinations from flydubai - presented by Phil Blizzard

Phil Blizzard hosts this 'Land of Smiles' special by joining Surf Fm broadcaster Richard Jackson, in Hua Hin, to talk about the post COVID  'bounce back' of tourism to Thailand. Richard  also offers his 'local' knowledge of flydubai's new destinations - Krabi, on the Andaman Sea and Pattaya at the top of the Gulf of Siam.Aviation News starts off this podcast with an overview of the new routes being launched by flydubai in 2023

The new autumn series of PodTalks gets underway with Phil Blizzard talking to  two  of Eygpt's most accomplished  extreme sports athletes and adventure travellers. They recall their adventures and the challenges faced  as well as those faced on the journey to become successful serial entrepreneursOmar Samra is the first Egyptian and one of less than 40 people in history to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam which involves skiing to both the north and south poles, climbing Everest, along with the  7 highest mountain summits.Omar Nour is a former professional triathlete and together with Omar Samra they rowed across the Atlantic ocean and in doing so became the first Arabs to accomplish the 1000km plus crossing.Look out for the movie -  "Beyond the Raging Sea" a documentary which they have produced about their epic row across the Atlantic OceanThe podcast was recorded at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, Sharjah 2021

Phil  Blizzard talks to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates at the Arabian Travel Market and sits comfortably in the new Premium Economy seat whilst talking to Adnan Kazim, COO, Emirates. In this podcast, the first for the summer season,  Aviation News features flydubai and their seasonal destinations, plus their special flights to Doha for the FIFA World Cup 

A fascinating chat with Steve Wozniak as he reveals his philosophy for Apple, how a floppy disc took him out of California and onto to Las Vegas. Plus much more  - like the name he use to avoid recognition at university and why he did not adopt the American Dream! The interview was recorded in Qatar at the the ‘Partnership Strategies for Corporate R&D' conference, hosted by Qatar Science & Technology Park and first broadcast on AME Info Radio, Dubai.

A fascinating conversation between Phil Blizzard and  two  of Eygpt's most accomplished  extreme sports athletes and adventure travellers. They talk about their adventures and the challenges faced on  their travels, as well as those faced on the journey to become successful serial entrepreneursOmar Samra is the first Egyptian and one of less than 40 people in history to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam which involves skiing to both the north and south poles, climbing Everest, along with the  7 highest mountain summits. Omar Nour is a former professional triathlete and together with Omar Samra they rowed across the Atlantic ocean and in doing so became the first Arabs to accomplish the 1000km plus crossing. Look out for the movie -  "Beyond the Raging Sea" a documentary which they have produced about their epic row across the Atlantic OceanThe podcast was recorded at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, Sharjah 2021

A conversation with Martin Barth,  President & CEO, World Tourism Forum Lucerne, at the recently held  'START - UP INNOVATION SUMMIT 2002' which took place at the Hilton DoubleTree, on Marjan Island.  Listen to to discover the aims of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne, what they do, why they are in Ras al Khaimah and on a lighter note  my favourite restaurant in this emirate!!! 

Raki Philips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development talks to Phil Blizzard about the exciting events taking place in the emirates during the first quarter of 2022, along with the  record breaking start to the year.  Events include - the World Travel Forum - Lucerne Innovation Summit, where this podcast is being recorded, the PGA European Tour Golf Tournament, Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, plus the Arab Aviation Summit and PATA Annual Summit.  PATA, the Pan Asia Tourism Association has moved this event to the MIddle East for the first time.MICE -  Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Events) is a key revenue driver for the tourism industry and Raki explains the importance of this sector to Ras al Khaimah

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard and the first episode of 2022 looks back at some of the 'travel firsts' from 2021.These first 'In-Person' events and activities for podcast host Phil Blizzard include an aviation panel discussion, filming interviews at a travel exhibition, a delightful  staycation alongside the Dubai Creek. Plus the high spot  - my first flight in over 18 months. So fasten your seat belt, get comfortable and enjoy the flight.  

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard and the opening of the eagerly awaited Anantara Dubai World Islands. In part 2 of this interview with Michael Marshall, Chief Operating Office for Minor Hotels the focus is on the GCC region. In the pipeline are several new hotels - such as The Anantara Ras Al Khaimah and Anantara - The Plaza in Qatar. To conclude Michael talks about the prospects for 'end of year 'travellers to Thailand, home to the HQ of Minor Hotels.

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard and as more countries open up to international travellers the focus this time is Thailand.  We catch up with Michael Marshall, Chief Operating Office for Minor Hotels - with their well know brands such as Anantara Hotels - Resorts - Spas and the  Avani Hotels & Resorts. In this the first of two podcasts Michael talks about the current regulations for visiting the 'Land of Smiles', how they had to restructure their operations to serve the domestic market and how the festive season is looking for international travellers.

A new season of travel podcasts and Phil Blizzard is off on  his first flight for over 18 months, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Flying with Emirates from Dubai to Barcelona on a Boeing 777 Phil samples the Emirates Business Class experience - from the limousine pick-up to the 'new norm' check-in and the flight itself.  So fasten your seat belts and get ready for take off.

In this interview special  Phil Blizzard zoom's across to Koh Samui, Thailand to talk to Bruce Ryder, General Manager , Kamalaya Wellness Santuary.  With the island just opening to international visitors we hear about the procedure for travelling to Koh Samui - including the 'sealed route' from Bangkok. We talk about island life in this COVID era and discover what the santuary offers guests from across the world.Kamalaya Koh Samui is an multi award-winning Wellness Sanctuary with a unique & integral wellness approach with a synergy of healing therapies from East and West, a sublimely beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine, and holistic fitness practices. Guests are taken on a joyful inward journey to health, happiness and fulfilment. 

This Staycation Special from the Park Hyatt, Dubai continues as Phil Blizzard soaks up the atmosphere of the pools, talks spa relaxation with the resort managing director Stephan Schupbach. Exploration of the resort continues with culinary offerings - from France to Spain and the not to be missed legendary Boardwalk.  Located alongside the Dubai Creek the resort is a sanctuary in the very heart of Dubai with a multitude of restaurants, a white sandy beach,  swimming pools.  

Located alongside the Dubai Creek the resort is a sanctuary in the very heart of Dubai with a multitude of restaurants, a white sandy beach,  swimming pools.  Phil Blizzard checks into the Park Hyatt, Dubai to discover what the resort has to offer and is greeted by the Managing Director - Stephan Schupbach who provides an overview of the resort.  In this, the first part, Phil also talks to Patrick Fernandez,  Director F & B about the culinary tour which guests can enjoy and then heads off to Thailand as well as the Greek Islands! How .. just listen in.

In this edition Phil Blizzard has the latest travel news - including Italy and Phuket, Thailand to welcome international visitors - in June and July, respectively.  Flyduabi launches new services to Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, plus Shamal Shiekh, Egypt. To find out more about flydubai's other summer destinations and the airlines adaptability to market opportunities Phil talks to Jeyhun Efendi, Snr VP - Commercial Operations, flydubai whilst attending the Arabian Travel Market. But first there is  a link up with Richard Jackson at Thailand's Surf FM radio station to talk about the travel situation, generally, and also a focus for visitors to Dubai

Breaking Travel News podcast from the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai with Phil Blizzard reporting on the latest news and talking to key players from the travel industry. On Day 3 the key interviews for this podcast include a look at Dubai Expo - what visitors from across the globe can expect. I have  a very lively conversation with Sumathi Ramanathan,  VP – Market Strategy & Sales, Expo 2020 Dubai  - fasten your seat belts for this!!  Plus a fascinating insight into one of the major projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with New Yorker Jerry Inzerillo, CEO,  Diriyah Gate Development Authority, KSA

Breaking Travel News podcast from the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai with Phil Blizzard reporting on the latest news and talking to key players from the travel industry. On Day 2 the big news is the announcement from Dubai Tourism on the relaxing of covid restrictions on hotels and the start of events - both outdoors and indoors. An the key interviews for this podcast included Adnan Kazim, COO,  Emirates Airline and  Raki Phiips, CEO, Rasl Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.