povostevo

Student at Eton College 

[povostevo-blog]

Destination Branding - Destination BC

https://www.destinationbc.ca

A brand is a collection of perceptions in the mind of a visitor - the psychological, emotional, and motivational link between the customer and the product. 

Different destination brand themselves with defining their destination unique selling points, producing motivational messages, crafting a slogan, creating a unique logo and through theme development or media in relation of their destination.

Destination BC has effectively branded itself by promising a unique kind of travel experience, and guides expectations of not only what travellers will see and do, but also how they will feel. Their brand vision is to take action to building and nurturing, a brand that engages and inspires individuals to travel to British Columbia. Their brand has been using the slogan Super, Natural British Columbia for over 30 years. The slogan has been effective because it has inspired millions of people to visit British Columbia. In addition, their brand puts British Columbia’s true nature at its finest and definitely impacts deeper meaning and emotional quality to the slogan while continuing to build on its long established objective. On the other hand, their brand has produced six regional videos that reflect the qualities of the brand for each of the tourism regions; Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, Vancouver, Coast and Mountains and Vancouver Island.  These were developed to bring the brand to life at the regional level. many remarkable experiences the regions offer travellers were captured in these videos.

British Columbia is a province shaped by nature with abundant wildlife. Therefore, Destination BC target would be people who enjoy connecting with the wilderness, also known as being  “wild at heart” or just travel and experience nature. They believe the truth and authenticity of BC’s nature brings out the traveller’s better self; which consist of diversity of landscapes and variety of experiences with the warmth and welcome of the communities and people around.

I believe Destination BC has effectively branded itself with not only their simple yet powerful slogan that fits British Columbia nicely but the videos they provided showing the beautiful regions of the province.

Word count: 349

[povostevo-blog]

Accommodation Innovation - Underwater Hotel Residence

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/maldives-underwater-residence/index.html

In this article, The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort in Maldives is innovating their accomodation. A $15 million two-story hotel villa is being bullied, a part of which will be 16.4 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean.

The two-story hotel villa is named the “Muraka or “coral” in the Maldives’ local language Dhivehi, accommodating up to nine guests. It is due to be completed in November 2018 and believed to be the world’s first undersea residence with the most technologically advanced than other hotels around the world. Features include a underwater bedroom floor with unparalleled views of the ocean. As well as, a gym, a bar and an ocean-facing bathtub on the top level.

The top level is 550 square meters with a sunrise-facing relaxation deck which has an infinity pool that provides viewing points of both sunrise and sunset. Connecting to the top level. It features a king-size and twin-size  bedroom, a powder room, a kitchen, and a dining area. A spiral staircase leads you to the undersea section, an area of 102 square meters and with a suite section, being made up of king-size bedroom, living room and bathroom.

Guests can enjoy a host of amenities such as fast arrival and departure airport service, a private speedboat to get around the island and daily spa treatments, 24- hour butler service, a yoga instructor, and a private chef.

Uji Yamazaki designed the villa’s minimal interior by having walls and ceilings of reflective glass, plush leather finishes, and marble and granite detailing. The materials and natural hues were purposely chosen to complement the undersea environment.

I find this accommodation innovation interesting because it sounds fanasticing, having the the opportunity to lodge in a hotel and enjoy the sea characteristics and environment in a new perspective. Although, there are plenty and a variety of amenities guest can enjoy that would attract people to stay here, natural disasters can affect the structure and foundation of the hotel; which can be a safety hazard. Since it is not completed yet, I would not check into this hotel if I were in Maldives just yet until I learn more about the hotels structure and people’s experiences there.

Word Count: 390

[povostevo-blog]

New Restaurant Concept - Piece of Meat

https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/entertainment_life/food_restaurants/article_d4a01b76-427c-11e8-a4ba-9b16428efa65.html

In this article, a restaurant called Piece of Meat has a new restaurant concept for 2018; a butcher shop and restaurant. This restaurant opened in April 2018 and is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The owners, Leighann Smith and Daniel Jackson developed Piece of Meat in partnership with the owners of the adjacent Bayou Beer Garden and Bayou Wine Garden. Customers are able to see the employees butcher and cure all meats in-house, and a wide selection of raw, cured and smoked meats are available in a deli case. There are strip steaks, ribeyes, pork chops, pork belly and pork tenderloin, cured country ham, pancetta, guanciale, jerky, country-style terrine, smoked duck breasts and andouille available as well. In addition, they have sandwiches on their menu which includes a brisket medley with pickled red onions, horseradish mayonnaise and barbecue sauce on a bun. There also are charcuterie and cheese boards, a farro salad and sesame-marinated cucumbers. Nachos feature house-made boudin, fried pork skins, nacho cheese sauce and candied jalapenos. Catering is also available. If you order more than 48 hours ahead, they can provide you any meat you like. The restaurant consists of monthly specials which engages customers to continue to come. Steak night is every Tuesday of the month, some assortment of specialty cuts are grilled over charcoal outside. The steaks might be aged, Wagyu or extra-large.

This restaurant concept would attract people who love meat and an open kitchen with nothing to hide. Regardless of the fact that vegetarians and vegans are becoming more common in 2018, this restaurant concept would be towards to people who have interests in how their meal is prepared and being aware of what is exactly in the food; which is a trend now in days. I find this concept very interesting because they showcase the quality of the meat being butcher, cured and cooked all in one place. I would enjoy the opportunity to know and see how my food is prepared if I were to go here. The restaurant type is a steakhouse since they cater to meat lovers. It would also be considered a causal quick restaurant for having their menu items being fresh with high-quality ingredients. Being a sandwich lover, I believe this restaurant provides convenience; the raw cuts of meats are better when they're made into sandwiches instead of having the same meat wrapped into butcher paper to go.There are plenty of butchers and restaurants with meats in New Orleans but Piece of Meat is definitely a different and better restaurant concept, for being an eatery and a retailer.

Word count: 434

[povostevo-blog]

Different etiquettes between the Filipino culture and the Greek culture

I consider the Filipino culture to be my culture because of my parents, who were born and raised in the Philippines. Since I do not have any relatives here in Vancouver, B.C, my family and I visit the Philippines every two-three years, where I learn and adapt to the Filipino culture. 

https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/greece-guide

From this article, I have noticed different etiquettes between the Filipino culture and the Greek culture; regarding meeting, table manners, gift-giving and religion.

How one greets when meeting someone for the first time in the Filipino culture is followed by a smile and a handshake. A smile and handshake is also how one greets when meeting someone for the first time in the Greek culture but maintaining direct eye contact. Close friends and family may accompany a handshake with a pat on the back or hug to greet each other in the Filipino culture. Although, when it comes to close friends in the Greek culture, they may kiss each other on the cheek. Male friends often slap each other’s arm at the shoulder. The common gesture in the Filipino culture called mano is used to greet the elderly people. Mano is performed as a sign of respect and as a way of accepting a blessing from the elder. The person offering a ‘Mano’ will bow towards the offered hand and press their forehead on the head. The common verbal for respecting the elderly is “Po”. While in the Filipino culture there is common gesture, there is not one in the Greek culture. When greeting the elderly people in the Greek culture, they address them by their title and last name unless invited to move to a first-name basis. The appropriate titles for addressing them is ‘Keerios’ (Mr) for men and ‘Keeria’ (Mrs) for women. People who are not related to the elderly people, address as ‘Theia’ (Aunty) and ‘Theios’ (Uncle).

Table manners in the Filipino culture include, using a fork and spoon; holding the fork in the left hand and use it to guide the food to the spoon in your right hand. Instead in the Greek culture, a fork and knife is used; holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. When a toast is given in the Filipino culture, it includes the word “Mabuhay” which means “Long life”. On the other hand, “Elis Igian sas” means “to your health” are the words included in a toast in the Greek culture.

When it comes to gift-giving in the Filipino culture, gifts are usually not opened when received but in the Greek culture, it is common to open the gift when received. A holiday where gifts are received called name day is only celebrated in the Greek culture;  when someone is named after a saint, that saint’s celebration day becomes their “name day”.

Roman Catholic is the most common religion practiced in the Filipino culture. However in Greece, they practice the religion of Greek Orthodox. Easter is the major religious holiday and the celebration is more important to most Greeks than Christmas. On the other hand, Christmas is more important to the Filipinos.

Finding out about the etiquettes of the Greek culture being different from my culture, gives me a sense of understanding and new perspective for the culture of Greece. 

Word count: 549 words

[povostevo-blog]

Interesting Geographical Landscape - The Chocolate Hills

http://www.explorephilippines.org/destination/chocolate-hills

The Chocolate Hills is located in Bohol in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, all within a fifty square kilometer area. It consists of 1,776 differently shaped hills. Most of the hills are between 100 to 160 feet, with one barely reaching 400 feet being the highest.

Geologists have not figured out how these hills were formed by one of the few theories is that they are weathered formations of a marine limestone lying on top of an impenetrable clay base.

These hills are interesting because they are known for turning from green to brown in the dry season,  which is late November to May. As a result, they look like chocolate kisses and that is how they got their name. Other than grass, several asteraceas and ferns are found. Trees only grow at the bottom of the hill because of a noxious weed called cogongrass that replaced much of the native vegetation.

These hills have been known as Philippine’s third National Geological Monument since 1988. They were also featured in the Philippine Tourism Authority's list of Philippine tourist destinations. As well as the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol.

People can only see the scenery from a viewing decks, as you can not climb them. Some say that these hills look like giant mole hills. The main viewing station is called “Chocolate Hills Complex and is a government-owned and operated resort located in Carmen, Bohol. A mountain resort in Sagbayan town called “Sagbayan Peak” is another way to view the scenery. An unobstructed view is provided due to the deck being on an elevated ridge. There is also a observation outpost above the hills that is worth climbing 214 steps.

This geographical landscape appeals to me because fall is my favourite season. The Chocolate Hills changing colours, reminds of how summer transitions to fall; the leafs on the tree changing colours from green to brown.

[povostevo-blog]

Tourism Trend - Technology in Hotels

https://travel.usnews.com/gallery/6-hotel-trends-to-watch-in-2018?slide=3

In this article, technology in hotel rooms is an emerging trend in hospitality as hotel companies are adding more features involving technology in their amenities and apps. Most modern and popular hotel companies now have apps that allow their guest to check in through their phone. The Hilton Hotels created an app called ‘Hilton Honors’ which allows guests to check-in, choose their room and unlock their hotel room door - all in one place. They are currently working on allowing guests to adjust their room lighting, temperature and TV all from the app. Marriott international, recently partnered with Amazon's ‘Alexa for Hospitality’, a voice activated assistant specializing in hotel amenities & services. Guests will be able to play music, order room services, control in-room temperature or lighting, find local attractions and restaurants, calling and setting alarms using just their voice, from the comfort of their room.

These features are beneficial and more targeted towards the younger generation as technology is part of their daily lives. Having the ability to adjust room amenities and order hotel service through their mobile device results guests to have a relaxing and positive experience.

Although the technology being incorporated into hotels is useful, they are not for everyone as some people are not familiar with technology. With that being said, technology is not reliable all the time which could result guests having a negative experience and impacting the hotels reputation.

Being tech-savvy myself, I would appreciate having these high-tech amenities in a hotel I’m staying in. I always ensure I have my phone with me so having an app that allows me to unlock my hotel room door is a relieve not having to carry around a key card. I believe having the convenience of services and control of my room amenities through my phone in my hotel room will make my experience more enjoyable.

Guests at hotels now have the option to use their mobile devices or voice to control the amenities and services in their room instead of using the traditional hotel phone and remote. This allows hotel companies to improve their operations and ensure efforts into customizing and personalizing their guests stay. However, not everyone is tech-savvy and technology is not always inefficient.